Scotland and Ireland Tour
September 2023
September 18th - 30th, 2023
Experience the best of Scotland and Ireland during this exciting cultural trip. The tour is perfectly timed to marvel in the beautiful fall colors while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes that surround. Enjoy a perfect mix of culture, history, beauty and plain old fun as we travel to unforgettable destinations.
Highlights: Edinburgh - St. Andrews - The Scottish Highlands - Loch Ness - Pitlochry - The Irish Sea - Belfast - Derry and the history of the IRA - Giant’s Causeway - Galway - The Cliffs of Moher - Dublin - And Much More!
Overnights: Edinburgh (2 nights) - Pitlochry (2 nights) - Troon (1 night) - Belfast (2 nights) - Galway (2 nights) - Dublin (3 nights)
Price: €3,995/person - based off a double occupancy room
Tour Itinerary
Day One - Edinburgh Arrival Day and Welcome Dinner Reception - September 18th
Welcome to Scotland! After arriving in Edinburgh, settle into your 4-star accommodations located on the Royal Mile. Unpack, relax, and maybe even enjoy a stroll through Edinburgh to stretch your legs. In the evening, all guests will gather at our Welcome Dinner Reception and get acquainted with fellow travelers while having a delicious meal.
Overnight: Edinburgh, Scotland
Day Two - Edinburgh City Tour - September 19th
Start your day in the heart of Edinburgh. Enjoy a hearty breakfast before meeting your local guide in the hotel lobby for a short walking tour. Our stroll through town will provide visitors with stories of Edinburgh’s fascinating past. The tour culminates with an optional visit to the Edinburgh Castle followed by free time to discover the many nearby attractions and museums.
Overnight: Edinburgh, Scotland
Day Three - St. Andrews and Pitlochry - September 20th
Today we depart for the beautiful Scottish countryside. As we leave Edinburgh, we will circle past some of the beautiful sights we weren’t able to visit by foot the previous days. Leaving the city behind, we are treated to stunning scenery as we travel along the Fife Coast en route to St. Andrews and its world-renowned golf course. Whether you are an avid golfer yourself or think the game is a “good walk spoiled” you are sure to be entertained by the story of the course’s creation during our visit to the Old Course. Not into golf? No need to worry. Our afternoon will be spent in the charming University Town before departing on our way to Pitlochry.
Overnight: Pitlochry, Scotland
Day Four - Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness - September 21st
Our day starts with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, one of the most important and tragic sites in Scottish history. Afterwards experience a traditional Highland Farm. Here we will be treated to a demonstration from shepherds and their working dogs as they masterfully round up the flock. Enjoy a nice lunch near Loch Ness and a picturesque drive along its shores. We finish our day with beautiful mountain scenery as we make our way back through the Highlands to Pitlochry for the evening.
Overnight: Pitlochry, Scotland
Day Five - Glasgow and the Scottish Coast - September 22nd
Take in the beautiful sights as we head south towards the Scottish Coast and the Irish Sea. Along our journey we will see historical sites and visit the vibrant city of Glasgow. Enjoy a short walking tour and free time to explore the lively pedestrian zone. After enjoying a nice lunch we continue on to the coastal town of Troon where our accommodations are for the evening.
Overnight: Troon, Scotland
Day Six - Ferry to Northern Ireland and Belfast - September 23rd
Today we make our way from Scotland to Ireland traveling across the North Channel. The short two-hour ferry ride gives guests stunning views of both the Scottish and Irish coasts. We arrive in Belfast Harbor, the same harbor the Titanic was constructed, as we are welcomed to Northern Ireland. Enjoy the afternoon and evening to explore Belfast from our centrally located accommodations.
Overnight: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Day Seven - Derry and Giant’s Causeway - September 24th
Visit the border town of Derry or Londonderry as the Loyalists proclaim it. Learn about the struggle between Catholics (Ireland) and the Protestants (Northern Ireland - Loyal to the British Crown). The signing of the Good Friday Agreement brought peace in 1998. After a short walking tour and lunch, we depart for Giant’s Causeway. Marvel in the natural beauty of the basalt columns formed from an ancient volcanic eruption.
Overnight: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Day Eight - Belfast Titanic Museum and Tullamore Dew Visit - September 25th
Just around the corner from our Belfast accommodations stands the city’s historic dockyard where the infamous Titanic was constructed. This will be our first destination of the day as we visit the masterfully curated and interactive Titanic Belfast Museum. Explore recreated staterooms, venture aboard the last remaining White Star Line ship, and much more. After leaving Belfast, we head across the border to the Republic of Ireland with a visit to the Tullamore Dew Whiskey Distillery for an optional tasting and delicious lunch. Our day comes to a close as we settle in for the night at our cozy accommodations in Galway.
Overnight: Galway, Ireland
Day Nine - Cliffs of Moher - September 26th
Just south of Galway, along the Irish coast, sits the stunning Cliffs of Moher. On our way to this scenic overlook we will make a stop at local chocolate factory and sample delicious sweet treats. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive through rugged Burren National Park before arriving at the Cliffs of Moher. Take in the natural beauty of the towering cliffs before having a traditional Irish meal on our way back to Dublin. In the late afternoon enjoy more time to explore Galway on your own.
Overnight: Galway, Ireland
Day Ten - Athlone Castle and Irish Stud Farm - September 27th
Embark on a captivating day, traveling from Galway to Dublin, weaving through Ireland's scenic heartlands. Discover ancient Irish history at the Athlone Castle before savoring a delightful lunch in the charming town of Kildare. Unveil the equestrian heritage of Ireland with a visit to the renowned Irish National Stud Farm, where history comes alive and the exhilarating Irish Race Horse Experience awaits, offering an immersion into the world of thoroughbred racing and horsemanship. This journey promises a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, and equine enchantment.
Overnight: Dublin, Ireland
Day Eleven - Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains - September 28th
Enjoy a tranquil journey from Dublin into the mystic landscapes of Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. As you depart the city, enjoy an engaging historical narrative from an expert local guide. Traverse through the Wicklow Mountains, shrouded in ancient tales, before arriving at the serene beauty of Glendalough, where monastic ruins and tranquil lakes offer a glimpse into Ireland's past. This tour seamlessly weaves history and nature, promising a day of discovery and reflection amidst Ireland's scenic treasures.
Overnight: Dublin, Ireland
Day Twelve- Dublin Free Day and Farewell Dinner - September 29th
Explore Dublin at your leisure on our last full day in the Irish capital. Guests will have no trouble finding activities for the day as many attractions, such as the Trinity College Library, are located near our hotel. Stand in awe of the architectural gem and see the 1200+ year-old Book of Kells. Peruse lesser traveled side streets or do some final souvenir shopping. In the evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner reception and one last night with your new friends looking back on all the wonderful memories that were made.
Overnight: Dublin, Ireland
Day Thirteen - Departure Day - September 30th
Enjoy breakfast before saying one final goodbye to the Emerald Island and all the friends made on this wonderful trip. A private shuttle will transport guests to the Dublin International Airport.
Pricing and Reservations
Tour Packages Includes:
Pre & Post Tour Planning Assistance from Jake & Pete
Welcome Gift Bag & Suprise Souvenirs
Free WiFi at all hotels
Curbside airport pick-up and and drop-off
Welcome and Farewell Dinner Receptions
Digital video commemorating the memories made on the trip
Hotel Accommodations for 12 Nights
Daily Breakfast
Guided Day Trips, Excursions and Transportation
Informative and Caring Tour Staff
Entry Fees and Guides for Included Activities
24-Hour On-Tour Assistance
Scotland and Ireland Tour - 13 Days
One Adult (Double Occupancy Room) €3,995*
*€1,295 Single Occupancy Supplement