Scotland & Ireland Private Tour

Local Time

Why You Should Go

Scotland is home to some of the most striking landscapes in the World! Ever-changing, from rolling hills and jagged mountain faces to white sandy beaches, it really has a sprinkling of everything. Explore the lands and many battlefields where control of this proud nation was fought over, and immerse yourself in the Middle Ages by visiting castles and the many other historic sites that still stand today.  With an abundance of great seafood, fresh local produce and whiskey you will be able to sufficiently refuel after tackling one of Scotland’s many hiking trails showcasing the natural beauty of the expansive landscape.

No land is more enchanting than Ireland. When you think of Ireland, it may conjure up images of green rolling hills, rugged seaside cliffs, and windswept rock formations. When you visit this Celtic country, you will be rewarded with all that and more! Ireland is a place to visit not only for its beauty and history, but because of its lively atmosphere. The Irish are known worldwide for their festive celebration, friendliness and traditions so be sure to visit a local pub for a pint of Guinness and take in the unique atmosphere. From storybook castles to magnificent gardens, wide open spaces to the bustle of international cities, breathtaking natural scenery to man made megalithic structures, Ireland welcomes you to explore ancient sites, traverse green fields and discover treasures.

This Scotland and Ireland private tour is an intriguing combination of exploring ancient history and being immersed in some of Europe’s most spectacular scenery.

Best Travel Time: Spring Summer Fall

*All of our comprehensive private tour itineraries are inclusive of all luxury accommodations, private guide/driver throughout, daily meals as specified, INTERNAL flights/rail /private transfers as needed, & all taxes/service fees.

calton hill, edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland

Sample Itinerary

10 Days

Each private luxury tour is custom to the wishes of each client. This itinerary is a sample. Partnering with our long-established relationship with United Airlines, our sister company, TRAVNET, may provide competitive Polaris/Business Class international airfare, along with mileage points conversion.

1

Day 1

Fly to Edinburgh
Through our sister company, premium air provider TRAVNET, we may assist with your international airfare, as well as with mileage points conversion.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle
2

Day 2

Arrive Edinburgh
Upon arrival in Edinburgh,  you will be privately transferred to the Balmoral, where the remainder of your day will be free to spend at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Balmoral, Edinburgh

The Balmoral Hotel, a historic building in Edinburgh – Scotland
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
3

Day 3

Edinburgh Private Tour
Your private touring will begin with the Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress that rests atop Castle Rock, which archaeologists have found to have been inhabited since the Iron Age of the 2nd-century. You will then continue to the Royal Mile, a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to St. Giles’ Cathedral, with Palace of Holyroodhouse at its foot.

In the afternoon there is an option the hike nearby Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano sitting 251m above sea level giving excellent panoramic views of the city and beyond.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Edinburgh and green hills in summer
Arthur's Seat Overlooking Edinburgh
4

Day 4

Private Transfer To The Highlands Including Stops
Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred from Edinburgh to the Highlands with the following stops on route: Dunkeld, Pitlochry, the scenic Pass of Killiecrankie and Blair Castle. You might enjoy the short detour to Loch Tummel where the Queen’s View is widely considered to be one of the loveliest panoramas in the country. You will also visit the Scottish Islands including the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Mull, where you may stop at a whiskey distillery. Upon arrival at Cameron House, the remainder of your day will be free to spend at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Cameron House

Queen’s View at Loch Tummel – Scotland, UK
Queen's View, Loch Tummel
5

Day 5

Highlands Private Tour
The county of Stirlingshire lies in the heart of Central Scotland and covers much of the upper valley of the River Forth. It can justifiably claim to be an area where Scotland’s destiny was forged as you discover today. Today you will visit historic sites such as Stirling Castle and, Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce finally expelled the English armies with a stunning military victory in 1314. Continue west to explore the Trossachs, a delightful scenic area of mountains, forests and lochs and marvel at the serenity of Loch Katrine, one of the most peaceful and isolated lochs in Scotland before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Cameron House

National Wallace Monument in Stirling in Scotland
Wallace Monument, Stirling
6

Day 6

Nevis Gorge Half-Day Hike
Among the many geological wonders you will see with your private guide today, the most notable will be the slopes of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Scotland; the 400-foot cascading Steall Waterfall; and Binnein Mòr, the highest peak in the Mamores mountain range.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Cameron House

Ring of Steall – Scotland
Ring of Steall, The Highlands, Scotland
7

Day 7

Fly Scotland/South West Ireland

Today you are transferred from your hotel to Edinburgh/Glasgow airport for your departure flight.

On arrival at Shannon airport you are welcomed to Ireland by your driver and transferred to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Dromoland Castle Estate

presidential_suite_livingroom
Brian Boru Presidential Suite, Dromoland Castle Estate
8

Day 8

South West Ireland Private Tour

This morning, meet your local hiking guide at the Torc Waterfalls for an extremely popular and scenic hike (up to 4 hours) to the summit of Torc mountain, which is 525 meters high and has amazing views of Killarney National Park, Killarney Lakes, Killarney town, Muckross house and Mcgillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland. The falls are one of the landmarks of the area and are encompassed in the Killarney National Park, where red deer are frequently seen and heard! Afterwards you will continue on to your new hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sheen Falls Lodge

Torc mountain overlooking the lakes of Killarney County Kerry Ireland
Torc Mountain, County Kerry, Ireland
9

Day 9

South West Ireland Private Tour
Explore the Ring of Kerry today, one of the best-loved coastal drives in Europe. The road follows the shoreline of the Iveragh Peninsula, passing some of the most beautiful mountain and moorland scenery in the whole of Ireland. To the south of Portmagee runs the Ring of Skellig, a quiet, scenic, though often steep, route around the most westerly point of the Iveragh Peninsula, via wild and exposed St Finian’s Bay. This is the unlikely home of the small but high-quality, family run Skelligs Chocolate Factory where you may wish to enjoy a sample or two and watch the chocolates being made in their ‘open plan’ production area. Your tour will take in the charming town of Kenmare, famous for its lace making, before you travel through the beautiful Molls Gap and Ladies View that offers breath-taking scenery all the way to Killarney’s National Park.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sheen Falls Lodge

Gorgeous landscape in Ireland
Ladies View, Killarney National Park, Ireland
10

Day 10

Private Transfer to Dublin
Following breakfast at your luxury resort, you will be privately transferred to Dublin.

Embark on a city adventure beginning with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland’s oldest university. Here you see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th-century. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Continue to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels’, who became Dean of St. Patrick’s in 1713.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Shelbourne Hotel

Dublin Ireland Trinity College
Trinity College Dublin
11

Day 11

Depart Dublin Airport + Fly Dublin/US.
Transfer to Dublin airport for your flight home. Ireland has a special relationship with the United States allowing travelers to pre-clear U.S Customs and Immigration in Dublin. Global Entry is also accepted. You will need to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight, but when you arrive home, you’ll simply collect your luggage and go!

Meals: Breakfast

View of Mellows Bridge in Dublin – Ireland
View of Mellows Bridge in Dublin

Though we have never been big fans of large 150-room hotels, we certainly make an exception with the 5-star, 188-room Balmoral. The best hotel location in all of Edinburgh (in the heart of the city at the east end of Princess Street), the property was completely renovated in 2012. Originally opened in 1902, the architecture is quintessentially Victorian. The rooms here are large, with the Deluxe Castle View Rooms being our favorite! Amenities include a five-room treatment spa, nice gym with weights, 50-foot indoor pool, and two restaurants.

The Balmoral, Edinburgh

View More Info >>

Though we have never been big fans of large 150-room hotels, we certainly make an exception with the 5-star, 188-room Balmoral. The best hotel location in all of Edinburgh (in the heart of the city at the east end of Princess Street), the property was completely renovated in 2012. Originally opened in 1902, the architecture is quintessentially Victorian. The rooms here are large, with the Deluxe Castle View Rooms being our favorite! Amenities include a five-room treatment spa, nice gym with weights, 50-foot indoor pool, and two restaurants.

Cameron House On Loch Lomond in Dunbartonshire, ScotlandCameron House is an iconic 17thcentury baronial hotel nestled on the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond. Set within 400 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, it is a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views over the great loch. A gateway to the Scottish Highlands, here, you are at the heart of the outstanding Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with access to the beauty of Glencoe and far beyond. Cameron House offers 140 bedrooms, including 24 suites as well as 115 self-catering lodges, cottages and apartments within its extensive grounds. Designed with the surrounding Trossachs in mind, each of the bedrooms feature Scottish artwork and the chance to take in the sweeping views of the grounds and shores of Loch Lomond. Cameron House has six restaurants and five bars with a choice of dining experiences and menus that reflect the seasonal availability of the finest fresh Scottish produce. The new Cameron Leisure Club includes an 18m swimming pool, a family pool complete with a waterslide, steam room, sauna and bubble pool. Fitness facilities include a new state-of-the-art gym, a new fitness studio and separate spin studio with large screens using the latest AV technology.

Cameron House

View More Info >>

Cameron House On Loch Lomond in Dunbartonshire, ScotlandCameron House is an iconic 17thcentury baronial hotel nestled on the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond. Set within 400 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, it is a tranquil retreat with breathtaking views over the great loch. A gateway to the Scottish Highlands, here, you are at the heart of the outstanding Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with access to the beauty of Glencoe and far beyond. Cameron House offers 140 bedrooms, including 24 suites as well as 115 self-catering lodges, cottages and apartments within its extensive grounds. Designed with the surrounding Trossachs in mind, each of the bedrooms feature Scottish artwork and the chance to take in the sweeping views of the grounds and shores of Loch Lomond. Cameron House has six restaurants and five bars with a choice of dining experiences and menus that reflect the seasonal availability of the finest fresh Scottish produce. The new Cameron Leisure Club includes an 18m swimming pool, a family pool complete with a waterslide, steam room, sauna and bubble pool. Fitness facilities include a new state-of-the-art gym, a new fitness studio and separate spin studio with large screens using the latest AV technology.

The 16th-century luxury Dromoland Castle was the ancestral home of the O’Briens of baronial Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1000 years to Brian Boru, the greatest of High Kings in Irish history.  With only 99 rooms, the 450-acre estate has been a big draw of recent clients, which includes a lovely lake (with nice walking trails), expansive grounds, and even a hidden garden(!) Though all the rooms are done in original period aesthetics, they have been refurbished with modern amenities and marble baths. All the deluxe rooms overlook the estate’s lake and gardens. Your two restaurant options include the fine dining “Earl of Thomond” and the more casual “Fig Tree” restaurant. Amenities include a health and fitness spa (with 56’ indoor pool), an 18 – hole championship golf course, and many other outdoor activities. Past clients have taken part in the archery, fishing, and clay-pigeon shooting options as well.

Dromoland Castle Estate

View More Info >>
The 16th-century luxury Dromoland Castle was the ancestral home of the O’Briens of baronial Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1000 years to Brian Boru, the greatest of High Kings in Irish history.  With only 99 rooms, the 450-acre estate has been a big draw of recent clients, which includes a lovely lake (with nice walking trails), expansive grounds, and even a hidden garden(!) Though all the rooms are done in original period aesthetics, they have been refurbished with modern amenities and marble baths. All the deluxe rooms overlook the estate’s lake and gardens. Your two restaurant options include the fine dining “Earl of Thomond” and the more casual “Fig Tree” restaurant. Amenities include a health and fitness spa (with 56’ indoor pool), an 18 – hole championship golf course, and many other outdoor activities. Past clients have taken part in the archery, fishing, and clay-pigeon shooting options as well.

This 5 star Relais & Chateau property is a gorgeous travel base in the southwest of Ireland. Set on a 300-acre estate looking over Kenmare Bay, the location is prime to explore such nearby sites as the Ring of Kerry, Beara Penninsula, and Killarney Lakes. The 18th-century estate belonged to the Marquess of Landsowne and officially opened as a hotel in 1991. When you’re not out exploring, you can enjoy the extensive wine cellar, have afternoon tea, or treat yourself to a cocktail at the bar. The 77 rooms and suites are extremely spacious (starting at 38 square meters) and some contain open fireplaces for guests to enjoy. Views from the room may overlook Kenmare Bay or the Sheen Waterfalls. Rooms are decorated in warm, inviting colors to match the natural surrounding landscapes and marble bathrooms with everything you need for a pleasant stay. There is a formal fine dining restaurant on-site called La Cascade, as well as a less formal option at the Restaurant Lounge. One of our favorite activities at Sheen Falls is a daily wine tasting offered to guests with the lodge’s sommelier in the wine cellar, it is truly a wine lover “must”!

Sheen Falls Lodge

View More Info >>

This 5 star Relais & Chateau property is a gorgeous travel base in the southwest of Ireland. Set on a 300-acre estate looking over Kenmare Bay, the location is prime to explore such nearby sites as the Ring of Kerry, Beara Penninsula, and Killarney Lakes. The 18th-century estate belonged to the Marquess of Landsowne and officially opened as a hotel in 1991. When you’re not out exploring, you can enjoy the extensive wine cellar, have afternoon tea, or treat yourself to a cocktail at the bar. The 77 rooms and suites are extremely spacious (starting at 38 square meters) and some contain open fireplaces for guests to enjoy. Views from the room may overlook Kenmare Bay or the Sheen Waterfalls. Rooms are decorated in warm, inviting colors to match the natural surrounding landscapes and marble bathrooms with everything you need for a pleasant stay. There is a formal fine dining restaurant on-site called La Cascade, as well as a less formal option at the Restaurant Lounge. One of our favorite activities at Sheen Falls is a daily wine tasting offered to guests with the lodge’s sommelier in the wine cellar, it is truly a wine lover “must”!

One of Dublin’s well-known luxury hotels, the Shelbourne Hotel was built in 1824 and has been a staple of the city ever since. With a prime location just in front of St. Stephen’s Green, the hotel offers a high-end experience from the start. As you enter, you are surrounded by an abundance of fresh and beautifully arranged flowers, giving the main lobby area a wonderful floral aroma. After check-in, head to one of the 265 rooms/suites, all of which are individually decorated. As a standard, all rooms have Egyptian cotton bedding, elegant marble bathrooms, and modern technologies such as WiFi, LED flat-screen televisions, and US compatible outlets. This historic hotel takes pride in its grand heritage and has kept a classic look while keeping up with modern luxuries and comforts. Wellness is an important focus here, with guests having access to a spa, salon, and fitness center. If looking for a delicious meal, there is no need to exit the building! The Shelbourne offers 6 restaurants, lounges, and bars and is sure to satisfy your needs or cravings. A personal favorite is the No. 27 Lounge Bar, which is just to the left of the main entrance. The bar takes you back to a classic period while offering a delicious and impressive array of drink options. Many locals come here to socialize and convene, so you’ll feel just like a local in the mix!

Shelbourne Hotel

View More Info >>

One of Dublin’s well-known luxury hotels, the Shelbourne Hotel was built in 1824 and has been a staple of the city ever since. With a prime location just in front of St. Stephen’s Green, the hotel offers a high-end experience from the start. As you enter, you are surrounded by an abundance of fresh and beautifully arranged flowers, giving the main lobby area a wonderful floral aroma. After check-in, head to one of the 265 rooms/suites, all of which are individually decorated. As a standard, all rooms have Egyptian cotton bedding, elegant marble bathrooms, and modern technologies such as WiFi, LED flat-screen televisions, and US compatible outlets. This historic hotel takes pride in its grand heritage and has kept a classic look while keeping up with modern luxuries and comforts. Wellness is an important focus here, with guests having access to a spa, salon, and fitness center. If looking for a delicious meal, there is no need to exit the building! The Shelbourne offers 6 restaurants, lounges, and bars and is sure to satisfy your needs or cravings. A personal favorite is the No. 27 Lounge Bar, which is just to the left of the main entrance. The bar takes you back to a classic period while offering a delicious and impressive array of drink options. Many locals come here to socialize and convene, so you’ll feel just like a local in the mix!

Request Custom Itinerary

1

Thank you for your interest in Kipling & Clark. We look forward to serving you!


Please note we specialize in global private luxury travel, including private guides and drivers throughout,

high-quality accommodations, inclusive of safari lodges and ryokans, in-country rail/air, and all taxes/service fees.


Dependent on destination and seasonality, our comprehensive private tour costs are upward of USD 5K-6K per couple per day.

                                         (312) 351-3121

                            rlynch@kiplingandclark.com



reCaptcha v3
keyboard_arrow_leftPrevious
Nextkeyboard_arrow_right

Location

Overview

Scotland
Population
5.4 Million
Language
English, Scots & Scottish Gaelic
Currency
Pound Sterling
Temperature
Highs: High 50’s
Lows: Low 40’s
Area
49,757 SQ KM
30,918 SQ MILES
Capital
Edinburgh
Ireland
Population
5 Million
Language
Irish & English
Currency
Euro
Temperature
Highs: Low 60’s
Lows: Low 40’s
Area
84,420 SQ KM
32,595 SQ MILES
Capital
Dublin

Similar Trips

Start Your Adventure