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Landscapes of Scotland...
 

Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland

15 days |  18 days with London extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.5 star rating

233
Physical activity
A sunset view of the cliffs of the dingle peninsula in country kerry ireland
a highland cattle in a field in scotland
a group of people walking in nature in ireland
elevated view of ballydonegan bay off of beara peninsula in ireland
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Traverse small villages, beautiful countrysides, and seaside cliffs.

Travel through the landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, where hundreds of years of history spring to life. Start your journey in Edinburgh, where you’ll admire stunning Georgian architecture. Then, head to the Scottish Highlands and Glasgow before crossing the Irish Sea to visit historic Belfast. Turn south through charming Galway, explore County Kerry’s coastal landscapes, and cap off your trip amid Dublin’s bustling streets.

Your tour package includes

  • 13 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 13 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 liquor tasting
  • 10 sightseeing tours
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Included highlights

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Inveraray Castle
  • Western Highlands
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  • Titanic Belfast Museum
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Edinburgh today.

Edinburgh2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Edinburgh
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

Follow a Scottish local on a sightseeing tour of the city.

  • View the Georgian New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Pass the Sir Walter Scott monument
  • Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Enjoy a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

From $99 per person

Scottish Highlands2 nights
Day 4: Transfer to the Scottish Highlands
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue on to the Scottish Highlands, admiring incredible sights as you go.

  • Pass Loch Lomond as you drive through scenic Trossachs National Park
  • Stop to explore Inveraray Castle and its gardens with a local guide
  • Take in stunning scenery as you travel through the Scottish Highlands

Please note: Entrance to Inveraray Castle is seasonal and runs from April through October only. When entrance is out of season, it will be replaced with a visit to the Ardkinglas House.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of the Western Highlands
Included meals: Breakfast, Liquor tasting

Spend the day exploring the scenery and sites throughout the Western Highlands.

  • Stroll through Oban with your Tour Director to visit the Roman-style McCaig's Tower and view the city’s picturesque harbor
  • Tour a distillery to learn about the malt whisky making process
  • Sample some malt whisky paired with snacks
  • Pass scenic lochs, glens, and mountains en route to Glencoe
  • Visit the site of the Massacre of Glencoe and learn about the battle between Clan MacDonald and Scottish forces in 1692
  • Enter the Glencoe Visitor Centre, an eco-friendly cultural history center that’s nestled into its breathtaking surroundings
Glasgow1 night
Day 6: Transfer to Glasgow & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to Glasgow and set off on a tour with a local guide.

  • Discover local highlights, including George Square and the River Clyde
  • Admire the city’s university and medieval cathedral
  • Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features everything from medieval suits of armor to a collection of works by Scottish artists
Belfast2 nights
Day 7: Ferry to Belfast
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to the village of Cairnryan where you’ll board a ferry for your voyage across the Irish Sea to Belfast, Ireland.

Sit down for an included dinner with your group this evening.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Belfast
Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Belfast, the cultural heart of Northern Ireland, from a local’s perspective on a guided tour.

  • Glimpse the copper-domed City Hall and the recently restored Grand Opera House
  • Learn all about Belfast’s long history, from its origins in the Bronze Age and rise as an international seaport to its role in the conflict known as “the Troubles”
  • Enter the Titanic Belfast Museum for a look at the vessel’s infamous history

Enjoy a free afternoon in Belfast or add an excursion.

Giant's Causeway

From $89 per person

Galway2 nights
Day 9: Galway via County Meath
Included meal: Breakfast

En route to Galway, stop in County Meath to pay a visit to Causey Farm.

  • Learn about daily life on a working Irish farm
  • Watch a demonstration of traditional games and dance, like hurling and ceili

Please note: On some departures, the visit to Causey Farm may be replaced with a different farm experience.

Then, continue on to Galway for a sightseeing tour of the city led by your Tour Director.

  • Stroll past Lynch’s Castle, Galway Cathedral, the Druid Theater Company and the broad expanse of Eyre Square
  • View the city’s medieval walls and Spanish Arch
  • Peruse authentic Claddagh rings in a local shop

Enjoy a free evening in Galway or add an excursion.

Castle Banquet Dinner

From $129 per person

Day 10: Free day in Galway
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Galway or add excursions.

Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show with Dinner

From $105 per person

Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park

From $79 per person

County Kerry2 nights
Day 11: County Kerry via the Burren, Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel through the Irish countryside to County Kerry today, taking time to view spectacular scenery en route.

  • Pass through the Burren, a unique limestone plateau where fields of rock are dotted with wildflowers
  • Walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the majestic Cliffs of Moher
  • Take a guided tour of the 13th-century Bunratty Castle

This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 12: Dingle Peninsula & Killarney National Park
Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way along the dramatically rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula.

  • Take a scenic drive along the Slea Head Drive, enjoying impressive coastal views as you go
  • Enter the Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian church overlooking the harbor at Ard na Caithne
  • Enjoy photo stops at Coumeenole Beach, Slea Head, and Dunbeg Fort

After free time for lunch in the town of Dingle, head to Killarney National Park for photos at Ross Castle on Lough Leane.

Dublin2 nights
Day 13: Dublin via Blarney Castle
Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Dublin this morning, stopping to explore Blarney Castle along the way.

  • Explore the castle's dungeon, court, and battlements
  • Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone
Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Dublin
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Take a comprehensive tour of Ireland’s capital city with a local expert leading the way.

  • Stop in Phoenix Park, site of the presidential residence, and pass by the Guinness Brewery
  • Step inside the soaring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church
  • Pass St Stephen’s Green and admire the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square as you go
  • See Trinity College and walk past Grafton Street to the Molly Malone statue, ending in the Temple Bar district

Spend a free afternoon in Dublin or add an excursion.

This evening, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner.

Glendalough

From $49 per person

Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Extension to London
Mind the gap, get in the queue, ask for bangers with your mash—now you’re ready for London! Arrive early and start your journey with extra time in the bustling English capital, taking in the sights alongside a local expert.
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to London today.

London3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in London

Welcome to England! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers as you enjoy a welcome drink this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London
Included meal: Breakfast

Take a guided tour of London’s regal landmarks with a local expert leading the way.

  • Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
  • See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations and weddings
  • View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London
  • Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Enjoy a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Windsor Castle

From $119 per person

Day 4: Free day in London
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion.

Stonehenge & Oxford

From $145 per person

Day 5: Train to Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to King’s Cross Station to board your train to Edinburgh, Scotland where you’ll meet up with the rest of your tour group today (day 2 of the regular itinerary).

Please note: Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. 

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Reviews

4.5 star rating

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

Based on 233 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Beautiful trip
    5/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Dawn

    We loved our trip! From the tour director, tour group, drivers and guides to the gorgeous scenery and history...it was a perfect trip. I am GF and Nick went above and beyond, as did the restaurants we frequented, to make sure I was accommodated. Loved it and can't wait for our trip to Italy/Greece n...

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    4.0 star rating

    Scotland and Ireland are not to be missed!
    5/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Danielle

    Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland are not to be missed! The people are lovely and everything was so green and lush! Nick our tour guide was very knowledgeable. Henry the bus driver for Scotland was the best! Funny guy. Lots of running around to get everything included, but it’s the price you pa...

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    5.0 star rating

    5/5/23 by 1st-time traveler David
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket
    Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket

    This modern hotel is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Guests enjoy the fitness center, bar, and stylish rooms. Nearby, you'll find Edinburgh Castle, t...

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    Alexandra Hotel
    Alexandra Hotel

    This charming hotel is located in downtown Fort William. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant options, and a lounge. Nearby you’ll find the West Highland Mu...

    Read more +
    Novotel Glasgow City Centre
    Novotel Glasgow City Centre

    This contemporary hotel is located in the Glasgow city center. Guests enjoy a swimming pool and bar. Nearby, you'll find the Burrell Collection, Royal...

    Read more +
    Maldron Belfast City
    Maldron Belfast City

    This modern hotel is centrally located in Belfast. Guests enjoy the on-site coffee house, bike rentals, restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Belfast City H...

    Read more +
    Maldron Sandy Road
    Maldron Sandy Road

    This comfortable hotel is located near the center of Galway. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a hotel bar, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find the Galway Shop...

    Read more +
    Sneem Hotel
    Sneem Hotel

    This colonial hotel is located in the Golden Heights neighborhood of Sneem. Guests enjoy the fitness center, rotating art gallery shows, and live musi...

    Read more +
    Cassidys Hotel
    Cassidys Hotel

    This boutique hotel is located in Dublin’s city center. Guests enjoy the bistro restaurant, gym, and hotel bar. Nearby, you’ll find EPIC The Irish Emi...

    Read more +
    Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
    Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

    This relaxing hotel is located in the residential area of Kensington in London. Guests enjoy views of the city, spacious rooms, and many on-site dinin...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter the United Kingdom and Ireland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code SIR.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 1 hour daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and ferries.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Edinburgh (or London on the pre-tour extension) and depart from Dublin. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • A ferry ride from Cairnryan to Belfast is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a train ride from London to Edinburgh.)
    • All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. The storage space on the train is extremely limited, so we recommended traveling with only one suitcase per person (and a personal item, such as a backpack or purse).
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to **goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements **and searching the code SIR.
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    Cuisine
    • Scottish cuisine relies on readily available ingredients like game, dairy, and fish, with little use of exotic spices. Pickled kippers and smoked salmon are popular, as well as hearty dishes like Scotch broth (stew of meat and root vegetables) and haggis (a savory pudding of sheep innards). Scotch whisky is a legendary local spirit, and Scottish ales are world-famous.
    • Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as the traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy's, depending on where you are.
    • Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with continental Europe, Asian, and even American influences.
    • For traditional English fare at a reasonable price on the pre-tour extension, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
    • Modern-day London, on the pre-tour extension, boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisines. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • The United Kingdom and Ireland operate within 230-240 volts and use a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though charges may apply.
    • There is no internet access on the motor coach.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • The United Kingdom and Ireland are on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in Ireland.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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