Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group
Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group
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Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group
15 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, York, Edinburgh, Inverness, Glencoe, Lake District National Park, Dublin, Killarney, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SB904ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 24
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group" tour, where you'll traverse the enchanting landscapes of England, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. This immersive experience offers a blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, from the historic streets of Stratford-upon-Avon and the medieval charm of York to the breathtaking vistas of Killarney National Park and the mystical allure of Stonehenge. Delight in the vibrant city life of Edinburgh and Dublin, and savor authentic local experiences, such as a jaunting car ride in Killarney or a guided tour of Blarney Castle's lush gardens. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and scenic wonders, all while supporting sustainable travel practices. Enjoy seamless travel with included transportation, including a cruise on Loch Lomond and ferry crossings, ensuring a memorable and enriching adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: The Clermont Victoria, 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.
Day 2: Stratford-Upon-Avon And Medieval York
Location: York
Accommodation Name: Hilton York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 dinner.
Day 3: Durham, Hadrian's Wall And Edinburgh Relaxed Start
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Scotland’S Capital Of Culture
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.
Day 5: St. Andrews And Inverness
Location: Inverness
Accommodation Name: AC by Marriott, Inverness , Hotel B&B, Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 6: Loch Ness And Glencoe
Location: Glencoe
Accommodation Name: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 7: The English Lakes To Liverpool Relaxed Start
Location: Lake District National Park
Accommodation Name: Maldron, Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
Day 8: North Wales And Over To Dublin Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: In Dublin’S Fair City
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: From Dublin To Killarney
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 11: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney
Accommodation Name: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 12: Blarney Castle And Waterford
Location: Waterford
Accommodation Name: Granville, Waterford
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!
Day 13: Across The Irish Sea To Cardiff
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 14: Roman Baths And Stonehenge
Location: Bath
Accommodation Name: The Clermont Victoria, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 15: Homeward Bound
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights of comfortable accommodation at various hotels including The Clermont Victoria in London, Hilton York, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh, AC Hotel Inverness by Marriott, Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, and more.
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Sightseeing and Transportation
Travel in style with sightseeing and transportation as detailed, including a cruise on Loch Lomond and a ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin.
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Dining
The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 5 dinners, and 2 lunches.
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Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
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.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Travel
International flights to and from the tour starting point are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with sightseeing and transportation as detailed, including a cruise on Loch Lomond and a ferry crossing from Holyhead to Dublin.
Dining Summary
14 Breakfast (B)5 Dinner (D)2 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
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.
Authentic Dining
York: In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.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.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.
Brendan Choice
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 charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.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, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts. Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
Brendan Experiences
Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.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 stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
Dive Into Culture
Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Well-being
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered in Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you can choose between a gentle hike with a nature guide to admire the stunning mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls, or enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
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What can I expect during the visit to Blarney Castle?
At Blarney Castle, you have the option to climb up the ramparts to see the famous Stone of Eloquence, or explore the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener who will provide insights into the arboretum's rare trees and mystical Druid rock formations.
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What is included in the Edinburgh Castle visit?
During the visit to Edinburgh Castle, you will have the opportunity to see Scotland's Crown Jewels and Mons Meg, and enjoy spectacular views of the town.
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What activities are available in Dublin?
In Dublin, you can visit the Guinness Storehouse for a guided tour to learn about Ireland's national drink, and explore Dublin's elegant squares with a Local Expert, seeing famous sites like O'Connell Street and Dublin Castle.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in County Tipperary?
In County Tipperary, you will meet entrepreneur Ailbhe and learn about sustainable farming practices, biodiversity, and regenerative agriculture. The experience includes a Farm-to-Table lunch featuring delicious honey crafted on the island.
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What is the significance of the Roman Baths visit in Bath?
The visit to the Roman Baths in Bath is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you will discover 2000 years of history and learn about the site's educational investments that benefit the community.
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Is there seat rotation on the coach?
Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
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Is luggage handling provided?
On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.
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What are the coaches like?
We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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How many people will be on my trip?
You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Will I have free time?
Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.
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How much luggage can I bring?
On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.
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What is a Travel Director?
Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.
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Low Deposit
Brendan Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brendan vacations charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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