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4.9
Read 70 reviews

Travel back in time with us

This fast-paced Scotland and Ireland tour focuses on their rich history, with plenty of castle tours and museums to help bring the past to life. It's the perfect trip for those interested in exploring Scottish and Irish heritage.

Trip details

Tour start Edinburgh

trip-destination

Tour end Shannon

11 icon

Days

10 icon

Nights

19 icon

Meals

Highlights

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle

Tour the iconic castle at the heart of the capital, which boasts the Crown Jewels of Scotland.

Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher

Marvel at the stunning views from these cliffs, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic.

Isle of Skye
Isle of Skye

Admire the rugged coastlines and ancient ruins of this Scottish island.

Glenveagh Castle
Glenveagh Castle

Revel in the wild beauty and the incredible gardens of this former hunting lodge.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Get the inside story on Scotland's finest poet.

Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia

Tour Queen Elizabeth II's former floating home.

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Itinerary

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slide Day 1Edinburgh | Royal Yacht Britannia
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Edinburgh hotel. Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former floating home of the Queen on many of her travels. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group (D)
See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (B)
Head through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Blair Athol Distillery, where you will see how whiskey is produced and sample a dram. In Pitlochry, spend some free time exploring this interesting Victorian town. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through the majestic Highland scenery to Inverness (Sunday departures) or Nairn (Tuesday departures). (B, D)
Travel alongside Loch Ness and through the Highlands, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and visit Armadale Castle. Return to the mainland by ferry and take the “Road to the Isles” through some majestic Highland scenery, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. At your hotel, enjoy dinner and an evening of Scottish entertainment, with traditional music and dancing. (B, D)
Enjoy views of the magnificent Highlands as you travel through Glencoe and along the shore of Loch Lomond. Stop in Alloway to visit the poet Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Embark on a short ferry ride to Belfast. (B, D)
At Titanic Belfast, delve into the history of the famous liner. Walk with a local guide to see the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square and Victorian buildings, including the Opera House and the Crown Liquor Saloon. Your afternoon is free to explore. In the evening, visit Crosskeys Inn for dinner and entertainment in a CIE Tours Exclusive (B, D)
Enjoy ocean and mountain scenery as you trave the Nine Glens of Antrim. Discover the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns rising out of the sea, and pause for photos at the Dunluce Castle ruins. Head to Derry for a walking tour with a local guide to see how this city, with it's painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to your hotel in Letterkenny. (B, D)
Visit Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair built Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Enjoy a guided tour and stroll the extensive gardens. Head to Donegal town, and visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design before enjoying time to explore this town indepdently. Head to Belleek Pottery to watch skilled craftspeople create delicate, highly decorative pieces. Travel on to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle's fine restaurant. (B, D)
Visit the Arigna Mining Centre to experience what life was like for a coal miner in the Arigna Valley. Then enjoy some free time in the historic town of Carrick-on-Shannon, situated on the River Shannon. Return to the charming town of Ballyfarnon and relax in your castle hotel before dinner. (B, D)
Head to Galway and join a local guide for a gentle walking tour. See the narrow streets, the medieval city walls, and Lynch’s Castle. Travel through the Burren, an area of limestone hills that supports a wide range of flora. View the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic. In the evening, dine at Durty Nelly's, one of Ireland's landmark pubs. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, it's been welcoming guests for 400 years. (B, D)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >

Where you’ll stay

Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club Exterior

Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club Edinburgh, Scotland

In addition to a full-service spa, Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club features a golf course and...
Columba Hotel exterior

Columba Hotel Inverness, Scotland

This grand hotel has a great location in the heart of Inverness, yet in a ...
Muthu Newton Hotel

Muthu Newton Hotel Nairn, Scotland

Muthu Newton Hotel is close to the Nairn golfing links and the Moray Firth offering unrivalled...
Ballachulish Hotel on Loch Linnhe

Ballachulish Hotel Ballachulish, Scotland

Situated in a breathtaking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, this historic hotel...
Isles of Glencoe Hotel

Isles of Glencoe Hotel Ballachulish, Scotland

Almost afloat, The Isles of Glencoe Hotel is nestled on the side of a peninsula, reaching into...
Europa Hotel

Europa Hotel Belfast, Northern Ireland

The world famous Europa Hotel in Belfast is located in the heart of Belfast City Centre...
Station House Hotel - Letterkenny

Station House Hotel - Letterkenny Donegal, Ireland

Station House Letterkenny is a 3-star modern contemporary boutique hotel, offering high-...
Kilronan Castle

Kilronan Castle Roscommon, Ireland

Located just 45 minutes drive from Sligo Airport, Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa features an...
Temple Gate Hotel

Temple Gate Hotel Ennis, Ireland

In the center of historic Ennis, Temple Gate Hotel features free Wi-Fi and free parking, just 20...
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Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

  • Full daily breakfast and many meals*
  • Traditional entertainment
  • Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
  • Welcome drinks with your group
  • Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
  • All entrance fees to attractions
  • Comprehensive travel itinerary

 

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

  • A travel backpack
  • Travel adapter
  • Rain poncho
  • Luggage strap and tags
  • Documents wallet

From our travelers

Giant's Causeway

The itinerary for our trip was excellent, and so were the hotels (two castle stays!) but the absolute best part of the trip was the Tour Director. Joe not only organized and took care of all of us the entire trip, but he shared with us his personal insights and experiences that enhanced the history of Ireland and made it very real for us. I feel this was what made our group become so close, and some of us still keep in touch and plan on taking another trip next year!

CIE Tours Customer
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See what people are saying about this trip

5
CIE Tours Customer
1 year 10 months ago

Loved this trip and would do it all over again in a few years. CIE staff was friendly & the people of Ireland were wonderful.

5
CIE Tours Customer
1 year 10 months ago
Great Experience!

Great value for what we got! Can not say enough about our guides the service. We loved our guide Jerry. Ion was kind of grumpy but I think it is because of his "Scottish" upbringing. Ion was extremely knowledgeable but at times left some of the people behind. If he would get off the bus (coach) and wait for everyone then it would be a better experience. The hotels we stayed out were great. There is just enough walking and you can do as little or as much as you like. The nightly events were fun and entertaining. I loved our group as we felt like family. It is tough spending 11 - 15 days with strangers but not for us! I would do it again and suggest them to anyone that was looking to do this trip.

5
Ms. Amanda
1 year 10 months ago
Once in a Lifetime

Amazing trip for a great price!

5
CIE Tours Customer
1 year 10 months ago
Extremely good tour guides and good itinerary.

Great value for the trip to these locations. Enjoyed the landscape in these countries.

5
CIE Tours Customer
1 year 10 months ago
Wonderful Tour!

We definitely got our money’s worth on this trip!

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