Dublin, Belfast & Edinburgh Upgrade
From Scottish castles to Irish pubs
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime UK and Ireland adventure! Explore elegant Edinburgh, then fly to Ireland's vibrant capital of Dublin. Ride the rail to Belfast, then end your journey back in Dublin. Immerse yourself in the amazing architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history of these three stunning cities.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Edinburgh (EDI), out of Dublin (DUB)
- 3 nights in Edinburgh at Macdonald Holyrood Hotel or similar, with breakfast
- One-way, economy class flight from Edinburgh to Dublin
- 1 night in Dublin at North Star Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- Rail ticket from Dublin to Belfast
- 3 nights in Belfast at Maldron Belfast City Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- Rail ticket from Belfast to Dublin
- 2 nights in Dublin at North Star Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Edinburgh City Panoramic Tour
- Titanic Belfast Admission
- Dublin City Sightseeing Hop-on/Hop-off (48 Hour)
- Dublin Liberties Distillery
- Trinity College & The Book of Kells
- Christ Church Cathedral (Self Guided Tour)
Great Ways to Explore
-
Experience not one, not two, but three capital cities!
- Castles and palaces, galore! From Dublin Castle to Holyrood Palace, you'll feel like royalty all trip.
-
Try haggis, the national dish of Scotland!
-
Immerse yourself in Dublin's fun culture of pub life near Temple Bar.
-
Stroll around Central Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast.
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime! Your journey begins in Edinburgh, a city that evokes a charming old-world feel. Wander down Princes Street and the Royal Mile, climb up to Arthur's Seat, and feel like royalty at Edinburgh Castle!
Next, you'll make a quick stop in Dublin before riding the rail up north to Belfast! Home of the infamous Titanic voyage, this capital city is packed with culture and history. See sky-high cathedrals, gorgeous botanic gardens, and the picturesque campus of Queen's University.
Your journey ends in Dublin, where colorful pubs stand next to towering stone castles. See famous sights like the Ha'Penny Bridge, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, and more! You might want to pay a visit to the Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse, as well.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Edinburgh (EDI), out of Dublin (DUB)
- 3 nights in Edinburgh at Macdonald Holyrood Hotel or similar, with breakfast
- One-way, economy class flight from Edinburgh to Dublin
- 1 night in Dublin at North Star Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- Rail ticket from Dublin to Belfast
- 3 nights in Belfast at Maldron Belfast City Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- Rail ticket from Belfast to Dublin
- 2 nights in Dublin at North Star Hotel or similar, without breakfast
Plus!
- Edinburgh City Panoramic Tour
- Titanic Belfast Admission
- Dublin City Sightseeing Hop-on/Hop-off (48 Hour)
- Dublin Liberties Distillery
- Trinity College & The Book of Kells
- Christ Church Cathedral (Self Guided Tour)
-
Experience not one, not two, but three capital cities!
- Castles and palaces, galore! From Dublin Castle to Holyrood Palace, you'll feel like royalty all trip.
-
Try haggis, the national dish of Scotland!
-
Immerse yourself in Dublin's fun culture of pub life near Temple Bar.
-
Stroll around Central Belfast and the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast.
Get ready for the vacation of a lifetime! Your journey begins in Edinburgh, a city that evokes a charming old-world feel. Wander down Princes Street and the Royal Mile, climb up to Arthur's Seat, and feel like royalty at Edinburgh Castle!
Next, you'll make a quick stop in Dublin before riding the rail up north to Belfast! Home of the infamous Titanic voyage, this capital city is packed with culture and history. See sky-high cathedrals, gorgeous botanic gardens, and the picturesque campus of Queen's University.
Your journey ends in Dublin, where colorful pubs stand next to towering stone castles. See famous sights like the Ha'Penny Bridge, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College, St. Stephen's Green, and more! You might want to pay a visit to the Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse, as well.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland!
Arrive in Scotland and soak up the historic elegance of Edinburgh. After checking in to your hotel, grab a bite to eat in the Old Town, then stroll through picturesque Holyrood Park. Spot Holyrood Palace, then climb up to Arthur's Seat for unbeatable views of the city! Talk about a perfect first-night sunset...
Relax and unwind at The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel, nestled
right in the heart of historic Edinburgh. After a busy day of sightseeing in
the bustling city, you will find yourself only steps away from the comfort and
elegance that this hotel provides. Kick off your shoes and climb into your large,
comfortable bed, or stay up planning your next day, sitting in cozy armchairs
and using the hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi. All 156 guestrooms are furnished to
the highest standard, featuring triple-glazed windows and boasting marble
bathrooms, creating a quiet, peaceful sanctuary in the middle of center city.
When it’s time to eat, indulge in a delicious, classically
Scottish meal at Acanthus, The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel’s award-winning
restaurant that creates a perfect environment, as it sits just across from
Scottish Parliament and overlooks Arthur’s Seat. By selecting only the finest,
freshest ingredients that are locally sourced where possible, Acanthus is one
of the most exciting new restaurants in Edinburgh. There, you will be treated
to a sensational experience of specialty cocktails, delicious teas, and a
scrumptious breakfast, lunch, or dinner that captures the taste of Scotland.
Pamper yourself at the hotel’s Leisure Club and Spa, which offers
a perfect retreat from the liveliness of Scotland’s capital city.  Find serenity in a variety of luxurious spa
treatments, take a swim in the 45-foot headed swimming pool, or work out all of
your stresses in the state of the art Technogym.Â
Located in the historical heart of the city near Haymarket station, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is the perfect place from which to explore Scotland's enchanting capital city. Each of the 282 comfortable and modern rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, bottled water and double-glazed windows for a peaceful sleep. Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast and cap off a day of adventure with a meal at the on-site restaurant. Conveniently located to the major sites of Edinburgh, the hotel is located close to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
Please note this hotel was formerly known as the Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.Day 2. Edinburgh
Kick off your first full day in Scotland with your included city tour! Pass iconic places like Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Calton Hill.Â
After your tour, you may want to visit Edinburgh Castle. This spectacular old hilltop fortress is rich with history and offers some of the best views in the city.
Edinburgh City Panoramic Tour
Your Edinburgh City Panoramic Tour will start at Waterloo Place in central Edinburgh. From here, you travel along Princes Street and past Scott’s Monument, dedicated to the famous poet and writer Sir Walter Scott. Continuing along Princes Street under the impressive Edinburgh Castle, you’ll hear about the famous building itself and the gorgeous gardens that sit below it.  You then head to the Grassmarket, with its array of small boutique shops, traditional Scottish pubs, and restaurants. It functioned both as a lively market place and a notorious place of execution. Back in the day, Edinburgh’s criminals were granted one last whisky in the Last Drop pub before being strung up near-by. You learn about Edinburgh’s most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby and travel around Edinburgh’s central university area. The buildings here are stunning and there’s the chance to spot some of the magical places that inspired the Harry Potter books. The guide will point out the ‘birthplace’ of Harry Potter, The Elephant House Café on George IV Bridge, where JK Rowling is said to have written some of the books.Â
The tour will then work its  way up to Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a short introduction to the Old Town. Meandering back down towards the New Town, you will  venture past the Bank of Scotland headquarters and the National Gallery of Scotland. Here you’ll learn about the Scottish pioneers, poets, and writers who once lived in these beautiful Georgian buildings.  Next, you head off the beaten track across the Dean Bridge and into Edinburgh’s quaint Dean Village. This residential zone was once a separate village and is packed full of charming cobbled lanes. The tour will continue exploring the area, where you’ll get a view of Stewart’s Melville College and the Galleries of Modern Art. It‘s here where you will hear more about Edinburgh as a backdrop for various films and television productions, including Trainspotting, Sunshine on Leith, and Inspector Rebus.Â
Back towards the city center, you pass the impressive St Mary’s Cathedral, one of three cathedrals in Edinburgh. Passing through Edinburgh’s prominent business district, Melville Street, you will then travel along George Street and Queen Street before taking you up past Calton Hill. With its classically influenced architecture, it offers one of the best views of the city. From here, you will head down towards the foot of Arthur’s Seat, past the Burns monument to Holyrood Park where the regal Holyrood Palace is located. The last leg of the journey takes you up through the Canongate, past the John Knox House and Scottish Storytelling Centre before heading back to Waterloo Place for the end of the tour.
Day 3. Edinburgh
Make the most of your last day in Scotland by hiking up Calton Hill for some unbelievable views of Edinburgh. If you're looking for some peace and serenity afterward, head to the tranquil Royal Botanic Garden.
If you're in the mood to hit a museum or two, check out the National Museum of Scotland and consider a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia.Â
Spend your evening roaming the Royal Mile! Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Holyrood Palace, this bustling strip is the perfect recap of an amazing city. Follow this cobblestone street filled with restaurants, shops, and stunning architecture.
Day 4. Edinburgh - Dublin, Ireland
Feel the luck in the air as you land in the great green land of Ireland! Settle into your hotel, then begin exploring the vibrant streets of Dublin.Â
Tonight, immerse yourself in Irish drinking culture and enjoy a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. This once-in-a-lifetime brewery experience is as much fun as it is Irish tradition!Fly to Dublin!
The Address Connolly is ideally located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a short walk from all of Dublin’s most popular venues, shopping streets, entertainment districts, and tourist attractions. This design-driven hotel offers an eclectic mix of luxe interiors and traditional design pieces all sourced from and crafted in Ireland.
The Address Connolly promises the ultimate 4-star hotel experience full of special touches that surprise and delight. The Address Connolly boasts newly refurbished guestrooms, its own fitness center, and Scandinavian saunas, plus the independently branded bar and restaurant within the hotel, McGettigans Cookhouse. The Cookhouse provides a casual, diverse, and relaxed dining environment serving international cuisine with an extensive cocktail list, craft beers, and specially selected wines. The food curation focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and locality for its inspiration and is open for both lunch and dinner.
Day 5. Dublin - Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fuel up with breakfast, then hop aboard your train to Belfast! As you travel north, be sure to look out the windows, snap photos, and take in Ireland's beautiful scenery.Â
Upon arrival in Northern Ireland's capital, settle into your luxurious hotel, then begin exploring Central Belfast! Filled with colorful culture, amazing architecture, and a cool restaurant & bar scene, Belfast's city center is the perfect place to spend your first night.Â
Train to Belfast!
Located ideally on Brunswick Street in Belfast's city center, the Maldron Hotel Belfast City makes for a wonderful and convenient stay. Along with easy access to all of the city's public transfer services, including Belfast's Great Victoria Railway Station, guests can enjoy on-site dining, a bar, a daily breakfast buffet, a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, room service, and concierge services.Â
Rooms are pleasant and include sitting areas, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, ironing facilities, a safe, a hairdryer, and a private bathroom. The hotel is just 2,650 feet from the Belfast Empire Music hall, St. Georges Market is a 9-minute walk away, and the Waterfront Hall is only 10 minutes away. An 18-minute walk will bring you into the Odyssey Arena, and the Titanic Belfast i just under 2 miles away. George Best Belfast City Airport is a little over 3 miles away.
Day 6. Belfast
Enjoy a pleasant breakfast, then start off your morning with a visit to Belfast's ornate City Hall. If you're in the area from Friday-Sunday, check out bustling St. George's Market, one of Belfast's oldest attractions that offers everything from local produce to unique antiques!
Enjoy some R&R at the picturesque Botanic Gardens, stroll around impressive Queen's University, then consider visiting the Ulster Museum. With exhibitions for art lovers, history buffs, and children, this museum has a little something for everyone.
Stroll around the Queens Quarter, where you'll find plenty of funky shops and restaurants!
Day 7. Belfast
Today's the perfect day to visit St. Anne's Cathedral and the bustling Belfast Waterfront. The surrounding area, The Cathedral Quarter, is chock full of quaint cafes, artsy shops, and fantastic pubs, so you'll never be stuck looking for a place to eat or grab a beer.
You can then visit the renowned Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience! Explore 9 interactive galleries, walk the decks of remaining vessels, and learn all the secrets of the Titanic in the city where it all began.Â
Titanic Belfast
Experience the tumultuous history of the ill-fated Titanic in this interactive exhibit, located right beside the site of this world-famous ship's construction!
Housed in an iconic six-floor building, this state-of-the-art visitor experience features nine interpretive and interactive galleries that explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Titanic, as well as the City and people which made her. Fly through the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began.
Day 8. Belfast - Dublin, Ireland
Say goodbye to Belfast as you take a train back to Dublin, where you'll spend your last two nights. Activate your 48-hour sightseeing pass and get acquainted with this compact yet cosmopolitan city.Â
Train to Dublin!
The Address Connolly is ideally located in the heart of Dublin City Centre, just a short walk from all of Dublin’s most popular venues, shopping streets, entertainment districts, and tourist attractions. This design-driven hotel offers an eclectic mix of luxe interiors and traditional design pieces all sourced from and crafted in Ireland.
The Address Connolly promises the ultimate 4-star hotel experience full of special touches that surprise and delight. The Address Connolly boasts newly refurbished guestrooms, its own fitness center, and Scandinavian saunas, plus the independently branded bar and restaurant within the hotel, McGettigans Cookhouse. The Cookhouse provides a casual, diverse, and relaxed dining environment serving international cuisine with an extensive cocktail list, craft beers, and specially selected wines. The food curation focuses on sustainability, seasonality, and locality for its inspiration and is open for both lunch and dinner.
Dublin Big Bus Essential Hop-on/Hop-off - 48-hour
Visit Ireland’s capital and discover the city from the top of an open-top double-decker bus. Let City Sightseeing entertain, inform and highlight all the things to do and see in Dublin to help you make the most of your stay. The 48-hour ticket is the perfect hassle-free way to get around town and visit all of Dublin’s major sights.
Includes:
- Unlimited travel ticket for 48 hours
- Free guided walking tour
- Free night tour
- Choice of two routes (blue & red)
- English speaking live guides, and pre-recorded commentary
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Covered buses for inclement weather
Day 9. Dublin
Continue using your sightseeing pass today. Dublin is famous for its gorgeous cathedrals, so be sure to use your included tour of Christ Church Cathedral.Â
You can then head to Trinity College, where you can marvel at the spectacular "Long Room" in the Trinity College Library, visit the famous Book of Kells, and admire the campus' amazing architecture.Â
Last but not least, use your admission to the Dublin Liberties Distillery, where you can learn all about the "water of life" in one of Dublin's most historic neighborhoods!
Christ Church Cathedral (self-guided tour)
Enjoy a self-guided tour of Christ Church Cathedral (with free audio guide), including admission to the Crypt and Exhibition. The Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin!
The audio guide ill take you on a journey through 1,000 years of history from 3 different perspectives:
"Power and Politics", "Christ Church and The City" and "Music and Spirituality."
Visitors can choose to follow one theme throughout their tour, pick and mix at each stop, or take the "Highlights" tour which gives a taste of all three themes.
Book of Kells Experience
Located in the heart of Dublin City, a walk through the cobbled stones of Trinity College Dublin will bring visitors back to the 18th century, when the magnificent Old Library building was constructed and the Book of Kells is displayed.
The Book of Kells is Ireland's greatest cultural treasure and the world's most famous medieval manuscript. The 9th century book is a richly decorated copy of the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The newly opened Book Of Kells Experience offers a unique immersive experience through different areas of the the Book of Kells, Trinity College and the historic stories. Â
Please
Note:Â The Old Library at Trinity College is undergoing a multi year
Redevelopment Project to safeguard the 18th century building and preserve
its collections. As part of their conversation efforts, all the books in The Long Room
have been removed from the shelves. This will not affect the display of
the Book of Kells.
Dublin Liberties Distillery
Located in the historic Liberties neighborhood, once known as "hell," the Dublin Liberties Distillery is a working craft whiskey distillery in a 300-year-old former mill and tannery. You will be guided through the full production process in this working distillery, culminating at the Tasting Bar with other opportunities to taste along the tour route.Â
Along with learning how whiskey is made and how it differs from other brands, the tour guides will entertain you with some wonderful stories on characters who lived over many years in The Liberties, the capital's historic heartland.Â
*The Dublin Liberties Distillery (DLD) will open as a major attraction in Dublin in autumn 2018.Â
Day 10. Depart Ireland
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and say "see ya" to Ireland. Spend your flight home scrolling through priceless photos and dreaming about your next adventure.Â
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.