The Highlights of Ireland and Scotland
Where modern and classic meet
Ireland and Scotland may be close in proximity, but the two countries couldn't be more different. From Edinburgh to Dublin, experience the best of two capital cities in one trip! Spend 6, 7, 8, or 10 nights traveling across Ireland and Scotland. Stay in cozy bed and breakfasts and explore cities, countryside, and coast with your own car. This Celtic adventure is totally up to you!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Edinburgh (EDI) and out of Dublin (DUB)
- One-way flight from Edinburgh to Dublin - additional bag fees may apply
- Car rental in both countries for the duration of your stay
- 1 night in Edinburgh at Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield (formerly Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh) or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in your choice of B&Bs in Scotland
- 1 night in Kilkenny at the Hoban Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- 2 nights in your choice of B&Bs in Ireland
Want to stay a little longer in Scotland? Click here!
Great Ways to Explore
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Unwind with pints of beer at traditional pubs and listen to live folk music float through the air.
Marvel at works of art at the Scottish National Gallery.
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Stroll through the streets of cosmopolitan Dublin and enjoy a pint of Guinness at a local pub.
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Hike up Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh for fantastic views over Scotland's historic capital.
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Enjoy the freedom of having your own car. Roam far and wide, and discover hidden treasures off the main road.
Escape to rolling greenery, postcard-worthy landscapes, vibrant cities, and amazing architecture on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. On this incredible vacation, explore the very best of Scotland and Ireland, as you enjoy included tours, cruises, transfers, and more!
Fly into the charming city of Edinburgh and explore its colorful stone streets and historic castle. From there, take your pick of charming B&Bs in Scotland! You could enjoy a scenic drive north until you reach beautiful Inverness, where the mysterious Loch Ness is located and look for its legendary monster! Or gallivant toward Glasgow and immerse yourself in the artsy spirit of this magical city. Then, pack a bag and fly to the land of luck!
Enjoy a quick, relaxing flight to the Emerald Isle, then dive right into the beauty of Ireland! Discover Ireland's medieval past in Kilkenny, drive the famous tourist route, the Ring of Kerry, and explore a traditional Irish village in Adare. Finish the trip with a few nights in Irish B&Bs before heading home!
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.
Enhance your vacation with:
Add the following to your vacation:
- 3-day Scottish Explorer Pass
- Admission to King John's Castle
- Admission to Blarney Castle
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to the Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Edinburgh (EDI) and out of Dublin (DUB)
- One-way flight from Edinburgh to Dublin - additional bag fees may apply
- Car rental in both countries for the duration of your stay
- 1 night in Edinburgh at Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield (formerly Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh) or similar, with breakfast
- 2 nights in your choice of B&Bs in Scotland
- 1 night in Kilkenny at the Hoban Hotel or similar, without breakfast
- 2 nights in your choice of B&Bs in Ireland
-
Unwind with pints of beer at traditional pubs and listen to live folk music float through the air.
Marvel at works of art at the Scottish National Gallery.
-
Stroll through the streets of cosmopolitan Dublin and enjoy a pint of Guinness at a local pub.
-
Hike up Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh for fantastic views over Scotland's historic capital.
-
Enjoy the freedom of having your own car. Roam far and wide, and discover hidden treasures off the main road.
Escape to rolling greenery, postcard-worthy landscapes, vibrant cities, and amazing architecture on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. On this incredible vacation, explore the very best of Scotland and Ireland, as you enjoy included tours, cruises, transfers, and more!
Fly into the charming city of Edinburgh and explore its colorful stone streets and historic castle. From there, take your pick of charming B&Bs in Scotland! You could enjoy a scenic drive north until you reach beautiful Inverness, where the mysterious Loch Ness is located and look for its legendary monster! Or gallivant toward Glasgow and immerse yourself in the artsy spirit of this magical city. Then, pack a bag and fly to the land of luck!
Enjoy a quick, relaxing flight to the Emerald Isle, then dive right into the beauty of Ireland! Discover Ireland's medieval past in Kilkenny, drive the famous tourist route, the Ring of Kerry, and explore a traditional Irish village in Adare. Finish the trip with a few nights in Irish B&Bs before heading home!
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.
Enhance your vacation with:
Add the following to your vacation:
- 3-day Scottish Explorer Pass
- Admission to King John's Castle
- Admission to Blarney Castle
- Admission to Kilkenny Castle
- Admission to the Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Bunratty Castle
Day 1. Welcome to Edinburgh!
Arrive in the exciting city of Edinburgh! Head to your first accommodation, then take some time to freshen up and relax.
After you're all settled in, start exploring the city! Stroll along bustling Princes Street - who says it's too early for souvenir shopping? End your first evening with a pleasant walk through Princes Street Gardens and get a nice glimpse of Edinburgh Castle!
Check-in - Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield
The Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield sits on a hilltop overlooking its peaceful surroundings. Close enough to the city for convenient access but far enough to provide a tranquil setting for relaxation, the hotel is an excellent place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. You will be in close proximity to Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh Haymarket Station, Murrayfield Stadium, and direct city center bus routes.
The hotel's leisure center provides you access to a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. You will stay in one of the hotel's 111 spacious guestrooms which offer modern amenities and views across the west of Edinburgh and Fife. Stop by the Westview Restaurant and Bar for a hot meal or cool cocktail before you retire for the night or head back into the city.Â
*Please note this hotel was formerly known as the Edinburgh Capital Hotel
Day 2. Edinburgh - Scotland B&B
Check out of your accommodation and begin your own journey through Scotland! While you're free to choose any path your heart desires, we recommend Glasgow as a good start. Though you may not be able to stay in the city center, there are plenty of B&Bs located in the city's surroundings. Explore Glasgow during the day, then head to your countryside B&B in the late afternoon.
Check-in - Scotland B&Bs and Small Hotels
These Scotland B&Bs and Small Hotels give you the chance to stay in some of the most charming independently owned B&B’s and quintessentially Scottish small hotels and inns in some of the most picturesque locations in Scotland – so you feel like you’re staying in a special home away from home. The collection ranges from working farms and former vicarages to Victorian town houses and country homes, and each has been chosen for its character, charm and individuality - and of course for the warm welcome you are sure to receive. Each boasts comfortable accommodations and en-suite facilities, as well as an excellent, traditional breakfast – guaranteed to provide a truly memorable stay. Your voucher entitles you to your choice of Category 1 B&B or hotel. The B&Bs are mostly private homes, which provide breakfast but limited additional services; the small hotels typically provide access to additional food and bar services.
Upon purchase of your B&B vouchers, please visit the following website to determine what your accommodation options are in the area(s) you’ll be visiting, and where you would like to stay: www.circlehotels.co.uk. It is highly recommended that you request your accommodations as far in advance as possible (a minimum 45 days in advance), since the properties are small and availability is limited, especially in high season. Requests MUST be placed through the reservations office of The Circle, by email. If you book directly through the B&B or hotel, your voucher will not be honored, and you will be responsible for paying for your reservation directly to the B&B/Hotel. Is this were to happen, you will not be eligible for a refund of any unused vouchers. Please note: these vouchers can be redeemed for B&Bs offered by The Circle in England and Wales, as well.
When planning your itinerary, remember that B&Bs are generally not located in major city centers so you will want to expand your search to outside of the city proper. Please be advised that due to the size of the properties, if you are travelling in a group or with another reservation, The Circle might not be able to accommodate you at the same property and may require members of your group to stay in multiple properties or be flexible to an alternative property, which could accommodate your group.
Your voucher entitles you to properties at the Category 1 level. If you would like to upgrade to any of the higher-level B&B’s or hotels, you can do so at an additional supplement as follows, payable directly to The Circle at the time of confirmation:
Supplements for travel January – December 2024:
Voucher Plus B&B or Category 2 hotel - additional £10 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Voucher Premium B&B or Category 3 hotel - additional £20 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 4 - additional £30 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 5 - additional £40 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 6 - additional £50 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 7 - additional £60 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 8 - additional £70 per person/per night (based on double occupancy)
Category 9 - Price on Application**These supplements vary based on the location of the property, room type, and dates of stay. B&Bs/Hotels which fall under this category will be noted as POA (Price on Application) in The Circle’s online guide.Â
Please Note: Supplement fees paid directly to The Circle can only be charged via American Express, Visa or MasterCard.
Day 3. Scotland B&B
Today, you might want to head an hour north to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park! Breathe in fresh pine air as you explore stunning mountains, sparkling lakes, and peaceful waterfalls.Â
Just a 20-minute drive from The Trossachs, Stirling Castle is a historical must-see. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner in the city of Stirling, then head to a cute B&B in the area.Â
Day 4. Scotland B&B - Kilkenny, Ireland
Say goodbye to Scotland today as you drop off your first rental car, then fly from Edinburgh to Dublin. Upon arrival, pick up your second rental car and make your way to Kilkenny!
Kilkenny is a medieval city with deep religious roots; here you can explore well-preserved churches and monasteries. Consider a trip to Kilkenny Castle, or perhaps you'd like to visit the 13th century St. Canice's Cathedral or the Black Abbey Priory.
Fly from Edinburgh to Dublin
Check-in - The Hoban Hotel
Day 5. Kilkenny - Ireland B&B
After breakfast, it's time to travel to your next destination. The remaining nights of your vacation will be spent at the Irish Bed & Breakfast of your choice! Be sure to book your stay prior to your departure date to ensure you are accommodated at your first choice Bed & Breakfast. Your local hosts can also help you with directions, or suggest different places to visit around their home!
Consider a visit to Galway, a city in Western Ireland bursting with culture and incredible coastal cuisine! Once a small fishing village, Galway has transformed into a vibrant metropolis with annual festivals, bohemian cafe culture, and colorful shop fronts.Â
Check-in - Ireland Bed and Breakfast
Staying in an Ireland Bed and Breakfast offers travelers the complete flexibility of creating their own itinerary. You must select your accommodations ahead of time. To ensure the best availability, it's recommended that you pre-book your B&Bs as far in advance as possible. Enjoy your choice of accommodations from small towns to quaint villages to countryside manors.
All Irish B&B's pride themselves on providing their guests with a fresh, home-cooked breakfast each morning and quality accommodations that cater to every need. Draw on the local knowledge, personal touch and warm welcome of your Irish hosts. Learn about all the best local restaurants, pubs, shops, attractions and activities. Your hosts specialize in the best services available from golf to walking tours of the area, to adventure breaks and much more.
Why Stay in a B&B?
- Most bed and breakfasts are owned by the B&B operators themselves, who usually live on the premises. It's natural to expect that B&B operators who live in their own B&B's will bring a different perspective to the job.
- At B&B's, "customers" are truly guests, and it shows. The B&B owners will gladly help you find the best restaurant in town, the best pubs, point you to the best tourist attractions and local amenities and much much more. Many B&B's depend on word-of-mouth recommendations.
Combine those two factors and it's easy to see why B&B owners go out of their way to make sure your stay provides some great memories of Ireland.
*B&B check-in is between 3:00pm and 6:00pm..
Day 6. Ireland B&B
From your B&B in Galway, make your way down south to County Clare, home to the rugged Cliffs of Moher. Encounter nature in its wildest, purest form as you drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonder.Â
On a clear day, you will be able to see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara as well as the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerr.Â
Day 7. Depart Ireland
Say goodbye to Ireland as you drive to Dublin airport. Drop off your rental car then transfer to your departure gate for your flight home.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection is controlled by the carrier(s), and may not be available on all flights. Baggage fees may apply; please check with carrier for specific policies.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.
Promo Code Offer Details: All promotions are subject to availability, valid for new bookings only, cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, voucher or any other offers, and are not redeemable for cash. Offers are available for phone bookings via our reservation agents as well as online. This promo code can be input online on the payment screen. The call center is open Monday through Friday 9AM – 9PM ET, Saturdays 10AM – 6PM ET. Discounts will apply only once per passenger and are not valid for airfare only, or any other products or services. If a flight reservation is changed or cancelled, the original fare basis rules apply (plus any increase in fare). Additional restrictions may apply.
Cancellations/Changes: Rates are non-refundable. Substantial restrictions apply for cancellation/change, and depend upon the package type. Trip protection is recommended.
Call 1-800-896-4600 or go to https://www.greatvaluevacations.com/travel/terms-and-conditions for full details on change/cancellation policy.
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.