Perfect for those who’ve been longing for greener pastures, this eight-night adventure is dedicated to giving you a taste of all that Ireland and Scotland have to offer. If you can’t decide on either one, why not visit both?
Beginning in Dublin’s fair city, you’ll be ending your trip in Edinburgh. Along the way we’ve devised a route that gives you the most authentic Gaelic experience possible, leaving room for you to explore and investigate castles, countryside and various attractions.
You’ll also be visiting the three biggest cities in the area – Dublin, Belfast and Edinburgh, cities that are the perfect blend of past and present. All three have rich historical roots and today they remain thriving, vibrant and metropolitan.
If you’ve always wanted to learn more about Ireland and Scotland then this tour is right up your alley. Pack your bags and prepare to leave your heart somewhere in the Irish Sea!
Your Irish adventure begins at 2:00PM. You’ll meet your tour director at your hotel in Dublin located about 8 miles south of the City Center before taking the drive to Dalkey Village, which is now an upscale suburb. While there you’ll undertake a gentle, guided walk through the village to explore some of the countless interesting shops, bars and restaurants. You can visit Dalkey Castle, an impressive piece of Irish history with a lot of stories to tell. Marvel at local literary connections in the newly re-furbished Writers’ Gallery in the castle. In the evening meet your tour director over a welcome drink to discuss your trip and enjoy dinner in your hotel.
Spend your morning undertaking an introductory tour of Dublin, taking in rows of stately Georgian houses lining elegant squares. Observe Trinity College, home of the book of Kells, as well as Leinster House where the Government convenes. You’ll also tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which dates from 1220-1259, and learn about prominent people in Ireland’s history including Dean Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels. The afternoon is free so that you may use your vouchers for an independent open-top bus tour around the city and a visit to one attraction. Afterwards, you’ll drive to Taylor’s Three Rock Pub for a dinner of Irish specialties. After all is said and done, you can sit back with an Irish coffee to watch a lively trad show with music, songs and step-dancing
On day three, you say goodbye to Dublin before travelling north to Derry for a guided walking tour of Northern Ireland’s most historically rich city. Learn about 20th century Irish history as you take in the Bogside, and take a stroll along the medieval city walls completely encasing Derry City Center. Continue on then to the Giant’s Causeway! The Giant’s Causeway is a formation of multiple hexagonal basalt columns, created by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. The enormous rocks have spawned legends about the mythical giant, Finn McCool, so enjoy a walk to see the stunning, unique rock formations and sea views. Check in to your hotel in Ballycastle and relax before dining in the hotel.
The first stop on your fourth day in Ireland is the Causeway Coast Discovery Center. Here, you’ll receive a taste of Irish hospitality by way of tea and home-made scones, before watching a turf-cutting demonstration. Then, take a drive along the Nine Glens of Antrim – a scenic region with fantastic views of mountains, valleys and coastline. The Nine Glens is also used to film scenes for Game of Thrones. Afterwards, continue on to Belfast. Here, a panoramic tour will show you Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the background, building and short life of this ill-fated famous liner. At the end of the day, you can spend some free time having a look around on your own before dining in your hotel.
On day 5, say farewell to the Emerald Isle and take a short ferry trip to Scotland, before driving along the west coast and entering Glasgow. After a quick break, you can take a guided tour of Pollok House, a grand old country house which gives great insight into life in the 1930s. The many lavish rooms are stacked with priceless antique furniture and a vast collection of Spanish artwork, as well as preserved servant’s quarters. You’ll then continue your journey northward into the fabulous scenery of the Scottish Highlands before arriving at your hotel in Pitlochry. The hotel originally opened in 1884 and still boasts many of its original features, including opulent guest rooms and massive grounds to explore.
On this day, you’ll take a guided tour of Blair Athol Distillery which is conveniently located very close to your hotel. Here you can observe how whiskey is distilled and sample some of Scotland’s finest before you continue southwards. Next stop is St. Andrews, a town located on the east coast. St. Andrews is known internationally as the “home of golfing”, and the town’s University is where Princess Catherine and Prince William studied and subsequently began dating. Here, you can take a short walking tour and explore the town at your own pace. Afterwards, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Edinburgh before heading out to a Scottish Evening. Here you’ll sample some Scottish cuisine and take in a lively show of bagpipes, kilts and Highland dancing. (From July 31st to August 31st, visitors can enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle esplanade.)
Start the seventh day of your vacation on a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, Scotland’s most famous city. You can view the awe-inspiring streets and elegant mansions of New Town, which is 200 years old and was built to eliminate cramped conditions in the city. You can walk along some of the Royal Mile, which is home to many medieval houses all clustered together. Then, you’ll tour the Edinburgh Castle, where you can learn more about the castle’s history and take in a stunning view of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle is home to the priceless crown jewels of Scotland. The rest of the day can be used to explore at your own pace.
You’ll spend the day partaking in an independent, hop-on hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh city, before enjoying a walking tour dedicated to city’s rich history. There’ll be a variation of tours and routes so you can choose which ones you’d like to do the most.
