Experience Ireland and Scotland in Twelve Days.
Below is a sample itinerary of the cities and sites to take in during your trip. Old Sod Travel can customize this itinerary based on your own travel needs and desires.
Journey Through Scotland & Ireland: Itinerary Inspiration
Day 1 - Stirling Castle, National Wallace Monument and the Kelpies
Welcome! Upon your arrival, you will head towards Stirling. On your way, you'll pass the Kelpies, considered to be the largest equine structure in the world. Spend some time exploring the town of Stirling and then visit the National Wallace Monument. Afterwards, continue your journey to the village of Pitlochry, where you will spend your first night in a castle. If time allows, visit the House of Bruar for some Scottish Retail Therapy. After a long day of travel, enjoy some relaxation and a lovely dinner.
Day 2 - Experience the Highlands: Folk Museum, Cairn Distillery, and Inverness
Meet your private driver guide and travel to Inverness. Along the way, stop at the Highland Folk Museum, where you can step back in time and experience life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1950s. Take a tour of the Cairn Distillery, a modern home for the ancient craft of whisky-making. You will discover awe inspiring views, passionate people and extraordinary tastes and flavors. Check in to your hotel and then enjoy a stroll along the river before dinner.
Day 3 - Loch Ness, Culloden, and Whisky: A Scottish Highland Adventure
Kick off your morning with a Ness Cruise, followed by a visit to Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. Head over to Elgin in the afternoon and enjoy a tour of the Glen Moray Distillery. Later, return to your hotel for your final evening in the area.
Day 4 - From Highlands to City Lights: Exploring Edinburgh's Rich History and Culture
Take the train from Inverness to Edinburgh and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Once you arrive, check in to your hotel and explore the city! Take a historic Underground tour of the area, where you'll learn about the events and figures that have sculpted this beloved capital. Then, head to Johnnie Walker on Princes Street for their signature Journey of Flavors Tour.
Day 5 - Discovering Edinburgh's Timeless Beauty: From Royal Mile to Royal Yacht
Today you'll explore Old town, the historic heart of Edinburgh. The city was first build here, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Here, you will enjoy the Secrets of the Royal Mile Walking Tour, followed by Skip the Line Admission to Edinburgh Castle. In the afternoon, spend time in one of the many museums, exploring Dean Village, or visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace.
Day 6 - Sláinte! Exploring Dublin's Iconic Landmarks and Liveliest Pubs
Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Upon your arrival, check into your hotel and taxi over to the Guinness Storehouse. After spending some time there, head over to the Brazen Head, Dublin's oldest pub, for a pint.
Day 7 - Discover Dublin's Hidden Gems: Trinity College, Howth Village, and Beyond
Enjoy your first full Irish Breakfast and embark on a small group walking tour. This easy-going tour is one of the best introductions to Dublin’s rich history and culture. Visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells or Glasnevin Cemetery. Take the DART train to the bustling fishing village of Howth, which offers a myriad of attractions - look out for Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, Howth Castle, The National Transport Museum, the Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse.
Day 8 - Discover Ireland's Medieval Marvels: Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, and Beyond
Begin your journey to Killarney. On your way, detour to the medieval city of Kilkenny and enjoy a tour of the castle. Afterwards, visit the Rock of Cashel and the village of Tipperary.
Day 9 - Explore Killarney's Natural Beauty - Jaunting Cars, Ross Castle, and the Ring of Kerry
Kick off your morning with a Jaunting Car Tour to Ross Castle. Afterwards, meet with your private driver and travel around the Ring of Kerry, taking in the many wonderful villages and scenery that await you. Return to your accommodations for your last night in the area.
Day 10 - Explore Ireland's West: Adare, Cliffs of Moher, and the Burren's Unique Landscape
Depart for Galway and the beautiful Glenlo Abbey. On your way, visit the village of Adare. Then, continue on to the iconic Cliffs of Moher and the lunar-like landscape of the Burren. End your day just outside of Galway at Glenlo Abbey, where you'll enjoy dinner at the Pullman Restaurant, Ireland's most unique restaurant.
Day 11 - Explore Galway City: Museums, Markets, and Iconic Landmarks
Kick off your morning with a Falconry experience at your hotel. A few suggestions for how to spend the day include a visit to the Galway City Museum, shopping on Quay Street. and a visit to Thomas Dillon’s, who has been making the world famous Claddagh ring since 1750. You'll also want to check out Charlie Byrnes Bookshop! Visit Galway Cathedral, the last stone church built in Europe and boasts beautiful mosaics inside. Seek out the Nora Barnacle House Museum nearby on Bowling Green, where the wife and muse of Irish literary hero James Joyce grew up.
Day 12 - Homeward Bound: Departure from Galway
A driver will take your from Galway to the airport, where you will then depart for home. Safe Travels!
Image Courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang
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Who Is Old Sod Travel?
We are a small, independent business specializing in planning luxurious trips to Ireland, Scotland, and England. We work with you to create a tailor-made Ireland tour filled with the amazing scenery, singular experiences, and lifelong memories you’ve been dreaming of.
Our focus is solely on highly customized travel to Ireland and the British Isles. This allows us to identify the best hotels and guesthouses, and to know the owners personally. We know the best hiking trails, golf courses, and fishing guides. The best restaurants, pubs, and scenic vistas.
We know where the good seats are at the Edinburgh Tattoo and how to get tickets for Wimbledon, Premier League Soccer games or a Hurling match at Croke Park. We know which sites and attractions are truly worth seeing and where you’ll want to spend extra time.
