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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Edinburgh, South Wales, and Dublin

Independent rail and ferry trip through Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin

Illustration of Edinburgh, South Wales, and Dublin

Railbookers operates this 10-day, 9-night independent rail vacation through Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin, combining rail and one ferry crossing between the UK and Ireland. Three nights in Edinburgh include a guided Royal Mile tour with Edinburgh Castle and a day trip to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife. A train then carries travelers to Cardiff for three nights, with a self-navigated day trip to Swansea and a private day tour of South Wales that visits Caerphilly Castle. Travelers cross to Dublin by train and ferry for a final three nights, joining a small group food tour that starts at Trinity College and a full-day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Atlantic Way and Galway. Several day trips come with a guide, but plenty of time is left unstructured. This suits travelers who want a longer, three-country rail-and-ferry itinerary mixing guided highlights with independent exploring.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 18 accommodation options across Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin and different price tiers, so the exact hotel depends on the tier and city combination you choose.
  • The Cardiff to Dublin leg on day 7 is covered by train and ferry rather than train alone, since no rail line crosses the Irish Sea.
  • The day 5 trip to Swansea is listed as an 'Independent Rail Day Trip,' meaning travelers navigate that day on the train themselves, unlike the guided tours on the other excursion days.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in Edinburgh

    Welcome to Edinburgh! Check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the day exploring the city at your leisure. Perhaps visit Princes Street Gardens or stroll through the historic Old Town.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Join a guided tour to discover the secrets of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's historic heart. Explore narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and hear tales of the city's past. The tour includes entrance to Edinburgh Castle, where you can delve into Scotland's royal history.

  3. Day 3overnight: Edinburgh

    Day Trip to St Andrews and Fishing Villages Of Fife

    Embark on a day trip to the charming town of St Andrews and the picturesque fishing villages of Fife. Discover the rich history, stunning coastal views, and quaint villages that make this area so special. Return to Edinburgh in the evening.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cardiff

    Edinburgh to Cardiff

    Board a train to Cardiff and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring Cardiff's vibrant city center, with its rich cultural heritage and bustling atmosphere.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Cardiff

    Independent Rail Trip to Swansea

    Begin your day trip by catching the morning train from Cardiff to Swansea, enjoying the scenic views along the South Wales coast. Visit the National Waterfront Museum to explore Wales' industrial and maritime history. Enjoy a stroll through Swansea Marina, stopping for coffee at a waterfront cafe, and visit the Dylan Thomas Centre to learn about the renowned poet. End your trip with a relaxing walk along Swansea Bay before catching the train back to Cardiff.

  6. Day 6overnight: Cardiff

    Private Day Tour Of South Wales

    Embark on a private day tour of South Wales. Visit the capital city of Cardiff, exploring its key landmarks, and continue to the impressive Caerphilly Castle, one of the greatest medieval castles in Britain. Return to Cardiff in the evening.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Dublin

    Cardiff to Dublin

    Travel to Dublin by train and ferry and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the evening exploring Dublin's lively streets and enjoying the local culture.

  8. Day 8overnight: Dublin

    Dublin

    Today, join a small group food tour and discover Dublin's rich culinary scene. Begin at historic Trinity College, then stroll through the city while enjoying gourmet breakfast bites with the locals. Visit traditional pubs for classic home-cooked Irish dishes, uncover hidden gems, and even stop by a local speakeasy. After your tour, continue exploring Dublin at your own pace.

  9. Day 9overnight: Dublin

    Cliffs Of Moher, Burren, Atlantic Way, and Galway Tour

    Embark on a full-day tour to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Atlantic Way, and Galway. Experience Ireland's breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture. Return to Dublin in the evening.

  10. Day 10rail

    Your Journey Ends in Dublin

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided tour of the Royal Mile through narrow alleys and hidden courtyards, with entrance to Edinburgh Castle.
  • Day 3A day trip to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife.
  • Day 6A private day tour of South Wales visiting Cardiff and Caerphilly Castle, one of the greatest medieval castles in Britain.
  • Day 8A small group food tour of Dublin starting at Trinity College and taking in traditional pubs and a local speakeasy.
  • Day 9A full-day tour to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Atlantic Way and Galway.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Cardiff
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Dublin
  • Small-group sightseeing tour of Edinburgh's Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle
  • Day Trip to St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife from Edinburgh
  • Private Day Tour of South Wales, including Cardiff and Caerphilly Castle
  • Independent Rail Day Trip to Swansea from Cardiff
  • Small group food tour in Dublin
  • Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Atlantic Way, and Galway from Dublin

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary: UK Rail from Edinburgh to Cardiff, a self-navigated train day trip to Swansea, and train-plus-ferry travel on to Dublin.
Is it escorted or independent?
The evidence describes it as 'Independent, with guided tours included.' Several day trips come with a guide, including the Royal Mile tour, the St Andrews day trip, the South Wales tour, the Dublin food tour and the Cliffs of Moher tour, while the Swansea day trip is self-navigated.
Which trains are used?
UK Rail between Edinburgh and Cardiff, a local train for the Swansea day trip, and train travel combined with a ferry crossing on to Dublin.
What hotels are included?
Railbookers lists 18 accommodation options across Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel and the Park Plaza Cardiff.
What else is included besides rail and hotels?
A Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle tour, a day trip to St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife, a private day tour of South Wales, an independent day trip to Swansea, a Dublin food tour, and a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, the Atlantic Way and Galway.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from 3,669 US dollars per person.

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