Best of Ireland & Scotland (Classic, 14 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Dublin
Duration
14 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
5 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, breathtaking scenery, and historical insights. From the vibrant streets of Dublin to the serene beauty of the Scottish Highlands, each day promises new adventures and discoveries. Enjoy guided tours of iconic landmarks, indulge in traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of these captivating countries. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient castles, strolling through picturesque gardens, or cruising on legendary lochs, every moment is designed to create lasting memories. Join us for an extraordinary journey that celebrates the best of Ireland and Scotland, where every day is a new chapter in your travel story.

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Included

1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Dublin: A stunning combination of cobblestone walkways, emerald-green lawns and 18th-century architectural gems, Trinity College is one of Europe’s elite universities and counts poet Oscar Wilde among its alumni. See the enchanting college campus and discover insights into its impressive history. Enjoy access to view the famous Book of Kells, an exquisite manuscript of the four gospels of the Christian New Testament, renowned for the intricacy, detail and majesty of the illustrations.

Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.

Londonderry: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.

Giant's Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor centre, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savour a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history on the beautiful grounds during the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive.  The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.

Dublin: See Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.

Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.

Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.

Larne: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea to Cairnryan.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.

Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.

Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.

Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.

St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.

Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

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7 Dinner (D)

13 Breakfast (B)

Dublin: Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal.

Scottish Highlands: Sample a 'wee dram' and learn the fascinating process of whisky production at a local distillery.

Edinburgh: An unforgettable Celebration Dinner sees you dining at the stylish Galvin Brasserie de Luxe, located in the heart of Edinburgh's West End. Your grand finale Celebration Dinner is a mouthwatering meal of modern-Scottish cuisine with a Parisian twist, and is of course served with wine.

jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.

Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.

Sligo Bay: The area surrounding the town of Sligo was home to one of Ireland's most famous literary figures, the poet William Butler Yeats. On your journey into town, you’ll quickly see why Yeats was inspired by the scenic beauty of the area. Explore its rich medieval history as well as its shops on an orientation with your Travel Director.

Ballygally: Explore this seaside town with your Travel Director.

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Dublin: Located in the heart of the docklands, the Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane is walking distance from Dublin city centre shopping and iconic venues.

Killarney: In the heart of the town centre, the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa overlooks Killarney National Park and is the perfect location to enjoy the stunning scenery and the local 'craic.'

Killarney: The 4-Star Killarney Avenue Hotel echoes old-world charm and is located in the heart of downtown Killarney.

Glasgow: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow features award-winning architecture, boasting a stunning atrium and rooms with wall-to-ceiling windows.

Ballygally: Ballygally Castle is a stunning 17th century castle which overlooks the golden sands of the bay and offers excellent facilities.

Inverness: Originally the mansion of a prominent local family, today the Kingsmills Hotel is a luxury accommodation in the heart of the Highlands. Renovated with contemporary rooms, the hotel is well-known for it's impeccable hospitality.

Edinburgh: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is situated in Edinburgh’s beautiful old town, within walking distance of the Scottish Parliament building.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

 Cork, Ireland. Fishing boats inside the port of Cobh. A city with colorful houses in Ireland.Cork
Photo of beautiful landscape of Killarney, a city of Ireland.Killarney
Galway - city in IrelandGalway
Kildare
Aerial view of Dublin city center at sunset with River Liffey and Samuel Beckett bridge in the middle. Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.Dublin

Map

Attractions

Photo of amazing Cliffs of Moher at sunset in Ireland, County Clare.Cliffs of Moher
photo of view ofRoss Castle is a 15th-century tower house in County Kerry, Ireland.Ross Castle
Photo of the Book of Kells exhibition at the library of Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.The Book of Kells Experience
Photo of Guinness Storehouse, Popular Tourist Attraction in Dublin, Ireland.Guinness Storehouse
Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail
Irish National Stud & Gardens, Tully East, Kildare ED, The Municipal District of Kildare — Newbridge, County Kildare, Leinster, IrelandIrish National Stud & Gardens
Miners Village, Sevenchurches or Camaderry, Brockagh ED, The Municipal District of Wicklow, County Wicklow, Leinster, IrelandMiners Village
Ennis Friary, Clonroad Beg, Ennis No. 3 Urban ED, Ennis Municipal District, County Clare, Munster, IrelandEnnis Friary
Photo of fountain depicting Galway Hookers in Eyre Square with Browne doorway in background in Galway, Ireland.Eyre Square
Photo of beautiful Christ Church in the city center, Dublin.Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
photo of Blarney Castle, Co.Cork, Ireland, home of world famous Blarney Stone .Blarney Stone
photo of Front old City Gaol in County Cork. Republic of Ireland. Historic prison was built in 1824.Cork City Gaol
Glenevin Waterfall, Straid, Straid ED, Inishowen Municipal District, County Donegal, IrelandGlenevin Waterfall
Photo of the St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
photo of view of Cork Opera House, Cork, Irland.Cork Opera House
photo of Aerial view on Salmon Weir Bridge over river Corrib, Cloudy sky, Galway city, Ireland .Salmon Weir Bridge
Cronins Yard, Maoilios, Churchtown ED, Kenmare Municipal District, County Kerry, Munster, IrelandCronins Yard
Quiet Man Bridge
Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs, Feaghmaan West, Valencia, Kenmare Municipal District, County Kerry, Munster, IrelandGeokaun Mountain and Cliffs

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Dublin

  • Dublin - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Dublin. Settle into your hotel and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner. This warm gathering offers the perfect opportunity to make new friends and share the excitement of the days ahead.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Dublin

  • Dublin
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  • The Book of Kells Experience
  • Guinness Storehouse
  • Castletown House
  • Miners Village
  • Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral Park
  • More

Embark on a captivating exploration of Dublin with a Local Expert. Your journey will take you past the iconic Custom House and along the scenic River Liffey. Marvel at the Guinness Storehouse, Christchurch Cathedral, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy an exclusive entrance to the 9th-century Book of Kells and stroll through the historic courtyards of Trinity College, delving into its rich history.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Kildare to Cork

  • Kildare
  • Cork
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  • Irish National Stud & Gardens
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Experience the behind-the-scenes magic at the National Stud Farm in Kildare, where legendary racehorses are bred. Wander through the exquisite Japanese Gardens, a masterpiece of horticultural design. Continue your journey to Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, where you'll travel along Grand Parade and admire the City Hall and Opera House.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Blarney

  • Cork
  • More
  • Blarney Stone
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Visit the enchanting ruins of Blarney Castle, home to the legendary Stone of Eloquence. Whether you choose to kiss the stone or explore the lush estate gardens, the experience is unforgettable. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, soaking in the serene surroundings.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Killarney

  • Killarney
  • More
  • Ross Castle
  • Cronins Yard
  • Kingdom Falconry
  • More

Discover the charm of Killarney with a choice of activities. Opt for a horse-drawn jaunting car ride or a leisurely hike along the lake shore, passing Ross Castle. Later, embark on a scenic tour of the Ring of Kerry, with its breathtaking seascapes, cliffs, and mountains. Visit picturesque villages like Sneem and admire the views from Moll's Gap and Ladies View. Return to Killarney for a relaxing afternoon.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Cliffs of Moher to Galway

  • Galway
  • More
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail
  • Eyre Square
  • Lahinch Golf Club
  • Salmon Weir Bridge
  • More

Start your day with a ferry ride across the Shannon estuary, taking in the stunning views of the Clare coast. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, a natural wonder standing 700 feet tall. Continue to Galway, where you'll explore the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch, and Eyre Square. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this lively city.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Connemara

  • Galway
  • Sligo
  • More
  • Sligo Abbey
  • Connemara National Park
  • More

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Connemara, a region of rivers, lakes, and silent hills. Enjoy a scenic drive along the shores of Sligo Bay, taking in the breathtaking landscapes that define this part of Ireland.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Londonderry to Ballygally

  • Sligo
  • More
  • Glenevin Waterfall
  • Greencastle Golf Cub
  • More

Cross into Northern Ireland and explore Londonderry with a local storyteller. Walk the historic city walls and visit the Gothic Guildhall. Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway, a geological wonder. Learn about the National Trust's conservation efforts before taking a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast to your hotel in Ballygally.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Ardgowan to Glasgow

Day 9: Ardgowan to Glasgow

Cross the Irish Sea to the Ardgowan Estate, where Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart will welcome you. Explore the estate's history and conservation efforts, followed by a traditional Scottish tea. Continue to Glasgow, where you'll see the city's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Loch Lomond to Loch Ness

Day 10: Loch Lomond to Loch Ness

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, absorbing the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe. Pause at the Commando Memorial for views of Ben Nevis before continuing to Loch Ness. Embark on a cruise to explore the lake's scenery and hear tales of the legendary Nessie.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Inverness

Day 11: Inverness

Explore the sights of Inverness before visiting the Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, where the Jacobite army faced defeat. Enjoy a 'wee dram' at a local distillery, learning about whisky production and the tales of whisky smugglers.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: St. Andrews to Edinburgh

Day 12: St. Andrews to Edinburgh

Travel through the Grampian Mountains to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. Explore the town, visiting the Old Course and St. Andrews University. Stroll along West Sands Beach before crossing the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. In the evening, enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (or similar).

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Edinburgh

Day 13: Edinburgh

Join a Local Expert to explore Edinburgh's highlights. Drive along Princes Street to the Scott Memorial, then see the neoclassical facades of the New Town. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and venture up the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before a Celebration Dinner of modern Scottish cuisine.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Edinburgh

Day 14: Departure from Edinburgh

Conclude your unforgettable journey with a hearty breakfast before departing for Edinburgh airport. Reflect on the memories made and the friendships forged during this extraordinary tour.

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