Compare Ireland, Scotland, & London by Under30Experiences vs Ireland, Scotland & England in 18 days - Emerald Isle, Highland Discovery & London - CHARM by Exoticca

Day 1: Arrival in Ireland & Howth Cliffs

We highly recommend booking pre-trip accommodations if you'd like to fully immerse yourself in Dublin's vibrant atmosphere.

Morning

• Arrive at the Dublin International Airport (DUB) before 7:00 am and take included transportation to Howth village with your fellow group travelers (~30 min drive).
• Start the day with a good Irish breakfast and go for an incredible cliff walk on the Bay of Dublin.
• Spend your first morning exploring the lighthouses, shops, and cafes of Howth. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to spot some seals!

Afternoon

• After lunch in Howth, travel to Kilkenny, an Irish medieval town famous for its castle and witch legends (apx. 2 hour drive).
• Go explore Kilkenny with your trip leader on a short walking tour before dinner.

Evening

• Have dinner in an Irish pub and spend the evening listening to live Irish music and dance.

Day 2: Kilkenny Cultural Experience

Morning

• Enjoy an Irish breakfast at your hotel/guesthouse.
• Take a city cycling tour with an Irish and learn about Kilkenny's history and legends.

Afternoon

• Explore Kilkenny and the surroundings with a wide range of optional activities.
• Suggestions: Play Hurling, Ireland's national sport with a professional; Climb to the top of St. Canice Cathedral and the Round Tower constructed in the year 1250 for a view of the city; experience the Smithwicks Brewery; or visit the Dunmore caves.

Evening

• Enjoy a delicious dinner in the historic Kilkenny.
• Optional night out and experience Ireland's unique river dancing at a local pub.

Day 3: Rock of Cashel & Galway

Morning

• Enjoy another full Irish breakfast right at your hotel/guesthouse.
• Depart early in the morning for your next adventure in Ireland at the famous Rock of Cashel (~1 hour drive).
• Spend the morning visiting the historic site, marveling at the Celtic art and experiencing the medieval architecture.

Afternoon

• Take a cross country drive to beautiful the west coast city of Galway (~2.5 hour drive)
• Arrive in Galway in the afternoon and take a walking tour of the city with your Trip Leader.

Evening

• Have dinner in a local Galway restaurant with your group.
• Optional night out in an Irish pub.

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher

Morning

• Enjoy breakfast right at your hotel/guesthouse.
• Travel to the Burren region and visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 390 ft above the Atlantic Ocean. (~2 hour drive)

Afternoon

• Spend the afternoon exploring the Cliffs of Moher and hiking around the surreal landscape.
• Learn more about how the Cliffs of Moher is a place of conservation and sustainability.

Evening

• Arrive back in lively Galway and immerse yourself in the live Irish music playing throughout the city.
• Have dinner in a restaurant in Galway and get ready for your next adventure in Dublin! (Not included)

Day 5: Explore Dublin

Morning

• Depart for Dublin, the famous capital of the Republic of Ireland, located on the east coast of the country. (~3 hour drive)
• Arrive at your hotel/guesthouse before lunch.

Afternoon

• Explore Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature.
• Make your own adventure in Dublin with the help of your Trip Leader.
• Suggestions: Trinity College, Guinness StoreHouse, Old Jameson Distillery, Book of Kells, St Stephen’s Green Park, Dublin Castle and much more.

Evening

• Enjoy your last dinner in Ireland with your new friends with a pint of Guinness! (Not included)

Day 6: Arrival in Scotland

Morning

• Take an included early morning flight to Scotland! (~1.5 hour flight)
• Arrive at Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) and take included transportation to breakfast near the Stirling Castle.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a beautiful drive to Glencoe, the scenic glen where Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was filmed. (~4 hour drive)
• Arrive at your guesthouse nestled in the breathtaking Scottish highlands and settle into your home base in Fort William.

Evening

• Enjoy dinner with the group at a local Scottish restaurant.
• Optional night out.

Day 7: Explore Glenflinnan & Hike the Lost Valley

Morning

• Have breakfast right at the guesthouse.
• Depart to Glenfinnan and hike to the viaduct 100 feet above the valley and enjoy the sweeping views the Highlands Region are so famous for.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a challenging but rewarding hike as you venture into the scenic and dramatic Lost Valley with our mountain guides (~3 hour hike).
• The terrain is rocky and steep. Good footwear and an active lifestyle is highly recommended!
• Learn the principles of 'Leave No Trace Hiking' with our Scottish mountain guide.

Evening

• Return back to your guesthouse in Fort William
• Enjoy dinner with the group at a local Scottish restaurant.
• Optional night out.

Day 8: Steall Falls Hike + Fort William

Morning

• Have breakfast right at the guesthouse.
• Experience the glory of Scotland’s second highest waterfall, Steall Falls. (~2 hour hike).
• The terrain is a clear, well-walked path but can be rocky and steep. Good footwear is highly recommended!

Afternoon

• Explore Fort William and opt for different optional activities:
• Suggestions: Visit the West Highland Museum; taste some Scottish whiskey at the Ben Nevis Distillery; take a walk to the Neptune Staircase or experience the UK's only mountain gondola to Nevis Range for a stunning view on the Scottish Highlands!

Evening

• Enjoy your last dinner in Fort William with the group.
• Optional night out.

Day 9: Explore Edinburgh

Morning

• Have breakfast and depart early for Edinburgh.

Afternoon

• Explore Edinburgh on an included walking tour with a local guide.
• Create your own adventure in the fairytale city
• Suggestions: Edinburgh Castle; Scott Monument, Museum of Scotland, Arthur’s Seat hike.

Evening

• Have dinner in Edinburgh with your group (not included).
• Optional night out.

Day 10: Edinburgh Immersion

Morning

• Another delicious Scottish breakfast in the heart of the country's capital.
• Begin an optional hike to Arthur’s Seat from your hotel.

Afternoon

• Visit Calton Hill for more views of this beautiful city.
• Grab lunch in the heart of Edinburgh.
• Head over to Deans Village after lunch for one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city.

Evening

• Have a final dinner in Scotland - don't forget to try Haggis!
• Enjoy a night out in Scotland.

Day 11: London

Morning

• Depart Edinburgh early in the morning on a direct train to London (~4 hour train ride).
• Arrive in London before lunch to begin your day in England.

Afternoon

• Spend your afternoon on a walking tour of the city to see sights.
• After you take in the sights, create your own adventure in London with a wide range of options.
• Suggestions: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace,The Globe Theater, Tower Bridge, local markets and more.

Evening

• Enjoy your last dinner in the UK with your new friends and experience the nightlife of London.

Day 12: Relaxation & Departure

Morning

• Depart at any point during the day to the airport.
• Your Trip Leaders can provide information on trains, taxis, buses and Uber to get you there.
• If you plan to spend extra time in the city let your Trip Leaders know and they will provide recommendations.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Dublin, the Irish capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Dublin

Arrive at Dublin airport, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Once settled, spend the rest of the day exploring the Irish capital at your leisure. Why not take a stroll along the banks of the River Liffey to admire the city's diverse architecture or head straight to the vibrant Temple Bar area to enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Dublin's best pubs and eateries. A number of venues in the area hold regular live music performances so be sure to catch one of these for an unforgettable start to your journey through Ireland. Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 3: Dublin

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour of Dublin. Explore the most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this wonderful capital. Pass by famous Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and whose library is home to the legendary Book of Kells. Continue to the Temple Bar area, the cultural center of Dublin and home to colorful pubs which host live Irish music and dance performances. Learn the legend of the Ha’Penny Bridge over the River Liffey and stroll past Dublin Castle, the seat of British Rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Continue past Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland's largest church and named after the beloved patron Saint of Ireland. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy your last moments in Dublin at your leisure. Why not pay a visit to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, or the famous Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the "black stuff". Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 4: Dublin - Athlone - Galway

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind today as you travel to the town of Athlone, which sits on the River Shannon in the center of the county. Take a panoramic tour of Athlone to see its impressive 13th-century castle and historic streets. After some time at your leisure, continue to Galway a port city on Ireland’s west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the city center, learn about its history and explore Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs, many of which still offer traditional Irish folk music shows. Overnight stay in Galway.

Day 5: Galway - Connemara - Galway

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart towards Connemara National Park, a beautiful cultural region, situated in County Galway. Connemara is known for its strong connection to traditional Irish culture and immaculate landscapes. Admire the rolling countryside, home to wild Connemara ponies. After a day of exploring the rich landscapes of rural Ireland, return to your hotel in Galway and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Galway.

Day 6: Galway - Limerick - Killarney

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover one of the most iconic landscapes in Ireland: the stunning Cliffs of Moher! Stretching along the coastline for around 14-kilometers, these dramatic sea cliffs overlook the wild waters of the Atlantic. Set off towards Country Kerry, stopping along the way in Limerick, one of the oldest and most important cities in Ireland, dating back to the 12th-century. Afterwards, continue to the southwest of Ireland and into County Kerry, home to the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kerry.

Day 7: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - County Cork

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Ring of Kerry today, an area of immense natural beauty, glistening lakes and dramatic coastlines, home to incredible beaches and charming seaside villages. In the afternoon, head towards Cork, known as the culinary capital of Ireland and famed for its fantastic food market. It's also home to brilliant museums and art galleries and the legendary Shandon Bells. Overnight stay in County Cork.

Day 8: Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the journey back to Dublin, stopping along the way at the medieval town of Kilkenny with its cobblestoned streets and imposing St. Canices Cathedral. After some time at your leisure, continue towards the capital. Arrive in Dublin and enjoy the evening at your leisure, hitting the bars or revisiting your favorite sights. Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 9: Dublin - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure.

Day 10: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 11: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 12: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.

Day 13: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore

Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.

Day 15: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 16: Edinburgh - London

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the Waverly Station to take the train to London. Arrive in London and self-transfer* to the hotel. London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London has been an important human settlement since it was founded by the Romans originally named Londinium almost two millennia ago. London is a global city, one of the nerve centers in the arts, commerce, education, maintenance, fashion, finance, media, research, tourism and transport. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in London. *you will have the possibility to add a transfer from the train station to your hotel in the next step of the booking process.

Day 17: London

Breakfast at the hotel. See London from a different perspective today, with a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames! Take in the views of several of the capital's most emblematic riverside landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Southbank and the London Eye and enjoy the fully-stocked bar to buy drinks and snacks as you listen to the entertaining onboard commentary! Afternoon free to enjoy the capital at your leisure. Overnight stay in London.

Day 18: London

Breakfast at the hotel. A free day to continue exploring the wonderful city of London at your leisure! Trend-setting visitors might enjoy a stroll through Shoreditch, home to art galleries, urban culture and unique boutique shops and eateries. On the other hand, Notting Hill is a must-visit, home to pretty pastel-coloured houses and antique shops. Art lovers will relish a visit to the Tate Modern whilst history buffs cannot miss out on a tour of the Tower of London! Overnight stay in London.

Day 19: London - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight*** back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add a transfer from your hotel to the airport in the next step of the booking process. Please contact our customer service if you require a transfer from an airport other than LGW or LHR. *** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 20 days.