Your Ultimate Guide to Ireland and Scotland Tours in 2025

Dreaming of a trip through the emerald hills of Ireland and the dramatic highlands of Scotland? You’ve come to the right place. Planning a journey for 2025 that combines these two Celtic gems is an incredible idea. This guide will walk you through the best tour packages available, helping you find the perfect adventure through green valleys and ancient streets.

Why a Combined Tour is the Perfect Choice

Ireland and Scotland share a rich Celtic heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a famously warm welcome. A combined tour allows you to experience the best of both worlds seamlessly. You can explore Dublin’s historic pubs one day and wander through Edinburgh’s medieval closes a few days later. Tour operators make the logistics simple, handling the short flight or ferry ride between the two countries so you can focus on soaking in the culture and scenery.

Finding Your Perfect Travel Style: Types of Tour Packages

The promise of traveling “in style” means something different to everyone. For some, it’s the ease of an all-inclusive coach tour, while for others, it’s a bespoke private journey. Here’s a breakdown of the most common tour types you’ll find for 2025.

All-Inclusive Guided Coach Tours

These are the most popular and often most cost-effective way to see both countries. They handle everything from hotels and transportation to many of your meals and guided sightseeing.

  • Who It’s For: First-time visitors, travelers who want a hassle-free experience, and those who enjoy meeting new people.
  • What to Expect: Travel on a modern, comfortable coach with a dedicated tour director. Itineraries are expertly planned to cover major highlights.
  • Leading Companies:
    • CIE Tours: A long-standing specialist in Ireland and UK tours, known for their comprehensive, all-inclusive pricing.
    • Trafalgar: Offers a range of trip styles, including their “Be My Guest” experiences which provide unique meals in local homes.
    • Globus: Known for balancing guided sightseeing with free time for personal exploration.

Small-Group Tours

If you prefer a more intimate experience, a small-group tour is an excellent choice. With typically fewer than 20 travelers, you get more personal attention from your guide and can often visit places larger coaches can’t reach.

  • Who It’s For: Travelers seeking a more personal and flexible journey.
  • What to Expect: Travel is usually in a mini-coach or large van. Accommodations are often in smaller, locally-owned hotels or guesthouses, offering a more authentic feel.
  • Leading Companies:
    • Rick Steves’ Europe: Famous for its “no grumps” policy and focus on cultural immersion and learning.
    • Intrepid Travel: Offers adventure-focused small-group tours that often use public transport and stay in central, simple accommodations.
    • G Adventures: Similar to Intrepid, with a focus on sustainable travel and authentic local experiences.

Luxury and Private Tours

For the ultimate trip “in style,” a luxury or private tour offers complete customization and five-star service. Your itinerary is built around your interests, and you travel with a private driver-guide.

  • Who It’s For: Travelers celebrating a special occasion, families, or anyone wanting a truly bespoke and high-end experience.
  • What to Expect: Stay in iconic castle hotels like Ireland’s Ashford Castle or Scotland’s Inverlochy Castle Hotel. Enjoy fine dining, exclusive access to sites, and complete flexibility.
  • Leading Companies:
    • Abercrombie & Kent: The gold standard in luxury travel, offering flawlessly executed private journeys.
    • Ker & Downey: Creates custom, high-end itineraries with a focus on unique and immersive experiences.

Journey Through Green Valleys and Ancient Streets: Must-See Itinerary Stops

Every tour will have a different route, but here are the iconic locations and experiences that fulfill the promise of your trip.

Highlights of Ireland

  • Ancient Streets of Dublin: Walk the cobblestones of Temple Bar, visit the historic Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and learn about the city’s past at Dublin Castle.
  • The Ring of Kerry: This world-famous scenic drive is the definition of “green valleys.” You’ll see rolling hills, dramatic coastline, and charming villages.
  • The Cliffs of Moher: Stand atop these staggering cliffs as they plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of Ireland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
  • Historic Castles: No trip is complete without kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle or exploring the majestic Rock of Cashel, an ancient fortress of Irish kings.

Highlights of Scotland

  • Edinburgh’s Royal Mile: This is the heart of “ancient streets.” The road connects the formidable Edinburgh Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, lined with centuries-old buildings.
  • The Scottish Highlands: This vast, wild region is home to deep lochs, rugged mountains, and legendary glens. A drive through Glencoe is an unforgettable experience.
  • Loch Ness and Inverness: Search for the legendary monster and explore the capital of the Highlands. Nearby, you can visit the historic battlefield of Culloden.
  • The Isle of Skye: Famous for its otherworldly landscapes like the Old Man of Storr and the Quiraing, this island is a paradise for hikers and photographers.

Planning Your 2025 Adventure: Practical Tips

  • Best Time to Go: May, June, and September are ideal. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather and long daylight hours with fewer crowds than the peak months of July and August.
  • Typical Trip Length: A combined tour of Ireland and Scotland typically lasts between 10 and 15 days to comfortably see the main highlights without feeling rushed.
  • Budgeting: Prices vary greatly by travel style. For 2025, you can expect to budget roughly:
    • Guided Coach Tour: \(3,000 - \)5,000 per person.
    • Small-Group Tour: \(4,500 - \)7,000 per person.
    • Luxury Private Tour: $8,000+ per person.
  • Book in Advance: The best tours for 2025 will fill up quickly. It’s wise to start your research now and aim to book at least 9-12 months in advance for the best selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to travel between Ireland and Scotland on a tour? Most tour packages include a short, convenient flight, typically between Dublin and either Edinburgh or Glasgow. Some tours may also use a ferry service, which can be a scenic journey in itself.

What should I pack for a trip to Ireland and Scotland? Layers are key! The weather can change quickly. Pack a reliable waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sweaters or fleeces, and a mix of casual clothes. Even in summer, evenings can be cool.

Are most meals included in tour packages? It depends on the tour. Coach tours like CIE often include almost all meals. Others, like those from Rick Steves, include about half of the dinners to encourage you to explore local restaurants on your own. Always check the tour’s specific inclusions.