2024 Vacations

BOOK EARLY FOR A FREE UPGRADE AND 15% DISCOUNT

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy to Compact AND 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Tour Overview

‘Excellent’

By far our most popular Ireland vacation, the Best of Ireland tour allows you to appreciate Ireland’s best attractions and most scenic locations in the shortest amount of time. In your six day tour you will have the chance to navigate the ancient tombs of Newgrange or Knowth, to climb the steps of the ancient cathedral at Clonmacnoise or even take an unforgettable boat trip to one of the unspoilt Aran Islands!  Your vacation will take you from the bustling city of Dublin to Galway which is commonly referred to as the festival capital of Ireland and City of Tribes! From Galway your journey will take you to charming Kerry with its rugged coastline and soul captivating coastal views.

Before you leave you will experience the ‘Marble City’ of Kilkenny, so called because of the local black marble-like limestone that colours many of the buildings in the city. Your final night will be spent in Dublin where you can continue your sightseeing, taking in such historic places as Trinity College where the Book of Kells exhibition can be found, the fascinating Christchurch Cathedral or Kilmainham Gaol to name but a few. Of course you may find time to have a pint in the Guinness Storehouse or watch the comings and goings of the city over a coffee in Dublin’s Temple Bar area.

What's included

  • Accommodation in rooms with Private Bathroom Facilities 
  • Full Irish Breakfast Each Morning
  • Rental Car or Chauffeur Driven Car
  • 24/7 Local Telephone Support During Your Trip
  • Our Renowned Customized Sightseeing Guide
  • Unlimited Services of Experienced Ireland Based Travel Planner
  • Map of Ireland

 

Tour highlights

  • Isle Of Skye
  • Culloden Battlefield
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Brodie Castle
  • Dunvegan Castle
  • Edinburgh City
  • Glasgow
  • Loch Ness
  • Glencoe
  • Palace of Holyrood House
  • Pithlochry
  • Stirling Castle

Overnights for this tour

  • Galway for 2 Nights 

  • Killarney for 2 Nights

  • Kilkenny for 1 Night 

  • Dublin for 1 Night 

Accommodation options

  • Superior & First Class Hotels
  • Luxury Accommodation & Service in our 4-Star
  • Country Manor Houses
  • Deluxe Accommodation in our 4 & 5 Star Irish Castles
  • Our Recommended & Handpicked B&B's, all rooms with private bath facilities
  • Any Combination of the above

Day 1 - Glasgow Arrival & City Tour

Tour begins at 2:00 PM at your hotel. Enjoy a Glasgow city tour to see George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Park, and Glasgow University all featured in the popular TV series “Outlander.” Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Day 2 - Stirling Castle & Doune Castle

Visit Stirling Castle, a mighty stronghold that dominates the surrounding plain, before some free time on your own for lunch. Visit the 14th-century Duone Castle, with its 100-foot-high gatehouse and well-preserved great hall. The formidable structure has been used as a film location for many productions, including "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Next, head to a whisky distillery for a sampling, then go back to Glasgow to dine at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 3 - Glencoe & Eilean Donan Castle

Head into the majestic Highlands and journey by Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, often considered one of Scotland’s most spectacular and beautiful places. Stop for photo opportunities along the route. Treat yourself to Scottish goods at a woolen mill and continue your journey north to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle. (B, D)

Day 4 - Isle of Skye & Dunvegan Castle

Explore the Isle of Skye and learn the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Travel to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Admire the Trotternish Peninsula as you travel to Kilt Rock, a 200-foot-high sea cliff with huge, vertical basalt columns. Visit Flora MacDonald’s grave in Kilmuir Graveyard and stop in Portree for free time. (B, D)

Day 5 - Armadale Castle & Scenic Train Ride

Visit the ruins of Armadale Castle, a country house that was home to the MacDonalds. The house was abandoned a century ago but the gardens are still beautifully maintained. Embark on a ferry ride to Mallaig and transfer to a train for a ride through some of Scotland’s most picturesque scenery. Travel from Fort William to your hotel in Inverness. (B, D)

Day 6 - Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness Cruise

Photo opportunities await as you visit the picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle, once Scotland’s largest castle, and embark on a cruise of Loch Ness. Stop at the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover how British Government forces defeated the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie, ending the Jacobite rising. Return to Inverness for a walking tour before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 7 - Johnstons of Elgin & Brodie Castle

Tour Johnstons of Elgin to discover the history and craftsmanship behind their fine woolens, then enjoy some free time for lunch. Explore 16th-century Brodie Castle, with its fairytale towers and turrets set on spacious grounds. The house contains fine furnishings, a collection of paintings, and a library with over 6,000 volumes. Return to Inverness and enjoy a free evening and dinner on your own. (B)

Day 8 - Sheepdogs & Culross Walk

Immerse yourself in farm life and enjoy a demonstration of dogs obeying commands to round up sheep. In Pitlochry, explore and have lunch independently. Continue to Culross for a walking tour around the charming 16th-century town, recently used as a filming location for “Outlander.” Highlights include the Town House, Culross Palace, and the remains of Culross Abbey. Enjoy free time in Culross before heading to your hotel near Edinburgh for a Scottish evening with a farewell dinner and traditional entertainment. (B, D)

Day 9 - Edinburgh Tour & Palace of Holyroodhouse

In Edinburgh, see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town are in stark contrast to the Georgian mansions of the 200-year-old New Town. Tour the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen, and walk through the majestically furnished chambers. The rest of the day is free. July 30 to August 20 departures enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade. (B)

Day 10 - Tour Ends in Edinburgh

Your program ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner   >

Route map

Tour attractions

2024 Vacations

BOOK EARLY FOR A FREE UPGRADE AND 15% DISCOUNT

Book any of our wonderful self-drive vacation packages before the 15th of June 2024 to receive a FREE UPGRADE from Economy to Compact AND 15% discount off your tour price!
This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or special event packages.

Tour Prices

Below, you will find a price for this self drive tour including your car rental and a price without car rental included. While we offer very competitive rates for our car rental inclusive packages, this allows you to shop around for your own car rental price should you wish to.

Pricing for other accommodation and transport options is also available upon request. Please also note that all of our driving tours itineraries and sightseeing guides are available to those wishing to avail of one of our experienced driver guides.

ACCOMMODATION WITH CAR PRICING

Notes

  • Please note prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included.
  • The Combination package includes 2 Nights in 3*** Hotels, 2 nights in Luxury Manor House Hotels & 2 Nights in our hand-picked B&B's.
  • Children Sharing with 2 adults (aged 2-11) pay 40% of the Adult option.
  • Children under the age of 2 are free when sharing with 2 Adults.
  • Your Accommodation & Car Rental Package rate includes an Economy class car eg., Opel Corsa or Fiat Punto.
  • Included with your car is all compulsory insurances - Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance, location fee of €30, Road fund tax, sales tax at 13.5%, unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, 24 hour peace of mind break down cover.

Private Chauffeur Option Available For This Tour

  • Enjoy the services of an experienced and friendly driver guide
  • Luxury vehicles so you get to travel in style and comfort
  • Take the stress out of driving on unfamiliar and sometime narrow roads
  • With our knowledgeable drivers you see more in less time
  • You get to see the scenery instead of worrying about crashing into it!
  • Contact Us for a price quotation today

Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.

Detailed Enquiry Form

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For customers based in North America, please note that as we are based in Ireland, we are 5 hours ahead of EST.

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