15 Day Best of Scotland and Ireland
Day 1: Arrive In Glasgow, Scotland-
Welcome to Glasgow!
Free time the remainder of the day. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Glasgow - Falkirk - Royal Burgh Of Culross - Linlithgow – Edinburgh-
Sculpted Horses & Scottish Heroines
ROYAL BURGH OF CULROSS: Take a walking tour with a Local Guide.
FALKIRK: See The Kelpies, the largest equine sculpture in the world.
LINLITHGOW: See Linlithgow Palace ruins, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a filming location for the Outlander TV series. (B) 72 mi / 116 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: The Royal Burgh of Culross is considered one of Scotland's most picturesque examples of life in the 17th and 18th centuries. No wonder it is the filming location for many film and television productions, as well an inspiring destination for history lovers. Its well-preserved buildings with red-tiled roofs line steep cobblestone streets from the market cross to the hilltop abbey.
Day 3: Edinburgh-
Traditions & Treasures
EDINBURGH: City sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland's Crown Jewels. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, rules with a 1,100-year history as “the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you'll find the royal regalia and Scotland's Crown Jewels.
Day 4: Edinburgh. Excursion To Abbotsford
Regal Manors & Royal Music
ABBOTSFORD: Take a guided tour of Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford House. (B) 80 mi / 129 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO: Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on select departures.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDARY LIVES: The 19th century comes alive with echoes of triumph and tragedy at Abbotsford House, where Scottish legend Sir Walter Scott became the biggest-selling author of his day and the fashion for Scots baronial architecture began. Learn how the “Great Scott” popularized tartan, saved the Scottish banknote, and reclaimed his country's Crown Jewels.
Day 5: Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Pitlochry - Inverness
Scottish Highlands & Scenic Drives
ST. ANDREWS: See the home of golf and famous university town then drive across the Firth of Tay via Dundee to Pitlochry.
PITLOCHRY: Walk through the Victorian mountain resort. Visit Blair Athol whisky distillery. Take a scenic drive through the Grampian Mountains and Cairngorms National Park en route to Inverness. (B/D) 200 mi / 325 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ICONIC FOOTSTEPS: See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.
Day 6: Inverness. Highlands Excursion
The Bronze Age & Brave Battles
THE HIGHLANDS: Visit the Bronze-Age chamber tomb site of Clava Cairns. See the Culloden battlefield site and visitor center. Visit Cawdor Castle.
INVERNESS: Free time the remainder of the day. (B) 45 mi / 70 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LITERATURE & ARCHITECTURE: In The Bard's words, ‘This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air nimbly and sweetly recommends itself unto our gentle senses.' Walk through history in the dramatic countryside of the Scottish Highlands to visit Cawdor Castle, the ancestral home of the Campbells of Cawdor. Discover the castle's literary connection to The Scottish Play by William Shakespeare - also known as Macbeth.
Day 7: Inverness - Thurso
Gardens & Grandeur
DUNROBIN: Visit the castle and gardens.
THURSO: Free time this afternoon. (B/D) 109 mi / 176 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Perched in the Northern Highlands overlooking the Moray Firth is Dunrobin Castle, the historic home of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. One of the oldest continuously inhabited “Scottish great houses,” the castle evokes images of a French château with towering spires and grand gardens inspired by the Palace of Versailles.
Day 8: Thurso. Excursion To The Orkney Islands
Breathtaking Views & Brews
SCRABSTER: Ferry crossing to the Orkney Islands.
ORKNEY ISLANDS: Sightseeing includes Old Man of Hoy, Skara Brae and Skaill House, the Ring of Brodgar, and Kirkwall. Enjoy a guided tour of The Orkney Brewery with a light lunch at the brewery's Tasting Hall café. Return to the mainland by ferry in the late afternoon. (B/L/D) 47 mi / 76 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LEGENDS & LORE: Orcadian water, the best malt, hops, and yeast are the only four ingredients of hand-crafted ales such as Orkney Dark Island, Northern Light and the world-famous Skull Splitter named after a vicious Orkney Earl. Join a guided tour of the brewery and learn the traditions of beer making and a long, long history of brewing quality ales.
Day 9: Thurso - Ullapool - Isle Of Skye
Scottish Fish Stories
ULLAPOOL: Visit the fishing port and enjoy a traditional fish & chips lunch at a local restaurant. (B/L/D) 219 mi / 353 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: Walk along the whitewashed cottages with views of lovely Loch Broom in the charming harbor town of Ullapool. Feast on traditional fish and chips, a Scottish specialty that never fails to satisfy.
Day 10: Isle Of Skye
Sea & Skye
ISLE OF SKYE: Drive across the Inner Hebridean island; visit the Museum of Island Life; stop in the picturesque island capital of Portree and take in the views of the Cuillin Hills. (B/D) 100 mi / 161 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Magic abounds on the Isle of Skye, home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes to enchant the senses. With magnificent mountain ranges, miles of captivating coastline, and heroic history, Skye casts a spell with its breathtaking beauty and sense of island adventure.
Day 11: Isle Of Skye - Glenfinnan - Fort William - Oban
Brave Lads & Bonnie Lands
ISLE OF SKYE: Visit Museum of the Isles. Ferry crossing on the Sound of Sleat to mainland.
GLENFINNAN: See the monument to fallen Jacobite clansmen and the famous Glennfinnan Viaduct.
FORT WILLIAM: See the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak.
GLEN COE: Scenic drive en route to Oban. (B/D) 109 mi / 175 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Long before it was made famous by the Harry Potter films, the Glenfinnan Viaduct was hailed one of the most visually stunning railways in Scotland. Flanked by rolling green hills that are home to the iconic Scottish red deer, the elevated curves of the longest concrete railway in Scotland traverses through a world of adventure and history.
Day 12: Oban. Excursion To Isles Of Mull And Iona
Highland Isles & Miles
OBAN: Ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull.
ISLE OF MULL: Take a scenic drive across the island.
ISLE OF IONA: Continue to Iona with a ferry to the island and visit the center of Celtic Christianity before returning to mainland. (B/D) 75 mi / 121 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Called “Eagle Island” by wildlife watchers, the Isle of Mull is a paradise for birds of prey keeping a watchful eye on the wonderful wild landscapes below. Watch for Scottish red deer, iconic Highland cattle, and rolling hills that paint a picture of quintessential Scotland.
Day 13: Oban - Inveraray - Glasgow
Glasgow Sights & Grand Heights
INVERARAY: Take a scenic drive over the mountainous Pass of Brander.
LOCH LOMOND: Stop for photos.
GLASGOW: Enjoy an orientation drive to see Glasgow's landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. Free time this evening. (B/D) 108 mi / 174 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: In Scotland's most populous city, Glasgow's uniquely rich architectural heritage ranges from 19th-century masterpieces to the modern designs of the unique style of Glasgow-born Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Discover exciting experiences around every corner!
Day 14: Glasgow
Safe travels until we meet again!
Trip Inclusions
- We've packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides, to seamless transportation between destinations, ferry crossings to and from the Orkney Islands, across the Sound of Sleat from the Isle of Skye to the mainland, and across the Sound of Mull to the Isle of Mull and Iona, and VIP access to the world's most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Included Meals
- Full buffet breakfast daily; 2 lunches; 9 three-course dinners
Accommodation
- Glasgow: DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central (Superior First-Class):
DoubleTree by Hilton - Glasgow is a luxury hotel in Glasgow city center. It is ideally located for the Central Train Station and for all the sights and special events that make Glasgow so unique. The hotel is within a short distance of the fashionable boutiques and restaurants of Princes Square, the roar of Hampden Park for football or music events and the 'Armadillo' for concerts. - Edinburgh: Hilton Edinburgh Carlton (Superior First-Class):
The grand, classically designed Carlton has an excellent central location just off the Royal Mile and is equidistant between the castle and Holyrood Palace. With 189 spacious air-cooling rooms, the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the city. It offers the elegant Bridge Restaurant, a cocktail bar, a fitness suite with Techno gym equipment, swimming pool, sauna, steam room spa, and a squash court. - Inverness: Mercure Inverness Hotel (First-Class):
Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, the modern hotel is just 200 meters from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants. All 121 guest bedrooms have HD TV and complimentary high speed WiFi. Enjoy panoramic views of the River Ness in the hotel's riverside restaurant or explore The 33 Church Street Bar & Brasserie signature menue. - Thurso: St Clair Hotel (First-Class):
Unpack and relax in your room. All 34 rooms are freshly decorated and have the essential direct dial telephone, television with Freeview, hairdryer, hospitality tray and en suite shower rooms with complimentary toiletries. - Isle of Skye: Dunollie Hotel (First-Class):
The Dunollie Hotel is set by the serene waterside of Broadford Bay, at the foot of the mountains that lead to the famous Cuillin Hills. With 84 en suite bedrooms, a bar and restaurant, it is perfectly placed to explore an area rich in history. - Oban: Oban Bay Hotel (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. - Glasgow: Radisson Blu Glasgow (Superior First-Class):
Offering free high-speed, wireless Internet access throughout, the hotel compromises 250 rooms with complimentary amenities like iPod docking stations, bathrobes and slippers. Collage Restaurant, two stylish bars, access to LA Fitness and a first floor dedicated solely to meetings and events round out the offerings. Glaswegian hospitality and Radisson Blu service standards blend to offer guests a memorable, upscale stay.
Trip Notes
- 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 reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.