Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, enjoy a pint 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.
Length
15 days
Starts and ends
London
Meals
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Style
Guided Vacation
Watch this price
Highlights
Enjoy the comfort of the luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with us, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Itinerary
LondonDay 1
YorkDay 2
EdinburghDays 3–4
InvernessDay 5
GlasgowDay 6
LiverpoolDay 7
DublinDays 8–9
KillarneyDay 10
Ring of KerryDay 11
WaterfordDay 12
CardiffDay 13
LondonDays 14–15
Day 1Welcome to LondonLondon
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.
Stay: The Clermont Victoria, London
Day 2Stratford-upon-Avon and Medieval YorkLondon · Stratford-upon-Avon · York
Meet your Travel Director and journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, 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 travelling companions for the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
York Orientation
York Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Hilton York, York
Day 3Durham, Hadrian's Wall and EdinburghYork · Durham · Hadrian's Wall · Edinburgh
Stop in Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Then view part of Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most renowned 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.
See the Durham Cathedral
See Hadrians Wall
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Day 4Scotland’s Capital of CultureEdinburgh
Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - official 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 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 colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.
Edinburgh City Tour
Witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Edinburgh Castle Visit
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Day 5St. Andrews and InvernessEdinburgh · St. Andrews · 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.
Visit the University Town of St. Andrews
Inverness Orientation
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Day 6Loch Ness and GlencoeInverness · Loch Ness · Glencoe · Loch Lomond · Glasgow
Continue through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, shaped by ancient volcanic forces and remembered for the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. Later, you’ll reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and cruise across one of Scotland’s largest and most celebrated lochs while enjoying a light lunch. Then continue to Glasgow, where this evening you’ll dine in the city.
Loch Lomond Lunch Cruise
Drive the Shores of Loch Ness
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Clayton Hotel Glasgow, Glasgow
Day 7Across the Border and through the Lakes to LiverpoolGlasgow · Gretna Green · Lake District National Park · Liverpool
Travel south from Glasgow to Gretna Green, long associated with runaway marriages since the 18th century, before continuing into England’s Lake District. Admire the region’s serene waters, rolling fells and literary landscapes, immortalised by writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Later, continue to your hotel in Liverpool. This afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience for a look at the places tied to the lives and legacy of the city’s most famous band, The Beatles.
Liverpool Orientation
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Maldron Hotel Liverpool, Liverpool
Day 8North Wales and over to DublinLiverpool · Conwy · Dublin
Today, continue through Wales and see 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.
See Conwy Castle
Holyhead to Dublin Ferry
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin
Day 9In Dublin’s Fair CityDublin
Experience Ireland's national world-famous drink with a 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.
Dublin City Tour
Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin
Day 10From Dublin to KillarneyDublin · Kildare · 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.
Irish National Stud & Japanese gardens
See the Rock of Cashel
Farm-to-Table Lunch at Brookfield Farm
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney
Day 11Ring of Kerry ExperienceKillarney · Ring of Kerry
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 Brendan 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.
Killarney Orientation
The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive
Dine-Around in Killarney
Hike through Killarney National Park
Killarney Horse-Drawn Jaunting Ride
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney
Day 12Blarney Castle and WaterfordKillarney · Blarney Castle · Waterford
Explore Blarney with Brendan 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 dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!
Tour the House of Waterford Crystal Workshop
Blarney Estate Grounds Tour with a Senior Gardener
Visit Blarney Castle
See the Reginald Tower in Waterford
Waterford Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13Across the Irish Sea to CardiffWaterford · Cardiff
From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive then takes you through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff. Here, see the University of Wales, the Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum.
Rosslare to Cardiff Ferry
Cardiff Orientation
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff
Day 14Roman Baths and StonehengeCardiff · Bath · Stonehenge · London
Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, before crossing the 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.
Bath Orientation
Visit the Roman Baths
Visit Stonehenge
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: The Clermont Victoria, London
Day 15Homeward BoundLondon
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotels
London, England
2 nights
The Clermont Victoria
TripAdvisor 4.0Historic
The Clermont Hotel Victoria is centrally located right next to Victoria Station and only a short walk to Buckingham Palace. The guests rooms blend Victorian opulence with modern comforts, making for an enjoyable stay in the vibrant capital.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Business Centre, Laundry, Gym, 24-hour Front Desk, Safe deposit box
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
York, England
1 night
Hilton York
TripAdvisor 3.5Traditional
The Hilton York is situated within the city walls, close to the York Minster and the best this city has to offer.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Concierge, Laundry, Room Service, Gym, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Edinburgh, Scotland
2 nights
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
4-starTripAdvisor 4.0
Hotel and room features
Room Wi-Fi
Inverness, Scotland
1 night
Kingsmills Hotel
TripAdvisor 4.5Traditional
Originally the mansion of a prominent local family, today the Kingsmills Hotel is a luxury accommodation in the heart of the Highlands. Renovated with contemporary rooms, the hotel is well-known for it's impeccable hospitality.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Business Centre, Room Service, Gym, Spa, Pool, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Inverness, Scotland
The Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
TripAdvisor 4.0Hotel
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, 24-hour Front Desk, Laundry
Room TV, Hairdryer, Wi-Fi
Glasgow, Scotland
1 night
Clayton Hotel Glasgow
TripAdvisor 4.0Hotel
This modern 4-star hotel on the River Clyde offers comfortable rooms with contemporary amenities, close to Glasgow’s top attractions, plus a bar, restaurant, and fitness suite.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Laundry, Gym, Room Service
Room Air Conditioning, Hairdryer, Telephone, Wi-Fi
Liverpool, England
1 night
Maldron Hotel Liverpool
Contemporary
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar
Room Tea & coffee facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Wi-Fi
Dublin, Ireland
2 nights
Trinity City Hotel
TripAdvisor 4.0Historic
Trinity City Hotel is situated on a historic site in the heart of Dublin, adjacent to Trinity College Dublin. The boutique rooms are have modern decor with pops of colour and are a 5 minute walk from the lively Temple Bar district.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Killarney, Ireland
2 nights
The Gleneagle Hotel
TripAdvisor 4.0Traditional
Nestled on the edges of Killarney's National Park and Lakes is The Gleneagle Hotel. This four star venue boasts traditional style rooms, a leisure centre and restaurant.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Laundry, Gym, Pool, Spa, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Cardiff, Wales
1 night
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
5-starContemporary
Set by the River Liffey in Dublin’s Docklands, this modern hotel is a short walk from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, 3Arena and city centre. Spacious rooms, a lively bar and restaurant and access to a large indoor pool and leisure club make it a handy base between exploring Dublin’s museums, music venues and shopping streets.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Laundry, Room Service, Gym, Business Centre, Concierge, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
What’s included
Optional experiences
Dinner In Edinburgh
Paid on tour
Royal Edinburgh
Paid on tour
Rosslyn Chapel
150 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees
Paid on tour
Edinburgh - The Untold Story
Paid on tour
Blair Castle Visit
90 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees
Paid on tour
Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise
1 hour · Boat cruise, Transportation by train, Entrance and reservation fees
Paid on tour
Famous Sights and the Fab Four
90 minutes · Local Guide
Paid on tour
Dinner in Dublin City
150 minutes · Three-course meal
Paid on tour
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
150 minutes · Three-course meal, Live entertainment
Paid on tour
Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough
3 hours · Local Guide, Stop for the perfect photo opportunity, Scenic drive
Paid on tour
Gaelic Roots
2 hours · Live entertainment
Paid on tour
Celtic Steps
150 minutes · Live entertainment
Paid on tour
Explore Waterford's History and Local Pub
90 minutes · Local Guide, Drink at a local pub
Paid on tour
Cardiff Castle Tour
75 minutes · Local Guide, Entrance and reservation fees