Day 1

Arrive in Dublin, transfer to Dublin hotel where you will over night.

Day 2

Departing Dublin at 09.00, you will travel north towards the border of Northern Ireland. From here it is a short journey into the city of Belfast, famous for its industrial past and turbulent history. After a short tour of some of the key areas of the city you will arrive in the newly redeveloped Titanic Quarter, where you will have time for lunch and perhaps a visit to the award-winning museum. Other options here include a visit to the SS Nomadic, the HMS Caroline, the fascinating Titanic's Dock and Pumphouse, and the chance to take a black cab tour of the city. In the afternoon experience the contrasts between the busy city and beautiful scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens. The tour follows part of this coast from Ballycastle along to the world famous Giants' Causeway - a stunning piece of coastal scenery. You will spend time exploring this area before arriving in the holiday town of Portrush for the night.

Day 3

Today the tour makes its first stop in the historic walled city of Derry - designated as UK City of Culture in 2013. You will have some free time to explore the old city or one of the many museums or galleries before crossing the border again back into the Republic of Ireland. You will now travel into one of the most remote and unspoilt parts of the country - County Donegal with its stunning scenery and strong Gaelic culture. The route passes Glenveagh National Park and Errigal Mountain then follows the coast through traditional fishing villages. Along the way there will be plenty time for walks, photos and soaking up the local culture before arriving at your overnight stop in Donegal.

Day 4

Travelling south along the coast from Donegal will take you into County Sligo - and the grave of famous poet WB Yeats. On route look out for the dramatic mountain scenery of Ben Bulben - great for photographs! Near Sligo Town at Carrowmore, you will have the chance to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland - dating back over 6,000 years. The route now turns westwards into County Mayo - an area hit hard by the great potato famine and from where many people emigrated to North America. The road takes you through large areas of farmland, bog and open moor with views to distant hills before coming back to the Atlantic Coast and Achill Island. Here you really are right on the edge of Europe and you will have time to savour the peace and quiet of this beautiful area. From here it is a short drive to Westport - your base for the next 2 nights.

Day 5

Westport sits on the edge of Connemara and is the area you will explore today. The itinerary will depend on the weather and your guide will advise on the best visits for the day. Possibilities include the beautiful house and grounds at Kylemore Abbey, the Connemara National Park, Clifden (the first transatlantic flight landed here), the Sky Road and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. Along the way there will be many opportunities for photos of this dramatic landscape. Overnight again in Westport.

Day 6

After a leisurely start you will leave Westport behind and travel inland through the heart of Connemara to the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib - where the classic film "The Quiet Man" was made. There will be time for a visit to Cong Abbey or the Quiet Man Museum. From here you pass through the Maam Valley and then on to Galway City. The afternoon and evening are free to explore this lively university city. You will be collected from your accommodation the following morning by your new tour guide.

Day 7

A short drive along the coast from Galway City lies the Burren, one of Ireland's national treasures. After time to explore the area, you travel to Kilfenora, the "town of the crosses". You can visit the town's fabulous ancient cathedral and before we stop for lunch in one of the area's charming villages. You then head to the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Walk the stunning cliff trails as seabirds swoop through the clear air above you. The tour then moves south through County Clare, passing its famous golf course on the way to the picturesque beach at Lahinch. From here you board a ferry across the Shannon Estuary to the lakeside town of Killarney. This energetic, charming area will be your base for the next three nights, so take your time sampling the superb collection of traditional pubs and live music.

Day 8

Today, your tour explores the fabulous Dingle Peninsula. Your first stop is Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand stretching out into the Atlantic. Venturing down the narrow roads away from the beach leads you through the town of Dingle. You continue towards Slea Head, an area loaded with ancient forts and prehistoric dwellings. Arriving back in Dingle, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying delicious seafood in this idyllic setting. In the evening, you head back to Killarney, with time for an evening stroll in the National Park that encapsulates the town. (On some tours, days seven and eight are switched).

Day 9

Today, you explore the Ring of Kerry, a spectacular route through some of Ireland's most visually spectacular areas. You stop for lunch in the quaint fishing village of Portmagee. Alternatively, you can have a quick snack and head to the island of Valentia for a visit to the Skellig Experience. This excursion teaches you about the ancient community of monks who made the outcrop of rocky islands their home. In the afternoon, there's a photo stop in Charlie Chaplin's "home away from home" at Waterville, before enjoying fine views at the top of Coonmakista pass. Winding down from the peaks, you head to Derrynane House, home of the family O'Driscoll. Continuing along the Ring, you stop at Moll's Gap and the Ladies View. Stroll a short way from here to the Torc Waterfall before heading back to Killarney.

Day 10

Heading east through the mountains of West Cork, you weave along the Lee Valley until you reach Blarney Castle. You have time here to take in the castle grounds, and maybe kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the "gift of the gab"! In the afternoon, the tour heads to the heritage town of Cahir, where there's a distinctive island castle in the River Suir. The final stop of the tour is Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine castle, riverside walks, and an impressive National Craft Centre. There's also the chance one last Guinness before heading back on the road again for the last leg of the journey, back to Dublin.

Day 11

Transfer from your Dublin hotel to the Dublin Airport for your return flight home.