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Best of Scotland and Ireland

14 days6 cities
United KingdomIreland2 countries
Tour rating: 4.89 / 5, Based on 147 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
 $4,691 
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
2
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

Following breakfast you get to explore the capital of Scotland - Edinburgh!

Together with the guide you start a 4-hour tour of the Old Town and explore this culturally and historically important part of the city. Today you walk along the famous Royal Mile which connects two royal residences - the Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House.

Before you visit the Edinburgh Castle you hear a comprehensive history insight from your guide and visit the castle independently*. Here you may see the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th-century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun inside the castle.

Your guided walking tour ends before you visit the castle and after exploring the castle you may spend time in the city on your own or return to the hotel.

  • Note: entrance tickets to the castle are included.

Breakfast is 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.

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
3
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
3
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.

4
day
Exploration of the Isle of Skye

After breakfast at your hotel, you get to enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature in its glory, embarking on a full-day small-group tour to the famous Isle of Skye.

Early in the morning, you join a small group tour and leave the city of Inverness with the guide-driver, passing the legendary Loch Ness, observing the dramatic Highland scenery and paying a visit to witness the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle.

The next destination on your agenda is the picturesque Kyle of Lochalsh, a village on the mainland which serves as the gateway to the scenic Isle of Skye, a place of inspiration for many movie makers, poets, and travelers. Upon arrival on the Isle, you travel around the island’s east coast through the gorgeous Cuillin Mountains, experiencing truly breathtaking panoramas.

Then, you arrive at the lovely town of Portree, overlooking a sheltered bay and serving as the capital city of the island. While in Portree, you have some free time to explore the town and grab a snack.

Afterwards, you proceed to the northernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye, Trotternish, to observe some unusual natural formations like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing, and take some memorable photos of this extraterrestrial place.

Following the tour, you are transferred back to Inverness. The route you take back differs from the one in the morning so you have even more opportunities to admire the Highland scenery.

  • Note: the duration of the trip is up to 12 hours. Entrance tickets are not included.

Breakfast is included.

5
day
Loch Ness Cruise & Journey to Fort William

Following breakfast in your hotel, you check out and depart from Inverness together with the driver-guide.

In about 30 minutes after your departure from Inverness, you have a 1-hour cruise on the lake and continue to its southern part to Fort Augustus. Drive along Caledonian Canal and finally arrive at the hotel of Fort Willam.

After check-in at the hotel, the rest of the day is at your own leisure.

  • Note: a cruise on the lake is available from April 16 till October 15.

Breakfast is 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. 

Fort William, United Kingdom Gallery
1
day
United Kingdom

Home to the highest peak in the United Kingdom, the imposing Ben Nevis, Fort William is a town loved by professional climbers and tourists likewise.

Day by day
Hotel
Day-by-day program
6
day
Trip to Mallaig in Jacobite Steam Train

Following breakfast in your hotel, walk to the train station and set off on the memorable trip along the scenic West Highland Line on the Jacobite steam train.

This 84-mile round trip covers the most impressive must-sees, starting near the iconic mount Ben Nevis, passing Loch Morar, and River Morar, arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. Enjoy the dramatic views and see the most famous bridge in Scotland, Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter movies as well as beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar, and Mallaig along the route.

During a short stay in Mallaig, you have a 1-hour wildlife cruise safari. Travel out to Green Island on the Knoydart Peninsular and take a chance to witness wild seals relaxing on the rocks as well as a variety of birds, porpoises, dolphins, whales, and basking sharks frequently visiting the coastal waters.

Upon return, you take a train back to Fort William.

  • Note: a round trip on Jacobite Steam Train is subject of availability. An alternative 1-way transfer by car is offered when the round trip is not available.

Breakfast is 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.

The Garrison
train
Fort William
Edinburgh
5 hrs

Cross some of the most picturesque Scottish sceneries on your way to Edinburgh, while comfortably seated in a spacious train.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom
1
day
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
7
day
Arrival & Whiskey Experience

The driver will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel. After that, you have the rest of the day to yourself.

Scotch Whiskey Appreciation Society offers a guided tour and nosing and tasting of single malt and blended Scotch whiskey in the evening. With tasting notes provided, you can compare regions to find your ideal whisky.

Breakfast is 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.

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

The Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel is located in the heart of Grassmarket in Edinburgh city center, just minutes from The Royal Mile. The hotel has an award-winning restaurant and 4-star boutique bedrooms.

plane
Edinburgh
Dublin
1 hr 10 min

The plane is one of the easiest ways to reach any destination, thus make sure to catch a flight while traveling from Edinburgh to Dublin as well.

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 & Guided Evening Bar Crawl

After delicious breakfast you check-out from your hotel in Edinburgh and have a transfer to the airport for the flight to Dublin.

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

Optional: In the evening you meet your private guide for an evening bar crawl that is an amazing way to be introduced to the life of this beautiful city. Together you enjoy a walk along the evening streets of the old town followed by a visit to some local bars. Sharing tables with the locals as it was in the old times and tasting the most traditional drinks and snacks surely enrich your experience in Dublin!

Breakfast is included.

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 an evening at leisure.

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

Breakfast is 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.

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
2
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

Following breakfast you check out from the hotel in Dublin and have a transfer to the station.

  • Note: alternatively you may extend your stay in Dublin and have a day trip to Kells and Brú na Bóinne to explore the rich history of County Meath.

Upon arrival to Cork, 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 the 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 specialties to explore the local culture from a new angle.

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

Breakfast is included.

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.

Breakfast is 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.

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
Cliffs of Moher Tour & Arrival in Galway

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

Together with your private 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.

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.

Breakfast is included.

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.

Breakfast is included.

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!

Breakfast is 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.

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;
  • First 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;
  • 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