Overview

Welcome to these beautiful islands - emerald green, wild and windy! Ireland preserves a culture that is rich, diverse and a joy to discover. Fishermen still tend their nets, sheep and cattle dot the beautiful landscape and the city of Dublin is filled with history and spirits! The Scottish clans can be traced back 1000 years and the Scottish culture is still vibrant, musical and thriving. In both countries, you will encounter friendly locals, a rich culture, seaside towns, historic architecture and windswept castles surrounded by hills and pastures.

Your tour begins in Dublin, with a visit to the famous Guinness Storehouse, a walking tour of the city and an Irish night of dinner, drinks and entertainment. You head southwest to Kerry, and then northwest to County Clare for the next stops on your adventure.

You’ll first enjoy a stop at the ruins in Cashel, and end up in Killarney, where you can explore on foot. The next day your driver will whisk you away to the famous Ring Of Kerry - a gorgeous area in the southwest of Ireland. You’ll then head north to County Clare and experience the majestic Cliffs of Moher. An amazing site, indeed. You’ll even meet some sheepdogs (collies) and learn how important they are to the local landscape. Another day - another adventure! You’ll then learn about falconry at your castle, and on to a fabulous day of Georgian and Medieval Ireland, with tastings, boat rides, songs and dance.

You then leave for Scotland, aye! Starting out in Edinburgh, with a private walking tour, you’ll venture up to St. Andrews, the home of golf! You will tour a local distillery and explore the historic university and medieval streets surrounding. After lunch in the ruins of the abbey, you’ll head north to the Highlands. Here, you’ll see the Cairngorms National Park and see Balmoral Castle along the River Dee. You can explore stone circles and standing stones, and clan cairns. Who knows? You may see Jamie Frasier himself or catch a glimpse of Nessie!

You will explore the town of Aberfeldy and have an off road experience in the Highlands, in your own private Land Rover! Wonderful and windswept, for sure!! If you are leaving at this point, you will enjoy your last night with your farewell dinner.

If you then choose to add London to your adventure, you’ll be taking the train to London the next day, and will be met by your private driver. The rest of the day is your to enjoy at your leisure.

Up and out in London, you will see the city with your private guide and visit whatever you have interest in. Perhaps the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, or Westminster Abbey. If you are a tennis fan, you can choose to attend the Wimbledon Tennis Championship, either or both days. What fun!

This travel opportunity will be memorable and should not be missed!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 | Private transfer to hotel in Dublin, visit to Guiness Storehouse

Day 2 | Walking tour of Dublin & evening tour of traditional Irish pubs

Day 3 | Rock of Cashel & Town of Killarney

Day 4 | Town of Portmagee & The Ring of Kerry

Day 5 | Cliffs of Moher & Sheepdog Demonstration

Day 6 | Falconry at Dromoland Castle & Ireland Experience

Day 7 | Flight to Scotland & walking tour of Edinburgh

Day 8 | Private Distillery Tour & City of St. Andrews

Day 9 | Private tour of Royal Deeside

Day 10 | Picnic lunch in Scottish Highlands & private whiskey tasting

Day 11 | Departure to airport home or train station to London

*london add-on

Day 11 | Private transport to hotel, rest of day at leisure

Day 12 | Private tour of London sites or Wimbledon

Day 13 | Day at leisure to or Wimbledon

Day 14 | Departure to airport

click on the image for trip slide show…

At a glance

Prices

$11,986 per person double occupancy

$11,525 discounted price if paid by check

Get in touch for Single Supplement price quote.

Deposit of $3810 per person due at registration to guarantee your spot. There is considerable interest in this trip so secure your spot now!

LONDON ADD-ON PRICE…

$2950 per person double occupancy estimate - the final price depends upon final number of travelers.

Deposit of $500 per person due at registration to guarantee your spot.

Balance for both portions due March 25, 2024.

Credit Card payments are accepted with an additional 4% fee.

dates

Arrival date is July 1 and departure date is July 11. If you stay for London, your departure date will July 14.

extend your trip

There are many pre- or post-trip options to extend your stay. Extra days in London are easy to arrange - you can visit other areas of the British Isles as well, or venture on over to the continent!

Meals

All breakfasts provided beginning on Day 2; Includes 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and two whiskey tasting are included. Wine, beer and cocktails are not included unless stated.

Activities

Some walking through villages with uneven footing. Clients must be able to walk at least three miles without assistance.

Guide

Nolie Barnes 

*NOTE! If there is significant exchange rate change between the time of deposit and balance due, we may adjust final fees.

We design our excursions with a degree of flexibility to provide our clients with the best possible opportunity for exploring a particular destination. Therefore, our itineraries may change due to any factor, at our discretion. We will do our best to keep any changes to a minimum. Many times, they are the final pieces of the puzzle, and they would only be made to enhance your trip!

For CANCELATION POLICY…

READ TERMS & POLICIES FOR MORE INFORMATION. 

Day By Day

Day 1 | PRIVATE TRANSFER TO HOTEL IN DUBLIN & VISIT TO GUINnESS STOREHOUSE

• Independent arrival with private group transportation provided from airport to our first location, which is the city of Dublin. Welcome to Ireland! You will make your way to the city center, drop off your luggage and freshen up. You will make your way to the Guinness Storehouse to hear and see the story of Ireland’s most iconic brew. There are seven floors to see and at the end of your tour, the Gravity Bar with a 360° view of the city.

• We are staying at the Dylan Hotel, the only 5* boutique hotel in Dublin and conveniently located in the center of the city.

• Dinner is on your own tonight, but options are plentiful. You will probably want to have a quick dinner and an early night after travel.

Day 2 | walking tour of dublin

• After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your walking guide in the lobby and set off for a private guided walking tour of Dublin City. You’ll get unrivaled insight into the history and architecture of the city, where you’ll see city highlights and hidden gems. These might include Dublin Castle, Trinity College with its’ Book of Kells, or the beauty of St. Stephen’s Green, surrounded by gorgeous Georgian homes. There’s much to see and you can’t go wrong!

• This evening you’ll enjoy a private tour of traditional Irish pubs.

• Lodging for tonight: The Dylan Hotel.   

• Breakfast and Dinner included.

Day 3 | Rock of cashel & town of killarney

• You depart Dublin early this morning, heading southwest. On your journey,  you’ll stop at the Rock of Cashel, Ireland’s most famous - and impressive - ruin. Then you’ll enjoy some free time to wander around the town of Cashel, before heading on to Killarney. You’ll arrive there in the early afternoon and have the rest of the day to explore the town on foot. It’s a great little town with fun pubs and shopping.

• A busy day - now it’s time to head back to your hotel, which is the the Great Southern Killarney. This hotel is a landmark in hospitality since 1854 and still stands proudly as Killarney’s Premier Historic Hotel. It is situated on 6 acres of beautiful gardens right in the heart of Killarney town centre.

• Dinner is on your own tonight, with many options from which to choose.

• Breakfast Included.

Day 4 | town of Portmagee & the ring of kerry

• Your driver meets you at the hotel this morning and whisks you away to the west. You are visiting the town of Portmagee, and having lunch at The Moorings Bar (or similar). You’ll enjoy this tiny picturesque town on the water.

• You’ll also be driving the wonderful and spectacular Ring of Kerry. This is an all day adventure and well worth your time. This long circular route takes you through the County Kerry, where you’ll see verdant coastal landscapes and rugged seaside villages. Rolling green hills and sparkling lakes. Enjoy.

• Lodging tonight: Great Southern Killarney.     

• Dinner is on your own tonight - chose from many great local eateries.

• Breakfast, Lunch included.

Day 5 | cliffs of moher & sheepdog demonstration

• We leave Killarney today for the northwest and the Cliffs of Moher. One of UNESCO’S Global Parks, this is a wonder to behold. Towering hundreds of feet over the wild Atlantic and the crashing waves, it hosts colonies of nesting seabirds and it is a do not miss! It leaves you speechless.

• After our breathtaking stop, we’ll make our way to the town of Doolin, where we’ll have lunch at Gus O’Connor’s Pub (or similar). A fun pitstop!

• After your amazing morning and yummy lunch, your private transfer will take you to meet the Caherconnell Collies, where you’ll learn how big a roll these dogs play, in moving and directing sheep and cattle across the open areas of the vast Burren landscape. Dog cuddles and selfies are de rigueur of course!

• Tonight finds us staying at Dromoland Castle in County Clare, a real castle that has been welcoming guests since the 16th century! What a beautiful treat!

• Dinner is on your own tonight and you just might want to try sitting at the bar, room service, or venture out to a nearby spot!

• Breakfast and lunch included.

day 6 | falconry at dromoland castle & Ireland experience

• This morning has in store for you a falconry experience at the castle, where you will learn to handle these exquisite birds of prey.

• After this, you have a special experience in store for you…a Secret Ireland Experience! This will include boating with Irish Coffees, horse and carriage rides, artisanal cheese tasting, Irish whiskey tastings, a banquet lunch with a medieval songstress, a beer tasting and more! This is an immersive experience like no other, that you will long remember.

• You will have a private dinner tonight at the wonderful restaurant at the castle, for your last night in Ireland.

• Lodging tonight: Dromoland Castle.       

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

day 7 | flight to scotland & walking tour of edinburgh

• Today includes your private transport to the airport and your short flight. Welcome To Scotland! You’ll be whisked away by your driver to the city center in Edinburgh.

• This afternoon you’ll be spending the afternoon on a guided walking tour of the capital city, learning all the stories that go along with the main attractions.

• Your hotel tonight in Edinburgh is the Nira Caledonia, where you will enjoy quaint Georgian townhouse-style accommodations.

• Dinner is on your own tonight, and there will be many places from which to choose.  

• Breakfast included.

Day 8 | private distillery tour & city of st. Andrews

• We are up early and out to visit the home of golf - St. Andrews. You’ll explore the historic university, medieval streets and gorgeous buildings and get up close to the historic gem of the Kingdom of Fife - the home of the remains of eight Scottish kings. From here, you will make the short journey to the Lindores Abbey Distillery, for a private tour. After your tour, you’ll have a BBQ lunch in the ruins of the Abbey.

• From St. Andrews, you journey north to the Highlands and your home for the rest of your stay in Scotland, The Fife Arms Braemar. This five star hotel is filled with extraordinary art and Scottish history. The rooms are exquisitely done with each area devoted to a different bit of Scottish heritage. This is a fabulous place to settle into.

• Lodging tonight: The Fife Arms Braemar.

• Dinner is on your own tonight and suggestions will be available.

• Breakfast included.

DAY 9 | Private tour of Royal Deeside

• After our breakfast, we’ll be meeting our local guide to tour the local Cairngorms National Park, also known as the Royal Deeside. This is the largest national park in Scotland and includes the beautiful landscape along the River Dee. You’ll see ancient castles and the Royal Castle - Balmoral. This is the main royal residence for the royal family when in Scotland. You’ll also see the gorgeous vistas including the breathtaking mountains nearby. You might be exploring a nature preserve and learning about the bloody history of the Jacobites. Or you may be visiting stone circles and standing stones, carved Pictish memorials, and clan cairns. If time permits, you may add in a whiskey distillery to your afternoon.

• Lodging tonight: The Fife Arms Braemar.

• Dinner is on your own tonight.

• Breakfast included.

DAY 10 | picnic lunch in scottish highlands & private whiskey tasting

• Today you’ll enjoy an off road experience like no other. You’ll make your way to the town of Aberfeldy, where you’ll split up into groups of four and take off in your Land Rover to see the Highlands in a personal and up close way. You’ll see the wildlife and and meet the people. Your picnic lunch will travel with you!

• After your day with the valleys and waterfalls, you’ll have a private hosted whiskey tasting, before your goodbye dinner at your beautiful hotel!

• Lodging tonight: The Fife Arms Braemar.

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 11 | departure to airport or train station to london

• After breakfast, we will bid adieu to Scotland! Those of you who are heading home will have private transport to the airport and those who are London bound, will head to the train station for travel south.

• Note: You will need to book you own flights from Shannon airport directly to Edinburgh. Exact flights to book will be sent to you when they are available for booking on RyanAIr. 

+ LONDON ADD-ON

Day 11 | Private Transfer To Hotel, REst of day at leisure

• Welcome To London! 🇬🇧 You will met upon arrival at the train station, by your driver. You’ll then be checking in to the Chesterfield Mayfair (or similar) -  your home while in London. This elegant hotel is steps away from the shopping on Bond Street, Buckingham Palace and the Royal Parks.

• The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and dinner is on your own tonight. Fabulous eateries are abundant!

• Lodging tonight: The Chesterfield Mayfair (or similar).

• Breakfast included.

DAY 12 | private tour of london sites or wimbledon

• Up and out today, you’ll be seeing the sites on your private guided tour with a local guide. These will include the Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. Those not interested in seeing the sites, can make their way over to the Wimbledon Tennis Championship.

• Lodging Tonight: The Chesterfield Mayfair (or similar).

• Breakfast included.

Day 13 | day at leisure to see the sites or wimbledon

• Today, you can enjoy the city at your leisure! Wander around the shops on Bond Street, visit Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the British Museum or the Borough Market. If that’s not your cup of tea, you may choose to attend Wimbledon instead.

• Lodging Tonight: The Chesterfield Mayfair (or similar).

• Breakfast included.

Day 14 | Depart to Airport

• After checking out, you will have your driver take you to the airport for your flight home.

Fees are non-refundable so we encourage you to purchase trip insurance at the time of your deposit. Allianz quotes will be provided to you at that time.

• We encourage you to arrive a day early, before your trip starts...Please note that this tour assumes arrival in Dublin on July 1, and departure from Edinburgh on July 11. Those who require alternative options please request and provide specific information. Airport arrival and departure transportation fees can vary. We are happy to help with transportation advice and information. Private transportation services will be determined once your flights are finalized.

• Air travel is not included. Suggested flights will be suggested once they are available.

There are additional options to extend your tour, for anyone wanting to spend a few more days in London or travel to any other regions.Please inquire about other  “add-on” options if interested. (Additional itinerary planning at no extra cost.)

Prepare for your trip

• Read “Normal People” by Sally Rooney

• Read “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley

• Watch “Waking Ned Devine” on Amazon Prime

• Watch “Once” on Amazon Prime

• Read “Circle of Friends” by Maeve Binchy

• Read or Watch “Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt

• Watch “Leap Year” on HBO Max

• Read “Outlander Series” by Diana Gab

• Read “Clanlands” by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

• Watch “Rob Roy” on Amazon Prime

• Watch “Braveheart” on Amazon Prime

• Read or Watch “Mary Queen of Scots” on Amazon Prime

• Read anything by Charles Dickens

• Watch “The Tudors” on Amazon Prime

• Watch “Bridget Jones’ Diary” on Amazon Prime

• Watch “Notting Hill”, “Four Weddings & A Funeral”, “The King’s Speech” or “Love Actually” on Amazon Prime

Review Travel Tips from Galavant in your trip information