If you want to experience and explore the real Scotland and Ireland then look no further as we have the perfect mix on our 17 Day Tour of the best of Scotland and Ireland.
Discover these destinations’ sheer beauty as we take you on a journey through picturesque villages, towns, and dramatic wild landscapes of colourful valleys, rugged coastlines, and pristine lochs with rolling hills set in the background. Experience the most thrilling activities from Stirling Castle, walking and hiking in the national parks of Scotland and Ireland, and amazing water sports experiences on the Isle of Skye and Killarney.
You can experience all this and more, as we take you off the beaten track to unearth the real Scotland and Ireland that will forever capture your heart.
Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS, Scotland
Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Arran Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
Sunday @ 9:00 am – Please arrive by 8:45 am for a prompt departure
Tuesday @ 1:00 pm
Your adventure starts off in Edinburgh, Scotland’s hilly capital. Our direction is north west to Stirling Castle where we will take our first stop on our amazing adventure of Scotland.
The castle is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold for the Stewart kings and queens. Its dominating setting upon a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
Afterwards, we continue our journey north to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. A perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast and where we will our first night beneath the foothills of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain.
Today’s adventure takes us first to Steall Falls, a dramatic and beautiful route through Nevis Gorge, one of the best short walks in Scotland.
From here, we take the road north-west towards the Isle of Skye, famous for its wild picturesque scenery that will take your breath away. The Island is 50 miles (80km) long, the largest of the Inner Hebrides and its capital is Portree where we will perch our feet up for two nights. The following day we will discover this magical island as we will explore its unique landscapes, wildlife, rich history and geological wonders.
Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track to explore the real beauty of the Isle of Skye. Your first stop of the day is at Dunvegan Castle. It is one the greatest Hebridean castles and the only Highland fortress to have been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years. You can tour the inside of the castle but don’t forget to explore its beautiful gardens also.
After a bite to eat, you head north around the top of Skye to Duntulm Castle where you can sit and marvel at this magnificent setting. From here, take the road south to the Old Man of Storr, one of Scotland’s most iconic places. The Old Man is a unique rock feature and offers stunning views out over the Sound of Raasay.
That afternoon, make your way back to Portree where you can experience some fantastic culinary delights, meet the locals or simply relax.
We depart the beautiful setting of the Isle of Skye, making our way east through undulating valleys and along picturesque lakes to Fort Augustus which sits on the edge of Loch Ness. Here we will stop for a nice bite to eat before making our way north for a quick visit of Boleskine Burial Ground (the final resting place of all the Frasers of the region) and for fans of Outlander, this is a place you really must visit, however, there is no guarantee you will meet Jamie Fraser!!
Onward we go and in search of the Loch Ness monster we take a stop at Dores. The village of Dores and its beach by the Loch is probably the most spectacular viewing point for you to get that memorable and lucky photo of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. The Loch itself is over 37 miles long and has more freshwater than all the lakes of England and Wales combined.
Afterwards, we make the short drive to Inverness where you can explore this colourful ancient cathedral city in the Scottish Highlands and sample its lively atmosphere.
This morning you take a short drive to Culloden where you get to experience this emotionally powerful site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil.
Explore its interactive visitor centre, view fascinating artefacts from both sides of the confrontation, experience the battle in the immersive surround cinema and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. There is no escaping the emotions Culloden stirs up inside you as you discover how a bloody fight that lasted only an hour changed life in the Highlands forever.
That afternoon, you return to Inverness where you have free time to explore this beautiful highland city by taking a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest, sampling its wide variety of food and whisky or even experience a Hootananny!!!
Your adventure today brings you through the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park on the British Isles, to the hilly capital of Scotland, Edinburgh.
Five of the UK’s six highest mountains lie inside the park, alongside 55 Munros – mountains over 3,000 ft – which can be found here too. There are huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls, more wildlife than you can imagine and where you can take a variety of walking routes or take a watersports adventure on Loch Morlich.
After a bite to eat in Pitlochry, you make your way south towards Edinburgh, where your spectacular Scotland journey comes to an end but another adventure begins in Ireland as you take a flight to Dublin that evening. Once you arrive in Dublin, you will be transferred to your accommodation venue where you can relax or explore Dublin’s vibrant nightlife.
You have the day to either relax, explore or take an adventure in the magnificent setting of Dublin. This famous city is renowned for its historical windy streets that are full of stories and many points of interest to suit everyone’s tastes. It has vibrant street cafes, restaurants, bars and a bustling atmosphere. Be sure to experience it!!
Your Ireland adventure starts off in Dublin, Ireland’s capital, also known as the Fair City. Your direction is south to the rebel county of Ireland, Cork, and its wild Atlantic coastline.
After lunch in Cashel, we will visit the Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone and home of the High Kings of Ireland. Afterwards, we continue your journey towards Cork, which is the starting point of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and where that evening you can relax and savour its picturesque setting and friendly atmosphere.
Rise and shine for an adventure along the wild and spectacular coastline of Cork and climb over mountain passes to reach the majestic setting of Killarney.
Along the way, stop off at a Stone Age tomb called the Altar Wedge Tomb, which sits dramatically on the waterfront overlooking Toormore Bay. Continue your journey towards one of Ireland’s most southerly point, Mizen Head. You have the option of visiting the Mizen Head Signal Station* or take a stroll along the golden strand of Barleycove beach.
After a bite to eat, make your way over the mountainous terrain that separates Cork and Kerry before arriving in the picturesque town of Killarney. It is home to Ireland’s first national park with spectacular glistening lakes, beautiful nature, great food, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
*Mizen Head Signal Station only available from Mid-March to October.
Dingle is your destination today, as you explore these dramatic and beautiful areas of Ireland that are littered with archaeological and historical wonders.
Heading due west to the edge of Europe, also known as Slea Head. Feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches and the magnificent Blasket Islands. You will explore its vast Gaelic culture and learn a cupla focal (some words) in Irish along the way.
Then visit and have lunch in the colourful and vibrant town of Dingle before making your way to Inch Strand, famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long and where you can take a short stroll along its golden sands and watch long rolling waves that come crashing ashore before making your way back to Killarney.
Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten track to unlock the real beauty of the world famous Ring of Kerry. Considered one of the most beautiful destinations to explore in Ireland, the Ring of Kerry offers dramatic landscapes of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches, glistening lakes, picturesque villages and spectacular mountain ranges.
Even better, you can take an mesmerizing tour of the spectacular Valentia Island where you can delve into its incredible history and heritage, explore its magical setting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and if you are lucky get a glimpse (weather permitting) of the dramatic Skellig Islands (Star Wars famed).
After a well-earned bite to eat, slowly make your way back to Killarney stopping off at many spectacular viewing points to learn of their historical importance and the opportunity to take that picture that will ensure an everlasting memory of paradise.
Today is your chance to discover the majestic setting of Killarney and Ireland’s first National Park. You can choose to relax and unwind, explore its national park and vibrant town or take one of many adventure experiences to truly discover Killarney.
In terms of experiences, you have the opportunity to take a majestic kayak tour on the lakes of Killarney to a mystical island called Innisfallen, a gentle guided hike of Torc Mountain with magical view of the Lakes of Killarney from its summit, explore Muckross Estate which is home to a spectacular 15th Century Franciscan Friary, Torc Waterfall and the majestic setting of Muckross House & Gardens by bicycle or walking. Finally combine one of those experiences with a mesmerising kayak tour on the Lakes of Killarney.
That afternoon, we set off in a northerly direction crossing the River Shannon on route to the edge of Europe and the spectacular setting of the Cliffs of Moher. That night we will stay in the beautiful coastal setting of Lahinch and a chance for you to experience great traditional music sessions, fantastic food and of course meet the locals.
This morning we will make our way to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This ‘must see’ wonder of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, stretches for almost 10 KM and will capture your eyes and imagination as you gaze out in awe of its impressive setting.
Take the opportunity to explore the fantastic interpretation centre that will show you how this marvelous creation was shaped by nature’s hand and learn about its unique geological makeup.
After a bite to eat, we will make our way through the remarkable moon-like terrain of the wild Burren on route to the bohemian capital of Ireland, Galway. That afternoon, take the opportunity to soak in it’s vibrant streets, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest.
Today is your opportunity to either to rejuvenate your batteries before we commence our spectacular northern section of the dramatic Wild Atlantic Way, soak in Galway’s vibrant bustling streets, quaint cafes and historical points of interest, or take an adventure out to one of the majestic Gaelic speaking Aran Island’s.
Today’s adventure brings us to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. We will explore these majestic destinations, full of colourful scenery and wonderful history.
In Connemara National Park, take the opportunity to hike to the top Diamond Hill before we head to Kylemore Abbey for a bite to eat and time to explore its incredible history and unique gardens.
Later that afternoon, we commence our journey northwards passing Killary harbour and secluded picturesque lakes that line our path to the colourful town of Westport.
That evening, we will experience this vibrant town’s legendary musical talent and culinary exploits.
You have the day to either relax, explore or take an adventure in picturesque Westport. It is famous for Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain and Clew Bay, which has an island for everyday of the year.
Westport is rich in historical areas of interest and a great traditional music scene. Be sure to experience it!!
At 9:45 am, you will depart via train from the beautiful coastal setting of Westport and head east through the heartlands of Ireland towards Dublin’s fair city.
As you meander through Ireland’s midlands, you will pass through quaint villages and lush green fields that dot this picturesque landscape before at our journey’s end, Dublin. This is where we bid a fond farewell with happy memories that will last forever. Remember, Ireland is now your second home away from home!
Returning to Heuston Station, Dublin at 1:04 pm.
