Best Of Uk & Ireland
Best Of Uk & Ireland
Best Of Uk & Ireland
13 Days Starting in Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel and ending in Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station
Visiting: United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GBIR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore natural wonders, historic architecture and epic folklore on this exciting tour of the UK and Ireland! Uncover the historical charm of Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool, Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, York and more. Witness the natural wonder of the Giant's Causeway and the picturesque Ring of Kerry. Marvel at the magnificent scenery of the Cliffs of Moher and the Scottish Highlands. Punt in Cambridge, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, delve into the mysteries of Loch Ness, embrace tradition by kissing the Blarney Stone, and even more! History, castles, culture and incredible scenery will keep you captivated on our UK and Ireland tour!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff
Meals Included: Dinner
Your adventure in the UK and Ireland starts in London today! Journey to the enigmatic Stonehenge where you can choose to marvel at this ancient world wonder up-close. Learn more about the mysteries of this archaeological site and the region's fascinating history. The tour then proceeds to Bath. Your tour leader will guide you through the key attractions of this picturesque city, including the well-preserved Roman baths. Next, journey into Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Experience a driving tour of the city before checking into the hotel for the night.
See the historic sights of Bath
Enjoy a driving tour of Cardiff
Day 2: Cardiff - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first stop today is Stratford-upon-Avon, the town where William Shakespeare was born. This town is over 800 years old and boasts beautifully maintained Tudor architecture. Proceed to Liverpool, a British port city, renowned for being the birthplace of the Beatles and the home of football clubs Liverpool and Everton. See notable landmarks on a city driving tour* and enjoy free time in the evening to discover more of the city on your own. If you’re a music enthusiast, consider heading to the Cavern Club, an iconic live music venue where the Beatles played many shows.
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon; the birthplace of Shakespeare
See Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour
Day 3: Liverpool - Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore even more highlights of Liverpool on a morning driving tour before starting the journey to Dublin, Ireland by ferry. En route to the ferry, pause in Conwy to admire its stunning castle and visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, famous for having the longest name of any village in Europe! Upon reaching Dublin, choose how to spend your evening. Ireland’s capital city may be small but with over 1000 years of history, this city offers plenty of entertainment. Why not do as the locals do and visit a local pub?
Explore Conwy; a Welsh castle town
Visit the village with the longest name in Europe
Day 4: Dublin: Free Day
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day in Dublin which means the adventure is up to you! To discover Ireland’s fascinating history, join the “Ireland’s Identity” optional excursion. If you’re up for a pint, join the Whiskey & Guinness optional excursion to visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn all about the production of this beloved beverage. Please note this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Alternatively, spend time outdoors at the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green Park, take a coastal stroll along the South wall or learn something new at the National Museum of Ireland. In the evening, you have the option to have a traditional Irish pub experience. Enjoy a wonderful night filled with Irish music, cuisine, and dance!
Day 5: Dublin - Waterford - Blarney Castle - Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, leave Dublin and journey to Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. This ancient city was established by Vikings in the 10th century and is famous for its stunning cut glass, maritime legacy and rich cultural history. Following this, visit one of Ireland’s most famous attractions, Blarney Castle. This castle is almost 600 years old and boasts the legendary Blarney Stone, believed to bestow the 'gift of the gab’ when kissed. Then, it's time to say goodbye to County Cork and head to County Kerry where a warm bed and included dinner await.
Explore Waterford; the oldest city in Ireland
Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
Day 6: Killarney: Free Day
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up the beauty of the Kerry region with a full free day to explore! Why not join the Ring of Kerry Day Trip optional excursion for a day full of unforgettable adventures along this scenic route? Marvel at the scenery along the Iveragh Peninsula, stop at the Kerry Bog Village Museum and watch a Sheepdog demonstration! Top it all off in the majestic Killarney National Park with a jaunting (carriage) ride before enjoying some free time to explore Killarney town.
Day 7: Killarney - Cliffs Of Moher - Galway - Ballina
Meals Included: Breakfast
More picturesque views are on the itinerary today! Journey to Adare, known as ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’, via the Wild Atlantic Way, the world's longest coastal drive. Then, pay a visit to the vibrant city of Limerick on the way to one of Ireland’s most revered natural wonders. After spending some time marvelling at the towering Cliffs of Moher, head to Galway. Embrace the lively bohemian lifestyle of this student city by visiting one of its many bars or cafés, you could even listen to some live music or try some oysters! Alternatively, join the optional Galway Cruise for stunning harbour sights and to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Finally, drive to the hotel for the evening.
Visit Adare; Ireland’s prettiest village
Visit Limerick; see the treaty Stone & King John's Castle
Marvel at the views at the Cliffs of Moher
Enjoy free time in vibrant Galway
Day 8: Ballina - Derry - Giant’S Causeway - Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we say goodbye to Galway and travel to Northern Ireland, making a stop in its second-largest city Derry, also known as Londonderry. Experience the history, art and culture of this city before heading to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction. Learn about the legend of the giant while marvelling at the untamed coastal scenery. Our last stop before leaving Ireland is Northern Ireland’s capital city, Belfast. A local guide will share some of the city’s fascinating history and showcase some of the city’s top landmarks on a combination driving and walking tour. End the day with an included group dinner.
Visit Derry; Northern Ireland’s second-largest city
Visit the Giant's Causeway, a true natural wonder
Enjoy a locally guided tour of Belfast
Day 9: Belfast - Highlands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you will have some free time to experience Belfast on your own or join the optional Titanic Belfast Experience to delve into the often-forgotten history of the ship. Following this, board the ferry to the country of kilts, haggis, and bagpipes - Scotland! Stop at the quaint coastal town of Ayr where you will have time to take some photos. Then travel to tonight’s hotel, located in the stunning Highlands and end an incredible day with an included group dinner.
Day 10: Glencoe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, venture further into the scenic Scottish Highlands. Begin your exploration with a photo stop at the picturesque Glencoe. Following that, make your way to Loch Ness, home to the mythical Loch Ness monster. While there, enjoy an optional one-hour cruise to try your hand at ‘Nessie’ hunting! Then, head to Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. Home to alluring landmarks such as the Royal Mile, Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle, it is also famed for being the city where JK Rowling gained inspiration for theHarry Potternovels. Enjoy a walking tour of this enchanting city before concluding the day with an included group dinner.
Enjoy a photo stop at Glencoe
Explore the shores of Loch Ness
Experience Edinburgh on a tour of the city
Day 11: Edinburgh: Free Day
Meals Included: Breakfast
Look forward to a full free day to experience Edinburgh! As the cultural hub of Scotland, Edinburgh has no shortage of things to do from unique museums and fairytale architecture to world-class shopping and restaurants. A great way to delve into Edinbrugh’s top sights is to join the Conquer the Capital optional excursion which features a full day of activities! Visit the Princes Street Gardens, Holyrood Palace and, of course, the awe-inspiring Edinburgh Castle. Today also offers the opportunity to visit Stirling with an optional half-day sightseeing tour, the choice is yours. Why not extend the Scottish fun into the evening and join tonight’s optional excursion for a traditional dinner and show?
Day 12: Edinburgh - Alnwick - York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The tour makes its way back to England today. Visit the Duke of Northumberland’s home, Alnwick Castle, which you may recognise fromDownton Abbey,Harry Potter, and many other movies and TV shows. Following this, travel to the historical city of York, Yorkshire’s county capital. York is home to York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts. Join your tour leader on an orientation walking tour to uncover the captivating tales of the city before travelling to tonight’s accommodation in Yorkshire. Wrap up the day with a farewell group dinner, a delicious traditional roast dinner at a local restaurant.
Explore the historic city of York
Day 13: York - Cambridge - London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the final day of your adventure through the UK and Ireland, but it's not over yet! Journey to Cambridge and experience a punting trip along the river while admiring the views. This time-honoured university town has hosted many inspirational academics including Charles Darwin and David Attenborough. After experiencing Cambridge, it’s time to head back to London where the tour ends. Don’t forget to swap contact details with the new friends you made along the way!
Enjoy a punting trip along the River Cam in Cambridge
What's Included
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Accommodation
12 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
12 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
See the historic sights of Bath
Enjoy a driving tour of Cardiff
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon; the birthplace of Shakespeare
See Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour
Explore Conwy; a Welsh castle town
Visit the village with the longest name in Europe
Explore Waterford; the oldest city in Ireland
Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
Visit Adare; Ireland’s prettiest village
Visit Limerick; see the treaty Stone & King John's Castle
Marvel at the views at the Cliffs of Moher
Enjoy free time in vibrant Galway
Visit Derry; Northern Ireland’s second-largest city
Visit the Giant's Causeway, a true natural wonder
Enjoy a locally guided tour of Belfast
Enjoy a photo stop at Glencoe
Explore the shores of Loch Ness
Experience Edinburgh on a tour of the city
Explore the historic city of York
Enjoy a punting trip along the River Cam in Cambridge
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
On this tour, you will enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Free time gives you the opportunity to see more of a destination. This is a chance to embark on one of Expat Explore’s popular optional excursions or simply see aspects of a city, town or destination that interest you but are not included on the tour itinerary.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, all our tours are conducted in English
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour and back home at the end of the tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. It is your responsibility to contact the relevant embassies to confirm your visa requirements. We provide support documentation upon request. Simply contact us.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour. In certain hotels this will be available in the hotel lobby only, while in others you will be able to get access in your room.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
The tour price includes accommodation for the duration of the tour, transport by private coach, breakfasts and dinner as per your itinerary, ferry crossings (where applicable), and guided walking tours and excursions as per your itinerary. On top of this, you will have a tour leader to assist you along the way with great tips and handy advice!
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We do not book pre orpost accommodation
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No. Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. It is your responsibility to contact the relevant embassies to confirm your visa requirements. We provide support documentation upon request. Simply contact us.
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% 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 expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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