If you only have a week to spend on vacation, this tour packs in plenty of scenery, historic places and exciting experiences. Start in Dublin before heading to medieval Derry, Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast. A short ferry crossing lands you in Scotland to stay at the Atholl Palace Hotel. Sample whisky before visiting St Andrews and Edinburgh.

2023 Irish & Scottish Sampler - 9 Days/8 Nights

Duration: 9 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin Arrival | Dalkey Castle | Dalkey Village
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Dublin hotel. Visit Dalkey Castle, built in 1390, where 500 years of history are brought to life with costumed actors in a fun and interactive tour. Your leisurely stroll in this heritage town will follow in the footsteps of international best-selling writer Maeve Binchy to the Memorial Garden in her honor and past the favorite pub of U2's Bono, a local resident. Enjoy a welcome drink at your hotel with your group before some free time for dining independently.


Day 2: Dublin City Tour | Taylors Three Rock Pub
Take a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing the stateliness of its Georgian buildings and the lively buzz of its shop-lined streets. Visit Dublin's spiritual heart: the 1,000-year-old Christ Church Cathedral. See its magnificent interior, filled with treasures reflecting Ireland's history. Enjoy an afternoon of independent exploring in Dublin before heading out for an Irish night at Taylors Three Rock, where you'll be entertained by a lively show over dinner.
(B, D)


Day 3: Listoke Distillery | Hillsborough Castle | Belfast City Tour
Visit Listoke Distillery for a tour of this gin producer and a drink. Visit the stately Hillsborough Castle, the home of the King when he visits Northern Ireland. Embark on a panoramic tour of Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built.
(B, D)

Day 4: Nine Glens of Antrim | Giant's Causeway | Crosskeys Inn
Travel along part of the Nine Glens of Antrim, a scenic region with lovely views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. Discover the Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava that has given rise to many legends. Enjoy lunch with your group in Ireland's oldest thatched roof pub, the Crosskeys Inn - a CIE Tours Exclusive.
(B, L)


Day 5: Crumlin Road Gaol |Ferry to Scotland | Pitlochry
Discover 150 years of history at Crumlin Road Gaol, a Victorian-era prison, and hear stories of some of the 25,000 people who served time there. Next, board the ferry to Scotland, and then continue your journey northwards into the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands to your historic hotel in Pitlochry. The hotel still retains many original features, with unique guest rooms and spacious grounds.
(B, D)

Day 6: Whisky Tasting | St Andrews
Tour Blair Athol Distillery to see how whisky is distilled and sample a wee dram. Continue to St Andrews on the east coast. This town is renowned as the “Home of Golf” and for its university, Scotland's oldest. Take a short walking tour and spend some time exploring on your own. July 31 - August 14 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.
(B)

Day 7: Edinburgh Tour, Edinburgh Castle | Independent Sightseeing | Scottish Evening
Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh. See the wide streets and elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town, and walk along the Royal Mile, with its closely clustered medieval houses. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle, where the Crown Jewels of Scotland are housed. Spend some free time exploring independently, before enjoying a traditional Scottish dinner with lively entertainment. July 31 - August 14 departures enjoy a free evening.
(B, D)


Day 8: Independent Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
You are free to explore Edinburgh independently on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour.
(B)


Day 9: Tour Ends in Edinburgh
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)




B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
*Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.

Highlights

CIE Tours Exclusive:

  • Cozy up by the turf fire under the thatched roof of Crosskeys Inn. This atmospheric stone-walled pub, a CIE Tours exclusive, dates back to 1654.

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Enjoy reserved seats for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 1 – 15 departures.
  • Trip Highlights:

    • Irish Night in Dublin
    • Blair Athol Distillery
    • Crosskeys Inn – A CIE Tours Exclusive
    • Dalkey Castle
    • Christ Church Cathedral
    • Edinburgh Castle
    • Scottish Evening*
    • Giant’s Causeway
    • Crumlin Road Gaol
    • Scenic Glens of Antrim
    • St Andrews
    • Hillsborough Castle

    *August 1 – 15 departures

    Dining Experiences:

    • 8 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 4 Dinners (D)

    *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.

    Hotels:

    • Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (2)
    • Maldron Hotel | Belfast (2)
    • Atholl Palace Hotel | Pitlochry (1)
    • Apex Grassmarket Hotel | Edinburgh (3)

Irish & Scottish Sampler - 9 Day

Not included

Hotels

Irish & Scottish Sampler - 9 Days/8 Nights Land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Herbert Park HotelSupplierRating **** This modern, bright property offers guests style and comfort with modern amenities. The bright, contemporary guest rooms feature king or twin beds, air conditioning and high-speed internet. The Pavilion Restaurant serves a superior quality breakfast buffet, with traditional full Irish breakfast as well as other choices. Located in the upmarket suburb of Ballsbridge, the Herbert Park is a 30-minute walk to the city center and is adjacent to the peaceful Herbert Park, U.S. Embassy and RDS Showgrounds.
SupplierName Maldron Hotel Belfast CitySupplierRating **** The Maldron Hotel is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Belfast city, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and historic landmarks. It’s minutes from popular tourist attractions, the Grand Opera House and Great Victoria Square. The hotel has a bar, the Grain and Grill restaurant offers a variety of dining options, and a buffet breakfast is served. The rooms are air-conditioned and offer a desk, seating area and flat-screen TV.
SupplierName Maldron Hotel Belfast CitySupplierRating **** The Maldron Hotel is a four-star hotel located in the heart of Belfast city, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and historic landmarks. It’s minutes from popular tourist attractions, the Grand Opera House and Great Victoria Square. The hotel has a bar, the Grain and Grill restaurant offers a variety of dining options, and a buffet breakfast is served. The rooms are air-conditioned and offer a desk, seating area and flat-screen TV.
SupplierName Atholl Palace HotelSupplierRating **** Originally opened in Victorian times, the Atholl Palace Hotel retains many features of a traditional large country house, with relaxing public areas. The historic nature of the hotel means that every bedroom is unique, with quirky original features, outstanding views and furnishings of the highest standards. The Verandah Restaurant is famed for its stunning views and its quality cuisine, using the very best of local produce. The Stag's Head bar offers a wide range of malt whiskies. The hotel is located in spacious gardens and is within a 15-minute walk of the town of Pitlochry.
SupplierName Apex Grassmarket HotelSupplierRating **** This contemporary hotel is a 7-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle, which can be viewed from some of the guest rooms. Sophisticated yet casual rooms have designer toiletries, free WiFi and 42-inch flat-screen TVs, as well as tea and coffee-making equipment. A brasserie offers breakfast, lunch and evening meals, plus city views, and private dining is available at a rooftop restaurant with castle views. Other amenities include an indoor pool and fitness suite. The Grassmarket hosts an excellent collection of pubs and restaurants of many types.