Explore Scots Irish history on this itinerary when you start in Edinburgh, head into the Highlands and drive through the Isle of Skye.

2023 Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights

Duration: 15 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Edinburgh | Scotch Whisky Experience*
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel. Head out to The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. For dinner you'll hear colorful tales of Scottish history and culture while tasting a range of flavorful whiskies paired with local dishes. (August 6-22 departures will instead have free time to explore and dine independently.) (D*)

Day 2: Edinburgh Panoramic Tour | Edinburgh Castle | Independent Sightseeing
See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile andvisit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (The August 6 - 22 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.)
(B)

Day 3: Chocolate Tasting | Blair Castle | Highlands
Head through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a tasting of award-winning chocolates with an expert chocolatier. All the chocolates are made on-site with sustainable ingredients, including local heather honey and berries, and fresh cream from local herds of Scottish Friesians. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to Inverness (Sunday departures) or Nairn (Tuesday departures).
(B, D)

Day 4: Loch Ness | Isle of Skye | Armadale Castle
Travel alongside Loch Ness, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and visit Armadale Castle, returning by ferry. Take the “Road to the Isles” past lochs, lush woodlands, and heather-covered moors of the majestic Highlands, stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Continue through The Trossachs to your hotel in Dunblane.
(B, D)

Day 5: Stirling Castle | Ferry to Belfast
Head to Stirling, where you'll tour Stirling Castle. Perched on volcanic rock above the town, this grand castle is one of Scotland's most important. Explore the richness of the 16th-century decor of the palace, once the childhood home to Mary Queen of Scots. Drive on through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you'll dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 6: Titanic Belfast | Belfast Walking Tour | Crosskeys Inn
At Titanic Belfast, delve into the history of the famous liner. Walk with a local guide to see the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square and Victorian buildings, including the Opera House and the Crown Liquor Saloon. Your afternoon is free to explore. In the evening, visit Crosskeys Inn for dinner and entertainment in a CIE Tours Exclusive.
(B, D)


Day 7: Nine Glens of Antrim | Giant's Causeway | Derry Walking Tour
Enjoy ocean and mountain scenery as you travel the Nine Glens of Antrim. Discover the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns rising out of the sea, and pause for photos at the Dunluce Castle ruins. Head to Derry for a walking tour with a local guide to see how this city, with its painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to your hotel in Letterkenny.
(B, D)


Day 8: Glenveagh National Park | Donegal | Belleek Pottery | Kilronan Castle
Visit Glenveagh National Park where Captain Adair built Glenveagh Castle in 1870. Enjoy a guided tour and stroll the extensive gardens. Head to Donegal town, and visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design before enjoying free time to explore the town and have lunch independently. Head to Belleek Pottery to watch skilled craftspeople create delicate, highly decorative pieces. Travel to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle's fine restaurant.
(B, D)


Day 9: Arigna Mining | Lough Key Forest
Visit the Arigna Mining Experience to discover local history and life as a coal miner in the Arigna Valley. Visit Lough Key Forest Park to explore how humans have shaped the landscape on this old estate over thousands of years. Walk through tunnels used by servants in the 19th century, see the sunken garden, and then walk along with the Tree Canopy Bridge for panoramic views of nature and the shimmering lake. Return to the charming village of Ballyfarnon and relax in your castle hotel before dinner.
(B, D)

Day 10: Galway Walking Tour | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet
Head to Galway and join a local guide for a gentle walking tour. See the narrow streets, the medieval city walls, and Lynch's Castle. Travel through the Burren and see its limestone hills, often blooming with a vast array of wildflowers. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic. In the evening, head out to a castle for a medieval-style banquet.
(B, D)


Day 11: South Pole Inn | Dingle Peninsula | Slea Head | Killarney
Take a ferry across the River Shannon Estuary to discover the Dingle Peninsula. Enjoy the views from Slea Head at the westernmost tip. Stop in Dingle to explore and sip an Irish coffee at the South Pole Inn. Head to Killarney, a town settled beside three lakes in the shadow of Ireland's highest mountains.
(B, D)


Day 12: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Sheepdog Demonstration
Enjoy a horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane, Killarney's largest lake. Visit Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Next, see the highlights of the Ring of Kerry scenic drive, with its breathtaking vistas of mountains, cliffs and beaches. Head to Kenmare for lunch. Visit a traditional farm and see dogs herding sheep. Return to Killarney for a free evening.
(B, L)


Day 13: Blarney Castle | Abbey Tavern
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or stroll through the gardens. Travel through the rich dairy country of Cork and Tipperary, past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains. Arrive in Dublin and enjoy a festive dinner at the Abbey Tavern followed by traditional entertainment.
(B, D)


Day 14: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour in Dublin
Explore Dublin at your own pace with an independent Dublin open-top bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin's top attractions - Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Museum.
(B)


Day 15: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

    CIE Tours Exclusive
    • Hear traditional Irish music at Crosskeys Inn in Antrim, Ireland’s oldest thatched pub. This stone cottage, with its turf fires, was built in 1654.
    Authentic Experiences
    • Enjoy reserved seats for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 7 – 23 departures.
    • Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and go behind the scenes of the Queen’s former floating home.

Trip Highlights:

  • Arigna Mining Experience
  • Blarney Castle
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Medieval Castle Banquet
  • Crosskeys Inn Irish Night – CIE Tours Exclusive
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Scotch Whisky Experience
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Glenveagh Castle & National Park
  • Isle of Skye
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Stirling Castle
  • Titanic Belfast
  • Irish Night in Dublin

Dining Experiences:

  • 14 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 11 Dinners (Tattoo depatures have 10 dinners) (D)

Hotels:

  • Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club | near Edinburgh (2)
  • Columba Hotel | Inverness or Muthu Newton Hotel | Nairn (1)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro | Dunblane (1)
  • Europa Hotel | Belfast (2)
  • Station House Hotel | Letterkenny (1)
  • Kilronan Castle Hotel | Ballyfarnon (2)
  • Temple Gate Hotel | Ennis (1)
  • Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • Radisson Blu Royal Hotel | Dublin (2)

Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Scots Irish Tour 15 days/14 Nights Land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Dalmahoy Hotel and Country ClubSupplierRating **** Blending the traditions of a baronial manor with modern amenities, the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club is a breathtaking golf resort set on 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Our luxury hotel features intricate architecture, with our unique main house period rooms filled with character and traditional furnishings to create an unforgettable stay. Situated just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre, guests can easily access world-class attractions while enjoying on-site amenities that include two 18-hole golf courses, an indoor pool, tennis courts, beauty salon and the Dalmahoy Leisure Club. Home of the award-winning Pentland Restaurant, this luxurious hotel also offers full-service catering to complement the unparalleled event spaces that make the Dalmahoy a truly remarkable destination in Edinburgh.
SupplierName Columba HotelSupplierRating **** Opened in 1881, this grand historic hotel combines contemporary style and amenities with traditional comfort. Each room features excellent modern facilities including movies, music, radio on demand, and free high-speed wireless internet access. There is a traditional roast meal restaurant with a range of hot, cold and grilled options. This hotel is in a great location in the heart of Inverness, with splendid views of the Ness River and Inverness Castle.
SupplierName Muthu Newton HotelSupplierRating **** This beautiful Scottish baronial-style mansion was built as a family home in 1872 and has been a hotel since 1951. It recently has undergone extensive refurbishments to ensure a comfortable stay. All 56 guest rooms have been modernized while retaining the traditional ambience. This imposing building is set on 21 acres of mature parkland and gardens, bordering the Moray Firth on the North Sea and overlooks the Nairn Golf Course.
SupplierName Apex Dunblane HydroSupplierRating
SupplierName Europa HotelSupplierRating **** This well-established hotel offers 272 bedrooms with every comfort and luxury, including soundproofing to ensure a good night’s sleep. Enjoy good food, live piano and street views at the Piano Bar upstairs. Head to The Causerie for snacks and specials or to the Lobby Bar for drinks and pub grub. Located on Great Victoria Street, in the heart of Belfast. The Opera House is next door, and the historic Crown Liquor Saloon is across the street. Within easy walking distance of Donegall Square.
SupplierName Europa HotelSupplierRating **** This well-established hotel offers 272 bedrooms with every comfort and luxury, including soundproofing to ensure a good night’s sleep. Enjoy good food, live piano and street views at the Piano Bar upstairs. Head to The Causerie for snacks and specials or to the Lobby Bar for drinks and pub grub. Located on Great Victoria Street, in the heart of Belfast. The Opera House is next door, and the historic Crown Liquor Saloon is across the street. Within easy walking distance of Donegall Square.
SupplierName Station House Hotel - LetterkennySupplierRating *** This 3-star modern contemporary boutique hotel offers high-quality accommodation. The 81 colorful, spacious bedrooms all offer modern facilities such as flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and computer modem connection. Luxury glass-paneled private bathrooms have showers and full-length mirrors. The Depot Cafe Bar offers casual and formal dining in a contemporary yet relaxed ambience with live entertainment at the weekends. The hotel is 30 miles north of Donegal town and 20 miles west of Derry, ideal for exploring the northern part of County Donegal.
SupplierName Kilronan CastleSupplierRating **** This castle hotel offers excellent hospitality and a warm welcome to guests. The traditional and luxurious public rooms offer a delightful haven in which to dine or relax. The 84 guestrooms are designed for a restful experience and include minibars, coffee/tea makers and other amenities. Relax in the world-class spa and leisure center. The hotel is in a secluded area between the towns of Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon, about 100 miles NW from Dublin.
SupplierName Kilronan CastleSupplierRating **** This castle hotel offers excellent hospitality and a warm welcome to guests. The traditional and luxurious public rooms offer a delightful haven in which to dine or relax. The 84 guestrooms are designed for a restful experience and include minibars, coffee/tea makers and other amenities. Relax in the world-class spa and leisure center. The hotel is in a secluded area between the towns of Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon, about 100 miles NW from Dublin.
SupplierName Temple Gate HotelSupplierRating **** On the site of a 19th century Convent of Mercy, this contemporary family-owned hotel delivers a unique blend of warm hospitality, friendly service and pleasing decor. Each guest room offers all amenities for your comfort. Legends Restaurant is renowned for its good food and service. The traditional Preacher’s Pub has an inviting atmosphere, often with Irish music session.LOCATION: In the center of the market town of Ennis within easy walking distance of shops, cafes and pubs. Easy access to Shannon Airport which is 15 miles away. Hotel parking
SupplierName Killarney Plaza HotelSupplierRating **** Overlooking Killarney National Park, this classic hotel is within 5 minute walk from the town center. Along with 3 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Stylish, spacious and fully air conditioned, each room offers an unique style with comfortable accommodations.
SupplierName Killarney Plaza HotelSupplierRating **** Overlooking Killarney National Park, this classic hotel is within 5 minute walk from the town center. Along with 3 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Stylish, spacious and fully air conditioned, each room offers an unique style with comfortable accommodations.
SupplierName Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - DublinSupplierRating **** Enjoy stunning city center views from the 150 well-appointed rooms, furnished with a flat-panel LCD TV, in-room coffee and tea provisions, high-speed Internet access, mini bar and hair dryer. From an Irish pub to a French brasserie, the hotel provides guests with a culinary tour. Complimentary access to nearby Iveagh Fitness Club. The hotel is located in the heart of the historic old city, between Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a 10-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street.