Grand Adventure: Scotland & the Emerald Isle
Two Cultures
Loch Lomond Cruise & the Highlands
Bunratty Folk Park
Local Drinks & Cuisine
Ring of Kerry
Storied culture, ancient history, breathtaking scenery, and intriguing folklore await you during this grand adventure in Scotland and the island of Ireland. We begin our journey in Glasgow, frequently named one of the friendliest cities in the world, then travel to Edinburgh and Inveraray before taking the Cairnryan Superferry across the Irish Sea into Northern Ireland. We visit Belfast, the country’s largest city, Giant’s Causeway, and the ancient walled city of Derry, followed by a drive into the Republic of Ireland. We explore the country's best areas including Letterkenny, the Gaeltacht region, Donegal, Belleek, Dublin, Clonmacnoise, Galway, Connemara, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney, and Kilkenny. Enjoy top attractions such as the Royal Yacht Brittania, a Loch Lomond cruise, Kylemore Abbey, the Rock of Cashel, and many castle tours! We also experience traditional Irish culture with dinner shows at Taylors Three Rock, Kate Kearney’s Cottage, and a medieval banquet.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Edinburgh Castle
Walk in the footsteps of royalty and soldiers as you visit this historic fortress that was previously an important military stronghold, royal residence, military garrison, and prison. The castle stands proudly on Castle Rock and is home to Mons Meg, one of the greatest medieval cannons ever made. View the Half Moon Battery, built in the aftermath of the Lang Siege of 1573 and armed with bronze guns known as the Seven Sisters. In the Crown Room, admire the ancient Honours of Scotland including the crown, scepter, and Sword of State.
Kylemore Abbey
Discover the beauty, history, and romance of Ireland’s most intriguing estate in the heart of the Connemara countryside. Home to a community of Benedictine Nuns since World War I, learn about Kylemore’s rich history including a love story that started it all, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, and a girl’s boarding school. Visit the Abbey, Gothic Church, restored Head Gardener’s house, and Ireland’s largest walled garden. Be sure to also try the award-winning chocolate, handmade by the Benedictine nuns.
- Day 1: Fly to ScotlandWe begin with an overnight flight across the pond.
- Day 2: GlasgowUpon arriving in Scotland, our adventure kicks off with a guided city tour of vibrant Glasgow. Later, we settle into our accommodations for the next three evenings and get to know fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Edinburgh & The Royal Yacht BritanniaThis morning, we travel to Edinburgh for a guided tour featuring the history of Georgian New Town, medieval Old Town, and The Royal Yacht Britannia. Step aboard the royal family’s floating vacation home of more than 40 years that has remarkably sailed over one million miles around the world! We also visit iconic Edinburgh Castle, which towers high above the city on Castle Rock and was previously one of the country’s most important military strongholds.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 4: Inveraray Castle & Loch LomondToday, the scenic splendor of Inveraray awaits us. Our sightseeing begins with Inveraray Castle, seat of the Clan Campbell since the 18th century. This sprawling fortress is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and overlooks beautiful Loch Fyne. After lunch at The George Hotel, we cruise the country’s most picturesque waterway, Loch Lomond, as panoramic views of the Southern Highlands unfold before our eyes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 5: Ferry to BelfastWe bid goodbye to Scotland this morning and board the impressive Cairnryan Port Superferry for a pleasant trip to Northern Ireland. Enjoy scenic views, grab a bite to eat, see a movie, and more as we cross the Irish Sea. Then, watch Northern Ireland’s largest city comes alive on our guided tour! Belfast is a city rich with history, culture, and lively Irish craic. We see the Titanic Quarter, City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Queens University, and the Prince Albert Memorial Clock. After checking in to our hotel, the evening is at your leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 6: Titanic BelfastToday, we explore Titanic Belfast, a museum with striking architecture that commemorates the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship. Built to resemble the doomed vessel, it extends over nine interactive galleries and is frequently rated as one of the top museums in the world. This afternoon, you will have some free time to explore all that Belfast has to offer before we gather for dinner at one of the city’s oldest and largest pubs, Robinsons Bar and Bistro.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7: Giant’s CausewayWe receive our first glimpse of Northern Ireland’s majestic coast this morning on our way to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway. Walk along this unique geological wonder, formed from thousands of interlocking basalt columns, and soak up surreal vistas of the incredible landscapes around us. Later, we travel to the walled city of Derry. Learn about the area’s rich history during a walking tour of the city walls, including views of its iconic Guildhall. We overnight in Letterkenny, also known as “the Cathedral Town,” most recognized by its towering cathedral spire that dominates the skyline.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 8: Glenveagh National Park & DonegalOur morning begins with a visit to Glenveagh National Park, perfectly located among the rugged Derryveagh Mountains. Enjoy exploring some of Ireland’s most beautiful vistas as you stroll through the castle gardens along Lough Veagh, a serene lake, and watch various birds soar up above. Next, we stop at Crolly Distillery in the Gaeltacht region of Ireland, where Gaelic is spoken, to learn how whiskey is made and taste “the water of life!” Afterwards, a scenic drive takes us back to our accommodations in Donegal for a wonderful dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9: Belleek PotteryToday, we observe skilled craftsmanship at work during our guided tour of Belleek Pottery. Watch as they demonstrate how to delicately sculpt and hand paint the world-renowned pottery, then take time to explore the visitor center. This evening, we check in to our hotel in the Dublin area before experiencing Irish Night at Taylors Three Rock, complete with delicious food, Irish drinks, traditional music, and award-winning dancing.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10: DublinOur last day is spent discovering the Emerald Isle’s vibrant capital, an idyllic blend of modern architecture and historic attractions. A local guide joins us for a tour that includes views of Dublin Castle, the Spire of Dublin, and Ha’penny Bridge, plus a visit to the National Museum of Ireland. This afternoon, take time to soak up the city’s lively atmosphere on your own. Enjoy one more wonderful meal with new travel friends tonight, then it’s off to the next hotel, where the second half of your grand adventure begins.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 11: ClonmacnoiseWe travel west this morning to Clonmacnoise, a ruined monastic site nestled along the banks of the River Shannon. This ancient site, featuring remains of nine churches, a round tower, and high Celtic Crosses, was previously a major center of religion and education that attracted scholars from all over Europe. Later, we experience authentic Irish hospitality at Rathbaun Farm, where sheep graze the fields as the fragrance of freshly baked goods and a peat fire fill the air. Our hosts invite us inside their charming, thatched cottage to enjoy homemade scones and a pot of Irish tea. Tonight, we settle into our accommodations for the next two evenings in Galway.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 12: Kylemore AbbeyOur day begins at the Connemara Celtic Crystal factory in Pollacappul, where Celtic motifs are expertly cut into colored crystals. Then, enjoy a scenic drive through the dramatic canvas of Connemara, dense with gleaming rivers and lakes, stunning coastal views, and rugged rock formations. We arrive at Kylemore Abbey, home to a community of Benedictine Nuns since World War I. Spend time exploring this expansive historic site including the castle, Victorian walled gardens, a neo-Gothic church, a shop with handmade Irish goods, and more. Back in Galway this evening, experience local culture while stepping into the city’s lively entertainment scene during an evening at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 13: Cliffs of MoherSoak up otherworldly beauty on our morning drive through the Burren in County Clare, famous for its archaeological sites, unique rock formations, and glacial-age limestone that has eroded over the years to form moonscape patterns. Next, we stop at the Cliffs of Moher, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This geological marvel, extending five miles along the coast and soaring up 700 feet from the sea, once assured World War II pilots that they had reached European shores. We then explore Ireland’s heritage at Bunratty Folk Park, a recreated 19th-century village. Later, life in old Ireland comes alive during this evening’s merrymaking at a medieval castle banquet! Tonight’s hotel is in Limerick.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 14: KillarneyThis morning, we admire thatched cottages and beautiful stone buildings in the traditional Irish village of Adare. Next, we travel to Killarney, a vibrant little town surrounded by gorgeous countryside and our home for the next two nights. After checking in to our hotel, we enjoy a traditional jaunting cart ride through the unspoiled terrain of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s first national park. Tonight, our cultural experience continues with authentic Irish cuisine, folk music, and dancing at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a 150-year-old family-run establishment.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 15: Ring of KerryWe spend today relaxing on one of Ireland’s most picturesque drives, the Ring of Kerry. Have your camera ready to capture the rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, emerald valleys, and dramatic seascapes. We return to Killarney with an evening at leisure exploring the city and its incredible live music.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 16: Blarney CastleOur morning begins with a tour of Blarney Castle, including an opportunity to kiss the fabled stone and be rewarded with the gift of gab. We also enjoy time to shop for some treasured gifts among the array of Waterford crystal, Irish sweaters, and other locally made items at Blarney Woollen Mills Store. Later, we travel to the stunning Rock of Cashel to learn about the rise of this majestic fortress, once an assembly place for kings and then an important religious center. This evening, we check in to our accommodations in Kilkenny.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 17: KilkennyWe kick off our day with a tour of medieval Kilkenny Castle, built in the 12th century to guard against crossings of the River Nore. Admire the opulent halls, browse Period Rooms, and see three of its original four towers. This afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Stroll the medieval city’s narrow winding streets, visit the National Design & Craft Center, or enjoy lunch at a local pub. Later, we return to Dublin for a special Farewell Dinner to celebrate our spectacular Irish journey and new friendships.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 18: Fly HomeWe fly home from Dublin with wonderful memories of our grand adventures in Scotland and the Emerald Isle.
May 13-30, 2025
$13,098
per person
$10,298
per person
Feb 7, 2025
Jul 29 - Aug 15, 2025
$13,098
per person
$10,298
per person
Apr 25, 2025
What's Included
All Accommodations
- 3 nights at Clayton Hotel in Glasgow
- 2 nights at Europa Hotel in Belfast
- 1 night in Letterkenny
- 1 night at Mill Park Hotel in Donegal
- 2 nights at Dunboyne Castle Hotel near Dublin
- 2 nights in Galway
- 1 night at The Savoy in Limerick
- 2 nights at Muckross Park Hotel in Killarney
- 1 night at Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny
- 1 night in the Dublin area (before we return home)
Attractions & Highlights
- Glasgow guided city tour
- Edinburgh Castle & guided city tour
- The Royal Yacht Britannia
- Inveraray Castle
- Loch Lomond Cruise & the Highlands
- Belfast guided city tour
- Cairnryan Port Superferry to Belfast
- Titanic Belfast
- Giant’s Causeway
- Derry Walls walking tour
- Crolly Distillery tour & tasting
- Glenveagh National Park
- Belleek Pottery tour
- Dublin guided city tour
- Rathbaun Farm
- Clonmacnoise monastic ruins
- Connemara Crystal Factory
- Connemara region
- Kylemore Abbey
- Medieval castle banquet
- Bunratty Folk Park
- Burren in County Clare
- Cliffs of Moher
- Adare, traditional Irish village
- Jaunting cart ride in Killarney National Park
- Ring of Kerry scenic drive
- Rock of Cashel
- Blarney Castle
- Blarney Woollen Mills Store
- Kilkenny Castle
26 Excellent Meals
- Welcome Dinner in Glasgow
- Lunch at The George Hotel’s pub in Inveraray
- Taylors Three Rock dinner & show
- Daily deluxe breakfast
- Irish Evening at Kate Kearney’s Cottage
- Farewell Dinner in Dublin
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport