Ultimate Tour of Scotland & Ireland

Upon your arrival in Scotland, make your way into Edinburgh city centre where you’ll find your accommodation. You might decide to take a taxi or hop on public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we can organise a private airport transfer for you.

If you’re arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Today, you start your road trip, so pick up your rental car and set off! You’ll cross into Fife and your first stop will be the quaint village of Falkland, where you can explore a Renaissance palace. From here, drive east to the town of St Andrews, famous for being the home of golf and of the oldest university in Scotland.

Later, continue north, passing by Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design. You can then drive directly to Aberdeen or take the coastal scenic route. This will take you past the St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve and the spectacular Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven.

Spend the night in the Aberdeen area.

Average driving distance: 235 km / 135 miles

Today will take you into the Scottish Highlands. First drive along the “Deeside Tourist Route”, an enchanting route through the Cairngorms National Park. On the way, there is a plethora of castles you could visit, including 16th-century Crathes Castle, and of course, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family, Balmoral Castle, which you can visit from April to July. You will then continue to Speyside, which is famous for its whiskies. You may want to visit one of the many distilleries (there are over 40 to choose from!), such as Glenfiddich or Aberlour.

Spend the night in Inverness area.

Average driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles

Today your drive will take you to the north of mainland Scotland, to the seaside village of Scrabster. We recommend making a stop on the way at the fairytale Dunrobin Castle. In the early afternoon, you’ll catch a ferry to Stromness on Orkney. This is a beautiful journey across the Pentland Firth with spectacular views of the Old Man of Hoy.

Once you’ve reached mainland Orkney, drive to the capital, Kirkwall, a former Viking stronghold. Here you can explore the town centre and the magnificent 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral.

Spend the night in the Kirkwall area.

Ferry duration: 1.5 hours

Average driving distance: 205 km / 130 miles

You have the whole day to experience the gems of Orkney, admire its stunning scenery and explore its ruins dating back millennia to the Stone Ages. The highlight of Orkney is the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site area comprised of a group of Neolithic monuments. This includes the 5,000-year-old prehistoric village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar stone circle and the huge megaliths at the Standing Stones of Stenness. And you won’t want to miss the chambered cairn of Maeshowe, where 12th-century Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions.

Spend another night in the Kirkwall area.

Average driving distance: 56 km / 35 miles

Today you journey back to the mainland by ferry before taking on part of the famous North Coast 500 route. This scenic route stretches around the Northern Highlands of Scotland and is known for its incredible rocky cliffs, gold sand beaches and beautiful mountains.

We recommend stopping along the way to visit the awe-inspiring Smoo Cave, the largest and most dramatic sea cave in Britain. On a sunny day you could also pass by the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of Durness. Finally, you could visit the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle before arriving at the charming and whitewashed village of Ullapool.

Spend the night in the Ullapool area.

Ferry duration: 1.5 hours

Average driving distance: 250 km / 150 miles

Start the day by visiting the breathtaking mile-long Corrieshalloch Gorge and enjoying a walk to the Falls of Measach. During your drive along the west coast, we recommend stopping at Inverewe Garden. It boasts some 2,500 exotic plants and flowers that flourish in Northern Scotland thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream. Continue your journey through the dramatic landscape of the Torridon Hills. Before reaching Skye, we recommend stopping at the picturesque village of Plockton, on the shores of Loch Carron.

Spend the night in the Isle of Skye area.

Average driving distance: 265 km / 165 miles

Today take full advantage of your time on Skye, a haven for nature lovers. We recommend driving to the northern part of the island and taking your time around all the attractions on the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. There you can enjoy a walk up to “The Old Man of Storr” rock pinnacle and see the beautiful Kilt Rock waterfall. Other highlights include the Quiraing rock face, the An Corran Beach at Staffin, where you may spot ancient dinosaur footprints, and the mystical Fairy Glen.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Average driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles

Head back to the Scottish mainland via the Skye Bridge. Make sure to stop at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, a sight you will surely recognise from many photographs, films and TV shows. Then drive all the way to the shores of the mysterious Loch Ness, where you can visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. You might also wish to take a boat tour on Loch Ness in search of its notorious and elusive monster. Or go explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins on the shores of the loch.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Average driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles

Today's journey takes you past Scotland’s most famous valley, Glen Coe, which offers world-famous scenery. You could stop at Rob Roy’s grave at Balquidder and at the beautiful Falls of Dochart in the village of Killin. Alternatively, you could travel the longer scenic route via the seaside town of Oban onto the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen and past the charming village of Inveraray. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland, including cairns and standing stones.

Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

Average driving distance via Glen Coe: 130 km / 80 miles

Average driving distance via Kilmartin Glen/Inveraray: 285 km / 180 miles

Today’s drive will take you to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. Drive through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where you could stop for a nature walk, enjoy an optional steamship tour on Loch Katrine, or visit a local whisky distillery. For a fun photo opportunity, don’t miss Doune Castle, featured in Monty Python & the Holy Grail and the Outlander TV series. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in Glasgow.

Spend the night in Glasgow.

Average driving distance: 109 km / 68 miles

Today, board a flight to Dublin, Ireland for the second portion of your tour. Upon your arrival in Dublin, start exploring this amazing city, with its eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs. You can take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells. Alternatively, you could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer.

Spend the night in Dublin.

Start your road trip towards Northern Ireland. Your first stop is the charming 12th-century Malahide Castle. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange, where you can see megalithic passage tombs which are believed to be older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. This is one of Ireland’s most popular and fascinating attractions. Next, stop to admire the high crosses of Monasterboice, the historic ruins of a Christian settlement. Cross into Northern Ireland to reach the capital Belfast.

Spend the night in Belfast.                                         

Average driving distance: 195 km / 121 miles

Today you have a full day to explore Belfast, an exciting city with a mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. Don’t miss out on the city’s leading attraction, the Titanic Belfast. Experience the story of the world’s largest and most luxurious ship, which was constructed in Belfast in 1909. You can also see the Peace Walls and their famous murals, admire the architecture of the City Hall, or opt to visit the Ulster Folk museum, a complete recreation of an early 1900s traditional Northern Irish town.

Spend another night in Belfast.

Explore the beautiful Antrim Coast. First, pass by the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a Game of Thrones filming location. Then, enjoy a scenic coastal walk at Carrick-a-Rede to cross its rope bridge swaying 30m above the sea and providing stunning views of the cliffs below. The highlight of the day is the jewel of Northern Ireland and World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, with its iconic basalt columns. Nearby, visit Bushmills Distillery the world’s oldest whiskey distillery. We also recommend stopping for a view of the breathtaking, medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle, located by dramatic coastal cliffs.

Spend the night in the Donegal area.

Average driving distance: 257 km / 160 miles

Today, you will get your first taste of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way route, a journey past soaring cliffs, buzzing towns, epic bays and hidden beaches. Your first stop is Glenveagh National Park where you’ll explore towering mountains, lakes, valleys and woodlands. Drive past the imposing Mount Errigal and over the winding Glengesh Pass to Glencolumbkille, one of Ireland’s best living-history museums. Then experience breathtaking views at the imposing cliffs of Slieve League, which, at 600m, are some of the highest marine cliffs in Europe. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely day in Donegal. 

Spend another night in the Donegal area.

Average driving distance: 223 km / 138 miles

Head south to County Sligo, driving past the stunning Ben Bulben, perhaps one of Ireland’s most recognisable mountains. Visit the small fishing village of Mullaghmore with its lovely sandy beach. Here, you’ll find Mullaghmore Head, one of the signature discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way. We also recommend a visit to the atmospheric Carrowmore, Ireland’s largest Stone Age cemetery where you can roam around megalithic tombs and stone circles. Continue your drive to Downpatrick Head to enjoy a walk along the majestic sea cliffs and take in the vast views of the rugged coastline.

Spend the night in the Westport area.

Average driving distance: 241 km / 150 miles

Visit the striking region of Connemara with its landscapes characterised by rugged mountains, white sand beaches, picturesque lakes and heathlands. Stop by Killary harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord with a length of 16km (9.9miles). Further along, visit Kylemore Abbey where you can admire spectacular Gothic architecture and take a stroll in the Victorian Walled Garden.

Stop by the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre to follow scenic walking trails. Drive the circular Sky Road near Clifden for broad views of the Atlantic and arrive in Galway, a lively and colourful city.

Spend the night in the Galway area.

Average driving distance: 182 km / 113 miles

Start the day by visiting Dunguaire Castle. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking Galway Bay, it is one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. Further ahead, explore the unique, lunar-like landscape of The Burren. Here you can visit the iconic portal tomb Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s oldest megalithic monuments.

Next stop is the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s top tourist attraction, showcasing some of the country’s most iconic coastal scenery. On a sunny day the views are expansive, but even a stormy day can be exhilarating with the powerful Atlantic below.

Spend the night in the Doolin/Lisdoonvarna area.

Average driving distance: 111 km / 69 miles

Start the day visiting the 15th-century Bunratty Castle. Here you’ll also find the Bunratty Folk Park, where you can experience Irish rural life from the 1800s. We then recommend stopping at Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages with its thatched cottages housing craft shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, explore Killarney National Park set beneath Ireland’s highest mountains. You can visit the 19th-century mansion of Muckross House, take an optional Jaunting Car tour of the park or a boat trip on the peaceful Lough Leane, departing from the medieval Ross Castle.

Spend the night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

Average driving distance: 206 km / 128 miles

Take in the magic of the Ring of Kerry, a classic “must do” scenic drive of the Irish countryside. Stop at Kells Bay House, to see its primeval forest of planted giant ferns. Other highlights include the ancient stone forts of Caherdaniel and Staigue, and Derrynane Bay with its beautiful white sand. Complete the circle with a visit to the picturesque Torc Waterfall. Today, you could also take an optional boat tour from the coast to see the Skellig Islands from up close. These otherworldly islands were recently featured in the Star Wars movies.

Spend another night in the Killarney/Tralee area.

Average driving distance:198 km / 123 miles

Today, you will travel over the scenic, winding Caha Pass to the colourful village of Glengarriff. From here, we recommend taking a short boat trip, with the opportunity to spot a seal colony on the way, to Garnish Island, which features a world-renowned garden. You could also visit the 18^th-century Bantry House. Later, travel via Kinsale, a popular resort town with its picturesque yachting harbour and historic forts. Continue to Cork, a buzzing city with a vibrant cultural scene.

Spend the night in the Cork area.

Average driving distance: 191 km / 119 miles

This morning, you can visit Blarney Castle, a legendary medieval stronghold that houses the Blarney Stone, surrounded by many myths and tales. Then we recommend stopping at the photogenic harbour town of Cobh. It is known as the last port of call of the Titanic in 1912! Continue to Cashel, where you can visit the spectacular Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. The site offers a fantastic collection of medieval buildings that span over 1000 years of history. Later, drive to Kilkenny, a medieval town nestled around a majestic 12^th-century castle.

Spend the night in the Kilkenny area.

Average driving distance: 208 km / 129 miles

If you wish to spend more time exploring Dublin, you can head straight to the city this morning.

Alternatively, we highly recommend a drive through the scenic Wicklow Mountains to take in the beautiful views. In the area you could visit Glendalough, a 6th-century monastic settlement, and the Powerscourt Estate, featuring the restored mansion Powerscourt House. On the estate, you will find Ireland’s highest waterfall as well as magnificent gardens. Back in Dublin, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps with a fine Irish dinner to top off your amazing journey.

Spend the night in Dublin.

Average driving distance to Dublin: 123km / 77 miles

Average driving distance via Wicklow Mountains: 165km / 102 miles

It’s time to say goodbye to Ireland as your adventure comes to an end. When you need to head to the airport, you can take a taxi, or we can arrange a convenient private transfer directly from your hotel.

If your flight is in the afternoon, you can spend the morning enjoying some last-minute shopping, visiting one of the many attractions or simply relaxing and taking in the atmosphere of the city one last time.