Guided Tours of Ireland and Scotland
On one of these small group or privately guided tours of Ireland and Scotland, explore with knowledgeable local guides by your side. Mighty castles, heather-carpeted hills and sweeping coastlines await you. Your tour package includes the services of expert guides, plus accommodation, local transport and 24/7 support.
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Book With ConfidencePlan your travels with peace of mind
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Trusted travel expertsProfessional service from local experts
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Great reviewsWe are proud of our reviews and customer satisfaction
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Personal travel experiencesSmall group tours have a maximum of just 15 guests
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Flexible tour optionsTailor your trip to fit your needs
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You are in good handsWith our 24/7 helpline, support is close by
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Full financial protectionYour payments are protected with financial safety as standard
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Handpicked hotelsStay in carefully selected accommodation on your tour
Ireland and Scotland Combination Tours
Make everlasting memories in these famously welcoming Celtic nations when you join a small group or private guided tour package. You’ll discover breathtaking scenery in Ireland and Scotland, and have unforgettable cultural encounters along the way.
Classic Scotland & Ireland - Private
8418GBP
8028GBP
Eur
Wonders of Scotland & Ireland
Ultimate Celtic Adventure
5855GBP
5455GBP
Eur
Scotland
Learn about the country’s past from your local guide as you tour Scotland’s historical haunts. Spend time in Edinburgh then venture to the rugged Highlands, where you’ll roam through wild landscapes peppered with castles.
Highlights of Scotland
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Isle of Skye
4514GBP
4316GBP
Eur
Wonders of Scotland
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Isle of Skye
2870GBP
2672GBP
Eur
Wonders of Scotland & Ireland
Ultimate Celtic Adventure
5855GBP
5455GBP
Eur
Scenic Scotland Express - Private
2260GBP
Eur
Ireland
Get the inside scoop on Ireland’s rich traditions by travelling with an expert guide. You could sample the local whiskey, listen to Irish music and soak up postcard-perfect scenery. Wherever you go, expect a warm welcome.
Wonders of Ireland
Cliffs of Moher & the Ring of Kerry
3995EUR
3630EUR
Eur
Highlights of Ireland
4486EUR
4031EUR
Eur
Express Ireland - Private
4370EUR
Eur
Scenic Ireland Express - Private
2735EUR
Eur
Need any help so far?
Talk with our local experts
See contact choicesAbout Your Guided Tour of Ireland and Scotland
When it comes to nature you can expect awe-inspiring diversity in Ireland and Scotland. But you’ll also find these Celtic neighbours are bursting with centuries of history and folklore. Experience the best of it all on a small group or private tour, organised by your dedicated travel consultant.
When you book one of these guided Ireland and Scotland tour packages with Nordic Visitor, you get:
• An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency
• An Edinburgh-based travel consultant to arrange your trip
• A detailed personal itinerary with all of your bookings
• The services of a professional English-speaking guide in each country
• Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay
• Included local transport and flight between Ireland and Scotland organised for you
• 24/7 phone support for peace of mind
It’s easy to start planning your guided getaway with Nordic Visitor. Simply follow these steps:
1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip
Why choose Nordic Visitor
Book With Confidence
Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our Cancellation Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.
Trusted travel experts
Nordic Visitor has been creating authentic travel experiences in Northern Europe since 2002. With all of this knowledge to draw on, you can be sure that you’ll have a memorable getaway – for all the right reasons. Your Edinburgh-based travel expert will use their insider insight to plan your dream trip.
Great reviews
Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.
Personal travel experiences
Choose a Nordic Visitor small group package and you can forget about large, impersonal coach tours. You’ll have a dedicated driver, and your group will be capped at 15 guests. So you’ll benefit from more of your guide’s expert knowledge. And you and your fellow travellers will enjoy more time at each stop.
Flexible tour options
These tours showcase the very best of Ireland and Scotland. But you can make your itinerary your own online by customising a package with extra nights and handpicked excursions. If you'd like to personalise your itinerary further, be sure to ask your dedicated travel consultant.
You are in good hands
Should anything unforeseen happen on your trip, you can relax knowing that support is just a call away. Contact our 24/7 helpline to speak to a travel expert who’ll handle any unexpected situations for you. And, if needed, they’ll take care of rearranging your accommodation or activities.
Full financial protection
With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.
Handpicked hotels
We have handpicked every accommodation on your trip, so checking in feels like arriving at a new home from home. Not only that, but we have quality-tested each one to ensure you’ll have a peaceful stay. Plus, on private tours, you can choose the level of accommodation that works best for you.
Ireland and Scotland Vacation Reviews
Find out why our amazing guests loved exploring Ireland and Scotland.
WilliamUnited States
We had a wonderful time touring Scotland. Our guide was fabulous; knowledgeable and witty (and a good driver over... read more
We had a wonderful time touring Scotland. Our guide was fabulous; knowledgeable and witty (and a good driver over "dodgy" roads). Also enjoyed tales from Brian our second guide. Overnight accommodation were first rate, food was varied and delicious. Enjoyed the remoteness of several places, hotel downtown Inverness not so much.
DeborahUnited States
We booked our tour of Scotland with Nordic Visitor based on a past experience on a tour in Iceland. We loved both of... read more
We booked our tour of Scotland with Nordic Visitor based on a past experience on a tour in Iceland. We loved both of them. The itinerary was well planned and covered a lot of different parts of the country. Guides were well informed and lots of fun. Our hotels were top-notch. Going on a small group tour was much better than trying to do the drive ourselves. We could relax and enjoy the scenery, something we could not have done if we had to concentrate on driving.
Certificate of Excellence
Highlights of Guided Trips to Ireland and Scotland
Imagine experiencing Celtic traditions and admiring rolling green hills on a Scottish and Irish escape. Travel with an expert guide and soon you could…
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Wander the tangle of cobbled streets around Edinburgh Castle in the Scottish capital
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Roam the Scottish Highlands and visit iconic fortresses, like Eilean Donan Castle
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Marvel at jagged ridges and rocky spires on the jaw-dropping Isle of Skye
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Head for the shores of Loch Ness, where the untamed landscape feeds a famous myth
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Enjoy Irish hospitality and live folk music in Ireland’s bustling capital, Dublin
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Uncover centuries of literary heritage at Dublin’s Trinity College, home to the Book of Kells
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Explore Ireland’s wild west coast and become spellbound by the lofty Cliffs of Moher
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Soak up the breathtaking coastline on the Ring of Kerry and glimpse pretty seaside villages
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Find out why you might want to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle in County Cork
Advice for Escorted Tours of Scotland and Ireland
Read these handy travel guides to prepare for your tour.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Guided Ireland and Scotland Vacation Packages
Before you book, find out more about guided tours of Ireland and Scotland by reading the answers to these most frequently asked questions. You can browse these helpful Ireland and Scotland travel guides for useful tips and information.
It’s also good to know that when you choose Nordic Visitor, you can Book With Confidence, safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected. Please read our FAQs and booking terms, for details about our booking process, payments and more.
At Nordic Visitor, we handpick great guides for your getaway based on their local knowledge. This is because we know their insider expertise will turn a good trip into an unforgettable one. For instance, they’ll take you to the best sightseeing spots, show you hidden gems and share Celtic customs with you.
On a private tour, you’ll discover a destination with your very own guide. You choose who you want to explore with, whether that’s your favourite travel companion or a group of friends and family.
Privately guided packages are ideal if you’re looking for an escorted travel experience that you can tailor and make personal to you. What’s more, your dedicated travel consultant will pick a guide in each country who’s interested in the same things you are.
With your guides’ attention focussed solely on you, you’ll get unrivalled insight into the places you visit.
If you’d prefer to discover one country at a time, you can also choose from a range of privately guided tours in Scotland or Ireland.
Take a Nordic Visitor small group tour of Ireland and Scotland and you’ll be one of up to 15 guests, led by a local guide. This is an excellent way to explore if you want to learn from a knowledgeable expert while meeting like-minded travellers.
With your professional guide and a dedicated driver at the wheel, you can sit back and take it all in from a comfortable minibus. They'll show you the must-see spots, as well as places you wouldn’t be able to reach in a large coach. Plus, you'll have the same guide with you throughout your tour.
If you’re interested in extending your trip or delving even deeper into Scottish or Irish culture, you could combine itineraries. For instance, choose your favourite guided tour in each country and do them back-to-back. Take your pick from these small group packages in Scotland and Ireland.
Think of Scotland, and heather-clad hills and mysterious lakes (“lochs”) might come to mind. Meanwhile, Ireland may conjure visions of wild coastlines and rolling green landscapes.
The truth is that you can experience all of this in either country. But to really appreciate the diversity of these Celtic nations, you’ll want to visit both.
These are the top places for soaking up nature’s riches in Scotland and Ireland:
Best for mountain scenery:
• Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Cuillin Mountains, Isle of Skye, Scotland
• Glen Coe and Glenfinnan, Scotland
• Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal, Ireland
• Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland
Best for coastal drama:
• Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
• Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye, Scotland
• Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland
• Skellig Islands, County Kerry, Ireland
• Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Uncover even more breathtaking destinations in these handy guides:
As well as natural wonders, Scotland and Ireland are home to attractive cities, towns and villages. You’ll find that some are known for their striking setting, and others for their historic architecture.
Scotland
• Edinburgh
• Fort William
• Dunkeld
• Portree
Ireland
• Dublin
• Cork
• Galway
• Clifden
Get inspired by this round-up of 15 amazing things to do in Edinburgh.
Absolutely! Explore Scotland and Ireland on one amazing trip and you won’t be disappointed. Learning about their interwoven histories side by side will give you an even more immersive cultural experience.
Plus, it’s easy to travel between these Celtic neighbours. Flying between Edinburgh or Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, and Dublin, the Irish capital, is usually the most convenient option. Depending on where you fly from, the journey is around 310-350 kilometres (190-220 miles), and takes about 1 hour.
Travel with Nordic Visitor and we’ll take care of the logistics for you. In fact, you’ll have your own personal travel consultant to book your flight between Scotland and Ireland, along with your accommodation, local transport, and more.
Discover more reasons why you should visit both countries on one trip in this blog: Scotland or Ireland – Where should you go?
Any time is a good time to whisk yourself off on a Celtic getaway. But visit from April to October, and as well as enjoying mild temperatures, you’ll have plenty of daylight hours for sightseeing.
Most Scottish and Irish attractions also tend to have their longest opening hours at this time of year. And you’ll have a wider range of outdoor activities and excursions to choose from.
Travel in April or May to glimpse spring flowers blooming across the cities and countryside. With fewer visitors than in summer, you could experience the most popular destinations when they’re a little quieter.
In summer you’ll see festivals, such as the iconic Fringe in Edinburgh, bring a lively atmosphere to towns and cities throughout Scotland and Ireland. The countryside is also at its most lush from June to mid-September.
If you want to make the most of wildlife-watching opportunities then summertime is ideal. For instance, you could spot nesting puffins, breaching whales and soaring golden eagles.
It’s worth bearing in mind that midges, small flying insects, are most active in summer. So remember to bring repellent for when you’re in the countryside.
Come autumn – mid-September through November – you can see forests turning beautiful shades of red and orange. And, like early spring, this is a shoulder season, so you’ll have more of the attractions to yourself.
On the other hand, if you’re imagining snow-dusted hills, crisp days and crackling log fires, you could go for a Scottish winter break. You could even go on a Christmas or New Year break in Scotland.
To find out more about why one season might appeal to you more than another, make sure to read these articles:
To get the most out of your escorted trip to Ireland and Scotland, 14 days or more is a good length of time for your visit. This will allow you to spend 1 week in Ireland and 1 week in Scotland – perfect for seeing the highlights of both countries.
With around 2 weeks, you’ll be able to go beyond the top spots and explore some hidden gems with your guide. Not to mention the fact that you’ll have time to learn from your guide and ask questions at each stop without feeling rushed.
If you have another time frame in mind, share your ideas with your dedicated travel consultant. Or to spend longer exploring both countries, check out these expert-curated Scotland and Ireland self-drive tours, ranging from 10-25 days.
Book a small group or privately guided tour and you can personalise parts of your itinerary. This is easy to do on our website.
Customise your trip when you book online by choosing from a range of optional activities, including afternoon tea, whisky-tasting and boat tours.
You can also extend your stay with extra nights in Dublin or Edinburgh, at the start or end of the guided portion of your itinerary. This is ideal if you want free time to explore at your leisure, or to add a guided food or city tour to your package.
Yes, you can check what start dates are available for the tour you’ve picked out by taking a look at its online availability calendar.
For guided small group tours, choose from a number of guaranteed departure dates between April and October. Spaces can fill up quickly though, so if you see one that works for you, we recommend booking as soon as possible.
Privately guided tours of Ireland and Scotland are more flexible, so you can begin your trip on any date you like between April and October.
Before booking one of these escorted tours of Scotland and Ireland, we recommend checking what flights are available. That said, it’s a good idea to wait until after your trip is confirmed to make your travel arrangements.
Your dedicated consultant will send you a confirmation email to let you know when your trip is ready. Once you receive this, you can go ahead and purchase your preferred flights.
Airport transfers are included with privately escorted trips. And, if you’re booking a small group tour, they’re available for you to add as optional extras online.
Good to know: When you book a guided combination tour package that visits Scotland and Ireland, your transport between Scotland and Ireland is included. On privately guided tours, you'll take a flight. And on small group tours, you'll travel by ferry with your guide.
The mildest temperatures and best weather in Scotland and Ireland is often during spring, summer and autumn – April to October. But this part of the world is known for its changeable conditions, so you’ll want to come prepared for sun and rain.
No matter when you visit, we recommend packing:
- • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- • Waterproof jacket and trousers
- • Warm, insulated jacket
- • Fleece or woollen jumper
- • Light base layers
- • Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
- • Sunglasses
- • Rucksack
- • Reusable water bottle
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• UK plug adapter (this will work in Ireland and Scotland)
For seasonal tips and more, read these guides on what to bring to Ireland and Scotland.
Contact us
Get in touch with us and our Edinburgh-based travel experts will answer any questions you might have. They’ll use their insider knowledge to make sure you have an extraordinary travel experience in Scotland and Ireland.
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