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Tick off all the travel highlights on this in-depth Scotland and Ireland trip, filled with tons of craic and special moments with friends, whether you’re hopping across the mythical stones of Giant’s Causeway or passing the lovely lochs, Highlands and castles of Scotland.
Tick off all the travel highlights on this in-depth Scotland and Ireland trip, filled with tons of craic and special moments with friends, whether you’re hopping across the mythical stones of Giant’s Causeway or passing the lovely lochs, Highlands and castles of Scotland.
You’re in for a lyrical love affair with Ireland’s whimsical capital, your launch pad to an enchanting encounter with the 'Emerald Isle' and Scotland. On arrival, transfer to your hotel then spend the rest of the day exploring the city’s effervescence on your own. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception on Dublin's 200-year-old Grand Canal. Resist the urge to retire early and head to the Temple Bar to soak up the craic and a pint or two of the ‘Black Stuff’ in one of the many colourful pubs for which Dublin is justifiably famous.
Poetry and politics, music and literature – Dublin is famous for all this and more as you’ll come to discover when you join a Local Specialist to delve into the city’s iconic sights, tumultuous history and even a few hidden gems. Tread in the footsteps of Arthur Guinness, James Joyce and Bono as you pound the cobbled pavements in search of Dublin’s many stories. Then, leave the capital behind bound for the harbour city of Galway, known as the 'Cityof the Tribes'.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Galway Bay
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Trad on the Prom
The best in Irish dancing from the most-awarded performers in Ireland. Combined with some of Ireland's best musical talent, this show is truly "can’t miss".
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Admire Stunning Connemara
Connemara’s 'savage beauty' takes centre stage today on your full-day excursion through the endless shades of green which once captured the heart of Oscar Wilde. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a magnificent castellated structure built as a family home and now inhabited by a group of Benedictine nuns. Later, we visit the Connemara Marble artisan workshop where you'll Dive Into Culture and witness first-hand how their famous jade-like marble is carved.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner and Drive
Watch the sun go down on Galway Bay (made famous in song by Bing Crosby), as we take a scenic drive to an established landmark village restaurant. In this quaint setting, a delicious three-course, locally sourced, dinner with a glass of wine or beer awaits us.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Galway Castle Banquet
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Onwards to Poetic Drumcliff and Donegal
See firsthand why the rugged beauty of Cong was chosen as the backdrop of John Wayne's award winning 'The Quiet Man'. Connect With Locals at Ireland’s largest sheep farm, Glen Keen Farm, for a heart-warming Be My Guest experience with your hosts, Catherine, Jim and their son James. You’ll watch in deep admiration as the energetic collies herd sheep and enjoy a traditional tea of scones, freshly whipped cream and jam, gaining a deep appreciation for the family’s efforts to preserve Irish heritage and traditions. Stop in Drumcliff, where acclaimed poet and playwright, W.B. Yeats was laid to rest. Then, continue to Donegal, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Central
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Evening at a Locally-Acclaimed Restaurant
Travel through the lovely Finn Valley to the award winning village of Glenties, where we’ll dine at a village tavern with Irish fare and craft beer. While dining on locally-produced dishes, we’ll also enjoy music and storytelling.
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Venture to Londonderry and Belfast
Start your day with a visit to Londonderry where a Local Specialist will take you on a stroll along the ancient walls that surround the Renaissance-style old city. Follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route through rolling countryside and past rugged cliffs to the Giant’s Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit will help to conserve this iconic landmark. You’ll have some free time to tiptoe in the giant geometric steps of Finn McCool and enjoy lunch before continuing to Belfast, your home for the next two nights.
What better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lively city than to join a Local Specialist for a stroll through its hidden side streets? We'll have an included drink in a historic pub and continue to a local restaurant for a quintessentially traditional meal; fish and chips.
Adult Price: £41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Discover Colourful Belfast
Explore Northern Ireland’s trendy capital today, starting with a visit to the Titanic Belfast Experience, where you’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the tragic story of the famous ship that met its end in the Atlantic. Your Local Specialist will join you for a sightseeing tour through the city with views of the Belfast City Hall, Castle and Botanic Gardens. Take the rest of the afternoon to explore at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a pint in Belfast’s oldest traditional pub or visit St. George’s Market for some shopping.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Enjoy Dinner and Drinks in Belfast
Join us for an evening of drinks, good food and true Irish hospitality at one of our favourite local restaurants. One drink included.
Adult Price: £42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Cross the Irish Sea to Glasgow
Bid Ireland farewell as you board your ferry to Scotland. Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past Ailsa Craig, then continue to Glasgow, where you’ll enjoy an orientation of a city that exudes edginess. Take to the streets on your own exploration and see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral and the Clyde River before finding a cosy pub to warm your heart with a little local whisky and a night on the toon.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Maldron
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Glasgow City Evening
You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
Adult Price: £37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Uncover Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands
Sensational scenery follows your journey through the Scottish Highlands from Glasgow to Newtonmore. Loch Lomond sets the tone with views over the water to craggy Ben Lomond. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a 'Glen of Weeping'. Then, on to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ before arriving in Loch Ness, where you’ll keep a keen eye out for the beloved monster that lurks beneath its surface. Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Continue to Elegant Edinburgh
It’s never too early for a wee dram when you travel the wilds of Scotland. Your day begins with a visit to Stirling Distillery where you’ll Dive Into Culture and learn how Scotland’s golden goodness whisky is made. Continue to the home of golfing gods, St. Andrews. You’ll view its famous 18th hole before continuing to Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Jurys Inn
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Explore Edinburgh
Surrender to the charms of Edinburgh, one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Your Local Specialist will guide your sightseeing tour through its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades. See the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse before visiting Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own or get stuck into some last-minute souvenir shopping before joining your travel companions for a rousing Farewell Dinner to toast your memorable journey together.
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Royal Yacht Britannia
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Adult Price: £23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 11
Journey Home
Imbued with Gaelic spirit, your holiday has come to an end. Bid your new friends a fond farewell as you prepare for your return journey home. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Trad on the Prom
The best in Irish dancing from the most-awarded performers in Ireland. Combined with some of Ireland's best musical talent, this show is truly "can’t miss".
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Dinner and Drive
Watch the sun go down on Galway Bay (made famous in song by Bing Crosby), as we take a scenic drive to an established landmark village restaurant. In this quaint setting, a delicious three-course, locally sourced, dinner with a glass of wine or beer awaits us.
Adult Price: €45.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Galway Castle Banquet
Join us on a drive to Galway Castle where you'll begin your evening of medieval entertainment. This will be accompanied by a delicious dinner where wine will flow, and you’ll be treated to songs and the marvellous Irish art of story-telling.
Adult Price: €72.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Evening at a Locally-Acclaimed Restaurant
Travel through the lovely Finn Valley to the award winning village of Glenties, where we’ll dine at a village tavern with Irish fare and craft beer. While dining on locally-produced dishes, we’ll also enjoy music and storytelling.
Adult Price: €55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips
What better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lively city than to join a Local Specialist for a stroll through its hidden side streets? We'll have an included drink in a historic pub and continue to a local restaurant for a quintessentially traditional meal; fish and chips.
Adult Price: £41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Enjoy Dinner and Drinks in Belfast
Join us for an evening of drinks, good food and true Irish hospitality at one of our favourite local restaurants. One drink included.
Adult Price: £42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Glasgow City Evening
You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
Adult Price: £37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Loch Lomond Boat Trip
Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Rosslyn Chapel
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 10
Royal Yacht Britannia
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Adult Price: £23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
10 nights
Accommodation
Trip Summary Meals Icon
14 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 10 Breakfasts
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown. VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Uncover centuries of Irish heritage as you explore Catherine and Jim Power’s Glen Keen Farm, marvel at collies herding sheep and enjoy a traditional scone tea.
Dive Into Culture
Visit Stirling Distillery for a tour and tasting of their single malt whisky
Dive Into Culture
Visit a Connemara marble factory to see how this vivid green-coloured stone has been crafted into jewellery and figurines for generations.
Dive Into Culture
Discover the full story of the Titanic at the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction and monument in Belfast.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore with an expert, who'll explain how your visit helps conserve this iconic natural landmark.
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Dublin, Londonderry, Belfast and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
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Discover Galway and Glasgow
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Visit Connemara Marble Factory, Kylemore Abbey, Westport, Drumcliff, Donegal, Giant's Causeway, Titanic Experience in Belfast, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Stirling Distillery and Edinburgh Castle
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View W.B. Yeats's grave at Drumcliff, the 18th hole at St. Andrews
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See Ailsa Craig
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Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Ferry from Northern Ireland to Scotland
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Highlights of Ireland and Scotland trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Based on 2 independent reviews
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Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
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Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
This was our very first trip using Trafalgar tours and it was worth everything and more. The places we visited were extremely interesting and the accompanying commentary during the tour was very interesting and well presented. Our tour guide our bus driver and our wellness person were a great team to travel with. I would recommend Trafalgar tours to any of my friends.
Hotels in the Scottish Highlands are generally simpler establishments typical of the region.
Edinburgh Tattoo 5-27 August 2022: We’ve included Tattoo tickets when you’re in Edinburgh on departures 30 July, 6 August and 13 August 2022.
Edinburgh Tattoo 4-26 August 2023: We’ve included Tattoo tickets when you’re in Edinburgh on departures 29 July, 05 August and 12 August 2023
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional) Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
