Best of Ireland & Scotland (Summer, Classic)

14 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Experience centuries of rich Gaelic history as you take High-Tea at the Ardgowan Estate near Glasgow and see the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Glencoe offers a glimpse of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis ahead of a cruise on Loch Ness and the chance to seek out Scotland’s most infamous bonnie monster. Up in the highlands, ...
-8%
$6,365
From$6,850
See departure dates

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Dublin: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Brewery, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center 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.
    • Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center 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.
    • 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.
    • Ballygalley: Explore this seaside town with your Travel Director.
    • 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.

What's this trip about?

    Experience centuries of rich Gaelic history as you take High-Tea at the Ardgowan Estate near Glasgow and see the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Glencoe offers a glimpse of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis ahead of a cruise on Loch Ness and the chance to seek out Scotland’s most infamous bonnie monster. Up in the highlands, a whiskey tasting at a distillery, to uncork tales of smugglers before the vacation embarks on a grand tour of the Scottish capital. Edinburgh doesn’t disappoint with the Royal Mile, home to Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Scottish Parliament. Not to be outdone, Dublin impresses with the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College and the millennia old Book of Kells.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityDublin
End CityEdinburgh

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland

Activities

  • Culture
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Dublin

On arrival at Dublin airport, your airport transfer service leaves for your hotel. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, an opportunity to get to know each other over a meal with wine.

Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: In Dublin’s Fair City

An orientation with your Local Expert will take you past the Custom House and travel along the River Liffey. See the Guinness Brewery, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled co...

Day 3: Kildare and Cork

Witness life behind the scenes of the National Stud Farm, where many legendary racehorses are bred. Then see the finest Japanese gardens in Europe, where the gardens portray the symbolism of life and trace the journey of a soul, designed by master horticulturists, Tas...

Day 4: Blarney Castle and Killarney Relaxed Start

Visit the ruined 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the ...

Day 6: The Cliffs of Moher

Begin the day with a short ferry ride across the Shannon estuary. Enjoy magnificent views of the Clare coast, as you journey to the Visitors' Center at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher.Continue on to your hotel, located at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way. Join your Tra...

Day 7: Glorious Galway to Sligo Bay Relaxed Start

Tour the wild Connemara region, a scenic wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Drive along the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.

Clayton Hotel, Sligo.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Walk in the Giant’s Steps

Cross into Northern Ireland to visit Londonderry. What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he walks with you inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down Shipquay Street, with its elegant...

Day 9: High Tea at Ardgowan Estate Relaxed Start

Cross the Irish Sea by ferry and journey to Ardgowan. Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle, set on a 10,000-acre coastal estate. Explore the history of the area and learn the Shaw Stewart family's conservation efforts to protect the land on this ...

Day 10: Glencoe and Loch Ness

A scenic drive takes you along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. Absorb the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, still echoing with the cries of massacred clansmen. Pause at the Commando Memorial for a view of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis before reaching the Great G...

Day 11: A Highlands Experience Relaxed Start

In the morning, see the sights of Inverness, before traveling to the Culloden Moor Visitor Center, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally defeated. Then have a 'wee dram' during a visit to a local distillery, hear stories of the whisky smugglers as you delve into the fascinating world of the single malt.

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 12: St. Andrews and Edinburgh

A scenic drive takes you through the Grampian Mountains past the Duke of Atholl's Blair Castle. Drive down and cross the Tay to visit St. Andrews. As you arrive, pass the Old Course, the home of golf since its invention in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore....

Day 13: Scotland’s Capital of Culture

In the morning, join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. In the Old Town see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Sco...

Day 14: Farewell Edinburgh

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast with transfers arriving at Edinburgh airport.

Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $6,850
Price per day$489
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
02 May 2024
15 May 2024
$6,925
Limited
07 May 2024
20 May 2024
$6,925
Limited
09 May 2024
22 May 2024
$6,925
Limited
16 May 2024
29 May 2024
$6,925
Limited
21 May 2024
03 Jun 2024
$6,950
Limited
23 May 2024
05 Jun 2024
$7,025
Limited
02 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$7,025
Limited
04 Jun 2024
17 Jun 2024
$7,025
Limited
11 Jun 2024
24 Jun 2024
$7,025
Limited
04 Jul 2024
17 Jul 2024
$7,075
Limited

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Insight 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.

Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
7,416
Great
1,854
Average
588
Disappointing
161
Terrible
147
C

Charles I Johnson

Apr 2024

Written on

Best of Ireland and Scotland

I researched numerous tours of Ireland and Scotland and this is the one that checked the most boxes for me. I wanted to visit Belfast but otherwise the itinerary was...

Write a Review

Other Insight Vacations Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Great experience

Travellers needs were well taken care of and the tour...

M

Marion Crawford

Apr 2024

Written on

Anonymous

excellent trip, very well organized

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

premier
View Profile

As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin. The Kingsley Hotel, Cork., Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City., Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa. Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa. The Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway. Clayton Hotel, Sligo. Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim. Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.,
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
  • 7 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-B935ZN19

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >