The Trip of a Lifetime

Ireland & Scotland

May 16 – 28, 2023 / $4690.00, air-inclusive from Chicago

Join Joel and Sharon Kuplack on the trip of a lifetime to Ireland and Scotland. This trip features seven nights in Ireland and four nights in Scotland and includes round-trip airfare from Chicago. You can expect beautiful four-star hotels, private transportation, an incredible program of Catholic and cultural tours led by master guides, most meals, and daily Mass when available. The cost is $4690.00 per person. Space is limited to forty persons total. 

About

From our custom-designed itinerary to private transportation and master guides, this trip promises an experience of Ireland and Scotland that is truly one of a kind.

An Incredible Itinerary

This itinerary is unique. We’ve selected two countries to explore, and five cities to use as our launching pads into the surrounding country.

Four Star Hotels & Amenities

Throughout this journey we will traverse two countries and stay in five incredible hotels, found in Dublin, Galway, Knock, Belfast and Edinburgh!

Great Tour Guides

Your tour director’s command of history and storytelling and our bus driver’s commentary (in Irish brogue) make this trip unique!

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Faith-Filled Journey

You can expect time for God throughout the course of this trip. There will be ample time for Mass and prayers, as well as visits to great Catholic sites!

Planning Timeline

Register

In order to register simply fill out the form on this page! Your place on the trip is then secure!

Purchase Travel Insurance

When you register we will send you a quote for travel insurance. To cover preexisting conditions insurance must be made within two weeks of registration.

Get Your Passports Ready

Apply as soon as possible. NB - Passports that expire within six months of the travel dates are not valid to enter Ireland or the United Kingdom.

Get Welcome Packet & Pack Your Bags

Two months before the trip we will send you Welcome Packets with lots of useful information. Pack your bags and get ready!

The Itinerary

Getting There

Tuesday, May 16 

Today our flight departs Chicago for Dublin. A private coach will take the group from Appleton, to Chicago.  Transfer and flight information will be communicated in June of 2022. 

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Dublin

Wednesday, May 17 – Arrival, Dublin

Our transatlantic flight touches down in Dublin at (TBD). Welcome to Ireland! Here we will be met by our tour director and private coach and depart immediately for our hotel, Iveagh Gardens, a beautiful four-star hotel just off of the St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin. After checking in we will embark on a motor-coach tour of Dublin. We will then return to the hotel for dinner. 

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Thursday, May 18 – Dublin

Today we will enjoy a comprehensive bus and walking tour of Dublin! Our day features some of the most beautiful and important sites of the city, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells,  the General Post Office, St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, Dublin castle and more. We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch and of course, some Irish whiskey along the way. Tonight we’re all on our own for dinner. 

In the evening you might consider joining your tour director for a show at Dublin’s famed Gaiety Theatre! Shows and prices TBD.

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Galway & Knock

Friday, May 19 – Dublin, Galway

Following a hearty Irish breakfast we will depart for Galway! The bus will bring us directly to the four-star Ardilaun Hotel, where we will enjoy a welcome lunch. We will then depart for Galway Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in Galway. The cathedral is located on Nun’s Island, on the west bank of the River Corrib near Salmon Weir Bridge. It was the last large church in Ireland to be made from stone, and features a huge octagonal dome that complements the skyline of the City of Galway. 

After Mass at the Cathedral we’ll visit the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas of Myra. A place of great importance in Gaelic history, this church dates back to the 14th century. There is a legend that says that Christopher Columbus himself worshiped here while sojourning in Galway. Interestingly enough, the patron of this church – Nicholas of Myra – is also the patron saint of seafarers. 

We’ll then continue our walking tour of Galway city, visiting some of its most beautiful and important sites. Tonight we’ll enjoy dinner at a local pub before heading back to the hotel.

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Saturday, May 20 – Corrib Lake Cruise, Knock

Following breakfast we will depart for Corrib Lake, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. A morning cruise along Corrib Lake’s pristine shores is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Irish countryside. 

Following the cruise we’re back on the bus and headed to Knock. Located in the plains of East Mayo, Knock is one of the world’s leading Marian shrines! Here, on August 21, 1879 fifteen men, women and children witnessed an apparition of Mary, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist. Ever since this event millions of pilgrims have visited Knock, Pope St. John Paul II among them. 

Upon arrival in Knock we will check in at the lovely St. Mary’s guest house, located within the grounds of the shrine. We will then enjoy a spiritual journey through the shrine which will culminate with a rosary in the Apparition Chapel.

Sunday, May 21 – Knock, Croagh Patrick, Westport

After Mass and breakfast we’ll board the bus and set out into the Hills of Connemara towards the great mountain known as Croagh Patrick. Nearly fifteen-hundred years ago St. Patrick climbed this very mountain, fasting for forty days and forty nights. He did so in order to be more like Christ. Ever since St. Patrick’s time the tradition of climbing Croagh Patrick has been continued, handed down from generation to generation. Today, we will become a part of that great living tradition. Before embarking on this 2500-foot climb we will say prayers at the foot of the mountain as a group. Asking God for the grace of holy perseverance we will then start the hike. 

For those who are not able to climb the mountain, our tour bus will bring you to the nearby town of Westport for a shopping trip and a stroll! Westport may be Ireland’s most charming small town, complete with stone bridges, seaside vibes and more history and culture than one could ask for! 

Following the tour of Westport the group will then return to Croagh Patrick, rendezvous with the climbers and then the whole group will return to Knock for a hearty dinner. 

Armagh, Belfast

Monday, May 22 – Knock, Armagh, Belfast

Following breakfast in Knock we will depart for Armagh, located in Northern Ireland. Armagh is a place of great historical and ecclesiastical importance. Not only is it the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ireland, but also the seat of the head of Protestant Church of Ireland. In Armagh we will learn the history of the Reformation in Ireland and visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. Patrick. This incredible Gothic edifice towers over the city and reminds us of the richness of the medieval period in Catholic Church history. 

Following our tour of Armagh we will get back on the bus and continue east towards Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and one of the British Isles most incredible cities! Upon arrival we will check in at our hotel, the four-star AC by Marriott Hotel, located right on the harbor!

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Tuesday, May 23 – Belfast

Today begins with a panoramic bus tour of Belfast, which will take us past the leaning Albert Memorial Clock Tower (Ireland’s Big Ben!), the Opera House and through the Shankill and Falls, where we will learn the history of the violent period known as the Troubles which so divided Ireland just a few decades ago. 

After lunch we will visit the Harland and Wolff Shipyard, the very place where the Titanic was built and launched in 1912. We’ll then embark on a virtual journey through the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast, an incredible attraction which recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Highlights include breathtaking views to the slip-ways where the Titanic was launched and a voyage to the bottom of the sea, in the unique Ocean Exploration Centre! Our tour concludes with a step on board the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world, which was built to act as a tender ship (mail or passenger carrier) between the port and the Titanic itself. After this incredible journey through history we will return to our hotel for dinner and bed.

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Scotland

Wednesday, May 24 – Ferry to Scotland, Glasgow, Edinburgh

Today we will board our ferry for Scotland, arriving at the Scottish port of Cairnryan in the late morning. Welcome to Scotland! We’ll then hop back on board our bus and depart for Glasgow, a port city located in Scotland’s western lowlands. Upon arrival in Glasgow we will enjoy an orientation tour which includes a visit and celebration of Mass at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, a neo-gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city. 

Following our tour we will depart for Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and one of Europe’s most fabled cities. It has even been called “the Athens of the North”! Upon arrival we will check-in at our hotel, the four-star Crowne Plaza Royal Terrace, and enjoy dinner.

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Thursday, May 25 – Stirling, Edinburgh

Today we depart on a day trip for the medieval city of Stirling, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historically important cities. Here we will visit the impressive Stirling Castle, which sits atop a volcanic rock that towers above the surrounding town and countryside. This castle once served as a royal residence for Mary Queen of Scots. We’ll then enjoy lunch and a stroll through the old town. 

In the afternoon we will visit the Wallace Monument. This monument pays tribute to Wallace and in particular his great victory over the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. Here we’ll learn the story of the Scottish people and their fight for independence. We’ll then visit the Battlefield at Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeated King Edward II in the first war of Scottish Independence in 1314. In the evening we will return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. 

Friday, May 26 – Edinburgh

Today we will enjoy a full day in Edinburgh. First we visit and celebrate Mass at Saint Patrick’s Church, where we will visit the Shrine to the Venerable Margaret Sinclair (Sister Mary Francis of the Five Wounds) as well as a Shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. 

Following lunch we will walk Edinburgh’s “Royal Mile,” an incredible thoroughfare that will take us right through the center of the city and past some of Edinburgh’s most incredible landmarks. We will then have a bit of free time for shopping at the many interesting shops in Old Town. 

In the afternoon, we will visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen when she is visiting Scotland. Finally we will visit Edinburgh Castle for a grand tour of this popular tourist destination. In the evening we will return to the hotel for dinner. 

Saturday, May 27- St. Andrew’s, Edinburgh

Today we will depart for St. Andrews. St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and the town named in his honor sits about 50 miles northeast of Edinburgh on the east coast of Fife overlooking the North Sea. This ancient city has played an incredibly important role in the history of Scotland, and is known in particular as the beginning of the bloody conflict between Protestants and Catholics following the Protestant Reformation. 

As our bus winds its way through the lowlands towards this incredible city, our guide will bring the history and stories of this place to life. Upon arrival we will enjoy a light lunch and then embark on a walking tour known as the St. Andrew’s Circuit. This tour will take us past more than twenty places of interest, from the Blue Stone of Pictish days, to the beaches famous for the filming of Chariots of Fire. The tour concludes at the ruins of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, the original seat of the Catholic Church in Scotland and the most important place of worship in Scotland until the 16th century, when Catholicism was outlawed and the church was destroyed. Here we will offer prayers and officially conclude our walking tour. We’ll then return to Edinburgh for our farewell dinner together!

Coming Home

Sunday, May 28 – Return to USA

Today we will depart by private coach for the airport. Our flight then departs for Chicago. Upon arrival in Chicago a private coach will meet us and bring us directly back to Appleton, Wisconsin. 

TRIP DETAILS

Pricing & Registration

Payment Details

Only $200.00 is due to register - the remaining balance is due later.

$200.00 / due @ registration

$2245.00
due May 1, 2022
$2245.00
due November 1, 2022
Check Payment or CC (3% Surcharge)

Regular Price

See the brochure or FAQ section below for a full list of inclusions and exclusions.

$4690.00 / air-inclusive

Roundtrip Airfare from Chicago
Roundtrip Private Bus from Appleton, WI to Chicago
4 Star Hotels & Private Transportation
All Tours, Tour Fees and Most Meals
ProRome Tour Director & Private Guides

Upgrades & More

Looking for more legroom or perhaps a single room?

Please Inquire

Single Room - $900.00
Room Upgrade
Cost TBD - Please Inquire
Seat Upgrades on Flights
Cost TBD - Please Inquire

Meet the Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Points or Miles towards the airline tickets?

No. As this is a group booking we cannot apply Points or Miles towards each individual ticket.

Are you insured?

Yes. We are fully insured with Travel Agents and Tour Operators Professional Liability Insurance through Zurich American Insurance Company . And yes, travel insurance can be purchased through ProRome Tours.

Will I be safe with your group?

Safety is our #1 priority. We alway stay together as a group. We’ll never take you anywhere unsafe.

What do you do in the event of an emergency?

We remain in close contact with the American embassies in Ireland and the United Kingdom, who issues safety and security messages on their website. In the case of an emergency, we will first ensure that all of our group members are safe and able to communicate immediately with their family at home. We will then follow the instructions of the local authorities and make an informed decision on how to proceed.

Our staff receives training before the trip, which involves reading, understanding and committing to memory a forty-page crisis management plan. If you would like to see a copy of this plan please inquire.

Can you accommodate people with food allergies or specific dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. Vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free or celiac, we work only with restaurants and caterers who have ample options for you.

Trip Patron

“May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us. Be always ours this day and for evermore.”

Our trip patron is St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland. St. Patrick, pray for us!

Travel Insurance

Protecting You, and Your Loved Ones

Protect Your Travel Investment, and Plan Worry Free

Most of our clients who purchase travel insurance will never have to file a claim. This is a very good thing. If you do have to visit a hospital over in Europe, however, it is good to know that you have the world’s largest and best travel insurance provider at your back. They’ll get you in and taken care of quickly.

On another note, the majority of those who cancel their trip with ProRome do so because of an illness or death in their family prior to the trip. This is covered in most of our plans. If nothing else, this is a very good reason to purchase a plan today.