Page 13 - AAA Now – AAA Central Penn – January/February 2022

TRAVEL
Touring Legendary
Scotland and Ireland
By Judie Karhan
A journey to the legendary lands of Scotland and Ireland
rewards the traveler with colorful images of astonishingly green, rolling hillsides and ruggedly beautiful coastlines that dominate a landscape punctuated with brooding castles shrouded in mystery. Look further and you will find another side of Scotland and Ireland, both charming and whimsical.
AAA brings these countries together on a wonderful autumn tour that highlights scenic roads and iconic sites as well as city pleasures.
Glasgow, known for its stunning Victorian architecture, displays a vibrant art culture, with scores of galleries and museums.
Visit the popular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housing one of Europe’s finest collections, then embark on a cruise
of Lomond with views of magnificent Highland peaks. Stroll through Inveraray before touring Inveraray Castle, which you may recognize from the “Downtown Abbey” TV series.
At the Isle of Sky and Loch Ness, follow the scenic “Road to the Isles.” This sparsely populated region of rugged mountain ranges and mysterious locks captures the beauty and essence of all that is Scotland. Loch Ness grabs the attention of all who arrive at these shores hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie, its famous monster.
Of course, when you’re in Scotland you must explore its castles, which tell amazing stories of chivalry and derring-do during centuries of invasions and the clash of clans. At Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, delve into the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and go behind the scenes at Blair Atholl Distillery for a tour and sampling of the finished product. Also visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Then head to famous St. Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” See the famous royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course on a panoramic drive.
In Edinburgh, cobbled medieval streets pave the way for exploration of many historic sites. Follow the Royal Mile, which runs through the heart of the city’s Old Town and connects
to one of Scotland’s most famous castles, Edinburgh Castle, perched high upon a mountaintop with magnificent views.
Bidding farewell to Scotland, it’s then on to Belfast, Ireland,
by ferry. Visit Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art attraction that will immerse you in the full story of the ill-fated ocean liner. In Dublin, tour independently on a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour to attractions such as the Guiness Storehouse, Teelings Distillery, or the Irish Immigration Museum. Later in the day, tour the city and famous Dublin Castle. There will also be an opportunity to see Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to the famed Blarney Stone, which legend says will give you the gift of gab.
On the final leg of the journey, take in the sights of the winding Ring of Kerry with incredible mountain and coastline views, and take a ferry across the River Shannon estuary to see the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches high above the Atlantic.
AAA CHAIRMAN’S SCOTTISH
& IRISH DREAM TOUR
BOARD CHAIR’S TRIP
Hosted by AAA Central Penn Board Chair, Rob Yelnosky
SEPTEMBER 20 – OCTOBER 3, 2022
$4,249* per person, double occupancy HIGHLIGHTS
Glasgow city tour | Inveraray Castle (as seen in “Downton Abbey”) Armadale Castle | Blair Athol Distillery | St. Andrews | Edinburgh city tour Edinburgh Castle | Titanic Belfast | Dublin, hop-on-hop-off bus tour Blarney Castle | Ring of Kerry | Valentia Island and the Skellig Experience Cliffs of Moher | Medieval castle banquet
For reservations and information, contact your local AAA Travel Agent at 888-743-2844.
*Rates are subject to availability at time of booking and include taxes, fees and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. All pricing and included features are based on a minimum of 25 passengers. Airfare is currently not included in the price of the trip. Airfare will be added when rates and schedules become available and may have a payment and cancellation schedule that is different from the land tour.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 I 13
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