Best of Scotland
Experience the Best of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle to the eclectic streets of Glasgow. Revel in the romance and history of the Scottish Highlands and contemplate the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, before toasting bonnie Scotland’s lochs, glens and legendary locals.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- Kilmarnock: Experience an intimate farewell to Scotland at Craufurdland Castle, just 30 minutes south of Glasgow. This exclusive event offers an evening steeped in Scottish heritage and hospitality, hosted by the 29th Laird of Craufurdland, Simon Houison Craufurd, and his wife, Adity. Guests will arrive at the castle, where Simon and Adity will lead a private tour through historic rooms like the Gothic Hall, The Blue Dining Room, and King Charles' bedroom, sharing tales of the castle’s royal connections and legacy. Enjoy a 3-course dinner in The Laird’s Table, a restaurant within the castle that features furniture crafted by Simon himself. Relish locally sourced dishes paired with wine or soft drinks, plus fresh bread, butter, tea and coffee. With only you and your fellow guests in attendance, this exclusive experience promises a warm and personal farewell, rich with the Craufurds’ stories, Scottish history, and a commitment to sustainable hospitality that makes Craufurdland Castle truly unforgettable.
- Glasgow: Visit Clydeside Distillery for a tour and a tasting of their whisky as you learn of their long history.
- Scottish Highlands: Take in the beauty of the Highlands on a scenic drive past glens, lochs and dramatic peaks. Watch the landscape shift as you travel deeper into one of Scotland’s most striking regions.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.
- Glencoe: Join a wildlife Ranger in Glencoe and learn about the rich biodiversity of wildlife including insects, invertebrates and mammals, such as otter and fallow deer. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
- Discover Glasgow
- Visit Edinburgh Castle, Pitlochry, Culloden Battlefield, the Isle of Skye, a whisky distillery in Glasgow and Stirling Castle
- View the 18th green at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond, the Necropolis, Glasgow Cathedral and George Square in Glasgow
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
- Inverness: Visit the site of the final Jacobite Rising, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces were defeated in 1746. Walk the battlefield and learn how this short but brutal conflict changed the course of Scottish history.
- Eilean Donan: See one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, set where three lochs meet. Framed by rugged mountains and often shrouded in mist, it’s a favorite film location and one of the country’s most photographed landmarks.
- Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
- Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
| Additional Offers |
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ID: 8918291
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ID: 9144414
|
ID: 8918291
|
ID: 9190390
|
ID: 9164424
|
ID: 8911653
|
ID: 9144410
|
ID: 9140291
|
ID: 9140293
|
ID: 9144412
|
ID: 9138094
|
ID: 9138096
|
ID: 9144416
|
ID: 8911213
|
ID: 9144418
|
Choosing where to stay in Ireland and Scotland is an important part of your travels – it's your home away from home. It’s where you rest at the end of an adventure-filled day, it’s where you start every new exploration. From hotels, castles, manors and even bed-and-breakfasts, you’ll find the very best places to stay in Catherine’s Collection, selected for you based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands. This is us taking you personally.
Hotels
Only the best for you, our friends. We’ve carefully curated a roster of the top hotels in Ireland and Scotland, selected for service, quality and style. Find your perfect pick amongst our expert recommendations.
Castles
It’s the dream to stay in a castle – and we can help make it a reality. From classic aesthetics with plush modern comforts to contemporary luxury and chic interiors tucked inside stately castle walls, your options for elegance are endless.
Estates & Manors
All the charms and comforts of elevated countryside living, meet the hospitality and service of top-tier hotels. Relax on expansive estates, explore the surrounding regions and experience the recreation and activities that each has in store.
Bed and Breakfasts
Cozy, comfortable and classically Celtic. Staying at a Bed & Breakfast brings you closer to the daily life of your destination. Our personally-vetted picks combine charm, character and hospitality for an experience you’ll always remember.
Who should travel to Ireland and Scotland? We may be biased, but we think everyone – and we can’t wait to meet you all (honestly). Families, solos, groups and every person under the rainbow (of which Ireland has many) will find a travel experience that perfectly fits their needs and desires. Our Celtic Experts can recommend the best places to stay, top activities and the ideal way to travel around our homelands based on who’s traveling with you.
Couples
The roads of Ireland and Scotland are marked with milestones, so why not commemorate your own on a vacation here with us? Anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals and everything in between, our Celtic Experts will help you find the perfect trip and plan those special moments to celebrate your love.
Families
Family travel in Ireland and Scotland is exciting, bonding and brilliant. With activities to suit every generation of your family and brilliant stays to relax in, we’ve got everything you need to start writing your Celtic story together. So gather your clan and prepare for a lifetime of memories.
LGBTQIA+
Everyone in and under the rainbow is welcome here in the Celtic Isles. From friendly faces and friends you’ll meet, to an open culture known for cheer and hospitality, this is where to go when flying solo, on a romantic adventure, traveling with your chosen family or bringing the whole community together.
Groups
Take your group on an unforgettable trip to Ireland and Scotland with Brendan Vacations. Whether you're traveling with family or friends or organizing a group event, our Celtic Experts will create a custom itinerary just for you. Choose from our flexible itineraries or work with us to design the perfect experience for your group.
Your next vacation deserves to be filled with unforgettable experiences – and with us, it’s all about the personal connection to our Celtic homelands. There are so many things to do in Ireland and Scotland, and you'll find the very best in Catherine’s Collection. We’ve hand-selected a variety of activities based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands and can help recommend experiences for your next vacation. This is us taking you personally.
Trace Your Irish and Scottish Ancestry
With nearly 120+ million people across North America who can claim Irish or Scottish heritage, seeking a link through history is a deeply important aspect of travel for so many of our guests. We want to help you build the bridge to your personal history, reconnecting you to your Celtic Roots. However deep you wish to explore, our Celtic Experts can arrange private and prescheduled genealogy and ancestry consultations. We will take you personally every step of the way.
The History & Culture & of Ireland & Scotland
Our Celtic homelands are a rich tapestry of heritage, myths and legends. Meet amazing and warm people who are the beating heart of what makes a Celtic welcome so unique. Experience traditional music and dancing, the glories of storytelling and the tales of times gone by. Ireland and Scotland have some of the best histories in the world and you feel it as you walk around.
Food & Drink
How do you get the bold flavor of Celtic culture? You taste it. Follow your appetite through the Celtic Isles. Eclectic and modern, traditional and hearty, walking food tours and Michelin-star sit downs, Ireland & Scotland are rich lands for foodies. With herds of Shepherd’s Pies to try, seaweed’s umami flavors to explore and plenty of pints to be pulled, prepare your palate and raise a glass for tasteful journeys through the full-bodied flavors of our homelands.
Outdoor Adventures in Ireland & Scotland
Bold highlands, kinetic coastlines, rolling green hills and serene forests – call us biased but there’s no better place for outdoor experiences than in Ireland & Scotland. Whether you want something leisurely-paced or are prepped and packed for a fully active adventure, you'll always find just the right activity for you and your group here in the Celtic Isles. Jaunt through the beautiful, red deer-filled spaces of Killarney National Park, walk the footsteps of giants on the Causeway Coast or take to the rugged spaces of Scotland’s Isle of Skye – we've got the right fit for your active travel.
Ireland & Scotland – a Golfer’s Paradise
Test your swing in the homeland of golf. From the most hallowed and historic Scottish links to the vibrant rolling greens of Ireland, there’s no better place to enjoy the great game than in the place where it was born. We are proud to offer custom, handcrafted golf vacations that show off the best golf courses in Ireland and Scotland, filled with history, style and challenges for every level of skill. Your transportation, accommodations, tee-times and off-the-course activities are all taken care of. All you have to remember is to pack two pairs of pants, in case you get a hole in one.
Travel that Matters in Ireland & Scotland
Connect more deeply with Ireland and Scotland through experiences that give back. Sprinkled throughout all our activities are our carefully selected and culturally vivid MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. These deeply special activities share with you who we are, what we are protecting and where we’ve come from, while ensuring your travels have a tangible and positive impact on the people you connect with, the planet you walk on and the nature you experience.
We are working to ensure that a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is included across our tours, and cannot wait to match you to one that illuminates your travels in the Celtic Isles.
Choosing where to stay in Ireland and Scotland is an important part of your travels – it's your home away from home. It’s where you rest at the end of an adventure-filled day, it’s where you start every new exploration. From hotels, castles, manors and even bed-and-breakfasts, you’ll find the very best places to stay in Catherine’s Collection, selected for you based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands. This is us taking you personally.
Hotels
Only the best for you, our friends. We’ve carefully curated a roster of the top hotels in Ireland and Scotland, selected for service, quality and style. Find your perfect pick amongst our expert recommendations.
Castles
It’s the dream to stay in a castle – and we can help make it a reality. From classic aesthetics with plush modern comforts to contemporary luxury and chic interiors tucked inside stately castle walls, your options for elegance are endless.
Estates & Manors
All the charms and comforts of elevated countryside living, meet the hospitality and service of top-tier hotels. Relax on expansive estates, explore the surrounding regions and experience the recreation and activities that each has in store.
Bed and Breakfasts
Cozy, comfortable and classically Celtic. Staying at a Bed & Breakfast brings you closer to the daily life of your destination. Our personally-vetted picks combine charm, character and hospitality for an experience you’ll always remember.
Who should travel to Ireland and Scotland? We may be biased, but we think everyone – and we can’t wait to meet you all (honestly). Families, solos, groups and every person under the rainbow (of which Ireland has many) will find a travel experience that perfectly fits their needs and desires. Our Celtic Experts can recommend the best places to stay, top activities and the ideal way to travel around our homelands based on who’s traveling with you.
Couples
The roads of Ireland and Scotland are marked with milestones, so why not commemorate your own on a vacation here with us? Anniversaries, honeymoons, proposals and everything in between, our Celtic Experts will help you find the perfect trip and plan those special moments to celebrate your love.
Families
Family travel in Ireland and Scotland is exciting, bonding and brilliant. With activities to suit every generation of your family and brilliant stays to relax in, we’ve got everything you need to start writing your Celtic story together. So gather your clan and prepare for a lifetime of memories.
LGBTQIA+
Everyone in and under the rainbow is welcome here in the Celtic Isles. From friendly faces and friends you’ll meet, to an open culture known for cheer and hospitality, this is where to go when flying solo, on a romantic adventure, traveling with your chosen family or bringing the whole community together.
Groups
Take your group on an unforgettable trip to Ireland and Scotland with Brendan Vacations. Whether you're traveling with family or friends or organizing a group event, our Celtic Experts will create a custom itinerary just for you. Choose from our flexible itineraries or work with us to design the perfect experience for your group.
Your next vacation deserves to be filled with unforgettable experiences – and with us, it’s all about the personal connection to our Celtic homelands. There are so many things to do in Ireland and Scotland, and you'll find the very best in Catherine’s Collection. We’ve hand-selected a variety of activities based on our intimate knowledge of our homelands and can help recommend experiences for your next vacation. This is us taking you personally.
Trace Your Irish and Scottish Ancestry
With nearly 120+ million people across North America who can claim Irish or Scottish heritage, seeking a link through history is a deeply important aspect of travel for so many of our guests. We want to help you build the bridge to your personal history, reconnecting you to your Celtic Roots. However deep you wish to explore, our Celtic Experts can arrange private and prescheduled genealogy and ancestry consultations. We will take you personally every step of the way.
The History & Culture & of Ireland & Scotland
Our Celtic homelands are a rich tapestry of heritage, myths and legends. Meet amazing and warm people who are the beating heart of what makes a Celtic welcome so unique. Experience traditional music and dancing, the glories of storytelling and the tales of times gone by. Ireland and Scotland have some of the best histories in the world and you feel it as you walk around.
Food & Drink
How do you get the bold flavor of Celtic culture? You taste it. Follow your appetite through the Celtic Isles. Eclectic and modern, traditional and hearty, walking food tours and Michelin-star sit downs, Ireland & Scotland are rich lands for foodies. With herds of Shepherd’s Pies to try, seaweed’s umami flavors to explore and plenty of pints to be pulled, prepare your palate and raise a glass for tasteful journeys through the full-bodied flavors of our homelands.
Outdoor Adventures in Ireland & Scotland
Bold highlands, kinetic coastlines, rolling green hills and serene forests – call us biased but there’s no better place for outdoor experiences than in Ireland & Scotland. Whether you want something leisurely-paced or are prepped and packed for a fully active adventure, you'll always find just the right activity for you and your group here in the Celtic Isles. Jaunt through the beautiful, red deer-filled spaces of Killarney National Park, walk the footsteps of giants on the Causeway Coast or take to the rugged spaces of Scotland’s Isle of Skye – we've got the right fit for your active travel.
Ireland & Scotland – a Golfer’s Paradise
Test your swing in the homeland of golf. From the most hallowed and historic Scottish links to the vibrant rolling greens of Ireland, there’s no better place to enjoy the great game than in the place where it was born. We are proud to offer custom, handcrafted golf vacations that show off the best golf courses in Ireland and Scotland, filled with history, style and challenges for every level of skill. Your transportation, accommodations, tee-times and off-the-course activities are all taken care of. All you have to remember is to pack two pairs of pants, in case you get a hole in one.
Travel that Matters in Ireland & Scotland
Connect more deeply with Ireland and Scotland through experiences that give back. Sprinkled throughout all our activities are our carefully selected and culturally vivid MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences. These deeply special activities share with you who we are, what we are protecting and where we’ve come from, while ensuring your travels have a tangible and positive impact on the people you connect with, the planet you walk on and the nature you experience.
We are working to ensure that a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is included across our tours, and cannot wait to match you to one that illuminates your travels in the Celtic Isles.
About Brendan Vacations
In our Celtic world when we say Cead Mile Failte, every one of those one hundred thousand welcomes means something. That’s why when you travel with Brendan Vacations, you’ll experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed and personally delivered by our passionate team of Celtic Experts. With more than 55 years of experience, no one knows Ireland and Scotland quite like Brendan Vacations. We are your personal connection to our Celtic homelands.
Guided Tour Vacations
Our carefully-crafted Guided Tours allow you to experience the best of Ireland and Scotland with everything taken care of, from driving and accommodations to daily activities and iconic sightseeing. Departures are defined throughout the year, and our expanded range of itineraries now includes returning Signature favorites, Premium Tours and new Small Group Tours. Discovering the Celtic Isles has never been easier, all you have to decide is which vacation is best for you.
Private Driver
Combining their navigation with your relaxation, our Private Driver Vacations in Ireland and Scotland are fully customizable and include exclusive access to experiences and activities, as well as stays at incredible accommodations. Enjoy your ride at your own pace, while in the comfort of a luxurious, private car. This is the ideal way to explore the Celtic Isles, learning the history, legends and local culture that defines every stretch, bend and turn on the way.
Rail Vacations
Rail Vacations blends an independent travel style with local support. We’ll help you select your must-see cities in Ireland and Scotland, favorite accommodations and incredible experiences, and when you arrive at your destination, an expert Local Host will greet you with a treasure trove of ideas on what to do, where to eat, drink, shop and what not-to-miss.
Self-Drive
Your Celtic road trip, our Celtic expertise. If you want total independence (but still need support from the experts), look no further than a custom Self-Drive trip. With Brendan’s local connections and expertise, you get access to the best places to stay, the right activities and the top experiences that will make the road to your Self-Drive vacation in Ireland and Scotland smooth, seamless and tailored specifically for you. Just bring your driver’s license…your Celtic roadtrip starts here.
Lux Self-Drive
Privacy, luxury and freedom are top of the list on our Lux Self-Drive trips in Ireland. All you need to do is pick up the keys to your pre-reserved luxury vehicle and go. Start with an existing itinerary to build on or craft a trip entirely unique to you. Our Celtic Experts will guide you and help arrange exclusive activities like private tastings, connoisseur tours, ancestry tracing, outdoor activities and more. The best part? You have complete independence to travel at your own pace.
About Brendan Vacations
In our Celtic world when we say Cead Mile Failte, every one of those one hundred thousand welcomes means something. That’s why when you travel with Brendan Vacations, you’ll experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed and personally delivered by our passionate team of Celtic Experts. With more than 55 years of experience, no one knows Ireland and Scotland quite like Brendan Vacations. We are your personal connection to our Celtic homelands.
Guided Tour Vacations
Our carefully-crafted Guided Tours allow you to experience the best of Ireland and Scotland with everything taken care of, from driving and accommodations to daily activities and iconic sightseeing. Departures are defined throughout the year, and our expanded range of itineraries now includes returning Signature favorites, Premium Tours and new Small Group Tours. Discovering the Celtic Isles has never been easier, all you have to decide is which vacation is best for you.
Private Driver
Combining their navigation with your relaxation, our Private Driver Vacations in Ireland and Scotland are fully customizable and include exclusive access to experiences and activities, as well as stays at incredible accommodations. Enjoy your ride at your own pace, while in the comfort of a luxurious, private car. This is the ideal way to explore the Celtic Isles, learning the history, legends and local culture that defines every stretch, bend and turn on the way.
Rail Vacations
Rail Vacations blends an independent travel style with local support. We’ll help you select your must-see cities in Ireland and Scotland, favorite accommodations and incredible experiences, and when you arrive at your destination, an expert Local Host will greet you with a treasure trove of ideas on what to do, where to eat, drink, shop and what not-to-miss.
Self-Drive
Your Celtic road trip, our Celtic expertise. If you want total independence (but still need support from the experts), look no further than a custom Self-Drive trip. With Brendan’s local connections and expertise, you get access to the best places to stay, the right activities and the top experiences that will make the road to your Self-Drive vacation in Ireland and Scotland smooth, seamless and tailored specifically for you. Just bring your driver’s license…your Celtic roadtrip starts here.
Lux Self-Drive
Privacy, luxury and freedom are top of the list on our Lux Self-Drive trips in Ireland. All you need to do is pick up the keys to your pre-reserved luxury vehicle and go. Start with an existing itinerary to build on or craft a trip entirely unique to you. Our Celtic Experts will guide you and help arrange exclusive activities like private tastings, connoisseur tours, ancestry tracing, outdoor activities and more. The best part? You have complete independence to travel at your own pace.
