Compare 7 Day South - West Ireland Tour by Hilltoptreks vs Ireland & Scotland in 15 days - Stunning Ireland & The Highlands - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: Scenic Drive from Dublin, Walk in Glendalough, Monastic site of St Kevin.

Glendalough Valley Walk - Loop Walk - 9Km - Approx 3.5hrs - ascent 380m

Morning / Afternoon: Your adventure starts with a pickup in Dublin where you will meet your guide. Then it’s of to county Wicklow “the garden of Ireland” just south of Dublin.  County Wicklow is known for its scenic beauty and its here where Hollywood come to make most Irish films e.g. “P.S. I Love You” and “Brave Heart”. Wicklow is a great place for many outdoor activities and its where people from Dublin like to spend their weekends exploring the hills cycling or walking before relaxing over a great meal and a fresh pint.

We will be taking a scenic route on our way to Glendalough where you will be spending the first night. Along the way we will visit some of north Wicklow’s scenic highlights such as the Wicklow Mountains National Park, The Sally Gap, the beautiful Lough Tay and the Guinness family estate to name a few. The guide will give you some of the local folklore and history of the places. It’s also a chance for you all to get to know each other a little. When we arrive in Glendalough and organise ourselves into our accommodation we will go for our first walk. The walk will be approx 3 hours in the glacial valley of Glendalough. This valley is the gem of the Wicklow Mountains National park and ideal for walking. We will also visit the monastic site of St Kevin, which this valley is famed for.

Evening:  When we return from our walk we have some time to relax in our accommodation before dinner and a drink in the local tavern.

Day 2: Kerry, South Pole Inn Pub, Cliff Walk, Dingle, Unique Pubs.

Dingle Coastal Walk - Linear - 8Km - 2 hrs - Approx 2 hrs - ascent 120m

Brandon Point Dingle Kerry

Morning: Today after breakfast we will be travelling south all the way down to Dingle in County Kerry. On the way we will be take a stop to visit the picturesque town of Adare in Limerick. This town has to be seen to be believed with its small thatched cottages and brightly coloured buildings. It is home to Adare manor which was once home to Earl of Dunraven. We will be staying in the small fishing town of Dingle.

Afternoon: On our way to Dingle from Adare we will stop along the way to visit the town of Annascaul which is famed for being the home town of Tom Crean, the great Irish explorer who shared voyages with Scott and Shackleton to the great Antarctic. On his retirement from the navy he returned home and founded a Pub called “The South Pole Inn” which is still there today. The guide will drop you all of at Beenbane beach so you enjoy a cliff walk in towards the village of Dingle – a fantastic way to arrive !

Evening: Dingle or “An Daingean” which is its Gaelic and original name is a fantastic small village known for its small quaint pubs, live Irish music and relaxed atmosphere. There is plenty to see and do in his small town with great restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, craft stores etc.

What it is really well know for though is its friendly dolphin called “Fungie” which has been in Dingle harbour for years and visited by thousands of curious guests. You may also be surprised when you enter some pubs in Dingle that you can also buy a pair of shoes or get yourself a new measuring tape.

Day 3: Connors Pass, Mt Brandon, Stay Dingle

Mt Brandon - Linear Rtn - 8Km - Approx 5hrs - ascent 750m

Morning / Afternoon: After a hearty breakfast we will get ourselves ready for one of my favourite walks in this area, Mt Brandon. Which is named after Saint Brendan the voyager; some think he even got as far as North America. On the way to Mt Brandon we go over the famous Connor Pass with its incredible views across the Atlantic Sea and the Dingle Peninsula.

Mount Brandon is a blessed mountain and there is a pilgrim trail to its summit and is one if Irelands holiest. It is less than 1000m but even though it is a pilgrim walk it is quite a challenge. The walk will take about 4hrs and the views from its summit are breathtaking. From it you can see the Atlantic all around you on the Dingle Peninsula, the Blasket Islands and Ireland’s highest Mountain range on the Iveragh Peninsula.

Evening: After our walk on Mt Brandon we will make our back to Dingle where you can see Fungie for yourself, meet some locals, visit some of the craft shops, enjoy some of the local seafood or just relax.

Day 4: Slea Head Drive, Cliff walk to Ballyferriter, 'Hurling' on the beach , Stay Dingle

Cliff Walk - Linear - 8Km - Approx 2hrs - ascent 150m

Slea HeadMorning: The Dingle Peninsula drive is one of the most scenic in Ireland and the National Geographic placed it in one of the top 10 drives in the world and when you do it you’ll appreciate why. We will follow this drive from Dingle to the Slea head and onto the view point for the Blasket Islands. The Islands are famous for their Gaelic writers and the whole area of Dingle is what’s called a “Gaeltacht” an Irish language speaking region. So the guide will teach you a "cúpla focal" (couple of words).

Afternoon: The walk today is nice and easy along a great cliff walk with views across the Atlantic which will bring you to the village of Ballyferriter. This is the closest point you can get to America in Europe. After our walk we will head down to the local beach for a game of “Hurling” ancient Gaelic game played with sticks and a hard leather ball called a “sliotar”, quite similar to hockey.  Well you can try hit the ball with stick if you can.

Evening: So after our playing about on the beach while taking in the views and learning some Irish and hurling. We will make our back to our accommodation for an early night to recharge the batteries for tomorrow’s big adventure.

Day 5: Ireland’s Highest Point, Killarney National Park, Stay Killarney

Carrauntoohil - Linear Rtn - 12Km - Approx 6hrs - ascent 850m

Morning/Afternoon:  Today is the big walk of the tour so it’s an early start to get over to Killarney and drop our bags into our new accommodation before heading across to Carrauntoohil. This walk is weather permitting as your safety is paramount to the guide and us. An alternative suitable walk will be chosen by your guide in the Killarney National Park depending on the weather and the groups abilities.

Now all going well and the weathers good then we will head to the summit as planned. Carrauntoohil is 1039m tall, which is small if you live in the Alps but huge if you live in Holland so all due care must be taken. Thousands of locals and visitors climb this every year and you feel a great sense of achievement on getting to the top.

Evening: After we get back down and catch our breath we will make our back towards Killarney. The town of Killarney is the most visited town in Ireland with the Muckross House and Gardens, its beautiful lakes, Ross Island and more it is a true treasure and one that I’m sure you’ll love. As well as all its scenic beauty there are numerous restaurants, pubs with live Irish music, areas to shop and places to chill over a coffee so you wont be stuck for something to do.

Day 6: Lahinch, Cliffs Of Moher Walk, Stay Doolin

Cliffs of Moher Walk - Linear - 8Km - Approx 2.5hrs - 100m

Morning: This morning we are on the road again taking a route up along the west of Ireland known as the “Wild Atlantic Way” crossing the River Shannon at Terbert. The river Shannon is named after an ancient Celtic Goddess and is Ireland’s longest and most impressive river. As we cross the mouth of the Shannon on the ferry keep an eye out for the schools of Dolphins to be seen everywhere. When you dock on the far side you will be in CCliffs of Moherounty Clare.

Afternoon: Once we are in County Clare we will follow the coast road up towards the town Lahinch. This coastal town is a surfer’s paradise and has become more popular due to the great waves here. It’s also a great holiday destination for Irish families with many other activities on offer as well. Making our way northwards we will visit Brigid’s well before we start our cliff walk towards the Cliffs of Moher. The walk is fantastic and the cliffs themselves are a true treat for all the senses.

Evening: We will be staying in Doolin tonight, the capital of Irish traditional music in the west. This is a tiny little fishing port made popular due to its importance in Irish music and dance. Doolin is also in another Gaeltacht area so you can try your new learnt language skills on the locals, I’m sure they’ll be impressed. Here we can relax and enjoy a few well deserved drinks while listening to some of the best Irish musicians in the world.

Day 7: Walk in the Burren, Corcomroe Abbey, Galway City.

Burren Walk - Loop - 7.5Km - Approx 3hrs - 140m

Morning: This morning we will make our way to one of the strangest landscapes in Ireland and there are a few, The Burren. This is a limestone karst and was sitting at the bottom of the sea many years ago, but you can still see that clearly today. The term "Burren" is derived from the Gaelic for "stony place". The Burren is also famous for its many different and varied types of flora which are just unique to this area. We can enjoy our last walk together on this moon like terrain before we say good bye to the west and all its wonderful adventures.

Afternoon: We make our way to Galway city "city of the tribes". This is a great little city know for its relaxed and bohemian feel. You can spend hours just walking about the small streets while listening and watching street performers of all types.

Today unfortunately we will be saying farewell to some of the friends made in the west of Ireland as we make our way back to Dublin... Slan agus beannacht (Goodbye and blessings) You will be dropped back to Dublin.

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.