Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modern energy. Known for its stunning Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, the city is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic sights. The majestic Glasgow Cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, stands as a testament to the city’s medieval past, while the nearby Necropolis offers atmospheric views and a unique insight into Victorian-era Glasgow. Art enthusiasts will love the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which houses over 8,000 works of art and historical artifacts. Another must-see is the Riverside Museum, where visitors can explore Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage and the development of transportation. For fans of renowned architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a visit to the Mackintosh House at the University of Glasgow is a journey into his unique design style, which shaped the city’s architectural landscape. Glasgow’s lively music and nightlife scenes are equally enticing, with venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut hosting performances from local and international artists. To experience Glasgow’s green side, a stroll through the sprawling Glasgow Green or the Botanic Gardens offers peaceful retreats from the city bustle. Whether it’s history, art, or live entertainment, Glasgow offers a dynamic experience for all visitors.
Ireland, Northern Ireland & Scotland
9 Days
Experience the beauty of Northern Ireland alongside Ireland and Scotland. Despite the fact that all three countries share a common, Celtic base – you’ll see that they all in fact have unique geographies, cultural traditions and histories. Within the Republic, this tour will base your group in the cities of Galway and Letterkenny. In Northern Ireland, you’ll experience the capital city of Belfast, and in Scotland – you’ll be staying overnight in Glasgow and Edinburgh. These base cities will allow your group to experience the immense beauty and fascinating history of their surroundings areas.
Highlights
-
Visit to the Giant's Causeway
-
Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery Tour
-
Panoramic sightseeing tours of Belfast and Glasgow
-
Guide tour of Edinburgh Castle
Itinerary Details
Day 1 - 2
International Arrival
Transfer to the hotel by private coach
1 Night
Galway
From the picturesque Atlantic coastline to Connemara National Park's rocky terrain, County Galway in western Ireland boasts breathtaking landscapes. Visitors can hike the Twelve Bens mountain range, cruise in pristine lakes, and witness picture-postcard farmlands. Discover cliffside castle ruins, fishermen cottages, and the romantic Kylemore Abbey. Irish festivities occur around the year in medieval towns and the symbolic Claddagh ring. Galway city, located on the River Corrib midway along the Wild Atlantic Way, is an ideal base for excursions. Its traditional music, vibrant nightlife, artisanal cafes and quaint pubs keep it lively. Offshore, the Aran Islands offer stunning natural beauty, heritage sites like Dún Aonghasa, and distinct Gaelic culture.
Included activities
DAY 1: Arrive in Galway
On arrival at Shannon Airport, you are met by your friendly Irish driver-guide and escorted to your waiting private coach, which will transfer you in style to Galway. Our route to Galway is via the old market town of Ennis and westward to the mighty Cliffs of Moher, rising sheer above the coast for almost five miles. We then continue along the coastline of County Clare, through the charming villages of Ballyvaughan and Kinvara on Galway Bay and arrive at our hotel in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax after your flight.
Day 2 - 4
Travel by private coach to Letterkenny
2 Nights
Letterkenny
Included activities
DAY 2: Arrive in Letterkenny
This morning, we are leaving Galway and traveling northward to the rugged and beautiful county of Donegal! We travel through the market towns of County Mayo and the village of Knock, Ireland's place of pilgrimage, through Sligo, stopping at the shadow of Benbulben to visit Drumcliffe Churchyard where William Butler Yeats, one of Ireland's finest poets, lies buried. On then through the coastal town of Bundoran and Ballyshannon where we shall visit the Belleek China Factory, arriving in Letterkenny in the late afternoon.
DAY 3:
This morning experience the rich history of this famous walled city on a walking tour with a local guide. View the Diamond and St. Columb's Cathedral in the only European city with its walls still intact. This afternoon we will drive onto the Inishowen Peninsula, the most northerly point of Ireland, for some rugged and spectacular scenery.
Day 4 - 6
Travel to Belfast by private coach with sightseeing tour en route
2 Nights
Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city rich in history and vibrant with modern culture. Its transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a dynamic cultural hub makes it an intriguing destination for travelers. A must-see is the Titanic Belfast, an award-winning museum located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built. The museum features nine interactive galleries that bring the story of the ill-fated ship to life, offering insights into its construction, launch, and tragic sinking.
Exploring the city’s history further, visitors can delve into Belfast’s political heritage with a tour of the Murals of Shankill Road and Falls Road. These powerful murals depict Northern Ireland's tumultuous past and are a striking testament to the city's complex history.
The Belfast City Hall, an iconic Edwardian building, is a sight to behold with its impressive architecture and informative exhibitions. Nearby, the Crumlin Road Gaol offers a fascinating tour of this historic prison, which has housed political prisoners and convicts over the years.
The Botanic Gardens and Queen’s University area showcase the city’s green spaces and beautiful architecture, while the Ulster Museum offers a diverse collection of artifacts from Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural history.
In the heart of Belfast’s rejuvenated Titanic Quarter, the SS Nomadic, the Titanic’s tender ship, provides an additional historical experience. For a taste of modern Belfast, the St. George’s Market offers local crafts, fresh produce, and a lively atmosphere.
From historical sites to cultural landmarks, Belfast offers a rich blend of experiences for travelers to explore and enjoy.
Included activities
DAY 4: Arrive in Belfast
Today after a full Irish breakfast we shall set off along the Antrim coast to its best known feature: the Giant's Causeway. Often described as the "eighth wonder of the world," we shall take the circular walk around the spectacular rock formations. Whether the 40,000 hexagonal stone columns were formed by the cooling of molten lava, as the scientific community holds, or were actually the creation of legendary Irish giant Finn MacCool to reach his lady love in Scotland, remains a subject of debate, but whichever view you hold, it is impossible to be unmoved by the magnificent panorama. Staying on the coastal road to Bushmills, we shall stop off for a tipple at Old Bushmills Distillery, the site of the world's oldest legal whiskey distillery, established in 1608. Here we shall take a tour and follow the distilling process, with samples of its product and a gift shop. We continue into Belfast for our last two nights in Northern Ireland.
DAY 5:
After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Belfast City. The birthplace of the Titanic and home to some of the world's most famous faces, Belfast is rich in history and steeped in culture. Today it is as famous for its stylish shops, gourmet restaurants and exciting nightlife as it is for its troubled past. Some of the notable sights we will see are Belfast City Hall, Linenhall Library, Stormont House, Grand Opera House; St. Anne's Cathedral, Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens. At the end of your tour you may wish to visit one of the city's fine art galleries or museums.
Day 6 - 7
Transfer to the pier
Ferry ride from Belfast to Stranraer
Continue your journey to Glasgow
1 Night
Glasgow
Included activities
DAY 6: Arrive in Glasgow
After breakfast this morning we will depart Belfast for the Ferry Port where we will catch the ferry to Stranraer in Scotland. Upon arrival we will have a short drive that will bring us through the countryside and into the vibrant city of Glasgow. After checking in we will commence on a panoramic tour of this vibrant city, seeing many of its wonderful sites.
Day 7 - 9
Travel to Edinburgh by private coach with sightseeing en route
2 Nights
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland's captivating capital, is a city brimming with history, culture, and architectural beauty. Dominated by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, the city offers sweeping views and a deep dive into Scotland’s royal past. Visitors can explore the castle’s ancient halls, including the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, before wandering down the historic Royal Mile—a cobbled street that stretches from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. One of Edinburgh's most scenic spots is Calton Hill, where panoramic views of the city's skyline and the Firth of Forth unfold. Art lovers can visit the Scottish National Gallery, home to an impressive collection of European masterpieces, while history buffs will be drawn to the National Museum of Scotland, where diverse exhibits cover everything from Scottish archaeology to natural history. For literary enthusiasts, a stroll through the city's winding streets reveals locations tied to famous authors like J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series was partly inspired by Edinburgh’s enchanting atmosphere. The city’s vibrant festival scene, including the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, adds a lively cultural layer, making Edinburgh a must-visit destination for history, art, and adventure lovers alike.
Included activities
DAY 7: Arrive in Edinburgh
The "Bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond" is our first stop today. With views of the lake you will soon see for yourself what makes this song so famous. We continue on into the highland towns of the Trossachs where we will visit a Woolen Mill and perhaps even see a Highland Cow. Our drive continues past Stirling where there will be magnificent views of Wallace's Monument and Stirling Castle, before we continue into Edinburgh for our last two nights. This evening enjoy a traditional Scottish Banquet. You will sample some haggis and enjoy traditional bagpipe music, songs and dancing.
DAY 8:
This morning's tour takes us along Princes Street with its fine shops and through the lovely Georgian squares and terraces of the new town. We continue along the historic Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Our tour concludes at Edinburgh Castle where we can view the Scottish Crown Jewels and take in the breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts. Tonight after dinner we will return to Edinburgh castle where we will enjoy the spectacle of the Edinburgh Tattoo (if occurring during the time of the visit).
DAY 9:
This morning after breakfast we will depart for the airport for the group to board its return flight to the US.
Transfer to the airport
International Departure
Inclusions
Includes
- The Cliffs of Moher
- Belleek China Factory Tour
- Traditional Scottish Banquet College, Dublin
- Accommodations: Letterkenny 2 nights, Belfast 2 nights, Edinburgh 2 nights, Galway 1 night, Glasgow 1 night
- Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in itinerary
- Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
- English speaking assistants and guides
- Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary