Compare Explore Ireland & Scotland by Great Value Vacations vs Iconic Ireland by G Adventures
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,286 | $ 3,499 |
| Price Per Day | $ 208 | $ 389 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
| Description |
Kick off your 10-night vacation in Ireland! Stay one night in a hotel near Dublin before making your way to the bed and breakfasts of your choosing. Head west to the colorful coastal city of Galway, stand in awe at the Cliffs of Moher and drive the rugged Dingle Peninsula. Feast on tasty eats in Cork, Ireland's foodie destination, before heading to Dublin. Cap of your Irish stay with a pint of Guinness at its birthplace. From Dublin, fly into Edinburgh and perhaps drive over to St. Andrews on the northeast coast, famed as the birthplace of golf. Then head up to Inverness, known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Tour Scotland's scenic wonders like the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness, explore cultural Glasgow, then finish up your trip in Edinburgh. You get to create your own itinerary in both Ireland and Scotland, and the options are endless! |
A land of ancient legends, epic folktales, and grand traditions, Ireland is a destination that will truly transport you back in time. Uncover Celtic culture and admire medieval architecture across the stunning countryside, and delve into historic Dublin and the "rebel city" of Cork. Eat, dance, and sing with locals—even kiss the Blarney Stone—as you follow the roots of Irish culture to its core and come home with some Irish ballads of your own. |
Day 1 Welcome to Ireland!
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, pick up your luggage and pick up your rental car, then head to your hotel. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 2 Dublin area - Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Today you'll head toward your first B&B. Get settled, and start exploring the area! Your B&B hosts can provide great recommendations on local restaurants, experiences and more!
Day 3 Ireland Bed & Breakfast
If you're staying in the area, consider driving down the Wild Atlantic Way to County Clare's most-visited natural attraction: the Cliffs of Moher! Rising 700 feet above sea level, these rugged cliffs are truly a wondrous sight to behold. For the more adventurous spirit, walk along the Cliff Walk for amazing views.
Day 4 Ireland Bed & Breakfast
If you happen to be in this region, perhaps explore the famous Dingle Peninsula on the westernmost tip of Ireland (and Europe!) Begin in Dingle Town, arguably one of Ireland's most charming towns. Stroll up and down Green Street as you pass cozy pubs and eclectic shops. Head west of Dingle and drive along the stunning coastline, stopping at interesting points along the way. Go for a walk on the locals-only Beál Bán beach, then explore Gallarus Oratory, a 1,300-year-old stone church.
Day 5 Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Today, if you're staying near Dublin, explore the city's historical and spiritual highlights, from the Christ Church Cathedral (also Dublin's oldest building) to the imposing St. Patrick's Cathedral. You could also take a deep dive into Dublin's drinking culture; pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and discover the magic behind brewing your favorite Irish sips and spirits.
Day 6 Ireland Bed & Breakfast - Edinburgh, Scotland
Say goodbye to Ireland today as you fly from Dublin to Edinburgh. Upon arrival, pick up your second rental car and make your way to your first Scottish bed and breakfast!
Day 7 Scotland Bed & Breakfast
Depending on where you're staying, perhaps travel north today and explore the vast beauty of Inverness. Along the way, break up the drive and stop in cultural Perth or Dundee. Once you get up to Inverness, check out the River Ness, Fort George, and the many castles, museums, and galleries in the area. If only for a day, it might be fun to give in to the myth of "Nessie," the famous monster of Loch Ness. Visit the most famous of all Scottish Lochs - explore and let your imagination run wild!
Day 8 Scotland Bed & Breakfast
If your location permits, make your way westward to the picturesque Isle of Skye, where you'll find rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and medieval castles. Take a photo at the haunting Old Man of Storr or go hiking in the lush Faeire Glen.
Day 9 Scotland Bed & Breakfast
You might want to keep your urban spirit going and head to the hip city of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. The many hot spots there include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Pollok Country Park, Buchanan Street, and the Necropolis. Glasgow is renowned for its shopping, music, artistic culture, and friendliness.
Day 10 Scotland Bed & Breakfast
What better place to cap off an incredible vacation than Edinburgh? In Scotland's capital city, be amazed by historic architecture, a hilltop castle and plenty of pubs. Start the day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, a 12th-century fortress that makes an indelible mark on the skyline. Imagine yourself as part of a fairytale as you wander the grounds of this former royal residence. In the evening, venture to one of Edinburgh's theaters to experience a play, musical or performance. This is an art-lover's town!
Day 11 Depart Scotland
Your Irish and Scottish B&B adventure ends today. At the appropriate time, head to Edinburgh airport, drop off your rental car and head for your departure gate.
Day 1 Dublin
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Please note that due to space restrictions aboard our transportation, there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. We recommend bringing an additional daypack for essentials and everyday items. Please visit the "What to take" section on the Trip details tab for more information.
Day 2 Dublin
Set out this morning to explore Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592. Visit its famed library and view the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating to the ninth century. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore the city's Medieval Quarter, visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, set foot in Dublin Castle, or tour a whiskey distillery. In the evening, dine on Irish fare, accompanied by storytelling and traditional music, in a traditional Irish pub.
Day 3 Cork
Travel to the charming city of Cork and set out on an orientation walk; then spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Choose to visit the Cork County Gaol—a former prison—or learn about the voyage of the Titanic in the original ticket office of the White Star Line. Wander the stalls at the historic English Market or settle into a pub for a locally brewed pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout.
Cork is known for its many universities, theatres, art schools and general diversity and culture. With many immigrants settling in this inviting city, it's easy to find different types of foods, shops and cafés lining the streets.
Day 4 Blarney/Killarney
Begin the day with a visit to Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago and now one of the most iconic sights in Ireland. Climb a flight of steps to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, a ritual said to grant the gift of the gab. Continue to Killarney for an afternoon spent tasting whiskey and chocolate with a local expert. In the evening, opt to enjoy a traditional Celtic dance performance.
The lovely town of Killarney bristles with history, culture and stunning natural beauty. Located on the shores of Lough Leane, adjacent to Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by rolling green hills, lakes and forests.
Day 5 Killarney
Set out on a full-day excursion around the famed Ring of Kerry, considered one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. Take in stunning views of the Iveragh Peninsula’s windswept coast and lush, wild forests. View historic castles, churches, and seaside villages before returning to Killarney for a night at leisure.
Day 6 Galway
Travel to Galway, a historic harbor city on the west coast of Ireland and the gateway to the Galway Gaeltacht, one of the country’s few remaining Irish-speaking regions. Take a guided walking tour of the old city, delving into the history of conquest that has shaped Irish culture, and getting a taste of the city’s reputation as a hub for art and music.
Day 7 Cliffs of Moher/Galway
This morning, head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher and board a boat for a coastal cruise. Enjoy exceptional views of one of Ireland’s most well-known natural wonders from water level, keeping an eye out for seabirds, such as puffins, that call this special protected area home. After the cruise, spend time at the visitor center before returning to Galway to enjoy a free evening exploring the local arts scene or wandering historic streets.
Day 8 Dublin
Return to Dublin this morning and enjoy a free afternoon to explore Ireland's dynamic capital. Stroll among the colorful gardens of St. Stephen's Green, pop into historic pubs in Temple Bar, or view the famed bog bodies housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Opt to visit the Guinness Storehouse for insights into the history of beer and a taste of their famed stout, then gather for an optional farewell dinner with your group at a local restaurant.
Day 9 Dublin
Depart at any time.
