Scottish and Irish Dream - 14 day tour
Scottish and Irish Dream
14 day / 13 night
Could there be a better vacation combination than Scotland and Ireland? On this extensive tour, you’ll visit the four great cities of Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow - each has its own distinctive personality, as you will discover. Experience touring highlights such as the beautiful Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Over in the Emerald Isle, explore the scenic Ring of Kerry and the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. There is so much to see and do on this relaxed but thorough tour.
Isle of Skye - sail “over the sea to Skye” to explore the Clan Donald Centre and tour through the scenic Sleat Peninsula
St Andrews - see the famed Old Course, the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and enjoy free time for shopping or independent sightseeing
Edinburgh - enjoy a city tour and visit Edinburgh Castle
Dublin - explore the streets, broad and narrow, in the company of a local expert and visit Trinity College
Ring of Kerry - tour this winding route with incredible mountain and coastal views
Movie locations - Local Hero, Excalibur and The Princess Bride
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Glasgow Arrival & City Tour
Your Scottish trip starts at 2:30 pm when you meet your tour director at your Glasgow hotel and set out on an introductory tour of central Glasgow.
See the main attractions of Glasgow, including beautiful parks, ornate Victorian architecture and grand squares.
Later, head to the bustling west-end to view eclectic art collections in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Chat with your tour director and fellow travellers over a welcome drink before dining independently in one of Glasgow’s fine restaurants.
Overnight: Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 - Glasgow - Inveraray Castle - Ballachulish
Travel into the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park to embark on a short cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate views of Highland peaks.
Drive to Inveraray and browse around the town before visiting Inveraray Castle, home of the Duke of Argyll and used as a location for the Downton Abbey television series.
Travel across Rannoch Moor to reach Glen Coe, a spectacular valley renowned for the infamous massacre of the resident MacDonald Clan by troops of the Clan Campbell in 1692.
It’s a short drive along the coast to your hotel in Ballachulish.
Overnight: Ballachulish Hotel, Ballachulish (or similar)
Day 3 - Ballachulish - Isle of Skye - Nairn
Travel on the scenic "Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument.
Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, then explore Armadale Castle, Museum and Gardens, before touring through the picturesque Sleat Peninsula.
After returning to the mainland by bridge, visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle.
Continue to your hotel in Nairn, a manor house property set in spacious grounds near the North Sea.
Overnight: Muthu Newton Hotel, Nairn (or similar)
Day 4 - Nairn - Culloden Battlefield - Pitlochry
This morning make the short drive to visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre.
Learn about the battle which took place on 16th April 1746 when British Government forces defeated the Jacobite army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. The Visitor Centre shows the background to this historic event.
Later walk around the battlefield site to see the monuments commemorating the Highlanders who fought in the battle.
Continue through the majestic Cairngorms National Park to Leault Farm where you’ll experience a fascinating demonstration of teamwork by a shepherd and their sheepdogs.
Drive through the impressive scenery of the Grampian Mountains to your gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry.
Overnight: Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 5 - Blair Castle & Whisky Distillery Excursion
A short drive will bring you to Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl.
Dating back to 1269, the castle has been transformed through the ages, from a strong medieval fortress to a Victorian castle in the baronial style.
You will learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Queen Victoria and the Atholl Highlanders.
Later visit Blair Athol Distillery to learn about whisky making and sample a "wee dram”.
Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the hotel gardens, museum and facilities or browse around the town of Pitlochry.
Day 6 - Pitlochry - Glamis Castle - Edinburgh
Visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Macbeth and the childhood home of the late Queen Mother.
Drive across the modern Tay Bridge to St Andrews, the "Home of Golf.". See the famous Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the Old Course and enjoy free time to look around speciality golf stores.
If you prefer, browse through the medieval town to see the ruined St Andrews Cathedral and castle.
Drive south into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital and enjoy a Scottish Evening with dinner and entertainment.
Tour departures between 28 July and 18 August 2024 will enjoy a free night to dine independently.
Overnight: Norton House Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 7 - Edinburgh City Tour & Edinburgh Castle
This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour.
Tour the wide streets, impressive squares and elegant architecture of the Georgian 200-year-old "New Town”.
Later drive along the medieval Royal Mile to see cobbled streets, towering townhouses and quaint alleyways.
Visit the impressive Edinburgh Castle and admire the Scottish Crown Jewels, and admire the glorious views. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Tours departing between 28 July to 18 August 2024 have tickets for a performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.
Day 8 - Edinburgh - Titanic Belfast - Dublin
Depart Edinburgh early this morning and drive south through Ayrshire and along the coast.
At Cairnryan, board a ferry for the crossing to Belfast.
Close to the Belfast ferry terminal, in the heart of the docks, visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this famous liner through state-of-the-art displays.
Drive south to Dublin and check in to your centrally-located hotel. You are free to dine independently.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 9 - Dublin City Tour and Dublin Castle
Enjoy the morning at leisure or use your included open-top bus tour voucher.
At 2:00 pm, meet your Irish driver/guide and tour group to start the next part of your Celtic adventure.
A local guide will join the group to guide you through Dublin’s streets, broad and narrow, to see Trinity College, public buildings, tranquil parks and rows of Georgian houses.
Take a guided tour through historic Dublin Castle, the seat of government for centuries.
Dine at the Merry Ploughboy Pub and enjoy a great show.
Day 10 - Dublin - Blarney Castle - Killarney
Depart Dublin and stop for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel, rising majestically over the surrounding countryside.
Near Cork, visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence" and shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills.
Drive to Killarney, scenically set beside picturesque lakes and with the mountains of MacgillyCuddy's Reeks as a backdrop.
Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. Afterwards you may like to head to a "singing pub".
Overnight: Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 11 - Ring of Kerry Excursion
Today embark on the Ring of Kerry drive – a winding route with awesome mountain and coastline views.
Watch a local farmer and his dogs herding flocks of sheep.
Cross to Valentia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience, which describes nearby islands.
Enjoy an informal lunch and pause at Moll’s Gap for stunning views before returning to Killarney.
Tonight enjoy dinner on your own.
Day 12 - Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Bunratty
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary and view the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone that reaches 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.
Check in to Bunratty Castle Hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.
Head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable medieval-style feast with a programme of song and harp music, evocative of the Middle Ages.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Limerick, Limerick (or similar)
Day 13 - Bunratty - Galway - Dublin
Tour northwards to visit Galway and take a panoramic tour around the city, then enjoy free time to explore on your own.
Travel across Ireland to reach Dublin.
Tonight you are free for independent activities and dining. Perhaps explore the lively Temple Bar area to enjoy the ‘craic’.
Overnight: Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin (or similar)
Day 14 - Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Premium Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of travelling in comfort and style then a Premium Escorted Tour is for you.
You’ll travel in a group that is restricted to around 40 fellow travellers.
Travel is aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, on-board WiFi, reclining seats and oversized windows. For your comfort there is an emergency washroom on-board too.
An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver.
In certain cities you’ll be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.
These tours are fully inclusive of first class/superior class accommodation, transportation, admission fees and most meals.
Savvy travellers appreciate that these tours have no hidden extras – all the ingredients needed for a great tour are included in the tour price. There are no optional extras for you to budget for during your holiday.
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect:
Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed
Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds
Double room - two people sharing one large bed
Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person)
Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
What meals are included?
One of the great things about travelling on an Escorted/ Premium Escorted Tour is the generous number of meals included as standard.
Start the day with a freshly cooked breakfast or, if you prefer, there’s always a lighter continental option available too. You’ll find a number of evening dinners included which will give you the opportunity of sampling some local delicacies.
Check the “What’s Included' list on the relevant tour page for the exact number of meals that are featured on your tour.
Can you arrange pre or post tour accommodation?
If you are flying internationally to reach United Kingdom then it is worth considering arriving a day early to relax and let the jet-leg subside.
Please email us for a quotation at info@scottishtours.co.uk.
Can I reserve specific seats on the coach?
Seats cannot be pre-booked however your tour director will implement a seat rotation system which will allow all passengers the opportunity of experiencing spectacular views from different seats on the motorcoach.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 13 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Glasgow (1); Ballachulish (1); Nairn (1); Pitlochry (2): Edinburgh (2); Dublin (2); Killarney (2); Bunratty (1) and Dublin (1)
Meals
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (13)
- Welcome drink with your Tour Director
- Table d’hôte dinners (5)
- Scottish Evening in Edinburgh (not Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo departures)
- Pub dinner with entertainment in Dublin
- Medieval style banquet at Bunratty Castle
- Lunch (1)
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Inveraray Castle, Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, Blair Castle, Glamis Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Titanic Belfast, Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Skellig Experience and Cliffs of Moher
- Sheepdog demonstrations in Scotland and Ireland
- Tour and tasting at Blair Athol Whisky Distillery
- Cruise on Loch Lomond
- City tours of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin
- Dublin open-top bus tour with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or General Post Office
- Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 28 July to 18 August 2024 departures
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with extra-legroom, reclining seats, on board washroom and Wifi
- Ferry to the Isle of Skye
- Ferry crossing of the River Shannon
- Ferry between Scotland and Ireland
- All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
- Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
- Service charges and taxes
Departure information
Please check your tour documentation for the commencement time of the tour
From the Sandman Signature Hotel
27 Washington Street
Glasgow G3 8AZ
The tour will end after breakfast in Dublin on day 14
Check-in: 14:00 hrs
Tour Departs: 14:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 09:00 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 8 to 18 years inclusive on the basis that they share a room with an adult.
We’re sorry but children aged under 8 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Selected departures include a visit to this famous celebration of music, dancing and culture performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
CIE 00769
