Express Scotland & Ireland

Make your way into Edinburgh city centre where your hotel will be located. Many travellers opt 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. For those arriving 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.

Start your road trip driving into the Highlands. On the way you’ll have many possible stops, such as the picturesque village of Dunkeld and the 13^th-century Blair Castle. Later, driving through the Cairngorms National Park you could also stop at the Highland Folk Museum. Arriving near Inverness, you can drive to 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 can visit 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
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Spend some time exploring Inverness, “The Capital of the Highlands”, and its surroundings. You could explore the Black Isle Peninsula, where dolphins can sometimes be spotted at low tide in the Moray Firth. Drive south along the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness. Take some time to visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, the loch-side Urquhart Castle ruins or to try to spot the notorious monster, Nessie. You could also opt to take a detour to visit the picturesque Glen Affric. Continue to Fort William, passing by Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 155 km / 95 miles 
Estimated driving duration: 2 hours (without stops)

Today, drive across the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond area all the way to Glasgow. This journey takes you past the magnificent Glen Coe, Scotland’s most famous and scenic valley. For a fun photo opportunity, don't miss Doune Castle, featured in Monty Python & the Holy Grail and Outlander TV series. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow.

Spend the night in Glasgow.

Driving distance: 209 km / 130 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Today, board a 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.

Today, start your road trip towards the west coast, passing through the beautiful midlands. Your first stop is Trim Castle where you can learn about Irish history at the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. You could also make a pit stop at Kilbeggan Distillery to see how the local whiskey is made. Later, we recommend roaming around the atmospheric ruins of Clonmacnoise. Finally, arrive in Galway, a lively city by the Atlantic Ocean. The colourful city is the perfect place to taste some Irish delicacies with its famous food scene and numerous pubs.

Spend the night in Galway.                                      

Driving distance: 229 km / 142 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Start the day by visiting Dunguaire Castle. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking Galway Bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Further ahead, explore the unique, lunar-like landscape of The Burren before arriving at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction. It showcases some of the country’s most iconic coastal scenery. If time allows, you can then visit the 15^th-century Bunratty Castle. Here you’ll also find the Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience what Irish rural life used to be like a century ago.

Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

Driving distance: 277 km / 172 miles
Estimated driving duration: 4.5 hours (without stops)

Take in the magic of the Ring of Kerry, a classic “must do” scenic drive of the Irish countryside. Stop at Kells Bay House, to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. Other highlights include the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue, and Derrynane Bay with its beautiful white sand. Complete the circle with a visit to the picturesque Torc Waterfall. Today, you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.

Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

Driving distance: 160 km / 99 miles
Estimated driving duration: 3.5 hours (without stops)

Today’s journey will take you back to Dublin. We recommend stopping at a few worthwhile sights along the way. Don’t miss Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Later, explore the spectacular Rock of Cashel, a historic site containing a fantastic 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
Estimated driving duration: 4.5 hours (without stops)

To get to Dublin Airport, you can take a taxi, or we can arrange a convenient private transfer directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of the many attractions or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city one last time.