Romantic Britain & Ireland - Small Group
Romantic Britain & Ireland - Small Group
Romantic Britain & Ireland - Small Group
20 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Oxford, York, Lake District National Park, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, Loch Ness, Lock Duich, Skye, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Dartmoor, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SB908ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich histories of Britain and Ireland with the "Romantic Britain & Ireland - Small Group" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the iconic spires of Oxford to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, offering a blend of scenic beauty and historical intrigue. Explore the literary heritage of Stratford-upon-Avon, the medieval charm of York, and the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Dublin. Delight in authentic dining experiences, including a traditional afternoon tea in Pitlochry and a Sunday roast in Killarney. With luxurious accommodations and expert-guided tours, you'll traverse the Lake District, the Ring of Kerry, and the mystical Stonehenge. This tour promises unforgettable moments, from a Loch Ness cruise to a seaweed foraging walk, all while supporting sustainable travel initiatives. Travel comfortably by coach and ferry, and immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of these storied lands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Victoria, London.
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, 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: Oxford And Stratford
Location: Oxford
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford Manor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet your Travel Director at 07:45 at the hotel in London. Depart for the famous university town of Oxford with its beautiful spires. With time at leisure, why not visit the world-famous Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market? Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Tonight, join your Travel Director for dinner at a local pub.
Day 3: Lincoln And Medieval York
Location: York
Accommodation: Hilton York.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country’ on your way to visit Lincoln. Continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain and one of England's oldest cities. Saunter along the Shambles to reach the York Minster, in the heart of this medieval gem. Your hotel lies within the walls facing Clifford’s Tower.
Day 4: The English Lakes To Edinburgh
Location: Lake District National Park
Accommodation: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive through the Lake District National Park, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes, inspiring a host of English poets. Stop in Wordsworth’s village of Grasmere and see the poet’s grave in the churchyard. Cross the border at Gretna Green, where runaway lovers were married, and continue to the Scottish capital.
Day 5: Scotland’S Capital Of Culture
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh.
Accommodation Name: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse — official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King - before crossing over to New Town. Walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.
Day 6: St. Andrews And Inverness
Location: St. Andrews
Accommodation: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.
Accommodation Name: Kingsmills, Inverness
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the world's oldest golf course as you arrive where golf was born in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton finding her Prince Charming began when her and Prince William were students there. Alternately, stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Your travels continue as you cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many of its traditional features.
Day 7: Across The Sea To Skye
Location: Inverness, Loch Ness, Lock Duich, Skye
Accommodation: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
Accommodation Name: The Dunollie, Broadford
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales of Nessie in the heart of Scotland's great glen.Afterwards, pause for a photo of Eilean Donan Castle, set idyllically on a headland on Loch Duich. Listen to tales of Flora MacDonald and her defense of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.
Day 8: Loch Lomond And Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to the mainland and drive to the World War II Commando Memorial in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Continue through Fort William to absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the Valley of the Weeping, where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonald's took place in 1692. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, en route to Glasgow. Your Travel Director will show you Glasgow's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral.
Day 9: Across The Irish Sea To Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Titanic Hotel
Accommodation Name: Titanic, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Scotland as you cross the Irish Sea and continue your journey to the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour of Belfast including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 10: Dublin City Sightseeing. Relaxed Start
Location: Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation: Riu Plaza The Gresham
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne before crossing the historic Boyne Valley, site of the battle where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Continue to Dublin, Ireland's 'fair city where the girls are so pretty,' and see O’Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with your Local Expert.
Day 11: A Pint Of The 'Black Stuff'
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Riu Plaza The Gresham
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink in the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. The rest of the day is yours to shop, continue sightseeing or maybe take an optional drive to the ruined monastic site of Glendalough.
Day 12: Galway, The Cliffs Of Moher And Limerick
Location: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick
Accommodation: The George Hotel Limerick.
Accommodation Name: The George, Limerick
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel west to Galway, known as the City of the Tribes. Guided by your Travel Director, enjoy free time in this artsy, bohemian city. Cross the limestone landscape of the Burren, to the Visitor Center at the Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking vistas of the Clare Coast. Journey to the town of Limerick, nestled on the shores of the River Shannon.
Day 13: The Dingle Peninsula To Killarney Relaxed Start
Location: Dingle Peninsula
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, your Travel Director will show you the 12th century St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone before setting off to Tralee. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way through the great cliffs, wide skies and ocean views of the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney. For dinner you are treated to a traditional Sunday roast, with all the trimmings.
Day 14: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A delightful morning excursion will take you around the Ring of Kerry, where mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Continue through Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm on the Ring of Kerry. Learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy. Maybe take the opportunity to ride a jaunting car around the lake or through the National Park?
Day 15: Blarney Castle And Waterford
Location: Killarney, Blarney Castle, Waterford
Accommodation: Granville Hotel, Waterford.
Accommodation Name: Granville, Waterford
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the ruined 15th century Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Continue to the walled city of Waterford and see the 11th century Reginald's Tower. On your guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal, you will meet an artisan and see their fine work.
Day 16: Across The Irish Sea To Cardiff
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Rosslare, take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke and continue on with a pleasant journey through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Travel past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Principality Stadium. Enjoy an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff.
Day 17: Bath And Glastonbury
Location: Bath
Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Accommodation Name: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above Britain's only thermal, mineral springs. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director, through the Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering educational investments to benefit the community, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your journey continues to mystical Glastonbury where you will see the abbey, reputedly the legendary burial place of King Arthur. Continue south, to reach the seaside town of Torquay.
Day 18: The Devonshire Coast
Location: Dartmoor
Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Accommodation Name: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. At dinner this evening, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes.
Day 19: Salisbury Plain And Stonehenge
Location: Stonehenge
Accommodation: Park Plaza Victoria, London.
Accommodation Name: The Clermont Victoria, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day by crossing the Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, the world's most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. Your escorted journey draws to a close on your return to London where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Day 20: Homeward Bound
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
What's Included
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Meals
19 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners, and 1 Afternoon Tea are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including The Clermont Victoria in London, Mercure Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, Hilton in York, Virgin Hotels in Edinburgh, Kingsmills in Inverness, The Dunollie in Broadford, Radisson Blu in Glasgow, Titanic in Belfast, Riu Plaza The Gresham in Dublin, The George in Limerick, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Granville in Waterford, Clayton in Cardiff, and The Imperial Torquay.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and local expert insights in various locations including Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, Loch Ness, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth, and Stonehenge.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations including a ferry crossing the Irish Sea.
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Special Experiences
Special experiences such as a Loch Ness cruise, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed, and a visit to the Roman Baths.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a drive to the ruined monastic site of Glendalough 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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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Dining Summary
19 Breakfast (B)8 Dinner (D)1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Insight Experiences
Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.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 a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed, a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, and a cruise on Loch Ness. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Roman Baths in Bath and learn about their historical significance.
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Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several special dining experiences including a traditional afternoon tea at Atholl Palace in Pitlochry, a Sunday roast in Killarney, and a dinner at a local restaurant in Stratford-upon-Avon. Additionally, there is a Dine-Around evening in Killarney where you can choose from a selection of local restaurants.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in Scotland?
In Scotland, the tour highlights include visiting Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, exploring the city of Edinburgh with a Local Expert, and witnessing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August. You will also visit St. Andrews, known for its historic university and golf course, and enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness.
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What activities are available in Dartmoor National Park?
In Dartmoor National Park, you have the choice between a scenic exploration to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions with a knowledgeable Local Expert, or a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor.
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How does the tour support sustainable travel practices?
The tour supports sustainable travel practices through experiences like the seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed, which promotes the sustainable use of Ireland's marine ecosystems. Additionally, the visit to the Roman Baths in Bath supports educational programs that benefit the local community.
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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.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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