Exploring Scotland & Ireland - 2024

13 days
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4.8/5 Excellent
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USTOA

Group Tour
Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands.
19%
$4,488
From$3,649
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Taste apple cider at a family-run farm.
    • Join in the fun during a night of traditional Scottish food and entertainment.
    • Embark on one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys along the Causeway Coast.
    • Explore the Titanic Experience in Belfast.
    • Discover the heritage of Glasgow with a local guide.
    • Tour the "Fair City" of Dublin with a local guide.
    • Embark on a scenic cruise on beautiful Loch Ness.
    • Set out on a walking tour of Derry featuring its medieval city walls.

What's this trip about?

    Bask in the warm Celtic culture and majestic scenery of two remarkable lands.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range36 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityEdinburgh
End CityDublin

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Belfast
  • Derry
  • Dublin
  • Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Inverness

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Overnight Flight

From rugged natural beauty to vibrant and historical cities, the diverse charms of Scotland and Ireland await.

Day 2 Edinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins

Your tour opens in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 Edinburgh

This morning, visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh’s new town and an insightful walking tour up to the castle. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city further at your leisure. Tonight, you might like to join the optional tour to the Spirit of Scotland Show.

Day 4 Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Inverness

Depart Edinburgh and travel on to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf – see the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Continue on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

Day 5 Inverness - Loch Ness - Inverness

This morning, take a scenic cruise on Loch Ness before disembarking at the base of the famed Urquhart Castle. Explore the ruins of this historic stronghold where acts of chivalry and defiance exhibit more than 1,000 years of Scottish history. Return to Inverness and h...

Day 6 Inverness - Fort William - Glencoe - Glasgow

Depart Inverness and stop just north of Fort William to take in the historic Caledonian Canal and its famous Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight locks and an incredible feat of engineering. Continue to the scenic valley of Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most historic and breathtaking glens. Your day ends in Glasgow.

Day 7 Glasgow - Belfast, Northern Ireland

This morning, explore Glasgow with a local guide. Highlights include a visit to George Square, and passing by Glasgow Cathedral, Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in the city discovering the rich industrial heritage of the area. Travel to the scenic Ayrshire coast to your ferry. Cross the famed Irish Sea as you head for Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast.

Day 8 Belfast

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city. Learn about the struggles in this great city’s history as you pass through its distinctive neighborhoods. See “Samson” and “Goliath,” the massive cranes of the Belfast shipyard. Complete today’s tour with a visit to the award-winning Titanic Experience museum.

Day 9 Belfast - Glens of Antrim - Giant's Causeway - Derry

Venture along the stunning Antrim Coastal Route, stopping at the Giant’s Causeway (UNESCO). Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles an old, cobbled road leading mystically into the sea. Then, embark on one of the world’s most beautifu...

Day 10 Derry - Donegal Town - Derry

Today’s journey showcases the rugged beauty of County Donegal. Start your day with a visit to Donegal Castle, a restored 15th-century castle with a unique history. Enjoy some free time to explore Donegal Town, a picturesque village at the mouth of the River Eske. Return to Derry, where tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose the perfect spot from a “menu” of Derry’s great restaurants.

Day 11 Derry - Armagh - Cider Farm Visit - Dublin, Ireland

Depart on a journey through the scenic countryside of Northern Ireland, stopping in Armagh to view the twin cathedrals dedicated to Ireland’s Patron Saint. The two St. Patrick’s Cathedrals, one Catholic and one Protestant, symbolize the two souls of Ireland. Then, vis...

Day 12 Dublin

A locally guided tour of Dublin highlights the world-renowned St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park and the city’s magnificent rows of lovely Georgian town homes. You may choose to join an optional tour with lunch at a local pub followed by a visit t...

Day 13 Dublin - Tour Ends

Your tour comes to a close.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,649
Price per day$281
Last Updated: 12/8/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Share
Single Standard
Triple Share
Availability
16 Mar 2025
28 Mar 2025
$3,699
$4,699
$3,649
23 Mar 2025
04 Apr 2025
$3,699
$4,699
$3,649
30 Mar 2025
11 Apr 2025
$3,799
$4,849
$3,749
06 Apr 2025
18 Apr 2025
$3,799
$4,849
$3,749
13 Apr 2025
25 Apr 2025
$3,799
$4,849
$3,749
11 May 2025
23 May 2025
$4,499
$5,499
$4,449
18 May 2025
30 May 2025
$4,499
$5,499
$4,449

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

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Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

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Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.

Accommodation

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
18
Age Requirements
36 years and up
Optional Activities

The Spirit of Derry - $80

Derry Explore one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Enjoy a fun and engaging evening with a local singer/songwriter and discover how the tale of Derry is intertwined with many of Ireland's most important events. Come and experience a three-course dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food. See first-hand why Derry was named the UK City of Culture in 2013. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

The Spirit of Derry - $80

Derry Explore one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Enjoy a fun and engaging evening with a local singer/songwriter and discover how the tale of Derry is intertwined with many of Ireland's most important events. Come and experience a three-course dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food. See first-hand why Derry was named the UK City of Culture in 2013. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

Scottish Cultural Show: A Night of Food, Song & Dance - $135

Edinburgh Join us for an entertaining evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories! Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option will not be offered on departures that include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Transportation only included for those hotels that are not within walking distance.

Pub Lunch & The Guinness Storehouse - $85

Dublin Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at a historic pub where you will soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. After lunch, continue on to the nearby Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage and discover the technique needed to pour the perfect pint! Classic Guinness ads and memorabilia create a nostalgic ambiance as you indulge in a complimentary pint and learn about a different yet key part of Ireland's history. Duration approximately 3.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option must be booked at least 7 days prior to departure and will not be offered during Dublin's St. Patrick’s Day Festival (March 14-18). Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult and may not participate in the tasting.
Additional Information
Trip ID
collette-15310

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