15 Day Best of Scotland and Ireland

Itinerary

Ireland and Scotland tours compared

Trafalgar Guided Tour starting in Dublin and finishing in Edinburgh

Wild scenery, hearty cuisine, warming whisky and Guinness. This Gaelic adventure introduces you to the classic symbols of Ireland and Scotland, and the secret and secluded alternatives.

Day By Day

Day 1 Arrive Dublin (2 Nights)

Welcome to the Emerald Isle. Spend your day relaxing and enjoying the sights. This evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at a traditional Irish pub - the perfect introduction to Dublin. (WR) Stay: Mespil

Day 2 Dublin Sightseeing And Free Time

See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian Squares with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day as you please, why not explore Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its street performers. This evening consider joining an Optional Experience to an Irish cabaret. (FB)

Day 3 Dublin - Kildare - Waterford

Visit the Irish National Stud Farm dedicated to rearing world-class thoroughbreds since 1946 for a Cultural Insight on the breeding of these horses. After a guided walk through the farm take some time to stroll through the tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe or visit the Horse Museum. This afternoon visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Watch the master craftsmen at work during your Cultural Insight demonstration and tour of the workshop, and see the exquisite completed pieces in the showroom. (FB) Stay: Dooley's

Day 4 Waterford - Blarney - Killarney (2 Nights)

At Blarney Castle kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Killarney, your home for the next two nights. Join your companions for a Be My Guest dinner on a traditional Irish farm in Killarney. (FB/BMGD) Stay: Dromhall/Fels Point Tralee

Day 5 Ring Of Kerry Excursion

Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the 'Ring of Kerry'. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied places in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographer's delight. We will also see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. (FB)

Day 6 Killarney - Limerick - Galway - Ballina

Drive through Adare one of Ireland's prettiest villages. See King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone as you pass through Limerick. In Galway view the Cathedral, built on the site of an old prison, and stroll around Eyre Square during your free time. Dine tonight at your hotel. (FB/D) Stay: Ballina

Day 7 Ballina - Donegal - Londonderry/derry

Head north through Sligo to Donegal where you view the castle which was once the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan. In Londonderry walk along the 17th century walls with your Local Specialist and see the streets and murals of the Bogside. Known as the People's Gallery, the murals depict the history of the 'troubles'. (FB) Stay: Everglades/Maldron

Day 8 Londonderry/derry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast

Visit the Giant's Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, a UNESCO World Heritage site in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of the most iconic natural wonders in all of Ireland. Later arrive in Belfast and visit the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre for a Cultural Insight into the history of the world's most famous ship. (FB/D) Stay: Europa/Stormont

Day 9 Belfast - Glasgow (2 Nights)

This morning enjoy an included city tour with your Local Specialist which takes in Queen's University and City Hall. Board your ferry at Larne and cross to Cairnryan in Scotland. Drive through spectacular Ayrshire countryside on the way to Glasgow. (FB) Stay: Westerwood

Day 10 Glasgow Orientation And Free Time

Your morning orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. Visit St. Mungo's Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint and founder of the city, before enjoying free time to explore the city at your own pace. This afternoon enjoy a Cultural Insight into whisky making by visiting the beautiful Glengoyne whisky distillery to sample a 'wee dram'. (FB)

Day 11 Glasgow - Glencoe - Isle Of Skye

Journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, immortalised in the well-known Scottish song, towards the site of the 1692 massacre, Glencoe − 'Glen of the Weeping'. Pass Fort William at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. At Glenfinnan see the monument to the final Jacobite Rising, as well as the famous viaduct which has featured in the Harry Potter films. Cross by ferry to the breathtaking Isle of Skye where you dine tonight in your hotel. (FB/D) Stay: Dunollie/Kings Arms

Day 12 Isle Of Skye - Loch Ness - Culloden - Scottish Highlands

View Eilean Donan Castle before travelling along the banks of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the elusive monster. Visit Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the redcoats, ending his aspirations to the throne. Dine tonight at your hotel. (FB/D) Stay: Highlander/Morlich

Day 13 Scottish Highlands - Pitlochry - St. Andrews - Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Heading south we stop in the picturesque village of Pitlochry before heading to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Take a photograph on the 18th green of the Old Course, where the game was first played 600 years ago. Cross the Firth of Forth to the Scottish capital Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tonight why not enjoy an optional night out including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare? (FB) Stay: Marriott/Inchyra/Cardrona-Peebles

Day 14 Edinburgh Sightseeing And Free Time

This morning, your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a your choice of sightseeing visit to Edinburgh Castle or Edinburgh's Camera Obscura. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. During the Edinburgh Festival in August, your visit includes tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a memorable Farewell Dinner. (FB/FD)

Day 15 Depart Edinburgh

After a hearty Scottish breakfast say goodbye to your Travel Director and companions at the end of an unforgettable Celtic holiday. Transfers are available. Conditions apply. (FB)