12-Day Scotland and Ireland Tour from Edinburgh

What you'll experience

Highlights

12 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Edinburgh

   Today's Highlights: Welcome to Scotland!
   Welcome to Edinburgh! Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel. Before your journey begins, you have some free time to relax. Check the information board in the hotel lobby for details about the services you’ll enjoy and information on the meeting time and location, as well as the name of your guide.
   Friendly Reminders:
   - Hotel check-in is usually at 2:00 PM. If you need your room earlier, consider booking an extra night at the start of your trip.
   - Your guide will generally reach out to you before the itinerary begins. If you've booked an extra night, feel free to explore the area; hotel staff are available to assist you if needed.
   - If you cannot find information about your meeting point or guide on the hotel information board before your tour begins, please contact our local staff via the emergency phone number/WhatsApp.
   Note: All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Delta by marriott edinburgh(111 GLASGOW ROAD), Premier inn edinburgh park airport(1 Lochside Ct, Edinburgh)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Edinburgh 【Half-Day of Free Time】

   Today's Highlights: Strolling Through Edinburgh.
   9:00 AM After breakfast, we will begin our panoramic tour of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and one of the most vibrant cities in Northern Europe, led by a local guide. The city's iconic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring its famous castle overlooking the city, steep streets, and beautiful parks. In summer, the city comes alive with the Edinburgh Festival, showcasing a variety of performances. After the tour, you'll have free time to continue exploring Edinburgh, wandering through its lively streets to discover its rich history and museum heritage.
   Note：
   - The visit may take place after lunch on Fridays.

   

   Edinburgh Castle

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Delta by marriott edinburgh(111 GLASGOW ROAD), Premier inn edinburgh park airport(1 Lochside Ct, Edinburgh)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Stirling - Pitlochry - Culloden - Inverness

   Total distance covered: 305 km.
   
   Scenery: Lush landscapes throughout our journey, especially in the afternoon as we pass through the Cairngorms.
   
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Edinburgh. On our way, we’ll stop to photograph The Kelpies, enormous sculptures of two horse heads inspired by Scottish mythology. They symbolize the strength and beauty of horses and their connection to water and land. We’ll then continue to another historic city near Edinburgh.
   09:00 a.m. - Stirling. This city has an impressive historic center dominated by the grand castle, one of the most significant in Scotland. It has witnessed numerous historical events, including legendary battles and the coronation of several kings. Tickets to visit the castle are included.
   
   12:00 p.m. – After visiting the castle, we’ll continue our route north through Scotland.
   01:15 p.m. - Pitlochry. This picturesque town is in the heart of the Scottish whiskey-producing region. Time for lunch and a walk.
   
   03:15 p.m. – Departure from Pitlochry. Continuing north, we’ll stop at Culloden, the site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history against British forces, resulting in a crushing victory for the English army. The battle had significant consequences for Scotland, leading to laws and policies aimed at suppressing its culture and traditions.
   06:30 p.m. – Inverness. We’ll arrive in the “Capital of the Highlands,” a maritime city close to Loch Ness with a notable castle. We suggest enjoying a walk along the banks of the River Ness and the iconic suspension bridge.
   
   
   Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, the stop in Culloden might be on Monday.
   
   

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Pentahotel inverness(63 Academy Street CP IV1 1LU, INVERNESS), Bb inverness(63 Academy Street )
4. 4

   Day 4 — Inverness - Eilean Castle - Fort Augustus - Loch Ness - Urquhart Castle - Inverness

   Total distance covered: 250 km.
   Scenery: Magnificent views of lakes and tall mountains, occasionally dusted with snow.
   Note: We recommend having some warm clothes handy, as you may need them for the boat trip. The schedules for this day may change depending on the time assigned for crossing Loch Ness.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Inverness. We have a thrilling day ahead, with beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs, remote plains and fjords of northern Scotland.
   10:30 a.m. - Eilean Donan Castle. This picturesque castle sits in the waters of the fjord. We´ll hear stories of the ghosts that fill Scotland´s castles. Tickets included.
   11:30 a.m. – Departure from Eilean Donan Castle. We’ll enjoy views of mountains and lakes along the way.
   12:45 p.m. - Fort Augustus. Here, you’ll learn about the sluice gate system and have time to stroll around and find a place for lunch.
   02:00 p.m. – Departure from Fort Augustus. We’ll circle Loch Ness and see the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle by the lake. Tickets included.
   Around 3:30 p.m., we’ll take a 30-minute boat trip from Urquhart Castle on the dark waters of Loch Ness to Clansmann.
   04:30 p.m. - Inverness. Arrival in the capital of the Highlands, the only town in the region located at the mouth of Loch Ness.
   【The itinerary departing after April 1, 2025】
   Scenery: Magnificent views of lakes and tall mountains, occasionally dusted with snow.
   Note: We recommend having some warm clothes handy, as you may need them for the boat trip. The schedules for this day may change depending on the time assigned for crossing Loch Ness.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Inverness. We have a thrilling day ahead, with beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs, remote plains and fjords of northern Scotland.
   10:30 a.m. - Eilean Donan Castle. This picturesque castle sits in the waters of the fjord. We´ll hear stories of the ghosts that fill Scotland´s castles. Tickets included.
   11:30 a.m. – Departure from Eilean Donan Castle. We’ll enjoy views of mountains and lakes along the way.
   12:45 p.m. - Fort Augustus. Here, you’ll learn about the sluice gate system and have time to stroll around and find a place for lunch.
   02:00 p.m. – Departure from Fort Augustus. We’ll circle Loch Ness and see the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle by the lake. Tickets included.
   Around 3:30 p.m., we’ll take a 30-minute boat trip from Urquhart Castle on the dark waters of Loch Ness to Clansmann.
   04:30 p.m. – Inverness. We’ll arrive in the capital of the Highlands, located at the mouth of Loch Ness. Here, we’ll visit a traditional whiskey distillery to learn about the process behind Scotland´s national drink (admission and tasting included). This prized spirit, made from barley, is not only enjoyed throughout Scotland but is also one of the country’s top exports. Accommodation will be in Inverness.
   Note: The distillery visit schedule may vary depending on ticket availability and can take place either late Sunday or on Monday.
    

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Pentahotel inverness(63 Academy Street CP IV1 1LU, INVERNESS), Bb inverness(63 Academy Street )
5. 5

   Day 5 — Inverness - Fort William - Inveraray - Loch Lomond - Glasgow

   Total distance covered: 370 km.
   
   
   Scenery: Once again, we´ll encounter beautiful landscapes of lakes, mountains, desolate moors, isolated areas, and deep forests.
   
   
   07:30 a.m. – Departure from Inverness. We’ll travel back to Aviemore through isolated regions with cold-climate flora and mountains. On our way, we’ll make a brief stop at Spean Bridge, next to the monument commemorating the commandos who trained here before the Normandy invasion during World War II. We’ll also photograph Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles.
   10:00 a.m. - Fort William - Time for a coffee in this tourist city.
   
   
   10:45 a.m. – Departure from Fort William. We’ll follow sections of coastline and fjords by the ocean. On our way, we’ll pass Kilchurn Castle, a ruin that projects its image over a beautiful lake.
   01:30 p.m. - Inveraray. A historic, picturesque small town by a lake with a beautiful castle (tickets not included). Time for a stroll and lunch.
   
   
   03:30 p.m. – Departure from Inveraray. Our road will take us around part of Loch Lomond with its beautiful scenery.
   05:30 p.m. - Glasgow. Free time. We suggest a stroll around the center of this Victorian capital.
   
   
   
   

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Moxy glasgow merchant city(210 High St, Glasgow CP G4 0QW GLASGOW), Moxy glasgow sec(140 Finnieston St)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin

   Total distance covered: 295 km.
   
   
   Scenery: Seaside, hills, and woods.
   
   
   Note: Remember to keep your passport handy; you may need when we embark. Both Scotland and Northern Ireland print their own banknotes, which work fine in their regions but are often not accepted in England and can’t be exchanged internationally. In other words, you won’t be able to exchange any leftover Scottish or Irish pound bills outside the United Kingdom. Make sure you don’t have any remaining bills when you leave Scotland or after passing through Belfast. Please note that timetables for this part of the journey may vary depending on the ferry.
   
   
   08:00 a.m. - Departure from Glasgow. We will start with a short bus ride out of the city, traveling to the west coast of Scotland. In Cairnryan, we will board a modern ferry to Ireland, which typically departs at 11:30 a.m. The crossing will take just over two hours. The ferry will offer modern amenities, including shops and bars where you can enjoy lunch.
   01:45 p.m. - Arrival in Belfast, a city known for its Victorian architecture and the complex history between Protestants and Catholics. We’ll go for a walk and visit the famous murals dividing the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods.
   
   
   04:30 p.m. - Departure from Belfast. We’ll continue our journey to the Republic of Ireland.
   06:30 p.m. - Arrival at the hotel in Dublin.
   

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Maldron parnell square(PARNELL SQUARE WEST DUBLIN 1 CP D01 HX02), Clayton leopardstown(Sandyford Business District, Central Park, Dublin 18)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Dublin

   Dublin – Panoramic tour of the city. Our guide will tell us all about Dublin´s rich history, including its Georgian neighborhoods, bustling city center streets, and the University. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore the Irish capital at your leisure. You can stroll along the banks of the River Liffey, visit various museums, or explore the famous Guinness Storehouse (admission not included).
   
   
   Note: Occasionally, depending on our arrival time in Dublin and the daylight hours, the tour may take place the previous afternoon.
   
   
   
   

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Maldron parnell square(PARNELL SQUARE WEST DUBLIN 1 CP D01 HX02), Clayton leopardstown(Sandyford Business District, Central Park, Dublin 18)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork

   Total distance covered: 330 km.
   
   
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes, forests, hills, and picturesque villages along the way.
   
   
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Dublin. We’ll begin our trip to Powerscourt, located just outside Dublin.
   09:15 a.m. – Powerscourt. We will visit the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens, designed in the 18th century and considered the most beautiful in Ireland (admission included). Admire the fountains, Japanese Gardens, and pet cemetery.
   
   
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Powerscourt. We’ll continue south, passing through Wicklow Mountains National Park.
   12:30 p.m. – Kilkenny. We’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in this lively city, known for its castle, cathedral, and beer houses.
   
   
   02:30 p.m. – Departure from Kilkenny.
   03:30 p.m. - Cashel. We’ll visit the medieval fortress Rock of Cashel, symbolizing the Irish struggle against the English. Tickets included, with time to explore the village.
   
   
   05:00 p.m. – Departure from Cashel.
   06:15 p.m. - Cork. Arrival in the evening. Time for a stroll around the center of Ireland´s second-largest city. Dinner at the hotel will be included.
   
   
   
   

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Clayton silver springs(Tivoli CP T23 E244 CORK)
9. 9

   Day 9 — Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Adare - Limerick

   Total distance covered: 245 km.
   
   
   Scenery: Beautiful landscapes, especially in Killarney National Park.
   
   
   08:15 a.m. – Departure from Cork.
   09:00 a.m. - Kinsale. We´ll stop at Charles Fort to admire the ocean views beside this seventeenth-century fortress. Then, we´ll head to the center of the village, considered the prettiest of all Ireland’s fishing villages. Enjoy some time to stroll through the historic center with its maritime charm.
   
   
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Kinsale.
   12:30 p.m. - Killarney, a popular tourist city in the heart of Ireland. After some time for a stroll and lunch, you´ll enjoy a romantic Jaunting Car Tour through the National Park (included), taking you through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle with its beautiful lakeside views. Here, we’ll include a short cruise to enjoy the scenic surroundings of the lake.
   
   
   04:00 p.m. – Departure from Killarney. We’ll continue our journey with a brief stop in Adare, a small village known for its picturesque stone houses with thatched roofs and the ruins of an ancient abbey.
   06:00 p.m. - Limerick. Free time.
   
   
   07:30 p.m. - Transfer to the hotel. Dinner will be included.
   
   

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Maldron limerick(Sothern Ring Road, Roxboro CP V94 EDP4 Limerick)
10. 10

    Day 10 — Limerick - Bunratty Castle - Cliffs of Moher - Galway

    Total distance covered: 190 km.
    
    
    Scenery: Impressive scenery at the Moher Cliffs.
    
    
    08:30 a.m. – Departure from Limerick.
    09:00 a.m. - Bunratty Folk Park. Admission to this open-air museum complex is included. This marvelous park offers a glimpse into Ireland’s past with its traditional cottages, old markets, and medieval castle. Enjoy some time to stroll.
    
    
    10:30 a.m. – Departure from Bunratty Folk Park. We’ll travel to the coast through green scenery and hills.
    11:30 a.m. - Moher Cliffs, overlooking the ocean (admission included). Those who wish can walk to O’Brien’s Tower (tickets not included, sometimes closed due to weather). Time for lunch.
    
    
    02:00 p.m. - Departure.
    03:00 p.m. - Caherconnell Fort. Arrival at this circular stone Celtic fort in the heart of the karstic scenery of Burren National Park. You might be lucky to see some shepherd dogs in action, herding sheep.
    
    
    04:30 p.m. - Departure. We’ll stop to take photos in the Poulnabrone Dolmen area. Our route will continue through beautiful scenery and little isolated villages.
    
    
    06:15 p.m. - Arrival in Galway, with time to explore the city and its university atmosphere.
    07:45 p.m. - Transfer to the hotel.
    
    
    
    
    

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Clayton galway(OLD MONIVEA ROAD BALLYBRIT), Maldron sandy road(Headford Point Sandy Road Galway CP H91 ET6N Co. Galway,)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Galway - Cong - Clonmacnoise - Dublin

    Total distance covered: 295 km.
    09:00 a.m. – Departure from Galway.
    10:00 a.m. - Cong. Arrival in this little picturesque town in a stunning lake area where John Ford filmed The Quiet Man. We will explore the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll around the fantastic Ashford Castle, now a hotel. Enjoy some free time.
    11:30 a.m. - Departure. We'll head towards the center of Ireland.
    01:00 p.m. - Clonmacnoise. We'll visit the ancient monastery ruins, founded in the 6th century along the banks of the Shannon River. This remarkable site is renowned for its towering Celtic crosses and historic tombs (tickets and guided tour included).
    03:45 p.m. – Departure from Clonmacnoise. We'll continue our route.
    05:15 p.m. - Dublin.
    Note: Due to ongoing restoration work at Clonmacnoise, visits will be shorter than scheduled (limited to 1-hour stop). To make the most of our day, we will stop in Athlone for 90 minutes. You will have time for lunch and a stroll around this vibrant town on the banks of the River Shannon, which is famous for its medieval castle, and for being the home of Ireland´s oldest official pub. We´ll be arriving at Dublin around 06.00 p.m.
    Note: The Clonmacnoise complex only allows a limited number of visitors at a time. Your visit time may vary depending on availability, so we might need to adjust the schedule to ensure all planned visits are made.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Maldron parnell square(PARNELL SQUARE WEST DUBLIN 1 CP D01 HX02), Clayton leopardstown(Sandyford Business District, Central Park, Dublin 18)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Dublin

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
    
    Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
    

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

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