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About this trip
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day all-inclusive journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. This carefully curated adventure begins in vibrant Dublin, where you'll dive into its rich history, wander through lively streets, and explore iconic landmarks like Trinity College and the Guinness Storehouse. After two days in the capital, your tour will take you to the magical Ring of Kerry, where dramatic coastal vistas and quaint villages await. Along the way, you'll visit the ancient town of Kilkenny, home to stunning medieval architecture and charming streets.
Next, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, where sheer cliffs meet the vast Atlantic, followed by time in the lively and colorful city of Galway, famous for its music, arts, and vibrant coastal life.
From Ireland, you'll journey north to Scotland, where the allure of Edinburgh awaits. Discover the charm of the city's cobbled streets, explore Edinburgh Castle, and take in panoramic views from Arthur's Seat. As your adventure continues, you'll explore the surrounding regions of Scotland, with trips to the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and the historic town of Stirling.
Throughout this luxurious experience, you'll stay in highly rated hotels, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and benefit from the expertise of local tour operators and guides. With all transportation, meals, and excursions included, this seamless adventure is designed for complete relaxation and immersion in the culture, history, and natural beauty of Ireland and Scotland.
June, with its mild temperatures and long days, is the perfect time to explore these stunning countries at their finest.
Throughout your journey, indulge in private tours, traditional Irish and Scottish cuisine, and a variety of unforgettable experiences like whiskey tastings and live music sessions. This exclusive adventure is designed for those who seek to explore off the beaten path, with the comfort of highly rated accommodations and a dedicated private guide by your side.
This is an all-inclusive retreat. All transfers, transportation, meals, private tours, and accommodations will be provided for you, ensuring a diverse and exciting journey.
Trip Style: Active. This trip will require moving from place to place as we explore both Ireland and Scotland over the course of 2 weeks.
Meet Your Host
Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive.
In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run Walker Wellness Retreats. To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website.
Packing List
Packing List for Travel to Europe
Important Documentation:
- Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)
- Passport
- Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)
- Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)
Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other essential travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.
Money:
- Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)
- Credit card
- Petty cash (in euros, ~100)
- Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)
Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry, as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.
Clothing:
- Comfortable walking shoes (closed-toe preferred)
- Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)
- Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
- Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)
- Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
- Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Undergarments and socks
- Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)
- Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, etc.)
- Laundry bag
Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. If you run out of outfits, plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally.
Toiletries:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
- Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
- Deodorant
- Razor and shaving cream
- Personal medications (in their original containers)
- Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
- Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
- Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
- Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)
- Hand sanitizer
- Earplugs
Electronics:
- Smartphone and camera
- Charger and adapter (for European outlets)
- Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)
- Headphones
- Waterproof phone case
- Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)
- VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)
Additional Personal Items:
- Refillable water bottle
- Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)
- Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)
- Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)
- Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)
- Book or e-reader
- Journal or notepad
Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. If possible, leave valuable items at home or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And remember to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!
European Travel Tips
Money:
- Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.
- Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate, like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Also, avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs, as they charge a lot of conversion fees.
- Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something.
- Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and if they do, you won't get a good conversion.
- If a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro, always use the local currency, Euro.
- Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.
- If you leave a tip anywhere, please feel free to go ahead and round it up. You don't need to tip out the standard 20%.
- Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe, as you cannot exchange them back.
Financial Safety:
- Please be aware of your surroundings and avoid showing large amounts of cash in public.
- Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).
- Keep your wallet or purse close to your body, and never leave it unattended.
- You can use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
- Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for any unauthorized charges or transactions.
- Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.
- Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.
- Please let your bank and credit card company know about your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.
Personal Safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
- Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
- Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep essential items secure.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
- Keep your wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
- Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.
- Be wary of strangers who approach.
- Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.
- Register with the embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
- Always keep emergency contact information with you.
- Learn basic phrases in the local language, including how to ask for help.
Transportation:
- Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
- You can use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
- Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).
Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.
In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking.
Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.
Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.
The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.
What’s included
- All Accommodations13 day/ 12 nights in well-rated accommodations
- Airport TransfersPick-up at Dublin airport (DUB) and drop off at Edinburgh airport (EDI)
- MealsAll meals
- TransportationAll transportation during the retreat
- GratuityGratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers
- Daily ExcursionsAll excursions listed on itinerary
- Private GuideLocal private guide
- Retreat FlightFlight from Ireland to Scotland
What’s not included
- AirfareAirfare to Dublin airport (DUB) and departure home from Edinburgh airport (EDI)
- Additional ItemsSouvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
- Additional GratuityGratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.)
- Alcoholic BeveragesAny alcoholic beverages (unless listed on itinerary)
- InsuranceTravel insurance and medical insurance (required)
- Travel FeesAny travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)
Available Packages
Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.
Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.
Solo occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.
Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages above.
Available options
International Airfare Purchased by WWR - Contact for details and pricing
Extra Night Hotel Purchased by WWR - Contact for details and pricing
Itinerary
On the first day, you can arrive in Dublin at any time. Amy Walker will greet you at the airport, holding a Walker Wellness Retreats sign. You will then be transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Based on your arrival time, enjoy some free time until welcome orientation and dinner.
Here are a few suggestions to explore for your free time in Dublin:
- The Guinness Storehouse
- St Patrick's Cathedral
- The Long Room Library, Trinity College Dublin
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
- The Courtyard, Dublin Castle
- Kilmainham Gaol
- The National Gallery of Ireland
- St Stephen's Green
7:00 PM Welcome dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a brief orientation.
Overnight stay at the Wilder TownHouse.
Located in one of Dublin’s most affluent neighborhoods on tree-lined Adelaide Road sits The Wilder Townhouse. A beautiful, red brick, resident’s only boutique townhouse close to St. Stephens Green and Dublin's main attractions.
Steeped in history and dating from the Victorian era, with its stunning facade, The Wilder Townhouse evokes a real sense of history. Perfectly combining its rich heritage with modern elegance and comforts, every detail has been carefully considered. The Wilder Townhouse has uniquely designed guestrooms to offer you a relaxing and memorable stay, and its bright and relaxing restaurant opens out to a garden terrace.