Best of Ireland and Scotland

A 15-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,899

Thanks for voting !  (Not Yet Rated)   |   Write a review
Bookmark & Share This Tour
Starting Price: $2,899 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 15 Days
Countries Visited: Ireland, Scotland
Get A Quote     Chat with a travel agent
 
  • Save 5% if 5 or more people travel together
  • Travellers ages 5-17 save up to 10%
  • Save 5% on your second tour
  • Early Payment Discount save up to 10%
 
More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category: Britain and Ireland
Tour Operator: Insight Tours
Tour Code: B935
Printer Friendly Page

Cities Visited:
See Description

This well paced tour has two-night stays in Dublin, Killarney, the Highlands and Edinburgh. The driving days are of a reasonable length; frequent stops provide ample photo opportunities.

 

Included Premium Highlights

  • Visit Dublin Castle (when open) the former fortified seat of British rule in Ireland
  • In Killarney, join a local 'Jarvie' for a ride through the streets on a jaunting car
  • Tour the Ring of Kerry, a scenic symphony with stunning views over mountains and sea
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Giant's Causeway
  • Embark on a guided cruise on Loch Lomond - one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle for fine views over the city and to see the 'Honours of Scotland'
  • Experience the sights & spectacle of the Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo (selected departures only)

Included Personal Insights

  • Join an equine professional for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

  • See the Customs House and O'Connell Street in Dublin See Kilkenny Castle
  • See the remains of Waterford's old city walls, Reginalds Tower
  • Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom.
  • Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the stone See the picturesque village of Adare
  • See King John's Castle and St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
  • See the Cathedral, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square in Galway
  • Visit Belleek Pottery Center See 'Derry's Walls' and Georgian houses
  • Visit Robert Burns' birthplace Drive through Glencoe See the Commandos' Memorial
  • See Ben Nevis Cross Culloden Battlefield See the prehistoric Clava Stones
  • Visit Inverness Look for the monster at Loch Ness
  • See Blair Castle Visit St Andrews, home of golf
  • Drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse and tour the 'New Town' in Edinburgh
  • Scenic Drives - Blue Stack Mountains, Connemara, Antrim Coast, Ayrshire Coast, Highlands.

Included First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 15

Included Quality Dining

  • Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
  • 13 full Breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
 

Day 1 - DEPART USA

Overnight flight.

Day 2 - ARRIVE DUBLIN

Welcome to Ireland! On arrival at Dublin Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 08:00, 11:00 & 13:30. Perhaps stroll around the shops of Grafton Street? Tonight, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Burlington

Day 3 - DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING

A sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland's 'fair city' and a visit to the impressive Dublin Castle (when open). See also famous O'Connell Street and the historic Customs House, one of architect James Gandon's masterpieces. As evening falls, there is time for shopping and the chance to see an Irish Cabaret show. (B)

Day 4 - DUBLIN - KILDARE - KILKENNY - WATERFORD

Drive to Kildare for an informative visit to Ireland's National Stud, one of the country's main racehorse breeding centres. You also visit Europe's finest Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Continue to the medieval town of Kilkenny to see the 13th century castle. We later arrive in the beautiful coastal town of Waterford to see the 9th century Reginald's Tower and the ruined city walls before visiting the famous Waterford Crystal Showroom.
Hotel: Dooleys (B,D)

Day 5 - WATERFORD - CORK - BLARNEY - KILLARNEY

Take the coastal road via the fishing village of Dungarvan to Ireland's second city of Cork for an orientation tour. Stop at Blarney Castle, where you can dangle from the ramparts to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. There is also time to shop for woollens at the Blarney Mills. Continue through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to peaceful Killarney. Climb aboard one of the famous jaunting cars where a local 'Jarvie' will take you on a highlight ride through the streets.
Hotel: Killarney Towers (B,D)

Day 6 - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION

A highlight Ring of Kerry tour opens up superb seascapes, towering cliffs and spectacular mountains. Unhurried Irish life surrounds you as you travel through charming villages to view the three Lakes of Killarney before spending an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 7 - KILLARNEY - LIMERICK

Journey through picturesque Adare to Limerick, on the shores of the Shannon, Ireland's longest river and the setting of Angela's Ashes. Sightseeing takes in the ruins of 13th century King John's castle and St Mary's Cathedral.
Hotel: The George Boutique Hotel (B,D)

Day 8 - LIMERICK - GALAWAY -ROSSES POINT

Visit Galway, city of the Tribes, on the shores of Lough Corrib. See the Cathedral of St Nicholas, (where Columbus reputedly heard Mass before sailing for America), the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Now drive out to Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and hills. Your hotel tonight is in a picturesque holiday village, set against the backdrop of the Dartry mountains and the beauty of Sligo Bay.
Hotel: Yeats Country Hotel .(B,D)

Day 9 - ROSSES - POINT BELLEEK - BALLYGALLY

Visit the famous Belleek Pottery Centre before passing the Blue Stack Mountains on your way to Londonderry. Join a local guide to see Derry's walls, which were built around the city in 1614. Continue around the coast to the amazing rock formation and UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Giant's Causeway'. A spectacular drive along the Antrim coast road, brings you to your hotel, which faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle (B,D)

Day 10 - BALLYGALLY - GLASGOW

At the port of Larne, take a ferry to Scotland and continue on a delightful Ayrshire coastal drive north, taking in magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde and the Island of Arran along the way. Pass the Open golf links of Turnberry before arriving in Alloway, where you will visit Robert Burns' birthplace and see Burns' Monument and the famous 'Brig O' Doon'. Spend the night in vibrant Glasgow.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (B)

Day 11 - GLASGOW - HIGHLANDS

It's only a short drive from Glasgow to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where you will enjoy a guided cruise on this beautiful loch. Cross Rannoch Moor to drive though the dramatic scenery of Glencoe's 'Valley of the Weeping', still echoing with the cries of massacred clansmen, before reaching Fort William. Pause at the Commandos' Memorial for a view of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, then continue along Loch Laggan to Newtonmore.
Hotel: Highlander (B,D)

Day 12 - HIGHLAND EXCURSION

Stop at the prehistoric Clava Stone Circle before crossing Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally defeated. Then it's on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and the mysterious shores of Loch Ness. Does the 'monster' really exist? Return to your hotel for a rousing evening, Highland style! Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment. (B,HD)

Day 13 - HIGHLANDS - EDINBURGH

A scenic drive takes you through the Grampian Mountains passing the Duke of Atholl's Blair Castle, site of Britain's only private army. Travel via the Pass of Killiecrankie to Pitlochry, famous for its Salmon Leap. Drive down by Macbeth's Birnam Wood and cross the Tay to visit St. Andrews, the home of golf. Now continue across the majestic Forth Road Bridge to historic Edinburgh, capital of Scotland.
Hotel: Apex Eurpoean (B)

Day 14 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

A guided tour visits Edinburgh Castle, its fortified walls affording splendid views across Princes Street to the 18th century New Town. Pass St Giles' Cathedral, as you drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace. Now drive down Princes Street, past the Scott Memorial to see Edinburgh's famous Georgian architecture. Later, there is time to shop or perhaps visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Selected departures enjoy the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the castle. (B)

Day 15 - RETURN TO USA

Departure transfers arrive at Edinburgh Airport at 06:15 & 09:00. (B)

 

Don't miss our current specials:

  • Save 3 Ways with Insight Vacations
  • Great Savings and Discounts
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/11/2010 - 9/25/2010
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/18/2010 - 10/2/2010
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/25/2010 - 10/9/2010
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
10/2/2010 - 10/16/2010
$2,915
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
4/23/2011 - 5/7/2011
$2,899
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
4/30/2011 - 5/14/2011
$2,950
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/4/2011 - 5/18/2011
$2,950
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/7/2011 - 5/21/2011
$2,950
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/11/2011 - 5/25/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/14/2011 - 5/28/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/18/2011 - 6/1/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/21/2011 - 6/4/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/25/2011 - 6/8/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
5/28/2011 - 6/11/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/1/2011 - 6/15/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/4/2011 - 6/18/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/8/2011 - 6/22/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/11/2011 - 6/25/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/15/2011 - 6/29/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/18/2011 - 7/2/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/22/2011 - 7/6/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/25/2011 - 7/9/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
6/29/2011 - 7/13/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/2/2011 - 7/16/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/6/2011 - 7/20/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/9/2011 - 7/23/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/13/2011 - 7/27/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/16/2011 - 7/30/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/20/2011 - 8/3/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/23/2011 - 8/6/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/27/2011 - 8/10/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
7/30/2011 - 8/13/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/3/2011 - 8/17/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/6/2011 - 8/20/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/10/2011 - 8/24/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/13/2011 - 8/27/2011
$3,099
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/17/2011 - 8/31/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/20/2011 - 9/3/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/24/2011 - 9/7/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/27/2011 - 9/10/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
8/31/2011 - 9/14/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/3/2011 - 9/17/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/7/2011 - 9/21/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/10/2011 - 9/24/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/14/2011 - 9/28/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/17/2011 - 10/1/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/21/2011 - 10/5/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/24/2011 - 10/8/2011
$2,965
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
9/28/2011 - 10/12/2011
$2,915
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
10/1/2011 - 10/15/2011
$2,915
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
Get A Quote
         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Included Premium Highlights

  • Visit Dublin Castle (when open) the former fortified seat of British rule in Ireland
  • In Killarney, join a local 'Jarvie' for a ride through the streets on a jaunting car
  • Tour the Ring of Kerry, a scenic symphony with stunning views over mountains and sea
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Giant's Causeway
  • Embark on a guided cruise on Loch Lomond - one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle for fine views over the city and to see the 'Honours of Scotland'
  • Experience the sights & spectacle of the Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo (selected departures only)

Included Personal Insights

  • Join an equine professional for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

  • See the Customs House and O'Connell Street in Dublin See Kilkenny Castle
  • See the remains of Waterford's old city walls, Reginalds Tower
  • Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom.
  • Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the stone See the picturesque village of Adare
  • See King John's Castle and St Mary's Cathedral in Limerick
  • See the Cathedral, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square in Galway
  • Visit Belleek Pottery Center See 'Derry's Walls' and Georgian houses
  • Visit Robert Burns' birthplace Drive through Glencoe See the Commandos' Memorial
  • See Ben Nevis Cross Culloden Battlefield See the prehistoric Clava Stones
  • Visit Inverness Look for the monster at Loch Ness
  • See Blair Castle Visit St Andrews, home of golf
  • Drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse and tour the 'New Town' in Edinburgh
  • Scenic Drives - Blue Stack Mountains, Connemara, Antrim Coast, Ayrshire Coast, Highlands.

Included First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 15

Included Quality Dining

  • Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
  • 13 full Breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
 

Save 3 Ways with Insight Vacations

Book and pay in full on 2011 Europe & Britain departures and receive 10% off listed tour price!

Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!

Other Featured Insight Deals

Save Up To $150 On 2011 USA AND CANADA Departures

Book and pay in full on an Insight Vacations 2011 USA and Canada departure of 10 days or more and save $150 per person or book a departure of 9 days or less and save $100 per person.

Book Now-Offer Ends September 30th, 2010

Save $300 on air-inclusive vacations!

Book yourself and a companion on an air-inclusive Insight Vacations 2010/11 Winter departure and each person will save $150 (this is valid for singles).

Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!

TERMS: 10% savings valid on 2011 Europe & Britain departures when full payment is made by October 1st, 2010. Travel must depart between April 11th, 2011 and October 11th, 2011. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts EXCEPT Early Payment Discount. Offer valid on Select Choices departures EXCEPT City Stays. Offer NOT valid on Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt or tours including cruises. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details.

Great Savings and Discounts

FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS

SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS

Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.

YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS

5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%

Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.

This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.

SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING

INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING

For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT

When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple

Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion

Play Option

FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING

In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available

from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further

tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT

ON EARLY BOOKINGS

Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...

Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure

date and SAVE UP TO 10%

Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure

date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%

Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure

date and SAVE UP TO 5%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.

 
 

Recent Related Posts from our Travel Forum:

Re: Ireland Winter

By: AtlasTravelGuy on 9/10/2009 2:06:47 PM

Winter days can be cold and short in Ireland (the sun sets as early as 4 p.m.,) but temperatures usu.. (read entire post)

Ireland Winter

By: Mimi15 on 9/8/2009 3:32:30 PM

Has anyone been to Ireland in December or January? I see some great prices, but not sure how cold it.. (read entire post)

Visitors who viewed this tour also viewed:

Britain and Ireland Explorer

17 Days starting from $3,135

A well paced tour with two-night stays in the contrasting cities of Edinbur.. (click for more)

Britain and Ireland Discovery

26 Days starting from $4,825

A well paced tour with two-night stays in the cities of Edinburgh, Thurso, .. (click for more)

Scotland and Ireland

12 Days starting from $2,399

Explore the Celtic cultures, ancient castles, and lively pubs of beautiful .. (click for more)

Country Roads of Ireland

13 Days starting from $2,525

This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Killarney and Galway, as .. (click for more)

All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.