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Britain & Ireland Explorer

15 daysEngland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales

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 epicentre 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
Regional
Group size
40

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Highlights

  • Business class coach with extended leg room
  • Top-rated dining, from farm-to-table to local restaurants
  • Premium regional accommodation

Itinerary

  1. LondonDay 1
  2. YorkDay 2
  3. EdinburghDays 3–4
  4. InvernessDay 5
  5. GlasgowDay 6
  6. LiverpoolDay 7
  7. DublinDays 8–9
  8. KillarneyDay 10
  9. Ring of KerryDay 11
  10. WaterfordDay 12
  11. CardiffDay 13
  12. 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

At 07:30, 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 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. This evening, consider an Optional Experience at a Scottish cultural dinner with haggis and ceilidh dancing.

  • 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
  • Edinburgh Castle Visit
  • Witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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: The Kin, Inverness

Day 6Loch Ness and GlencoeInverness · Loch Ness · Glencoe · Loch Lomond · Glasgow

In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. 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

Scenic valley below the mountains of Glencoe, Highlands, Scotland
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

Stone footbridge over clear stream with green hills, Gretna Green, Scotland
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: St. Helen's Hotel, Dublin

Sign with the longest city name in Anglesey, Wales
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: Hilton Dublin, Dublin

Guinness tasting at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, Ireland
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

Picturesque field with cows at the bottom of Rock of Cashel in Cashel, Ireland
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 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.

  • Killarney Horse-Drawn Jaunting Ride
  • Hike through Killarney National Park
  • Killarney Orientation
  • The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive
  • Dine-Around in Killarney

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney

Ring of Kerry landscape with Muckross lake and mountains, Killarney, Ireland
Day 12Blarney Castle and WaterfordKillarney · Blarney · 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 craftsman. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!

  • Blarney Estate with a Senior Gardener
  • Visit Blarney Castle
  • See the Reginald Tower in Waterford
  • Waterford Dinner
  • Visit the House of Waterford Crystal

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Granville Hotel, Waterford

Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland
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 Pembroke Ferry
  • Cardiff Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Clayton, Cardiff, Cardiff

View of the City Hall on a sunny day, Cardiff, Wales
Day 14Roman Baths and StonehengeCardiff · Bath · Stonehenge · London

Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe and discover 2,000 years of history, 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.

  • Visit the Roman Baths
  • Bath Orientation
  • Visit Stonehenge

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: The Clermont Victoria, London

Pulteney Bridge over Avon River in Bath, England
Day 15Homeward BoundLondon

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast

Thames River Dinner Cruise, London, England

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

The Kin

Inverness, Scotland

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 4.0Traditional

Set along the banks of the River Ness, this four-star hotel occupies a collection of 19th-century buildings that bring plenty of Highland character to the stay. Its riverside setting, relaxed public spaces and on-site brewery and distillery create a distinctive base for experiencing Inverness and the surrounding Highlands.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Laundry, 24-hour Front Desk

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

This four-star city hotel combines modern rooms with King Koil beds, rainfall showers and contemporary amenities. A fully equipped gym offers space to recharge, while its central setting places Liverpool’s waterfront, cultural attractions and shopping close by.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Restaurant, Bar

Room Tea & coffee facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Wi-Fi

Dublin, Ireland

1 night

St. Helen's Hotel

TripAdvisor 4.0Historic

Set within a historic 18th-century estate, this five-star hotel combines grand period interiors with four acres of landscaped gardens. Original architectural details, elegant public rooms and a peaceful south Dublin setting give the stay a distinct sense of heritage, while the gardens offer a welcome contrast to the pace of the city.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Bar, Restaurant, Laundry

Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi

Dublin, Ireland

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

Dublin, Ireland

1 night

Hilton Dublin

TripAdvisor 4.0Hotel

Hilton Dublin is just a 10-minute walk from St. Stephen's Green and Grafton Street, and conveniently located on the green LUAS line for quick access to Dundrum Town Centre. Ideal for both business and leisure, it’s only 3 miles from the Dublin Convention Centre and close to the RDS and Aviva Stadium. Guests can enjoy a full Irish breakfast with scenic views, dine at the Charlemont Bar, work out in the fitness centre, and explore top attractions like Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse, and Trinity College.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Bar, Restaurant, Laundry, Gym, 24-hour Front Desk

Room Air Conditioning, TV, Telephone, Safe, Hairdryer, Tea & coffee facilities, Mini fridge, 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

Waterford, Ireland

1 night

Granville Hotel

TripAdvisor 4.5Traditional

The Granville Hotel Waterford dates back to 1700's and combines elegant old-world charm with modern comforts. Located in the heart of the city centre, The Granville Hotel is short walk from the top attractions to explore Waterford's rich history.

Hotel and room features

Hotel Bar, Restaurant, Laundry, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk, Room Service

Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi

Cardiff, Wales

1 night

Clayton, Cardiff

TripAdvisor 4.5Contemporary

Nestled among some of Cardiff’s most iconic sights, the Clayton Hotel ensures you don’t miss any action, be it shopping or exploration. Unwind in its restaurant and bar, where you can choose from a sophisticated selection of wine, premium beers and spirits.

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

  • Scottish Feast and Ceilidh

    3 hours · Dinner, Stop for the perfect photo opportunity, Live entertainment

    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

    Paid on tour

  • Welsh Evening

    3 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Pub Dinner

    Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$5,963

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