The Best of Ireland & Scotland | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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The Best of Ireland & Scotland

,

PRIVATE/GROUP TOUR - 15 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 9249

Private/Group Tour Highlights

  • Spend your time strolling the streets of Dublin soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in its cafes and bars, and check out its myriad historical, literary, and cultural delights.
  • Explore Ireland's top visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world-famous Guinness brand and company.
  • While enjoying a private driver/guide in a comfortable Sedan, stop at Powerscourt House and Gardens in Wicklow to see the third-best gardens in the world.
  • Discover Edinburgh's Grass market, offering fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle, stories of ancient crimes, and many old-fashioned drinking spots.
  • Partake in the world of whisky with The Scotch Whisky Experience at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, where they have been inspiring visitors with the joys of Scotch whisky for over 30 years.
  • Sail on the Loch and admire Urquhart Castle with 1000 years of history on this one-hour trip to the deepest and most mysterious waters of Loch Ness.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Experience The Best of Ireland & Scotland with a two-week journey exploring the Emerald Isle and the northern United Kingdom.

When one thinks of Ireland and Scotland, many similarities come to mind with their sprawling green hills, stark seaside cliffs, delightfully warm locals, and delicious whiskeys. Yet, both regions have their own unique charm with jaw-dropping history and cultural differences that make them long-sought-after bucket list destinations. Rather than examining and contrasting the two and trying to find which region to visit, a multi-country combo trip will make a truly incomparable experience.

Starting in the merry city of Dublin, Yampu Travelers will get a true sense of Ireland while wandering the cobblestoned streets and getting a taste for the famed “black Stuff” at the Guinness storehouse. Continuing south, the tour takes explorers to witness the most serene and beautiful places in Ireland, including one of Ireland’s most scenic touring routes, the Ring of Kerry.

After taking in Ireland’s stunning castles and craggy coastline, the tour takes to the United Kingdom to introduce the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. Here an aspiring history lesson and whiskey experience await. The tour continues to the heart of Scotland with a stop just north of Pitlochry town to find Blair Castle before embarking on a scenic cruise of the mystical Loch Ness. The voyage is capped off with a delightful exploration of the enchanting views of Isle of Skye and the wooded glens, braes, and lochs of The Trossachs.

 

Note: All Ireland and Scotland tours include a private driver/guide throughout the itineraries. Self-drive experiences can also be arranged at a lesser cost. Please ask a Yampu Travel Expert for more information. 

Inclusions
Price includes domestic and regional flights within the itinerary; all hotel accommodations including daily continental or buffet breakfast and daily city tax; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including entrance fees. Prices include a chauffeur-driven private vehicle on the dates specified. Please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant about our self-drive options at a reduced cost.
Exclusions

International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services, and other personal items or services not mentioned.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 9249

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International Flight to Ireland

Overnight International Flight to Dublin, Ireland.

Overnight International Flight to Dublin, Ireland.

Day
2

Hop on Hop off Dublin Bus Tour

Upon arrival to Dublin, you will be met at the airport and transferred by a private driver/guide in a comfortable Sedan.

Dublin is a lively cosmopolitan city brimming with culture. You could spend your time strolling the streets soaking up the atmosphere, relaxing in its cafes and bars, or you could check out its myriad historical, literary, and cultural delights. See the best of Dublin City in one day with Hop on Hop off bus tour and visit attractions all around the city. Hop on board at any of the 30+ designated bus stops, and enjoy the freedom to explore Europe's friendliest city. Time spent in Dublin would not be complete without a visit to Trinity College. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st, it is one of the oldest universities in the British Isles and the very oldest in Ireland.
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Day
3

The Guinness Storehouse & Merry Ploughboy Tour

Come and explore Ireland's top visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world-famous Guinness brand and company. The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St. James's Gate, Dublin. The experience starts standing at the bottom of the world's largest pint glass, which rises through the building. It's a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in The Gravity Bar, where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness while relaxing and enjoying spectacular views over Dublin.

Spend your evening in the famous Merry Ploughboy. This is a nice way to experience an Irish night! Located outside Dublin city center, the evening at Merry Plowboys offers a show with meals and music, traditional songs, and dances. The artistic quality of the show is magnificent. It is accompanied by quality cuisine and Irish music sung by an Irish group, "the Merry Ploughboys" who are local artists. The whole will be embellished with a few steps of Irish dancing. It's an unforgettable experience.
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Day
4

Powerscourt House Tour & Gardens Visit

From today until day 8, you will enjoy a private driver/guide in a comfortable Sedan. It is time to head to Kilkenny but make sure you stop at Powerscourt House and Gardens in Wicklow to see the third-best gardens in the world. One-mile-long and lined by over 2,000 beech trees, even the avenue leading to the Powerscourt House echoes the magnificence of the whole estate. Also, the 47 acres of gardens are remarkable for their grandeur of scale, at the same time combining great delicacy and refinement of detail. The house was gutted by fire in 1974 but recently has been reborn as an exceptional tourist destination.

Explore Glendalough, one of the most serene and beautiful places in the country. Also known as "The Glen of Two Lakes," Glendalough is the site upon which St. Kevin founded a unique monastic settlement in the 6th century. Most of the settlement remains in ruins, but the Round Tower at Glendalough, built as a refuge from marauding Vikings, is over 1000 years old and is remarkably well preserved. The site itself is set next to two clear water lakes beneath the sheer cliffs of a deep glacial valley. It is one of the most serene and beautiful places in all Ireland, and it is easy to see why the monks picked it for a place of prayer and contemplation. Arrive in Kilkenny or the Marble City as it is known, one of Ireland's oldest towns, and proud of it. Its array of ancient buildings is unrivaled. It is renowned for being a vibrant cultural center devoted to the musical and visual arts. Its two most impressive landmarks are Kilkenny Castle, founded in 1172 and privately owned until 1967, and St. Canice's Cathedral. ...read less

Day
5

Rock of Cashel & Muckross House Tour

Today, you drive through the Midlands to Kerry, and en route, you can visit one of the most visited sites in Ireland - The Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phadraig), more formally St. Patrick's Rock, is also known as Cashel of the Kings. The Rock is a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on a rocky outcrop of limestone, looming above Cashel's town, County Tipperary. There is a 12th Century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th-century Gothic cathedral, 15th-century castle, and the Hall of the Vicars.

Arrive in Killarney. Killarney's town lies on the edge of the astoundingly beautiful Killarney National Park, with its three magnificent lakes and the spectacular MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The park is also home to Muckross House and Gardens. Killarney is a wonderful base for all manner of activities, including angling and water sports, golf, riding, orienteering, hiking, cycling, and canoeing. The town itself is quite small but full of charm, as you will soon see as you walk down the brick footpaths and pass curious old-style shop fronts. ...read less

Day
6

Ring of Kerry Tour

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most scenic touring routes. At 179 km long, it circles the awe-inspiring Iveragh Peninsula. You'll feel as if you have moved into nature's mystic arena, and truly you have, as you pass between soft mountains, through forest glades, around bogs, rivers, lakes, and pristine beaches. The road between the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountains presents secret passes and valleys dotted along the fabled shores of Dingle and Kenmare Bays.

Ireland's natural beauty sings throughout the Ring of Kerry. You may wish to explore several charming villages along the route, including Glenbeigh, Waterville, and Sneem. Stroll and talk to people - this is what makes your travel experience unique. Follow the drive to Killarney by way of the Ladies View and the legendary Lakes of Killarney. ...read less

Day
7

Bunratty Castle & Folk Part Tour

Today, travel through Ireland by venturing North along the Wild Atlantic Way and stop at the Adare Heritage Village in County Limerick, regarded as Ireland's prettiest village. Visit Bunratty Castle - the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425, it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th-century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. We invite you to wander through the castle and marvel at the finest collection of medieval furniture in the country, which brings to life a vital part of our Medieval past. Arrive in Celbridge for overnight. ...read less

Day
8

Kildare - Dublin - Edinburgh

At the appropriate time, you will be met at the airport and transferred by a privately chauffeured vehicle to Dublin airport for your flight to Edinburgh.

Upon arrival to Edinburgh, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeured vehicle.

After settling in, join the sightseeing city tour and discover the city's stories, secrets, and sights. Places you discover include Princes Street - Travel along this street and learn about the Scott Monument and the Princes Street Gardens. The Grass market - This area offers fantastic views of the castle, stories of ancient crimes, and many old-fashioned drinking spots. The Old Town - Listen to the tales of ancient Edinburgh in the oldest part of the city. The New Town - This part of the city has stunning architecture and also the historic home to some of the country's finest writers and inventors. Walk the royal mile in the old town to see the crown jewels in Edinburgh Castle.
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Day
9

Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace & Scotch Whiskey Experience

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Continue discovering the city - Edinburgh castle sits on a high, rocky hill with a narrow ridge running east above the Old Town of Edinburgh. There has been a fortification of some kind here for thousands of years. The castle has existed through layers of time and history, and it is indeed magnificent. Edinburgh Castle has highlighted the city's skyline for 800 years, is a national symbol, and it is Scotland's most popular site to visit.

Visit the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty, The Queen, The Palace of Holyrood House. This beautiful palace sits at the bottom of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, sheltered by Arthur's Seat. The Palace of Holyrood House is located in the heart of the City of Edinburgh. The famous Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle at its western end and Holyrood to the east. Holyrood has many strong ties in Scottish history and is well-known for being the Mary Queen of Scots' home. Visitors can view the stunning Royal Apartments, which show each monarch's different tastes with fine plasterwork ceilings and decadent furnishings.

It is now time for an introduction to the world of whisky with The Scotch Whisky Experience, a five-star visitor attraction at the top of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, where they have been inspiring visitors to Edinburgh about the joys of Scotch whisky for over 30 years.
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Day
10

Blair Castle

From today until day 15, you will enjoy a private driver/guide in a comfortable Sedan. Head north of the capital towards the very heart of Scotland with few stops en route. When Queen Victoria fell in love with the Highlands of Scotland, Pitlochry was a quiet village surrounded by the pine-covered hills of the Central Highlands. It became famous when she named it one of the finest resorts in Europe, and visitors began arriving to discover the magic of the Highlands. This vibrant town in the wooded valley of the River Tummel runs along the main street that's lined with shops and eating places.

Just north of Pitlochry town, you will find Blair Castle. The only man in Europe still allowed to have a private army is the Duke of Atholl, who resides at Blair Castle! The sight of his magnificent, white castle on the main road north will stop you in your tracks. The oldest part of the castle was built in 1269. It was designed anew during the Jacobite campaigns, and the turrets were added—a brilliant stroke of genius. The ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to the Atholl Highlanders, Blair Castle stands proudly against the magnificent backdrop of Highland Perthshire.

Your journey will continue via Scotland's biggest national park - The Cairngorms. This country is heaven for walkers, skiers, rock climbers & nature lovers. Several species of rare birds are attracted to the thriving, unusual alpine flora. Rock-climbers and skiers particularly love the challenge of the Cairngorms. Its craggy sides attract climbers worldwide - they practice at the Cairngorms before trips to the Himalayas! Arrive in the capital of the Highlands. ...read less

Day
11

Jacobite Cruise Tour of Loch Ness

Leave Inverness in the morning and join on a cruise on the most mysterious lake in the world! The starting point is 20 minutes from Inverness. Sail on the Loch and admire the castle on this one-hour trip to the deepest and most mysterious waters of Loch Ness. From there, set your camera to the breath-taking view of historic Urquhart Castle with 1000 years of history. You can enjoy the breath-taking views of Loch Ness from the castle, and you can explore the Grant Tower, which served as a prison cell. You will discover many objects that trace the life of the inhabitants.

After the cruise, head on towards Isle of Skye, a truly magical place in South Scotland. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, it's home to some of Scotland's most iconic landscapes. This magical island has countless ways to enchant you, with its mountain ranges, miles of dramatic coastline and captivating history. Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a busy port and a thriving cultural center. Located around its natural harbor and lined with highlands and cliffs, the city is a holiday destination very popular with tourists. The harbor continues to be used by fishing boats and pleasure boats. The city is a popular base for exploring the rest of the island. Many visitors are drawn to the spectacular scenery of Trotternish Ridge in the north, while this wilderness is dominated by both strange and wonderful rock formations such as Storr's Old Man, Kilt Rock and the extraordinary pinnacles of Quiraing.
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Day
12

Isle of Skye

Today you will have a full day to explore magnificent enchanting views of Isle of Skye.

Drive around and at the foot of the Black Cuillins, near Glenbrittle, to see the Fairy Pools, beautiful blue crystalline pools on the Brittle River. These famous swimming pools attract visitors from all over the world, as they are an excellent 'wild swim' for those who have the courage to dive into cold water. For the less adventurous, these magic pools of fairies make fantastic photos. The walk to the pools uses the same round trip route. The complete return distance to the first main waterfall, and the first pool is 2.4 km, the average time to complete the walk being 40 minutes (non-stop).

Named after the escarpment on which it stands, Old Man of Storr is considered the most famous rock basalt pinnacle found on the Trotterian ridge. With an elevation of 2,359 feet and an imposing height of about 160 feet, its remarkable shape and imposing posture have given rise, over the centuries, to many legends that even today permeate the landscape of mystery. You can take the ride up and down the Storr on a 3.8-kilometer route, which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes and offers wonderful sightseeing and photography opportunities.
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Day
13

The Trossachs & Stirling Tour

Today, board on a ferry that will take you from Isle of Skye to Mallaig and continue your adventure south towards Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. Encompassing approximately 720 square miles, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs became Scotland's first National Park in 2002. Originally made famous by the novels of Sir Walter Scott in the early 1800s, The Trossachs has been enjoyed as the 'Highlands in Miniature' by tourists ever since. For two centuries, people have come here to walk, climb, cycle and sail, breathe fresh, clean air, and drink in the spectacular views. Arrive in Stirling - the town is a taste of both the Lowlands and the Highlands. It is packed with castles and tales of people who are larger than life, and it is blessed with awe-inspiring, natural beauty. ...read less

Day
14

Stirling Castle Tour

Stirling read more...

Stirling Castle sits high on a rocky crag above the town. It is a magnificent castle and is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Stirling occupied a key position in Scotland's battle for independence. Seven battlefields can be seen from the castle, and the 220-foot Wallace Monument at Abbey Craig recalls William Wallace's (the Scottish Hero on which the movie 'Braveheart' was based) defeat of the British in 1297 at Stirling Bridge. For generations, Scotland's royalty gathered at Stirling Castle to revel in its impressive buildings, superb sculptures, fine craftsmanship, and beautiful gardens. Today Visitors can do the same. Highlights include The Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, The Great Kitchens, and Tapestry Studio. Guided tours of the castle help bring its rich and colorful past to life in vivid detail.

The Wallace Monument is located just north of Stirling City. William Wallace (1270 - 1305) was a powerful man with bright eyes. Standing more than six and a half feet tall, he was a veritable giant in a time when most men were five-feet-tall! Wallace spent his childhood near Stirling under the supervision of his uncle, a priest. When King Edward I, known as Edward "Longshanks," came to the throne of England in 1272, a reign of tyranny and terror began to subdue the Scots and cement English rule. Life had changed, and when Wallace came of age, he fought. The 220-ft National Wallace Monument commemorates the great man and his valiant fight for Scotland's independence. ...read less

Day
15

International Flight Home

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to Edinburgh airport by a private chauffeured vehicle.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to Edinburgh airport by a private chauffeured vehicle.

Dublin, Ireland

Kilkenny, Ireland

Kerry, Ireland

Kildare, Ireland

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Inverness, Scotland, UK

Isle of Skye, United Kingdom

Stirling, Scotland, UK

Places You'll See

  • Dublin

    Named as the friendliest city in Europe by TripAdvisor, Dublin is a charming capital city with the intimacy of a small village and the friendliness of a pub.  Visitors can see for themselves as they walk along the Liffey River that flows through the city’s center lined with pubs and restaurants filled with live music and laughter. Those who enjoy a little shopping will love the lively Grafton street with its musical performances and shop-lined streets while history buffs will appreciate sites such as St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. No visit to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse for a multimedia experience of how the country’s iconic black stuff is created, followed by a delicious pint (or two) with views of the city from its rooftop bar.

  • Kilkenny

    Kilkenny is a county where modern city life meets medieval history in the center of Ireland’s Ancient East, providing a memorable ambiance and wow-factor to its visitors. In Kilkenny City, venture through maze-like alleyways that surround Kilkenny Castle before heading to the countryside to explore picturesque villages dotting a fairytale landscape.

  • Kerry

    Known for its striking terrain of rugged coastline, striking mountains, and green moorland, County Kerry is a splendid mix of natural beauty and charming towns. Within Kerry is the town and national park of Killarney which welcomes adventurers around the world to explore the region’s landscapes as well as its history with traditional farmhouses, cathedrals, and castles.

  • Kildare

    Located just west of Dublin in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, the historic doorstep of the island that hold’s much of the country’s long history, is the “Thoroughbred County” of Kildare. Famed for its horseracing community, Kildare hosts many of Ireland’s top studs, stables and racecourses amongst scenic greenery. Peppered with luxury accommodations and restaurants of gourmet fare, Kildare provides a prestigious air of the good life with a poignant sense of style.

  • Edinburgh

    Serving as the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is watched over by the city’s hilltop castle, showcasing the city’s blend of historic and medieval atmosphere with modern delights in a distinctly Scottish fashion. Visitors will appreciate the charm of the Old Town with its winding streets and views of the castle with pubs and eateries just waiting to be discovered. See where inspiration for filming locations for the Harry Potter series came to be while visiting The Grass market with stories of ancient crimes, and many old-fashioned drinking spots.

  • Inverness

    Located on the stunning Moray Firth on Scotland’s northeast coast, Inverness is the perfect escape to enjoy the Scottish Highlands. Travelers can appreciate Inverness Castle and St Andrew’s Cathedral, and find tranquil peace with a stroll along the banks of the River Ness that flows from the famed lake located just south of the city.

  • Isle of Skye

    The picturesque island of Skye on Scotland’s northwest coast provides visitors with magnificently rugged landscapes, charming fishing villages and medieval castles. Sightseers shouldn’t miss the idyllic Fairy Pools and the famed Old Man of Storr, a giant basalt rock formation standing straight up from a ridge with breathtaking views over to Raasay and the mainland.

  • Stirling

    Located in the center of Scotland is the city of Stirling. Sitting in the heart of the city is the famed Stirling Castle, perched upon a vast volcanic rock above the River Forth. Visitors can explore the city’s historic attractions, try a hand at a round of golf, taste delicious local delicacies, and browse boutiques in the historic Old Town and the Victorian Stirling Arcade

  • Pitlochry

    A pleasantly peaceful city located in the quaint Highland Perthshire, the stunning landscape is enjoyed by locals and travelers alike with numerous outdoor activities including golf, white water rafting, and hillside walks. After some exhilarating adventure, be sure to explore one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland and stop in for tea at one of the many local tea rooms.

Hotel Options

4 Star Properties

Dublin : The Alex Hotel

Kilkenny : Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny

Killarney : Cahernane House Hotel

Kildare : Celbridge Manor

Edinburgh : Brooks Hotel

Inverness : Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments

Isle of Skye : Skeabost Hotel

Stirling : Golden Lion Hotel

Testimonials

Sally I.

Traveled October 2017

All we could have hoped for

We are having a wonderful time and our guides, especially Luis, have been delightful. Hiking the trail together was fantastic, all we could have hoped for.

Traveled To

Michele

Traveled April, 2016

Best customer care & itineraries

I am recently returned from my third trip organised by Yampu, this time to Costa Rica. As always, it was fabulous from start to finish!

I do look around initially when planning my holidays but each time Karolina offers the best customer care & arranges by far the best itineraries. Value for money is excellent & they keep in constant contact before during & afterwards to make sure everything is going well.

The standard of accommodation & guides they use is superb & they actually listen to your requests as opposed to copying a generic page from their website…. Do I highly recommend Karolina & Yampu? YES!  Will I use them again? YES!  Save time & effort & just use Yampu is my travel tip  🙂

Traveled To

Jeff N.

Traveled June, 2014

Everything met, or exceeded our expectations!

We did not know what to expect with our trip to Vietnam, but everything met, or exceeded our expectations! The guides were both excellent, and added their own local perspective to the areas we explored. All of the included meals were excellent, and exceeded our expectations!

Traveled To

Let Us Customize This Trip For You

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