Scotland & Ireland
14-Day Heritage Journey
For A Family of 8
A Personal Note from Your Advisor
Welcome to your Scottish & Irish heritage adventure! This trip is designed around what matters most — ancestral heritage, world-class whisky, castles, and immersive, authentic travel experiences.
We've mapped out an 'open-jaw' route — flying into Edinburgh and out of Dublin — to maximize your time. The Scottish Highlands, the mystical Isle of Skye, your ancestral lands on the Kintyre Peninsula, the iconic Giant's Causeway, and vibrant Dublin all await.
This proposal is your starting point. Read through, dream a little, and then let me know what excites you most and what you'd like to adjust!
Your Journey Vision
What Makes This Trip Special
- Scottish Clan Heritage — Walk the grounds of Glenbarr Abbey and Tarbert Castle on the ancestral Kintyre Peninsula
- Whisky & Whiskey Education — From Campbeltown's Springbank to Dublin's Teeling, experience three whisky regions
- Harry Potter Magic — Ride the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express route, across Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Wildlife & Nature — Edinburgh Zoo, Dublin Zoo, and UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway
Budget & Logistics
- Premium Economy budget — comfortable flights with extra legroom and service
- Flights — Open-jaw flights: into Edinburgh, out of Dublin
- Accommodation — Large vacation rentals with communal spaces & laundry
- Transportation — Two rental vehicles per country, ferry as foot passengers
Your Destinations
Edinburgh
Scotland's dramatic capital
Scottish Highlands
Rugged peaks & cinematic landscapes
Isle of Skye
The mystical Winged Isle
Kintyre Peninsula
Your ancestral homeland
Giant's Causeway
UNESCO basalt wonder
Dublin
Ireland's vibrant capital
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Scotland: The Lowlands & Capital
Scotland: The Highlands & Islands
Scotland: The Ancestral Heart
Ireland: The Emerald Isle
Departure
Transportation Strategy
Open-Jaw Flights
Into Edinburgh, out of Dublin. Saves ~8-10 hours of backtracking.
Split-Rental Vehicles
Rent in Scotland, return before ferry. Rent new vehicles in Ireland.
Ferry as Foot Passengers
Avoids cross-border rental fees. 2h 15m crossing with lounges & dining.
Important Information
UK ETA Requirement
All US travelers will need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Apply online via the UK government website — currently £20 per person. Your advisor will remind you when it's time to apply (valid for 2 years).
Jacobite Steam Train
Tickets for the Hogwarts Express sell out within minutes when they go on sale. This is a calendar alert priority — your advisor will handle booking the moment sales open!
Passports
Any travelers without current passports should start applications soon. Current processing time is approximately 2 months. Passports must be valid for the duration of your trip (some airlines may require 6+ months validity, so we recommend renewing early).
Accommodation Style
We book large vacation rentals with 4+ bedrooms, communal spaces, and laundry facilities. For groups large and small — we find the perfect homey base for each region.
Next Steps
- 1Review this proposal and let us know what excites you, what you'd like to adjust, and any questions.
- 2Start passport applications for anyone in your group who needs one.
- 3Confirm Ireland priorities — what do you want to see and do on the Irish leg?
- 4Timeline: We'll start looking at lodging quotes. Flight quotes become available several months in advance.
Ready to Start Planning?
This is just the beginning! We create fully customized heritage journeys tailored to your family's story, interests, and travel style. Your Scottish & Irish adventure awaits!