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Best of Scotland and Ireland

14 days6 cities
United KingdomIreland2 countries
Tour rating: 4.89 / 5, Based on 188 Reviews
Small group tour to United Kingdom, Ireland

Treat yourself with a memorable 14-days small group tour of Scotland's and Ireland's highlights. Explore the best of the amazing countries from Scotland's capital Edinburgh to inspiring Galway.

14 days6 cities
United KingdomIreland2 countries
From
 $6,044 
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
3
days
United Kingdom

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh has stunning architecture including the Holyrood Palace on the Royal Mile and the Edinburgh Castle.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
1
day
Arrival

Welcome to the gorgeous ancient city - Edinburgh!

Upon arrival, you are met by your driver at the airport, who transfers you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day free so you can start exploring the magnificent city center on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

2
day
Edinburgh Royal Mile

Today following breakfast you get to explore the capital of Scotland - Edinburgh! In the morning meet with a local guide in the hotel lobby to start a tour of the Royal Mile.

You tour includes a tour inside of the Edinburgh Castle to explore this famous fortification and enjoy great panoramic views of the city. After the tour (around 4 hours) you return to your hotel.

3
day
Day at Leisure & Optional Tour

Today is free for you to enjoy and explore Edinburgh on your own. We recommend visiting the Scotish Gallery of Arts, the Queens Gallery, or the famous "Our Dynamic Earth" exhibition.

Also you may choose one of our carefully planned optional tours.  

The next day, following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Edinburgh.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh

Set in historical Edinburgh Old Town, the Market Street Hotel offers unique guestrooms.

train
Edinburgh
Inverness
4 hrs

Enjoy the picturesque route from Edinburgh to Inverness while onboard a comfortable train with enough legroom, compartments for your belonging, power sockets and other amenities. 

Inverness, United Kingdom Gallery
2
days
United Kingdom

Inverness is undoubtedly a must-visit while in the Scottish Highlands! Full of myths and legends, spectacular nature and man-made wonders, the city is home to the monumental Inverness Castle, as well as the famous Loch Ness.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
4
day
Arrival in Inverness

Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Edinburgh.

Upon arrival to Inverness, you meet the driver for a transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.

Breakfast is included.

5
day
Full Day Group Tour Isle of Skye

Enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature in its glory, embarking on a full day tour to the famous Isle of Skye.
After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line towards Loch Ness. Here, you have a chance to spot the monster and admire lovely Castle Urquhart from afar.

You continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle*. You can go inside ‘the most photographed castle in Scotland’ or simply enjoy the astounding views.

And now, it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.

Arriving in the town of Portree, you have free time to grab a bite to eat at one of the many delightful local restaurants.

After you explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.

You venture to Kyleakin for refreshments and a chance to view the dramatic ruin Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban.

Travelling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

*Entrance to Eilean Donan Castle not included

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

If you are looking for a "home away from home" in Inverness, take a closer look at the elegant Kingsmills Hotel, located right in the heart of this beautiful Scottish city. The property prides itself on flawless service, great in-house amenities, and cozy well-fitted guestrooms, equipped with everything you might need for a comfortable stay.

car
Inverness
Fort William
2 hrs

Let our experienced driver take care of your journey from Inverness to Fort William, while you sit back and enjoy the surroundings and authentic towns on the way. 

Glasgow, United Kingdom Gallery
2
days
United Kingdom

The bustling port city of Glasgow is one of the most impressive amalgams of heritage and entertainment of Scotland. Home to unique sights such as the Glasgow Cathedral, this city is surely worth exploring.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
6
day
Arrival

Upon arrival, you have a check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.

7
day
Glasgow City Tour & Clydeside Distillery Tour and Tasting

Following breakfast in your hotel, meet your guide and start a 4-hour walking tour. Together you explore the gems and the great historical importance of Glasgow.

This port city on the River Clyde, famous for its shipbuilding industry, is famed for its outstanding Victorian and art nouveau architecture, fine art museums and excellent shopping opportunities. Following the tour we recommend you to visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

After the tour, you join a 1-hour guided tour around The Clydeside Distillery. Here you meet craftsmen, discover the birth of the whiskey industry in Glasgow and enjoy a spectacular view over the River Clyde from the Still House. Following the tour, you get to try 3 Wee Drams.

*Note: transfers to/from the distillery are included. 

The next morning, following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Glasgow.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG Hotel

voco Grand Central Glasgow, an IHG Hotel, is a luxurious and iconic destination in the heart of Scotland's largest city. Housed within a stunning Victorian railway station, this hotel seamlessly blends history and modern elegance.

plane
Glasgow
Dublin

Experience the thrill of a high-flying adventure as you soar between the dynamic cities of Glasgow and Dublin! With frequent flights connecting these two urban hotspots, you'll be swapping Scottish charm for Irish craic.

Dublin, Ireland Gallery
2
days
Ireland

The capital of Ireland, glorious Dublin, is situated on the shores of the picturesque bay on the east coast of the country. Leprechauns, exceptional beer and St. Patric's Day are just the first associations with this amazing city. In reality, Dublin keeps a lot more secrets to share with those, wishing to get to know the true Irish soul.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
8
day
Arrival in Dublin & Evening Bar Crawl

Welcome to the fabulous capital of Ireland - Dublin!

Upon arrival, your driver meets you at the arrivals hall and transfers you to your centrally located hotel for the check-in.

Highlight your evening with the optional tour Evening Pub Crawl

 

9
day
Dublin City Tour & Guinness Storehouse Experience

After a full Irish breakfast this morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and carry on to a walking city tour of Dublin.

During the sightseeing tour you see many of Dublin’s icons while being guided to some hidden and wonderful spots that visitors most often miss. You see Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral, the famous Ha’penny Bridge, the Georgian doors of Dublin and Trinity College Library where you see the famous Book of Kells.

You then pay a visit to the most popular Ireland's attraction - the remarkable Guinness Storehouse, located in the heart of the St. James's Gate Brewery. Your group tour of the Storehouse begins at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass and as you make your way to the 7th floor you learn about the history and the making of Guinness through various interactive experiences.

After the tour you return to your hotel and have evening at leisure.

Note: to highlight your tour, you may add a Guinness Storehouse connoisseur experience on top.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

The Morgan Hotel Dublin

Enjoy your stay at the Alex Hotel in Dublin! It is located right in the city center, just 5 minutes walk from the National Gallery, and is a great start for any of your guiding tours. This 4-star hotel offers spacious, luminous rooms, with all the facilities needed for your comfortable stay.

train
Dublin
Cork
3 hrs

One of the best ways to get from Ireland's capital to the scenic city of Cork is by taking a train. During the ride, you will travel across numerous picturesque towns, so make sure to sit by the window to take in the beauty of Ireland to the fullest.

Cork, Ireland Gallery
3
days
Ireland

Cork is the ever-bustling city full of cultural heritage, cheerful people and authentic architecture, making it a must-see while in Ireland.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
10
day
Arrival in Cork & Cobh and Cork Sightseeing

Upon arrival, you are taken to your centrally-located hotel for check-in. 

Later you meet your guide and head for Cobh, a tourist seaport town on the south coast of County Cork. Within just 25 minutes of train trip from Cork you arrive to Cobh and start exploring the town that was known as Queenstown from 1849 until 1920. Your tour route covers the main attractions in the town center, including the cathedral church of the diocese of Cloyne, St Colman's, which is one of the tallest buildings in Ireland.

You then continue to Cork and enjoy a walking tour with a professional local guide around the compact and charming 800 year old city. During the tour you stroll the streets of the 18th century Huguenot Quarter and admire the Burges’s magnificent French Neo-Gothic cathedral. Your local guide shares with you the unique history and culture of the city, as well as Corkonian wit and traditions. You also experience the sounds and scents and of the English Market regarded for its mid-19th century architecture. Here you have a chance to taste local specialities to explore the local culture from a new angle.

Afterwards you return to your hotel and have evening at leisure.

11
day
Ring of Kerry Group Tour

Today you join a full day group tour to explore one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Ring of Kerry. 

During this day trip, you experience the wilderness of the peninsula with its rugged cliffs and golden beaches, small villages, and picturesque mountain ranges. You make the first stop in a charming town of Killarney, nestled in the valley beneath Irish highest mountains, proceeding to Killorglin and passing the stunning views along the Dingle Bay. Then you continue to the tiny village of Waterville, overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay, and next take a stop in the colorful village of Sneem. 

Afterward, you come to one of the most picturesque national parks in the world and the oldest one in Ireland, Killarney where you see the magnificent Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley as well as the striking Torc Waterfall. After the tour, you return back to Cork. 

Note: in the morning, you meet the guide at Bridge Street Tourist Office at 08:20 and return to Cork at 19:00. From November to February the tour is not available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

12
day
Cliffs of Moher Tour on the Way to Galway

Today after breakfast you check out from the hotel and embark on a wonderful day-trip to one of the most impressive coastlines in Ireland. 

Together with your guide-driver you make your way to the Cliffs of Moher - a sheer precipice that stretches for 5 miles along the Wild Atlantic Way. You get to enter the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre to see the exhibition dedicated to this natural wonder and the region. 

You then continue your journey with a scenic drive through the Burren Region to the city of Galway.

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

The Imperial Hotel
Originally designed in 1813, the 4-star Imperial Hotel in Cork offers comfortable rooms.
car
Cork
Galway
2 hrs 30 min

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland passing by the outside of the car window while one of our trusted drivers takes you to the marvelous city of Galway.

Galway City Gallery
3
days
Ireland

Galway is the perfect fusion of culture, nature, and architecture to be explored on your next getaway. Located in western Ireland, the harbor city provides with monumental sites to visit, such as the imposing St Nicholas's Church.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
12
day
Arrival

Upon arrival, you are taken to your hotel for the check-in.

The rest of the evening is free to explore Galway city and enjoy some of the great music and food in the bars and restaurants.

13
day
Galway City Tour

Following breakfast you meet your guide and go on an exciting walking tour around Galway and its best sights.

Your tour starts at the Eyre Square, where you learn the Occupy Wall Street movement and other important points of Galway history. Then you explore Brown's Doorway, John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaque and quincentennial Fountain. 

As you make your way through the Old Town of Galway, you also see Lynch's Castle, St Nicolas' Church and the beautiful Spanish Arch. 

After the tour you either return to your hotel or continue exploring the city on your own.

Note: you may extend your stay in Galway and explore the unspoiled beauty of Connemara distinct region. Contact your destination specialist for details.

14
day
Departure from Galway

This is the last day of your amazing Irish adventure! After breakfast, you check out from your hotel and walk to the bus station where you take a 2.5-hour bus directly to Dublin airport.

Note: alternatively you can have a private transfer to Shannon or Dublin airport. Contact your specialist for details.

We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips!

Your choice of hotels

We carefully select hotels to ensure your amazing stay. We will recommend the best available properties for your travel dates.

Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway

Providing beautiful views of Galway Bay, the Galmont Hotel & Spa is set right in the heart of the city. It boasts an on-site award-winning spa center and top-notch service. Apart from the spa, the property features impressive facilities such as the Marinas Grill or the Coopers Bar and Lounge.

What's included

  • Accommodation at remarkable downtown hotel in Edinburgh, Dublin, Cork, Galway and heritage country house hotels in Inverness and Fort William;
  • Breakfasts at the hotels;
  • Airport transfers and all transportation according to the itinerary;
  • Breathtaking sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with professional English-speaking guides and driver-guides;
  • Second class train tickets Edinburgh - Inverness and Standard class tickets Fort William - Edinburgh, Dublin - Cork;
  • Economy class flight tickets Edinburgh - Glasgow;
  • Entrances to Edinburgh Castle, Book of Kells, Trinity College Library & Cliffs of Moher Visitors Centre;
  • Johnnie Walker Distillery exploration with an experienced guide & cocktail tasting;
  • Small group tour to Isle of Skye, Guinness Storehouse and Ring of Kerry;.
  • Boat ride on Loch Ness and Wildlife Safari Cruise;.
  • Standard class round trip Jacobite Steam train ride;
  • Evening bar crawl tour in Glasgow;
  • Support line during the trip.

Note: Hotels availability is subject to change. In case current hotels are booked out we will provide alternative hotels of an equal value for you.

Note: We include 1 vehicle for your arrival and departure transfers. If multiple vehicles are required additional transfer costs will apply.

Not included: international flights, multiple arrival/departure transfers, other meals not mentioned in the program, optional tours and services, all personal expenses.

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Tour Highlights

        
  • A guided sightseeing tour of Edinburgh
  •     
  • Exploration of the Isle of Skye
  •     
  • An exciting boat ride on Loch Ness Lake
  •     
  • Steam train scenic tide from Mallaig to Fort William
  •     
  • A guided sightseeing tour of Dublin
  •     
  • A visit to the Guinness Storehouse
  •    
  • Walking Tour with Entrance to the Book of Kells
  •    
  • A Guided 1.5-hour walking tour of Cork
  •    
  • A group tour to the Ring of Kerry
  • A half Day Private Walking Tour

What To Know

  • The currency used by default in the UK is British Pound, also known as Pound Sterling, in Ireland there are Euros. To be on the safe side, make sure to withdraw some cash from the ATM beforehand
  • It rains a lot in the UK throughout the year, so it is worth bringing a water-resistant jacket and an umbrella