Compare Scotland’s Favorites: Castles, Lochs & The Home of Golf by Great Value Vacations vs Castles and Kingdoms by Luxury Gold
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 21 days |
| Price From | $ 2,411 | $ 14,637 |
| Price Per Day | $ 241 | $ 697 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | NA | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Now this is how you see Scotland! From the medieval city of Edinburgh to the lush countryside near Loch Lomond, this once-in-a-lifetime road trip offers a unique blend of nature, village life, and city bustle. Explore Edinburgh Castle, see the Swilken Bridge at St Andrews Links Golf Course, and discover the beauty of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Head to Perthshire and become immersed in small-town Scottish vibes! Switch gears and put on your hiking shoes! Enjoy a stay in the adorable village of Aberfoyle, near Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Spend your stay experiencing Scotland's postcard-worthy natural landscapes! Find peace at the banks of sparkling lakes, spot magical waterfalls, and trek through mountainous greenery. Your final stay will be in the quaint town of Peebles, just 50 minutes south of Edinburgh. Enjoy your castle hotel and visit Peebles Golf Club and Neidpath Castle! |
From London to Edinburgh and over the Irish Sea to Belfast and Killarney this adventure across Ireland and Great Britain pairs iconic sights with once in a lifetime experiences. Join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London and bear witness to the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military tradition in the world. In Northern Ireland, join a local ranger to explore the spectacular Giant’s Causeway and in England, journey to the majestic 11th-century Alnwick Castle—known to many from the Harry Potter films. The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. |
Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!
Touch down in the land of kilts, castles, and countryside! Upon arrival in Edinburgh, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first luxurious accommodation. Once you're all checked-in and settled, head out on the town! Stroll down the Royal Mile and treat yourself to haggis and whisky at a traditional pub.
Day 2 Edinburgh
Recharge with a scrumptious Scottish breakfast, then grab your camera and explore! Today, consider visiting hilltop Edinburgh Castle. Mosey around Princes Street Gardens, then trot down colorful Victoria Street until you reach breathtaking St Giles' Cathedral. For an old-time quaint feel, you might want to take a walk through Dean Village, just a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle!
Day 3 Edinburgh - St Andrews
After a lovely breakfast, pick up your rental car and get ready to roam far and wide! Take a 90-minute drive to the coast for your next destination: St Andrews, the golf capital of Scotland! Known for its abundance of golf courses, including the famous Old Course, with the landmark Swilken Bridge at the 18th hole, St Andrews is a bucket list destination for many golfers. Settle into your accommodation, then explore the historical area.
Day 4 St Andrews
While St Andrews is undeniably a golf capital, there's so much more to it! Visit all of its breathtaking historical structures, like 12th-century St Andrews Cathedral and 13th-century St Andrews Castle. After that, consider a visit to the British Golf Museum, then stroll around the charming streets.
Day 5 St Andrews - Perthshire
Enjoy a pleasant breakfast, then say goodbye to St Andrews and take a drive to Perthshire! Feel free to make stops along the way. Upon arrival in Perthshire, check-in to your hotel in the town of Dunkeld, then explore this quaint Scottish village. You can't miss the brightly colored 'little houses' of Dunkeld which were built in the early 1700s. Restored to provide homes for local people, they are now in the care of the National Trust For Scotland (NTS). Another NTS property is the Ell Shop featuring the original 'ell' measure, just over a meter long, used for measuring cloth in days gone by. Why not pick up some souvenirs whilst browsing?
Day 6 Perthshire
Enjoy a day of leisure in Perthshire today! Explore a few local attractions near your hotel today, such as the Loch of Lowes or the Scone Palace. Alternatively, you can spend more time exploring the amenities of your beautiful accommodation.
Day 7 Perthshire - Loch Lomond
From Perthshire, you'll drive to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Consider a pit stop at stunning Stirling Castle on the way! Upon arrival in the pretty village of Aberfoyle, check-in to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Take a peaceful stroll through town, then explore the nature that surrounds you.
Day 8 Loch Lomond
Today is all about lakes and lush greenery! Discover the beauty of glistening Loch Lomond and take a tranquil hike through The Trossachs National Park. Enjoy moments of breathtaking beauty near Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, the Falls of Falloch, Bracklinn Falls, and Loch Katrine!
Day 9 Loch Lomond - Peebles
Enjoy breakfast in the lakeside village of Aberfoyle, then take a 90-minute drive down to Peebles, your final destination! Along the way, feel free to make stops near Glasgow or Falkirk. Upon arrival in Peebles, check-in to your charming hotel. The picturesque town of Peebles is a perfect sample of Scottish tradition. Home to Peebles Golf Club and Neidpath Castle, you will fall in love with this old-world town.
Day 10 Depart Scotland
This morning, take a 50-minute drive north to Edinburgh Airport (EDI), where you will drop off your rental car and board your plane home. Spend your flight replaying warm memories, scrolling through pictures, and dreaming about your next adventure.
Day 1: Welcome to London
Your UK luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your five-star hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Here you are welcomed with the royal treatment from their red tail-coated doormen. Tonight, enjoy sumptuous British fare at the English Grill Restaurant.
The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Dinner
Day 2: Traditions and Treasures of London
Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. View bustling Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Household Cavalry Museum. After the sun sets and London lights up, you’re treated to a private, after-hours tour of the Tower of London and the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Breakfast
Day 3: Stonehenge and Georgian Bath Relaxed Start
Savor a Relaxed Start before standing in awe of mysterious Stonehenge, Britain's best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself further into British history as you travel to Bath. Stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture feeling as though you’ve stepped into a classic English novel.
Francis Hotel, Bath.
Breakfast
Day 4: Explore Bath Relaxed Start
Personalise your day with a visit to the Jane Austen Center or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain’s only natural hot springs. Share the highlights of your morning over locally sourced dishes at the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant.
Francis Hotel, Bath.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and York
Travel through a storybook of rolling hills in the Cotswolds toward Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and admire quaint Tudor cottages. Your day concludes in York where cobbled streets, classic tearooms and Gothic buildings lure you further into the past.
The Grand Hotel & Spa, York.
Breakfast
Day 6: Medieval Wonders of York Relaxed Start
Step back into the Middle Ages in York joining an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house.
The Grand Hotel & Spa, York.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: The Wild and Poetic Lake District
Let the beauty of the Lake District inspire you as you cruise shimmering Ullswater Lake, taking in some of the best views of this region. Later, check into the lovingly restored country house overlooking Lake Windermere.
Merewood Country House Hotel, Lake District.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Alnwick Castle
Discover majestic Alnwick Castle’s magnificent interiors with a Local Expert before exploring Edinburgh's beautiful, walkable city. Should you visit during August, witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most spectacular military concerts and celebration of the history, heritage and colors of Scotland’s regiments.
Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 9: Highlights of Beautiful Edinburgh
Explore the grounds of Edinburgh’s “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900-years of history. Personalise your afternoon visiting the 17th-century Mary King's Close or with a stimulating whisky tasting. After a private performance from a former bagpiper to the Royals, a meal of fine dishes such as Scottish Border brisket of beef or poached fillet of sole, rounds off your final day.
Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Edinburgh to Belfast
Journey to your luxurious hotel in Belfast for a relaxing three-night stay in the heart of the city center. Pop up to The Observatory bar where glittering views stretch into the distance. Get to know the tastes of the town at a local restaurant.
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Highlights of Belfast
Visit the world-class Titanic Museum for a vivid picture of the past , before customising your time in Belfast. Step out with Local Expert and explore the City Hall, prestigious Queen's University and Parliament Building at Stormont or meet a local artist to discover Belfast’s progressive street art.
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Breakfast
Day 12: Giant's Causeway and Londonderry
Experience Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant's Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. On arrival in Londonderry, Local Guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Breakfast
Day 13: Strangford Lough and Vibrant Dublin Relaxed Start
Sweet aromas and a slow food ethos await at Tracey's Farmhouse. Explore the organic farm and learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before enjoying a Farm-to-Table lunch. Continue to Dublin and explore the Guinness Storehouse learning how to pull the perfect pint.
Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: A Truly Irish Experience
A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. At a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip Prosecco with the museum founder Trevor White as he shares his local stories.
Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Glendalough to Kilkenny Relaxed Start
After a Relaxed Start, explore Glendalough, the "glen of two lakes" with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.
Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny.
Breakfast
Day 16: Banter in Blarney
See classic Ireland in Cashel, famous for its medieval structures including the spectacular Rock of Cashel. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening join the locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.
The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17: Scenic Ring of Kerry Relaxed Start
Journey into Killarney National Park, winding along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Explore the town of Kenmare before indulging in a gourmet lunch at the Park Hotel.
The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18: Exploring Limerick Relaxed Start
Admire dramatic mountains and windswept sands along Dingle Peninsula. In Adare, discover the charming thatched-roof cottages, castles and abbeys before continuing to Limerick to see the best of the city including St. Mary's Cathedral and Limerick's Treaty Stone.
The Savoy Hotel, Limerick.
Breakfast
Day 19: Regal County Mayo Relaxed Start
Breathtaking views continue through County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Your stay at the 5-star Ashford Castle begins with a royal welcome as a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to this estate, once home to the Guinness family. Tonight, savor specialties from a seasonal menu at the Castle’s Cullen's at the Cottage.
Ashford Castle, Cong.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 20: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start
Indulge in another Relaxed Start with the option of breakfast in-bed room service. Get acquainted with elegant birds of prey at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland or delve into the Castle’s history on a guided historical tour. Then treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the last full day of your Belfast to Shannon luxury tour dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.
Ashford Castle, Cong.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 21: Depart Shannon
Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport.
Breakfast
