2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Celtic Highlights (GD)

13 Day Tour from Glasgow to Glasgow

2027 Tour Details View 2025 Tour Details » View 2026 Tour Details »

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 heartbeat as you savor the deep-rooted traditions and customs of the Emerald Isle and the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.

Special Features Included in this Tour:
• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels
• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 departures)
• Grasmere Gingerbread tasting
• Visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool
• Orientation drive in Dublin
• Visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare
• Visit to the Cliffs of Moher
• Guided walking tour on the city walls of Derry
• Visit to the Giant’s Causeway
• Visit to the Titanic Experience in Belfast
• Orientation drive in Glasgow
• Visit to Loch Ness
• Visit to Culloden Moor Visitor Centre and battlefield
• Visit to Blair Castle

Celtic Highlights map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

12 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners


Notes:

This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

Welcome to Glasgow! Settle in with free time before meeting your Tour Director and travel companions at 6 pm for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

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DinnerDinner

Day 2 GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS

Secret Keys to Scottish Lochs Your Celtic adventure starts with an orientation drive through Glasgow where you’ll see the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings and elegant Georgian squares. A spectacular drive through the Highlands takes you to Fort William. Take time to admire Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, before looking out for the mysterious monster as you view Loch Ness. Spend the night in Inverness, the Highland Capital.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 INVERNESS–CULLODEN–BLAIR ATHOLL–EDINBURGH

A Red Moor & A White Castle Start the day at the Culloden Moor battlefield and visitor center to hear the story of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. A drive through the Cairngorms National Park takes you to Blair Castle, ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Then, on to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 EDINBURGH

Drummers, Pipers & Precious Jewels Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23.

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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 EDINBURGH–GRETNA GREEN–GRASMERE, ENGLAND–LIVERPOOL

Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows First stop today is at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for eloping young couples. Journey into England through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Grasmere, home of the poet William Wordsworth, to try original Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite Grasmere Gingerbread. In Liverpool, visit The Beatles Story, a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.”
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 LIVERPOOL–NORTH WALES–DUBLIN, IRELAND

Forest Sprites & Ferry Sights Take a scenic drive through the forest village of Betws-y-Coed and the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park takes you across the Isle of Anglesey to Holyhead. Board your ferry and cross the Irish Sea to Dublin.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 DUBLIN

Ireland’s Capital City An orientation drive in the Irish capital includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. There is free time this afternoon.

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 Trinity College.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 DUBLIN–KILDARE–CASHEL–BLARNEY–KILLARNEY

The Winner’s Circle Horse-racing country awaits this morning. Drive across the Curragh to visit the Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite Irish National Stud at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Pause to take photos of the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached before continuing to Blarney, the village know for is magical Kissing Stone. Walk up to the castle or shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. Enjoy some free time on arrival in Killarney.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 9 KILLARNEY–RING OF KERRY–LIMERICK

Irish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes Take a panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s southwestern peninsula, known as the Ring of Kerry. Have your camera ready as you enjoy the spectacular scenery. Arrive in Limerick for your overnight stay.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–GALWAY–SLIGO

Notes Above High Sea At the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, step on to the edge of the world to admire awe-inspiring views. Via the limestone plateau of The Burren, reach Galway, a popular seaside destination with a buzzing center of colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture. Then, spend the night in the coastal seaport of Sligo.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 11 SLIGO–DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND–GIANT’S CAUSEWAY–BELFAST

Giant Steps in Northern Ireland Head into Northern Ireland today and enjoy a Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite walking tour with a Local Guide along the city walls of Derry’s Old Town. Follow in the legendary footsteps of Finn McCool, as you admire the Giant’s Causeway, composed of 40,000 basalt columns formed millions of years ago. Stay in Belfast tonight, Northern Ireland’s seat of government.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 12 BELFAST–GLASGOW, SCOTLAND

A Grand Ship & Great Scots This morning, visit the fascinating Titanic Experience and learn about the building of the largest passenger steam ship, its maiden voyage, and the tragic night of April 14, 1912. Board your ferry for the maritime port of Cairnryan on Scotland’s west coast before heading back to Glasgow and celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at your hotel.
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 13 GLASGOW

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

DAWN SCASE

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

I'm passionate about bringing each country and region to life, highlighting their character through stories, music and culture. Born in Northern Ireland with Scottish ancestry, married to a Welshman and living in England, I very much look forward to showing you around!

Tour Director - DAWN SCASE

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Dublin

Dublin

Guinness Storehouse Visit and Supper

Guinness Storehouse Visit and Supper

Discover the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beer on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.

Price Range: $$$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $6,122*
18 guests in a party: $1,213*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.