01 · The Wild West
Galway & Connemara
Atlantic air, mountain roads and the quiet beauty of Kylemore Abbey.
Now Journey Cross-Celtic Adventure
Ireland to Scotland Adventure
Atlantic landscapes, storied cities and a beautifully unhurried finale in Edinburgh.
No Big Buses. No Long Lines. No Long Days.
Galway → Killarney → Dublin → Edinburgh
11 days / 10 nightsUp to 16 guestsTour Captain hostedFour overnight chapters
No obligation. No pressure.
11 Days / 10 NightsThoughtfully paced
Shannon to EdinburghCross-Celtic route
Up to 16 GuestsTrue small group
4 Overnight ChaptersIreland + Scotland
Tour CaptainHosted throughout
Your Journey at a Glance
Your Journey Ahead
Wild Atlantic Ireland. Scotland in the distance.
Four places to call home, joined by a route that changes character as beautifully as the landscape.
Scroll through destinationsSwipe through destinations
Galway → Killarney → Dublin ✈ Edinburgh
The Journey Story
Two countries. One Celtic thread.
The route begins at Ireland's Atlantic edge, deepens through Kerry and Dublin, then changes rhythm entirely as the Journey crosses the water to Scotland.
01 · The Wild West
Galway & Connemara
Galway opens the Journey with cobbled streets and a welcome table. Beyond the city, mountains, fjord water and Kylemore Abbey introduce the scale and stillness of Ireland's west.
02 · The Landscape Deepens
The Burren, Cliffs & Killarney
Limestone gives way to the Atlantic edge, then to Killarney's lakes and gardens. Three nights create room for discovery as well as a full day that belongs to you.
03 · The Irish Capital
Dublin
History, literature, music and the city's unmistakable craic come together through guided discovery and an afternoon deliberately left open.
Across the Irish Sea
04 · Across the Water
Ireland to Scotland
The Journey does not pretend this is a road. A required on-tour flight carries guests from Ireland to Scotland, clearly separating the two chapters and their distinct sense of place.
05 · The Scottish Finale
Edinburgh & the Highlands
Castle silhouettes, the Royal Mile and Stirling bring Scotland into focus. The Highlands remain an optional horizon, while Edinburgh provides the Journey's elegant finale.
02 · The Landscape Deepens
Cliffs & Killarney
The Burren and Atlantic cliffs give way to lakes, gardens and a slower Kerry rhythm.
03 · The Irish Capital
Dublin
Literary history, lively streets and time to find your own version of the city.
Across the Irish Sea
04 · Across the Water
Ireland to Scotland
A required on-tour flight distinctly carries the story into Scotland.
05 · The Scottish Finale
Edinburgh
Castle stone, Stirling history and an optional Highland horizon.
Hosted, not herded
The difference is in the pace.
World-class sightseeing belongs beside open afternoons, included dining and the confidence of a Tour Captain who knows when to lead and when to leave room.
The old group-tour model
More stops. Less place.
- Big buses and anonymous groups
- Sun-up-to-sun-down schedules
- Constant optional upselling
- Long lines and rigid pacing
The Now Journey way
Depth over speed.
- Up to 16 guests in comfortable Mercedes-type vans or SUVs for smaller parties
- Thoughtfully paced mornings and leisure time
- No on-tour upselling
- Tour Captain hosting, included dining and customary gratuities except the Tour Captain
Day by Day
The Complete Itinerary
Eleven days from Shannon arrival to Edinburgh departure, organized as four destination chapters.
Chapter One · Days 1–2
Galway & Connemara
Ireland opens gently: a welcoming city, a wild western landscape and two nights to settle into the rhythm.Day 1Welcome to Galway
After clearing customs at Shannon Airport, meet the Journey Meet & Greet team and enjoy the included transfer to Galway. Early arrivals may leave luggage with the hotel and begin exploring the cobbled streets of the City of Tribes.
Join the Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk that introduces the major landmarks and the area around the hotel. Tonight, gather for a special welcome dinner.
- Shannon arrival transfer
- Galway Discovery Walk
- Welcome dinner
- First of two Galway nights
Your home in Galway: Salt Hill Hotel, The Galmont Hotel, The G Hotel & Spa, or similar.
From the Journey Guide · The City of Tribes
Galway's medieval inheritance and modern energy coexist within a compact, walkable center. The first Discovery Walk is designed to make the city feel legible before guests explore it independently.
Day 2The Connemara National Park & Coast
After breakfast, travel into Connemara as mountains rise around the Maam Valley. Continue through Leenane beside Killary Fjord and onward to Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, one of the region's most tranquil settings.
Return to Galway with the balance of the afternoon at leisure. The Tour Captain may invite guests to an optional dinner, or the evening may be enjoyed independently.
- Daily breakfast
- Connemara touring
- Killary Fjord landscape
- Kylemore Abbey & Gardens visit
From the Journey Guide · Reading Connemara
Connemara is defined as much by water and open space as by mountains. Notice how quickly the landscape changes between the Maam Valley, Killary Fjord and Kylemore Abbey's cultivated setting.
Chapter Two · Days 3–5
Cliffs, Killarney & County Kerry
The landscape deepens through limestone, Atlantic cliffs, Killarney's lakes and one full day left open.Day 3The Burren, Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Travel south from Galway through the pale limestone landscape of the Burren. Continue toward the Atlantic edge for time at the Cliffs of Moher, weather permitting, before arriving in Killarney for three nights.
A Discovery Walk introduces Killarney, followed by a Tour Captain-hosted welcome dinner.
Signature MomentStand at Ireland's Atlantic edge as the Cliffs of Moher rise above the ocean, then follow the changing landscape toward County Kerry.
- Daily breakfast
- The Burren
- Cliffs of Moher, weather permitting
- Killarney Discovery Walk
- Welcome dinner
Your home in Killarney: Killarney Plaza Hotel or similar.
Day 4Muckross House & Blarney Castle
Visit Muckross House, the 19th-century mansion beside Muckross Lake, then continue to Blarney Castle & Gardens. Guests have the chance to see the legendary Stone of Eloquence and explore the estate's parkland and gardens, with time for lunch and shopping nearby.
- Daily breakfast
- Muckross House visit
- Blarney Castle & Gardens
- Roundtrip touring from Killarney
From the Journey Guide · Blarney beyond the stone
The famous stone is only one layer of Blarney. The estate's gardens, ancient trees and Rock Close carry stories and traditions that reach well beyond its best-known ritual.
Day 5Killarney at Leisure
Enjoy a complete day at leisure in Killarney. The evening is also open, with the possibility of joining the Tour Captain for an optional dinner.
- Daily breakfast
- Full day at leisure
Chapter Three · Days 6–7
Dublin & the Craic
From the Rock of Cashel to Trinity College, Ireland's capital is encountered through history, culture and time to wander.Day 6The Rock of Cashel & Welcome to Dublin
Travel toward Dublin with a stop at the Rock of Cashel and time for lunch independently. After checking in, join the Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk through the city center before a welcome dinner of music, cuisine and special drink.
- Daily breakfast
- Rock of Cashel stop
- Dublin Discovery Walk
- Welcome dinner
Your home in Dublin: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brooks Hotel, The Fitzwilliam, or similar.
Day 7Treasures & Secrets of Dublin
Explore central Dublin on foot with an informed local perspective. The day includes Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells, St. Patrick's Cathedral and a special visit to the Brazen Head.
The afternoon is at leisure for independent choices such as museums, galleries, Kilmainham Gaol or the Guinness Storehouse.
- Daily breakfast
- Guided city-center walk
- Trinity College Library and Book of Kells admission
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Brazen Head visit
From the Journey Guide · Dublin in layers
Dublin rewards attention to contrasts: medieval streets beside Georgian squares, literary history beside contemporary city life, and venerable institutions within a lively, walkable capital.
Chapter Four · Days 8–11
Edinburgh & Scotland
A distinct flight across the water opens the final chapter: Edinburgh, Stirling and an optional full day in the Highlands.Day 8Across the Water to Scotland
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the required on-tour flight to Scotland. The flight operates from Dublin or Belfast on select itineraries and may arrive in Edinburgh or Inverness on select itineraries.
In Edinburgh, a Discovery Walk introduces the historic city before a Tour Captain-hosted welcome dinner.
Signature MomentIreland gives way to Scotland in a true change of geography and atmosphere. The required flight is arranged as part of the tour but charged separately at booking.
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Edinburgh Discovery Walk
- Welcome dinner
Your home in Edinburgh: Waldorf Astoria, Radisson Blu Royal Mile, or similar.
Required on-tour airfare: $590 per person, due at booking and 100% non-refundable. It is not included in the base tour price.
Day 9Edinburgh Castle & Stirling
Explore Edinburgh, including the Castle, Grassmarket and Royal Mile, with context for the National Museum and National Galleries. Continue to Stirling Castle and the strategic landscape associated with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
Return to Edinburgh later in the afternoon. The evening may be enjoyed independently or with an optional Tour Captain dinner.
- Daily breakfast
- Edinburgh touring
- Edinburgh Castle
- Stirling Castle
From the Journey Guide · Stirling's strategic place
Stirling stands between Scotland's Lowlands and Highlands near the River Forth. That geography helps explain why the castle and surrounding landscape played such an important role in Scottish history.
Day 10Optional Highlands & the Journey Finale
The day is open in Edinburgh, with an optional full-day adventure to Loch Ness and the Highlands. The route may include Glen Coe, Highland Perthshire and views toward Ben Nevis, together with a one-hour Loch Ness cruise.
After returning to the hotel, gather for the traditional farewell aperitivo and a final celebration of the Journey.
- Daily breakfast
- Farewell aperitivo
- Final evening in Edinburgh
Day 11Departure Day or Extend the Adventure
The Journey concludes after breakfast in Edinburgh. Guests may inquire about extending their travels, including the possibility of continuing to London.
- Daily breakfast
- Journey concludes in Edinburgh
The details are handled
What's Included
The inclusions below come directly from the current Ireland to Scotland journey. Optional experiences and the required on-tour flight are kept separate.
Tour Captain
Now Journey Tour Captain hosting and destination orientation throughout the Journey.
10 Nights
Two nights Galway, three Killarney, two Dublin and three Edinburgh in the selected hotel collection.
Breakfast & Dining
Daily breakfasts, five included dinners, one canapé reception and unlimited soda and wine with included dinners as stated.
Sightseeing
The verified touring and admission program described in the complete itinerary, including special-access experiences where stated.
Ground Transportation
Comfortable Mercedes-type van transportation, or comfortable SUVs for smaller parties, during the land Journey.
Arrival Transfer
Meet & Greet service after Shannon arrival and the included transfer to Galway.
Customary Gratuities
Customary gratuities are included except for the Tour Captain.
Flight Charged Separately
The required $590 per-person Ireland-to-Scotland flight is due at booking and is not included in the base tour price.
Stay where the Journey lives
Your home in every chapter.
The collection may include the properties below or similar. Final hotels are confirmed with your Journey materials; no individual property is guaranteed until confirmed.
GalwayYour Home in Galway2 nights
Atlantic-city character
Salt Hill Hotel, The Galmont Hotel, The G Hotel & Spa, or similar.
Deluxe selections feature refined 4- and 5-star stays; Classic selections feature well-located 3-star-plus hotels.
KillarneyYour Home in Killarney3 nights
Kerry at an unhurried pace
Killarney Plaza Hotel or similar.
Three nights make the hotel a genuine home base rather than a one-night stop.
DublinYour Home in Dublin2 nights
At the center of the capital
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Brooks Hotel, The Fitzwilliam, or similar.
Selected for access to Dublin's cultural and historic center.
EdinburghYour Home in Edinburgh3 nights
A Scottish finale in the city
Waldorf Astoria, Radisson Blu Royal Mile, or similar.
A central base for Edinburgh, Stirling and the optional Highland day.
2026 & 2027 Departures
Choose your departure.
Prices are per person in USD based on double occupancy. Past May–August 2026 departures have been removed from future availability; both upcoming September 2026 departures remain.
Upcoming 2026
September 8–18
11 days
$10,879Deluxe$9,779Classic
Request availability
Select DepartureSeptember 15–25
11 days
$10,879Deluxe$9,779Classic
Request availability
Select Departure2027 Standard Departures
May 25–June 4
11 days
$10,879Deluxe$9,779Classic
Request availability
Select DepartureJune 29–July 9
11 days
$10,879Deluxe$9,779Classic
Request availability
Select DepartureJuly 13–23
11 days
$10,979Deluxe$9,879Classic
Request availability
Select DepartureJuly 27–August 6
11 days
$10,979Deluxe$9,879Classic
Request availability
Select DepartureSeptember 7–17
11 days
$10,879Deluxe$9,779Classic
Request availability
Select Departure2027 Special Departure
September 14–27
14 days
$12,379Deluxe$10,579Classic
Request availability
Select DepartureThe Ryder Cup departure adds two nights in Limerick on Days 3 and 4 and runs September 14–27. Its itinerary and pricing are distinct from the standard 11-day Journey.
Pricing basis: Prices are per person in USD based on double occupancy. The Journey is priced around a minimum of four guests; until that group size is reached, a First to Book Supplement may apply. Optional pre- and post-tour extensions are available on select departures.
Guest confidence
The proof is in the way guests talk about it.
Now Journey's current company-wide TripAdvisor record includes more than 50 five-star reviews. This is brand-wide social proof, not a claim that every review is specific to Ireland and Scotland.
★★★★★
50+ Five-Star ReviewsIndependent feedback about the Now Journey approach to small-group travel.
Read TripAdvisor ReviewsPractical answers
A few things travelers ask first.
How active is this Journey?
Sightseeing is leisurely, with approximately 45 to 90 minutes of walking on an average touring day. Guests generally have opportunities to pause or opt out when desired.
How much leisure time is included?
The itinerary follows a slow-travel approach, with much of the structured sightseeing in the mornings and meaningful afternoon or full-day leisure time built into the Journey.
How many guests travel together?
This Journey accommodates up to 16 guests. Pricing is based on a minimum of four guests; a First to Book Supplement may apply until that minimum is reached.
Is the Ireland-to-Scotland flight included in the base price?
No. The required on-tour airfare is $590 per person, due at booking and 100% non-refundable. The flight is arranged within the tour routing but charged separately from the base land price.
Are the Scottish Highlands included?
The Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands day is optional and carries an additional cost. Edinburgh and Stirling touring are part of the core Journey.
Are the listed hotels guaranteed?
The page identifies the current hotel collection examples, always with an “or similar” qualification. Final confirmed properties are provided with the Journey materials.
What is included with dining?
The current Journey includes daily breakfasts, five dinners and one canapé reception. Included dinners feature unlimited soda and wine as stated in the source itinerary.
Ireland and Scotland, made personal
Ready to begin the conversation?
Request a no-obligation Journey proposal and let a specialist help you choose the right departure and hotel collection.
Image sources & licensing
Kylemore Abbey and Trinity College images are licensed under the Pexels license and stored as optimized local assets. The Muckross/Killarney and Edinburgh images are existing approved Now Journey site assets. The cross-Celtic relief atlas is original artwork generated for this page with the built-in OpenAI image generator and stored locally as an optimized WebP. No production image is hotlinked.