A Taste of Ireland and Scotland with London
The Celtic connection sails across the seas to Scotland with visits to castles in Inveraray, Stirling, and Edinburgh, a whisky distillery, and read more even a remote village community that supplied roof slate to thousands of houses. Along the way the scenery will astound you as you glide through lochs and glens to the capital of Edinburgh, known as “Auld Reekie” from days gone by when the city was filled with smoke from coal and wood fires. This trip will warm the cockles of your Celtic heart! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Belfast so you can play your day your way.
How about a trip on the Thames before you cross the pond? Add a 3-night extension to London to your tour of Ireland and Scotland and let an express train whisk you from Edinburgh to the palaces, pubs, and pints that await. Raise a glass to guided sightseeing and ample time on your own for personal pursuits.
Itinerary
Céad míle fáilte—A Hundred-Thousand Welcomes!
Enjoy free time upon arrival before meeting your Tour Director and travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Ireland's Capital City
The morning's orientation drive in the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College where Oscar Wilde studied. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - “In Dublin's fair city where girls are so pretty” you'll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College.
Scones and Cities
At Rathbaun Farm, try your hand at scone baking and learn about sheep shearing and herding from the farmer before enjoying coffee and your homemade scones. Continue to Galway, a popular seaside destination with a buzzing center of colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture. Enjoy some free time before heading to Castlebar for your overnight stay.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Someone's in the kitchen in Rathbaun Farm, just outside of Galway. You can don an apron and whip up your own delicious home-made scones, served with fresh preserves and whipped cream. Learn about the long-time tradition of sheep farming in this beautiful Irish landscape.
Spend Your Day Your Way in Belfast
Cross into Northern Ireland for a stop in Enniskillen.
Explore Belfast with your choice of an included Globus Choice Excursion.
- TROUBLES & TRIUMPHS - Take an inspiring journey through war and peace with a walking tour of Belfast's city center to learn the history of Northern Ireland's political conflicts, "The Troubles," Hear the personal stories, struggles, and ultimate path to peace.
- THE BEST OF BELFAST - Discover the essential Belfast on a walking tour with your expert Local Guide. Explore its beautiful architecture, stunning street art, unique heritage, and the amazing stories spanning centuries of history.
Strait to Scotland
This morning, visit the fascinating Titanic Belfast and learn about the building of the doomed passenger steam ship, its maiden voyage, and the tragic events of April 14-15, 1912. Board your ferry for the maritime port of Cairnryan on Scotland's west coast. Continue on to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The North Channel connects northeast Ireland to the southwestern coast of Scotland. The North Channel is part of the Ocean's Seven, a set of seven long-distance open-water swims, although most who cross rely on the many ferries that run between Belfast and Cairnryan, the Scottish village with a proud maritime history, including construction of sections of the floating Mulberry Harbors built to support the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
Clans and Glens
Enjoy an opportunity for a photo stop on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond before a visit to the stunning Inveraray Castle. At the Kilmartin Museum learn about the prehistoric landscapes of Kilmartin Glen before reaching your overnight destination of Oban.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, the chief of Clan Campbell, one of Scotland's most powerful and influential clans. The castle's conical roofs and turrets give it a fairy-tale appearance, while its interior features stunning rooms with opulent decorations. Set against stunning views over Loch Fyne, it's no wonder it has been used for location filming on many occasions, including for the popular Downton Abbey.
Castle and Tipples
A scenic drive along the banks of Loch Lomond and through theTrossachs National Park takes you to the historic city of Stirling. Explore its imposing castle, a favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens before a visit to a whisky distillery. Enjoy some free time in Edinburgh this evening.
LOCAL FAVORITE - We'll raise a wee dram of malt whisky at a local distillery, distilling in slow Scottish style in the Highlands for many years. Slàinte Mhath!
Drummers, Pipers & Precious Jewels
Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and evening.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Unpack your plaid for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances are included on select departures.
Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with an 1,100-year history as “the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you'll find the royal regalia and Scotland's Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
Welcome to London!
Travel from Edinburgh to London by express train. Your Local Host will meet you at the station and will be on hand to help you make the most of your free time.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - A favorite character in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice noted “London is so diverting; there is so much to entertain!” This is even more true today, from its panoramic views of wide-open spaces and leafy landscapes to its bustling British sense and sensibilities, museums, galleries, and iconic sights. Mingle with the serenity of Hampstead Heath or Kensington Gardens. Be enthralled by a dazzling show at one of the West End's historic theaters, a fabulous bookend to your time in London.
The Royal Treatment
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister's Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - See the legendary landmarks of Britain's historic capital city. Walk where voices have rung out for centuries in Parliament Square and where chimes rise high above you with the ringing of Big Ben's quarter bells. See Westminster Abbey, where royal coronations, weddings, and funerals have made history.
Kettle's On!
A whole day to do as you please. Explore more on your own and get better acquainted with this fascinating city or join one of the optional excursions on offer.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Double-decker buses, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, British pubs, and sweet shops are waiting to be discovered with a leisurely day in London town. Find your hideaway in Hyde Park's lush gardens or find styles to suit your fancy in some of Britain's most famous boutiques in Mayfair, Kensington, or Chelsea.
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Orientation drive in Dublin, passing the city's elegant Georgian squares and celebrated historic landmarks
- Rathbaun Farm visit with scone baking, coffee and sheep herding demonstration, enjoying authentic Irish farm life and time-honored rural traditions
- Globus Choice Excursion in Belfast – included in your tour with your choice of walking tours
- Visit to the Titanic Belfast, discovering the story of the world's most famous ocean liner in the city where it was built Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels, exploring Scotland's iconic hilltop fortress and the Honours of Scotland
- Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels, exploring Scotland's iconic hilltop fortress and the Honours of Scotland
- Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an unforgettable spectacle of massed pipes and drums set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle (2028: August 5 and 19 departures)
- Visit to Inveraray Castle, the magnificent ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll overlooking Loch Fyne
- Visit the historic village of Kilmartin and its museum
- Visit to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's grandest fortresses and the former residence of Scottish kings and queens
- Visit to a whisky distillery, discovering the craftsmanship behind Scotland's national spirit with an insider's look at traditional whisky making
- First class express train to London
- Guided sightseeing in London including visit to St Paul's Cathedral
- 8 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Dublin: The Gibson Hotel (Superior First-Class):
The Gibson does sleeping, dining, imbibing, and relaxing really well. The chic restaurant and bar offers pan-Asian cuisine; or choose the sleek outdoor terrace lined with bamboo to enjoy wicked cocktails and a great choice of beers and wines. The gym and a relaxation area with outdoor baths invite you to relax after a day out in town. - Castlebar: Breaffy House Hotel (Superior First-Class):
Breaffy House Resort is located in the heart of County Mayo and is the perfect destination if you are looking for an extraordinary experience in the West of Ireland. This Resort is spread across 101 acres of Irish countryside, complete with forest trials & looped walks. The resort consists of 4* Breaffy House Hotel, The Spa Breaffy & Health Club Breaffy. Breaffy House Hotel offers traditional old world Irish charm and hospitality complimented by magnificent grounds for rambling. Retaining some of its original country house atmosphere, the house dates back to 1890 and is an excellent base for a relaxing break in the West of Ireland. - Belfast: Europa Hotel (Superior First-Class):
The world-famous Europa hotel Belfast is home to some pretty important people when they visit Belfast. It's no surprise, really, loved for its laid-back look and feel, The Causerie is perfect for lunch or dinner; the Piano Lounge serves traditional Afternoon Tea, cocktails, and hot and cold dishes; and the Lobby Bar offers a casual ambience for relaxing with a drink. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the hotel. - Glasgow: AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow (Superior First-Class):
Welcome to AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow! New 4-star hotel in the heart of Glasgow City Centre that combines heritage architecture, contemporary design and discerning service to create a seamless experience allowing you to focus, be present and connect , only a five-minute walk from Merchant City and George Square. You can relax with a drink at the bar/lounge or visit our elegant restaurant to indulge your palette with locally sourced cuisine, paired perfectly with our signature AC G&T enjoyed in our hotel bar or library for a moment of tranquility. - Oban: Oban Bay (Superior First-Class):
On the edge of Oban's picturesque esplanade in the heart of Argyll, Oban Bay Hotel is an ideal base for exploring Scotland's west coast and the Highlands. Following a multi-million pound investment the hotel and its restaurant have a fresh modern look. The remodelled spa area features a sauna, steam room, hydropool and treatments from organic Scottish skincare brand ishga. All rooms are en-suite and include a hospitality tray, Scottish toiletries and hairdryer, with front-facing rooms and the hotel's spacious sun lounge offering panoramic views of incredible sunsets over the bay. - Edinburgh: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh City Centre (Superior First-Class):
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh is the newest edition to the Scottish capital, combining heritage and style with an innovative design and locally inspired furnishings. The hotel has a prime location, just a five-minute walk from Princes Street and Waverley Station. Spacious, modern hotel rooms include quality amenities, such as a selection of in-room entertainment, plush bedding, and a work desk. Meals are served in The Lantern Room and the lobby offers an innovative and sophisticated space for working and relaxing. - London: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (Superior First-Class):
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel. - London: Park Plaza Waterloo (Superior First-Class):
The 494-room property is situated within walking distance of top London attractions, including the London Eye, the London Dungeons and the Imperial War Museum. The Florentine Restaurant serves a Brasserie-style menu; the bar features the best of British bubbles and craft beers as well as a range of signature cocktails; and for a relaxing cup of coffee, head to the illy Caffè bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
- 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.
- This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking is involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
- Headsets available on tour except for London
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of the UK & Ireland through its regional cuisine. Read more
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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 Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.
