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 Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group
Tour Type: RegionalBrochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, learn to pour a pint like a pro at Dublin's Guinness Storehouse and take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Stud Farm in Kildare ? the epicenter of Ireland's thoroughbred horse breeding history. This all-encompassing tour showcases the regal heritage of Edinburgh Castle, the stunning beauty of England's Lake District, the historic grandeur of Durham's Romanesque cathedral and the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire in Wales. Pay homage to the literary legacy of Shakespeare as you visit his birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon, tour the medieval Shambles of old York, admire the ancient border of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall and set sail from Holyhead to Dublin, on this journey through Great Britain and Ireland. Authentic Dining- York Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
- Killarney Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
- Waterford Celebrate the culmination of your escorted journey with wine, good cheer and palate-pleasing cuisine.
- Loch Lomond Enjoy a light lunch and admire the oak woodlands and incredible scenery as you cruise one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, a favorite nature spot of the locals.
- Dublin Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
Choice Highlights- Killarney Explore the lush scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Blarney Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert's insights, learn about the arboretum's rare trees, mystica
- Blarney It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Killarney Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charmin
Dining Summary- 2 Lunch (L)
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
Insight Choice- Blarney Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert's insights, learn about the arboretum's rare trees, mystica
- Killarney Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charmin
- Killarney Explore the lush scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
- Blarney It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
Insight Experiences- Kildare Horse-racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the
- Waterford Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilize traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.
Make Travel Matter- Bath Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and
- County Tipperary Meet entrepreneur Ailbhe and hear about her passion for sustainable farming. Learn about biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and the secret to crafting the most delicious honey on the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. Aibhe
Top Rated Highlights- Inverness See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
- Stonehenge Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Bath During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Cardiff Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city.
- Liverpool Stay in the home city of The Beatles.
- Loch Ness Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
- Cashel See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
- Dublin See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
- Killarney Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
- Waterford Explore the town and see Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls.
- Durham See the castle and Romanesque cathedral.
- Holyhead Set sail for Dublin across the Irish Sea.
- Edinburgh A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Mi
- Grasmere Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Conwy See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy
- York Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- Rosslare Harbour Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.
- Stratford-upon-Avon Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
- Edinburgh Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Edinburgh Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- Hadrian's Wall Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
- Ring of Kerry Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to a
- St. Andrews Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
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| Details | | Insight Vacations | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | London | Welcome to London: Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Accommodations: The Clermont Victoria, London | | Day 2 | York | Stratford-upon-Avon and Medieval York: At 07:30, meet your Travel Director and journey to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue on to York where you walk within the old city walls to the crooked houses of the Shambles and see York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Accommodations: Hilton, York | | Day 3 | Edinburgh | Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh Relaxed Start: Stop in Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Then view part of Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument, once spanning 80 miles from coast-to-coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Cross the Scottish border to reach the elegant Scottish capital, Edinburgh.
Accommodations: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh | | Day 4 | Edinburgh | Scotland's Capital of Culture: Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - of?cial Scottish residence of His Majesty the King - before crossing over to New Town. Next, walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and to see Scotland's Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will enjoy the spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.
Accommodations: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh | | Day 5 | Inverness | St. Andrews and Inverness: Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife. Make your way to St. Andrews, home to the Old Course and birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Your travels continue as you cross the Tay river. Journey via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.
Accommodations: AC by Marriott, Inverness | | Day 6 | Windermere | Loch Ness and Glencoe: In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. Continue your journey through some of the most stunning scenery in all of Scotland, found in the region of Glencoe. Reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and admire the incredible scenery as you cruise what is arguably one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, while enjoying a light lunch. Cross the English border before arriving at your lakeside hotel.
Accommodations: Castle Green, Kendal. | | Day 7 | Liverpool | The English Lakes to Liverpool Relaxed Start: In the morning, discover the beauty of the Lake District. Continue to your hotel in Liverpool. In the afternoon, why not join The Beatles City Tour Optional Experience?
Accommodations: To Be Confirmed | | Day 8 | Dublin | North Wales and over to Dublin Relaxed Start: Today, continue through Wales, passing the massive Conwy Castle before crossing over to the Isle of Anglesey. The village with the longest name in Europe will be visible - see if you are able to read it aloud! From the port of Holyhead, set sail for Dublin in Ireland.
Accommodations: Trinity City, Dublin, The Morgan, Dublin | | Day 9 | Dublin | In Dublin's Fair City: Experience Ireland's national world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production.Later, become acquainted with Dublin's elegant squares during sightseeing with a Local Expert. See famous O'Connell Street, the Custom House and Dublin Castle. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to soak up the Irish atmosphere or browse the shops along Grafton Street.
Accommodations: Trinity City, Dublin, The Morgan, Dublin | | Day 10 | Killarney | From Dublin to Killarney: Travel to Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse breeding region for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes visit of the National Stud with an equine professional. You then visit the acclaimed 100-year-old Japanese Gardens, where you can 'journey through life.' Cross the rolling pastures that encircle Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious and sustainable honey of the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch.
Accommodations: The Gleneagle, Killarney, International, Killarney | | Day 11 | Killarney | Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start: In the morning, join a delightful trip around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Get a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life as you pass through Ireland's highest mountain range and make your way to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.
Accommodations: The Gleneagle, Killarney, International, Killarney | | Day 12 | Waterford | Blarney Castle and Waterford: Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to climb up the ramparts and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Alternatively, visit the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener. Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, with its 11th century Reginald Tower. Enjoy a guided visit of the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master crafter. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends ? Sláinte!
Accommodations: Granville, Waterford | | Day 13 | Pembroke | Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff: From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive will then take you into the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and brilliant Principality Stadium.
Accommodations: Clayton, Cardiff | | Day 14 | London | Roman Baths and Stonehenge: Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Your journey continues across Salisbury Plain for a visit to mysterious Stonehenge - no-one can be sure why they were built, or even how prehistoric man could move such huge blocks of stone. Upon your return to London you are at leisure for the rest of the day.
Accommodations: The Clermont Victoria, London | | Day 15 | London | Homeward Bound: Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Accommodations: |
| | Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class |
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