Tour Scotland And Ireland Highlights (2023) | Visit United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland

Accommodation

12 nights in premium accommodation Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre Two Nights, Inverness, River Ness Hotel Fort William area, Cruachan Hotel or similar Maldron Hotel Glasgow City Two Nights, Belfast Europa Hotel Cork, Maldron Hotel South Mall Two Nights, Killarney, Castlerosse Park Resort Galway, Nox Hotel Dublin, Belvedere Hotel

Others

Travel on Scotland’s iconic Kyle Line, the Jacobite Steam Train and the West Highland Line Sample a dram at a whisky distillery and visit the Glenfinnan monument Spend time at Giant’s Causeway, classified as an Area of Outstanding Beauty, on Northern Ireland’s spectacular coast Be treated to a Celtic Steps Show of Irish music and dance

Transport

Train, Coach, Ferry

Meals

21 meals – 12 breakfasts and 9 dinners Celebrate with a Farewell Dinner at the famous Merry Ploughboys, a Dublin institution

Guide

Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and expert local guides

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh

Your journey begins today with your arrival in Scotland’s history-filled capital, Edinburgh. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel where you will meet your Tour Escort and fellow travellers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 Day 2: Edinburgh, Inverness
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Edinburgh, Inverness

This morning, board your train bound for Inverness. Upon arrival, a coach will be waiting to take you to the Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. You will learn about how whisky is made, and the different methods of keeping the liquor in specific wood barrels. Maybe even ask about the ‘angel’s share’ if you’re curious! Afterwards, return to Inverness and check in to your hotel.
Day 3 Day 3: Inverness, Kyle Line, Eilean Donan Castle
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Inverness, Kyle Line, Eilean Donan Castle

During today’s journey along the Kyle Line, pass the picturesque, white-washed houses in the village of Plockton. Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the end of the line, located across a short stretch of water from the Isle of Skye. Enjoy a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a tiny island in Loch Duich, joined to the mainland by a small bridge. The island was part of Clan Macrae’s territory and in the 13th century they built Eilean Donan Castle, which was initially designed to defend the clan’s land from invading Vikings, but which actually saw more battles between the warring Scottish clans. Continue by coach to Fort Augustus for an entertaining ’Clansman Show’. Learn about the culture of the Highlands of old, discovering how families lived, dressed and survived, before returning to your hotel.
Day 4 Day 4: Fort William, Jacobite Steam Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Fort William, Jacobite Steam Train

Travel to Mallaig, where you will enjoy some free time for lunch before boarding the Jacobite Steam Train. After today’s Insider Experiences, you’ll arrive in Fort William. A coach will transfer you to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5 Day 5: West Highland Line, Glasgow
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: West Highland Line, Glasgow

After breakfast, transfer to the station. An Insider Experience takes you to Glasgow. Then, take a short walk from the station to your hotel. Later, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at a local tea room.
Day 6 Day 6: Glasgow, Belfast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Glasgow, Belfast

After breakfast transfer to Cairnryan to board your ferry to Belfast. Upon arrival enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour before transferring to your hotel.
Day 7 Day 7: Ballycastle, Giant’S Causeway
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ballycastle, Giant’S Causeway

Today, set off on a full-day excursion. Visit the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a stunning natural tunnel of beech trees known as one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Continue to Ballycastle, a small town on the north-easternmost coastal tip, classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. After some free time for lunch, visit the incredible Giant’s Causeway, a spectacular formation of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, – the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Enjoy free time exploring here before returning to Belfast.
Day 8 Day 8: Belfast, Cork
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Belfast, Cork

This morning after breakfast, a coach will take you on an excursion to Hillsborough Castle. Later, transfer to Dublin station to board a train and travel through Ireland’s lush rolling countryside to the historic town of Cork.
Day 9 Day 9: Cork, Kinsale, Killarney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Cork, Kinsale, Killarney

Today we visit Blarney Castle – one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Legend has it that a kiss of the Blarney Stone will bless you with the gift of the gab, so give it a peck if you dare. Continue to Kinsale, where some leisure time allows you to explore the streets that wind down towards the harbour, admiring the colourful houses and quaint shops. Later continue to Killarney and check in to your hotel.
Day 10 Day 10: Ring Of Kerry
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Ring Of Kerry

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive around the beautiful Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. Also visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum. A special treat is in store this afternoon with a ’Jaunting Cars’ carriage ride, before you return to your hotel.
Day 11 Day 11: Cliffs Of Moher, Galway
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cliffs Of Moher, Galway

This morning, a coach will take you to Tarbet for a ferry crossing to Killimer in County Clare. Journey to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher where you can enjoy some time at leisure. Continue along the coastline of County Clare, crossing the karst scenery of the Burren. Enjoy an excursion to the Burren Visitor Centre where you will learn about the origins of this incredible landscape. Indulge in a delicious dinner this evening.
Day 12 Day 12: Galway, Dublin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Galway, Dublin

Enjoy a leisurely morning before being transferred to Galway Station to board your train bound for Dublin. Upon arrival be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon.
Day 13 Day 13: Depart Dublin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Depart Dublin

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

+10

13 days tour

Scotland And Ireland Highlights (2023)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Scotland And Ireland Highlights (2023)

Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh, Inverness

Day 3: Inverness, Kyle Line, Eilean Donan Castle

Day 4: Fort William, Jacobite Steam Train

Day 5: West Highland Line, Glasgow

Day 6: Glasgow, Belfast

Day 7: Ballycastle, Giant’S Causeway

Day 8: Belfast, Cork

Day 9: Cork, Kinsale, Killarney

Day 10: Ring Of Kerry

Day 11: Cliffs Of Moher, Galway

Day 12: Galway, Dublin

Day 13: Depart Dublin

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