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Best of Ireland and Scotland - Signature

15 daysIreland, Northern Ireland, Scotland

Travel to see the very Best of Ireland and Scotland, from delicate Waterford Crystal to the golfing greats of St. Andrews. Kiss the Blarney Stone and you’ll be sharing tales from Giant’s Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Highlands for years to come.

Length
15 days
Route
Dublin to Edinburgh
Meals
14 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Style
Guided Vacation

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Highlights

  • Explore Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Waterford, Adare, Galway and Glasgow
  • Visit the Irish National Stud in Kildare, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, Giant's Causeway, Titanic Experience in Belfast, a whisky distillery and Edinburgh Castle
  • View Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle, the battlefield of Culloden and the 18th green at St. Andrews
  • See St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Galway Cathedral and Loch Lomond
  • Scenic Drive the Ring of Kerry
  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

Itinerary

  1. DublinDays 1–2
  2. WaterfordDay 3
  3. KillarneyDay 4
  4. Ring of KerryDay 5
  5. BallinaDay 6
  6. LondonderryDay 7
  7. BelfastDay 8
  8. GlasgowDays 9–10
  9. Isle of SkyeDay 11
  10. Scottish HighlandsDay 12
  11. EdinburghDays 13–15
Day 1Welcome to DublinDublin

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 travellers and Travel Director for dinner.

Meals: Dinner

Stay: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin

Day 2Discover Diverse DublinDublin

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 colourful 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.

  • Dublin City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin

Day 3Journey to WaterfordDublin · Kildare · Waterford

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.

  • Visit Ireland's National Stud Farm
  • Tour the House of Waterford Crystal Workshop

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Fitzwilton Hotel, Waterford

Day 4Onwards to Blarney and KillarneyWaterford · Blarney · Killarney

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.

  • Visit Blarney Castle

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

Day 5A Day on the Ring of KerryKillarney · Ring of Kerry

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 methods. Your visit will help to preserve the heritage of rural Ireland and you’ll Connect With Locals, savouring delicious local flavours during your Be My Guest experience, visiting the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney.

  • Visit the Working Farms of Muckross and Learn how to Churn Butter, then Dine in The Quilles Farmhouse

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

Day 6Continue to Galway and BallinaKillarney · Adare · Galway · Ballina

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.

  • Adare Orientation
  • Stroll Through Galway

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Great National Hotel Ballina, Ballina

Thatched cottage in Adare, Ireland
Day 7Off to Donegal and on to Derry/LondonderryBallina · Donegal · Londonderry

Head north to Donegal with its 'Diamond' centre before joining a Local Specialist in Derry/Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century walls. See the neighbourhood of the Bogside, known for its murals that depict events of the 'Troubles' like the Battle of the Bogside, which sparked the conflict.

  • Donegal Visit
  • Londonderry City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: City Hotel Derry, Londonderry

Peace Bridge in Derry, Northern Ireland
Day 8Admire the Giant’s Causeway and on to BelfastLondonderry · Giant's Causeway · Belfast

Tread in the footsteps of Finn McCool along the otherworldly Giant's Causeway 'steps' that descend into the sea. Later, 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.

  • Visit Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
  • Discover the story of the Titanic at the visitor attraction in Belfast

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, Belfast

City Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Day 9Cross the Irish Sea to GlasgowBelfast · Glasgow

Join your Local Specialist in Belfast this morning for an included city tour of the Big Fish at Donegall Quay, the Titanic Quarter, the Samson and Goliath cranes and 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.

  • Belfast City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow

Bag Piper in Glasgow, Scotland
Day 10Discover Glasgow’s Rich LegacyGlasgow

Delve into Scotland’s intriguing cultural capital with an orientation 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 favourite honey-coloured drink with a chance to sample a wee dram. You'll then have some free time to explore the city.

  • Jackton Distillery

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow

Park District in Glasgow, Scotland
Day 11Continue Over the Sea to SkyeGlasgow · Glencoe · Fort William · Isle of Skye

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. View Eilean Donan Castle before crossing to the Isle of Skye for an interactive experience at Broadford Distillery, where local makers bring Skye’s Gaelic heritage to life through a tasting of small-batch island spirits during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

  • See Glencoe
  • Fort William Visit
  • See Eilean Donan Castle
  • Discover Skye’s Spirits at Broadford Distillery

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: The Dunollie Hotel Broadford, Skye

Old Man Of Storr in Isle Of Skye, Scotland
Day 12Venture to Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish HighlandsIsle of Skye · Culloden · Scottish Highlands

Leave the rugged beauty of Skye behind and venture to the site where three lochs meet. Travel 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.

  • Highlands Culloden Battlefields

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: The Highlander Hotel Newtonmore, Newtonmore

Highland Cattle in Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Day 13Journey to Enchanting EdinburghScottish Highlands · St. Andrews · Edinburgh

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.

  • Scenic Drive Through the Scottish Highlands
  • Visit the University Town of St. Andrews

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh

18th Tee of St. Andrews, Scotland
Day 14Uncover Edinburgh’s TreasuresEdinburgh

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 travellers for dinner to reminisce over shared experiences.

  • Edinburgh City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 15Farewell EdinburghEdinburgh

For now it’s time to say a fond farewell to Scotland and your newfound friends, after your unforgettable Celtic sojourn.

Meals: Breakfast

West Bow Street in Edinburgh, Scotland

Hotels

Dublin, Ireland

2 nights

Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge

Hotel

Dublin, Ireland

Maldron Croke Park

Hotel

Hotel and room features

Room Wi-Fi

Waterford, Ireland

1 night

Fitzwilton Hotel

Hotel

Killarney, Ireland

2 nights

Hotel Killarney

Hotel

Ballina, Ireland

1 night

Great National Hotel Ballina

Hotel

Londonderry, Northern Ireland

1 night

City Hotel Derry

Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland

1 night

AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Stormont Hotel Belfast

Hotel

Glasgow, Scotland

2 nights

Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre

Hotel

Glasgow, Scotland

Maldron Hotel Glasgow

Hotel

Skye, Scotland

1 night

The Dunollie Hotel Broadford

Hotel

Newtonmore, Scotland

1 night

The Highlander Hotel Newtonmore

Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland

2 nights

Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland

Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh

Hotel

What’s included

Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Optional experiences
  • Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough

    3 hours · Local Guide, Stop for the perfect photo opportunity, Scenic drive

    Paid on tour

  • Dublin Dinner and Cabaret

    150 minutes · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Explore Waterford's History and Local Pub

    90 minutes · Local Guide, Drink at a local pub

    Paid on tour

  • Irish Folk Fun

    150 minutes · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Visit Muckross House and its Gardens

    Paid on tour

  • Gaelic Roots

    2 hours · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Celtic Steps

    150 minutes · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Jaunting Car Ride

    1 hour · Jaunt with a local jarvey

    Paid on tour

  • Dinner at Derry's Walled City Brewery

    Food and Drink

    Paid on tour

  • Dinner and Drinks in Londonderry

    Paid on tour

  • Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips

    3 hours · Walking tour, Food and Drink

    Paid on tour

  • Glasgow City Evening

    3 hours · Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • A Stirling Evening

    4 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment, Gratuities for local staff

    Paid on tour

  • Loch Lomond Boat Trip

    1 hour · Local Guide, Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Isle of Skye Drive

    Paid on tour

  • Highland Farm Experience

    1 hour · Local Guide, A sheep herding demonstration, A chance to feed the lambs

    Paid on tour

  • Blair Castle Visit

    90 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen

    4 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Scottish Feast and Fling

    3 hours · Dinner, Stop for the perfect photo opportunity, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Rosslyn Chapel

    150 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$5,375

Choose a departure