Scotland and Ireland

DAY 1: NEWARK (FOR THOSE WHO OPT TO TAKE THE GROUP FLIGHT)

As the group flight takes off, the trip officially begins!

DAYS 2 – 5: EDINBURGH (WITH A DAY TRIP TO LOCH NESS)

Our trip begins in Edinburgh, one of the most haunted and culturally rich cities in the United Kingdom. We stay right off of the Royal Mile walking distance from Edinburgh Castle which is everything a castle should be. We will get to know the city on foot during the day and at night on ghost hunts. Our final day in Scotland, we will visit Loch Ness, which is beautiful with or without its famous monster.

DAYS 5 – 11: DUBLIN, COUNTY MAYO, GALWAY

Next, catch a quick flight to Dublin, have a quick tour of the city then travel to County Mayo in the Northwest. Your first days in Ireland will be spent surfing, rock climbing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, hill walking and hiking, amongst other fun adventure activities. Evenings are spent listening to our historian, or relaxing in the local pub listening to Irish Craic (music) where you will know everyone in the village (from grandparents to babies). The pub is the hub of village social life; you will be warmly welcomed. You can learn step dancing, made popular by the success of “Riverdance.” Our local experts make Irish history come alive, especially the Great Famine, when Ireland lost half its population. Explore a village abandoned during the Great Famine.

Next we will head south along the coast through the land of castles. You will learn and practice the ancient sport of falconry, actually handling the birds. Launch them into flight, watch them soar into the distance, finally lighting in the trees and marvel as they swoop back to your glove on command... a rare opportunity and one not likely repeated in a lifetime. Try riding Irish Cob horses or go spelunking (subterranean caves using miners’ hats).

Our last 3 nights of the trip are spent in one of the coolest cities in Europe: Galway. Shop for hand knit sweaters, famed Waterford crystal, lace, and fashion. Our last day is spent biking around Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, which feel unchanged by time. Hike up the cliffs to the mighty 200 BC fort of Dun Aengus and gaze at the crashing Atlantic 300 feet below. An authentic medieval banquet in a 14th century castle finishes our trip, but the memories remain forever.