Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
Experience Overview
Tick off all the travel highlights of Scotland and Ireland on your trip filled with tons of craic and special moments with friends, whether you’re hopping across the mythical stones of Giant’s Causeway or passing the lovely lochs, Highlands and castles of Scotland.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- Cong: Uncover centuries of Irish heritage as you explore Catherine and Jim Power’s Glen Keen Farm. Marvel at collies herding sheep, and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam.
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.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Visit the turreted Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey. This monastery was founded in 1920 for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I.
- Cong: Enjoy time as you wish to explore this delightful, quintessential Irish village, used as the location for 1952 film, 'The Quiet Man.' See the statue of the lead characters played by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and the ruins of the Medieval Cong Abbey.
- Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore this iconic natural landmark.
- Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- Fort William: Near the foothills of Ben Nevis, stop in Fort William for a stroll along the charming High Street.
- 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: Explore the city with your Local Specialist 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.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh
- Discover Galway, Glasgow and Cong
- Visit Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Kylemore Abbey, Cong, Donegal, Giant's Causeway, Titanic Experience in Belfast, a whisky distillery, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Pitlochry and Edinburgh Castle
- View Glencoe and the 18th hole at St. Andrews
- See Ailsa Craig
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Trip Details
Product Code: 19144
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 576.1583A
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,835 ($440 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center
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 Dublin’s tumultuous history and see some iconic sights including Guinness Storehouse and St Patrick's Cathedral. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbor city of Galway, known as the 'City of Tribes'.
Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Maldron Sandy Road
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: The Abbey Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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. 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.
Accommodation: AC by Marriott
Meals: 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 Victoria Square 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.
Accommodation: AC by Marriott
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Maldron
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Highlander
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Accommodation: Novotel Edinburgh Park
Meals: Breakfast
Surrender to the charms of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through the New Town and its elegant Georgian façades to the medieval Old Town where you'll see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile. Afterwards, enjoy the day to explore on your own or get stuck into some last-minute souvenir shopping before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This evening joining your travel companions for a rousing dinner to toast your memorable journey together.
Accommodation: Novotel Edinburgh Park
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Brenda Malcolmson - Traveled, April 2024
Ireland and Scotland - a trip to remember thanks to *Personal information* It was top notch. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* ensured everyone was taken care of always. Their communication was wonderful and we always knew what was coming up. *Personal information removed by Feefo* played amazing tunes and shared fantastic information all day long. *Personal information removed by Feefo* took good care of the coach, it was always clean and man can he drive !!!! Narrow roads weee safely manoeuvred always. We had the most wonderful time on this trip. *Personal information removed by Feefo* our travel director and *Personal information removed by Feefo* our coach driver were absolutely outstanding. They made the trip !!!! Our accommodations were excellent and all excursions were so enjoyable. Their attention to every guest was amazing and they truly care about their guests. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* make a wonderful team and should continue to work together so all guests can have as much fun as we had. Sincerely, *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* Ontario, Canada.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Kate - Traveled, April 2024
Our trip of a lifetime! We originally booked this trip in early 2020 and it was cancelled due to the Covid epidemic. They held our trip credit for us until we could finally reschedule. The trip itself was fantastic! The organization and attention to details were impressive. The accommodations were comfortable. The excursions fun and informative. We appreciated the free time built into the itinerary. It was nice to know we were in great hands and just needed to sit back and enjoy the ride. We were very pleased with Trafalgar and their service. This was our first coach tour and we loved it. It was a wonderful trip full of beauty and history. The optional experiences were great and the individual city guides were very knowledgeable and informative. Our tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* and driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* made a great team. They were very attentive, helpful, and fun! This trip covers quite a bit of ground in the 11 days so be sure to bring your running shoes. I would highly recommend this tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2024
Gary Cohen - Traveled, April 2024
Gary and Enid's Great Ireland-Scotland Tour 2024! This was our fifth Trafalgar tour and we were pleased with the communication we received from our tour director days before the tour started and with all her communication during the tour. Trafalgar once again provided an all encompassing itinerary and provided hotels with great locations and amenities. Once again, a Trafalgar rep met us at the airport and guided us to our pickup point to start the tour. The tour was filled with history, culture, music, food and amazing landscapes in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. We learned a lot more about the "Troubles" which Ireland endured and still feels the impact of and we were lucky enough to be at Edinburgh Castle on the first anniversary of King Charles the Third's coronation with the Castle firing off a 21-gun salute at midday. Great tour director in *Personal details removed by Feefo* and superb driving by a great Northern Ireland man named *Personal details removed by Feefo* - apologies for likely spelling his name wrong.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2024
Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour! Western Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland are beautiful. The people are great, nice and helpful. Great experience! Travel guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* and driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were both knowledgeable, informative and fun. Dining experience had good food and entertaining events, the local story tellers were interesting and funny. I would also recommend trying the haggis, it was very good!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/17/2024
Vickie Schab - Traveled, May 2024
Ireland and Scotland was every bit as wonderful as I hope it would be! The hotels were good and the breakfasts were fine. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our tour guide was impressive with his knowledge of the people, the geography, the history, and the flora of the areas we were in. He and our driver made it fun and relaxing. I liked the pace and how so much was packed in to the time we had at each place. I would have liked a little more time in Dublin. The stops were frequent enough to allow for bathroom breaks and stretching our legs. The towns we visited were close enough to allow us not to be on the coach too long.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
There was a duplicate of activity with 2 optional excursions.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
What makes Trafalgar trips amazing! The customizable aspects of the optional experiences were key to the overall satisfaction and flexibility of each traveler. The travel guide truly makes the experience. Our travel guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, is without a doubt the main reason we would travel with Trafalgar again. His possession of indepth knowledge, exceptional speaking skills, sincerity, interpersonal skills, flexibility in accommodating a wide range of travel needs and his pacing of the trip were first rate. It was an excellent combination of cities, countryside and free time. Our travel guide and coach driver were of the absolute highest quality and knowledge. One thing that could have further enriched our amazing experience would have been a few short amounts of time to explore the interior of more famous structures.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2024
Tina Pitcher - Traveled, November 2024
GREAT TRIP! The travel arrangements are fantastic. I love knowing where to be and when. All the motels were great and very accommodating for three people traveling together. It was FABULOUS and *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were fantastic. The knowledge and dates that *Personal information removed by Feefo* throws out to you is amazing. *Personal information removed by Feefo* driving was far beyond belief!!!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2024
Dyane Peat - Traveled, June 2024
Great trip! It is a great well organized company. I have already recommended it! I feel I have to go back, do another tour as I didn't get to see enough of Scotland. I loved the places we visited. I thought we didn't have enough time in Belfast and in St-Andrews. In St-Andrews about one hour to visit and have lunch isn't enough time. I loved our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* and bus driver *Personal information removed by Feefo*. If I do another Trafalgar trip, in the area *Personal information removed by Feefo* is a tour director, I would love to be able to request him. I find he made our trip! He has a great voice, is passionate and you can tell he loves his job and the history of the places e visited. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/08/2024
Deborah Beavers - Traveled, August 2024
Great tour directo and excellent driver. Food experiences left much to be desired. Hotels mediore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2024
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