Belfast

Fly to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, to visit its historical landmarks including an inside visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Kings Royal residence- Holyrood Palace. The highlight of the trip will no doubt be attending the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo before flying back to Ireland where you will re-join the ship. The inter-Europe flights between Ireland and Scotland is included.

NOTE: Due to the amount of walking at times over hilly and/or cobbled ground, this program is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.

DAY 1 – August 4, 2025

Disembark the ship in Belfast, Ireland, meet our local ground team and transfer to the Belfast Airport for a flight to Edinburgh. Note: The flight is not escorted.

On arriving in Edinburgh and proceeding through Customs and Immigration, you will meet your guide who will take you to the city center where you will visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Perched on its rocky site 445 feet above the city, the castle has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens for centuries. See the 15th-century Old Royal Palace which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the apartment in which Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI of Scotland who also became James I of England. This castle has witnessed many tense moments in its thousand-year history.

Then you will transfer to your hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure. The Caledonian Edinburgh Hotel(formerly the Waldorf Astoria) is a true icon on Princess Street. Opened in 1903, this hotel combines modern luxury and Victorian style in a former rail station. From this vantage point, savor views of Edinburgh Castle, while the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town, A UNESCO World Heritage Site, are within a mile.

Note: Edinburgh is quite hilly with many cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable walking shoes

DAY 2 – August 5, 2025

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Begin with a transfer to Dean Village, a tranquil green oasis on the Water of Leith, and only a five-minute’s walk from Princes Street. The village once housed various mills and remnants of the industries can still be seen today. Be sure to notice the mill stones and carved stone plaques on display outdoors.

Following the walkway along the Water of Leith on foot, you will come to the impressive Dean Bridge designed by Thomas Telford and the classical temple of St Bernard’s Well. You will also pass Well Court, built in the 1880s as model housing for local workers. It adds to the picturesque charm of the area.

Next you will transfer to Hollyrood House, a royal residence and the official home of the queen when she is in Scotland. There, you will gain an understanding of the palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie. You will also learn how the queen uses the palace when carrying out official engagements.

You will then be given time on the Royal Mile for lunch at your leisure.

Return to your hotel for some time to freshen before the main event – the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

With over 9000 people attending this event every night in August, our group’s VIP Access will allow you to you skip the crowds and enjoy some of the best seats the house.

Prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime show, the most popular event on the Scottish calendar and one of the greatest displays of song and dance in the world. Your evening begins with a private three-course dinner of traditional Scottish cuisine. From your reserved seats, witness this memorable night unfolding in comfort and in front of the floodlit Castle Esplanade.

You’ll watch as an ensemble cast of international performers regales you with a vibrant pageant of folkloric dance, historic re-enactments, and military precision displays. Feel your heart synchronize to the commanding rhythm of the Massed Pipes and Drums, played by the Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, along with visiting civilians and military bands –a tribute to the traditional battle signals of Scotland’s Regiments.

After the show, a short transfer will bring you back to your hotel for the evening.

Note: Edinburgh is quite hilly with many cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable walking shoes

DAY 3 - August 6, 2025

Following breakfast at the hotel and check-out, you will be met and transferred to the Edinburgh Airport for a flight to Dublin, Ireland.

Upon arrival in Dublin and after proceeding through Customs and Immigration, you will be met for a transfer to the port of Dun Laoghaire but not without some sightseeing en-route.

Your first stop will be at the iconic Malahide Castle which is located in the picturesque seaside village of Malahide. King Henry II gifted Richard Talbot the lands and harbor of Malahide for his services to the crown in 1185. The castle sits on 268-acre grounds and includes a 20-acre garden with more than 5,000 species of plants.

The structure boasts circular towers, a Gothic entrance porch, exquisite Irish period furniture and historical portraits from the collection of the late Lord Talbot. In the interactive exhibition area, the history of the Talbot Family is retold, and you will have time to enjoy this before partaking on a guided tour throughout the reception rooms of this magnificent landmark.

Following your visit to Malahide Castle you will pass through the village of Malahide, a noted yachting center as well as Portmarnock where the world-famous Portmarnock Golf Club is located. This club was for many years home of the Irish Open Championship.

Soon you will arrive in the quaint fishing port of Howth and stop at the 11th-century Abbey Tavern for lunch. Nestling against the ancient ruins of Howth Abbey with the lovely fishing harbor and marina below, Abbey Tavern is an ideal spot in which to enjoy a short rest and savor the genuine atmosphere of old Ireland. As you enter, you will be struck by its old-world charm, authenticity and simplicity. Blazing turf fires, original stonewalls, flagstone floors and gaslights make for a truly warm welcome.

Departing Howth, you will travel to Dublin’s city center for a panoramic overview of the city and some free time to explore on your own before continuing to Dun Laoghaire where you will re-join the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

10:00am Disembark in Belfast and meet your escort to the airport

Eat a hearty breakfast before you depart

10:30am Transfer to the Belfast Airport, lunch on own at the airport

12:15pm Flight from Belfast to Edinburgh (flight details TBA and subject to change)

TBA Upon arrival in Edinburgh, proceed through Customs and Immigration

TBA Meet your guide transfer to Edinburgh Castle

TBA Visit Edinburgh Castle

TBA Check-in at your hotel, evening at leisure

Dinner at leisure

Overnight at the Caledonian Edinburgh Hotel or similar

DAY 2

AM Full English breakfast at the hotel

8:30am Meet your guide in the hotel lobby

8:45am Drive to Dean Village in Edinburgh

9:00am Walking tour of Dean Village

10:15am Drive to Holyrood house

11:30am Visit of Holyrood house

1:30pm Free time for lunch and/ or shopping.

4:00pm Return to the hotel

5:30pm Transfer to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for dinner and show

11:00pm Return drive to your hotel

Overnight at the Caledonian Edinburgh Hotel or similar

DAY 3

AM Full English breakfast at your hotel

TBA Check out and transfer to the Edinburgh airport

TBA Check in for a flight to Dublin

8:30am Flight from Edinburgh to Dublin (flight details TBA and subject to change)

9:30am Arrive, proceed through Customs and Immigration and meet your guide

10:30am Depart airport and travel to Malahide Castle

11:00am Visit to Malahide Castle with guided tour and free time to explore

1:00pm Depart to Howth

1:30pm Lunch at The Abbey Tavern

2:30pm Depart and travel to Dublin City

3:15pm Brief panoramic overview of City

4:00pm Free time to explore at leisure

5:15pm Depart for the port of Dun Laoghaire

6:00pm Approximate time of arrival and re-board the ship

Expected Weather:

Weather in the United Kingdom is very unpredictable, and you could experience rain at any time.

Daily high temperature - 63°F (17°C)

Daily low temperature - 50°F (10°C)

What to Bring:

Prepare for moderately mild weather at all times and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring a hat and sunglasses.

Luggage:

One carry-on is permitted that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you and one small personal item such as purse or laptop are permitted as is one checked piece of luggage.

For this short program we suggest that guests fly only with a carry-on.

Full luggage details TBA

Local Currency:

Pound Sterling. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Electricity:

230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). Adaptors at the hotel cannot be guaranteed so we recommend bringing your own universal travel adaptor for electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

This program travels between Ireland and Scotland.

A valid passport is required for this program and must be carried with guests for the flights.

Please check with your local Irish and Scottish embassies for up-to-date visa information for your nationality.

Hotel address:

The Caledonian Edinburgh Hotel

Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 2AB

Tel: +44 131 222 8888

*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If guests are not notified of any changes in advance, then the group will be staying at the hotel listed in the program details.

Program Includes:

•2-nights at The Caledonian Edinburgh Hotel(Queen Premier Room) with breakfast

•Services of an English-speaking tour guide during sightseeing tours

•Meet and Greet at the airports and all transfers

•VIP access, seats and dinner at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

•Tours and entrances per the itinerary

•Economy class flights per the itinerary

•2 course lunch at Abbey Tavern including tea/coffee and 1 drink of choice (glass of wine, beer, or soft drink)

•Tickets and dinner at the Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo

Program Excludes:

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service

•Personal expenses

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.