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Scottish Highlands
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4.8
Read 45 reviews

Luxuriate in this grand tour

Explore some of the most historic cities and towns of Scotland and Ireland . Be enchanted by the Isle of Skye, St Andrews, Connemara, and the Ring of Kerry.

Trip details

Tour start Glasgow

trip-destination

Tour end Dublin

15 icon

Days

14 icon

Nights

23 icon

Meals

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Solo Traveler

Solo Travel

Group Discount

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Highlights

Sean’s Bar in Athlone – CIE Tours Exclusive

Have a drink by the River Shannon in Ireland's oldest bar, which dates back more than a thousand years and displays the artifacts to prove it!

Glasgow

Explore the city that flourished in Victorian times due to the shipbuilding industry and international trade.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

Visit the beautiful home of Benedictine nuns, who have lived on the estate since they fled Belgium during WWI.

House of Waterford Crystal

See how the craftsmen make their masterpieces sparkle.

Isle of Skye

Admire the rugged coastlines and ancient ruins of this Scottish island.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Explore the wide range of exhibitions in the 22 galleries of Glasgow's essential art museum, from ancient Egypt to the Scottish great Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Titanic Belfast

Get an in-depth look at how the ship was built in Belfast's shipyards — and the inside story of its fateful maiden voyage.

Edinburgh Castle

Walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens, and even the odd pirate or two, in this medieval-era royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, alive with many exciting tales.

Inveraray Castle

Find yourself in the home of the Downton Abbey series as you tour the locale where it was set and filmed.

St. Andrews

Cross the modern Tay Bridge to the medieval town of St Andrews, the "Home of Golf”.

Cliffs of Moher

Visit the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone soaring 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf below.

Marine Bar in Dungarvan – CIE Tours Exclusive

Enjoy a drink with some traditional music in this centuries-old, family-run pub.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Our July 31st to August 21st departures get to enjoy the precision and performance of pipe and drum corps from around the world.

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Itinerary

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slide Day 1Glasgow Tour | Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel. Set out on a panoramic tour of the highlights of Glasgow, a city built on industry but now known for its stunning Victorian architecture, a creative cultural scene, and thriving restaurants and nightlife. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, housing one of Europe's finest art collections, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Dali. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group and then the evening is yours to explore and dine as you wish.
Embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond for views of highland peaks. Stroll through Inveraray before taking a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, featured in “Downton Abbey”. Drive through Glencoe, considered one of Scotland's most spectacular and beautiful places, and then to your hotel in Ballachulish on the shores of Loch Leven. (B, D)
Travel on the scenic “Road to the Isles”, stopping for photos at the Glenfinnan Monument. Ferry to the Isle of Skye to visit the romantic ruins of Armadale Castle. Back on the mainland, travel along the shores of Loch Ness. End the day at your hotel in Nairn, a lovely manor house set on spacious grounds near the North Sea. (Saturday departures from July 29 to August 19 stay at the Marriot Inverness Airport Hotel). (B, D)
Visit the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to learn about the historic battle and stroll around the moorland and the visitor center. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to a local farm for a demonstration of trained dogs herding sheep. Spend the evening in a gracious manor-style hotel near Pitlochry. (B, D)
Visit Blair Castle, home of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Go behind the scenes at Blair Athol Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring hotel gardens and museum, or browsing around Pitlochry town. (B, D)
Visit Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of “Macbeth”. Head to St Andrews, the “Home of Golf”. Enjoy a traditional Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. July 30 - August 20 departures enjoy an evening free to dine independently. (B, D*)
Take a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, from its medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile to the 200-year-old “New Town” area. Tour the imposing Edinburgh Castle with its splendid views of the city. The rest of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping, and dining. July 30 - August 20 departures attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)
Say farewell to your Scottish guide and embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Visit Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art attraction that will immerse you in the full story of the ill-fated ocean liner, built in the nearby ship yards in 1912. Head to your hotel in the seaside suburb of Dun Laoghaire near Dublin, where you will meet your Irish driver/guide, and enjoy a free evening in this charming harbor town. (B)
Head to Athlone for a welcome drink at Sean's Bar, the oldest bar in Europe. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the beautiful harbor city of Galway; see its stone-clad buildings and medieval, winding lanes. Enjoy some free time to explore Galway on your own, then join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Explore scenic Connemara. Take a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (seasonal). Head to Kylemore Abbey, set beside a tranquil lake, to see elegant rooms, the charming church and the Victorian walled gardens. Return to Galway, where your evening is free to explore the city's lively pubs and excellent restaurants. (B)
Travel south around Galway Bay, through the austere beauty of the Burren, to visit a sheep farm and see trained sheepdogs show off their herding skills. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Take a ferry across the River Shannon Estuary as you head to Killarney, where you'll enjoy a traditional Irish night featuring dinner and an entertaining show. (B, D)
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle. See the highlights of Ireland's most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, and take a break in the colorful village of Kenmare. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, stop in to Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Return to Killarney for an evening on your own. (B)
Drive through the mountains on the way to Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous stone, or just explore the tranquil gardens. Travel along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan, a CIE Tours Exclusive Venue, for some traditional music. Continue to Waterford, where you'll witness the creation of sparkling masterpieces as you visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. (B, D)
Join a local guide for a walking tour of the narrow streets of Waterford, discovering its fascinating past. Head to Kilkenny for free time in its medieval city center. Tour the beautifully restored Kilkenny Castle to see glorious 17th-century tapestries, painted portraits, and sumptuous furnishings. Travel on to Dublin, where you'll dine with a glass of wine at The Donnybrook Gastropub. (B, D)
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. >

Where you’ll stay

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel

Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel Glasgow, Scotland

The Sandman Signature Hotel is a stunning hotel with 179 bedrooms in the center of vibrant Glasgow...
Ballachulish Hotel on Loch Linnhe

Ballachulish Hotel Ballachulish, Scotland

Situated in a breathtaking lochside setting at the foot of dramatic Glencoe, this historic hotel...
Muthu Newton Hotel

Muthu Newton Hotel Nairn, Scotland

Muthu Newton Hotel is close to the Nairn golfing links and the Moray Firth offering unrivalled...
Atholl Palace Hotel

Atholl Palace Hotel Pitlochry, Scotland

Originally opened in Victorian times, the Atholl Palace Hotel retains many features of a...
Norton House Hotel

Norton House Hotel & Spa near Edinburgh, Scotland

Set in a Victorian mansion in 55 acres of grounds, Norton House features a luxury spa, award-...
Royal Marine Hotel

Royal Marine Hotel Dublin, Ireland

The Royal Marine overlooks Dublin Bay and provides direct access to Dun Laoghaire Promenade and...
The Galmont Hotel & Spa

The Galmont Hotel & Spa Galway, Ireland

The Galmont is one of Ireland's premier 4-star hotels, located in Galway City on the Wild Atlantic...
Great Southern Killarney

Great Southern Killarney Hotel Killarney, Ireland

Great Southern Killarney, first opened in 1854, is Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel. This iconic...
Granville Hotel

Granville Hotel Waterford, Ireland

The Granville Hotel in Waterford overlooks the River Suir and is a 5 minute...
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road entrance

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road Dublin, Ireland

Just 30 minutes from Dublin International Airport and a 15-minute stroll from St. Stephen’s Green...
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Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

  • Full daily breakfast and many meals*
  • Scottish & Irish entertainment
  • Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
  • Welcome drinks with your group
  • Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
  • All entrance fees to attractions
  • Comprehensive travel itinerary

 

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

  • A travel backpack
  • Travel adapter
  • Rain poncho
  • Luggage strap and tags
  • Documents wallet
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See what people are saying about this trip

4
CIE Tours Customer
2 months 4 weeks ago
Overall satisfactory

Bus seating in Ireland was poorly managed.

3
CIE Tours Customer
3 months ago
MORE FREE TIME

Already stated in prior review.. Great tour guides.. wonderful hotels we hardly got to appreciate... wonderful meals ... itinerary was too hectic ... spent more time stopping for "*** breaks" than anything.

5
CIE Tours Customer
3 months ago

The tour guides were very knowledgeable. Exceptional hotels and food experience

5
Lori Kegley
4 months 1 week ago
Scotland and Ireland are amazing!

We covered a lot of ground visiting many areas on our tour.
Our Scotland tour guide and bus driver were so very informative and personable.

5
Jerry Wendell Ritchie
10 months 1 week ago
Slow start

Great trip ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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