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Wonders of Britain and Ireland - Signature

15 daysEngland, Ireland, Scotland, Wales

Encounter all the highlights and a few special surprises on this in-depth journey through England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Stand before the ancient stones of Stonehenge, feel the pride of the Welsh, explore Scotland’s grand cities and landscapes and sample a pint of the favorite local brew on a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.

Length
15 days
Starts and ends
London
Meals
14 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Style
Guided Vacation

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Highlights

  • Explore London, Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Bath, Cardiff, Chester, York and Oxford
  • Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, the Rock of Cashel, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • View the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Alnwick Castle, York Minster, Anne Hathaway's cottage and Sir Winston Churchill's grave at Bladon
  • See St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Georgian Squares in Dublin and the Lake District's magnificent scenery
  • Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

Itinerary

  1. LondonDays 1–2
  2. CardiffDay 3
  3. WaterfordDay 4
  4. KillarneyDay 5
  5. Ring of KerryDay 6
  6. DublinDays 7–8
  7. LiverpoolDay 9
  8. EdinburghDays 10–11
  9. YorkDay 12
  10. Stratford-upon-AvonDay 13
  11. LondonDays 14–15
Day 1Welcome to LondonLondon

The cosmopolitan capital of London rolls out its red carpet with all the pomp and pageantry you're unlikely to encounter anywhere else in the world. Spend the day ambling along its grand boulevards and past iconic sights as you familiarize yourself with the city's bustling atmosphere.

Stay: Park Plaza County Hall London, London

Day 2Discover the Sights of LondonLondon

Join a Local Specialist today to explore the city's favorite landmarks. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, before spending the rest of the day at leisure to delve into the city's history, culture, art and architecture.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Park Plaza County Hall London, London

Day 3Stonehenge and Bath and on to CardfiffLondon · Stonehenge · Bath · Cardiff

Ponder the mysteries of the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge, before driving west to Bath to visit the Roman Baths. Cross the Severn Estuary to Cardiff, then view the Wales Millennium Center and the National Assembly at Cardiff Bay. Later, enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh meal and drinks at a rousing dinner.

  • Visit Stonehenge
  • Bath Orientation
  • Visit the Roman Baths

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Leonardo Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff

Day 4Onwards to WaterfordCardiff · Waterford

This morning, view the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum during your orientation of Cardiff. Enjoy some leisure time in this modern capital. Perhaps visit the Victorian Gothic fantasy of Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. Cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the 'Emerald Isle' and travel to historic Waterford, where you'll dine in your hotel tonight.

  • Cardiff Orientation

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Waterford Marina Hotel, Waterford

Day 5Admire Blarney Castle and Journey to KillarneyWaterford · Blarney · Killarney

Dive into Culture and watch the master crafters of the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Then, kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab', before traveling to the picturesque town of Killarney.

  • Tour the House of Waterford Crystal Workshop
  • Visit Blarney Castle

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

Day 6A Day on the Ring of KerryKillarney · Ring of Kerry

Today, experience the enduring beauty of Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula – the emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide an exquisite backdrop for your leisurely drive around what has become known as the Ring of Kerry. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirsiveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with its panoramic views. Later, meet the O'Sullivan family at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, sharing a memorable Be My Guest experience.

  • Dinner with the O'Sullivan Family
  • See the Ring of Kerry

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

Sheep at Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Day 7Journey to Cultural DublinKillarney · Cashel · Dublin

Celtic art and history take center stage this morning as you visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, the seat of Irish kings for centuries. Perched atop a limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the historic ruins house one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe. Arrive this afternoon in Dublin, where you'll Dive into Culture to discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Then, top it off with a tasting in the Gravity Bar while enjoying the panoramic views of Dublin. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds of an Irish cabaret.

  • See the Rock of Cashel
  • Discover how the world's most famous stout is created at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center, Dublin

St. Patrick's Park in Dublin, Ireland
Day 8Dublin Your WayDublin

This morning, join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the cozy atmosphere of the Irish capital. Ramble through the buzzing streets of Temple Bar or visit Grafton Street, famous for its colorful street performers.

  • Dublin City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center, Dublin

The Temple Bar Pub in Dublin, Ireland
Day 9The Sights of Chester and LiverpoolDublin · Chester · Liverpool

Board the ferry to Wales. Admire the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park as you travel to the ancient city of Chester, with its characteristic Tudor Rows and medieval walls. Arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining your companions for a tasty dinner.

  • Chester Orientation

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Liverpool

Chester Walls Clock, Chester, England
Day 10Through the Lake District to EdinburghLiverpool · Lake District · Gretna Green · Edinburgh

The beautiful landscape, which for centuries inspired the Romantic poets, provides a mesmerizing backdrop for your scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Skirt the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, as you travel through countryside made famous by poet William Wordsworth. Cross the Scottish border and visit the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green. This evening, you arrive in beguiling Edinburgh, where you'll spend the next two nights.

  • Scenic Drive Through the Lake District
  • Visit Gretna Green

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel, Edinburgh

Boat near Lake Windermere, England
Day 11Discover Remarkable EdinburghEdinburgh

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a memorable sightseeing tour of this captivating capital, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock. See Auld Reekie's Royal Mile and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and admire the Georgian façades in Edinburgh's New Town. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

  • Edinburgh City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel, Edinburgh

View of Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Day 12Venture to YorkEdinburgh · Alnwick · York

Journey south to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland and the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where you’ll walk through the charming Shambles, see the medieval walls and York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.

  • Alnwick Visit
  • York Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Novotel York Centre Hotel, York

Cathedral in Alnwick York, England
Day 13On to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-AvonYork · Stratford-upon-Avon

Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner.

  • Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel and Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon

River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, England
Day 14Journey through the Cotswolds to Oxford and LondonStratford-upon-Avon · Oxford · London

Journey to the Cotswolds this morning and visit the little churchyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is buried. Arriving in Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles, you'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city to view the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library. Return to London this afternoon.

  • Oxford Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Park Plaza County Hall London, London

Day 15Goodbye LondonLondon

For now, it's time to say farewell to your travel companions at the end of a memorable holiday as you prepare to return home with treasured memories.

Meals: Breakfast

Tower Bridge in London, England

Hotels

London, England

3 nights

Park Plaza County Hall London

Hotel

Cardiff, Wales

1 night

Leonardo Hotel Cardiff

Hotel

Waterford, Ireland

1 night

Waterford Marina Hotel

Hotel

Killarney, Ireland

2 nights

Hotel Killarney

Hotel

Dublin, Ireland

2 nights

Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center

Liverpool, England

1 night

Leonardo Hotel Liverpool

Hotel

Manchester, England

Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly

Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland

2 nights

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Hotel

York, England

1 night

Novotel York Centre Hotel

Hotel

Stratford-upon-Avon, England

1 night

Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel and Spa

What’s included

Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host when you stay at Brendan Vacations' recommended London hotel
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Optional experiences
  • Cardiff Castle Tour

    75 minutes · Local Guide, Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Explore Waterford's History

    Paid on tour

  • Celtic Steps

    150 minutes · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Gaelic Roots

    2 hours · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Irish Ceilidh Evening

    Paid on tour

  • Jaunting Car Ride

    1 hour · Jaunt with a local jarvey

    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

  • Dinner in Dublin City

    150 minutes · Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • Famous Sights and the Fab Four

    90 minutes · Local Guide

    Paid on tour

  • Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere

    1 hour · Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise

    1 hour · Boat cruise, Transportation by train, Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Johnnie Walker’s ‘Journey of Flavor’ Tour & Dinner on the Royal Mile

    3 hours · Local Guide, Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Rosslyn Chapel

    150 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu

    3 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen

    4 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Ghost Walk and Dinner

    Paid on tour

  • Shakespeare's Schoolhouse Experience

    Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$4,675

Choose a departure