Compare Highlights of Scotland & Ireland by Great Value Vacations vs Highlights of Scotland by G Adventures
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 3,095 | $ 2,159 |
| Price Per Day | $ 238 | $ 308 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | NA | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 6 breakfasts |
| Description |
Escape to rolling greenery, postcard-worthy landscapes, vibrant cities, and amazing architecture on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. On this incredible vacation, explore the very best of Scotland and Ireland, as you enjoy included tours, cruises, transfers, and more! Fly into the charming city of Edinburgh and explore its colorful stone streets and historic castle. From there, enjoy a scenic drive north until you reach beautiful Inverness, where you'll visit the mysterious Loch Ness and look for its legendary monster! Gallivant over to Glasgow and immerse yourself in the artsy spirit of this magical city. Then, pack a bag and fly to the land of luck! Enjoy a quick, relaxing flight to the Emerald Isle, then dive right into the pub culture of Dublin. Wander through magnificent libraries, picturesque parks, and cobblestone, music-filled streets. Head to charming Cork, visit the iconic Blarney Castle, then hike through breathtaking Killarney National Park. Enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular Ring of Kerry, then feel your eyes widen as you gaze out at the overwhelmingly beautiful Cliffs of Moher. |
Classic folklore and stunning landscapes make Scotland a compelling destination for historians, those looking to explore their Scottish roots, and pop culture fiends who follow famous TV shows that film here. This seven-day tour takes you through all the best cultural highlights with visits to important Jacobite sites in Inverness like Culloden Moor and picturesque spots (like the Glenfinnan Viaduct) along with moments to soak in the country's natural beauty in Cairngorms National Park. In between, you'll have the opportunity to try traditional Scottish fare (yes, we're talking about haggis!) and learn about how whisky is made with a tour and tasting. It's the best way to satiate your inner history and whisky aficionado, in equal measure. |
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 Edinburgh
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a few days early to explore Scotland's compact, hilly capital.
Day 2 Edinburgh/Inverness
This morning enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh before departing the city for the Highlands. Visit Cairgorms National Park and enjoy a CEO-led hike in Glenmore Forest. Later, spot some reindeer in the local paddocks.
Day 3 Inverness
In the morning, visit Culloden Moor and the Culloden Moor visitor center, famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745. After lunch, board a cruise towards Loch Ness. Experience the infamous "loch" by boat and learn about the history (and legend) surrounding its mysterious lake creature. Explore Urquhart Castle before returning to Inverness.
Day 4 Inverness/Fort William
Discover the beautiful Isle of Skye. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Isle, stopping at the iconic Eilean Castle while en route for a snap of the old fortress. Once on the Isle, visit Sligachan, where you can spot the Black Cullin mountains in the background. Watch for the old man's face on the Old Man of Storr hike and in the evening, take a Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig.
Day 5 Fort William
Visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter. Settle back at the viewpoint in time to see the Jacobite Steam train cross over the viaduct. Afterwards, stretch your legs with a forest walk in Ben Nevis followed by a distillery tour and whisky tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery.
Day 6 Fort William/Glasgow City
Head south towards Glasgow. Enjoy some free time to explore Scotland's largest city. Take time to explore this port city by visiting its museums, joining a brewery tour or jumping on a bike tour of the city.
Day 7 Glasgow City
Depart at any time.
