Compare Grand Tour Of Britain & Ireland by CIE Tours vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 24 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,881 | $ 3,660 |
| Price Per Day | $ 203 | $ 458 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
23 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 17 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Our longest, comprehensive itinerary taking in a wealth of highlights while staying at great hotels with most meals included. Start in London and visit Stratford-upon-Avon and York before staying in Edinburgh. Explore the Scottish Highlands and journey around most of the Irish coastline. Travel through Wales and England’s West Country before ending in Windsor, close to London. |
Picture yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs with waterfalls cascading down — this is Scotland. From the brightly coloured murals on the bustling streets of Glasgow, to Fort William, an adventurer's playground, you’ll spend eight days exploring cobblestone streets and grassy landscapes. Explore the mystical Isle of Skye and mythological Loch Ness, where the murky depths hide a Scottish legend. See Inverness, vibrant and historic and learn tales of battles and folklore. End your journey in Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist, where nature and culture and where every corner holds a piece of history. With the right balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore, this trip will allow Scotland's unique magic to captivate your heart. |
Day 1: London Arrival & Tour
Meals: Dinner
Your vacation starts at your London hotel at 2:00 pm when you set out on a panoramic tour of central London with a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral. Meet your tour director for a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 2: Tower of London & City Sights
Meals: Breakfast
Today travel on an open-top bus tour. There are different bus routes as well as a walking tour and a River Thames cruise. Visit either the Tower of London or Kensington Palace.
Day 3: Shakespeare’s Birthplace & York
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. See an exhibition about his life and walk through the house which is furnished as it would have been in his day. Journey north to the medieval city of York.
Day 4: York Minster & Scottish Evening in Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Take a walking tour around central York and visit York Minster, renowned for its stained glass. Cross into Scotland and pause to view ruined Melrose Abbey. In Edinburgh dine at a Scottish Evening with a lively show.
Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour
Meals: Breakfast
Discover Edinburgh’s highlights on a city tour. See the elegant Georgian “New Town” and the medieval Royal Mile. Tour Edinburgh Castle to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland. On August 04 to 18 departures, experience the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 6: St Andrews & Highland Scenery
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Travel north to St Andrews, famous for golfing. Take a walking tour around the town center and visit the picturesque ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. Stop in Pitlochry on the way to Inverness, in the Highlands.
Day 7: Loch Ness Cruise & Oban Distillery
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Enjoy wonderful Highland views on a scenic cruise of Loch Ness. Stop at a woolen mill and take photos at majestic Glencoe. Visit Oban Distillery to see how whisky is distilled and sample some.
Day 8: Isle of Mull & Duart Castle
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Take a ferry ride from Oban to the Isle of Mull. Tour many of the historic chambers of Duart Castle, home of the present Clan Chief. Drive to the colorful coastal town of Tobermory before returning to Oban.
Day 9: Loch Lomond & Rabbie Burns
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Drive south alongside scenic Loch Lomond. Stop at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to learn about the famous poet’s life and poetry. Continue to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Belfast in time for dinner.
Day 10: Belfast & Giant’s Causeway
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Tour the highlights of Belfast and travel along the scenic Nine Glens of Antrim coast. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Pause at Dunluce Castle and head to Derry.
Day 11: Derry & Inishowen Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Start your day with a short walk around the medieval city walls of Derry. Then drive around the Inishowen Peninsula. Enjoy great views as you follow the coastline and stop at Malin Head, the most northerly point.
Day 12: Donegal Castle & Galway
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Travel through the Blue Stack Mountains to Donegal town where you will tour Donegal Castle, built in the 15th century by an O’Donnell chieftain. Continue your drive south passing through Counties Sligo and Mayo to Galway. Join a local guide for a walking tour around the compact center of the city before dinner.
Day 13: Connemara & “The Quiet Man”
Meals: Breakfast
Take a drive through the stunning scenery of Connemara and in Cong take a short walking tour to see movie locations from “The Quiet Man.” Return to Galway for an afternoon at leisure to explore the city.
Day 14: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Drive through the Burren to view the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic Ocean and cross the River Shannon Estuary by ferry. Stop at J B Keane’s Pub in Listowel for tea with scones and head to Killarney.
Day 15: Ring of Kerry & Sheepdogs
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Head to the delightful town of Kenmare and journey along part of the Ring of Kerry route. Watch trained dogs herding sheep and tour the gracious 19th century Muckross House. Lunch is included today and the evening is free.
Day 16: Blarney Castle & Waterford
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” and shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. In Cobh visit the Titanic Experience which tells about the 123 Irish people who embarked on the RMS Titanic. Continue to Waterford and after dinner take a walking tour.
Day 17: Waterford Crystal & Taylor’s Three Rock
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Tour the famous House of Waterford Crystal to watch molten glass being transformed into shimmering trophies. Tour the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of one used during the 1840s Famine. In Dublin dine at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub.
Day 18: Dublin & Book of Kells
Meals: Breakfast
Tour central Dublin to see the main sights. Take a guided walking tour through the campus of Trinity College to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. Afternoon and evening are free.
Day 19: Ferry to Wales & Conwy
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Take a short ferry ride from Dublin to Holyhead and drive to Conwy. Tour Conwy Castle, a huge 13th century fortification built by King Edward I. Take a guided walk around the walled town.
Day 20: Snowdonia & Brecon Beacons
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Travel through Snowdonia National Park to view the highest peaks in Wales and continue south. Cross the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park. Tour Cardiff, visit Cardiff Castle and dine at a fun Welsh banquet there.
Day 21: Roman Baths & Glastonbury
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning head east to tour the Roman Baths and Pump Room, renowned for the mineral-rich hot springs. Stop in Glastonbury, associated with King Arthur and drive to Cornwall.
Day 22: Explore Cornwell & Land’s End
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Drive to Land’s End, the most westerly point of Britain and view the majestic rocky island of St. Michael’s Mount. Browse around the charming village of Mevagissey.
Day 23: Stonehenge & Windsor Castle
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Drive to Salisbury Plain to marvel at the vast monoliths of Stonehenge. Continue to Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, residence of The Queen. After dinner take a brief walking tour around the historic town.
Day 24: Tour Ends in Windsor
Meals: Breakfast
Your tour ends after breakfast.
Day 1 Glasgow
Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.
Day 2 Fort William
After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.
Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye
This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!
Day 4 Isle of Skye
Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.
Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness
This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 6 Inverness
Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.
Day 7 Edinburgh
A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.
Day 8 Edinburgh
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.
