Dublin & Edinburgh Explorer
History and culture in two capital cities
What's better: Irish or Scottish whisky? Taste for yourself in two cities known for strong spirits, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. From cool Dublin to stately Edinburgh, experience the best of two capital cities in this 6 or 8-night vacation! Hang with students at Trinity College, then walk the historic Royal Mile and pick up a tartan souvenir.
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Edinburgh (EDI)
- 3 nights in Dublin at the Ashling Hotel, or similar
- Dublin Hop-On/Hop-Off Pass (2-Day)
- One-way, economy class airfare from Dublin (DUB) to Edinburgh (EDI)
- 3 nights in Edinburgh at the Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, or similar
- Royal Edinburgh Tour
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
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Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland’s official residence of The Queen.
- Taste haggis in Edinburgh and Irish stew in Dublin, and don't forget a beer to wash it all down.
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Spend a night out on the town in Dublin's lively Temple Bar!
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See why Edinburgh is an art lover's town at the Scottish National Gallery.
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Take a tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of Dublin's oldest medieval cathedrals.
Mythical castles, medieval cathedrals, jovial pubs...experience the best of Ireland and Scotland in six nights!
Your journey begins in the emerald city of Dublin, a city where classic literature meets festive pubs. Roam the cobblestone streets of James Joyce, then discover where Ireland gained its independence. Enjoy discounts on attractions and a free walking tour with an included 2-day Hop-On/Hop-Off pass.
Fly to Edinburgh and jump right into this proud capital city nicknamed the "Athens of the North." Stroll its streets marked by imposing Georgian architecture as the sound of bagpipes fill the air. Enjoy 48-hour unlimited access to the city's top attractions including Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Royal Yacht Brittania.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Edinburgh (EDI)
- 3 nights in Dublin at the Ashling Hotel, or similar
- Dublin Hop-On/Hop-Off Pass (2-Day)
- One-way, economy class airfare from Dublin (DUB) to Edinburgh (EDI)
- 3 nights in Edinburgh at the Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre, or similar
- Royal Edinburgh Tour
- Breakfast daily
-
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland’s official residence of The Queen.
- Taste haggis in Edinburgh and Irish stew in Dublin, and don't forget a beer to wash it all down.
-
Spend a night out on the town in Dublin's lively Temple Bar!
-
See why Edinburgh is an art lover's town at the Scottish National Gallery.
-
Take a tour of St. Patrick's Cathedral, one of Dublin's oldest medieval cathedrals.
Mythical castles, medieval cathedrals, jovial pubs...experience the best of Ireland and Scotland in six nights!
Your journey begins in the emerald city of Dublin, a city where classic literature meets festive pubs. Roam the cobblestone streets of James Joyce, then discover where Ireland gained its independence. Enjoy discounts on attractions and a free walking tour with an included 2-day Hop-On/Hop-Off pass.
Fly to Edinburgh and jump right into this proud capital city nicknamed the "Athens of the North." Stroll its streets marked by imposing Georgian architecture as the sound of bagpipes fill the air. Enjoy 48-hour unlimited access to the city's top attractions including Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Royal Yacht Brittania.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin!
Arrive in Dublin airport and make your way to your hotel! Get acquainted with the city by using your hop-on/hop-off bus pass and watch the beauty of Dublin unfold right before your eyes.
At night, head to Dublin's oldest pub The Brazen Head, dating back to 1198. Have a pint and say cheers with the locals!
Overlooking O'Connell Street in Dublin, the Gresham Hotel offers free Wi-Fi, daily breakfast, a small gym on-site as well as access to a larger facility just 5 minutes away, a restaurant, and a bar.
Rooms are spacious and plush, featuring a LCD TV, a safe, a hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, ironing facilities, and private bathrooms. Parking is available for a nightly charge, and the Dublin 3Arena is just a mile away. Temple Bar, the River Liffey, and excellent shopping opportunities are available just a few minutes walk away. Thy Connolly Train Station is a 5-minute walk away, the port is a little over a mile and a half away, and Dublin Airport is just over 6 miles away.
The Chancery Hotel in Dublin is a 4-star hotel with a 24-hour front desk to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The hotel features Fawn restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner with something for everyone. There is also an on-site bar for delicious evening cocktails, and a cafe with sweet treats and coffee.
The hotel also has an immersive relaxation area with a whirlpool, Turkish Bath , sauna, and massage shower. Guests also have access to the hotel's 24-hour gym.
Guest rooms are bright and spacious with black-out curtains to help guests get a good night sleep. Amenities include a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, air-conditioning, an in-room safe, free Wi-Fi, a TV, coffee maker, and fridge with complimentary water.
The Chancery Hotel is close to many attractions in Dublin. Dublin Castle, the Irish Whiskey Museum, Book of Kells, and The Little Museum of Dublin are all within a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Additionally, Dublin Airport is closest to this hotel.
Parking
The Grafton Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in central Dublin. An elegantly designed and contemporary hotel that showcases the charm of the art deco era, The Grafton features a 24-hour front desk to make sure guests' needs are met around the clock. The hotel also features Bartley's Bar and Restaurant for cocktails, lunch, and dinner, as well as Bartley's Coffee Lounge and Terrace where guests can have coffee and pastries or place a to-go order.
Guest rooms are spacious and most have a view of the Dublin skyline. There is a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, and free Wi-Fi is available. Other amenities include a TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, desk, and room service.
The hotel is just a short 5-minute walk from Grafton Street - one of Dublin's main shopping streets. Additionally, Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green are both within an 8-minute walk from the hotel. The Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Zoo are both within a 15-minute drive, and Dublin Airport is closest to this hotel.
Parking
The Alex was the third of O'Callaghan Hotel Group's Dublin hotels on this corner of Merrion Square. This thoughtfully designed contemporary hotel welcomes you into its spacious lobby where the team will give you a great welcome, excellent service and will be more than happy to show you everything on our doorstep.
The Alex is close to Dublin city's Georgian squares where business and culture meet as neighbors. Grafton Street, the flagship location for many shops, is just a minutes' walk from the hotel. For the adventurous visitor, there is a Dublin Bike station on Merrion Square and you can join the other enthusiastic cyclists in Dublin traveling from one point of interest to another.
Day 2. Dublin
Continue using your hop-on/hop-off pass! Don't miss the Chester Beatty Library in the grounds of the Dublin Castle, where you'll see the rare books collection of mining engineer Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.
In the evening head to Grafton Street, home to Dublin's many restaurants and bars. Whether you're craving Indian, Thai or French, this city's food scene has it all!
Dublin Big Bus Essential Hop-on/Hop-off - 48-hour
Visit Ireland’s capital and discover the city from the top of an open-top double-decker bus. Let City Sightseeing entertain, inform and highlight all the things to do and see in Dublin to help you make the most of your stay. The 48-hour ticket is the perfect hassle-free way to get around town and visit all of Dublin’s major sights.
Includes:
- Unlimited travel ticket for 48 hours
- Free guided walking tour
- Free night tour
- Choice of two routes (blue & red)
- English speaking live guides, and pre-recorded commentary
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Covered buses for inclement weather
Day 3. Dublin
Explore Trinity College, one of the most prestigious universities in the world and a masterpiece of Georgian architecture. The buildings, dating back centuries, are each beautifully laid out on a cobbled or grassy square.
Don't miss the Old Library, a visually stunning structure and home of the Book of Kells, widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure.
At night see the illuminated city along the River Liffey, making sure to snap photos along the way.
Day 4. Dublin - Edinburgh
Enjoy a full Irish breakfast at your hotel then make your way to the airport because you're flying to Edinburgh today, a city steeped in history, art and culture!
Once settled, activate your Royal Edinburgh pass and see a few of the city's top sights from the comfort of your bus. Spend the evening in Leith, a historic port boasting some of the best food and drinks in the city.
Fly from Dublin (DUB) to Edinburgh (EDI)!
Elegance meets avant-garde in this luxury hotel set in the deepest trenches of Edinburgh in northern U.K. The Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Center presents guests with eye-catching views of the Edinburgh Castle. Each room comes fully equipped with a private bathroom, a flat screen T.V., land line phones, a desk with an ergonomic chair, as well as beautiful decorations. The Moboddo bar is the hotel's very own pride and joy, serving specialty and hand-crafted beverages in a dim atmosphere with leather seating. Feeling like a meal but don't want to leave the hotel? Head on over the to Bread Street Brasserie for a fine-dining experience.
Outside attractions include the Edinburgh Castle, International Conference Centre, Royal Lyceum Theater, Prince Street Gardens, and dozens of other exciting places to see in your free time. The location mixed with the intricate design of the hotel makes guests feel like royalty, even outside of the castle grounds.
Relax and unwind at The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel, nestled
right in the heart of historic Edinburgh. After a busy day of sightseeing in
the bustling city, you will find yourself only steps away from the comfort and
elegance that this hotel provides. Kick off your shoes and climb into your large,
comfortable bed, or stay up planning your next day, sitting in cozy armchairs
and using the hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi. All 156 guestrooms are furnished to
the highest standard, featuring triple-glazed windows and boasting marble
bathrooms, creating a quiet, peaceful sanctuary in the middle of center city.
When it’s time to eat, indulge in a delicious, classically
Scottish meal at Acanthus, The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel’s award-winning
restaurant that creates a perfect environment, as it sits just across from
Scottish Parliament and overlooks Arthur’s Seat. By selecting only the finest,
freshest ingredients that are locally sourced where possible, Acanthus is one
of the most exciting new restaurants in Edinburgh. There, you will be treated
to a sensational experience of specialty cocktails, delicious teas, and a
scrumptious breakfast, lunch, or dinner that captures the taste of Scotland.
Pamper yourself at the hotel’s Leisure Club and Spa, which offers
a perfect retreat from the liveliness of Scotland’s capital city. Find serenity in a variety of luxurious spa
treatments, take a swim in the 45-foot headed swimming pool, or work out all of
your stresses in the state of the art Technogym.
Perfectly located in the center of Edinburgh with plenty of access to nearby attractions, Market Street is the perfect hotel if you're looking for a clean, friendly, and accessible accommodation while in Scotland. Highly stylized with an archaic exterior and modern interior, guests are sure to feel welcome while enjoying incredible access to outside locations as well as an on-site lounge, restaurant, terrace, and coffee house. Views of the city are incredible from the hotel's many gigantic windows.
Air conditioning runs throughout the hotel, and high speed Wi-Fi is available in every room. Guest rooms are comfortable and decorated in neutral tones with hints of yellow and orange. Each room comes equipped with a private bathroom, television (featuring Chromecast and Apple TV), locally-designed fabrics and furniture, small-business owned coffee grounds, and optional choices for hypoallergenic bedding.
Just a few minutes away from the hotel are some of Edinburgh's most popular attractions. These include the City Art Centre, National Museum of Scotland, the Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and many more.
Stay close to all of Edinburgh's top attractions with a stay at ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile. Only about half a mile from Edinburgh Castle and even closer to the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, and the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, the hotel keeps you in the heart of the action. Enjoy comfortably furnished guestrooms and hotel amenities such as a 24-hour bar stocked with a selection of Scottish beers and spirits, speedy Wi-Fi, and an outdoor courtyard to take in a warm afternoon. Fuel up with a good breakfast before you set out to discover the hidden treasures of Edinburgh.
Enjoy the lively and modern decour during your stay at the Grassmarket Hotel. Rooms come equipped with TVs, iPod docks, wall-sized magnetic maps, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms featuring rainfall showers. This newly renovated hotel sitting comfortable within distance of Waverley Train Station and the Royal Mile.
Pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities for excellent shopping are all within walking distance of your hotel, as well as all of the shops of Princes Street. Old Town exploration and history make the area unique, just like its lodgings.
Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's Old Town at the eclectic Stay Central Hotel. Located right on bustling Cowgate, you'll be just steps away from many sights and attractions including the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, and the Princes Street Gardens. Enjoy this hotel's funky yet stylish decor - be on the lookout for tons of interesting artwork, unique furniture, and fun board games.
When your legs are tired from exploring, head up to your spacious, comfortable room and take advantage of the hotel's luxurious amenities. Use complimentary WiFi to plan the rest of your trip, catch up on your favorite show on a flat screen TV, and relax in the rainfall-style shower.
Relax in your large, comfortable bed at the charming Murrayfield Hotel. This stylish, quaint hotel will serve as a perfect home base, as it is located right on the border of the Edinburgh City Centre. Start your day with a walk to the national Murrayfield Stadium, stroll around Roseburn Park, or uncover your wild side at the Edinburgh Zoo. For more fun, hop on a local train or hail a cab and explore the historic Edinburgh City Centre. In just minutes, you'll be right in the middle of the breathtaking architecture of Edinburgh's New Town and Old Town.
Yes, Edinburgh is filled with amazing restaurants, but make sure to have at least one meal at The Bothy, Murrayfield's on-site restaurant and drinkery! Whether its a pleasant breakfast, weekend brunch, or a romantic candlelit dinner, this stylish yet traditional Scottish restaurant will serve you up an experience that will leave you wanting more. Indulge in homemade Scottish favorites, bistro bites, and craft cocktails while you relax in a comfortable, homey, yet trendy atmosphere. Look out for events like quiz night, flight night, and whiskey tasting night that are hosted at The Bothy.
This iconic Georgian hotel is steeped in history given it is almost 200 years old and makes up the historic "New Town" within Edinburgh. It is a period residence that was once home to Christopher North, a renowned 19th century essayist, bon viveur and hedonist. Nira Caledonia is a luxury hotel which blends Bohemian chic with contemporary comfort. It is a boutique hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland and is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The hotel is surrounded by the cobbled streets and Georgian elegance of New Town, a short stroll from Princes Street, Nira Caledonia is a central yet peaceful Edinburgh retreat.
The impressive architecture of the hotel extends to period features throughout the building including high ceilings, ornate cornicing and bay windows. Amid the plush pelmets, rich textures and original cornices you'll find flat-screen televisions, Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations. You'll find warm, heartfelt service and a cool, quirky style. As a protected Grade A building we don't have a lift, but our porters are always on hand and we offer 24-hour room service. It has 24-hour room service and complimentary Wi-Fi The cuisine at our restaurant is natural, fresh and often organic, with ingredients farmed, caught, raised or bred in Scotland and with over 25 Scotch whisky blends and single malts, our bar also focuses on local flavors.
Day 5. Edinburgh
Discover the famous Edinburgh Castle, a 12th-century fortress that makes an indelible mark on the skyline. Imagine yourself as part of a fairtytale as you wander the grounds of this former royal residence. You'll have fast-track access to the castle, giving you ample time to explore all of its fascinating nooks and crannies.
In the evening, venture to one of Edinburgh's theaters to experience a play, musical or performance. This is an art-lover's town!
Royal Edinburgh Ticket
This unique value-added tour ticket is all you need to explore and experience the royal splendors of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city! You’ll receive 48-hour unlimited access to three city tours, as well as admission to Edinburgh Castle (the city’s most famous attraction), The Palace of Holyroodhouse (The King's official residence in Scotland) and The Royal Yacht Brittania (The Queen’s former floating Royal residence).
Tours Included with Your Ticket:
The Edinburgh Tour – with a live English-speaking guide, and stops including Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Old Town, New Town, National Museum of Scotland and Scottish Parliament.
City Sightseeing Tour – entertaining and informative commentary, along with a “Horrible Histories” commentary for kids. Highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Old Town, New Town, National Museum of Scotland, Our Dynamic Earth and Calton Hill.
Majestic Tour - Enjoy an entertaining and informative commentary as you are guided through the history of Edinburgh’s people, places and sights along the route. Highlights include the Royal Yacht Britannia, Royal Botanic Garden, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Old Town and Scottish Parliament.
Day 6. Edinburgh
Begin your day with a dose of art and history at the National Museum of Scotland, loved by locals and tourists alike. In addition to 20,000 artifacts, the museum's Victorian architecture is a visual treat, so bring your camera!
From fine art to street art, head to Edinburgh's Royal Mile, the city's main pedestrian thoroughfare. Lining the cobblestone streets are beautiful buildings, shops selling tartan, and quiet enclosures perfect for an afternoon respite.
Duck into a pub at night and enjoy a strong glass of Scottish whiskey.
Day 7. Depart Scotland
In accordance with your departure flight, make your way to Edinburgh airport (EDI).
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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