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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.
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.
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
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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
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
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.