Best of Ireland and Scotland
Experience Overview
Embark on an unforgettable Ireland and Scotland tour, from the delicate Waterford Crystal to the golfing greats of St. Andrews. Kiss the Blarney Stone and you'll be sharing tales from Giant’s Causeway, the Ring of Kerry, and the Scottish Highlands for years to come.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
- Killarney: Visit the working farms of Muckross, taking you back to a time of traditional farming. Learn how to churn butter and dine in the Quilles Farmhouse, set against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney.
Dive into Culture
- Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- Belfast: Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction in Belfast.
- Glasgow: Visit Clydeside Distillery for a tour and a tasting of their whisky as you learn of their long history.
Iconic Experience
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
- Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Donegal: Stop in Donegal and see The Diamond, a hub for music and cultural gatherings in the town.
- Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore this iconic natural landmark.
- 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.
- 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.
- Eilean Donan: See one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, set where three lochs meet. Framed by rugged mountains and often shrouded in mist, it’s a favorite film location and one of the country’s most photographed landmarks.
- Inverness: Visit the site of the final Jacobite Rising, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces were defeated in 1746. Walk the battlefield and learn how this short but brutal conflict changed the course of Scottish history.
- Scottish Highlands: Take in the beauty of the Highlands on a scenic drive past glens, lochs and dramatic peaks. Watch the landscape shift as you travel deeper into one of Scotland’s most striking regions.
- 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, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh
- Discover Waterford, Adare, Galway and Glasgow
- Visit the Irish National Stud near Kildare, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, Giant's Causeway, Titanic Experience in Belfast, a whisky distillery in Glasgow and Edinburgh Castle
- View Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle, the battlefield of Culloden and the 18th green at St. Andrews
- See St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Galway Cathedral and Loch Lomond in the Scottish Highlands
- Scenic Drive the Ring of Kerry
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Trip Details
Product Code: 28247
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 54.139B
Starts: Dublin, Ireland
Finishes: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 15 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
- 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 $6205 ($414 /day)
Itinerary
Explore the Celtic heritage and hospitality of Ireland and Scotland on this grand adventure through beautiful landscapes and enchanting cities. Your first day sees you delve into the Irish capital, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner.
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, Maldron Croke Park, Dublin
Meals: Dinner
Drive through the streets of Dublin, joining your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour past the stately Georgian Squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the city. Stop for a pint of 'the Black Stuff' in Temple Bar, admire the colorful performers on Grafton Street or consider joining an Optional Experience this evening to tap your feet to the lively sounds of Irish music at an Irish cabaret.
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, Maldron Croke Park, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture and gain insights into Ireland’s strong tradition of breeding world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud in Kildare. Enjoy a guided walk admiring the powerful steeds that have made racing history and stroll around the tranquil Japanese gardens. Travel to the House of Waterford Crystal this afternoon and Dive Into Culture yet again to witness this delicate craft, watching talented master crafters at work in their workshop.
Accommodation: Fitzwilton
Meals: Breakfast
Bend over backwards and kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab' before crossing the Kerry Mountains to Killarney. Tonight, why not join an Optional Experience for some lively entertainment.
Accommodation: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast
The astounding beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula accompanies you on this soul-stirring coastal journey around the Ring of Kerry – a dramatic landscape of mountains, loughs and lakes which have inspired writers and poets for centuries. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with the Macgillycuddy's Reeks peaks in the distance. Journey to 1930s Ireland this evening for an unforgettable experience, visiting the working farms of Muckross, where you'll learn about traditional farming and meet the families who ply the land. Your visit will help to preserve the heritage of rural Ireland and you’ll Connect With Locals, savoring delicious local flavors during your Be My Guest visit to the Quilles Farmhouse against the scenic backdrop of the lakes of Killarney.
Accommodation: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, known for its thatched cottages. See the imposing stone cathedral, built on the site of an old prison and Eyre Square on your next stop in Galway, where you'll enjoy some free time to explore the city before continuing your journey northward. This evening, dine in your hotel.
Accommodation: Great National Ballina
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Head north to Donegal with its 'Diamond' center before joining a Local Specialist in Derry/Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century walls. See the neighborhood of the Bogside, known for its murals that depict events of the 'Troubles' like the Battle of the Bogside, which sparked the conflict.
Accommodation: City Hotel Derry
Meals: Breakfast
Tread in the footsteps of Finn McCool along the otherworldly Giant's Causeway 'steps' that descend into the sea. Later, arrive in Belfast later and 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. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the capital of Northern Ireland.
Accommodation: AC by Marriott Belfast, Stormont
Meals: Breakfast
Join your Local Specialist in Belfast this morning for an included city tour of the Big Fish at Donegall Quay, the Titanic Quarter, the Samson and Goliath cranes and City Hall. Board your ferry in Belfast and cross to Cairnryan in Scotland, driving through the Ayrshire countryside bound for Glasgow, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center, Maldron
Meals: Breakfast
Delve into Scotland’s intriguing cultural capital and stroll through the town to admire views of George Square and the River Clyde, once the heart of Scotland's shipbuilding industry. You'll head to a whisky distillery next where you’ll Dive Into Culture and learn how to make Scotland's favorite honey-colored drink with a chance to sample a wee dram. You'll then have some free time to explore the city.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center, Maldron
Meals: Breakfast
Journey along the famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the tragic site of the 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds at the 'Glen of Weeping'. Continue to Fort William at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Then, cross to the Isle of Skye, where you'll spend this evening dining in your hotel.
Accommodation: Dunollie
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the rugged beauty of Skye behind and venture to the site where three lochs meet. View Eilean Donan Castle before traveling along the banks of Loch Ness in search of the elusive monster that bears its name. The bloody battlefield of Culloden is your next stop, where you'll spend a poignant moment reflecting on the many men who lost their lives in the brief but brutal battle between the Redcoats and Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobites. This evening you spend the evening dining at your hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodation: Highlander
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, you'll pass Pitlochry before arriving in St. Andrews to see its famous golf course on which golfing greats have clamoured to play for centuries. Cross the scenic Firth of Forth to enchanting 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 Center, Delta by Marriott
Meals: Breakfast
Your Ireland and Scotland tour is not over yet. Join your Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour which includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, surveying the city from the imposing Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyrood in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. As your memorable holiday comes to an end, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner to reminisce over shared experiences.
Accommodation: Novotel Center, Delta by Marriott
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
For now it’s time to say a fond farewell to Scotland and your newfound friends, after your unforgettable Celtic sojourn.
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
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
My dream has come true! I have been waiting 4 years for this trip. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were awesome and the service exceeded my expectations. It was action packed and full of history, good food, and an excellent Director *Personal information removed by Feefo*. She went above and beyond to make everything perfect!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/09/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
October treasures! I was absolutely captivated with my tour. of Ireland World class. So informative prior to the tour. Helped us with adding days to the front of our journey. The experience was well planned, professionally executed. It was my first trip ever over seas. I absolutely loved it. I noticed all the little details that were covered. My tour guide (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) was amazing. Trafalgar provided me a trip of a lifetime. Scenic drives, beautiful venues, lots of history, wonderful food and lodging, I will do this again with Trafalgar. Oh yeah, bus drivers....high five! It was amazing. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was knowledgeable, professional, engaging. We covered so many venues in a relaxed manner. All the little details were covered and it seemed effortless. The bus was great, beautiful countries, lots of history. The days seemed to fly by, I had the absolute best experience. Because of this experience with Trafalgar, I look forward to my next tour. High five also again to *Personal information removed by Feefo*, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, and *Personal information removed by Feefo*.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
The Best of Ireland and Scotland It was great and I felt cared for and safe. I liked the itinerary. It was exciting to see so many places I've heard of for so long. The frustrating part was seeing so much, so quickly from the coach. I would have preferred seeing less in more depth and staying more than 1 night in most places. The walking tours by local guides were more interesting than trying to see and understand everything we were being shown from the coach. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our tour guide, was great. He knows so much about everything, from the itinerary, to the transportation, to the hotels, to the history. And he tells great jokes!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Ireland/No. Ireland/Scotland. Hit all the highlights and great selection of optional excursions…. Very knowledgeable guides. A great variety with stops at Waterford Crystal, castles, distilleries, weaving wool, sheep shearing, stud farm, Titanic museum, churches, variety shows and battle grounds. Not to mention watching sheep dogs herding, bagpipers, Thatched houses and natural wonders. Our tour director was AMAZING. So knowledgeable, entertaining, generous of time.. Charming and great sense of humor. He was patient, reviewing instructions , timetables and information and personal. You can’t pay someone like that enough. He was great, because he loves history and loves to share it with his charges. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, is the best.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2024
Eileen Bennett - Traveled, September 2024
Tour director was excellent. *Personal information removed by Feefo* possesses the ability to adjust the information and information style to whatever age bracket was on the bus. His competence, commitment, and presentations were very informative and geared to the interests of everyone on the bus. He never failed to meet everyone's needs. He alone made this trip a fantastic experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Fast paced but saw many beautiful sites! Jam packed with great history about the area! Lots of stops for photos, bathroom and coffee breaks. We would have like to spend more time in the cities, but we now know enough to return and do our own tour. Such nice a nice TD, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, and bus driver!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2024
Dilli Ching - Traveled, June 2024
Seeing the world through our eyes made possible by Trafalgar Tours. Subject matter expertise of local places. Ability to fast track entry at ticketed places of interests. Contingency plans when we encountered poor weather and total flexibility Efficient management of time at various locations. We recently completed a best of Ireland and Scotland with Trafalgar Tours. The tour experience exceeded our expectations in every aspect. Here are our thoughts: *Personal information removed by Feefo*, Tour Director - Her professionalism, subject matter expertise is of the highest standard we have experienced. Her continuous efforts to provide us the best experience everyday was observed. Having such a diverse age group was well managed catering to everyone. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, coach driver - An excellent driver, very careful and caring. Always happy to help when possible. Nothing was too much of a trouble for him. Both *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* worked very well together which made our experience very comfortable and seamless Overall, we highly recommend Trafalgar Tours as they deliver the best experiences. Well done Trafalgar for employing and retaining such high caliber staff.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2024
Paula Clayton - Traveled, October 2024
Everyone should go to Ireland and Scotland at least one in their lives! The tour guide and driver (*Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo*) were excellent -as previously mentioned. When I called Trafalgar prior to the trip with questions they were able to help. Being able to communicate with the group on WhatsApp was a bonus and as well as a wonderful communication and picture sharing tool. I would like to suggest that if you are arriving or leaving on the same day the tour starts or ends that transportation be included regardless of the time you are arriving or leaving. Only two times for transport were offered both early morning 7:00 and 9:00 am , and I believe the 9:00 am was a bus with a handful of people on it, which seems like a waste. The Best of Scotland and Ireland was a very jam packed 15 day itinerary that was absolutely fantastic. We saw so much breath taking country and had the opportunity to visit places that on our own would not have been possible. Our guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* and driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were constantly attending to everyone’s needs and maintaining a positive attitude. All the local guides were knowledgeable and well spoken. The chosen places we visited and extra activities or meals we attended were all thoroughly enjoyed!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2024
Philip Farina - Traveled, June 2024
Ireland and Scotland. This is our 12th trip with Trafalgar and never a disappointment. Want to know more go to *Personal information removed by Feefo* BLOG and see a day by day travel blog. It is an easy itinerary for young and old. Not too stressful and very informative.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/23/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Wanted to see SCOTTISH DANCING. And a folk town/craft experience. May not have been available to our director. Other than that it was FABULOUS. Would recommend it to others in a heart beat!!! *Personal information removed by Feefo* and driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were over the top!!! All arrangements made and timings were perfect. Congenial folks that were not late to anything. Credit to *Personal information removed by Feefo*!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/26/2024
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