Planning the Ultimate Two-Week Adventure through Scotland, Ireland, and England
Hello, fellow travelers!
As a couple in our mid-20s from the U.S., we are gearing up for an incredible two-week journey across Scotland, Ireland, and England—an experience we anticipate will be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! While we recognize that it’s impossible to see everything or immerse ourselves fully in each culture during this brief timeframe, we are eager to make the most of this opportunity.
Our approach is simple: we’re traveling light with just our backpacks, remaining flexible for spontaneous changes, and embracing a fast-paced travel style filled with early mornings and excitement. We’re ready to push ourselves, knowing there will be plenty of time for rest and recovery in our 30s.
For this trip, we’ve decided against renting a car. Our prior experience living near New York City has given us a sense of comfort navigating through major urban areas, so we’re focusing less on museums and shows—unless they’re truly exceptional—and more on unique experiences and places we can’t find back home.
Given our mid-December travel date, we are aware that weather may limit outdoor activities like hiking, but we’re determined to soak in sights that highlight the best of what the UK has to offer.
Here’s our proposed itinerary, designed to allow for some spontaneity:
Day 1: Arrive in Dublin at 9 AM. Spend the day exploring the city on foot, indulging in local cuisine, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere before taking an evening train to Belfast.
Day 2: Explore Belfast, including a Paddy Wagon tour to the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway.
Day 3: Catch an early flight to Glasgow, where we hope to enjoy festive Christmas markets and further explore the city on foot.
Day 4: Take a day trip to Loch Ness with Rabbies, followed by an evening train to Edinburgh.
Day 5: Join the Rabbies Alnwick Castle tour in Edinburgh to discover more of Scotland’s rich history.
Day 6: Participate in an underground city tour of the Dead in Edinburgh, culminating in a sleeper train to London.
Day 7: Spend the day in London with a classic hop-on, hop-off tour to get our bearings.
Day 8: Go on a guided tour to Stonehenge and the Roman Baths—though we’ve heard mixed reviews about the value of this trip.
Day 9: Dive