Compare Highlights of Scotland & Ireland by Great Value Vacations vs Ireland & Scotland in 15 days - Stunning Ireland & The Highlands - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!

Arrive in the exciting city of Edinburgh! Enjoy a transfer to your first luxurious accommodation, then take some time to freshen up and relax.

After you're all settled in, start exploring the city! Stroll along bustling Princes Street - who says it's too early for souvenir shopping? End your first evening with a pleasant walk through Princes Street Gardens and get a nice glimpse of Edinburgh Castle!

Day 2 Edinburgh

Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then head to the 16th-century historic Holyrood Palace. Treat yourself to a tour, then walk through Holyrood Park and climb up to Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, and enjoy sweeping views of Edinburgh!

Make your way to Edinburgh Castle and explore the spectacular old, hilltop fortress. If time allows, check out St. Giles' Cathedral, the Scott Monument, and the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh.

Spend the evening strolling through the charming Royal Mile and Old Town, then experience one-of-a-kind nightlife in the New Town.

Day 3 Edinburgh - Inverness

Enjoy an energizing breakfast, pick up your rental car, then head up to breathtaking Inverness. On the way, you may want to stop at historic Stirling Castle and the extraordinary Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Experience postcard-worthy views and make everyone back home jealous with tons of photos!

Upon arrival in Inverness, check-in to your hotel, then stroll through the city's charming streets. The area is filled with amazing architecture, so you may want to check out Inverness Cathedral and Inverness Castle.

Day 4 Inverness

Today, get ready to experience the legend of Loch Ness in real life! Embark on your Complete Loch Ness Experience Tour and listen to intriguing stories while taking in the gorgeous scenery. 

Day 5 Inverness - Glasgow

As you say goodbye to Inverness and drive south toward Glasgow, you may want to travel through lush, green Glencoe or make a pit-stop in breathtaking Cairngorms National Park.

Once you reach Glasgow, settle into your hotel, then get to know this vibrant city. Grab your camera, activate your 24-hour hop-on/hop-off bus pass, and see the sights you've been dreaming about.

Day 6 Glasgow

Enjoy breakfast, then continue using your sightseeing bus pass today! Be sure to "hop off" at University of Glasgow, Kelvingrove Park and Art Gallery, Glasgow Cathedral, and the Necropolis. Spend the afternoon shopping on charming Buchanan Street, then stroll through the greenery that fills Pollok Country Park. 

Day 7 Glasgow - Dublin

Wake up early and drive to Glasgow Airport to drop off your rental car and board your flight to Dublin. Before you know it, you'll be in the land of luck and lush greenery - Ireland!

Why waste a minute? As soon as you pick up your car and settle into your Dublin hotel, activate your sightseeing pass! Gawk at Christ Church Cathedral, explore Dublin Castle, then unwind with a pint at a traditional pub on Grafton Street.

Day 8 Dublin

After breakfast, continue exploring the city with your sightseeing bus pass! Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, admire the amazing architecture of Trinity College, and stroll through its awe-inspiring library.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk through St. Stephen's Green, then head to the lively Temple Bar area. Go ahead and treat yourself to a delicious dinner, accompanied by pints of beer and live music, of course. 

Day 9 Dublin - Cork

Take a scenic drive from Dublin to Cork, and along the way, stop at the famous Blarney Castle! Pucker up and peck the legendary Blarney Stone, which promises the gift of gab to those who kiss it!

After settling into your Cork hotel, make your way to the colorful coastal town of Cobh Harbor. Walk through charming shops, treat yourself to a seaside dinner, and watch the sunset as fishing boats float by.

Day 10 Cork - Killarney

Enjoy a scenic drive through southern Ireland and head to picture-perfect Killarney! Settle into your hotel, then lace up your hiking shoes and head to Killarney National Park.

Walk through vast, vibrant greenery and explore historic Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey. Take photos in front of Torc Waterfall, see your reflection in the crystal-clear lakes, and feel tiny in the shadow of the larger-than-life Gap of Dunloe.

Day 11 Killarney

Enjoy breakfast, then get ready for jaw-dropping views and sparkling seascapes on your included Ring of Kerry tour. Make sure your camera is charged - you won't be able to stop taking photos!

After the tour, you may want to check out Ireland's tallest peak at the mountain of Carrauntoohil. At 1,038 meters high, it may not be the easiest hike, but its easily accessible surroundings are worth a visit. And my, is it a splendid sight, even from afar. 

Day 12 Killarney - Clare

Today, you're traveling between two of Ireland's most beautiful, raved-about areas. How could your last day in Ireland be anything but memorable? From the Kerry-green countryside of Killarney to the bright blue coasts of Clare, you won't be able to take your eyes off the spectacular scenery.

Upon arrival in Clare, enjoy your included admission to the one and only Cliffs of Moher! Gaze out at this massive, majestic landmark, and be sure to snag the perfect selfie. 

Day 13 Depart Ireland

Drive to Shannon Airport (SNN), drop off your car, and board your plane. Spend the relaxing flight home scrolling through priceless photos and dreaming about your next adventure. 

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Dublin, the Irish capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Dublin

Arrive at Dublin airport, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Once settled, spend the rest of the day exploring the Irish capital at your leisure. Why not take a stroll along the banks of the River Liffey to admire the city's diverse architecture or head straight to the vibrant Temple Bar area to enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Dublin's best pubs and eateries. A number of venues in the area hold regular live music performances so be sure to catch one of these for an unforgettable start to your journey through Ireland. Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 3: Dublin

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour of Dublin. Explore the most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this wonderful capital. Pass by famous Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and whose library is home to the legendary Book of Kells. Continue to the Temple Bar area, the cultural center of Dublin and home to colorful pubs which host live Irish music and dance performances. Learn the legend of the Ha’Penny Bridge over the River Liffey and stroll past Dublin Castle, the seat of British Rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Continue past Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland's largest church and named after the beloved patron Saint of Ireland. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy your last moments in Dublin at your leisure. Why not pay a visit to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, or the famous Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the "black stuff". Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 4: Dublin - Athlone - Galway

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind today as you travel to the town of Athlone, which sits on the River Shannon in the center of the county. Take a panoramic tour of Athlone to see its impressive 13th-century castle and historic streets. After some time at your leisure, continue to Galway a port city on Ireland’s west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the city center, learn about its history and explore Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs, many of which still offer traditional Irish folk music shows. Overnight stay in Galway.

Day 5: Galway - Connemmara - Galway

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart towards Connemara National Park, a beautiful cultural region, situated in County Galway. Connemara is known for its strong connection to traditional Irish culture and immaculate landscapes. Admire the rolling countryside, home to wild Connemara ponies. After a day of exploring the rich landscapes of rural Ireland, return to your hotel in Galway and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Galway.

Day 6: Galway - Limerick - Killarney

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover one of the most iconic landscapes in Ireland: the stunning Cliffs of Moher! Stretching along the coastline for around 14-kilometers, these dramatic sea cliffs overlook the wild waters of the Atlantic. Set off towards Country Kerry, stopping along the way in Limerick, one of the oldest and most important cities in Ireland, dating back to the 12th-century. Afterwards, continue to the southwest of Ireland and into County Kerry, home to the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kerry.

Day 7: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - County Cork

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Ring of Kerry today, an area of immense natural beauty, glistening lakes and dramatic coastlines, home to incredible beaches and charming seaside villages. In the afternoon, head towards Cork, known as the culinary capital of Ireland and famed for its fantastic food market. It's also home to brilliant museums and art galleries and the legendary Shandon Bells. Overnight stay in County Cork.

Day 8: Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the journey back to Dublin, stopping along the way at the medieval town of Kilkenny with its cobblestoned streets and imposing St. Canices Cathedral. After some time at your leisure, continue towards the capital. Arrive in Dublin and enjoy the evening at your leisure, hitting the bars or revisiting your favorite sights. Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 9: Dublin - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh and self-transfer* to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure. * You will have the option to add a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the next step of the booking process.

Day 10: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 11: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 12: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.

Day 13: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore

Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.

Day 15: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 16: Edinburgh - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add a transfer to the airport in the next step of the booking process.