Best of Scotland and Ireland

Best of Scotland and Ireland

7 Views
9 Days From

$2201

$2003

Best of Scotland and Ireland

9 Days

Visiting: Arrive In Edinburgh, Scotland, Edinburgh, Edinburgh-St. Andrews-Pitlochry-Culloden Moor-Inverness-Highlands, Highlands-Fort William-Glasgow, Glasgow, Alloway, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dublin, Ireland, Europe

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

9020-2025

From: $2201 $2003 Operator discount: -$198

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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!

Places You'll See

Novotel Edinburgh Park

Ben Wyvis Hotel

Moxy Glasgow Merchant City

Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Clayton Leopardstown

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Edinburgh,Scotland

Location: Arrive In Edinburgh, Scotland

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.
ARRIVE IN EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND 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. (D)

Day 2: Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

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.
EDINBURGH 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. (B)

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

Location: Edinburgh-St. Andrews-Pitlochry-Culloden Moor-Inverness-Highlands

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
EDINBURGH-ST. ANDREWS-PITLOCHRY-CULLODEN MOOR-INVERNESS-HIGHLANDS 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 (B,D)

Day 4: Highlands-Fort William-Glasgow

Location: Highlands-Fort William-Glasgow

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
HIGHLANDS-FORT WILLIAM-GLASGOW 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 (B)

Day 5: Glasgow,Alloway,Belfast,Northern Ireland

Location: Glasgow, Alloway, Belfast, Northern Ireland

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
GLASGOW–ALLOWAY–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND 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 (B)

Day 6: Belfast

Location: 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.
BELFAST 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. (B)

Day 7: Belfast,Dublin,Ireland

Location: Belfast, Dublin, Ireland

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
BELFAST–DUBLIN, IRELAND 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 (B)

Day 8: Dublin

Location: Dublin

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.
DUBLIN 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. (B)

Day 9: Dublin

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
DUBLIN Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

UNESCO Sites

Forth Road 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

Check out our Q&As

  • 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

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

Trustpilot
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.

Trustpilot
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

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

Trustpilot

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Monday

May 11, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$2201 $2003

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

May 18, 2025 - May 26, 2025
$2227 $2030

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
$2953 $2755

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
$2531 $2333

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
$2531 $2333

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
$2531 $2333

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$2307 $2109

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$2227 $2030

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$2201 $2003

Operator discount: -$198

Sunday - Monday

May 10, 2026 - May 18, 2026
$2293 $2030

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

May 17, 2026 - May 25, 2026
$2346 $2082

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

May 24, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

May 31, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 15, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jun 21, 2026 - Jun 29, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 06, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 13, 2026
$2412 $2148

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 20, 2026
$2412 $2148

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jul 19, 2026 - Jul 27, 2026
$2412 $2148

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 03, 2026
$2412 $2148

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 10, 2026
$2412 $2148

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 17, 2026
$2676 $2412

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 24, 2026
$2676 $2412

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Aug 23, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026
$2676 $2412

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 07, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026
$2425 $2161

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026
$2346 $2082

Operator discount: -$264

Sunday - Monday

Sep 20, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026
$2293 $2030

Operator discount: -$264

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours