Hi from Rick: Celtic Delights in Ireland and Scotland
I love how the Irish can squint into a drizzle and declare, "Aye, soft weather…'tis a lovely day." How before setting off on a hike, my Scottish B&B host reminds me, "There's no such thing as bad weather — just inappropriate clothing." And how in pubs from Galway to Inverness, even talking about the weather comes with a Celtic gift of gab and you're likely to hear some happy gnome in the corner chirp, "Today's rain is tomorrow's whiskey!"
Weather, whiskey (or, as the Scots spell it, "whisky"), emerald landscapes, and easy-flowing conversation are just a few of the many things that unite these two small but captivating lands. Scotland and Ireland also share a persistent optimism, a rich Celtic heritage in spite of a troubled history with London, an affinity for music-filled pubs, timeless stone walls, inviting rolling hills…and so much more.
Why don't we offer a joint tour to both places? 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.
Stepping off the plane in Ireland, you're greeted by that "terrible beauty" — where a heartbreaking history and the friendliest people you ever met mix and mingle in the village pubs…where cozy sweaters and a familial charm work together to warm you on a blustery day…and where strangers are considered friends who've yet to meet.
And just across the Irish Sea is equally enticing Scotland — where brooding countryside castles and misty glens create an edge-of-the-world aura…where monster hunters and golf lovers alike nurse goosebumps…and where traditional tartan pride merges with an eager modernity in great cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
When dreaming of a vacation in Ireland or Scotland, the challenge is how to design an itinerary that maximizes your experience with the time you have. And sometimes, it's hard to choose between all those options…but that's where we come in. With smart itineraries and even smarter guides, we'll better fit your time and budget with one-week and two-week Rick Steves tours of each country: Heart of Scotland in 8 Days, Best of Scotland in 13 Days, Heart of Ireland in 7 Days, and Best of Ireland in 14 Days.
If you just can't choose, consider latching together two one-week "Heart of" tours, taking a simple one-hour flight to create a cracking fabulous two-week "Celtic highlights" trip. This is our best-selling corner of Europe…and it's easy to understand why.
This month's Tour News brings you more Celtic culture with colorful slideshow previews of our Heart of Ireland and Heart of Scotland tours. We'll also meet Irish guide Pascal Fitzpatrick and Scottish guide James Macletchie, share traveler raves about touring in these two friendly lands, and taste a wee dram of Scotch whisky on a Speyside distillery tour.
Too many options? That's a blessing. I've spent 50 years exploring Europe, and I've learned you can never exhaust what it has to offer. And you can count on us to make sure wherever you travel — Ireland, Scotland, or another land — on a Rick Steves tour, you'll have a great trip. We'd love to be a part of your 2025 adventures.
Happy travels,
Rick