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The Best of Scotland and Ireland

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Three of the British Isles most scenic countries combine

13 days From £2,795 per person

2020 Tour code: CEG20

About the tour

3 of the British Isles' most scenic countries combine on a holiday that showcases the best of these Celtic beauties. Beginning in Scotland, explore the majestic Highlands and its most incredible cities before travelling to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, nations of incredible culture and tradition.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Days 1-3 - Edinburgh to Inverness

We begin our Celtic adventure in Edinburgh. This evening, we enjoy dinner at our hotel. On Day 2, we take the train from Edinburgh to Inverness. On arrival, we visit the Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. Day 3 includes a journey up to Kyle of Lochalsh on the Kyle Line, where we visit Eilean Donan Castle. After exploring, we return to our hotel via scenic Loch Ness.

Includes
  • Day 1 - Dinner
  • Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 3 - Breakfast
Eilean Donan Castle
Days 4-5 - The West Highland Line to Glasgow

After breakfast, we transfer by coach to Mallaig, stopping off en-route at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre. There is some free time in Mallaig before we board the Jacobite Steam Train and travel to Fort William. On Day 5, we rejoin the West Highland Line, journeying from Fort William to Glasgow.

Includes
  • Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 5 - Breakfast
West Highland Line
Days 6-7 - Belfast and Cork

We travel to Cairnryan to join the ferry* over to Belfast, where we immediately embark on a guided coach tour of the city. After the tour, we check into our hotel. Our excursion on Day 7 is to the Giant's Causeway, stopping off at Carrickfergus Castle for some free time en-route. We also enjoy lunch in Ballycastle. Our time at the Giant's Causeway is at leisure to explore before we return to our hotel.

* Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage service.

Includes
  • Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 7 - Breakfast, Dinner
Giants Causeway
Days 8-9 - The castles of Ireland

Today we visit Hillsborough Castle, the official residence for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and where the Queen resides while visiting Northern Ireland. After time to enjoy the castle, we coach to Dublin Heuston train station for the train to Cork. On Day 9, we explore Ireland's most famous castle, Blarney Castle. We also watch the Celtic Steps show this evening.

Includes
  • Day 8 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 9 - Breakfast, Dinner
Blarney Castle
Days 10-11 - Ireland's natural beauty

We take a full-day coach trip around the stunning Ring of Kerry today, with time at leisure for lunch. We also visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum, and enjoy a ride on the Jaunting Cars. On Day 11 we transfer to Tarbet, crossing to Killimer by ferry. Here, we visit the Cliffs of Moher. We then travel to the Burren Centre to learn more about the local history of the area.

Includes
  • Day 10 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 11 - Breakfast, Dinner
Cliffs of Moher
Days 12-13 - Dublin and homeward bound

After a morning at leisure, we travel by rail to Dublin, where there is some free time to discover the city. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the famous Merry Ploughboys Pub. On Day 13, we take the ferry* from Dublin to Holyhead, where our tour ends.

*Please note: your luggage will travel on the ferry with you, rather than via our luggage service.

Includes
  • Day 12 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 13 - Breakfast
Dublin

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre

Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, Belfast

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Maldron City Centre Shandon

Maldron City Centre Shandon, Cork

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Maldron Hotels South Mall

Maldron Hotels South Mall, Cork

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North Star Hotel

North Star Hotel, Dublin

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Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh

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Cruachan Hotel, Fort William

Cruachan Hotel, Fort William

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Oranmore Lodge Hotel

Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Galway

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Killarney Oaks Hotel

Killarney Oaks Hotel, Killarney

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Trains

Irish Railways
Jacobite Steam Train
The Kyle Line
West Highland Line

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Inclusive Luggage Upgrade
UK Rail Connections
Europe & UK by Rail 2020

Europe & UK by Rail 2020

The definitive guide to our 2020 summer & winter rail holidays to a wide range of destinations in Europe.

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The Best of Scotland and Ireland

Three of the British Isles most scenic countries combine

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Luke Simpson
Luke
Helen Laverack
Helen
Lynne Broadley
Lynne
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