Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

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11 Days From

$4050

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

11 Days Starting in Dublin, Ireland and ending in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Visiting: Dublin, Galway, Connemara, Donegal, Londonderry, Belfast, Glasgow, Glencoe, Fort William, Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

BHISZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $4050

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland and Scotland with the "Highlights of Ireland and Scotland" tour. Begin your adventure in Dublin, exploring its vibrant culture before heading to the charming city of Galway. Discover the rugged beauty of Connemara and the historic village of Cong, where you'll enjoy a traditional Irish tea. Experience the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway and the Titanic Belfast Experience in Northern Ireland. Cross the Irish Sea to Scotland, where you'll explore the vibrant city of Glasgow, the mystical Loch Ness, and the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Conclude your journey in the elegant city of Edinburgh, with a visit to its iconic castle. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, stay in cherry-picked hotels, and enjoy a mix of guided tours and free time to explore at your own pace. This tour promises a rich cultural experience, complete with local insights and unforgettable memories.

Highlights

  • Explore Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast, and Edinburgh.

  • Discover Galway, Glasgow, and Cong.

  • Visit a whisky distillery in Belfast and the Titanic Experience in Belfast.

  • Marvel at the Giant's Causeway and Kylemore Abbey.

  • Experience the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and Loch Ness.

  • Enjoy a traditional tea at Glen Keen Farm in Cong.

  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on select dates.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Hello Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center.

Accommodation Name: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center

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 sees you visiting EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, for some drinks and canapes. Resist the urge to retire early and head to the Temple Bar to soak up the craic  in one of the many colorful pubs for which Dublin is justifiably famous.

Day 2: Journey To Harborside Galway

Location: Dublin, Galway

Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road

Accommodation Name: Maldron Sandy Road

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. Follow the footsteps of Arthur Guinness, James Joyce and Bono over the cobbled pavements in search of Dublin's many stories. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbor city of Galway, known as the 'City of Tribes'.

Day 3: Admire Stunning Connemara Dive Into Culture

Location: Connemara

Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road

Accommodation Name: Maldron Sandy Road

Meals Included: Breakfast

Connemara’s 'savage beauty' takes center 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 Connect With Locals

Location: Donegal

Accommodation: Central, 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'. Meet the 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 Derry/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. 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 Colorful Belfast Dive Into Culture

Location: Belfast

Accommodation: AC by Marriott

Accommodation Name: AC by Marriott

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Northern Ireland’s trendy capital. 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. Then, 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

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 cozy 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: Glasgow, Glencoe, Fort William, Scottish Highlands

Accommodation: Highlander

Accommodation Name: Highlander

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 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

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.

  • Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland

    Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland is included.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    Optional experiences and free time are included.

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What's Not Included

Insurance is not included in the tour package.

Dining Summary

  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

Dive Into Culture

  • Connemara: Visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory and witness master craftsmen bring these intricate crystal designs to life.
  • Belfast: Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.
  • Belfast: Warm your heart with a little Irish whiskey at a the Titanic Distillery.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, a traditional tea experience at Glen Keen Farm in Cong, and a whiskey tasting at the Titanic Distillery in Belfast. Additionally, there is a visit to the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory to see how crystal designs are made.

  • Are there any special events included in the tour?

    Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, such as the Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center and the Novotel Edinburgh Park.

  • What meals are provided during the tour?

    The tour provides breakfast daily, one lunch, and up to half of your evening meals.

  • What cultural sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour visits several cultural sites including Kylemore Abbey, the Giant's Causeway, the Titanic Belfast Experience, and Edinburgh Castle.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.