16-Day Scotland & Ireland Stay & Explore Tour Itinerary

Experience the majestic landscapes of Scotland and the rich culture of Ireland with our Stay & Explore travel style. Enjoy immersive sightseeing, historic landmarks, and scenic drives, all while staying in central locations for comfort and convenience.

DAY 1, Tuesday – Depart for Scotland

Begin your journey with your flight to Scotland, ready to explore its dramatic landscapes and vibrant cities.

DAY 2, Wednesday – Arrive in Glasgow

Arrive in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, renowned for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy leisure time before your evening orientation with the Tour Manager at 6 PM.
Overnight: Glasgow

DAY 3, Thursday – Glasgow Walking Tour & Kelvingrove Museum

Take a guided walking tour of Glasgow, visiting George Square with its impressive statues and monuments, and the Glasgow Cathedral, a masterpiece of 12th-century Gothic architecture. Explore the Kelvingrove Museum, home to over 8,000 works, including Van Gogh and Rembrandt masterpieces, natural history exhibits, and Scottish heritage collections.
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday – Loch Lomond, The Highlands & Glencoe

Travel through the Trossachs National Park to Loch Lomond, a site of breathtaking beauty. Continue into the Scottish Highlands, stopping at scenic viewpoints and visiting Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most iconic glens, rich in natural beauty and historical significance. Return to Glasgow in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday – Edinburgh City Tour & Edinburgh Castle

Journey to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Explore historic Edinburgh including the Scottish Parliament, Royal Mile, Georgian New Town, and Princes Street. Visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, featuring the Crown Room (closed for refurbishment Jan–Apr 2026) and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Return to Glasgow for the evening.
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday – Glasgow Leisure or Optional Stirling Castle & Whisky Distillery

Spend the day at leisure in Glasgow or join the optional tour to Stirling Castle, a former royal residence, and view the Wallace Monument. Conclude with a visit to a whisky distillery to learn about the traditional process and enjoy a tasting of fine Scotch whiskies.
Optional: Stirling Castle & Whisky Distillery with Tasting
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday – Glasgow Leisure or Optional Southwest Coast & Countryside

Enjoy a free day in Glasgow or explore southwest Scotland on the optional tour. Visit Culzean Castle & Country Park, perched on cliffs overlooking the Firth of Clyde, and experience life on a traditional Scottish farm with Highland cattle and sheep. Return to Glasgow in the late afternoon.
Optional: Full Day Southwest Coast & Countryside (April–October)
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday – Glasgow Leisure or Optional Mackintosh House with Afternoon Tea

Spend your last day in Glasgow at leisure or enjoy the optional Mackintosh House with Afternoon Tea. Explore the recreated interiors honoring Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald, pioneers of Art Nouveau, and enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the restored 1903 tearoom. Conclude with a farewell dinner with your Tour Manager.
Optional: Mackintosh House with Afternoon Tea
Overnight: Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday – Flight to Dublin

Fly from Glasgow to Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital on the Liffey River. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy leisure time. Evening orientation with your Irish Tour Manager at 6 PM.
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Thursday – Dublin City Tour, Guinness Storehouse, Optional Dinner at Taylors Three Rock

Take a panoramic tour of Dublin, including Phoenix Park, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and tour the Guinness Storehouse, ending with a pint at the Gravity Bar. Optional: Traditional Irish dinner with music and dance at Taylors Three Rock.
Optional: Dinner at Taylors Three Rock
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Friday – Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

Visit Bunratty Castle, a 15th-century medieval fortress, followed by the Folk Park, an open-air museum depicting 19th-century Irish life. Continue to Dingle for your overnight stay.
Overnight: Dingle
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Saturday – Slea Head Drive, Blasket Islands Center, Dingle Distillery

Drive the scenic Slea Head Loop on the Dingle Peninsula, offering spectacular views of the Blasket and Skellig Islands. Visit the Blasket Islands Center, then enjoy a guided tour and tasting at Dingle Distillery. Afternoon free to explore.
Overnight: Dingle
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Sunday – Full Day in Dingle or Optional Gap of Dunloe Tour

Spend the day at leisure in Dingle or join the optional Gap of Dunloe with Jaunting Cars & Boat Ride, exploring valleys, lakes, and mountains by horse-drawn carriage and boat.
Optional: Gap of Dunloe with Jaunting Cars & Boat Ride
Overnight: Dingle
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Monday – Full Day in Dingle or Optional Ring of Kerry with Lunch

Enjoy Dingle at your own pace or join the Ring of Kerry tour, driving through Killarney National Park, scenic villages, and coastal panoramas. Stop at a local inn for lunch before returning for dinner.
Optional: Ring of Kerry with Lunch
Overnight: Dingle
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Tuesday – King John’s Castle, Return to Dublin

Travel back to Dublin, stopping in Limerick to visit King John’s Castle, a 13th-century Norman fortress with panoramic views and interactive exhibits. Arrive in Dublin for leisure time.
Overnight: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16, Wednesday – Depart Ireland

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast

Stay & Explore Package Includes:

• 14 nights accommodations: 7 nights Glasgow, 3 nights Dublin, 4 nights Dingle

• 16 meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 dinners

• Sightseeing in modern air-conditioned motorcoach

• Services of 2 English-speaking Tour Managers

• Local guides, porterage, hotel taxes & fees

• Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

• Flights: New York–Glasgow, Dublin–New York

• Optional tours available for upgrades

Special Features & Highlights:

• Walking tour of Glasgow, Victorian & Art Nouveau architecture

• Explore Kelvingrove Museum, over 8,000 works including Van Gogh

• Travel through Loch Lomond, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands

• Edinburgh City Tour & Edinburgh Castle

• Panoramic Dublin City Tour & Guinness Storehouse

• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

• Scenic Slea Head Drive and Dingle Distillery tasting

• Optional excursions: Stirling Castle & Whisky Tasting, Mackintosh House, Gap of Dunloe, Ring of Kerry