Best of Scotland and Ireland

Best of Scotland and Ireland

Edinburgh city skyline from Calton Hill, Scotland
Edinburgh

Edinburgh city skyline from Calton Hill, Scotland

Day 1
View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh

View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Day 2
St Andrews, Scotland
St. Andrews

St Andrews, Scotland

Day 3
Hikers descending Conic Hill towards Loch Lomond, Scotland
Loch Lomond

Hikers descending Conic Hill towards Loch Lomond, Scotland

Day 4
Loch Ness, Scotland
Loch Ness

Loch Ness, Scotland

Day 4
Fort William, Scotland
Fort William

Fort William, Scotland

Day 4
George Square, Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow

George Square, Glasgow, Scotland

Day 4
George Square, Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow

George Square, Glasgow, Scotland

Day 5
Custom House and Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast

Custom House and Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Day 5
Giant's Causeway
Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway

Day 6
Custom House and Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast

Custom House and Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Day 6
Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland
Dublin

Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland

Day 7
Dublin

Penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

Day 8

Map
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363 Views
9 Days From

$2191

$1939

Tour Overview

Discover the treasures Scotland and Ireland on your affordable tour from Dublin to Edinburgh. In 9 days, you’ll visit Highlands and Lowlands and three capital cities. Starting in Scotland, a city tour of Edinburgh introduces you to the home of scientists, inventors, and novelists, not to mention the imposing castle. The home of golf, St Andrews, and the beautiful Victorian resort town of Pitlochry are on the way to the Cairngorms National Park and Highlands of Scotland. Look out for Nessie as you drive along the shores of Loch Ness, and through the lush and rugged countryside to the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond to Glasgow. Your budget-minded travel through Scotland ends with the ferry across the Irish Sea to Belfast, where the Titanic was built. Plenty of time to immerse yourself in this unique city before moving south to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. Here you’ll drive along the statue-lined O’Connell Street and see the elegant Georgian squares with their red-brick townhouses, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Your value-minded tour of Scotland and Ireland is chock-full of priceless experiences, sights, and memories brave and true! ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Discover Scotland's great capital city, Edinburgh.

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels.

  • Explore the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews.

  • Look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster.

  • See the fine 12th-century cathedral in Glasgow.

  • Experience the legend of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast.

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway.

  • Explore Dublin's statue-lined O’Connell Street and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Places You'll See

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh City Skyline From Calton Hill, Scotland

Edinburgh Military Tattoo Celebrations

Victoria Street In Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland

View Of Edinburgh And Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

St Andrews, Scotland

Culloden Moor, Scotland

Swilcan Bridge On The 18Th Hole Of The Old Course Links, St Andrews, Scotland

Pitlochry, A Walk Along The River Tummel In The Heart Of Perthshire, Scotland

Memorial Cairn At The Battlefield Of Culloden, Scotland

Pitlochry In The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

The Main Street Of Pitlochry, Scotland

St Andrews Cathedral, Scotland

Ben Nevis, Scotland

Hikers Descending Conic Hill Towards Loch Lomond, Scotland

Loch Ness, Scotland

Loch Lomond, Scotland

Fort William, Scotland

Urquhart Castle And Loch Ness, Scotland

Loch Lomond, Scotland

Aerial View Of Fort William, Scotland

Clyde Arc Bridge, Glasgow, Scotland

The University Of Glasgow, Scotland

View Of Loch Ness And Urquhart Castle, Scotland

George Square, Glasgow, Scotland

Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct, Fort William, Scotland

Belfast City Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Custom House And Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland

theknathan

Giant's Causeway

Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland

Penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Edinburgh,Scotland

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park

Meals Included: Dinner

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or discover Scotland’s great capital city. This evening, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park

Meals Included: Breakfast

A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town”, home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. No trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish night out! Join an optional evening filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes and of course the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis! For departures August 3, 10 and 17, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a vast spectacle of amassed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

Day 3: Edinburgh-St. Andrews-Pitlochry-Culloden Moor-Highlands

Location: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Culloden Moor, Highlands

Accommodation Name: Ben Wyvis Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A day of memorable sightseeing: cross the Firth of Forth and head to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; then cross the Firth of Tay and, via Dundee and Perth, head into the Highlands with a stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie before reaching your Highland destination. Today’s Distance: 225 mi/ 260 km

Day 4: Highlands-Fort William-Glasgow

Location: Loch Ness, Fort William, Glen Coe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Moxy Glasgow Merchant City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster and proceed via Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow. Today’s Distance: 183 mi/ 293 km

Day 5: Glasgow,Alloway,Belfast,Northern Ireland

Location: Glasgow, Alloway, Belfast

Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Meals Included: Breakfast

On this morning’s orientation drive through Scotland’s largest city, see the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares, built by wealthy tobacco barons. Stop at Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Belfast.Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 229 km

Day 6: Belfast

Location: Belfast, Giant's Causeway

Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Meals Included: Breakfast

A full day to enjoy Belfast on your own or experience the legend and legacy of the ill-fated ocean liner, Titanic, on a morning optional city tour that includes a visit to Titanic Belfast. Be moved by the compelling story of the Titanic from conception to construction and launch and its subsequent place in history. This afternoon, why not join an optional to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway. Taking its name from the legendary Irish giant Finn McCool, 40,000 basalt columns were formed around 60 million years ago to create a unique rock formation that is a sight to behold.

Day 7: Belfast,Dublin,Ireland

Location: Dublin

Accommodation Name: Clayton Leopardstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head south this morning for arrival in Dublin before lunchtime. Your orientation drive through Ireland’s capital includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This evening’s optional excursion toasts Irish tradition with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse where Ireland’s most famous export has been brewed since 1759. A guided tour is followed by a “pint of the black stuff” and dinner. Today’s Distance: 105 mi/ 168 km

Day 8: Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation Name: Clayton Leopardstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

A day to explore the “Fair City” of Dublin on your own. Your Tour Director will have suggestions. Everyone’s Irish on tonight’s popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.

Day 9: Dublin

Location: Dublin

Accommodation Name: Clayton Leopardstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at the following hotels: Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh, Ben Wyvis Hotel in the Highlands, Moxy Glasgow Merchant City in Glasgow, Leonardo Hotel Belfast in Belfast, and Clayton Leopardstown in Dublin.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and selected dinners are included.

  • Sightseeing

    Guided tours and sightseeing in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Culloden Moor, Inverness, Highlands, Fort William, Glasgow, Alloway, Belfast, and Dublin.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between destinations, including a ferry crossing from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

  • Tour Director

    Services of a professional Tour Director throughout the trip.

  • Local Guides

    Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide in Edinburgh.

  • Special Events

    Tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for departures on August 3, 10, and 17.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional evening events such as the Scottish night out in Edinburgh, the visit to Titanic Belfast, the tour to the Giant’s Causeway, the visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, and the Taylors Irish Cabaret in Dublin.

  • Personal Expenses

    Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks not included in the itinerary.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the Tour Director, local guides, and drivers are not included.

UNESCO Sites

Forth Bridge|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh

Accommodation

Edinburgh:Novotel Edinburgh Park
Highlands:Ben Wyvis Hotel
Glasgow:Moxy Glasgow Merchant City
Belfast:Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Dublin:Clayton Leopardstown

Notes

This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland, and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, you have time to rest or explore Scotland's capital city. In the evening, you will meet your Tour Director and travel companions for dinner at the hotel.

  • What activities are planned for the second day in Edinburgh?

    The second day includes a full day to enjoy Edinburgh. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide will introduce you to the 200-year-old 'New Town' and the 'Old Town,' where you will visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. The afternoon is at your leisure. There is also an optional evening event featuring traditional Scottish food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. For departures on August 3, 10, and 17, tickets are included for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. ...more ...less

  • What are the highlights of the third day of the tour?

    On the third day, you will cross the Firth of Forth and head to St. Andrews, known for its Royal and Ancient Golf Club. You will then travel through Dundee and Perth into the Highlands, stopping at the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. You will also visit the battlefield of Culloden Moor before reaching your Highland destination. ...more ...less

  • Will we visit Loch Ness during the tour?

    Yes, on the fourth day, you will look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you proceed via Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis. You will also visit Glen Coe and drive along the 'Bonnie Banks' of Loch Lomond on your way to Glasgow.

  • What can I do during the free day in Belfast?

    In Belfast, you have the option to explore the city on your own or join an optional morning city tour that includes a visit to Titanic Belfast. In the afternoon, you can opt for a tour to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant's Causeway.

  • What is included in the optional evening excursion in Dublin?

    The optional evening excursion in Dublin includes a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where you will have a guided tour followed by a pint of Guinness and dinner.

  • What is the final day of the tour like?

    The final day of the tour includes breakfast in Dublin, after which your vacation ends.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again ...more ...less

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John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time. ...more ...less

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Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you ...more ...less

Trustpilot

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Monday

May 10, 2026 - May 18, 2026
$2191 $1939 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$252 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

May 17, 2026 - May 25, 2026
$2241 $1989 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$252 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

May 24, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026
$2317 $2065 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$252 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

May 31, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026
$2317 $2065 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$252 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Best of Scotland and Ireland

9 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Dublin, Ireland

Visiting: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Culloden Moor, Highlands, Loch Ness, Fort William, Glen Coe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Alloway, Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Dublin ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

9020-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2191 $1939 (USD) Barrhead discount: -$252 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Why book with Barrhead?

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