12‑Day Luxury Scotland & Ireland Itinerary | Castles, Culture & Celtic Coastlines

Experience the best of Scotland and Ireland on this curated 12‑day luxury itinerary featuring castle visits, whisky tastings, National Park tours, Loch Ness cruising, the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin’s landmarks, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara. Enjoy private guides, scenic drives, immersive cultural experiences, falconry, and stays in world‑class five‑star hotels. A premium, unforgettable Celtic adventure blending history, nature, and refined comforts.

Belfast Castle Gardens 1 Belfast Co. Antrim Web Size
From
$13,475

Starting From 

11

Nights

hand-crafted itinerary

5-Star Hotels

Captivating Experiences

Culinary Delights

Scotland and Ireland in 12 days

  • Day 1 – Castles & Crags: Your Highland Welcome

    Upon arrival in Edinburgh, meet your private driver and begin your journey north. Enjoy a scheduled visit to magnificent Stirling Castle, famed for its royal palace, Great Hall, and dramatic hilltop perch. Continue onward to Pitlochry, where you'll check into the luxurious Fonab Castle Hotel. Settle in, relax, and begin enjoying your castle escape.

    Stirling Castle viewed from the town of Stirling, Scotland, with historic stone buildings in the foreground and the hilltop fortress rising above.


  • Day 2 – Highland Stories & Whisky Wonders

    After breakfast, your private driver guide escorts you toward Inverness. Explore the Highland Folk Museum to experience centuries of Highland life. Enjoy lunch en route before visiting The Cairn Distillery for a modern take on Scotland’s ancient whisky tradition. Travel through the Cairngorms by scenic stops, then arrive at the five‑star Ness Walk Hotel to unwind and dine in comfort.

    Scenic view of Cairngorms National Park in Scotland with rugged mountains, rolling green valleys, and dramatic skies.


  • Day 3 – Loch Legends & Castle Ruins

    This morning, set off on your Jacobite Cruise across the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. Sail for an hour before disembarking for a guided visit through the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Return to Inverness to enjoy the rest of your evening in the Highland capital.

    Scenic view of Loch Ness in Scotland with calm blue water surrounded by rolling green hills and a cloudy sky.


  • Day 4 – Battlefields to Bridges: The Scenic Road to Edinburgh

    Depart Inverness with your private driver for a full day of exploration en route to Edinburgh. Visit Culloden Battlefield and its immersive visitor centre, then continue through the Cairngorm Mountains with optional stops in Aviemore or House of Bruar. Cross the striking Queensferry Bridge into Edinburgh and settle into your five‑star city‑centre hotel.

    Picturesque view of Dean Village in Edinburgh featuring historic stone buildings along the Water of Leith and lush greenery.


  • Day 5 – Royal Mile Revelry & Whisky Mastery

    Meet your private Blue Badge Guide for a captivating walking tour of Edinburgh, including a guided experience at historic Edinburgh Castle. After lunch, visit The Scotch Whisky Experience for a guided tasting and tour through one of the world’s largest whisky collections. Return to The Balmoral to relax before dinner, either in town or at your hotel.

    Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock with historic stone walls overlooking the city under a bright sky.


  • Day 6 – Emerald Isle Arrival

    Your private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight to Dublin. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your five‑star hotel. Freshen up before exploring lively Grafton Street, filled with shops, performers, and culture. After lunch in a traditional Irish pub, continue to the Guinness Storehouse for your Perfect Pint Experience and panoramic views at the Gravity Bar.

    Guinness Storehouse brewery gate in Dublin featuring the iconic black entrance with gold lettering.


  • Day 7 – Secrets of Dublin & The Book of Kells

    Begin with a private walking tour revealing Dublin’s famed landmarks and its local secrets. After lunch, enjoy your scheduled visit to Trinity College for a guided experience through the Old Library and the legendary Book of Kells. Return to The Merrion to relax before an evening of fine dining in the hotel or city centre.

    People walking through a lively Dublin street lined with historic brick buildings, shops, and colorful signage.


  • Day 8 – Kilkenny Castles & Killarney Charms

    Meet your driver-guide to begin the journey south. In medieval Kilkenny, tour the iconic Kilkenny Castle before enjoying lunch and time to explore the city’s historic streets, craft shops, and architectural gems. Continue to Killarney, checking into your five‑star hotel filled with Irish art and warm hospitality.

    Kilkenny Castle in Ireland with its grand stone façade, towers, and surrounding green lawn under a bright sky.


  • Day 9 – National Park Magic & The Ring of Kerry

    Start with a traditional jaunting car ride through the scenic Killarney National Park. Later, your driver takes you on a journey along the famed Ring of Kerry, with its sweeping mountain, lake, and coastal vistas. Return to Killarney for an evening of relaxation or traditional music in a local pub.

    Horse‑drawn jaunting car with a jarvey driver traveling through scenic Killarney surrounded by lush greenery.


  • Day 10 – Cliffs, Coastlines & Burren Wonders

    Depart Killarney and travel toward Galway. Explore the otherworldly landscape of The Burren before stopping for a local artisan “meet the maker” encounter at a smokehouse. Visit the world‑famous Cliffs of Moher, with the option for a cliff walk or boat cruise. Continue to the serene Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate.

    Falconer holding a trained bird of prey during an outdoor falconry demonstration.


  • Day 11 – Falcons & Fairy‑Tale Connemara

    Begin the day with a private Falconry experience on the estate, followed by a scenic guided tour through Connemara. Enjoy lunch in charming Clifden and explore the region’s coves, mountains, lakes, and perhaps Kylemore Abbey. Return to Glenlo Abbey to enjoy its stunning estate and fine dining options.

    Exterior view of Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway featuring its grand stone façade, arched windows, and landscaped grounds on a bright daytime afternoon.


  • Day 12 – Farewell, Ireland

    Your private driver will escort you to Shannon or Dublin Airport for your onward journey.

    Airplane flying away against a blue sky, viewed from behind with sunlight illuminating the aircraft.


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