Scotland & Ireland Great Rail Journey 2020 Earlybird Sale
Scotland & Ireland Great Rail Journey
EDINBURGH TO DUBLIN
13 Days from $5,995 AUD pp
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
The Jacobite Steam Train
Cross the Highlands on the scenic Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express from the Harry Potter films.
Explore the Giant's Causeway
Spend time at Giant's Causeway, classified as an Area of Outstanding Beauty, on Northern Ireland's spectacular coast.
Dinner at Merry Ploughboys
Enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at the famous Merry Ploughboys, a Dublin institution.
Insider Experiences
DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR OUR GUESTS
Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
Trip Notes
Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Porterage is not included on ferry between Cairnryan and Belfast
Prices are for land/rail only; Flights not included
Arrive Edinburgh
Your journey begins today with your arrival in Scotland's history-filled capital, Edinburgh. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel where you will meet your Tour Escort and fellow travellers during Welcome Drinks.
Stay: Edinburgh, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Daily : Dinner
Edinburgh, Inverness, Drumossie
This morning after breakfast, take a short walk to nearby Waverley Station and board your train bound for Inverness. Upon arrival, a coach will be waiting to take you to the Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and whisky tasting. You will learn about how whisky is made, and the different methods of keeping the liquor in specific wood barrels. Maybe even ask about the ‘angel’s share’ if you’re curious! Afterwards, return to Inverness and check in to your hotel. Divided across eight Victorian residences, this hotel is an authentic place to spend your time during your stay.
Stay: Two Nights, Inverness, Glen Mhor Hotel
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Inverness, Kyle Line, Eilean Donan Castle
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Today, enjoy one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in Europe, the Kyle Line. Enjoy countless photo opportunities as you wind through wooded hillsides and over sparse moors, climbing over the highlands and past charming loch-side and seaside towns.
During the final part of the journey along the Kyle Line, pass the picturesque white-washed houses in the village of Plockton. Arrive at Kyle of Lochalsh, the end of the line, located across a short stretch of water from the Isle of Skye. Enjoy a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a tiny island in Loch Duich, joined to the mainland by a small bridge. The island was part of Clan Macrae’s territory and in the 13th century they built Eilean Donan Castle, which was initially designed to defend the clan’s land from invading Vikings but which actually saw more battles between the warring Scottish clans. Later, return by coach to your hotel.
Daily : Breakfast
Fort William, Jacobite Steam Train
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel to Mallaig with a stop at the Glenfinnen Monument.
Travel to Mallaig where you will enjoy lunch and free time before boarding the Jacobite Steam Train. A magical experience, it’s no wonder this train was featured as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. After arriving in Fort William, a coach will transfer you to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Stay: Fort William area, Cruachan Hotel
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
West Highland Line, Glasgow
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Travel one of the world's most incredible railway lines, the West Highland Line. The route descends from craggy mountains, crosses the wild Rannoch Moor and skirts the western banks of Loch Lomond.
After breakfast, transfer to the station. Arrive into Glasgow and take a short walk from the station to your hotel.
Stay: Glasgow, Indigo Hotel
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Glasgow to Belfast
After breakfast transfer to Cairnryan to board your ferry to Belfast. Upon arrival enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour before transferring to your hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Carrickfergus, Ballycastle, Giant's Causeway
Today you will set off on a full day excursion exploring Northern Island's spectacular coasts, castles and countryside. Visit Carrickfergus Castle which remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland. Continue to Ballycastle, a small town on the north-easternmost coastal tip, classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Giant's Causeway was formed by about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption and is an incredible sight to see. Enjoy free time exploring here before returning to Belfast.
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Belfast To Cork
This morning after breakfast, a coach will take you on an excursion to Hillsborough Castle. Later, transfer to Dublin station to board a train and travel through Ireland’s lush rolling countryside to the historic town of Cork.
Stay: Cork, Maldron Hotel
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Cork, Kinsale, Killarney
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
After dinner, you’ll be whisked away to the Celtic Steps Show for an enthralling evening of Irish music and dance.
Today we visit Blarney Castle - one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Legend has it that a kiss of the Blarney Stone will bless you with the gift of the gab, so give it a peck if you dare! Continue to Kinsale, where some leisure time allows you to explore the streets that wind down towards the harbour, admiring the colourful houses and quaint shops. Later continue to Killarney and check in to your hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, Killarney, Killarney Heights Hotel
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Ross Castle, Ring Of Kerry
This morning enjoy a scenic drive around the beautiful Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. Also visit the Kerry Bog Village Museum. This afternoon, a special treat is in store with a 'Jaunting Cars' carriage ride to nearby Ross Castle, where you will have time to explore before returning to your hotel.
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Cliffs Of Moher, Galway
This morning after breakfast a coach will take you to Tarbet for a ferry crossing to Killimer in County Clare. Journey to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher where you can enjoy some time at leisure. Continue along the coastline of County Clare, crossing the karst scenery of the Burren. Enjoy a visit to the Burren Visitor Centre where you will learn about the origins of this incredible landscape. Enjoy a delicious dinner this evening.
Stay: Galway, Oranmore Lodge Hotel
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Galway, Dublin
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at the famous Merry Ploughboys, a Dublin institution.
Enjoy a morning at leisure before being transferred to Galway Station to board your train bound for Dublin. Upon arrival be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon.
Stay: Dublin, North Star Hotel
Daily : Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Dublin
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Daily : Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- 12 nights in premium accommodation
- Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and expert local guides
- 22 meals - Enjoy 12 breakfasts and 10 dinners
- Airport transfers and tipping