Scotland and Ireland “PLACES LOST IN TIME”
SCOTLAND: EDINBURGH, STIRLING, GLENCOE, AVIEMORE, INVERNESS WITH LOCH NESS AND THE ISLAND OF SKYE. IRELAND: DUBLIN, SLANE, NEWGRANGE, CONNEMARA, GALWAY AND DINGLE.
September 12th – September 25th, 2021
A fourteen-Day Italian Adventure KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #1: “A Journey into Scotland”
Sunday: September 12th, 2021
In conjunction with AAA Travel, Keyrow Tours is pleased to make all flight arrangements, including primary flights from anywhere in the United States. Please arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to departure.
Transportation to and from your airport of departure is each person’s responsibility.
Important: Please plan on sleeping on the plane as much as possible. This will help avoid jet lag, and enable us to enjoy Scotland on our first day…
“For my own part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake”. – Robert Louis Stevenson
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #2: Proud Edinburgh of Scotland”
Monday: September 13th, 2021
Morning Arrival at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland After passport control and collecting our luggage, we mill make our way by private motor coach to our accommodations located in the heart of Edinburgh.
Time to Shower and unpack followed by a light lunch
A.) Half-day Guided Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town
Wander the stony streets and narrow passageways of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. As the capital of Scotland, the city’s rustic buildings, huge collection of medieval and classic architecture, pubs and rich history have together made Edinburgh one of the most lively cities in Europe.
B.) A UNESCO City of Literature Edinburgh was the first city to be called the UNESCO city of Literature. With familiar Scottish names such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J.K. Rowling, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson… Scotland is a land of poetry, story telling, and rich folklore.
C.) Edinburgh Castle Located on a volcanic hill with sharp cliffs once cut by glaciers, the impressive Castle of Edinburgh was created in the 12th century. Saint Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest part of the castle complex, built in year 1130 to the honor of Queen Margaret.
D.) A walk along the Royal Mile
E.) Holyrood Palace exterior
F.) Scottish Parliament exterior
Day’s recap
Dinner
Overnight in Edinburgh
“To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness”
– Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots (1542 – 87)
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #3 “From Stirling Castle to Rosslyn Chapel”
Tuesday: September 14th, 2021
European breakfast
A.) Morning departure for Stirling Castle by private motor coach
B.) Tour of Stirling Castle
Located in the city of Stirling, this is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. Primarily built between the 14th-16th centuries, the castle sits on top of Castle Hill and is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. Its strategic location made Stirling a very important fortification from the earliest of times, and was the site of many impressive battles.
Lunch
C.) Rosslyn Chapel One of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings, Rosslyn Chapel has been in the ownership of the same family since its foundation in 1446. Still used today as a place of worship, the chapel’s profile greatly increased after the publication of Dan Brown’s 2003 novel, The DaVinci Code. Explore its mysterious connection to the Knights Templar, Freemasonry and a secret architectural musical masterpiece…
D.) Day’s recap, dinner and overnight in Edinburgh
"Wink at small faults, for you have great ones yourself." ― Scottish Proverb
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day#4: “Wanders in the Scottish Highlands”
Wednesday: September 15th, 2021
European breakfast
Morning Departure by private motor coach for Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy’s Scottish Crannog Center
Enjoy a fascinating journey into Scotland’s prehistory. Crannogs are a type of ancient loch- dwelling found throughout Scotland and some parts of Ireland. Most seem to have been built as individual homes to accommodate extended families.
The earliest loch-dwelling in Scotland is some 5,000 years old. People built, modified and re- used crannogs in Scotland up until the 17th century. Here in Highland Perthshire the prehistoric crannogs were originally timber-built roundhouses supported on piles or stilts driven into the loch bed. Walk in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artifacts and demonstrations by locals.
Lunch
The Scottish Highlands
Glencoe is perhaps Scotland’s most historic and romantic glen. The third Harry Potter film (“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”) was filmed on location.
This evocative glen is haunted with ghostly memories of an infamous 17th century massacre, earning the valley the name “The Weeping Glen”. Echoes of battle bagpipes still blow in the wind…
We will make several stops in and around Glencoe before reaching our accommodations. The setting of this location is ideal for viewing the beauty of the Highlands, known for its waterfalls and wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles.
Day’s recap and dinner
Overnight in Glencoe
“A good gulp of whisky at bedtime - it’s not very scientific, but it helps.” ~ Sir Alexander Fleming, Scottish bacteriologist and discoverer of penicillin~
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com
Day #5: “Counting Sheep in Scotland”
Thursday: September 16th, 2021
European Breakfast
Morning departure for Kincraig by private motor coach
Kincraig is a Highland village located on the west bank of the River Spey, on the north end of Loch Insh. Here we will stop by the Leault Sheepdog Farm. Amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, we will enjoy watching traditional sheepdogs work their magic under the direction of a Highland shepherd. Meet the collie pups, the orphan lambs, and perhaps participate in shearing a sheep… unless you’re sheepish! This unique experience is sure to make you chuckle and warm your heart to the Scottish Highland way of life.
Departure for Inverness by private motor coach
The compact Scottish city of Inverness is perfect for exploration by foot — travelers can easily find their way from the lovely River Ness to historic Inverness Castle, St. Andrews Cathedral, Eden Court, the Victorian Market and the famous Leakey’s Bookshop. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Highlands, with the mysterious Loch Ness (and famed local resident Nessie) just a short drive away.
Lunch
Walking tour of Inverness
Day’s recap, dinner and overnight in Inverness
“Listen to the earth, feel the fire. Allow the power to flow through ye…” ~ Jean M. Grant
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #6: “A Day on Loch Ness”
Friday: September 17th, 2021
European breakfast
Free time to explore Inverness
Boat tour of Loch Ness
Enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness, with breath-taking vistas of the loch in all of its natural wonder. We will join other visitors on this public boat cruise, which is the perfect way to experience the sights, wildlife and history of the famous loch and Urquhart Castle.
Loch Ness is about 23 miles long, and 788 feet deep… the largest volume of fresh water in Great Britain. What’s really “down there”? Let’s find out!
Lunch Day’s recap, dinner and overnight in Inverness
“Whatever is the truth, there is no denying that Nessie will continue to intrigue the world for years to come.” ~ Jonathon Bright, “Unseen infrared image of Loch Ness Revealed at Paranormal Festival”, Scotland 2014
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #7: “Aiming High with the Isle of Skye”
Saturday: September 18th, 2021
European breakfast
Morning departure by private motor coach for a full day tour to the Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is truly a magical place. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, Skye is the home to some of Scotland’s most epic landscapes. Together we will explore the isle’s greatest attractions, including the Trotternish Penninsula’s Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, the Cuillins, and a visit to Eilean Donan Castle.
Lunch
Day’s recap
Dinner and overnight in Inverness
“We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilization.”
~ Voltaire
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day#8: “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”
Sunday: September 19th, 2021
European breakfast
Morning departure to Inverness Airport and flight departure for Dublin, Ireland
Private motor coach transfer to Dublin’s historic city-center.
Welcome to Dublin, Ireland! Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. Situated on a bay on the east coast, we will explore the best historical sites that the city offers for a half day.
Lunch
Evening transfer to the village of Slane
Slane is located in County Meath, Ireland. The village stands on a steep hillside on the bank of the River Boyne and is an idyllic village in the heart of the Boyne Valley… one of the most historic and picturesque regions of Ireland!
Day’s recap, dinner and overnight in Slane
“I feel more and more the time wasted that is not spent in Ireland.” ~ Lady Gregory
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #9:“Mytherical Ireland”
Monday: September 20th, 2021
European Breakfast
A.) The Hill of Slane The Hill of Slane, overlooking the prehistoric passage-mounds of the Boyne Valley, is famous as the place where Saint Patrick lit the paschal fire, bringing Christianity to Ireland. In mythology it was said to be the burial place of a Fir Bolg king called Sláine. A motte on its summit may in fact be a prehistoric burial mound…
B.) Newgrange Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley, and is considered the jewel of Ireland's Ancient East. Newgrange was constructed about 5,200 years ago, which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Newgrange is a large circular mound with a stone passageway and chambers on the inside. The main passageway and chamber are perfectly aligned with the rising sun on the morning of the Winter Solstice.
Originally, archaeologists classified this UNESCO World Heritage Site as a passage- tomb. Now Newgrange is better classified as an ancient temple… a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance… much as present day cathedrals are places of prestige and worship, where dignitaries may be laid to rest.
C.) Slane Castle and Distillery Slane Castle is the ancestral home of the Conyngham Family since 1703. Our tour of its distillery will take us through its heritage room, barley room, cooperage, maturation warehouse, pot stills and production area… complete with a taste of their triple casked blend of Slane Irish Whiskey.
D.) Views of the Hill of Tara, a visit to O’Connell’s Pub, and the Hill of Skryne
Day’s Recap
Dinner
Overnight in Slane
“In the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom.” ~ Opening line of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, 1916
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#10: “Connecting in Connemara”
Tuesday: September 21st, 2021
European breakfast
A.) Morning departure by private motor coach to Connemara
B.) Clonmacnoise This ancient monastic site in County Offaly is a top visitor attraction in Ireland. A walk amongst the peaceful stone ruins of this famous place will conjure images of the saints and scholars of Ireland’s renowned golden age of learning. Founded by Saint Ciaran in the mid-6th century, it became a great center of religion and learning, visited by scholars from all over the world. Today, the site exists as a preserved ruin where we will see high crosses, a cathedral, seven churches, and two round towers.
C.) Locke’s Distillery visit with tasting
Lunch
Day’s recap, dinner and overnight in Connemara
“A best friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.” ― Anonymous
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #11: “County Galway Galavant ”
Wednesday: September 22nd, 2021
European Breakfast
Morning departure by private motor coach
Connemara is a wild region of bogland, pristine lakes and mountains located in western County Galway. This is Ireland’s big sky country. Because the area is so remote, the Irish language and traditions have survived, and Irish is the first tongue for many of the inhabitants. This is a place of contrasts, colors, wilderness and warm welcomes. The diversity of the landscape and history of the people are sure to enchant and delight.
A.) Kylemore Abby
Lunch
C.) Clifden and Roundstone
D.) The Sky Road
Back to hotel
Day’s recap
Dinner
Overnight in Connemara
“A companion shortens the road.” ~ Irish Proverb
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 - Tel: 315.491.3711 - www.keyrowtours.com Day #12: “Mohr Merriment”
Thursday: September 23rd, 2021
European breakfast
Departure by private motor coach from Connemara to Dingle
A.) The Cliffs of Mohr
B.) The Burren and Poulnabrone Dolmen
Lunch
The Dingle Peninsula stretches 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on the south-west coast on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The peninsula is dominated with a range of mountains, and the magnificent coastline consists of dramatic sea-cliffs.
This is a place rich in tradition, literature and culture… where native Irish prospers alongside modern languages, where nature restores the human spirit, where you can relax and savor local food, craft distillery and breweries, or just meet the people – the choice is yours!
Dinner and overnight in Dingle
“Sail away from the safe harbor: Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#13: “Mingle in Dingle
Friday: September 24th, 2021
European breakfast
Exploring Dingle
Dingle is a small port town on southwest Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, known for its rugged scenery, trails and sandy beaches. This village, located in County Kerry, is a favorite among Irish and foreign tourists alike. Because of its “forty shades of green” pastures, colorful boats in the bay, good food and very friendly people... Dingle offers a glimpse of a slower and simpler Celtic life.
A.) Morning free time to explore the village and hit the shops
Lunch
B.) Dingle Crystal production
C.) The Slea Head loop, including traditional stone beehive huts (Clochans) and “fairy forts.”
D.) Pub Crawl in Dingle
Day’s recap, closing Irish banquet, final overnight in Dingle
“May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten.” ~ An Irish Proverb
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 315.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com Day#14: “Until We Meet Again…”
Saturday: September 25th, 2021
A.) Early morning departure for Shannon airport
B.) Departure for the United States
C.) Arrival in U.S.A
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
~ Irish Blessing
KEYROW TOURS 60 Georgia Road - Trumansburg, NY - 14886 Tel: 35.491.3711 www.keyrowtours.com