Overview
Itinerary
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM on a panoramic tour of this city that flourished as a center of shipbuilding and trade in Victorian times and is now a thriving hub of culture. Drive around George Square with its ornate City Chambers. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a splendid, Spanish Baroque-style building housing one of Europe's finest art collections, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Dali. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner. (D)
Travel alongside famous Loch Lomond, renowned for its beauty. Drive across haunting Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, admiring the wild and spectacular scenery. Continue through Fort William on to Fort Augustus. Embark on a cruise on Loch Ness before heading to Nairn. (B/D)
Visit Blair Athol Distillery, founded in 1798, to discover traditional whisky production and taste a sample. Travel to St Andrews, a town rich in medieval heritage and the home of golf; take a panoramic drive and have time to explore independently.
Continue on to your elegant manor house hotel outside Edinburgh; three centuries old, it's set on 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Explore and dine independently this evening. (B)
Explore the principal sights of central Edinburgh from the bustling Princes Street through the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile where compact medieval houses reach several stories tall. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city on volcanic rock, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is free. Experience a lively Scottish evening with dinner and traditional entertainment. Select departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B/D)*
Depart Edinburgh and travel through Ayrshire and along the coast. Embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Take a panoramic drive through Belfast, seeing the highlights of this fascinating city, where the Titanic was built in the once-bustling shipyards. Visit Titanic Belfast to explore the fascinating story of the doomed ship. Then travel to Dublin, where you will enjoy free time for dinner on your own. (B)
Explore Dublin on a panoramic tour with a local guide, discovering its history and viewing its elegant Georgian buildings, Trinity College, the River Liffey, and more. Visit Christ Church Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the city for more than 1,000 years.
This evening, dine on a former Guinness barge as you cruise the Grand Canal, listening to traditional Irish music. (B/D)
Travel through the countryside to a traditional farm, where you'll savor tea and homemade scones and watch sheepdogs display their skills at herding sheep. Head to Blarney Castle and climb the winding stairs to kiss its famous stone, or enjoy the gardens. Move on to the lively lakeside town of Killarney, where you'll have dinner. Departures from March 28 to October 10 will then attend the Gaelic Roots Irish Dance & Music Show. (Sunday departures during those dates will attend on the next day.) (B/D)
Step back in time as a jaunting car drives you past Ross Castle on Lough Leane. Head to the scenic Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Embark on the Ring of Kerry – a winding route with breathtaking mountains and coastal views. Cross the bridge to Valentia Island to visit the Skellig Experience, which explains the life of early Christian hermits on Skellig Michael, a rocky offshore island featured in the film “Star Wars VII.” Enjoy lunch before a pause at Moll's Gap for panoramic mountain views. Return to Killarney where the evening is free. (B/L)
Cross the Shannon River estuary by ferry on your way to visit the Cliffs of Moher. Take in the spectacular views from these awesome cliffs, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Head on to your hotel, and then in the evening, you'll visit a genuine castle for a medieval-style feast, complete with serenading lords and ladies. (B/D)
Visit Galway for a walking tour around the city center with a local guide. Visit the picturesque monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise, founded in 544 AD by Saint Ciaran. Back in Dublin, your evening is free to explore. (B)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM on a panoramic tour of this city that flourished as a center of shipbuilding and trade in Victorian times and is now a thriving hub of culture. Drive around George Square with its ornate City Chambers. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a splendid, Spanish Baroque-style building housing one of Europe's finest art collections, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Dali. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner. (D)
Travel alongside famous Loch Lomond, renowned for its beauty. Drive across haunting Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, admiring the wild and spectacular scenery. Continue through Fort William on to Fort Augustus. Embark on a cruise on Loch Ness before heading to Nairn. (B/D)
Visit Blair Athol Distillery, founded in 1798, to discover traditional whisky production and taste a sample. Travel to St Andrews, a town rich in medieval heritage and the home of golf; take a panoramic drive and have time to explore independently.
Continue on to your elegant manor house hotel outside Edinburgh; three centuries old, it's set on 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Explore and dine independently this evening. (B)
Explore the principal sights of central Edinburgh from the bustling Princes Street through the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile where compact medieval houses reach several stories tall. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city on volcanic rock, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is free. Experience a lively Scottish evening with dinner and traditional entertainment. Select departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B/D)*
Depart Edinburgh and travel through Ayrshire and along the coast. Embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Take a panoramic drive through Belfast, seeing the highlights of this fascinating city, where the Titanic was built in the once-bustling shipyards. Visit Titanic Belfast to explore the fascinating story of the doomed ship. Then travel to Dublin, where you will enjoy free time for dinner on your own. (B)
Explore Dublin on a panoramic tour with a local guide, discovering its history and viewing its elegant Georgian buildings, Trinity College, the River Liffey, and more. Visit Christ Church Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the city for more than 1,000 years.
This evening, dine on a former Guinness barge as you cruise the Grand Canal, listening to traditional Irish music. (B/D)
Travel through the countryside to a traditional farm, where you'll savor tea and homemade scones and watch sheepdogs display their skills at herding sheep. Head to Blarney Castle and climb the winding stairs to kiss its famous stone, or enjoy the gardens. Move on to the lively lakeside town of Killarney, where you'll have dinner. Departures from March 28 to October 10 will then attend the Gaelic Roots Irish Dance & Music Show. (Sunday departures during those dates will attend on the next day.) (B/D)
Step back in time as a jaunting car drives you past Ross Castle on Lough Leane. Head to the scenic Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Embark on the Ring of Kerry – a winding route with breathtaking mountains and coastal views. Cross the bridge to Valentia Island to visit the Skellig Experience, which explains the life of early Christian hermits on Skellig Michael, a rocky offshore island featured in the film “Star Wars VII.” Enjoy lunch before a pause at Moll's Gap for panoramic mountain views. Return to Killarney where the evening is free. (B/L)
Cross the Shannon River estuary by ferry on your way to visit the Cliffs of Moher. Take in the spectacular views from these awesome cliffs, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Head on to your hotel, and then in the evening, you'll visit a genuine castle for a medieval-style feast, complete with serenading lords and ladies. (B/D)
Visit Galway for a walking tour around the city center with a local guide. Visit the picturesque monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise, founded in 544 AD by Saint Ciaran. Back in Dublin, your evening is free to explore. (B)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Medieval Castle Banquet: Experience the magic of Ireland's Medieval Castle Banquet, where you can indulge in a lavish feast, immerse yourself in medieval ambiance, and enjoy captivating entertainment.
- Sheepdog Demonstration: Get a little taste of farm life—and enjoy watching the hardest working dogs in the business herd their flocks.
- Loch Ness Cruise: Cruise along Scotland's most famous Loch, enjoying views of Urquhart Castle above—and keeping an eye out for the mysterious "Nessie" below.
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Enjoy reserved seats for the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade with select departures.
- Cliffs of Moher: Let the view from these 700-feet-tall shale and sandstone cliffs take your breath away.
- Edinburgh Castle: Tour the iconic castle at the heart of the capital, which boasts the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
- Titanic Belfast: Learn the history of the making—and sinking—of this legendary ocean liner, in the city where it was built.
- Blarney Castle: Kiss the Blarney Stone and get the gift of gab at this historic castle, with beautiful gardens to enjoy.
- 10 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 6 Dinners* (D)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central (4 Stars)
- Muthu Newton Hotel (4 Stars)
- Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club (4 Stars)
- Hyatt Centric The Liberties (4 Stars)
- Killarney Avenue Hotel (4 Stars)
- Limerick Strand Hotel (4 Stars)
- Maldron Hotel Pearse Street (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.
- Medieval Castle Banquet: Experience the magic of Ireland's Medieval Castle Banquet, where you can indulge in a lavish feast, immerse yourself in medieval ambiance, and enjoy captivating entertainment.
- Sheepdog Demonstration: Get a little taste of farm life—and enjoy watching the hardest working dogs in the business herd their flocks.
- Loch Ness Cruise: Cruise along Scotland's most famous Loch, enjoying views of Urquhart Castle above—and keeping an eye out for the mysterious "Nessie" below.
- Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Enjoy reserved seats for the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade with select departures.
- Cliffs of Moher: Let the view from these 700-feet-tall shale and sandstone cliffs take your breath away.
- Edinburgh Castle: Tour the iconic castle at the heart of the capital, which boasts the Crown Jewels of Scotland.
- Titanic Belfast: Learn the history of the making—and sinking—of this legendary ocean liner, in the city where it was built.
- Blarney Castle: Kiss the Blarney Stone and get the gift of gab at this historic castle, with beautiful gardens to enjoy.
- 10 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 6 Dinners* (D)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central (4 Stars)
- Muthu Newton Hotel (4 Stars)
- Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club (4 Stars)
- Hyatt Centric The Liberties (4 Stars)
- Killarney Avenue Hotel (4 Stars)
- Limerick Strand Hotel (4 Stars)
- Maldron Hotel Pearse Street (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.
Each of our vacations are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more
CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more
CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more
Each of our vacations are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more
CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more
CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more
Trip Reviews (8) View All Most Recent 'Taste of Scotland & Ireland' Reviews
The coach seat rotation was optimal for each person to get the best variety of views and mingle with other couples. Maggie and Mary were quite enchanting as they were our local guides of certain areas in Scotland. The hotels were grand with sufficient amenities. There were not swimming pools at most places and one hotel did not offer wifi. Otherwise, the rooms were well appointed and the beds were the most comfortable ever. Meals consisted of much salmon and because of the packed schedule and time on the bus, I had to leave behind my love of a leisurely cup of coffee in the morning but food was delicious and portions were right sized - refreshing break from supersized American meals. Many of the meals offered gratis adult beverages to start you out.
On to Aidan. He has a sharp sense of wit, endless patience, and positive demeanour. His knowledge of current events and world cultures was very refreshing. His grasp of the logistics for the entire trip made it extremely easy for us to sit back and worry about nothing. I am sure there was a huge amount of effort behind the scenes to herd us cats. His driving was remarkable. I would definitely request him if I am able to come back.
Brochure
CIE Ireland & Britain (2025)
Availability
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from CIE Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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