Best of Ireland and Scotland Preview 2018

15 days
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4.2/5 Great
5 reviews  
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Group Tour
Pretty pink heather hues and a perfect emerald green landscape define the rugged beauty of Scotland and Ireland - home to enduring myths and legends, grand castles, bloody battles and the perfect swing. Visit their charismatic capitals of Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh, trace the history of the Jacobites in the Scottish Highlands and follow the footst...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • City tour in Dublin, Londonderry/Derry, Belfast and Edinburgh
    • Scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry
    • Orientation of Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Glasgow
    • See St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park in Dublin, King John's castle in Limerick and Loch Lomond
    • View Galway Cathedral, Eilean Donan Castle, the battlefield of Culloden and the 18th green at St. Andrews
    • Visit the Irish National Stud the Waterford Crystal showroom, Blarney Castle, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Causeway, Titanic Museum, Pitlochry and Edinburgh Castle

What's this trip about?

    Pretty pink heather hues and a perfect emerald green landscape define the rugged beauty of Scotland and Ireland - home to enduring myths and legends, grand castles, bloody battles and the perfect swing. Visit their charismatic capitals of Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh, trace the history of the Jacobites in the Scottish Highlands and follow the footsteps of a giant.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityDublin
End CityEdinburgh

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Dublin
  • Edinburgh

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive Dublin (2 Nights)

Welcome to the Emerald Isle. Spend your day relaxing and enjoying the sights. This evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at a traditional Irish pub - the perfect introduction to Dublin.Welcome Reception

Day 2: Dublin Sightseeing

See St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its street performers? This evening consider joining an Optional Experience to an Irish cabaret.Full Breakfast

Day 3: Dublin – Kildare – Waterford

Visit the Irish National Stud Farm dedicated to rearing world-class thoroughbreds since 1946 for a Cultural Insight on the breeding of these horses. After a guided walk through the farm take some time to stroll through the tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the be...

Day 4: Waterford – Blarney – Killarney (2 Nights)

At Blarney Castle kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Killarney, your home for the next two nights. Join your companions for a Be My Guest dinner on a traditional Irish farm in Killarney.Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 5: Ring of Kerry Excursion

Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the 'Ring of Kerry'. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied places in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographer's delight. We will also see Danie...

Day 6: Killarney – Limerick – Galway – Ballina

Drive through Adare one of Ireland's prettiest villages. See King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone as you pass through Limerick. In Galway see the Cathedral, built on the site of an old prison, and stroll around Eyre Square during your free time. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Ballina – Donegal – Londonderry/Derry

Head north through Sligo to Donegal where you view the castle which was once the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan. In Londonderry walk along the 17th century walls with your Local Specialist and see the streets and murals of the Bogside. Known as the People's Gallery, the murals depict the history of the 'troubles'.Full Breakfast

Day 8: Londonderry/Derry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast

Visit the Giant's Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of the most iconic natural wonders in all of Ireland. Later arrive in Belfast and visit the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre for a Cultural Insight into the history of the world's most famous ship.Full Breakfast

Day 9: Belfast – Glasgow (2 Nights)

This morning enjoy an included city tour with your Local Specialist which takes in Queen's University and City Hall. Board your ferry at Larne and cross to Cairnryan in Scotland. Drive through spectacular Ayrshire countryside on the way to Glasgow.Full Breakfast

Day 10: Glasgow Orientation

Your morning orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into whisky making by visiting the beautiful Glengoyne whisky distillery to sample a ‘wee dram'. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.Full Breakfast

Day 11: Glasgow – Glencoe – Isle of Skye

Journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, immortalised in the well-known Scottish song, towards the site of the 1692 massacre, Glencoe - 'Glen of the Weeping'. Pass Fort William at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. At Glenfinnan see the monument ...

Day 12: Isle of Skye – Loch Ness – Culloden – Scottish Highlands

View Eilean Donan Castle before travelling along the banks of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the elusive monster. Stop and view Culloden battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the Redcoats, ending his aspirations to the throne. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Scottish Highlands – Pitlochry – St. Andrews – Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Heading south pass through the picturesque village of Pitlochry before arriving to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Take a photograph on the 18th green of the Old Course, where the game was first played 600 years ago. Cross the Firth of Forth to the...

Day 14: Edinburgh Sightseeing

This morning, your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a memorable Farewell Dinner.Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 15: Depart Edinburgh

After a hearty Scottish breakfast say goodbye to your Travel Director and companions at the end of an unforgettable Celtic holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,150
Price per day$210
Last Updated: 7/15/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Brendan Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Brendan Vacations Reviews & Ratings

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Barbara

Jul 2018

had a wonderful time

We just went on Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle and had a wonderful time. This was our first bus tour and we didn't know quite what to expect, however, we couldn't...

J

Jo LaFalce

Jul 2018

it was fabulous!

My husband and I recently went to Ireland on a Brendan Vacations tour...first tour we've even been on...and it was fabulous! From start to finish everything about th...

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Mark

Aug 2022

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After waiting for 3 years we were finally scheduled to go to Ireland but 8 days before our trip we were informed that they had changed their vaccination policy and w...

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Tour Operator

Brendan Vacations

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Brendan Vacations is the premier Ireland and Scotland destination expert, backed by more than 50 years of planning authentic Celtic travel experiences from its office in the heart of Dublin. Guided by its mantra ‘taking you personally,’ Brendan Vacations is passionate about delivering deeply immersive, tailor-made experiences across five travel styles: fully Guided Tour packages, independent Private Chauffeur, Lux Self-Drive, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations. Through the warmth of Brendan Vacations’ highly personalized service, guests will stay in hand-selected accommodations - including castles and B&Bs, explore the iconic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, and meet local people passionate about sharing their stories. Brendan Vacations is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of brands.

Why we love this operator
They have a high level of personalized attention and curated itineraries for Ireland & Scotland.
What they’re known for
Experience the best of Ireland & Scotland travel handcrafted by local experts.

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

ArrayBrendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2017-18 At Brendan Vacations, we know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. That's why every part of your journey, from your front door to the start hotel of your chosen vacation, and from your hotel to the airport and back home again on your return, is made easy with Brendan Vacations. With Brendan Vacations you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle, minivan or taxi between designated airports and Brendan Vacations hotels on the starting and ending day of your holiday only. Guests  arriving before or leaving after the scheduled itinerary day may book and buy a transfer through Brendan Vacations providing that they also purchase the additional pre and post trip hotel night(s) from Brendan Vacations. When booking extra night(s) accommodation, you will also have the opportunity to book the relevant transfer service(s). In Australia and New Zealand complimentary transfers are also included with pre or post accommodations booked through Brendan Vacations. Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. Brendan Vacations has negotiated special group transfer rates from London's Heathrow Airport to the door of your Brendan Vacations London hotel. Guests will be picked up and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from London's Heathrow Airport. $50 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport  Gatwick Airport: For guests flying into London’s Gatwick Airport, Brendan Vacations recommends the Gatwick Express, see Gatwick Express’s website at: www.gatwickexpress.com.,

Transportation & flights

Array Brendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2017-18 At Brendan Vacations, we know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. That's why every part of your journey, from your front door to the start hotel of your chosen vacation, and from your hotel to the airport and back home again on your return, is made easy with Brendan Vacations. With Brendan Vacations you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle, minivan or taxi between designated airports and Brendan Vacations hotels on the starting and ending day of your holiday only. Guests  arriving before or leaving after the scheduled itinerary day may book and buy a transfer through Brendan Vacations providing that they also purchase the additional pre and post trip hotel night(s) from Brendan Vacations. When booking extra night(s) accommodation, you will also have the opportunity to book the relevant transfer service(s). In Australia and New Zealand complimentary transfers are also included with pre or post accommodations booked through Brendan Vacations. Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. Brendan Vacations has negotiated special group transfer rates from London's Heathrow Airport to the door of your Brendan Vacations London hotel. Guests will be picked up and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from London's Heathrow Airport. $50 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport  Gatwick Airport: For guests flying into London’s Gatwick Airport, Brendan Vacations recommends the Gatwick Express, see Gatwick Express’s website at: www.gatwickexpress.com.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 14 full breakfasts
  • 6 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • VIP entry to many sights
Trip ID
brendanvacations-BIASFN13

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