Scotland and Ireland

Duration

12 Days

Physical rate

Moderate

Starting city

Edinburgh

Available

April 2024 / October 2024

Cities to visit: Edinburgh; The Kelpies; Stirling; Pitlochry; Culloden; Inverness; Fort William; Inveraray; Loch Lomond, Scotland; Glasgow; Belfast; Dublin; Powerscourt; Kilkenny; Cashel, Ireland, Ireland, Ie; Cork, City and County; Kinsale; Killarney; Limerick; Cliffs of Moher; Galway; Clonmacnoise

Video Gallery


Detailed day by day description

Introduction

This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.

This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.

Day
Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! Arrival in Edinburgh, Scotland, and transfer to the hotel.
IMPORTANT:
-Please note that hotel check-in time is usually between 01:00 and 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information sign with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
We’ll begin our journey in Edinburgh.
01:15 p.m. – Panoramic tour with a local guide in Scotland’s capital, one of the most vibrant cities in Northern Europe. Its monumental center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle overlooks the city, with its steep streets and parks. During the summer, the “Edinburgh Festival” fills the city with shows and activities. After the tour, you will have free time. Transfer to the hotel in the evening.
With the group we will learn about the process of making Scotland´s national drink, a whiskey distillery (entrance included) , a beautiful liquor made from barley that is drunk not only in Scotland but also all over the world, constituting its largest export. The rest of the day is free to continue enjoying Edinburgh, you can stroll through its lively streets and get to know its rich historical and museum heritage.
Note: Depending on the availability of the distilleries, this visit could take place in Edimburgh or on another day at another location in Scotland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Time for lunch before we visit the Celtic monastic ruins (tickets with guided tour included).
03:45 p.m. – Departure from Clonmacnoise. We’ll continue our route.
05:15 p.m. - Dublin.
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.
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.

Map Tour

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From AUD 2,735