Please note when booking flights for this tour: The 9-Day Discover Scotland & Ireland Tour starts in Edinburgh, Scotland (Arrival airport: Edinburgh Airport), and ends in Dublin, Ireland (Departure Airport: Dublin Airport).
On arrival in Edinburgh Airport reclaim your baggage and enter the Arrivals Hall. Here, you will meet your tour guide - who is also your driver. There will be 3 group airport transfers this morning between 7:00 am and 1200 noon. To ensure a smooth start to your tour, it is advisable to aim for an arrival time in Edinburgh Airport before 11:00 am, as clearing immigration and reclaiming baggage typically takes around 1 hour.
Board your luxury air-conditioned coach with WI-FI on board and transfer to the voco Edinburgh - Haymarket.
This afternoon, you might like to take a stroll on the streets of Edinburgh. At 6:00 PM this evening all participants will gather for dinner in the hotel restaurant where you will become acquainted with your fellow travellers, the coming days can be discussed at leisure with your tour guide. Overnight voco Edinburgh - Haymarket.
| Time | Arrival Transfer details |
|---|---|
| Between 07:00 and 12 (noon) | Edinburgh Airport There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 7am and 12 noon, from Edinburgh Airport to voco Edinburgh - Haymarket. |
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, depart on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City, with a local Edinburgh Step-on Guide.
Visit The Royal Yacht Britannia. The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, also known as Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia and The Queen's Floating Palace. The vessel served from 1954 to 1997.
See the Scottish Parliament. This modern building was opened in 2004 after decades of Scottish calls for self-determination.
Enjoy a visit to Edinburgh Castle, dating from the 12th century that has been a fortress, royal palace and prison through its turbulent past. It houses the oldest crown jewels of Britain - The Honours of Scotland.
Enjoy the afternoon free as you explore the Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh. Overnight in voco Edinburgh - Haymarket.
This morning after breakfast, Depart for Glasgow via Stirling & the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.
Visit Stirling Castle. One of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland. The majority of the structure, as it stands today, dates back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The outer defences, facing the town of Stirling, were constructed in the 18th-century. In its lifetime, Stirling Castle has suffered at least eight sieges, most of which took place during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Witness the stunning beauty of Loch Lomond. Take in the Bonnie Banks of Scotland's largest lake, on board a leisurely cruise.
Please note, the Loch Lomond Cruise can be affected by the weather. In cases where sailing is not possible due to weather conditions, the decision to cancel the cruise will be made by the Loch Lomond Cruise staff on the day.
Overnight and dine tonight at voco Grand Central Glasgow
After breakfast this morning, visit The Clydeside Distillery. Each Clydeside Distillery tour has three parts.
Part one: The Dockside Story, marking the commencement of your self-guided tour. Immerse yourself in a brief video that paints a vivid picture and narrates captivating stories about life in Glasgow, the genesis of the whisky industry, and the rich history of Glasgow itself.
Part two: Accompanied by one of our expert guides, explore the Clydeside Distillery. Observe skilled craftsmen employing traditional techniques to handcraft a new make spirit, all within the historic walls. Revel in breathtaking views of the River Clyde from the Still House.
Part three: The highly anticipated moment arrives! Indulge in the sampling of two exceptional Scotch Single Malts alongside the freshly crafted new make spirit. Under the guidance of your Clydeside expert, delve into the art of properly nosing and tasting the whisky, enriching your understanding and appreciation.
Welcome your local Glasgow guide on board as they join you on a journey through Glasgow City. Discover Glasgow's key landmarks as well as its hidden gem. Take in the unique architecture, ranging from Medieval to post-modern, and uncover the history of this once troubled city; from its 18th century heyday as a commercial and trading hub to its economic decline of the late 20th century. The real essence of Glasgow is found in its people, affectionately known as 'Glaswegians', they are renowned for their unique 'patter'; a slang and accent combined that is almost impenetrable to the outside world.
Visit Glasgow Cathedral. A truly rare example of an almost complete 13th century church.
Overnight and dine tonight at voco Grand Central Glasgow.
This morning after breakfast, depart for Cairnryan Ferry Port located in Dumfries and Galloway.
Check-in at Ferry Terminal 1 hour prior to sailing time.
Wave goodbye to Scotland as you journey by Ferry to Belfast Port across the North Channel to Belfast Port.
Arrive in Belfast Port. Welcome to Northern Ireland!
In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Belfast City. You will be joined by a specialised step on local Belfast City Guide to see and hear all about the history of this once troubled city — including the Belfast Murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road and Nationalist Falls Road.
Overnight and dine tonight at Europa Hotel Belfast
This morning after breakfast, visit Titanic Belfast. The world’s largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction, located on the very slipways where she was built in the heart of Belfast.
Visit Glenshane Country Farm, Sheepdogs. Step into the field and witness the artistry of the highly trained working dogs as they respond to their master's commands with a whistle, a whisper, or a gesture, effortlessly herding a flock of exceptionally well-behaved sheep.
Enjoy a Glenshane Country Farm, Fireside Lunch. Relax by the turf fire and enjoy a heartwarming and delicious selection of traditional Irish cuisine, accompanied by a steaming cup of authentic Irish tea.
Visit Giant's Causeway. This prehistoric geological phenomenon is the subject of many myths and legends. There are an estimated 37,000 basalt columns extending from cliffs down into the sea.
Overnight and dine tonight at Europa Hotel Belfast
After breakfast this morning, visit Hillsborough Castle & Gardens. Located in County Down, Hillsborough Castle is the official Northern Ireland residence of the British Royal family during their time in the region. In 2014, the castle and its gardens — set across 100 acres of stunning waterways, lawns and woodlands — were officially opened to the public.
Travel on to Greencastle. Here you will board the Carlingford Lough Ferry and journey across the lough with its magnificent views of the majestic mountains of Mourne.
Overnight and dine tonight at Gresham Riu Plaza Hotel
After breakfast, welcome onboard your local Step-on Guide as they take you on an exploration through Dublin City.
Visit EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. Voted, recently, as "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction", this museum tour tells the story behind the millions of people who fled, or were forced from, Ireland over the past three centuries. Located in Dublin's Docklands.
Visit Guinness Storehouse. With an address at the world-famous St. James's Gate. Here you will tour the world-renowned brewery and enjoy a perfect complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar — located at the top of a glass tower that commands spectacular views of Dublin City.
Your farewell dinner and evening entertainment will take the form of a visit to Taylors Three Rock. Take in an evening of traditional Irish song, music, laughter, and dance while also indulging in a wide variety of mouthwatering Irish dishes. The audience is treated to breath-taking performances by their resident band and traditional Irish dancers, who never fail to entertain.
Overnight at the Gresham Riu Plaza Hotel.
Today marks the end of the 9-Day Discover Scotland & Ireland Tour.
After a final great Irish breakfast this morning, there will be 3 group airport transfers between 0500 and 1100 to get you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. The confirmed transfer times will be advised 10 days prior to the tour start date.
| Time | Departure Transfer details |
|---|---|
| Between 05:00 and 11:00 | Gresham Riu Plaza Hotel There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 5am and 11am, from Gresham Riu Plaza Hotel to Dublin Airport. |