16 Days
Embark on a bespoke journey that takes you through the beauty and culture of Scotland and Ireland. These two countries complement each other perfectly, with both famed for their warm hospitality, cinematic natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
On a two-week long adventure, let private chauffeur-guides take you off the beaten track and exclusive experiences unlock the stories of these two magnificent nations.
GET IN TOUCHDream Escape’s programmes are all tailor-made and could include any of the following experiences:
The hand-picked accommodation on your trip offers the highest standard of luxury while also retaining an air of local charm and intimacy. In Edinburgh stay in the only five-star hotel on the Royal Mile before moving to a Victorian castle nestled at the foot of Scotland’s highest mountain. In Ireland, your accommodation includes the undisputed star of the Dublin hotel scene and an 800-year-old castle set on a sprawling estate overlooking a beautiful lake.
A visual glimpse of the key things to do and places that will be visited on this exciting itinerary
VIEW ALL HIGHLIGHTSA visual glimpse of the key things to do and places that will be visited on this exciting itinerary
VIEW ALL HIGHLIGHTSEdinburgh Castle, perched on ancient volcanic rock, has stood guard over the city for 900 years and is brimming with tales, from it near destruction on the order of King of Scots, Robert the Bruce to its role as a garrisoned fortress through the Glorious Revolution and the Jacobite Risings.
Skye’s only distillery, which can be found situated on the banks of LochHarport, with dramatic views of the Cuillins in the background.
The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and the stronghold of the Chiefs of Macleod for nearly 800 years. It is teeming with historical artefacts which bring bloody clan history to life – the mystical fairy flag and Sir RoryMor’s ceremonial drinking are highlights for many a visitor!
The moving site of the infamous 1746 battle where in less than 60 minutes the Jacobite forces were outnumbered and defeated.
Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1, it is home to one of the most impressive libraries in the world, the Book of Kells and the Brian Boru Harp.
The beating heart of Ireland’s thoroughbred industry. HM, Queen Elizabeth II took a tour here as recently as 2011. Her fascination is understandable, as the farm and its stock were gifted to the Crown in 1917.
Are world-renowned; they were laid out by a Japanese father and son team to symbolise the Life of Man. St. Fiachra’s Garden commemorates St. Fiachra, the patron saint of gardeners.
On the shores of Loch Leane in the Killarney National Park.
Standing stones said to be one of Scotland’s most evocative sacred prehistoric sights, believed to be around 4000 years old.
Scotland’s historic capital city. Edinburgh, sometimes referred to as the “Athens of the North”, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neo- classical New Town, dating from the 18th The harmonious connection of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character and saw it awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1995.
The Royal Mile, which lies at the heart of the Old Town is arguably one of the most famous streets in the world. Today, it is peppered with stores selling cashmere goods and hand crafted silver jewellery. However, in centuries gone by it was a different story: delving into the Old Town is like leafing through the pages of a dusty historical novel, as each era unfolds with its own legends and characters.
Scotland’s most famous glen. It is often considered one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in the country and certainly one of the most dramatic; thundering waterfalls tumble down the sides of mountains into sparkling lochs. Scenery and geology aside, the glen has its place firmly in the history books due to its savage history. It was the site of the infamous massacre of Clan Macdonald of Glencoe by government troops in 1692. Reserved privately, a local guide will take you on a guided walk.
Unquestionably the most popular isle of the Inner Hebrides. Voted by National Geographic as one of the world’s top five islands, it is rich in history and romance, famed for its natural beauty, traditional charm, breath-taking scenery and wildlife.
Dublin is steeped in history, with Viking, medieval and Georgian influences all having left their marks. Since the time of the Vikings, Dublin has been the principal gateway to the Emerald Isle. The medieval city, with its intimate knots of small alleys and broad streets south of the river, was developed in Norman times around St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle, and later came to symbolise British rule in Ireland. The 18th century was the “Age of Elegance”, a time of relative prosperity when the Irish gentry set about remodelling the city into one of elegance, replete with graceful terraces, wrought-iron balconies and fanlight doorways. The city became Ireland’s capital with the establishment of the Republic of Ireland in 1937, and today is regarded as one of the liveliest and most atmospheric in Europe.
Located by the three lakes and mountains of the Killarney National Park, Killarney is well known for its excellent shops, restaurants and cosmopolitan appeal. During the summer months, the lively on-street musical entertainment complements the meandering of tourists and locals alike. On bright evenings, one can browse in a bookstore, admire art or savour the delights of homemade ice cream or a finely prepared lobster.
The Burren is truly is a special place full of wonder, beauty and discovery. It is a karst landscape made up of an extraordinarily rich geological, botanical and archaeological heritage with parts of the region classed as a National Park. This limestone plateau resembles a lunar landscape; in the spring and summer months, great colour abounds against the stark landscape. Ruined forts and castles and numerous prehistoric sites dot the landscape; the region has been aptly described as ‘one vast memorial to bygone cultures’.
