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$6,595 | Grades 9–12

Scotland & Ireland: Celtic Connection

JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026

JULY 9 – JULY 22, 2026

 

Don’t read it. Feel it.

Want to hear what this trip is really like? Olly—our Director of Student Recruitment—has helped hundreds of families find the right fit, and in this short audio guide, he’ll walk you through the trip.

An at-a-glance look at the trip

Want the full breakdown? You’ll find it at the bottom of the page.

What real people say about our trips

 
Featured
Jay T, an RLT parent

Our daughter had the best summer of her life—she’s already signed up for two more. She came back more confident, more connected, and more excited than ever to keep exploring the world.

Caitlin H, an RLT parent

Our sons came back with a new sense of self—more independent, more open, and deeply proud of what they’d done. They had fun, made friends, and grew in all the right ways.

Lisa G, an RLT parent

We were blown away by how much he grew—he came back more mature, proud of what he accomplished, and full of stories about the friends he made and the challenges he tackled.

 

All the details in one place

From lodging to logistics — here’s everything you’ll want to know before heading to Scotland & Ireland.

  • Trip Name
    Scotland & Ireland: Celtic Connection

    Who It’s For
    High school students (grades 9–12)

    2025 Session
    Session 2: July 9 – July 22, 2025
    Note: These dates reflect your teen’s departure and return. Exact flight times and meeting details will be shared after enrollment.

    Location
    Scotland & Ireland

    Trip Length
    14 Days

    Service Hours
    15–20 (pending partner confirmation)

    Tuition
    $6,595

  • Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
    Land in Scotland, meet your group and leaders, and settle into the historic heart of Edinburgh. Walk the Royal Mile, get to know your crew, and kick off the journey.

    Day 2: Hike Arthur’s Seat & Explore the City
    Climb this iconic peak for sweeping city views. Spend the day diving into Edinburgh’s rich culture, castles, and cobblestone streets.

    Day 3: Head to the Highlands
    Leave the city behind and travel north. Settle into the Cairngorms and prep for days of hiking, forest walks, and mountain views.

    Days 4–5: Adventure in Cairngorms National Park
    Hike, explore, and take on team challenges in Scotland’s wildest national park. A chance to unplug, reset, and push your limits.

    Day 6: Kayak Loch Lomond or Summit Ben Nevis
    Choose your adventure: paddle across a mirror-still loch or hike the highest peak in the UK. Either way, it’s a day to remember.

    Day 7: Loch Ness & Travel to Ireland
    Search for Nessie on a boat cruise, then ferry or fly to Dublin. Transition from Scottish Highlands to Ireland’s rolling hills.

    Day 8: Settle into Wicklow Mountains
    Arrive in a peaceful corner of the Irish countryside. Settle in, meet local partners, and prep for the days ahead.

    Days 9–10: Community Service in Wicklow
    Team up with Wicklow Mountains National Park on conservation and education projects—supporting reforestation, trail care, and native habitat protection.

    Day 11: Coastal Hike & Reflection
    Walk Ireland’s wild shoreline, reflect as a group, and take in some final sea air. Begin closing the chapter together.

    Day 12: Explore Dublin
    Travel into the city for a day of exploration. Visit landmarks, grab a bite, and experience Ireland’s capital through a local lens.

    Day 13: Final Night & Celebration
    Come back together for a last group meal, memory-sharing, and closing reflections.

    Day 14: Travel Home
    Depart from Dublin and head back to the U.S.

  • A mix of rustic hotels, hostels, and small lodges.

    Group Rooms: Teens sleep in shared rooms or slumber party-style layouts, separated by gender identity.

    Simple & Comfortable: Lodges range from ensuite rooms to shared facilities, with showers every few days.

    Group Living: Everyone helps with setup, gear organization, and keeping shared spaces clean.

  • Meals include a mix of local cuisine and simple group-prepared meals.

    Cooking Together: In some locations, teens help plan and cook meals with the group. In others, meals are provided by local hosts.

    Local Flavor: Meals reflect regional foods and flavors—think pub pies, hearty stews, and fresh bread—plus familiar, kid-friendly options.

    Dietary Needs: We accommodate all allergies and diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.).

    Snacks: Plenty of snacks available throughout travel and activity days.

  • Flights
    Families book flights to Edinburgh (EDI) and from Dublin (DUB).
    Do not book flights until receiving required travel windows from our team.

    Travel Days
    Session 2: Arrive July 9 (Wed) in Edinburgh
    Return July 22 (Tues) from Dublin

    Unaccompanied Minor Info
    If your teen is flying as an unaccompanied minor, we’ll provide all check-in and pick-up instructions.

    Packing
    We’ll send a detailed list after enrollment. All gear fits in a duffel or backpack.
    Essentials include:
    Sleeping bag
    Rain jacket
    Hiking boots
    Daypack
    Layers for both warm and cool weather

    Luggage Note
    We recommend one checked bag and one small carry-on backpack.

  • Forms & Waivers
    All enrolled families get access to the RLT portal with forms including:
    Health history
    Waivers and agreements
    Emergency contact info

    Medical Clearance
    No appointment needed unless there’s a new or complex medical issue.

    Medications
    All medications must be listed on the medical form. Leaders manage and dispense meds as needed.

    Behavioral Expectations
    We’ll share our Code of Conduct ahead of time—designed to support a safe, respectful, inclusive space.

    Trip Insurance
    Not required but highly recommended. You can use any third-party provider.

    Vaccinations
    We follow CDC travel guidance. Routine immunizations should be up to date. No specific vaccines are required.

    Passport
    A valid passport is required for this program.

  • Device-Free Philosophy
    Phones and electronics are collected on Day 1 and returned at the end of the trip.

    Why?
    To help teens:
    Connect more deeply
    Be fully present
    Build confidence without constant tech

    Cameras Welcome
    Bring a digital camera or GoPro—no Wi-Fi needed. Leaders also take and share photos afterward.

    Communication
    Families receive updates during the trip. Our on-call team is available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

Save your spot for Scotland & Ireland

Spots will go fast. Reserve yours now and get ready to dive in.