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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

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Days

10 icon

Nights

19 icon

Meals

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Highlights

Edinburgh Castle

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

Cliffs of Moher

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

Isle of Skye

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

Glenveagh Castle

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

Giant’s Causeway

Created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago – or, according to Gaelic legend, by a giant – mammoth hexagonal stone columns rise from earth in a striking formation.

Crosskeys Inn
Crosskeys Inn Irish Night – CIE Tours Exclusive

Enjoy a pint and the craic by a crackling fire in Ireland's oldest thatched-roof pub.

Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s grandest castles, with its imposing position and impressive architecture, and the scenery will take your breath away.

Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast

Take a guided tour of central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this ill-fated liner.

Arigna Mining Experience
Arigna Mining Experience

Learn about coal mining life in the Arigna Valley from the 1700's until 1990.

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Itinerary

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slide Day 1Edinburgh | Scotch Whisky Experience*
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel. Head out to The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. For dinner you'll hear colorful tales of Scottish history and culture while tasting a range of flavorful whiskies paired with local dishes. (August 6-22 departures will instead have free time to explore and dine independently.) (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 andvisit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (The August 6 - 22 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.) (B)
Head through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a tasting of award-winning chocolates with an expert chocolatier. All the chocolates are made on-site with sustainable ingredients, including local heather honey and berries, and fresh cream from local herds of Scottish Friesians. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Inverness (Sunday departures) or Nairn (Tuesday departures). (B, D)
Travel alongside Loch Ness, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and visit Armadale Castle, returning by ferry. Take the “Road to the Isles” past lochs, lush woodlands, and heather-covered moors of the majestic Highlands, stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Continue through The Trossachs to your hotel in Dunblane. (B, D)
Head to Stirling, where you'll tour Stirling Castle. Perched on volcanic rock above the town, this grand castle is one of Scotland's most important. Explore the richness of the 16th-century decor of the palace, once the childhood home to Mary Queen of Scots. Drive on through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you'll dine in your hotel this evening. (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 travel 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 its 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 free time to explore the town and have lunch independently. Head to Belleek Pottery to watch skilled craftspeople create delicate, highly decorative pieces. Travel to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle's fine restaurant. (B, D)
Visit the Arigna Mining Experience to discover local history and life as a coal miner in the Arigna Valley. Visit Lough Key Forest Park to explore how humans have shaped the landscape on this old estate over thousands of years. Walk through tunnels used by servants in the 19th century, see the sunken garden, and then walk along with the Tree Canopy Bridge for panoramic views of nature and the shimmering lake. Return to the charming village 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 and see its limestone hills, often blooming with a vast array of wildflowers. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic. In the evening, head out to a castle for a medieval-style banquet. (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...

DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Stirling, Scotland

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro opened in 1878 as a luxurious Victorian health spa...
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

3
CIE Tours Customer
2 months 2 weeks ago
too much time on bus

good trip, too bad our group leader had to leave.

5
CIE Tours Customer
2 months 3 weeks ago
Get a feel for three different locales!

Nice hotels, excursions and site entry for almost every stop is INCLUDED….read the fine print, some tours will nickel and dime you throughout. The bus was new and comfortable. Good value for the length and miles covered.

5
Lynn Sara Voorhees
2 months 3 weeks ago
Best trip ever!

A great value and almost all the meals were included. The hotels we stayed at were awesome too. Especially the Kilronan Castle!

5
Caren Agueda
3 months ago
Very positive booking experience

This is my first tour experience, I had a blast on this11 days/10 nights The Scots Irish Tour. It covers a lot of territory, saw and did lots, it is fast paced and exciting, great tour directors/drivers, wonderful tour group. Would do another CIE tour for sure - thinking of Italy in fall 2023! Loved it, great experience all around.

4
CIE Tours Customer
3 months ago

It was good but I wished the wifi would have worked.
It was a gift when we got to stay two nights at the hotel. It was nice to get up late at times. The food was great for the most part. I wished there were more salad like at the Crosskeys place. The music was fantastic and so was the food. What a hospitality that they had. They were genuinely nice family.

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