Best of Ireland and Scotland
Best of Ireland and Scotland
$5295
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities of Ireland and Scotland with the "Best of Ireland and Scotland" tour. Begin your adventure in Dublin, exploring its rich Celtic heritage, before traveling through iconic destinations such as Waterford, Galway, and Belfast. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Ring of Kerry and the mystical Giant's Causeway. Cross the Irish Sea to Scotland, where you'll discover Glasgow's cultural legacy, the scenic Isle of Skye, and the historic city of Edinburgh. Highlights include visits to Blarney Castle, the Titanic Belfast Experience, and Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy the unique opportunity to connect with locals at Muckross Farms and savor traditional flavors. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a blend of guided tours and free time, this tour offers an immersive experience into the heart of Celtic culture and history. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Address Connolly, Clayton Ballsbridge
Meals Included: Dinner
Explore the Celtic heritage and hospitality of Ireland and Scotland on this grand adventure through beautiful landscapes and enchanting cities. Your first day sees you delve into the Irish capital, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner.
Day 2: Discover Diverse Dublin
Location: Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Temple Bar, Grafton Street
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Address Connolly, Clayton Ballsbridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive through the streets of Dublin, joining your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour past the stately Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the city. Stop for a pint of 'the Black Stuff' in Temple Bar, admire the colorful performers on Grafton Street or consider joining an Optional Experience this evening to tap your feet to the lively sounds of Irish music at an Irish cabaret.
Day 3: Journey to Waterford Dive Into Culture
Location: Kildare, Waterford
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fitzwilton
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture and gain insights into Ireland’s strong tradition of breeding world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud in Kildare. Enjoy a guided walk admiring the powerful steeds that have made racing history and stroll around the tranquil Japanese gardens. Travel to the House of Waterford Crystal this afternoon and Dive Into Culture yet again to witness this delicate craft, watching talented master crafters at work in their workshop.
Day 4: Onwards to Blarney and Killarney
Location: Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bend over backwards and kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab' before crossing the Kerry Mountains to Killarney. Tonight, why not join an Optional Experience for some lively entertainment.
Day 5: A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Location: Ring of Kerry, Cahirciveen, Waterville, Black Valley, Moll's Gap, Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Muckross, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The astounding beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula accompanies you on this soul-stirring coastal journey around the Ring of Kerry – a dramatic landscape of mountains, loughs and lakes which have inspired writers and poets for centuries. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with the Macgillycuddy's Reeks peaks in the distance. Journey to 1930s Ireland this evening for an unforgettable experience, visiting the working farms of Muckross, where you'll learn about traditional farming and meet the families who ply the land. Your visit will help to preserve the heritage of rural Ireland and you’ll Connect With Locals, savoring delicious local flavors during your Be My Guest visit to the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney.
Day 6: Continue to Galway and Ballina
Location: Adare, Galway, Eyre Square, Ballina
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Great National Ballina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, known for its thatched cottages. See the imposing stone cathedral, built on the site of an old prison and Eyre Square on your next stop in Galway, where you'll enjoy some free time to explore the city before continuing your journey northward. This evening, dine in your hotel.
Day 7: Off to Donegal and on to Derry/Londonderry
Location: Donegal, Londonderry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: City Hotel Derry
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head north to Donegal with its 'Diamond' center before joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century walls. See the neighborhood of the Bogside, known for its murals that depict events of the 'Troubles' like the Battle of the Bogside, which sparked the conflict.
Day 8: Admire the Giant’s Causeway and on to Belfast Make Travel Matter Dive Into Culture
Location: Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: AC by Marriott , Stormont
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tread in the footsteps of Finn McCool and along the other-worldly Giant's Causeway 'steps' that descend into the sea during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit will help to conserve this iconic landmark. Arrive in Belfast later and visit the Titanic Belfast Experience where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the capital of Northern Ireland.
Day 9: Cross the Irish Sea to Glasgow
Location: Belfast, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn City Center, Maldron
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist in Belfast this morning for an included city tour which will take you to Queen's University and the Baroque Revival-style City Hall. Board your ferry in Belfast and cross to Cairnryan in Scotland, driving through the Ayrshire countryside bound for Glasgow, your home for the next two nights.
Day 10: Discover Glasgow’s Rich Legacy Dive Into Culture
Location: Glasgow, George Square, River Clyde
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn City Center, Maldron
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into Scotland’s intriguing cultural capital and stroll through the town to admire views of George Square and the River Clyde, once the heart of Scotland's shipbuilding industry. You'll head to a whisky distillery next where you’ll Dive Into Culture and learn how to make Scotland's favorite honey-colored drink with a chance to sample a wee dram. You'll then have some free time to explore the city.
Day 11: Continue Over the Sea to Skye
Location: Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dunollie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey along the famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the tragic site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds at the 'Glen of Weeping'. Continue to Fort William at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Then, cross to the Isle of Skye, where you'll spend this evening dining in your hotel.
Day 12: Venture to Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands
Location: Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Culloden, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Highlander
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the rugged beauty of Skye behind and venture to the site where three lochs meet. View Eilean Donan Castle before traveling along the banks of Loch Ness in search of the elusive monster that bears its name. The bloody battlefield of Culloden is your next stop, where you'll spend a poignant moment reflecting on the many men who lost their lives in the brief but brutal battle between the Redcoats and Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobites. This evening you spend the evening dining at your hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Day 13: Journey to Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Scottish Highlands, St. Andrews, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center, Delta by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, you'll pass Pitlochry before arriving in St. Andrews to see its famous golf course on which golfing greats have clamoured to play for centuries. Cross the scenic Firth of Forth to enchanting Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Day 14: Uncover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Location: Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyrood, Arthur's Seat, Scottish Parliament Building
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center, Delta by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your Ireland and Scotland tour is not over yet. Join your Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour which includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, surveying the city from the imposing Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyrood in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. As your memorable holiday comes to an end, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner to reminisce over shared experiences.
Day 15: Farewell Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now it’s time to say a fond farewell to Scotland and your newfound friends, after your unforgettable Celtic sojourn.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips and Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Coach
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
A ferry ride from Northern Ireland to Scotland is included.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.
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Hotel Substitutions
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels throughout your journey, including The Address Connolly in Dublin, Fitzwilton in Waterford, and Novotel Center in Edinburgh, ensuring comfort and convenience at every stop.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Northern Ireland to Scotland, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
Dive into Culture
- Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- Belfast: Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.
- Pitlochry: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Donegal: Stop in Donegal and see The Diamond, a hub for music and cultural gatherings in the town.
- Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
- Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- Fort William: Near the foothills of Ben Nevis, stop in Fort William for a stroll along the charming High Street.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- Inverness: Discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as visiting the Irish National Stud in Kildare to learn about Ireland's thoroughbred breeding tradition, witnessing the craft of crystal making at the House of Waterford Crystal, and exploring the Titanic Belfast Experience to learn about the famous ship. Additionally, you will visit a whisky distillery in Glasgow to learn about and sample Scottish whisky. ...more ...less
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Killarney?
In Killarney, the 'Be My Guest' experience involves visiting the working farms of Muckross, where you will learn about traditional farming practices such as butter churning. You will also dine in the Quilles Farmhouse, enjoying local flavors against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney. ...more ...less
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism?
The tour supports sustainable tourism through its visit to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, which directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This visit helps conserve the iconic natural landmark.
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What are some of the iconic landmarks visited during the tour?
The tour visits several iconic landmarks including the Blarney Castle where you can kiss the Blarney Stone, the Giant's Causeway, Edinburgh Castle, and the battlefield of Culloden. You will also see the famous golf course at St. Andrews and the scenic Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands. ...more ...less
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Are there any special events included in the tour?
Yes, tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates, offering a unique cultural experience.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Best of Ireland and Scotland
15 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Visiting: Dublin, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Kildare, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cahirciveen, Waterville, Black Valley, Moll's Gap, Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Muckross, Adare, Galway, Eyre Square, Ballina, Donegal, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Glasgow, George Square, River Clyde, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Ben Nevis, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Culloden, Scottish Highlands, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyrood, Arthur's Seat, Scottish Parliament Building ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIASZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
