Wonders of Ireland & Scotland

Upon your arrival in Dublin, make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. You may choose to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you.

Then immerse yourself in the eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs of the Irish capital. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district, grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells.

You could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or stroll along the characterful O’Connell Street filled with interesting shops and landmark buildings.

Spend the night at Hotel Indigo York Place or similar.

Today, your guide will pick you up to start your adventure around Ireland. The tour will start with a drive across the beautiful midlands and towards the west coast. Take in the rolling hills and lush countryside during the journey.

On the way to Galway, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about Irish history at Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. You will also visit a local whiskey distillery for a tour and tasting.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Galway, a lively city by the Atlantic Ocean, where we’ll enjoy dinner as a group.

Spend the night at Park House Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Entrance to Trim Castle
• Tour and tasting at local distillery
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 Hours

Today you have a choice of exploring Galway at your leisure or joining an optional excursion to the Aran Islands. These three windswept islands are one of the few places where the Gaelic language, culture and music still truly thrive. On the tour you’ll take a ferry to Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the islands. Here, you’ll hop on a guided bus tour so you can learn more about the history and culture of the local community. You’ll also have some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to the mainland.

Spend another night at Park House Hotel or similar. 

Included:
• Breakfast at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 hours

Today we’ll continue south along the Galway Bay. The first stop of the day will be Dunguaire Castle, where you’ll have the opportunity to take some scenic photos. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Then we’ll pass by Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic monuments.

Finally, we’ll reach the west coast to visit Ireland’s top attraction, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. This is a true showcase of the country’s iconic coastal scenery. Walk along the paths, try to spot some seabirds and take in the views of the fierce Atlantic Ocean.

Later, we’ll make a stop at the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. We’ll take some time to visit the castle and learn about its history before arriving in Killarney.

Spend the night at Randles Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Entrance to Cliffs of Moher visitor centre
• Entrance to Bunratty Castle
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 Hours

Today, we’ll take in the magic of the Ring of Kerry. This is one of Ireland’s most famous routes and a must-see when visiting its countryside. Along the way there’ll be plenty of stops for you to take photos and admire the striking landscape.

We’ll first take some time to wander around the grounds of Kells Bay House to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. Then, if the weather allows, we’ll stop by the charming Derrynane Bay with its striking white sands.  Later, we’ll complete the circular tour ending back inside the Killarney National Park, where we’ll visit the picturesque Torc Waterfall.

Spend another night at Randles Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Entrance to Kells Bay House
• Breakfast at your hotel

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 Hours

Today, we’ll drive south to explore Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold. It is well worth visiting because it is home to the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales.

We’ll then spend some time in Cork, Ireland’s second largest city, before driving north to stop for a photo opportunity at the Rock of Cashel. This historic site is a fantastic collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Later, we’ll arrive in Kilkenny. This is a beautiful medieval town nestled around a majestic 12th-century castle.

Spend the night at Butler House Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Entrance to Blarney Castle
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Average travel & exploration time: 8-9 Hours

This morning we make our way back to Dublin. Your first visit will be at the charming 12th-century Malahide Castle.

The next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange. Here you can see impressive megalithic passage tombs which are believed to be older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. This is one of Ireland’s most popular and fascinating attractions. You’ll also make a short stop to admire the high crosses of Monasterboice, the historic ruins of a Christian settlement. We’ll then cross into Northern Ireland (part of the UK) to reach the capital Belfast.

Spend the night at Europa Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Entrance to Malahide Castle
• Entrance to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Dinner at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

Today you say goodbye to the Emerald Isle as you journey to Scotland. You have the early morning to explore the centre of Belfast at your leisure. Then you join your guide and the group to board the ferry to Scotland. The crossing will take a bit less than 3 hours, so you’ll have time to relax on board and admire the views of the Irish Sea. In Cairnryan, we’ll be picked up by our new bus driver and taken to Glasgow. Here you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore Scotland’s largest city.  

Spend the night at Sandman Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Ferry crossing from Belfast to Cairnryan
• Breakfast at your hotel

Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

Today, your group will set off on your epic trip around Scotland. The tour will start with a stop by the beautiful city of Stirling, where you will visit the impressive Stirling Castle sitting atop the hill overlooking the town below. You’ll see the Wallace Monument in the distance.

Then we’ll adventure ourselves into the Highlands. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to go for a forest walk at the picturesque Hermitage, followed by a visit of the nearby town of Dunkeld. Your guide will continue through the Cairngorms National Park where you will stop at the Highland Folk Museum.

Later, we arrive in Inverness, where we’ll stay for the next 2 nights. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner at your accommodation with the group.

Spend the night at Drumossie Hotel or similar.

Included:
•Entrance to Stirling Castle
• Entrance to Highland Folk Museum
• Breakfast at your accommodation 
• Dinner at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

Today we’ll spend a whole day discovering the surrounding region of Inverness. It sits in a scenic location, at the mouth of the Moray Firth, and is at the heart of Highland history.  

The first stop of the day will be at the haunting Battlefield of Culloden Moor. This is the site where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, which also marked the end of the Highlander way of life. We’ll have some time to explore the visitor centre before getting back on the road. The next stop will be a visit to an even older site, the Bronze-age cemetery, Clava Cairns. This historic site includes passage graves, ring cairns and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years, making it older than Stonehenge.

In the afternoon, we’ll head north to explore the beautiful Black Isle Peninsula. One of the top spots here is Chanonry Point, where dolphins can sometimes be spotted at low tide.

Spend another night at Drumossie Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Entrance to Culloden Battlefield
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Dinner at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

Experience some of Scotland’s most famous attractions today. Your guide will take you to the mysterious Loch Ness, where you will hop aboard a boat tour. This is your chance to take photos of the dramatic surroundings and see if you can catch a glimpse of Nessie.

Next up we’ll drive through verdant countryside before making a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a sight you will surely recognise from films. Then we’ll finally reach the Isle of Skye area where dinner will be served at tonight’s accommodation.

Spend the night at Dromhall Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Loch Ness boat tour
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Dinner at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

We start the day early to explore the magic of Skye, a haven for nature lovers. You’ll first have some time to wander through the colourful streets of Portree before we head to the northern part of the island, the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. This is where so many of the island’s mythical and spectacular landscapes lie.

We’ll drive over the majestic hills, like the famous Quiraing, admiring the jaw-dropping natural sights along the way. You’ll see the iconic “Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle, a plummeting waterfall and maybe even some dinosaur footprints at a local beach.

Later, we’ll leave Skye behind and take the ferry back to the mainland. From here we’ll drive down to Fort William, passing by the scenic Glenfinnan. Here you can admire the Glenfinnan Viaduct high above. You may recognise it from the Harry Potter film series. At your hotel, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions.

Spend the night at the Dromhall Hotel or similar.

Included:
• Ferry crossing from Armadale to Mallaig
• Breakfast at your hotel
• Dinner at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time: 9 hours

This morning, travel through the impressive Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Your first stop of the day is in Luss, a charming medieval village on the banks of Loch Lomond. Then we’ll spend some time in the historic town of Doune where we’ll enjoy a tour and tasting at Deanston Whisky Distillery. The last stop on this tour will be the Kelpies, 2 impressive horse-head statues that will capture your attention.

Back in Edinburgh, your driver will drop you off at your accommodation and you’ll say goodbye to your guide. Tonight you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh’s many gourmet restaurants and spend the evening at your leisure exploring the Royal Mile or the New Town.

Spend the night at Voco Haymarket or similar.  

Included: 
• Tour and tasting at Deanston Distillery
• Breakfast at your accommodation 

Average travel & exploration time: 7 hours

On your final day in Scotland, make your way back to the airport for your departure flight. You can also arrange a private airport transfer or additional nights in Edinburgh while booking your tour. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for a visit to one of Edinburgh’s many attractions.

Included:
• Breakfast at your accommodation