Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
11 Days Starting in Dublin and ending in Edinburgh
Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Connemara National Park, Donegal, Londonderry, Belfast, Glasgow, Loch Ness, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHISZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 50
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush landscapes and historic cities of Ireland and Scotland on the "Highlights of Ireland and Scotland" tour. With a local specialist, explore the vibrant streets of Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast, and Edinburgh, and discover the charming towns of Galway and Glasgow. This tour offers a unique blend of cultural and natural wonders, including visits to the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Kylemore Abbey, the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, and the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Experience the rich history of these two countries, from the Titanic Experience in Belfast to a whisky distillery tour in Scotland. Enjoy luxury coach travel with Wi-Fi, cherry-picked hotels, and a host of meals and gratuities included. Special highlights include tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on select departures. Join us for an adventure that combines the best of Ireland and Scotland's heritage, scenery, and traditions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hello Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: The Samuel
Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
You’re in for a lyrical love affair with Ireland’s whimsical capital, your launch pad to an enchanting encounter with the 'Emerald Isle' and Scotland. On arrival, transfer to your hotel then spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s effervescence on your own. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Resist the urge to retire early and head to the Temple Bar to soak up the craic and a pint or two of the ‘Black Stuff’ in one of the many colourful pubs for which Dublin is justifiably famous.
Day 2: Journey To Harbourside Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Poetry and politics, music and literature – Dublin is famous for all this and more as you’ll come to discover when you join a Local Specialist to delve into the city’s iconic sights, tumultuous history and even a few hidden gems. Tread in the footsteps of Arthur Guinness, James Joyce and Bono as you pound the cobbled pavements in search of Dublin’s many stories. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbour city of Galway, known as the 'City of the Tribes'.
Day 3 : Admire Stunning Connemara
Location: Connemara National Park
Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Connemara’s 'savage beauty' takes centre stage today on your full-day excursion through the endless shades of green which once captured the heart of Oscar Wilde. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Later, we visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where you'll Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous crystal designs are made.
Day 4 : Onwards To Donegal
Location: Donegal
Accommodation: The Abbey Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Abbey Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the quintessential Irish village of Cong and see firsthand why its rugged beauty was chosen as the backdrop of John Wayne's award winning 'The Quiet Man'. Connect With Locals at Ireland’s largest sheep farm, Glen Keen Farm, for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience with your hosts, Catherine, Jim and their son James. You’ll watch in deep admiration as the energetic collies herd sheep and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam, gaining a deep appreciation for the family’s efforts to preserve Irish heritage and traditions. Then, continue to Donegal, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.
Day 5: Venture To Londonderry And Belfast Make Travel Matter
Location: Londonderry
Accommodation: AC by Marriott
Accommodation Name: AC by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day with a visit to Londonderry where a Local Specialist will take you on a stroll along the ancient walls that surround the Renaissance-style old city. Follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through rolling countryside and past rugged cliffs to the Giant’s Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit will help to conserve this iconic landmark. You’ll have some free time to tiptoe in the giant geometric steps of Finn McCool and enjoy lunch before continuing to Belfast, your home for the next two nights.
Day 6 : Discover Colourful Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: AC by Marriott
Accommodation Name: AC by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Northern Ireland’s trendy capital today, this morning your Local Specialist will join you for a sightseeing tour through the city with views of the Belfast City Hall, Castle and Botanic Gardens. Next visit the Titanic Belfast Experience, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic.At the Titantic Distillery enjoy a whiskey tasting and learn how Ireland's golden goodness is made. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a pint in Belfast’s oldest traditional pub or visit St. George’s Market for some shopping or consider joining a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi.
Day 7: Cross The Irish Sea To Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Maldron
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid Ireland farewell as you board your ferry to Scotland. Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past Ailsa Craig, then continue to Glasgow, where you’ll enjoy an orientation of a city that exudes edginess. Take to the streets on your own exploration and see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and the Clyde River before finding a cosy pub to warm your heart with a little local whisky and a night on the toon.
Day 8: Uncover Loch Ness And The Scottish Highlands
Location: Loch Ness
Accommodation: Highlander
Accommodation Name: The Highlander Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Sensational scenery follows your journey through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Newtonmore. Loch Lomond sets the tone with views over the water to craggy Ben Lomond. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a 'Glen of Weeping'. Then, on to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ before arriving in Loch Ness, where you’ll keep a keen eye out for the beloved monster that lurks beneath its surface. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 9 : Continue To Elegant Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Novotel Edinburgh Park
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to the home of golfing gods, St. Andrews. You’ll view its famous 18th hole before continuing to Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Day 10: Explore Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Novotel Edinburgh Park
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Surrender to the charms of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades. See the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or get stuck into some last-minute souvenir shopping before joining your travel companions for a rousing Farewell Dinner to toast your memorable journey together.
Day 11: Journey Home
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Imbued with Gaelic spirit, your holiday has come to an end. Bid your new friends a fond farewell as you prepare for your return journey home.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
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Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, providing you the flexibility to explore local dining options.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Costs for optional experiences available during free time are not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is included?
The tour includes cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
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What are the exclusions?
Exclusions include international flights to and from the start and end points of the tour, travel insurance, some meals to provide flexibility to explore local dining options, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service, and costs for optional experiences available during free time.
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What countries will the tour visit?
The tour will visit Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include exploring Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast, and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist, discovering Galway and Glasgow, visiting Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Kylemore Abbey, Westport, Donegal, Giant's Causeway, Titanic Experience in Belfast, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, a whisky distillery, and Edinburgh Castle, viewing the 18th hole at St. Andrews, seeing Ailsa Craig, and tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Pick-up times at Dublin Airport are 08:30, 11:00, 13:00. Drop-off times at Edinburgh Airport are 07:00, 09:00.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The starting location of the tour is Dublin.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The ending location of the tour is Edinburgh.
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What type of transportation will be used?
The tour will use a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), and a ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions