Ancient Celtic Lands
Tours / Ancient Celtic Lands
This summer, experience Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland in this wonder-filled tour of the castles, cathedrals, coasts and countryside that make up these ancient Celtic lands.
DATE
Aug 7-18, 2024
GROUP SIZE
8-12 People
TRANSPORT
Cars, Flight
ACTIVITY
Leisure
BOARD
3-Star Hotels And B&Bs
DURATION
12 Days
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: TRAVEL DAY
International flights should be arranged to depart from the US on or before August 2nd in order to arrive in Edinburgh by the tour start date of August 3rd.
DAY 2: EDINBURGH
Become familiar with Old Town Edinburgh by exploring The Royal Mile, a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the city teeming with a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, and visitor attractions. Spend time shopping for tartans and kilts. Overnight in Edinburgh.
DAY 3: MILITARY TATTOO
Visit the villages of Stirling, Grangemouth, and Blackness to see castles and The Kelpies sculpture before returning to Edinburgh to witness the grandeur of The Royal Military Tattoo. International military bands converge on the grounds of Edinburgh Castle for an unforgettable show. Overnight in Edinburgh.
DAY 4: COBH
Fly from Edinburgh to Cork, Ireland. Discover the coastal town of Cobh, known as the Titanic’s last port of call. Consider spending time walking the Titanic Trail or exploring The Titanic Heritage Centre. Tour St. Colman’s Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Overnight in Blarney.
DAY 5: BLARNEY
Prepare for the “gift of gab” promised to all who kiss the Blarney Stone and spend the morning exploring the grounds and gardens of Blarney Castle. Travel to Macroom for a traditional Irish in a village boasting ancient castles and bridge. Overnight in Killarney.
DAY 6: KILLARNEY
Go back in time as you enter Muckross Abbey, built in the 1400’s before contrasting the ancient architecture with the relatively modern Muckross Castle. Enter the Killarney National Park and gaze the Torc Waterfall and round out the day with a visit to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Overnight in Shannon.
DAY 7: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Wander along the footpath above the Cliffs of Moher, which rise to 700 feet and stretch majestically along Ireland’s Atlantic coast. Experience a living reconstruction of an 1800s Irish village at Bunratty Folk Park. End the day with a festive medieval banquet (additional fee applies). Overnight in Shannon.
DAY 8: IRISH COUNTRYSIDE
Soak in the bucolic scenes of pastures, fields and livestock while traversing the Irish countryside. Visit the ancient monastery in Clonmacnoise, with its intricate stone carvings and high crosses, and visit the medieval town of Athlone. Enjoy a meal at Sean’s Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland. Overnight in Navan.
DAY 9: NEWGRANGE
Discover a complex of Neolithic mounds, chamber tombs, and other prehistoric relics with a visit to Newgrange. These burial mounds were built over 5,000 years ago and pre-date the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. Learn more about The Troubles in Belfast (additional fee applies). Overnight in Belfast.
DAY 10: GIANT’S CAUSEWAY
Play around on the columns of Giant’s Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. Up the adrenaline by crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Suspension Bridge, a rope bridge connecting the tiny island of Carrick to mainland Ireland. Overnight in Belfast.
DAY 11: DUBLIN
Spend your final day in Ireland exploring its capital, Dublin. Look for shamrocks and leprechauns one last time as you visit Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar and Grafton Street. View the incredible 9th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, at Trinity College. Overnight in Dublin.
DAY 12: RETURN HOME
The tour concludes with hotel check-out by 11 a.m. Arrangements to the Dublin airport will be made for those leaving prior to 9 a.m. Early departures or later departures should plan their own transportation to the airport.
Tour Pricing And Payment Schedule
The Ancient Celtic Lands tour scheduled for August 2024 will be $2,950 based on double occupancy. A $50 discount is given for payment in full at initial deposit; otherwise, the following payment schedule applies, per person:
Non-refundable deposit of $325 reserves spot
Payment of $375 due on Nov 1st, 2023
Payment of $375 due on Jan 1st, 2024
Payment of $375 due on Mar 1st, 2024
Payment of $375 due on Apr 1st, 2024
Payment of $375 due on May 1st, 2024
Payment of $375 due on June 1st, 2024
Final payment of $375 is due on July 1st, 2024
If signing up after any deposit deadline, payment for any previous deposits will be due upon sign-up. Prompt payment is appreciated. Late payments are assessed a $25 late fee.
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour cost:
Pre-tour information, such as what to pack and how to exchange currency
Expertise of a tour guide throughout the tour
All sight-seeing and visits, as noted in the itinerary (unless otherwise specified)
All on-tour transportation, including trains, local flights, rental vehicles, and buses
One carry-on suitcase and one personal item due to car size restraints
All accommodations, based on double occupancy; typically, 3-star hotels and bed & breakfasts
Not included in the tour cost:
Travel insurance
International airfare and any related expenses
Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, inclement weather or other irregularities
Passport fees, visas and visa photos as required (NEW for 2024 ETIAS visa required for EU)
Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry services, beverages, snacks, and healthcare
Optional excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
Checked baggage fees and excess baggage charges
Seat requests and seat upgrades
Single traveler supplement
Refunds for tour services not utilized
Other items not specifically mentioned as included
Tour Information
Terms and Conditions
Please thoroughly review the Terms and Conditions on our website. Submitting a deposit for services constitutes a contractual agreement with Aticus Travel and represents your acceptance of the Aticus Travel, LLC Terms & Conditions.
Liability Waiver and Release Form
Please sign and return the Liability Waiver and Release Form for each tour participant. A parent or guardian must sign the form for any minor participants. A tour request is officially submitted when both the tour deposit and the Waiver and Release form are received by Aticus Travel, LLC for each tour participant.
Travel Insurance
Due to the strict cancellation policy, in order to protect your investment, and to provide you with peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Many reputable companies exist and you can look into any of them, but here are a few recommendations to consider: Allianz Global Assistance, TravelEx, World Nomads and Travel Guard.
Packing Checklist and Tips
Please review the packing list for suggestions and tips on what to pack, how much you can take and what to leave at home.
View / Download Packing Checklist and Tips >