Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

Europe Ireland
OVERVIEW
Tick off all the travel highlights of Scotland and Ireland on your trip filled with tons of craic and special moments with friends, whether you’re hopping across the mythical stones of Giant’s Causeway or passing the lovely lochs, Highlands and castles of Scotland.
EXPERIENCES
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.

Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore this iconic natural landmark.

Cong: Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.

Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.

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.

Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.

Fort William: Near the foothills of Ben Nevis, stop in Fort William for a stroll along the charming High Street.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.

Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.

Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.

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.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
06/09/2025 16/09/2025 £3,495 Book
13/09/2025 23/09/2025 £3,495 Book
27/09/2025 07/10/2025 £3,495 Book
04/04/2026 14/04/2026 £2,767 Book
11/04/2026 21/04/2026 £2,767 Book
18/04/2026 28/04/2026 £2,767 Book
25/04/2026 05/05/2026 £2,835 Book
02/05/2026 12/05/2026 £2,875 Book
09/05/2026 19/05/2026 £2,875 Book
16/05/2026 26/05/2026 £2,875 Book
23/05/2026 02/06/2026 £2,902 Book
06/06/2026 16/06/2026 £2,902 Book
13/06/2026 23/06/2026 £2,902 Book
20/06/2026 30/06/2026 £2,902 Book
27/06/2026 07/07/2026 £3,295 Book
04/07/2026 14/07/2026 £2,965 Book
11/07/2026 21/07/2026 £2,992 Book
18/07/2026 28/07/2026 £2,965 Book
01/08/2026 11/08/2026 £3,285 Book
08/08/2026 18/08/2026 £3,285 Book
15/08/2026 25/08/2026 £3,127 Book
29/08/2026 08/09/2026 £2,902 Book
05/09/2026 15/09/2026 £3,217 Book
12/09/2026 22/09/2026 £3,217 Book
19/09/2026 29/09/2026 £3,217 Book
26/09/2026 06/10/2026 £3,217 Book
03/10/2026 13/10/2026 £3,217 Book
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center - Meals:
DAY 10: Novotel Edinburgh Park - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 2: Maldron Sandy Road - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Maldron Sandy Road - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: The Abbey - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: AC by Marriott Belfast - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: AC by Marriott Belfast - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Maldron - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Highlander - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Novotel Edinburgh Park - Meals: Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ITINERARY

You’re in for a lyrical love affair with Ireland’s whimsical capital, your launch pad to an enchanting encounter with the 'Emerald Isle' and Scotland. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, then spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s effervescence on your own. This evening sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes. Resist the urge to retire early and head to the Temple Bar to soak up the craic  in one of the many colourful pubs for which Dublin is justifiably famous.

Poetry and politics, music and literature – Dublin is famous for all this and more as you’ll come to discover when you join a Local Specialist to delve into Dublin’s tumultuous history and see some iconic sights including Guinness Storehouse and St Patrick's Cathedral. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbour city of Galway, known as the 'City of Tribes'.

Connemara’s 'savage beauty' takes centre stage today on your full-day excursion through the endless shades of green which once captured the heart of Oscar Wilde. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Later, we visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where you'll Dive into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous crystal designs are made.

Explore the quintessential Irish village of Cong and see firsthand why its rugged beauty was chosen as the backdrop of John Wayne's award winning 'The Quiet Man'. Meet the locals at Ireland’s largest sheep farm, Glen Keen Farm, for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience with your hosts, Catherine, Jim and their son James. You’ll watch in deep admiration as the energetic collies herd sheep and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam, gaining a deep appreciation for the family’s efforts to preserve Irish heritage and traditions. Then, continue to Donegal, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.

Start your day with a visit to Derry/Londonderry where a Local Specialist will take you on a stroll along the ancient walls that surround the Renaissance-style old city. Follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through rolling countryside and past rugged cliffs to the Giant’s Causeway. You’ll have some free time to tiptoe in the giant geometric steps of Finn McCool and enjoy lunch before continuing to Belfast, your home for the next two nights.

Today, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Northern Ireland’s trendy capital. 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. Then, at the Titantic Distillery enjoy a whiskey tasting and learn how Ireland's golden goodness is made. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a pint in Belfast’s oldest traditional pub or visit Victoria Square for some shopping or consider joining a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi.

Bid Ireland farewell as you board your ferry to Scotland. Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past Ailsa Craig, then continue to Glasgow, where you’ll enjoy an orientation of a city that exudes edginess. Take to the streets on your own exploration and see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and the Clyde River before finding a cosy pub to warm your heart with a little local whisky and a night on the toon.

Sensational scenery follows your journey through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Newtonmore. Loch Lomond sets the tone with views over the water to craggy Ben Lomond. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a 'Glen of Weeping'. Then, on to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ before arriving in Loch Ness, where you’ll keep a keen eye out for the beloved monster that lurks beneath its surface. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Continue to the home of golfing gods, St. Andrews. You’ll view the famous 18th hole before continuing to Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

Surrender to the charms of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through the New Town and its elegant Georgian facades to the medieval Old Town where you'll see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile. Afterwards, enjoy the day to explore on your own or get stuck into some last-minute souvenir shopping before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This evening joining your travel companions for a rousing dinner to toast your memorable journey together.

Imbued with Gaelic spirit, your holiday has come to an end. Bid your new friends a fond farewell as you prepare for your return journey home.
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