12-day tour around Scotland and Ireland

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to receive and transfer you comfortably and quickly to the hotel.

You will have the rest of the day free to relax and, if you wish, begin to enjoy this city at your own pace.

Edinburgh, in addition to being the capital of Scotland since 1437, is one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and holds the title of Scotland's second-largest city (the first is Glasgow). Its beauty and historical legacy make it an excellent destination to visit throughout the year.

This beautiful Scottish city, full of history and curiosities, will allow you to take a trip to the Middle Ages, thanks to its interesting streets with architectural value, the many buildings dating from this historical period, and impressive monuments from the 16th century.

Greca Tip: Docked at the Ocean Terminal in Leith, you can find the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia, which served from 1954 to 1997.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our day with a panoramic tour led by a local guide through Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and one of the most vibrant cities in Northern Europe.

Its monumental center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will captivate us with its steep medieval streets, elegant gardens, and the majestic castle that towers over the city from above.

Once the tour is over, you will have free time to continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. You may choose to visit museums, stroll along the lively Royal Mile, or relax in one of the cozy cafés in the old town.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss the chance to try traditional haggis, a typical Scottish dish often served with mashed potatoes and turnips. For an even more authentic experience, pair it with a glass of local whisky.

After breakfast, you will depart from Edinburgh, making your first stop to photograph The Kelpies, enormous sculptures of horses' heads from Scottish mythology. These figures symbolize the strength and beauty of horses, as well as their connection to water and land. You will have a brief moment to admire and photograph them.

Next, you will head to Stirling, famous for its impressive historic center dominated by Stirling Castle, one of the most important castles in Scotland. This castle has witnessed numerous historical events, including legendary battles and the coronation of several kings. Admission to the castle is included.

You will continue your journey north, stopping in Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of the Scottish region known for whisky production. You will have free time to enjoy lunch and stroll through its charming streets.

Afterward, you will visit Culloden, the site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history against British forces, which ended in a decisive English victory. The battle had profound consequences for Scotland, leading to laws and policies aimed at suppressing its culture and traditions.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Inverness, known as the "Capital of the Highlands," where its castle stands out. We suggest taking a stroll along the banks of the River Ness and crossing the iconic suspension bridge.

Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight hours, the stop at Culloden may take place on Monday.

Greca Tip: Don’t forget to bring a raincoat, as Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable.

A thrilling day of exploration awaits us as we set off to discover the wild beauty of northern Scotland. We’ll journey through evocative landscapes of misty lochs, ancient forests, remote highlands, and deep fjords. Our first stop will be the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle, set at the meeting point of three sea lochs and renowned for its dramatic setting and storied past (admission included).

We’ll continue on to Fort Augustus, where we’ll explore the intriguing sluice gate system of the Caledonian Canal. There will be free time here to enjoy lunch and take a pleasant stroll along the water.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the legendary Loch Ness for a scenic boat ride across its mysterious, dark waters. Then, we’ll explore the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle, offering sweeping views over the loch and a glimpse into Scotland’s turbulent history.

Our day ends in Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, located at the mouth of Loch Ness. Here, we’ll enjoy a visit to a traditional whisky distillery, where we’ll learn about the centuries-old craft of producing Scotland’s iconic drink. Made from barley and pure Highland water, Scotch whisky is a cultural treasure and one of the nation’s most valued exports. Accommodation will be in Inverness.

Keep in mind that the visit to the distillery may take place late Sunday or on Monday, depending on ticket availability.

Greca Tip: In Inverness, don’t miss the chance to sample some local smoked salmon, a delicacy of the Scottish Highlands. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of single malt whisky for a truly authentic experience.

After breakfast, you’ll head towards Glasgow. You’ll make a brief stop at Spean Bridge to visit a monument commemorating the Second World War. Later, you’ll stop in Fort William, a tourist center at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

Passing by Kilchurn Castle, you’ll admire its beautiful ruins by a dark lake. Continuing, you’ll reach Inveraray, a picturesque historic village by Loch Fyne, with its large castle and quiet streets. There will be free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll travel along the shores of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow in the evening, where you’ll have time to explore the center of this lively city.

Greca Tip: Did you know the raincoat was invented in Scotland by Charles Macintosh, born in Glasgow?

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will leave Glasgow behind and head south through Scotland, where we’ll board a ferry at the port of Cairnryan.

We’ll cross the Irish Sea and arrive in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland—a city with a rich monumental legacy that has successfully reinvented itself after decades of religious conflict.

Following a brief panoramic overview, we’ll continue our journey into the Republic of Ireland, entering Eire and reaching the vibrant city of Dublin by the end of the day. Accommodation and free time to start soaking in the lively atmosphere of this capital, full of history, culture, and tradition.

Greca Tip: While in Belfast, don’t miss the chance to try an “Ulster Fry,” a traditional Northern Irish breakfast that includes eggs, sausages, bacon, soda bread, and black pudding—perfect for starting the day with energy.

You will start the day with a great breakfast and continue with a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the peaceful capital city of Ireland.

You will enjoy a stroll on the banks of River Liffey, visiting its parks, old university, and its lively downtown streets, and will admire the exterior of Trinity College. Depending on the duration of sunlight, this visit may take place the afternoon before, upon arrival in Dublin. 

After the panoramic tour, the afternoon will be yours to explore at your leisure.

Dublin is a literary city, home to famous writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. The city houses the National Library and the Dublin Writer's Museum

Greca Tip: Dublin has one of the oldest continuously operating train stations in the world. The Pearse Street train station (previously known as Westland Row Station) has been in operation since 1834.

In the morning, after a full breakfast, you will depart from Dublin heading to Powerscourt, which is located nearby. Here you will visit its magnificent gardens, designed in the 18th century and considered the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Admire its fountains, Japanese Gardens, and pet cemetery.

Afterward, you will travel to Kilkenny, where you will have time for lunch and to stroll around this lively town. Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, a gem in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East.

Further south, you will stop to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress that symbolizes the fight of the Irish people against England.

The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings or St. Patrick’s Rock, is an iconic and historically significant site in County Tipperary, Ireland. Situated on a limestone outcrop, the Rock of Cashel boasts a unique and awe-inspiring skyline that has attracted visitors for centuries.

The site comprises various religious and secular buildings, highlighting the rich cultural and historical past of the area. This history can be traced back to the early centuries AD, weaving together legends, kings, and religious conversions.

You will arrive in Cork around mid-afternoon. Will be time for a stroll in the center of Ireland’s second-largest city. Dinner will be included

Greca Tip: Kilkenny is known as the Marble City because of its distinctive black marble.

After having a complete breakfast, you will depart for Kinsale. Make a stop by Charles Fort to admire its great views of the ocean right by the 17th-century fortress. Once in the historic center of Kinsale, you will have some free time. This is a seaside town, considered by many as one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Ireland.

Afterward, you will travel to Killarney, a tourist town in the heart of Ireland. Here you have some time for lunch and a walk around, you will also enjoy a romantic horse and carriage tour of its national park. The horse and carriage tour will take you to Ross Castle which offers wonderful views of the lake. Here you will also take a short cruise to enjoy the beautiful views.

Continuing on the road will be a brief stop in Adare, a small village that preserves its picturesque traditional thatched-roof cottages and the ruins of the old abbey. The Earl of Kildare founded the Augustinian friary at Adare, County Limerick in 1315. It was known as the Black Abbey due to the color of the friars’ habit. Religious activities continued for about 200 years until the community was suppressed in the mid-16th century.

Today, it is possible to take a view of the well-preserved cloisters as well as the church, in use by the Church of Ireland since 1807.

By mid-afternoon, you will arrive in Limerick. Once there will be time to stroll around its center where you will have the opportunity to visit its castle, walk along the river, its cathedral, or discover its shopping center. Dinner will be included.

Greca Tip: English is the primary language spoken across Ireland, with Irish Gaeilge only being spoken by around 4% of the population regularly.

Once breakfast is done, you will visit Folk Park in Bunratty, a wonderful park where you can learn about how life was in Ireland in the past with its typical cottages and old markets. Its castle stands, accurately reproducing how life was in the Middle Ages.

You will continue to Caherconnell where the Poulnabrone dolmen is found. This is an unusually large dolmen or portal tomb located in Burren, County Clare, Ireland. Situated on one of the most desolate and highest points of the region, it comprises three standing portal stones supporting a heavy horizontal capstone, and dates to the Neolithic period, probably between 4200 BC and 2900 BC.

Before continuing the way to the next stop, you may get the chance to see an exhibition of how dogs shepherd sheep.

Afterwards, you will visit the impressive Cliffs of Moher which overlook the ocean, those who wish can walk to O’Brien’s Tower. The Cliffs of Moher host major colonies of nesting sea birds and are one of the country's most important bird-breeding sites.

Your route continues through Burren National Park which displays amazing landscapes. Finally, you will arrive in Galway.

Galway is a unique blend of tradition, contemporary culture, and a picturesque coastal location, making it a fascinating city to visit

Greca Tip: Ireland has the largest number of red-haired people of any country in the world. Over 10% of the Irish population is estimated to have red hair. That compares to about 1% in Southern Europe, for example.

After breakfast, you will depart for Cong, a small picturesque village located in a magnificent lake area. Here you will have the chance to visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and walk around Ashford Castle, a gorgeous medieval castle that has been turned into a hotel.

Later, you will travel to Clonmacnoise, where after lunch, you will visit its monastic ruins. Many treasures were taken though during the numerous times that Clonmacnoise was attacked and raided. In its' 1,400 years of being an important monastic center, the monastery was attacked 8 times by the Vikings, 27 times by other forces such as Irish kings, and the Normans, and by other monasteries.

You will resume the journey back to Dublin, where you will arrive in the late afternoon.

Greca Tip: At night don't miss the de opportunity to taste the Irish traditional dish "Irish stew". With a base of root vegetables and beef, it’s the perfect dish to make in the dead of winter or on a cold and rainy spring day.

After breakfast and at the agreed time, we will transfer to the airport to board our departing flight.

Undoubtedly, after spending some fantastic days with Greca, we look forward to seeing you soon to forge new and emotional moments that will always remain in your memory.

Safe travels! Or, as you would say yourself: "Turas maith!".

Greca Tip: If you wish to extend your stay in this city, you can add an extra night in step 1 of your reservation!