The Gems of Scotland 6 Day Tour From Dublin and Belfast

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
From Dublin to Scotland - We Meet Our Celtic Cousins
3 stops
1
Belfast
With a buzz of excitement, your adventure begins at Dublin Airport, Coach Park 16, where you are warmly welcomed by the Chieftain Tours crew. Settling into your seat, you travel north toward Belfast, our secondary collection point, as familiar Irish landscapes roll gently by and the journey truly begins. In Belfast, you board the ferry for a 2.5-hour sailing across the Irish Sea — a crossing made for centuries by Irish emigrants, traders, and travellers seeking new beginnings. As the ship glides onward, you follow in the footsteps of those who once journeyed between these shores, linking Ireland and Scotland, Celtic cousins bound by shared history, language, music, and tradition. Stand on deck, breathe in the sea air, and watch Ireland slowly fade behind you as Scotland’s rugged outline appears ahead — not just a crossing of water, but a passage through time, heritage, and story.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
2
Back on land, Scotland begins to unfold in all its charm. Our journey takes you through Ayr, a charming coastal town famed as the birthplace of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Rolling hills, farmland, and glimpses of the Firth of Clyde hint at the wild beauty ahead as your guide brings the landscape to life with stories, history, and local lore. Short scenic stops give you a chance to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp Scottish air, and capture your first photos of a country you’ll soon fall in love with.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
3
By evening, you arrive in Dumbarton, set on the edge of the legendary Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where a warm hotel welcome and a hearty Scottish meal await. There’s a shared sense of achievement — borders crossed, seas sailed, and legends begun. With Loch Lomond’s calm waters and storied shores nearby, the spirit of Scotland is already tangible. Rest well tonight… tomorrow, the Highlands truly call.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Into the Highlands: Where Mountain Legends Echo
3 stops
4
Glencoe
After breakfast, the scenery shifts dramatically. Roads narrow, valleys deepen, and mountains rise until suddenly you are in Glencoe — a place that doesn’t just impress, it moves you.Towering peaks loom overhead, mist drifts through the glen, and the silence feels powerful. Carefully chosen photo stops allow you to step out and truly take it in — the scale, the beauty, the emotion. This is one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, and standing here, you’ll understand why it stays with people forever.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
5
At the Glencoe visitor Centre, the mountains truly find their voices. Here, the raw beauty of the landscape is matched by powerful human stories of clan life, loyalty, survival, and loss. Learn about the infamous Massacre of Glencoe, a chilling tale of betrayal carried out under the guise of hospitality—one that forever shaped Highland history. Through evocative exhibits and storytelling, you come to understand the resilience of the people who lived and endured here. It’s emotional, immersive, and unforgettable, adding depth and meaning to every peak and pass you’ve just experienced
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
The day continues to Fort William, nestled beneath mighty Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain and a commanding presence that defines the landscape. As you arrive, the scale of the Highlands truly sinks in—towering peaks, open skies, and a sense of space that feels both humbling and invigorating. After dinner, the evening is yours to enjoy at an easy pace. Take a gentle stroll through the town as the mountains glow in the fading light, breathe in the cool Highland air, or step into a traditional pub where fires flicker, stories are shared, and friendly locals welcome you like an old friend. It’s a moment to unwind, reflect on the day’s discoveries, and fully embrace the genuine warmth and spirit of Highland life
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Loch Ness, Legends & Highland Cows (COOS!!)
3 stops
7
Loch Ness
This morning brings one of Scotland’s most iconic and unforgettable experiences — a cruise on the legendary Loch Ness. As your boat glides across its deep, mysterious waters, the rugged shoreline reveals ancient, weathered castles standing as silent witnesses to centuries of history. Reflections shimmer across the loch’s dark surface, while the fresh Highland air fills your lungs, carrying the scent of pine and water. The atmosphere is charged with mystery and anticipation, and yes — everyone keeps a hopeful, excited eye out for Nessie, the loch’s most famous resident. Every moment here feels cinematic, timeless, and utterly Scottish.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Then comes a moment of pure Highland charm and joy. At Farm Ness, you’ll meet Scotland’s iconic Highland cows—shaggy, gentle, and impossibly endearing. Their curious eyes and soft, tousled coats invite smiles, laughter, and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s one of those lighthearted, shared experiences that instantly bonds a group, leaving everyone with warm memories and stories to tell long after the day ends.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
9
Inverness
In Inverness, often called the gateway to the Highlands, history and modern life blend seamlessly. Explore the Museum and Art Gallery, where fascinating exhibits reveal the stories of local clans, Highland culture, and the people who shaped this rugged region. Stroll along the River Ness, where swans glide past and charming bridges frame the water’s gentle flow, or wander the cobbled streets of the city centre, alive with independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs brimming with character. Don’t miss the chance to admire Inverness Castle from the riverside or the hilltop vantage points, offering sweeping views across the city and the surrounding Highlands. By evening, the journey continues to Nairn, a charming seaside town, where sandy beaches, rolling waves, and the peaceful Atlantic set the perfect scene for reflection and relaxation.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Castles, Clans & a Dram of Golden Whisky
3 stops
10
After breakfast we bring Scotland’s noble past to life at Blair Castle, a remarkable fortress that has been the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl for over 700 years. Wander through its grand halls and opulent rooms, filled with portraits, tapestries, and treasures that tell stories of powerful clans, royal visits, and historic events. Step outside into the manicured gardens and enchanting woodland paths, where every turn feels like a page from a storybook. Fascinatingly, Blair Castle is also home to the only private army in Europe—the Atholl Highlanders—a living reminder of Scotland’s traditions and enduring spirit. Here, history isn’t just seen; it’s tangible, alive, and unforgettable.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
11
Next, discover Scotland’s most famous creation at a famous local whisky distillery, where centuries of craftsmanship transform crystal-clear Highland water into the famed “water of life.” Learn the fascinating secrets of the distillation process, from hand-selected barley to copper pot stills, and hear stories of generations who perfected their art. Smell the rich aromas of malt and oak, and enjoy a warming taste that captures the spirit, landscape, and history of the Highlands in a single sip. For whisky lovers, it’s not just a tasting—it’s a deep dive into Scotland’s heritage, culture, and passion.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
12
By evening, you arrive in beautiful Perthshire, often called “Big Tree Country” for its lush forests, sparkling rivers, and rolling hills that have inspired artists and writers for centuries. This region is also steeped in history, from ancient castles and stately homes to charming market towns like Perth, known as the “Gateway to the Highlands.” Settle into your hotel for dinner and relaxation, and perhaps take a brief stroll through the surrounding countryside, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the gentle rustle of leaves—a moment to reflect on a day that has perfectly blended culture, flavour, and the serene beauty of Scotland’s heartland.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Icons of Scotland: St Andrews & Edinburgh
3 stops
13
St. Andrews
Walk in legends this morning in St Andrews — a town where history, tradition, and natural beauty collide. Known worldwide as the birthplace of golf and home to one of Scotland’s oldest universities, the streets are alive with centuries of stories. Stroll beside the famed Old Course, imagine champions teeing off where the sport began, explore the majestic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, or follow the windswept coastal paths where waves crash against the cliffs. It’s a place that feels both timeless and vibrant, full of energy, history, and character.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Edinburgh Castle
Then comes Edinburgh — dramatic, commanding, and utterly captivating. We visit Edinburgh Castle, which rises above the city, a fortress of stone and story that dominates the skyline. From its ramparts, take in sweeping views across rooftops, spires, and rolling hills that stretch toward the horizon. Inside, wander through grand halls and dungeons where tales of kings, queens, battles, and sieges bring Scotland’s turbulent history vividly to life. Fascinatingly, the castle also houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny, the ancient symbol used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs — tangible links to more than a millennium of royal tradition and pageantry.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
15
As twilight descends over the Highlands, the evening comes alive with the unmistakable energy of Scotland. The haunting wail of the bagpipes stirs your soul, while lively reels and jigs set your feet tapping and your heart racing. Dancers whirl in a blur of tartan and tradition, and the air hums with laughter, music, and the warmth of shared celebration. Every note, every step, every cheer tells a story of the Highlands—its history, its spirit, and its people. Raise a toast, join the revelry, and let the Spirit of Scotland Show sweep you into a magical night where culture, camaraderie, and Scottish pride come alive. It’s not just a farewell—it’s a jubilant send-off into the heart of Scotland itself.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Morning in Edinburgh & Scottish Goodbyes
2 stops
16
Edinburgh
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a morning of discovery in Scotland’s vibrant capital. Wander the Royal Mile, where centuries of history line every street, from medieval closes to stately townhouses. Browse artisan shops, filled with handcrafted treasures, or pause in Princes Street Gardens beneath the imposing castle, taking in the contrast of manicured green spaces against the rugged skyline. This is your moment to immerse yourself in Edinburgh, explore at your own pace, and savor the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and charm.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
17
Ireland
Your journey concludes in Edinburgh, with the option to continue back to Ireland. Departing your hotel in the mid-afternoon, travel by coach to the ferry crossing, leaving Scotland’s dramatic landscapes behind as you glide across the sea to Belfast, before continuing onward to Dublin. As you watch the hills and coastline recede, take a moment to reflect on six extraordinary days of sweeping Highlands, legendary lochs, ancient castles, vibrant cities, and rich culture. This tour hasn’t just shown you Scotland — it’s allowed you to experience its spirit, meet new friends, and create memories on this epic trip with Chieftain Tours.
5 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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