Scotland & Ireland
A Feast of Castles, Coastlines and Celtic Spirit
May 2 – May 16, 2027 · 14 nights
TRAVEL STYLE & IDEAL FOR: A scenic journey for active, curious travelers who enjoy taking the long way around. Winding roads connect misty lochs, rugged islands, mountain landscapes and Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, with historic towns, castles and time to experience the places where local life still gathers. Best suited to travelers who value the journey between destinations as much as the landmarks themselves.
SCOTLAND & IRELAND TOUR OVERVIEW
Two countries, one journey shaped by the pull of the landscape. Scotland begins with Edinburgh’s historic streets before the road turns north into the Highlands, where lochs, ruined castles, mountain passes and the Isle of Skye set the rhythm. Whisky in Edinburgh and Oban, harbor towns and evenings around the table bring another side of Scottish culture into view. Cross the Irish Sea and the scenery changes again: Dublin’s historic heart gives way to ancient sites, the green landscapes of Kerry and the rugged Atlantic edge. From the Beara Peninsula and Ring of Kerry to the Cliffs of Moher and the limestone expanses of the Burren, this is a journey of big landscapes, winding roads and places best understood by spending time in them
Tour Price: €8,780
Tour price includes:
- Transfer from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) to the Edinburgh hotel on arrival day and transfer to Shannon Airport (SNN) on departure day
- 14 nights in selected accommodations: Edinburgh (1), Inverness (1), Balmacara (2), Oban area (1), Glasgow (2), Dublin (2), Kenmare (3) and County Clare (2)
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 9 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
- Paola Peracino, your professional English-speaking Tour Leader throughout the journey, accommodated at the same hotels as the group
- Touring coach transportation in Scotland and Ireland, plus the Cairnryan-Belfast ferry crossing and transfers as detailed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking local guides for included visits, with audio headsets throughout the journey
- Guided exploration of Edinburgh with a Scottish whisky experience, followed by scenic travel through Perth, Pitlochry and the Highlands
- Loch Ness cruise with a visit to Urquhart Castle, a photo stop at Eilean Donan Castle, and a full day exploring the Isle of Skye
- Journey through Fort William and Glenfinnan to Oban, including a whisky experience at Oban Distillery and a scenic stop at Loch Lomond
- Self-guided visit to Stirling Castle with audio guide, followed by the ferry crossing to Belfast and a traditional pub stop en route to Dublin
- Guided exploration of Dublin, including Trinity College and the Book of Kells Experience (to be reconfirmed), plus visits to the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle
- Return ferry to Garnish Island with admission to Ilnacullin Gardens, scenic exploration of the Beara Peninsula, and the Ring of Kerry with Killarney National Park
- Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre (to be reconfirmed), scenic travel through The Burren with Poulnabrone Dolmen, time in Galway, and a farewell dinner
- VAT, city taxes and gratuities for included guides, Tour Leader, hotel staff, servers and local drivers
Tour price is per person based on a minimum of 6 participants and double occupancy. A single supplement of EUR 1,790 is available for those traveling alone who would like their own room.
*International airfare is not included, but Olde Ipswich Tours can assist with booking flights.
DAYS 1-3, EDINBURGH, THE HIGHLANDS & LOCH NESS: Begin in Edinburgh with a guided walk through the Scottish capital, a whisky tasting and welcome dinner. Travel north through Perth and Pitlochry into the Highlands, then continue to legendary Loch Ness for a scenic cruise and visit to Urquhart Castle. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle before reaching the gateway to the Isle of Skye.
DAYS 4-6, ISLE OF SKYE, OBAN & LOCH LOMOND: Spend a day among the rugged landscapes of the Isle of Skye, visiting colorful Portree and some of the island’s celebrated viewpoints. Continue through Fort William and past the Glenfinnan Viaduct to the harbor town of Oban. The next morning, discover Scotland’s whisky tradition at Oban Distillery before traveling south via Loch Lomond to Glasgow.
DAYS 7-9, STIRLING, THE IRISH SEA & DUBLIN: Visit historic Stirling Castle before enjoying time in Glasgow. The following day, cross by ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast, pause for a traditional pub experience and continue to Dublin for dinner. Discover the Irish capital with a local guide, including Trinity College, the Old Library and the Book of Kells, with the afternoon free to explore independently.
DAYS 10-12, ANCIENT IRELAND, BEARA & THE RING OF KERRY: Travel southwest through the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle before settling into County Kerry. Cruise to Garnish Island to explore the Ilnacullin Gardens, then follow the wild landscapes of the Beara Peninsula. The next day is devoted to the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park, with scenic stops, short walks and time in Killarney.
DAY 13-14, CLIFFS OF MOHER, THE BURREN & GALWAY: Follow Ireland’s Atlantic coast toward the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, with a stop in Doolin before continuing into County Clare. The following day, travel through the limestone landscapes of The Burren, visit prehistoric Poulnabrone Dolmen and continue to Galway for time to enjoy its colorful streets and lively atmosphere before gathering for a farewell dinner.
DAY 15, DEPARTURE: After breakfast, transfer to Shannon Airport (SNN) for your flight home.
*Transfers to major airports can be arranged at an additional cost.
