Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

Menu
Sunrise at the Old Man of Storr Isle of Skye

Classic Scotland & Ireland - Private

(14 days / 13 nights)

View Photos View Map

Let Private Guides Show You the Top Celtic Sights

Spend two weeks in Ireland and Scotland learning all about these Celtic nations and seeing the top sights around. You’ll have private driver-guides to make your journey seamless. They will accompany you around the respective countries and sharing their insider knowledge with you. All you have to do is sit back, relax and take in the view. From Edinburgh and Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and the Isle of Skye, you’ll enjoy a mix of city sights and stunning natural scenery.

14 days / 13 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 7988 GBP

— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience, from start to finish
  • Service from trusted local experts
  • Customisable & personal tour options
  • Great customer reviews
  • 24/7 helpline throughout tour

Read more

— Book With Confidence

  • Optional cancellation insurance
  • Affordable deposits from 10%

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Experience the vibrant Irish capital Dublin and Scotland‘s historic capital Edinburgh
  • See the striking natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands
  • Explore some of Scotland’s top sights on the famous and breathtaking Isle of Skye
  • Walk along the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness
  • Marvel at the sweeping views of Glen Coe, Scotland’s most famous valley
  • Journey around the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most iconic driving route
  • Admire the coastal scenery of the renowned Cliffs of Moher
  • Immerse yourself in traditional Irish culture and music in Galway
  • Discover ancient castles and medieval sites such as Eilean Donan Castle, Bunratty Castle and Blarney Castle
  • Learn about the sights from trusted, knowledgeable private guides

Travel style

Privately Guided i

Interest

Classic i, Culture and History i, Heritage i, Highlands i

Season

Apr - Oct

Departure

Daily

Interest

Classic i, Culture and History i, Heritage i, Highlands i

Driving distance

2003/1244 km/mi

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

  • Day 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

    Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you to your hotel in the city centre. If you arrive early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

    Spend the night in Edinburgh.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 2: INTO THE HIGHLANDS

    Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable vehicle to start your private tour. They will first take you to the “Capital of the Highlands, Inverness, journeying through the scenic Highlands. Along the way, you could see the picturesque village of Dunkeld, visit the 13th-century Blair Castle or pass by the Highland Folk Museum inside the Cairngorms National Park.

    Arriving near Inverness, you can visit the Battlefield of Culloden Moor, to see where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, marking "the beginning of the end for the Highlands." Nearby you could also roam around Clava Cairns, a series of tombs and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years.

    Spend the night in the Inverness area.

    Driving distance: 251 km / 156 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 3: LOCH NESS, CASTLES & ISLE OF SKYE

    The iconic Isle of Skye awaits! Your guide will drive you from Inverness to the famous western island via Loch Ness. If you want, you could take a boat tour onto the loch, or visit the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. Further along the drive, your guide will make a stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle. When you arrive on Skye, your first stop will be at the scenic village of Portree, where you can explore and admire its colourful buildings and dine at a local restaurant.

    Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

    Driving distance: 185 km / 115 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 4: THE ISLE OF SKYE

    A private driver is the best way to take full advantage of your day on Skye. You will head north to the striking Trotternish Peninsula. Here you’ll have the option to see highlights such as “The Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle, Kilt Rock Waterfall, the Quiraing landscape, and the mystical Fairy Glen. You can decide with your guide where you would like to spend the most time and if you would like to go for certain walks.

    Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

    Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 5: SLEAT PENINSULA & GLENFINNAN

    You will head to Skye’s southern Sleat Peninsula, characterised by beautiful beaches, lochs, and glens of the region. Depending on your interests, you may wish to stop for a walk at the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills. Or you could go sample the local whisky at the Talisker Distillery (pre-booking is essential).

    In the afternoon, you will catch the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig to return to the mainland. Your guide will drive you to your accommodation, passing by Glenfinnan along the way. Here you can marvel at the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct, the latter of which features in the Harry Potter film series.

    Spend the night in the Fort William area.

    Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig: 30 minutes
    Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 6: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS

    Today’s journey will be a scenic one, so don’t hesitate to let your guide know if you have specific interests. You’ll travel past Scotland’s most famous valley, Glen Coe, which offers world-famous scenery. This is a great location for a panoramic walk. Further, you could stop at the grave of Rob Roy at Balquidder or to admire the beautiful Falls of Dochart in the village of Killin.

    Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

    Driving distance via Glen Coe: 130 km / 80 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 7: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK TO GLASGOW

    Today’s drive will take you to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. You’ll travel through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where you could stop to take a nature walk, visit a distillery or, if time allows, enjoy a boat tour on Loch Katrine. For a fun photo opportunity, don’t miss Doune Castle, featured in many TV series and films. You could also stop by Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions.

    Your guide will drop you off in Glasgow. It’s time to say goodbye to them as you’ll have a different guide when you travel around Ireland.

    Spend the night in Glasgow. 

    Driving distance: 109 km / 68 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 8: TRAVEL TO DUBLIN, IRELAND

    Today a private car will pick you up to drive you to Glasgow Airport for your flight to Dublin, Ireland for the second portion of your tour. Upon your arrival in Dublin, start exploring this amazing city, with its eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs. You can take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells. Alternatively, you could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer.

    Spend the night in Dublin.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 9: TOWARDS THE IRISH WEST COAST

    Your private guide for the Ireland portion of your tour will pick you up to start your adventure around the Emerald Isle. You’ll first pass through the beautiful midlands. You can decide where to stop with your guide. You could learn about Irish history at Trim Castle or roam atmospheric ruins at Clonmacnoise. Or why not taste the local whiskey at Kilbeggan Distillery? (pre-booking is advised)

    Later, your guide will take you to your stop for the night, the lively Galway.  The colourful city is the perfect place to taste some Irish delicacies with its famous food scene and numerous pubs.

    Spend the night in the Galway area.                                

    Driving distance: 229 km / 142 miles
    Estimated driving duration: 2 hours (without stops)
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 10: DISCOVER RUGGED CONNEMARA

    Enjoy the sights of the striking Connemara region today. Its rugged landscape is famous for its mountains, white sand beaches, picturesque lakes and heathlands. You’ll first stop by Killary harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord with a length of 16 kilometres (9.9 miles). Further along, your guide will also make a stop at Kylemore Abbey. Here you can admire the spectacular Gothic architecture and take a stroll in the Victorian Walled Garden.

    For a more leisurely time, you could instead decide to take your own day trip to the Aran Islands (pre-booking necessary). These three windswept islands are one of the few places where the Gaelic language, culture and music still truly thrive.

    Spend another night in the Galway area.

    Driving distance around Connemara: 214 km / 133 miles
    Driving distance to Aran Islands: 76 km / 47 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 11: CLIFFS OF MOHER & LIMESTONE LANDSCAPES

    Start the day with a visit to Dunguaire Castle. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking Galway Bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Further ahead, your guide will take you to a beautiful spot to experience the surreal landscape of The Burren.

    Then you will arrive at the jewel of Ireland, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. This is the top tourist attraction in the country, showcasing some of the most iconic coastal scenery of the island. On a sunny day the views are expansive, but even a stormy day can be exhilarating with the powerful Atlantic below.

    If time allows, your guide might also stop by the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. Here you could visit the nearby Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience Irish rural life from the 1800s.

    Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

    Driving distance: 269 km / 167 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 12: RING OF KERRY

    The Ring of Kerry is a highlight in Ireland and today your private guide takes you around this must-do scenic drive. Your first stop will be at Kells Bay House, to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. You’ll also pass by the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue, and Derrynane Bay with its beautiful white sand.

    When you complete the circle, you’ll have a chance to see the picturesque Torc Waterfall. If you prefer, today you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close.

    Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

    Driving distance: 198 km / 123 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions See Activities for this day
  • Day 13: STEP INTO IRELAND’S FAMOUS HISTORY

    Today your guide takes you back to Dublin. First, you’ll stop by Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Then you might decide with your guide to go explore the spectacular Rock of Cashel, a historic site containing a collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Back in Dublin, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps with a fine Irish dinner to top off your amazing journey.

    Spend the night in Dublin.

    Driving distance: 343 km / 213 miles
    Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

    Attractions Attractions Attractions
  • Day 14: DEPARTURE

    On your day of departure, a private driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you directly to Dublin Airport. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with well-appointed guesthouses or country hotels.

View

Superior

Standard rooms in four-star hotels or boutique guesthouses in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

View

Price per person from

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 7988 GBP

Monthly price comparison

Our best price per person when booking for two.

2023
2024

Tour Information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information about what the tour includes, the itinerary, accommodation, and other useful information for your travel.

ABOUT OUR PRIVATE TOURS
This package is a private tour, which means you will have a dedicated, private local guide at your side throughout the trip. This tour also includes private airport transfers on arrival and departure, but it will not be the same driver.

During your time in the Scottish Highlands and in the Irish countryside, as it will be just you and your driver, it will be easy to tailor the itinerary to your unique needs and interests. Get in touch with us if you would like to customise this package further.

YOUR PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE
This tour package includes the private service of experienced Irish and Scottish tour guides. They will also act as your drivers around Scotland and Ireland. Please note that there will be a change of tour guide between Scotland and Ireland.

Both tour guides will be a valuable resource for questions about local customs, language, food and other practical travel information. Depending on availability and on the size of your travelling party, we can offer a range of vehicles, such as premium executive cars, 4-wheel drives and a 16-passenger Mercedes-Benz mini-bus.

ACCOMMODATION
Our team of travel experts carefully selects hotels and guesthouses around Scotland and Ireland based on personal experience and comfort. Please note that room sizes may vary and are based on European standard sizes, which means they may be smaller than in North America.

Please be aware that, due to the historic nature of the properties we often select, most of the rooms are only accessible by going up stairs. In some cases, no lifts are available. Please contact us if you are not able to walk up stairs.

FOOD & DRINK
A daily breakfast is included at your accommodation for the duration of your stay. Other meals and drinks are not included and will be at your own expense during the trip.

CURRENCY RATE
All bookings are charged in British Pounds (£, GBP). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. Therefore, conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

AFTER BOOKING WITH NORDIC VISITOR
After booking your package with Nordic Visitor, you will be contacted within 2 business days by one of our travel consultants. They will serve as your dedicated contact person for all your travel needs before, during and even after your holiday.

Your travel consultant will provide you with details about your booking and any remaining payment (if not paid in full). You will also receive more information about what to expect during your holiday.

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

Scotland
Partially Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Nov - Mar

Scottish Highlands Express Winter - Private

2211GBP

Eur

Scotland
Best seller
Partially Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

4083GBP

Eur

We are here to help

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help