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The Best of Scotland & Ireland: The Ultimate Luxury Vacation

15 days from £7,365 / $11,784 per person

This itinerary offers a perfectly balanced and varied taste of Scotland and Ireland. Stay in the finest hotels in the land whilst taking in two Georgian capital cities, stunning rural landscapes and country pursuits – golf, fishing, sea kayaking, top of the range spas, falconry, tennis and much, much more. For wildlife- and nature-lovers, a highlight is a boat trip on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, where you can see dolphins, whales, basking sharks, puffins, eagles and sea birds (May to October). Over in Ireland, you will experience the intense and shifting beauty of the Ring of Kerry, Killarney and the Cliffs of Moher – places of splinter-slatted coastal cliffs, white beaches and green valleys with pristine streams and lakes.  

There is so much going on culturally in Edinburgh, particularly during the Edinburgh Festival in August, and Galway, located on Ireland's gorgeous west coast, is another cultural hub with lots of great restaurants. For those seeking an expertly poured pint of Guinness and friendly locals, you can’t go very far in Dublin without stumbling across a pub or three! For history buffs, both Scotland and Ireland contain some of the world's most impressive castles and a wealth of archaeological sites. Both countries also have some truly fantastic luxury hotels. We have selected a varied mix of castles, country manors, Georgian townhouses and small lodges that are completely different but which all have history, atmosphere and a unique sense of place. 

In our opinion, this is the ultimate way to combine Scotland and Ireland for those seeking the very best in terms of style, history, natural beauty and culture.


Itinerary details

15 days from £7,365 / $11,784 per person

  • Day 1 - The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel - Edinburgh and The Lothians
    Take the First Class morning train from London to Edinburgh. Check into The Balmoral and spend the afternoon exploring Prince’s Street and Edinburgh Castle. Tonight, have dinner at The Witchery.
  • Day 2 - Gleneagles - Perthshire
    Morning of sightseeing in Edinburgh. Take a private chauffeur driven car transfer (45 minutes) to Gleneagles. Enjoy an impressive variety of activities, such as golf, fishing, falconry, horse riding – practically anything you could think of!
  • Day 3 - Gleneagles - Perthshire
    Stay on site at Gleneagles and make the most of the hotel's vast range of sporting activities and country pursuits.
  • Day 4 - Kinloch Lodge - Isle of Skye
    Chauffeur driven transfer (roughly 4 hours) from Gleneagles to the Isle of Skye via some incredibly scenic landscapes. Arrive at Kinloch Lodge early afternoon for Tea. Dinner tonight at Kinloch Lodge’s acclaimed fine dining restaurant is included in the tariff.
  • Day 5 - Kinloch Lodge - Isle of Skye
    Take a private RIB boat tour around the Isle of Skye: sail to the Rum Isles – three uninhabited islands with a historic old castle and lots of wildlife, such as dolphins, puffins and whales (May to October); and end at Loch Coruisk, an incredibly beautiful sea loch. Alternatively you can spend the day driving around the Isle of Skye, including brisk walks, a whiskey tasting tour of Tallisker distillery and lunch at The Three Chimneys. Dinner tonight at Kinloch Lodge’s restaurant is included.
  • Day 6 - Inverlochy Castle - Fort William
    Take the ferry from the Isle of Skye to the mainland. Your chauffeur driven car will take you to the White Sands of Morar - a place of intense beauty with powder white sands and translucent blue sea - where you will have a private picnic lunch. Continue on to Inverlochy Castle driving past the Glenfinnan Monument, which dates back to the Jacobite uprising, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which the Hogwart’s Express passes over in the Harry Potter movies. Arrive early evening and have dinner at Inverlochy Castle’s fine dining restaurant.
  • Day 7 - The Merrion Hotel - Dublin
    Depart early morning for the airport enjoying a gorgeous chauffer driven drive past Glencoe (this is a great route to stop and take photographs). From Glasgow Airport fly 1.5 hours to Dublin. Check in to The Merrion.
  • Day 8 - The Merrion Hotel - Dublin
    The Merrion is pure Georgian splendour; the hotel is made up of three amazing old Georgian townhouses and it is centrally located on St Stephen’s Green, an easy walk to Dublin's sites. This afternoon explore the National Museum of Art (5 minute walk from The Merrion) and sample Dublin's fantastic pubs.
  • Day 9 - Ballyfin - County Laois
    Full day sightseeing in Dublin on a privately guided walking tour, after which you will venture out to County Wicklow, which is the garden of Ireland (like the Surrey of London), with lots of beautiful houses and rolling countryside. Continue on to Ballyfin, 1.5 hours drive away.
  • Day 10 - Ballyfin - County Laois
    Spend today walking in the forest, take a boat trip on the lake or a horse and carriage ride to explore the ravishing grounds of this hotel – the smartest and grandest in all of Ireland. You can go fishing and soak up rural Ireland at its best. Ballyfin also has one of the largest private collections of art in the country including several ancient masters.
  • Day 11 - The Europe - Killarney
    Take a chauffeur driven car transfer from Ballyfin to The Europe hotel in Killarney, which is the base for the beautiful Ring of Kerry tour. Spend the whole day sightseeing with your driver and arrive at The Europe in the afternoon where you can relax at the hotel’s ESPA Spa or enjoy a round of golf.
  • Day 12 - The Europe - Killarney
    Spend this whole day sightseeing the Ring of Kerry with your private car and driver.
  • Day 13 - Ashford Castle - Cong
    Drive from The Europe to Ashford Castle via the Cliffs of Moher. Ashford Castle has recently had an expensive renovation and is a stylish base from which to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the castle. These final two nights of your vacation are all about enjoying the great outdoors in the lavish comfort of two of Ireland’s most historic castle hotels.
  • Day 14 - Dromoland Castle - Newmarket-on-Fergus
    Transfer from Ashford Castle to Dromoland Castle, the ancestral home of a former King of Ireland. Go shooting, fishing and horse riding in the acres of castle grounds; there is also a championship golf course and a large lake which you can take boat trips on. Take Afternoon Tea at The Gallery and dine at the Fig Tree Restaurant or the award-winning Earl of Thomond restaurant.
  • Day 15 - In Transit
    Private car transfer to Shannon Airport (a half hour drive away) for your flight home.
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UK - Ireland Molls Gap Kerry UK - Ireland Molls Gap Kerry
UK - Ireland Blasket Islands UK - Ireland Blasket Islands
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To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

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