For travel advisors and agencies
self-drive journeys thRough britain and ireland
We design tailor-made road journeys for your clients — a Land Rover, an intelligent route, hand-picked places to stay, and people who answer the phone.
The proposition
a tour without the tOur
Your client drives. We do everything else — the route, the vehicle, the rooms, the tables, the introductions and the support behind it all.
Nobody sits in the passenger seat telling them what to look at. They keep the freedom of an independent trip and lose the planning, the second-guessing and the risk of a bad night in the wrong village.
Routes with a Reason
Every leg is chosen for what happens along it, not for the distance between two hotels.
The right vEhicle
Defender, Discovery or Range Rover — delivered, fully insured and ready to drive.
Places we know
Hotels and houses we have stayed in, held on terms we can actually confirm.
local insiders
Named people along the way — a ghillie, a distiller, a boatman, a cook.
support on the Road
One number, answered by someone who knows the itinerary in front of them.
Your clients
who this is fOr, and who it isn't
A brief that fits gets a proposal quickly. One that doesn't gets an honest no on the same day, so you can place the client elsewhere without losing a week.
A good fit
- Confident drivers who want the wheel.
- Couples, families and small groups of friends.
- Interested in landscape, food, whisky and heritage.
- Ten nights or more, planned well ahead.
Not a fit
- Clients who want a driver-guide every day.
- Coach-style group departures on fixed dates.
- City-only stays with no driving at all.
- Next-week departures at peak season.
The vehicles
the car is paRt of the journey
Delivered to the first hotel or the airport, valeted, fuelled and set up with the itinerary loaded.
Full size SUV
defendeR 110
Families and longer routes
Capable, upright and happy on a farm track. The one clients ask for by name.
Mid size SUV
range roveR evoque
Couples who want comfort
Refined and easy on a narrow lane. The one we put couples in when the seat matters.
Compact
mini coopeR s
Budget conscious travellers
Quick, characterful and cheap to run. The lanes of Wales and Cornwall were built for it.
The companion app
the journey, in theiR pocket
Every itinerary we build arrives as an app on the client's phone. It works without signal, which matters on the roads we send them down.
no signal needed
Maps, route and documents download before they leave the first hotel.
- The full itinerary, day by day, with the reasons behind it.
- Turn-by-turn route, plus the detours worth taking.
- Every local insider named, with a number that works.
- One button to reach us, at any hour of the trip.
In your pocket
POI maps
Weather and light
Included with every journey. Nothing to set up, and nothing for you to support.
Handpicked accommodation
we have slept theRe first
Small hotels, restored houses and country inns we know by name. We book direct, so requests reach the person who can act on them.
the pieRhouse
Port Appin, Scotland
On the water at the end of the road, with langoustine landed a few steps from the kitchen.
plas dinaS
Caernarfon, Wales
A family country house below Snowdonia, kept as a home rather than run as a hotel.
cliff hOuse hotel
Ardmore, Ireland
Cut into the cliff above Ardmore Bay, with a kitchen worth planning the day around.
Three of roughly 140 places we use across the five nations. We match the list to the client, not the other way round.
Working together
from brief to depaRture
Published response times, held for every advisor. If we are going to miss one, you hear it from us first.
Brief
Dates, party, budget, interests.
Advisor
Fit check
An honest yes or no.
2 hours
Route concept
The shape of the journey.
24 hours
Proposal
Costed, branded to choice.
48 hours
On the road
Support throughout the trip.
Together
Commercial terms
paid on the whOle journey
Commission is calculated on the gross land cost, including the vehicle. Paid within 14 days of departure, on a statement you can reconcile.
- Your client relationship stays yours, always.
- Proposals branded, co-branded or white-label.
- No fee to register and no annual minimum.
Standard
Every registered advisor, from the first booking.
Strategic accounts
Agreed annually with consortia and preferred partners.
Questions
the things advisors ask fiRst
Open a category to see its questions, then a question to see the answer.
Quick answers
Why should I sell Celtic Routes rather than arrange a self-drive holiday myself?
Celtic Routes removes the time and complexity involved in planning a luxury self-drive holiday. We combine premium vehicles, carefully selected accommodation, personalised routes and local expertise, while giving clients the freedom to explore independently.
What type of client is Celtic Routes suitable for?
Celtic Routes is particularly suited to clients looking for a premium, independent travel experience who want the freedom of driving themselves without having to organise every detail. Our journeys can be tailored for couples, families, friends and special occasions.
Can Celtic Routes work with my existing client relationship?
Absolutely. We see the travel agent as an important part of the client relationship and aim to support you behind the scenes, allowing you to remain the client's main point of contact.
What happens if my client's plans change?
Contact us as soon as possible. We will assess what can be changed based on availability, supplier terms and how close the booking is to departure.
Do you offer group or multi-car bookings?
We can accommodate multiple vehicles where availability allows. Please contact the team for larger groups or complex requirements so we can plan the journey appropriately.
Can you accommodate families with children?
Yes. We can tailor itineraries and accommodation around families and their requirements. Let us know the children's ages and any specific requirements when requesting a quote.
Can clients combine multiple Celtic Routes destinations in one trip?
Yes. We can create multi-destination journeys combining different regions and countries, subject to the overall route, vehicle arrangements and available travel time.
General FAQs
What is Celtic Routes?
Celtic Routes is a luxury self-drive tour company specialising in tailor-made journeys across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. We combine premium vehicles, handpicked accommodation, carefully planned routes and local expertise to create independent driving holidays without the need for a guide.
What destinations do Celtic Routes cover?
We currently offer journeys across Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England, with itineraries designed around the client's interests, available time and preferred style of travel.
What makes Celtic Routes different from a traditional self-drive holiday?
We take care of the detail. Every journey includes a carefully planned route, handpicked accommodation, premium automatic vehicles and access to our route app, which provides personalised recommendations and stop-off points along the way. Clients have the freedom of independent travel with the reassurance of 24/7 support.
Are Celtic Routes tours guided?
No. Celtic Routes specialises in independent self-drive travel. Clients drive themselves and explore at their own pace, while our team provides the planning, recommendations and support behind the scenes.
Vehicle FAQs
What vehicles do you offer?
Our vehicle fleet includes premium automatic vehicles such as Land Rover Discovery 5, Land Rover Defender 110, Range Rover Evoque and Mini Cooper S.
Are all vehicles automatic?
Yes. Our vehicles are all automatic.
Where do clients collect and return their vehicle?
Vehicle delivery and collection arrangements are included as part of the Celtic Routes experience. Exact arrangements will be confirmed as part of the booking.
Can clients extend their vehicle rental?
Yes, subject to vehicle availability and the requirements of the itinerary. Please speak to the Celtic Routes team before confirming any additional rental days.
Itinerary and Route FAQs
Are Celtic Routes itineraries fixed?
No. Our itineraries are designed around each client's interests, dates, preferred pace and budget. We can adapt routes and accommodation to create a more personalised journey.
Can I request changes to an existing itinerary?
Yes. Our team can work with you to amend an itinerary based on your client's requirements.
Can clients choose their own hotels?
We recommend handpicked hotels and character properties that fit the route and style of the trip. Where appropriate, we can discuss alternative accommodation options with you.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly for peak-season travel and popular accommodation. Earlier booking gives us more flexibility with vehicle and accommodation availability.
Can Celtic Routes create a completely bespoke itinerary?
Yes. Bespoke itinerary planning is one of the key benefits of working with Celtic Routes. Tell us what your client wants to see and experience, and we can build the journey around them.
Booking FAQs
How do I make a booking?
Send us a brief with your client's details and we'll take it from there — the exact process depends on the type of booking you're making.
Can I request a quote before booking?
Yes. If you have a client who is interested in a Celtic Routes journey, our team can prepare a tailored proposal based on their requirements.
What information do I need to provide when requesting a quote?
The more information you can provide, the more accurately we can build the itinerary. Ideally include:
- Travel dates
- Number of passengers
- Preferred vehicle size/category
- Destinations or regions the client wants to visit
- Approximate trip length
- Accommodation preferences
- Key interests or experiences
- Any mobility, dietary or other relevant requirements
- Approximate budget, if known
Can I book on behalf of my client?
Yes. Celtic Routes works with travel agents and can manage the booking process with you while keeping you as the client's primary point of contact.
Who communicates with the client?
Where a travel agent is managing the booking, we will generally communicate through the agent unless otherwise agreed. This helps ensure that you remain in control of the client relationship.
Pricing & Commission FAQs
Do travel agents receive commission?
Yes. Celtic Routes offers commissionable bookings to approved travel partners. Your applicable commission rate will be confirmed as part of your agency relationship.
When is commission paid?
Commission is paid in accordance with Celtic Routes' agreed agent terms, normally in the month of the client's departure.
Can I see my commission on a booking?
Your booking documentation will show the relevant commission information, and we're always happy to talk you through a statement directly.
Are prices shown net or commissionable?
We'll always be clear about whether a price includes or excludes commission. If you're ever unsure, contact the Celtic Routes team before quoting your client.
Can I add my own markup?
This depends on your agreed commercial terms with Celtic Routes. Please refer to your agency agreement or contact us if you are unsure.
Client Support FAQs
What support do Celtic Routes clients receive while travelling?
Clients have access to 24/7 real-person support throughout their journey, providing reassurance if they need assistance while on the road.
Do clients have a Celtic Routes app?
Yes. The Celtic Routes app provides the client's route and itinerary, along with personalised recommendations, landmarks, attractions and suggested stop-off points based on their journey and interests.
Do you provide a tablet in the vehicle?
No. Clients use their own mobile device to access the Celtic Routes app. This provides a simpler and more reliable experience and avoids the technical and connectivity issues associated with supplying devices.
Do clients need mobile data?
Clients should have access to mobile data on their own device so they can use the app and stay connected while travelling. The Celtic Routes team can provide further guidance depending on the client's destination and circumstances.
Travel Agent Support FAQs
Who do I contact if I have a question about a booking?
You can contact the Celtic Routes team directly using the details above, or via your usual agent support channel.
Can Celtic Routes help me sell a tour to my client?
Yes. Our team can provide information about itineraries, destinations, vehicles, accommodation and the Celtic Routes experience to help you build your proposal.
Can I use Celtic Routes images and marketing material?
Approved travel partners can request marketing assets from our trade team, who'll share what's available along with the terms of use.
Can I request a bespoke itinerary for a client?
Yes. Bespoke itinerary requests are welcome. Provide as much information as possible about your client's interests, dates and requirements and our team will develop the options.
Can I contact Celtic Routes about a booking outside normal office hours?
Our clients have access to 24/7 support while travelling. For agent enquiries and new bookings, use the contact details above and we'll confirm our office hours when you get in touch.
Before Your Client Travels FAQs
What documentation does my client need to provide?
Clients will need to complete the required booking and vehicle documentation before departure. The Celtic Routes team will advise you and your client of anything required and the relevant deadlines.
When does my client receive their final travel information?
Final travel information and pre-departure details will be provided ahead of the journey. The exact timing depends on the booking and required documentation.
Can I make changes after the booking has been confirmed?
Changes may be possible depending on availability and how close the booking is to departure. Contact the Celtic Routes team as soon as possible if your client's requirements change.
What happens if my client has a problem during their trip?
They can contact Celtic Routes' 24/7 real-person support for assistance. We are there to provide reassurance and help resolve issues while they are travelling.
Send us a brief
tell us abOut the client
Four lines is enough to start. Dates, party, indicative land budget and what they care about.