Insight > Best of Ireland and Scotland

Best of Ireland and Scotland
15 Days starting from $3,025

Countries Visited:
Ireland, Scotland

 

Length: 15 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Britain and Ireland
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: B935
   
 
About This Tour


This well paced tour has two-night stays in Dublin, Killarney, the Highlands and Edinburgh. The driving days are of a reasonable length; frequent stops provide ample photo opportunities.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 15

Quality Dining

  • Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
  • 13 full Breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

15 Days ~ Ireland ~ Scotland

Tour Pace
This well paced tour has two-night stays in Dublin, Killarney, the Highlands and Edinburgh. The driving days are of a reasonable length; frequent stops provide ample – and splendid – photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.

DAY 2 – SUN – ARRIVE DUBLIN
Welcome to Ireland! There are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel, with the rest of the day yours to relax. Perhaps stroll around the shops of Grafton Street? In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a Welcome Drink.   
Hotel: Jurys Croke Park.

DAY 3 – MON – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour of Dublin includes the elegant squares of Ireland’s ‘fair city’ and a visit to the impressive Dublin Castle (when open). See also famous O’Connell Street and the historic Customs House, one of architect James Gandon’s masterpieces. As evening falls, there is time for shopping and the chance to see an Irish Cabaret show. (B)

DAY 4 – TUE – DUBLIN – WATERFORD
Drive to Kildare to visit Ireland’s National Stud, one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Visit the Japanese Gardens, laid out by Eida, a Japanese landscape artist invited to Ireland at the turn of last century. Continue to the beautiful coastal town of Waterford to see the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the ruined city walls before visiting the famous Waterford Crystal Showroom.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B,D)

DAY 5 – WED – WATERFORD – KILLARNEY
Take the coastal road to the fishing village of Dungarvan, passing ruined castles and ancient abbeys along the way. Drive to Ireland’s second city of Cork for an orientation tour, before stopping at Blarney Castle, where you can dangle from the ramparts to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. There is also time to visit the beautiful display of Waterford Crystal at the Blarney Mills. Continue through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to peaceful Killarney. Climb aboard one of the famous jaunting cars where a local ‘jarvie’ will take you on a highlight ride through the streets.
Hotel: Killarney Avenue & Towers. (B,D)

DAY 6 – THU – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
A highlight Ring of Kerry tour opens up superb seascapes, towering cliffs and spectacular mountains. Unhurried Irish life surrounds you as you travel through charming villages to view the three Lakes of Killarney before spending an afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 7 – FRI – KILLARNEY – LIMERICK
Journey through picturesque Adare to Limerick, on the shores of the Shannon, Ireland's longest river and the setting of Angela’s Ashes. Sightseeing takes in the ruins of 13th century King John's castle and St Mary's Cathedral.
Hotel: George. (B,D)

DAY 8 – SAT – LIMERICK – BUNDORAN
Visit Galway to see the Cathedral of St Nicholas, (where Columbus reputedly heard Mass before sailing for America), the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late President Kennedy. Now drive out to Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. End the day in the seaside resort of Bundoran.
Hotel: Great Northern. (B,D)

DAY 9 – SUN – BUNDORAN – BALLYGALLY
Visit the famous Belleek Pottery Centre en route to see Donegal’s ruined O’Donnell’s Castle and the Friary. Pass the Blue Stack Mountains on your way to Londonderry. Join a local guide to see Derry’s walls which were built around the city in 1614. Continue around the coast to the the UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway. A spectacular drive along the Antrim coast road, brings you to your hotel which faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay.
Hotel: Ballygally Castle. (B,D)

DAY 10 – MON – BALLYGALLY – GLASGOW
At the port of Larne, take a ferry to Scotland before driving the Ayrshire coastal drive, taking in magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde and the Island of Arran along the way. Pass the Open golf links of Turnberry before arriving in Alloway, where you will visit Robert Burns’ birthplace and see Burns’ Monument and the famous ‘Brig O’ Doon’. Spend the night in vibrant Glasgow.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (B)

DAY 11 – TUE – GLASGOW – HIGHLANDS
It’s only a short drive from Glasgow to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where you will enjoy a guided cruise on this beautiful loch. Cross Rannoch Moor to Glencoe’s ‘Valley of the Weeping’ before reaching Fort William. We pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and pause at the Commandos’ Memorial before continuing to Newtonmore.
Hotel: Highlander. (B,D)

DAY 12 – WED – HIGHLAND EXCURSION
Stop at the prehistoric Clava Stone Circle before crossing Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was defeated. Then it’s on to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and mysterious Loch Ness. Does the ‘monster’ Nessie exist? A wee dram at a Highland distillery afterwards might solve the question once and for all. Relax with another night in the Highlands. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis and traditional Scottish entertainment. (B,HD)

DAY 13 – THU – HIGHLANDS – EDINBURGH
Drive south into the farmlands of Perthshire. Stop to visit the Caithness Glass Factory before crossing the beautiful River Tay at the city of Dundee. Visit St Andrews, the famous home of golf, then cross the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
Hotel: Apex City. (B)

DAY 14 – FRI – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour visits Edinburgh Castle, its fortified walls affording splendid views across Princes Street to the 18th century New Town. Pass St Giles’ Cathedral, as you drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace. Later, there is time to shop in Princes Street. Selected departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at the castle. (B)

DAY 15 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Edinburgh Airport. (B)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/13/2008 - 9/27/2008
$3,075
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9/20/2008 - 10/4/2008
$3,075
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9/27/2008 - 10/11/2008
$3,025
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10/4/2008 - 10/18/2008
$3,025
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4/18/2009 - 5/2/2009
$3,225
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4/25/2009 - 5/9/2009
$3,250
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5/2/2009 - 5/16/2009
$3,299
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5/9/2009 - 5/23/2009
$3,325
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5/16/2009 - 5/30/2009
$3,325
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5/23/2009 - 6/6/2009
$3,325
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5/30/2009 - 6/13/2009
$3,325
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6/6/2009 - 6/20/2009
$3,325
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6/13/2009 - 6/27/2009
$3,325
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6/20/2009 - 7/4/2009
$3,325
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6/27/2009 - 7/11/2009
$3,325
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7/4/2009 - 7/18/2009
$3,325
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7/11/2009 - 7/25/2009
$3,325
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7/18/2009 - 8/1/2009
$3,425
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7/25/2009 - 8/8/2009
$3,450
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8/1/2009 - 8/15/2009
$3,450
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8/8/2009 - 8/22/2009
$3,450
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8/15/2009 - 8/29/2009
$3,475
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8/22/2009 - 9/5/2009
$3,325
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8/29/2009 - 9/12/2009
$3,325
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9/5/2009 - 9/19/2009
$3,325
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9/12/2009 - 9/26/2009
$3,325
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9/19/2009 - 10/3/2009
$3,325
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9/26/2009 - 10/10/2009
$3,275
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10/3/2009 - 10/17/2009
$3,275
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Hotels
Modern hotels of note are the George in Limerick, Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza and Jurys Croke Park in Dublin. Also featured are the traditional Ballygally Castle, the simple style of the Highlander, and the family run Dooleys in Waterford.

Fellow Passengers
This tour appeals to seasoned travelers who want to concentrate on Scotland and Ireland, as well as first-timers who wants to trace their family history while taking in the glorious scenery of both countries.

Highlights
The jaunting cars in Killarney, the ‘fair city’ of Dublin and just the ‘lilt’ of Irish voices are all favorites, along with the serenity of the cruise on Loch Lomond and the fun of a Highland evening complete with haggis and bagpipes.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sightseeing
  • See the Customs House & O’Connell Street in Dublin
  • See the old city walls, Reginald’s Tower & visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom
  • Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the stone
  • See picturesque Adare
  • See King John’s Castle & St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick
  • See the Cathedral, Spanish Arch & Eyre Square in Galway
  • Visit Belleek Pottery CentreSee O’Donnell’s Castle in Donegal
  • See ‘Derry’s Walls’ Visit Robert Burns’ birthplace
  • Drive through Glencoe
  • See the Commandos’ Memorial
  • See Ben Nevis
  • Cross Culloden Battlefield
  • See the prehistoric Clava StonesVisit Inverness
  • Look for the monster at Loch Ness
  • Visit a Whisky Distillery
  • Visit the Caithness Glass Factory
  • Visit St Andrews, home of golf
  • Drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
  • Scenic drives – Blue Stack Mountains, Connemara, Antrim Coast, Ayrshire Coast, Highlands

City Sightseeing Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours in Dublin, Londonderry & Edinburgh
  • Orientation tours in Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Donegal, Glasgow, Fort William & Inverness

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
  • Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 15

Quality Dining

  • Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
  • 13 full Breakfasts (B) and 6 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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