2026 Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights

2026 Scots Irish Tour - 15 Days/14 Nights

Day 1: Edinburgh & Scotch Whisky Experience*
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM for The Scotch Whisky Experience on the famed Royal Mile. Learn about the art and aromas of whisky production, taste a dram of single malt or blended whisky, and view the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky. For dinner you’ll hear colorful tales of Scottish history and culture while tasting a range of flavorful whiskies paired with local dishes. (August 9 – 25 departures will visit the Scotch Whisky Experience but will dine independently).
(D*) 

Day 2: Edinburgh Panoramic Tour, Edinburgh Castle & Independent Sightseeing
See the highlights of central Edinburgh including the bustling Princes Street and the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore. Dine independently this evening. (The August 9 – 25 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade).
(B) 

Day 3: Chocolate Tasting, Blair Castle & Highlands
Travel through the scenic countryside of Perthshire to visit Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier for a tasting of award-winning chocolates with an expert chocolatier. All the chocolates are made on-site with sustainable ingredients, including local heather honey and berries, and fresh cream from local herds of Scottish Friesians. In Pitlochry, explore and have lunch independently. Next, visit Blair Castle; this citadel, with its romantic turrets and towers, dates back to the 13th century. Continue through majestic Highland scenery to your hotel for dinner.
(B, D) 

Day 4: Loch Ness & Isle of Skye
Travel alongside Loch Ness, passing the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. Cross to the Isle of Skye by bridge and enjoy lunch in Sligachan, overlooking the Cuillin Hills. See the Sligachan Old Bridge and hear the legend of the enchanted waters below. On the mainland, travel through the majestic Highlands stopping for photos around scenic Glencoe. Continue through The Trossachs to your hotel in Dunblane.
(B, L, D) 

Day 5: Stirling Castle & Ferry to Belfast
Tour Stirling Castle, perched on volcanic rock above the town, and explore the richness of this 16th-century palace that was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots. Drive through southwestern Scotland to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Belfast, where you’ll dine at your hotel this evening.
(B, D) 

Day 6: Titanic Belfast & Crosskeys Inn
Dive into the history of the doomed ocean liner at Titanic Belfast, located steps from the dockyards where the ship was built. Then enjoy some free time to stroll this fascinating, historic city and lunch independently. This evening, you’ll visit the cozy Crosskeys Inn for dinner and entertainment in a CIE Tours exclusive.
(B, D) 

Day 7: Nine Glens of Antrim, Giant’s Causeway & Derry Walking Tour
Enjoy ocean and mountain scenery as you travel the Nine Glens of Antrim. Discover the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns rising out of the sea, and pause for photos at the Dunluce Castle ruins. In Derry, join a local guide for a walking tour to see how this city, with its painful history, has been transformed into a thriving cultural hub. Proceed on to your hotel in Letterkenny.
(B, D) 

Day 8: Glenveagh National Park, Donegal & Kilronan Castle
Stroll through Glenveagh National Park, the largest in Ireland, featuring a stunning Victorian castle and native oak woods. Take in breathtaking views of the Derryveagh Mountains and pristine lakes. Continue to Donegal town for a visit to CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design and free time to explore. Travel to luxurious Kilronan Castle with time to relax before dinner in the castle’s fine restaurant.
(B, D) 

Day 9: Arigna Mining & Carrick-on-Shannon
Visit the Arigna Mining Experience, Ireland’s first coal mining museum, to discover the 400-year legacy of the mines from former miners sharing firsthand knowledge of the challenging conditions they faced. Next, visit Carrick-on-Shannon, a vibrant, historic riverside town with a picturesque marina, where you’ll enjoy some free time. Return to the charming village of Ballyfarnon and relax in your castle hotel before dinner.
(B, D) 

Day 10: Galway Walking Tour, Cliffs of Moher & Medieval Castle Banquet
In Galway, a local guide will take you on a walking tour through the narrow streets to see the medieval city walls and Lynch’s Castle. Travel through the Burren and see its limestone hills, often blooming with a vast array of wildflowers. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic. This evening, enjoy a medieval-style banquet at a castle.
(B, D) 

Day 11: Dingle, Slea Head, South Pole Inn & Tralee
Take a ferry across the River Shannon Estuary to discover the Dingle Peninsula. See the spectacular views from Slea Head and explore charming Dingle. Visit the South Pole Inn for an Irish coffee.
(B, D) 

Day 12: Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry Highlights & Sheepdog Demonstration
Gaze at beautiful lake views as you relax in a horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle. Set off on a drive of some of Ireland’s most awe-inspiring scenery, stopping at Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner in the gorgeous Gap of Dunloe. Then head on to the highlights of the Ring of Kerry and its magnificent coastal views. Stop in the friendly town of Kenmare for free time and an independent lunch before visiting a traditional farm to see a demonstration by skilled sheepdogs. Spend free time in Killarney before returning to Tralee. Dine independently.
(B) 

Day 13: Blarney Castle & Abbey Tavern
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or stroll through the gardens. Travel through the rich dairy country of Cork and Tipperary, past the gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains. Proceed on to Dublin, where you’ll enjoy dinner and traditional entertainment at the Abbey Tavern in the seaside suburb of Howth.
(B, D) 

Day 14: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour in Dublin
Explore Dublin at your own pace with an independent Dublin open-top bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience, or the GPO Museum.
(B) 

Day 15: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

Authentic Local Experiences:

• August 9 – 25 departures will have reserved seats for the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. All other departures will have a special storytelling and whisky-tasting evening at the Scotch Whisky Experience. 
• Discover underground life at Arigna Mining Experience — with a former miner as your guide. 
• Traditional Irish music, warm turf fires, and a heartfelt welcome await at Crosskeys Inn, Ireland’s oldest thatched pub — built in 1654 and today known for the Hurl family’s hospitality.

Dining Experiences:

• 14 hot breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 11 dinners (D) 
• *Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Storytelling Dinner is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner. 

Trip Highlights:

• Arigna Mining Experience
• Cliffs of Moher
• Crosskeys Inn (CIE Tours Exclusive)
• Edinburgh Castle
• Giant’s Causeway
• Glenveagh Castle & National Park
• Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier
• Irish Night in Dublin  
• Isle of Skye
• Medieval Castle Banquet
• Scotch Whisky Experience*
• Stirling Castle
• Titanic Belfast
   

Hotels:

• Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, near Edinburgh (2)
• Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness or Muthu Newton Hotel, Nairn (1)
• Dunblane Hydro Hotel, Dunblane (1)
• Europa Hotel, Belfast (2) 
• Station House Hotel, Letterkenny (1)
• Kilronan Castle Hotel, Ballyfarnon (2) 
• The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus (1)
• Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Tralee (2) 
• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin (2)