Compare Highlights of Scotland & Ireland by Great Value Vacations vs Country Roads of Scotland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 3,095 | $ 3,550 |
| Price Per Day | $ 238 | $ 355 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Escape to rolling greenery, postcard-worthy landscapes, vibrant cities, and amazing architecture on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. On this incredible vacation, explore the very best of Scotland and Ireland, as you enjoy included tours, cruises, transfers, and more! Fly into the charming city of Edinburgh and explore its colorful stone streets and historic castle. From there, enjoy a scenic drive north until you reach beautiful Inverness, where you'll visit the mysterious Loch Ness and look for its legendary monster! Gallivant over to Glasgow and immerse yourself in the artsy spirit of this magical city. Then, pack a bag and fly to the land of luck! Enjoy a quick, relaxing flight to the Emerald Isle, then dive right into the pub culture of Dublin. Wander through magnificent libraries, picturesque parks, and cobblestone, music-filled streets. Head to charming Cork, visit the iconic Blarney Castle, then hike through breathtaking Killarney National Park. Enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular Ring of Kerry, then feel your eyes widen as you gaze out at the overwhelmingly beautiful Cliffs of Moher. |
Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Join Local Experts on this grand Gaelic tour as you pass Britain’s northernmost point at John O’Groats and board a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on these tranquil isles as you explore the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum on this Insight Choice. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, take afternoon tea at Blair Castle—the historic home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. |
Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!
Arrive in the exciting city of Edinburgh! Enjoy a transfer to your first luxurious accommodation, then take some time to freshen up and relax. After you're all settled in, start exploring the city! Stroll along bustling Princes Street - who says it's too early for souvenir shopping? End your first evening with a pleasant walk through Princes Street Gardens and get a nice glimpse of Edinburgh Castle!
Day 2 Edinburgh
Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then head to the 16th-century historic Holyrood Palace. Treat yourself to a tour, then walk through Holyrood Park and climb up to Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, and enjoy sweeping views of Edinburgh! Make your way to Edinburgh Castle and explore the spectacular old, hilltop fortress. If time allows, check out St. Giles' Cathedral, the Scott Monument, and the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh. Spend the evening strolling through the charming Royal Mile and Old Town, then experience one-of-a-kind nightlife in the New Town.
Day 3 Edinburgh - Inverness
Enjoy an energizing breakfast, pick up your rental car, then head up to breathtaking Inverness. On the way, you may want to stop at historic Stirling Castle and the extraordinary Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Experience postcard-worthy views and make everyone back home jealous with tons of photos! Upon arrival in Inverness, check-in to your hotel, then stroll through the city's charming streets. The area is filled with amazing architecture, so you may want to check out Inverness Cathedral and Inverness Castle.
Day 4 Inverness
Today, get ready to experience the legend of Loch Ness in real life! Embark on your Complete Loch Ness Experience Tour and listen to intriguing stories while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Day 5 Inverness - Glasgow
As you say goodbye to Inverness and drive south toward Glasgow, you may want to travel through lush, green Glencoe or make a pit-stop in breathtaking Cairngorms National Park. Once you reach Glasgow, settle into your hotel, then get to know this vibrant city. Grab your camera, activate your 24-hour hop-on/hop-off bus pass, and see the sights you've been dreaming about.
Day 6 Glasgow
Enjoy breakfast, then continue using your sightseeing bus pass today! Be sure to "hop off" at University of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park and Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral, and the Necropolis. Spend the afternoon shopping on charming Buchanan Street, then stroll through the greenery that fills Pollok Country Park.
Day 7 Glasgow - Dublin
Wake up early and drive to Glasgow Airport to drop off your rental car and board your flight to Dublin. Before you know it, you'll be in the land of luck and lush greenery - Ireland! Why waste a minute? As soon as you pick up your car and settle into your Dublin hotel, activate your sightseeing pass! Gawk at Christ Church Cathedral, explore Dublin Castle, then unwind with a pint at a traditional pub on Grafton Street.
Day 8 Dublin
After breakfast, continue exploring the city with your sightseeing bus pass! Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, admire the amazing architecture of Trinity College, and stroll through its awe-inspiring library. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk through St. Stephen's Green, then head to the lively Temple Bar area. Go ahead and treat yourself to a delicious dinner, accompanied by pints of beer and live music, of course.
Day 9 Dublin - Cork
Take a scenic drive from Dublin to Cork, and along the way, stop at the famous Blarney Castle! Pucker up and peck the legendary Blarney Stone, which promises the gift of gab to those who kiss it! After settling into your Cork hotel, make your way to the colorful coastal town of Cobh Harbor. Walk through charming shops, treat yourself to a seaside dinner, and watch the sunset as fishing boats float by.
Day 10 Cork - Killarney
Enjoy a scenic drive through southern Ireland and head to picture-perfect Killarney! Settle into your hotel, then lace up your hiking shoes and head to Killarney National Park. Walk through vast, vibrant greenery and explore historic Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey. Take photos in front of Torc Waterfall, see your reflection in the crystal-clear lakes, and feel tiny in the shadow of the larger-than-life Gap of Dunloe.
Day 11 Killarney
Enjoy breakfast, then get ready for jaw-dropping views and sparkling seascapes on your included Ring of Kerry tour. Make sure your camera is charged - you won't be able to stop taking photos! After the tour, you may want to check out Ireland's tallest peak at the mountain of Carrauntoohil. At 1,038 meters high, it may not be the easiest hike, but its easily accessible surroundings are worth a visit. And my, is it a splendid sight, even from afar.
Day 12 Killarney - Clare
Today, you're traveling between two of Ireland's most beautiful, raved-about areas. How could your last day in Ireland be anything but memorable? From the Kerry-green countryside of Killarney to the bright blue coasts of Clare, you won't be able to take your eyes off the spectacular scenery. Upon arrival in Clare, enjoy your included admission to the one and only Cliffs of Moher! Gaze out at this massive, majestic landmark, and be sure to snag the perfect selfie.
Day 13 Depart Ireland
Drive to Shannon Airport (SNN), drop off your car, and board your plane. Spend the relaxing flight home scrolling through priceless photos and dreaming about your next adventure.
Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh
Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00 and 13:00. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. On select departures, during your time in Edinburgh you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture
Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Georgian facades. Venture up the Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.The rest of the day is at leisure; why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?
Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 3: To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and journey to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course, home of golf since its creation in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternatively, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Continue via Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Tour the magnificent ballroom and learn about the history of the estate. During your visit relish a delicious cream tea. Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.
Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Culloden, Loch Ness and onto Thurso
See Culloden Moor in the morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the legendary monster! Next, follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Explore Wick with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of its award-winning whiskeys. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a visit to the highly rated Wick Heritage Museum and hear about the past of this once thriving fishing community.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: A Day in the Orkney Islands
Start the day by driving to the most northern point of the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Local Expert accompanies you as you visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Over the Sea to Skye
Travel through stunning, pristine landscapes along the northern coast with its white sandy beaches, and further inland to misty valleys and glens, lochs and rushing waters. Then it’s ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. On the way to Broadford, hear romantic tales of how young Flora MacDonald helped rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie and see the dramatic Cuillin Hills.
The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe Relaxed Start
Explore this wild and beautiful island on your own, before crossing to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop for a photo at remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there is a fine view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Enjoy spectacular scenery en route to the Valley of Glencoe. Join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy market-fresh Scottish ingredients and wine, as you get together with your newfound friends for a sumptuous Celebration Dinner. Don't be surprised if, by the end of the evening, you're 'Toasting to the Lassies' or singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.
Ballachulish Hotel, Glencoe., Isle of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start
Spend time around peaceful Loch Lomond, ‘Queen of Scottish Lochs’ according to Sir Walter Scott and the largest in Great Britain. Perhaps experience the beauty and tranquillity of the loch with an optional cruise before continuing to Glasgow? An orientation drive through the city will show you the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Then the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Holiday Inn Glasgow - City Centre Theatreland.
Breakfast
Day 9: Depart Glasgow
Your travels come to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Glasgow airport at 06:30 and 09:00.
Breakfast
