The Green Isles – 17 Day Tour

The itinerary listed below is for the current season. Given the unpredictable nature of Ireland & Scotland’s weather, what we do each day might occasionally vary so that you have the best experience possible.

The itinerary listed below is for the current season. Given the unpredictable nature of Ireland’s weather, what we do each day might occasionally vary so did you have the best experience possible.

[/timeline_item]

Your adventure starts off in Edinburgh, Scotland’s hilly capital. Our direction is north west to Stirling Castle where we will take our first stop on our amazing adventure of Scotland.  

The castle is one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold for the Stewart kings and queens. Its dominating setting upon a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

Afterwards, we continue our journey north to Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. A perfect destination for the outdoor enthusiast and where we will our first night beneath the foothills of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. 

Today’s adventure takes us first to Steall Falls, a dramatic and beautiful route through Nevis Gorge, one of the best short walks in Scotland. 

From here, we take the road north-west towards the Isle of Skye, famous for its wild picturesque scenery that will take your breath away. The Island is 50 miles (80km) long, the largest of the Inner Hebrides and its capital is Portree where we will perch our feet up for two nights. The following day we will discover this magical island as we will explore its unique landscapes, wildlife, rich history and geological wonders.   

09:00 AM: Bus departure for Old Man of Storr

09:30 AM: Arrive and start hike 

11:30 AM: Bus departure for Duntulm Castle

12:30 PM: Explore Duntulm Castle and Picnic Lunch

13:30 PM: Bus departure for Neist Point Lighthouse 

15:00 PM: Arrive and explore Neist Point Lighthouse

16:30 PM: Bus departure for Portree

18:00 PM: Arrive in Portree Included:

• Isle of Skye Tour  
• Neist Point Lighthouse

• Budget – Hostel 
• Classic – Bed & Breakfast
• Luxury – Guesthouse/Hotel

• Sea Eagle Boat Tour 
• Sea kayaking 
• Raasay Distillery

• Explore the colourful town of Portree

10:00 AM: Bus departure for Fort Augustus

12:30 AM: Explore and lunch in Fort Augustus 

14:30 PM: Bus departure for Boleskine Burial Ground

15:00 PM: Boleskine Burial Ground

16:00 PM: Visit Loch Ness 

17:30 PM: Arrive in Inverness Included:

• Portree to Inverness Transfer
• Visit the town of Fort Augustus
• Boleskine Burial Ground
• Loch Ness

• Budget – Hostel 
• Classic – Bed & Breakfast
• Luxury – Guesthouse / Hotel

• Non- Applicable 

• Explore Fort Augustus and Inverness

This morning you have free time to explore the beautiful highland city of Inverness, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest. 

Then we take a short drive to Culloden which is a powerful moving site of the final Jacobite Rising – the last and most harrowing pitched battle to be fought on British soil. 

You have the opportunity to explore the interactive visitor centre, view fascinating artefacts from both sides of the confrontation, experience the battle in the immersive surround cinema and interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict. There is no escaping the emotions Culloden stirs up inside you as you discover how a bloody fight that lasted only an hour changed life in the Highlands forever.

Later that afternoon, we continue our journey south to the beautiful setting of Aviemore where you can rest your feet and treat yourself to a wholesome Scottish meal. 

Our adventure today brings us to the Cairngorms National Park, the largest national park on the British Isles which was established in 2003.   

Five of the UK’s six highest mountains lie inside the park, alongside 55 Munros – mountains over 3,000 ft – which can be found here too. There are huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls, more wildlife than you can imagine and where you can take a variety of walking routes or take a watersports adventure on Loch Morlich.

Later that afternoon, we make our way south towards the hilly capital of Scotland, Edinburgh where we will say our goodbyes as our spectacular tour comes to an end. We really hope you have had an amazing time exploring some of Ireland’s and Scotland’s most unique destinations and in your wee heart you will have memories that will last forever. 

p.s. If you have the time, take the opportunity to soak in Edinburgh’s vibrant colourful streets, sample its wide variety of food offerings or take a tour exploring its unique historical places of interest. 

This morning you have the opportunity to explore Edinburgh before that afternoon we take an afternoon flight to Dublin. 

Your adventure starts off in Dublin, Ireland’s capital also known as the Fair city. Our direction is south to Killarney and the Kingdom of Kerry. 

After a bite to eat in Killarney, you have the opportunity to explore Ross Island or take a mesmerizing kayak tour on the Lakes of Killarney that journeys around this unique setting, where you can kayak through limestone caves and journey around an incredible 15th Century castle. 

That evening, you can experience Killarney’s great food offerings, vibrant musical nightlife or take a stroll through its majestic national park. 

09:00 AM: Bus Departure for The Ring of Kerry

11:00 AM: Valentia Island Tour 

13:30 PM: Lunch in Portmagee

15:00 PM: Bus Departure for Killarney via The Ring of Kerry  

18:00 PM: Arrive in Killarney Included:

• Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island 

• Budget – Hostel 
• Classic – Bed & Breakfast

• Luxury – Guesthouse / Hotel 

• The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre – €5
• Valentia Island Cycling Tour – €25
• Skellig Eco Boat Tour* – €40
• Gaelic Roots – Trad Night – €25

* from April to September

• Explore the Ring of Kerry’s wild nature 
• Visit many quaint towns and villages
• Bray Head Walk

Dingle is our destination today, as we explore this dramatic and beautiful peninsula that is littered with archaeological and historical wonders. Our first stop off is at Inch beach, famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long and where we take a short stroll along its golden sands and watch long rolling waves that come crashing ashore.

Once aboard we head due west to the edge of Europe, also known as Slea Head. Feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches and the magnificent Blasket Islands. We continue our journey around this rich and vibrant peninsula exploring its vast Gaelic culture and learning a cupla focal (some words) in Irish along the way. We will also visit Dingle town, a picturesque fishing town that is famed for Fungi the dolphin who has been a local for almost 30 years, before making our return journey to Killarney.

Before departing for Doolin that afternoon, you have the opportunity to relax, discover Killarney town or take an adventure exploring Killarney’s National Park and Lakes. 

At 11 AM, we will venture through Killarney National Park visiting Ross Island and Muckross Park which is home to beautiful gardens and a 15th Century Franciscan Friary called Muckross Abbey. The Abbey is one of the major ecclesiastical sites found in the Killarney National Park. 

That afternoon after a bite to eat, we make our way north along the edge of Europe to the spectacular setting of the Cliffs of Moher, where we will overnight in the vibrant coastal village of Doolin and a chance for you to experience great traditional music sessions, fantastic seafood and of course meet the locals.  

This morning we will make our way to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. This ‘must see’ wonder of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, stretches for almost 10 KM and will capture your eyes and imagination as you gaze out in awe of its impressive setting. 

Take the opportunity to explore the fantastic interpretation centre that will show you how this marvelous creation was shaped by nature’s hand and learn about its unique geological makeup.

Afterwards, we will have lunch in the surf town of Lahinch before heading on a tour exploring the dramatic landscape and history of the wild Burren. Experience its unique ecosystem and the spectacular Poulnabrone wedge tomb, which dates back to the Neolithic period.

That evening, take the opportunity to sample Doolin’s famed culinary delights and lively atmosphere.

This morning, we will depart Doolin heading north towards Galway, the Bohemian capital of Ireland. Along the way explore the remarkable moon-like terrain of the wild Burren and the Atlantic waves that roll into the jaws of Galway Bay. 

Take the opportunity to soak in Galway’s vibrant bustling streets and quaint cafes offer you a relaxing atmosphere to rejuvenate your batteries before our next Wild Atlantic adventures. 

We jump from mainland Ireland to one of its most renowned islands, Inis Mór, meaning big island. It is the largest of three islands that make up the Aran Islands.

Once we arrive on its limestone shores, you can either explore the island by foot, bicycle or jaunting cart, in which you can experience the island’s magnificent landscape of rocky fields, wild Ocean views and incredible monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. Take in a visit to one of the most famous of them, Dún Aonghasa, which is a breath-taking fort that was built on a high cliff some 100 metres above sea level. 

That afternoon, we will make our way back to mainland Ireland before heading west to the colourful coastal town of Clifden, where you can sample its famous culinary delights and traditional music nights. 

Today’s adventure brings us to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. We will explore these majestic destinations, full of colourful scenery and wonderful history. 

In Connemara National Park, take the opportunity to hike to the top Diamond Hill before we head to Kylemore Abbey for a bite to eat and time to explore its incredible history and unique gardens.

Later that afternoon, we commence our journey northwards passing Killary harbour and secluded picturesque lakes that line our path to the colourful town of Westport. 

That evening, we will experience this vibrant town’s legendary musical talent and culinary exploits.  

You have the day to either relax, explore or take an adventure in picturesque Westport. It is famous for Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain and Clew Bay, which has an island for everyday of the year. 

Westport is rich in historical areas of interest and a great traditional music scene. Be sure to experience it!! 

In the morning, we depart the beautiful coastal setting of Westport and head east through the heartlands of Ireland towards Dublin’s fair city. 

As we meander through Ireland’s midlands, we will pass through quaint villages and lush green fields that dot this picturesque landscape before arriving at one of Ireland’s most unique and special locations, Newgrange. 

This magnificent Stone Age (Neolithic) monument is the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East and was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Take the opportunity to explore this unique monument before we head south to Dublin and our journey’s end, where we bid a fond farewell with happy memories that will last forever. Remember, Ireland is now your second home away from home!