Have you ever marveled at the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Ring of Kerry? Have you ever thought about kissing the Blarney Stone? Do you have a hankering to sip some Irish Coffee, toast with a glass of Jameson’s, and raise a pint of Guinness?
Would you like to look upon Loch Ness and search for that Monster or stand where Shakespeare’s Macbeth stood? And what would it be like to chase a little white ball on beautiful green rolling hills in the country where golf originated? Have you ever wondered what was really beneath those kilts?
And do you like a good murder-mystery . . . one in which you can help solve the crime and even participate, if you so choose?
If you answered “yes” to any (or all) of the above questions, then you should join us as we explore Ireland and Scotland!
Carmel Travel Company and Murder Takes a Holiday is excited to announce their 2014 Murder-Mystery Luxury Tour to Ireland and Scotland (with an optional add-on to southern England)!
Our fully guided luxury tour begins on Thursday, August 28, 2014, as we depart the USA for Shannon, Ireland. We’ll spend 6 nights in beautiful Ireland! As soon as we clear customs, we’re off to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren before we head on down to Bunratty, our first “overnight.” We’ll visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park before hitting the local pub at Durty Nell’s to toss back a few pints and enjoy the local entertainment. The next morning, we’re off to Killarney, where we’ll visit Foynes Flying Boat museum, the place where Irish Coffee was invented! We’ll next take a “Jaunting Cart Ride” to the Muckross House and hear about the history and walk about in gardens. The next day finds us admiring the Ring of Kerry, as we soak up the local culture along the drive, and then we’ll have another overnight in Killarney, where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner. We’ll be heading south next – toward Waterford. But first, we’ll stop at Blarney Castle, The Titanic Centre, and The Old Middleton Distillery, home to Jameson Whiskey. And before progressing onward to Dublin, we will visit Waterford Crystal and Powerscourt House and Gardens. In addition to an informative Dublin city tour, we’ll visit Guinness Storehouse and enjoy an evening of River Dancing. Of course, along the way, we’ll visit more few pubs and become immersed in the local culture and enjoy the entertainment! We’ll next fly to Scotland for another 6 nights!
After landing in Glasgow, we’ll be whisked away to our first stop: Inveraray Castle, which, many of you will recognize as the “home” to the third season, last episode, of Downton Abbey. We’ll then stop at Loch Lomond, one of the most beautiful lakes in Scotland, prior to our first overnight in Oban, a small Western coastal town. From there, we’ll journey to Inverness for three nights. We’ll be visiting the Loch Ness Museum, Glenmorangie and Glen Grant Distilleries, and Cawdor, Ballindalloch, and Blair Castles. We’ll enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness, all the while searching for that mysterious monster! We’ll even have time to shop in the nearby towns of Tain (home of the famous pottery) and Elgin (for some of Scotland’s premiere cashmere). On the way to Edinburgh, we’ll visit Edradour Whisky Distillery and beautiful Scone Palace. While in Edinburgh, we’ll enjoy a city tour that includes Edinburgh Castle. One of our Edinburgh evenings will be spent in the catacombs, and we’ll even experience a paranormal – ghost tour!
Throughout our Irish and Scottish stays, we’ll be unraveling an original murder-mystery: When Irish Eyes Stopped Smiling on the Bonnie Shores of Loch Ness. You can become as involved as you wish in this readers’ theatre murder-mystery virtual “Clue® Game.” You’ll either have a role to portray, or you’ll sit back and watch. You’ll experience private parties as a reader or as a participant. You’ll receive clues that will bring you closer to the solutions, while learning more about your beautiful surrounds! You’ll also enjoy a lavish farewell dinner and even have an opportunity to win prizes. And the first one solving all aspects of the crime will win $200.00.
Included in the Irish/Scottish portion of the tour are 12 breakfasts, 12 dinners, and two lunches. We’ll be staying in four-star hotels, inns, or castles. And we’ll enjoy the comfort of plush motor coaches – complete with knowledgeable tour guides. Luggage porterage is also included! So you just have to sit back and enjoy!
The murder-mystery segment of the tour ends on Wednesday morning, September 10th. But if you aren’t ready to return to our side of the pond, then we invite you to continue with us as we journey to England!
We’ll fly from Edinburgh to Birmingham, where we’ll be on our way to Warwick Castle. Our next stop is Stratford-upon-Avon, where we’ll tour the town and enjoy an evening theatrical performance. Our second day in England finds us in Newbury, home to Highclere Castle, or better known as Downton Abbey. We’ll enjoy a full day at “Downton!” The next morning, we’re off to Windsor Castle and that afternoon, we’ll enjoy a London city tour. The next two days are “free”; you may choose from a variety of planned excursions and/or just wander about at your own pace. You may like an unconventional “Beatles” tour; or perhaps your interests lie at 221B Baker Street. And there are always the Haunts of Jack the Ripper. And don’t forget to visit Selfridges, Harrods, and the London Eye. And what London visit would be complete with attending at least one theatrical presentation? So many things to do! The choice is yours . . . until the tour ends on Sunday, September 15, 2014.
Included in the English portion are five breakfasts and three dinners. All accommodations (five nights) are four or five star. We’ll enjoy the comfort of plush motor coaches with knowledgeable tour guides (where applicable); luggage porterage is also included! So once again, just sit back and enjoy!
We hope we have enticed you! For specific details and pricing, just email diane@carmeltravelcompany.com. We look forward to having YOU join us as we explore Ireland, Scotland, and England!