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Within NZ: (03) 365 0746 • International: +64 3 365 0746
With a strong focus on the Celtic culture and history of Scotland, Ireland & Wales, this grand motorhome tour will enable you to immerse yourself into the very rich heritage and traditions of these wonderful nations.
This epic adventure has it all …. wild coastlines, iconic castles, expansive wilderness areas, stunning scenery, historic sites, charming villages and welcoming locals.
Duration: 43 days
Holiday Type:
Independent Motorhome Tours
Departure dates:
Make an enquiryOn arrival in Edinburgh, you will be met by our representative and transferred by private car to your downtown, city hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore this beautiful and cultured city.
Stay: Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Hotel (2 nights)
Distance: 180km (112miles)
Collect your motorhome this morning and make you way to the ‘Fair City’ of Perth, located on the banks of the River Tay. This gorgeous city was once the capital of Scotland and a picturesque playground for kings and queens. Nestled between two sprawling public parks, it boasts elegant Georgian townhouses, cobbled streets and medieval spires, together with an array of outstanding monuments, art galleries and museums that you can explore. Continue your journey to Dundee, Scotland’s sunniest city, with its historic ships, museums, theatres and arts centres. From here, it’s a relatively short drive to the pretty harbour town of Stonehaven, located just south of Aberdeen and your stay for the next 2 nights. Be sure to eat at The Bay Fish & Chips, located on the picturesque waterfront. This highly acclaimed, award winning eatery serves the freshest fish caught daily in the North Sea. Another recommendation is the Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant, reputed to serve some of the finest seafood in the world.
Distance: 186km (115miles)
There are two ways to travel to Inverness. The first is the longer coastal route, where you will experience plenty of charming little villages, distilleries and even some dolphin spotting. The alternative highlands route will take you via Ballater, a Victorian village in the heart of Royal Deeside and the closet settlement to Balmoral Castle. Drive through the Cairngorms National Park into Speyside, the Scotch Whisky region that is home to 50 distilleries and the two best single malt whiskies in the world, Glenfiddich & The Glenlivet. Your campsite for the next 2 nights is Culloden Moor near Inverness, where in 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie and his clansmen allies met the end of their grand rebellion in battle. On day 5, enjoy a morning cruise on Loch Ness with an included visit to the 1000 year old ruins of Urquhart Castle. Be sure to keep an eye open for sightings of ‘Nessie’, the loch’s famous monster.
Distance: 93km (58miles)
First stop this morning is Dunrobin Castle and Gardens, the most northerly of Scotland’s great houses and the family seat of Clan Sutherland. It overlooks the Moray Firth and is located just north of the villages of Golspie and Dornoch. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Castle, which resembles a French chateau with its towering conical spires and boasts 189 rooms. You can also enjoy falconry displays, a museum and a walk through the formal gardens. From here, it a short drive to the historical coastal village of Brora.
Distance: 120km (75miles)
Travel north through the village of John o’Groats to the Castle of Mey, purchased by HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother in 1952 and enjoy a tour of the castle and wander around its Walled Gardens. Your stay at Dunnet Head offers majestic views over the Pentland Firth and is the most northerly point of both Scotland and the island of Great Britain. On day 9 you have the option of taking a ferry trip to the nearby Orkney Islands with their special historic sites including Skara Brae Neolithic Village and the Ring of Brodgar stone circle.
Distance: 338km (210miles)
The tiny village of Durness is situated in the northwest highlands of Scotland in the traditional county of Sutherland. One of the most sparsely populated wilderness areas in Western Europe, the rugged terrain is one of mighty mountains, russet heathland and turquoise sea lochs. After your overnight stay beside the beach, continue your journey on to the small but pretty village of Kinlochewe, close to the head of Loch Maree, a very strong contender for the title of Scotland’s most scenic loch.
Distance: 217km (135miles)
We recommend an early start this morning to make the most of a suggested visit to the Isle of Skye. It is the largest of the Inner Hebrides and is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. The island will enchant you with its mountain ranges, miles of dramatic coastline and captivating history. Portree, its largest town, overlooks a sheltered bay decorated by a picturesque string of brightly coloured houses. Be sure to explore Eilean Donan Castle as you drive on to Morvich. This 13th century castle is one of the most recognised in Scotland and has featured in numerous movies and television shows including the hit series ‘Outlander’.
Distance: 105km (65miles)
An easy drive this morning as you continue on to Fort William and Glen Nevis, your next destination. The surrounding area offers a fantastic range of outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities. There is a multitude of walks and cycle tracks at your doorstep with the path up to the mighty Ben Nevis just a short walk away and there are many historical sites for you to explore. On day 15, board ‘The Jacobite Steam Train’ for an 84 mile round trip from nearby Fort William to Mallaig, described as one of the great railway journeys of the world.
Distance: 160km (100miles)
Be sure to stop at the iconic Inveraray Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne today. The ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, it recently featured as ‘Duneagle Castle’ in the hit TV series ‘Downtown Abbey’. Wander through the castle and formal gardens or perhaps take a woodland walk. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is surrounded by charming villages and rolling countryside. It offers some truly wonderful land and water-based activities … everything from golf, hiking, cycle and boat hire, cruises (including a waterbus ferry to several small islands within the loch), canoeing, Segway safaris, local distilleries to name just a few. And less than an hour away is Glasgow, easily accessible by bus or train.
Distance: 350km (218miles)
Journey south along the coastal route to the popular seaside resort of Ayr. Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, was born in nearby Alloway on the outskirts of the town and a visit to the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is highly recommended. Further south and close to your overnight stay in Maybole is Culzean Castle & Country Park, a 260ha opulent estate rich in wildlife cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
The next day, travel to Cairnryan at the end of the Ayrshire Coast for your ferry crossing across the Irish Sea to the port of Belfast. On arrival, follow the famous Causeway Coastal route along the Antrim Coast to visit the UNESCO Heritage listed Giant’s Causeway, with its 40,000 volcanic hexagonal columns sticking out of the sea. Enjoy a two-night stay near the town of Ballymoney and explore the Glens of Antrim and visit the ancient walled city of nearby Londonderry.
Distance: 80km (50miles)
Return to the rejuvenated city of Belfast and enjoy discovering its many attractions with an included ‘Hop-On Hop-Off’ bus tour. Belfast’s history has been linked for generations to ship building and ‘The Titanic Experience' tells the unforgettable story of the Titanic and the wider story of Belfast's industrial and maritime history.
Distance: 235km (146miles)
Journey south and cross the border into the Republic of Ireland. En-route to Wicklow, stop to visit the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre near Drogheda, famous for the passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, Ireland’s world-famous Neolithic monuments that pre-date Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
The following day is free day to explore the local surrounds, including the Wicklow Mountains National Park with its majestic country houses and gardens including Powerscourt, Kilruddery and Russborough. Nearby is Ireland’s top horse visitor attraction, the Irish National Stud at Kildare.
Distance: 195km (120miles)
We recommend a visit to nearby Avoca, the charismatic village used as the setting for the hit TV series ‘Ballykissangel’. Continue on to the medieval town of Kilkenny, built on both banks of the River Nore. Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by its Norman occupiers and the town has deep religious roots with many well-preserved churches and monasteries. Be sure to wander through its imposing 13th century cathedral and the winding narrow lanes filled with craft shops selling pottery, paintings and jewellery. From here, drive on to the 19th century market town of Tipperary, nestled in the superb and scenic surroundings of the Golden Vale for a 2-night stay.
Distance: 180km (112miles)
A visit to explore to Blarney Castle with an opportunity to kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone is included this morning. A stop at the very popular Blarney Woollen Mills is also recommended before continuing to the historic Port of Cobh where you can learn about the Titanic, the ill-fated Lusitania and the early emigration to the colonies at the Cobh Heritage Centre. Between 1791 and the early 1850’s, this port was the departure point for many convict ships heading for Sydney & Hobart.
Drive on to Killarney in Co. Kerry, your stay for the next three nights. There are numerous activities to enjoy including a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Other places to visit include Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula and you can also enjoy a scenic lake cruise on Lough Lein or a tour of the parklands on a horse drawn Jaunting Car.
Distance: 290km (180miles)
We suggest an early start this morning and head north to the lovely village of Foynes located on the banks of the Shannon River. Be sure to visit the Flying Boat Museum before crossing the estuary into County Clare. Stop at the acclaimed 15th century iconic Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland. From here, travel on to one of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences, the Cliffs of Moher. Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians and poets for generations. A short drive north brings you to your coastal campsite, your stay for the next 2 nights. On your free day, why not visit Galway, a wild and bohemian city that is full of artistry, exceptional food and music. Explore its wonderful, cobbled streets, colourful shop facades and its offbeat café & bar culture.
Distance: 282km (175miles)
Head east over the exceptional limestone pavement formation of The Burren heathland as you make your way to Dublin, the nation’s super-cool capital that’s twice been named as Europe’s friendliest city by TripAdvisor where you enjoy a two-night stopover. There’s a regular bus service into the heart of the city from just outside your campsite. There is so much to see and do, so two nights might not be enough! We have included a Hop-On Hop-Off city bus tour so you can discover at your own pace, all the sights, landmarks and attractions that define Dublin.
Distance: 188km (116miles)
Join your ferry for the early morning crossing from the port of Dublin to Holyhead, located in Anglesey, North Wales. We suggest visiting Caernarfon Castle, a medieval fortress recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. Continue your journey on to the lovely, small village of Betsw-y-Coed, which translates to ‘The Prayer House in the Woods’ and was founded around a monastery in the late sixth century. This magical setting has a distinctly alpine feel which is enhanced by the dense Gwydyr Forest and it is often referred to as the gateway to the Snowdonia National Park. Outdoor activities abound in the region, and it is the perfect destination for an action-packed adventure at any time of year. Enjoy a free day to explore all that Snowdonia has to offer.
Distance: 110km (68miles)
Enjoy a scenic drive along the A5 today, stopping at Llangollen, a small town of some 3000 people, steeped in myth and legend. Like so many Welsh towns, it takes its name from its founding Saint, Collen from the 7th century. Activities include a steam ride along the Dee Valley, horse drawn trips, and rides on a traditional canal narrow boat. Chester was founded in 79AD as a Roman fortress and boasts one of the most complete wall systems in England. It is the embodiment of a “typical English town” with its Victorian buildings, cottage homes, cobblestoned high street and expansive parks.
Enjoy a free day to explore the local sights. Nearby, the beautiful Wirral Peninsula is an area of great natural beauty and is fantastic for walks, outdoor activities and cosy pubs. Also close by is Liverpool, one of Britain’s most dynamic and vibrant cultural centres and the city that gave us The Beatles.
Distance: 87km (54miles)
The high hills of the Peak District are home to numerous attractions. Here, you will enjoy a 2-night stay at the spa town of Buxton, renowned for its Georgian & Victorian architecture. During your stay, a visit to Bakewell is highly recommended. Perhaps best known for its unique and delicious pudding, the village is an ideal place for an interesting town walk. Located very close by is Chatsworth House and Gardens, one of the largest and elegant stately homes anywhere in the world.
Distance: 130km (80miles)
First stop this morning is the nearby beautiful village of Castleton, situated at the head of the Hope Valley. The imposing ruins of Peveril Castle, one of England’s earliest Norman fortresses, stand high above the village. There are several caves accessible by guided tour including Blue John, Peak, Treak Cliff and Speedwell. On to the historic walled city of York, steeped in history having been founded by the Romans way back in 71AD. Enjoy a day at leisure to enjoy all that this great city has to offer.
Distance: 155km (95miles)
Head west to the Pennines, known as the Backbone of England, and across the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its scenic wild valleys and crags. We recommend a stop at Bolton Abbey where you can view the ruins of this 12th century Augustinian monastery which has been admired by artists such as Turner, Ruskin and Royle and has also inspired the famous poet, William Wordsworth. If time permits, a visit to the picturesque market town of Ilkley is also suggested. . The Lake District is one of England’s most beautiful areas and our campsite is situated in Keswick on the shores of Derwentwater with stunning views overlooking the lake to the hills beyond. There are numerous lake and hillside tracks and trails within easy access and there is no shortage of water-based activities to dip into. Also nearby is the beautiful valley of Borrowdale where you’ll find the Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle and the medieval and much photographed pack horse bridge at Ashness.
Distance: 228km (142miles)
Sadly, your Celtic adventure ends today when you return to Edinburgh and drop off your motorhome at the depot. A transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey is included. However, if time permits, perhaps extend your stay with another night or two to explore this magical and charismatic city which offers the visitor so much.
Price per person is based on two people sharing, prices for solo travellers are available on request.
Within NZ:
(03) 365 0746
International:
+64 3 365 0746
