Britain & Ireland Explorer - Classic Group
Britain & Ireland Explorer - Classic Group
Britain & Ireland Explorer - Classic Group
15 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, York, Durham, Edinburgh, Inverness, Windermere, Lake District National Park, Conwy, Dublin, Kildare, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford, Cardiff, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B904ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Britain & Ireland Explorer - Classic Group" tour, a captivating journey through the rich cultural tapestry of England, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom. This immersive experience offers a blend of historical exploration and scenic beauty, from the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon to the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Discover the lush landscapes of Killarney National Park, the mystical allure of Stonehenge, and the vibrant streets of Dublin. Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a traditional Yorkshire dinner and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Travel in style with a mix of coach journeys, ferry crossings, and scenic cruises, ensuring comfort and picturesque views throughout. Stay in carefully selected accommodations, from The Clermont Victoria in London to The Gleneagle in Killarney. With guided tours, cultural activities, and unique experiences like visiting the Blarney Castle and cruising Loch Lomond, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Britain and Ireland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, 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: Hilton York.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
At 07:30, 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: Durham
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Scotland’S Capital Of Culture
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal, 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: AC Hotel Inverness by Marriott
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: Windermere
Accommodation: Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.
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: To Be Confirmed
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: Conwy
Accommodation: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin, The Morgan Hotel, Dublin.
Accommodation Name: Trinity City, 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, 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: Dublin, Kildare, Killarney
Accommodation: The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney., International Hotel
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. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.
Day 11: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: The Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney., International Hotel
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 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.
Day 12: Blarney Castle And Waterford
Location: Killarney, Blarney, Waterford
Accommodation: Granville Hotel, Waterford.
Accommodation Name: Granville, Waterford
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!
Day 13: Across The Irish Sea To Cardiff
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, 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: Stonehenge
Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, London
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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Meals
14 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners, and 2 Lunches are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at various hotels including The Clermont Victoria in London, Hilton in York, Leonardo Royal in Edinburgh, AC by Marriott in Inverness, Castle Green in Kendal, Maldron in Liverpool, Trinity City in Dublin, The Gleneagle in Killarney, Granville in Waterford, and Clayton in Cardiff.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and local expert insights at various locations including Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, and the Guinness Storehouse.
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Transportation
Transportation between destinations including a ferry crossing the Irish Sea.
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Special Experiences
Unique experiences such as a visit to the Blarney Castle, a cruise on Loch Lomond, and a visit to the Roman Baths.
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Cultural Activities
Cultural activities including a visit to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, a tour of Waterford Crystal, and a visit to the National Stud in Kildare.
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Scenic Drives
Scenic drives through the Ring of Kerry, Lake District, and along Loch Ness.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as The Beatles City Tour in Liverpool are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
14 Breakfast (B)5 Dinner (D)2 Lunch (L)
Insight Experiences
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.Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilize traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as visiting the Blarney Castle, cruising on Loch Lomond, and exploring the Roman Baths. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and learn about Ireland's national drink.
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Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several authentic dining experiences. In York, you will enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner. In Loch Lomond, you will have a light lunch while cruising the loch. In Dublin, you will visit the Guinness Storehouse, and in Killarney, you can choose from a selection of local restaurants for a Dine-Around evening. The tour concludes with a celebration dinner in Waterford.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, you will explore the city with a Local Expert, visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels. You will also have free time to shop on Princes Street and, on select departures, witness the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
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What activities are available in Killarney National Park?
In Killarney National Park, you can choose between a horse-drawn jaunting car ride with local jarveys or a gentle hike with a nature guide. Both options allow you to admire the stunning scenery, including mountains, lakes, woods, and waterfalls.
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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 at Brookfield Farm. The experience includes a Farm-to-Table lunch and supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and sustainable production.
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What can I expect during the visit to the National Stud in Kildare?
During the visit to the National Stud in Kildare, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse breeding region. The visit includes exploring the foaling unit, museum, and stallions, providing insights into the world of horse racing.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
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