Speak with an experienced advisor
Globus
OFFER ID 1515209
Knobby knees? Skinny calves? Thick ankles? No matter here. You can show them off with pride on this tartan-filled tour through the kilted and Celtic countries of Scotland, Ireland and Wales with the added bonus of England’s postcard-perfect Lake District. Whether you’re in search of heritage, haggis, rolling glens or smooth Guinness, there’s so much to discover on this Celtic tour of Britain and Ireland. Ancient castles? Check. Legendary lochs? Indeed. Sparkling seascapes and hallowed battlefields? You can bet your boots. Speaking of betting, you’ll visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare, a working stud farm and the beating heart of Ireland’s esteemed thoroughbred racehorse industry. From the storied cities to the tiny towns, you’ll feel your own heart beat as you savor the deep-rooted traditions and customs of the Emerald Isle and the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.
12 nights from $3,699 per person
Exclusive Amenity: Receive One Free Extra Night on Select 2024 and 2025 Globus Europe Tours
Valid for new bookings deposited from January 2, 2024 – December 31, 2025 for travel January 2, 2024 – December 31, 2025
Celtic Highlights
Day 1 ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLANDWelcome to Glasgow! Free time. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
GLASGOW-CITY-CENTER.jpg
Day 2 GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESSSecret Keys to Scottish Lochs GLASGOW Orientation drive to see the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares.
HIGHLANDS Take a scenic drive along Loch Lomond and Loch Linnhe, and through Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe.
FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, UK’s highest peak.
LOCH NESS Visit the legendary lake. (B)
178 mi / 286 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE They can take the low road, but we’ll take the high road on a scenic ride through magic and mystery of the moors and glens of the Scottish Highlands. From lovely Loch Lomond and Loch Linnhe to the boggy expanses of Rannoch Moor and the dizzying beauty of Glen Coe and Ben Nevis, you’ll discover the legends of Loch Ness and more across the beauty of Scotland’s magnificent scenery.
LOCH-NESS.jpg
Day 3 INVERNESS–CULLODEN–BLAIR ATHOLL–EDINBURGHA Red Moor & A White Castle CULLODEN Visit the Culloden Moor battlefield site and visitor center.
BLAIR ATHOLL Visit Blair Castle. (B)
163 mi / 262 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT If these walls could talk, they would tell how the 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl have loved, won, and lost through seven centuries of history at Blair Castle, visited over time by Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Queen Victoria.
BLAIR-ATHOLL-CASTLE.jpg
Day 4 EDINBURGHDrummers, Pipers & Precious Jewels EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Free time in the afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
EDINBURGH-BAGPIPER.jpg
Day 5 EDINBURGH–GRETNA GREEN–GRASMERE, ENGLAND–LIVERPOOLSongs, Sonnets & Secret Vows GRETNA GREEN See where the Scottish blacksmith performed weddings for eloping young couples.
LAKE DISTRICT Take a scenic drive.
GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth’s beloved village and sample [LF] the original Grasmere gingerbread.
LIVERPOOL Visit The Beatles Story for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the Fab Four. (B)
235 mi / 378 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS Sweeten the day with classic Grasmere gingerbread and hear the story of Sarah Nelson, the Victorian cook who invented the world famous cross between cake and biscuit in 1854.
LAKE-DISTRICT.jpg
Day 6 LIVERPOOL–NORTH WALES–DUBLIN, IRELANDForest Sprites & Ferry Sights NORTH WALES Scenic drive through the forest village of Betws-y-Coed and Snowdonia National Park. Take a ferry to cross from Holyhead to Dublin. (B)
117 mi / 188 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Pass through Snowdonia National Park’s forests, rugged mountains and sweeping coastline, where Welsh and the language of nature are spoken in stunning style.
NORTH-WHALES-SNOWDONIA-NATIONAL-PARK.jpg
Day 7 DUBLINIreland’s Capital City DUBLIN Take an orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the legendary library of Trinity College.
DUBLIN-DOORS.jpg
Day 8 DUBLIN–KILDARE–CASHEL–BLARNEY–KILLARNEYThe Winner’s Circle KILDARE [LF] Visit the world renowned Irish National Stud.
CASHEL See the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached.
BLARNEY Visit the village known for its magical Kissing Stone.
KILLARNEY Free time. (B,D)
231 mi / 372 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made racing history since the turn of the 20th century.
KILDARE-NATIONAL-STUD.jpg
Day 9 KILLARNEY–RING OF KERRY–ADARE–LIMERICKIrish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland's southwestern peninsula.
ADARE Stop at the quaint village to see its pretty thatched cottages.
LIMERICK Free time. (B)
167 mi / 268 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Explore the emerald tapestries of green fields and ocean views that make other coastlines green with envy. The Ring of Kerry begins and ends in Killarney, taking you on a trip along the southwest coast of Ireland. Discover a paradise of panoramic cliffs, lush landscapes, and breathtaking beaches of the Iveragh Peninsula.
ADARE.jpg
Day 10 LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–GALWAY–SLIGONotes Above High Sea CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
GALWAY Free time. (B,D)
188 mi / 302 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Feast your eyes on a stunning spectacle of sea and sky at the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way. Try to resist the inspiration that has moved artists, poets, and scientists throughout the ages as you stand on the edge of 320 million years of geologic perfection on the rugged coastline of County Clare.
CLIFFS-OF-MOHER.jpg
Day 11 SLIGO–DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND–GIANT’S CAUSEWAY–BELFASTGiant Steps in Northern Ireland DERRY [LF] Walk on top of the city walls with a Local Guide.
GIANT’S CAUSEWAY See more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed millions of years ago. (B,D)
200 mi / 322 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEMS Ireland’s only fully preserved historic walled city, Derry also took centre stage when Amelia Earhart landed her plane nearby having flown from Newfoundland in 1932. Walk on top of the 400-year-old city walls and hear the history of this vibrant place that links the Wild Atlantic Way to Causeway Coastal Route.
GIANT’S-CAUSEWAY.jpg
Day 12 BELFAST–GLASGOW, SCOTLANDA Grand Ship & Great Scots BELFAST Visit the Titanic Belfast experience.
Take a ferry crossing to the maritime port of Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast en route to Glasgow. (B,D)
82 mi / 132 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Explore the fascinating Titanic Belfast experience for an in-depth look at the history and mystery of the legendary ocean liner. See artifacts and hear amazing accounts of Belfast’s boom in shipping and those who built her. Learn about the courage and loss of all involved on a fateful night in April 1912. Get an immersive look at the launch, sinking, and final resting place of the doomed ship, with myths and reality revealed.
GLASGOW-CITY-CENTER.jpg
Day 13 GLASGOWSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
GLASGOW-GEORGE-SQUARE.jpg
Liverpool: Explore Liverpool - 8 hours
This morning, you are met as you disembark your cruise ship by your driver-guide. Begin your full day private sightseeing tour of Liverpool, once the most important centre of maritime trade in the world.
Liverpool was the European capital of Culture in 2008 as is also the birthplace of Beatles. You may like to walk through the Mathew Street to the Cavern Club, following in the footsteps of the Beatles. See the buildings known as the ‘Three Graces’, and the impressive civic buildings that were constructed as a result of the mercantile wealth. The most important of these is St. George’s Hall, that interestingly claims to be the world’s first air-conditioned building. The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of paintings in the UK outside of London. However the two most magnificent buildings from the 20th-century in Liverpool are the cathedrals. The Anglican Cathedral built in traditional gothic style is the largest church in the UK; the Roman Catholic cathedral is a fine example of contemporary modernist architecture.
Time permitting you may also pass under the River Mersey to Port Sunlight, one of the first planned industrial villages in the world that was opened by the Lever Brothers to house their workers in better conditions. The focal point of the village is the Lady Lever Art Gallery that houses a large collection of Wedgwood Jasperware. You could also visit Speke Hall (closed Monday and Tuesday), a fine example of a Tudor half-timbered manor house that is richly decorated with wooden furniture inside.
Highlights:
Belfast: Cultural Belfast - 8 hours
Belfast may be a small city, but it has a wealth of culture and excitement on offer for you to discover! Firstly, visit the purpose-built iconic ‘Titanic Belfast’. With over nine galleries, the Titanic story is brought to life for you with exhibitions, rides, full-scale reconstructions and lots
of interactive fun.
After a hearty Irish lunch (payable locally) head into Belfast city where your guide unravels stories related to “the troubles” of Northern Ireland. You cannot miss the murals across Belfast that offer a fascinating history in pictures. Although huge strides have been made in the fight to combat sectarianism in the city, the marks of the past can still be witnessed across the city, adorning the sides of buildings and walls. A tour of Belfast wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a pint of Guinness at the famous Crown Bar in the city centre. This 19th-century bar is an experience that is unique to Northern Ireland. You are privately transferred back to board your cruise after your tour.
Highlights:
Belfast: Highlights of Belfast - 6 hours
Today you are met by your expert local guide for a sightseeing in Belfast and the surrounding area. Spend the morning on a panoramic tour of the city centre, where you see the impressive City Hall in Donegall Square, St. Anne’s Cathedral and the buildings of Queen’s University. During this tour, your guide talks to you about the sectarian divisions that have been so prominent in Belfast in recent years. You also visit the Titanic Quarter, so-called as it was here that the ill-fated liner was being constructed a century ago. Your guide shows you where the ship was constructed and the Thomson Dock where it had its final fit-out.
Highlights:
Belfast - Tour of Antrim Coast - Full Day Tour
Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours
As you disembark your cruise you are welcomed to the Scottish Highlands by your local driver-guide, who is at your disposal for up to 8 hours today as you explore the lochs and mountains around Inverness.
Heading south discover Loch Ness, the famous loch long associated with ‘Nessie’, the mythical monster said to inhabit the depths. Try looking out for her as you wander through the ruins of Urquhart Castle, that dominate the central part of the loch. Loch Ness is drained in the north by the River Ness and the road follows this river to Inverness, the small but charming city considered the capital of the Highlands. One of the most important sites in Scotland’s history is located near Inverness – the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746 by government troops to mark the end of his attempt to regain the throne for the Stewart family. Time permitting, explore the battle fields and discover the events surrounding this battle that played such a pivotal role in the country’s history. After your tour, return to your cruise ship.
Highlights:
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.
Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.
Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.
Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.
Highlights:
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.
Highlights:
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow
This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City.
Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18th century townhouses and a number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.
Inclusions
Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours
Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours
The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace.
*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit
Highlights:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.