Gain exclusive access to Castle Leod with an expert historian guide and enjoy a private tour on a day when the castle is closed to the public. Castle Leod is the home of the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, the Earl of Cromarty, whose family has lived there for 500 years. It is one of the few castles in Scotland still to be occupied by the original family and remains very much a family home today. Occupying a magnificent setting below Ben Wyvis and just outside the Victorian spa town of Strathpeffer, Castle Leod's parkland boasts some of the finest trees in Scotland, the star attractions being the largest tree in the UK, a Wellingtonia, and a Spanish chestnut which was planted for a visit by Mary of Guise in 1550, the earliest known planting date of any tree in Britain. Occasionally the Earl of Cromarty himself may even personally welcome you to his ancestral home and conduct your private tour today. Enjoy the lived-in atmosphere and the fascinating history of the castle as well as the collection of fine portraits, maps and furniture and the Mackenzie Room situated in the old kitchen. A dram of fine malt or a soft drink will be included in this tour.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

 

 

 

Head north with your knowledgeable guide into the wilds of Scotland for a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the geology of this dramatic and beautiful area.  At Knockan Crag you will have the opportunity to see the geological feature first identified right here – the ‘Thrust’ (in which enormous forces move rocks sideways) has since been recognized in rocks around the world, including the Himalayas and Alps. At Knockan Crag, the Moine thrust has resulted in an unusual situation where older Moine rocks have come to rest over much younger rocks.  The rocks at and around Knockan Crag also record the last 3,000 million years of history for the landmass we now know as Scotland. Accompanied by an expert in the area’s geology, you will learn about this fascinating natural feature, spend some time in the excellent visitor center and walk along the Thrust Trail where you can bridge 500 million years with your bare hands. For the less energetic, the ‘Quarry Trail’ allows a return before the short climb that rises to the thrust.  There will be plenty of time for independent exploration on any of the trails. 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing.

Take a scenic drive north from Ullapool through the dramatic and beautiful mountain scenery of the Northwest of Scotland Geopark.  On reaching Loch Assynt you will pass the atmospheric ruins of Calda House and Ardvreck Castle where you’ll have a photo stop, before continuing along the banks of the Loch towards Lochinver. Lochinver is a busy little fishing port and boasts a truly stunning setting on Loch Inver with a backdrop of the dramatic mountains of Suilven and Canisp.   Some free time here will give you the opportunity to explore at your leisure.  Return through the beautiful countryside to Ullapool, stopping briefly at Knockan Crag for a photo opportunity.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your camera.

The Isle of Man is the home of motorcycle racing and as such draws fans of the sport from all over the world.  If you have been nervous about riding motorbikes but have always wanted to  just have a go, at least once, this tour will let you fulfill this dream as passengers on a specially designed 3-seater Trike. The emphasis of this tour is on enjoyment rather than high speed; though when you are traveling at 30 mph it will feel more like 60 mph on the Trike when the wind is blowing through your hair!  You will experience the course that the world’s most daring riders have experienced, though you will not reach the 200 mph+ that they do. You will travel through some very pretty towns and villages, around tight twisty roads, over the renowned Ballaugh Bridge before riding over the spectacular Mountain area. You will have a short stop at the Creg-ny-Baa, before returning to Douglas.

 

Please note: This tour is sold per vehicle with 2 passenger seats available per trike. The route may be altered due to traffic or weather conditions.  This tour cannot operate in heavy rain/high winds. Helmets, jackets, and gloves will be provided.

 

 

 

Depart your yacht this morning and travel via the “Plains of Heaven,” the magnificently scenic elevated highway that bisects the island running east to west, and the Southern Hills which offer panoramic views of the south of the island down to Cregnaesh where you will pause for photographs.  Cregnaesh is the oldest settlement on the Isle of Man, a hamlet of white-washed, stone-walled thatched cottages, just as they were in 1900. Travel to The Sound, the most southerly point of the Island and one of the most scenic places in the British Isles. With excellent views of The Sound and the Calf of Man Nature Reserve, enjoy the sights and sounds of the flourishing Manx ecosystem with its abundance of wildlife and natural wonders. Often seals can be spotted basking on the rocky Kitterland (islet in The Sound) and sometimes dolphins and basking sharks can be seen. Look across to the Calf of Man, a renowned bird sanctuary where many migrating birds stop off for a rest on their journey to or from warmer climates. The visitor centre at The Sound Café provides a wide range of information about the local wildlife and the many wrecks of sunken ships that lie off the shore. Afterwards return to your yacht via the legendary “Fairy Bridge.”  Don’t forget to say Laa Mie (good day) to the fairies!                                    
 
Please note:  This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users as the ground at Cregneash is uneven and sometimes muddy. Any wheelchair guests must be accompanied as the guide cannot undertake responsibility for them during the tour.

 

 

This is one of the most beautiful walks on the island, renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, bird life and archaeological remains.  Your tour will begin with a 30-minute drive by coach via the famous Fairy Bridge, where according to legend, you should greet ‘the little people’ to ensure a good journey. You will arrive at Castletown, the former capital of the Isle of Man. After a short stop and comfort break at Castletown, your walk will begin following part of the ‘Raad ny Foillan’ (the Way of the Gull). This is the Isle of Man’s long distance coastal footpath around Scarlett Head and here you will have the opportunity to see sea birds, plants, limestone outcrops and volcanic rocks against a backdrop of stunning scenery. This part of the exposed southern coast has an abundance of historic sites. There are traces of ancient forts, chapels, old farms, a WWII radar station and a now disused, flooded quarry which once supplied stone for the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The historic highlights of the walk are at Chapel Hill, Balladoole. Here you will see a Bronze Age burial site, an Iron Age hillfort, a Viking ship burial site and Keeill Vael (St Michael’s Chapel) which has extensive views over the south of the Island and the Iron Age and Norse promontory fort at Close ny Chollagh.  At the conclusion of your walk, rejoin the coach and return to Castletown and then on to Douglas via a route with views over ‘the Plains of Heaven’ across the central valley and to the northern hills.

Please note: The route involves crossing several stiles with up to 9 steep wooden steps on both sides and walking on a mix of coastal grassland and farm tracks. This is a coastal location exposed to the weather. Uneven surfaces with occasional rabbit holes which can be slippery when wet and some areas can be muddy. Guests MUST bring warm, waterproof clothing appropriate to the weather on the day, carry water and wear sturdy footwear (boots or trainers / sneakers) with thick tread and ankle support. Walking poles may be helpful, but this route is not suitable for users of wheelchairs, walking sticks or other walking aids.This is a walking tour and is not suitable for guests with limited walking or walking aids.

Departing from the pier, take a scenic drive to Castletown and enjoy a visit to the magnificent Castle Rushen which stands alongside the harbor. Castle Rushen is one of the best examples of a medieval castle in Europe and was the former seat of the Kings and Lords of Mann, with the Castle’s oldest part dating back to the time of Magnus, the last Norse King of Mann, who died here in 1266. The exact date when the Castle was built is unknown, though it is believed to be around 1200. Today, spectacular displays illustrate the Castle at various times in history, with figures in period costume, historical furnishings, wall hangings and medieval speech bringing the Castle's medieval and 17th century periods to life. Following your visit of the Castle, time permitting, you will enjoy some free time before re-joining your coach for the short transfer to Castletown station. Board the vintage steam train for a delightful and traditional journey to Douglas.  Dating from 1874, the Isle of Man Steam Railway is the Island’s oldest Victorian rail impressive Victorian terminus in Douglas and re-join your coach for the short transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users as the rooms of the castle can only be accessed by stairs, some of which are narrow and spiral.Order of the tour may be reversed i.e. train first then Castle Rushen.

Explore at your leisure with a private vehicle, and English-speaking driver/guide. This exclusive tour will allow you to customize your time ashore and explore the most interesting sites in the comfort and privacy of your own car. With your private vehicle, and the personalized attention of your driver/guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore. See the iconic sites of the city, or create your own personal stops to make the experience your own.
 
Please note:  Capacity: 1-3 guests. Private cars are ordered per vehicle (not per person). This tour includes transport in a private car, and English-speaking driver/guide. Itinerary can be adjusted with driver/guide as long as it does not exceed the duration of 4 hours. Recommended for physically challenged guests.

 

 

 

Your tour today  will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire. Your panoramic drive of the city takes you past Dublin Castle, City Hall and Christchurch Cathedral before a visit the Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of the Guinness brewery in Dublin city. The tour of the Storehouse will be followed by an opportunity to taste the world famous stout.  In the Guinness Storehouse, you will discover what goes into making a pint of the “blackstuff” – the ingredients, the processes, the effort. It is a dramatic story that began over 250 years ago and will end in Gravity, the sky bar, which has astonishing views of Dublin.  Often surprising, always entertaining, the adventure begins the moment you walk through the door and into the building’s giant, pint shaped heart of glass.  You’ll “meet” Arthur Guinness and find out how the drink that carries his name has traveled around the world. You will also have the opportunity to spend some time in the Advertising Gallery in the Storehouse, where you will find a display of all Guinness advertising material past and present.    At the end of the tour, discover how important it is to “pull the perfect pint “ the way to hold the glass, the speed it enters the glass, the time for the pint to settle and the final touch that gives the pint a creamy head. Now sit back, relax and enjoy the Guinness and the view. Your tour will conclude at your Wiindstar hotel.

Please note:  Entry to the brewery itself is not permitted. Wear warm comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring your camera and  sunscreen when necessary. Guests must be 18 or older to consume alcohol.

Your tour today will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire and travel by motor coach to Dublin where you will enjoy a panoramic drive showing you some of the highlights of this delightful city.  You will ride past the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam to see the famous “Doorways of Dublin.”  Then, it’s on past the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings, and St Stephen’s Green. From the outside you will also see The Old Parliament House which is now home to the Bank of Ireland and across the road, Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college, founded in 1592. Your tour of the city will continue past Dublin Castle, City Hall, and Christchurch Cathedral en route to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Founded in 1190, St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean there from 1713 to 1745. Your tour will conclude at the airport.

 

Please note:  Guests with physical difficulties must be accompanied as the tour guide cannot undertake responsibility for them.

 

 

 

Your tour today will leave from the harbor town of Dún Laoghaire and travel by motor coach to Dublin where you will enjoy a panoramic drive showing you some of the highlights of this delightful city.  You will ride past the Georgian squares of Merrion and Fitzwilliam to see the famous “Doorways of Dublin.”  Then, it’s on past the National Gallery of Ireland, Government Buildings, and St Stephen’s Green. From the outside you will also see The Old Parliament House which is now home to the Bank of Ireland and across the road, Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest college, founded in 1592.  Your tour of the city will continue past Dublin Castle, City Hall, and Christchurch Cathedral en route to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral.   Founded in 1190, St. Patrick’s is perhaps best known for its association with Jonathan Swift, who was Dean there from 1713 to 1745. Your tour will conclude at the Windstar Hotel.

 

Please note:  Guests with physical difficulties must be accompanied as the tour guide cannot undertake responsibility for them.