They say good things come in small packages, and the same can definitely be said of the British Isles. There are no fewer than 11 U.S. States that are larger than the North Atlantic archipelago floating just off the coast of continental Europe, and distances between the five countries that make up the Isles also look minimal on a map. Yet this cozy setup doesn’t mean you should attempt to cram everything in during one visit. Ever a fan of Celtic hospitality, Rick Steves certainly advises against doing so when considering one of his tours to Ireland and Scotland. “Why don’t we offer a joint tour to both places?” Steves writes on his website. “We tried, but considering how Americans have the shortest vacations in the rich world and how much there is to see in each country, the combo itineraries were either too thin or too long. These lands — filled with seductive charms — shouldn’t be rushed.”
It is easy to see why tourists might be tempted to hit both countries in one go. They are Celtic nations with similar cultures distinctly different from England, and flights across the Irish Sea are swift and cheap. You could fit a few of the major highlights into a week’s vacation, but dashing about won’t give you the chance to soak in the best of what each country has to offer. But if you take Steves’ advice and split them up, which do you choose first? Let’s take a look at his suggested itineraries and see what is in store.
Rick Steves on Ireland
Rick Steves’ Scottish suggestions
Rick Steves’ equivalent tour of Scotland is spread over 8 days, taking you from the charming city of Inverness and through the Highlands to Edinburgh. Using Inverness as a base, it’s off for a little monster-spotting on Loch Ness before taking in Cawdor Castle and the battlefield of Culloden. Next, we head deeper into mountainous Perthshire, where you can taste a drop of Scotland’s famous whisky at one of the distilleries of Speyside. Not a bad idea to keep warm, as Steves’ next tip is watching sheepdogs do their thing on a working sheep farm.
Continuing south, get a fascinating insight into Iron Age life at the Scottish Crannog Centre, with its wonderful recreation of an ancient fortified dwelling built on the loch. Also nearby is the village of Dunkeld, with its medieval cathedral and whimsical Hermitage woods, offering fine opportunities for hiking through the forests. Golfers won’t want to miss the iconic links at St. Andrews, the world’s oldest golf course, before arriving in Edinburgh.
The capital is a splendid city full of history and culture, not to mention great shopping and plenty of places to dine and drink. Visit the mighty Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, and perhaps take a walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat for great views across the skyline. Obviously, these short itineraries still barely scratch the surface, but they are a good place to start building your own tour if you are planning a trip to Ireland or Scotland.
