Castles & Kingdoms
Castles & Kingdoms
Castles & Kingdoms
21 Days
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Ullswater, Lake District, Alnwick, Edinburgh, Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Londonderry, Dublin, Strangford, Glendalough, Kilkenny, Killarney, Cashel, Blarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Dingle Peninsula, Limerick, Galway, Ashford Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Shannon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
G259MZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
18 - 22
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
From London to Edinburgh and over the Irish Sea to Belfast and Killarney this adventure across Ireland and Great Britain pairs iconic sights with once in a lifetime experiences. Join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London and bear witness to the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military tradition in the world. In Northern Ireland, join a local ranger to explore the spectacular Giant’s Causeway and in England, journey to the majestic 11th-century Alnwick Castle—known to many from the Harry Potter films. On Founder’s Collection departures, meet her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland for a private tour of the castle gardens followed by a seasonal lunch.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Rubens at the Palace London.
Meals Included: Dinner
Your UK luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your five-star hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Here you are welcomed with the royal treatment from their red tail-coated doormen. Tonight, enjoy sumptuous British fare at the English Grill Restaurant.
Day 2 : Traditions And Treasures Of London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Rubens at the Palace London.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Enter bustling Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Household Cavalry Museum. After the sun sets and London lights up, you’re treated to a private, after-hours tour of the Tower of London and the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
Day 3 : Stonehenge And Georgian Bath Relaxed Start
Location: Stonehenge, London, Bath
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Francis Bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast
At mysterious Stonehenge, stand in awe of Britain's best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself further into British history as you travel to Bath. Stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture feeling as though you’ve stepped into a classic English novel.
Day 4 : Explore Bath Relaxed Start
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Francis Bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Personalise your day in Bath at the Jane Austen Center or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain’s only natural hot springs. Share the highlights of your morning over locally sourced dishes at the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant.
Day 5 : Cotswolds, Stratford-Upon-Avon And York
Location: Cotswolds, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon, York
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Grand & Spa York
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the charmed villages of the Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and admire quaint Tudor cottages. Your day concludes in York where cobbled streets, classic tearooms and Gothic buildings lure you further into the past.
Day 6 : Medieval Wonders Of York Relaxed Start
Location: York
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Grand & Spa York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Step back into the Middle Ages in York joining an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house.
Day 7 : The Wild And Poetic Lake District
Location: York, Ullswater, Lake District
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Let the beauty of the Lake District inspire you as you cruise shimmering Ullswater Lake, taking in some of the best views of this region. Later, check into the lovingly restored country house overlooking Lake Windermere.
Day 8 : Alnwick Castle
Location: Alnwick, Edinburgh, Lake District
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kimpton Charlotte Square Edinburgh.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover majestic Alnwick Castle’s magnificent interiors with a Local Expert before exploring Edinburgh's beautiful, walkable city. Should you visit during August, witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most spectacular military concerts and celebration of the history, heritage and colors of Scotland’s regiments.
Day 9 : Highlights Of Beautiful Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kimpton Charlotte Square Edinburgh.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the grounds of Edinburgh’s “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900-years of history. Personalise your afternoon visiting the 17th-century Mary King's Close or with a stimulating whisky tasting. A meal of fine dishes such as Scottish Border brisket of beef or poached fillet of sole, rounds off your final day, accompanied by music from a former bagpiper to the Royals.
Day 10 : Edinburgh To Belfast
Location: Edinburgh, Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Central Belfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to your luxurious hotel in Belfast for a relaxing three-night stay in the heart of the city center. Pop up to The Observatory bar where glittering views stretch into the distance. Get to know the tastes of the town at a local restaurant.
Day 11 : Highlights Of Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Central Belfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast
Join a Local Guide for a vivid picture of the past at the world-class Titanic Museum, before customising your time in Belfast. Step out with Local Expert and explore the City Hall, prestigious Queen's University and Parliament Building at Stormont or meet a local artist to discover Belfast’s progressive street art.
Day 12 : Giant's Causeway And Londonderry
Location: Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Londonderry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Central Belfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast
Experience Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant's Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. On arrival in Londonderry, Local Guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.
Day 13 : Strangford Lough And Vibrant Dublin
Location: Dublin, Strangford
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dylan Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sweet aromas and a slow food ethos await at Tracey's Farmhouse. Explore the organic farm and learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch. Continue to Dublin for a tour of the city’s key sights including a tasting experience at the Guinness Storehouse or create your own cocktail at Pearse Lyons Distillery.
Day 14 : A Truly Irish Experience
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dylan Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. At a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip prosecco with the founder before dinner.
Day 15 : Glendalough To Kilkenny Relaxed Start
Location: Glendalough, Dublin, Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lyrath Estate Kilkenny.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Glendalough, the "glen of two lakes" with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.
Day 16 : Banter In Blarney
Location: Kilkenny, Killarney, Cashel, Blarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Dunloe Killarney.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See classic Ireland in Cashel, famous for its medieval structures including the spectacular Rock of Cashel. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening join the locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.
Day 17 : Scenic Ring Of Kerry Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Dunloe Killarney.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey into Killarney National Park, winding along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Explore the town of Kenmare before indulging in a gourmet lunch at the Park Hotel.
Day 18 : Exploring Limerick
Location: Killarney, Adare, Dingle Peninsula, Limerick
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Savoy Limerick.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast
Admire dramatic mountains and windswept sands along Dingle Peninsula. In Adare, discover the charming thatched-roof cottages, castles and abbeys before continuing to Limerick to see the best of the city including St. Mary's Cathedral and Limerick's Treaty Stone.
Day 19 : Regal County Mayo
Location: Galway, Ashford Castle, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ashford Castle Cong.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breathtaking views continue through County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Your stay at the 5-star Ashford Castle begins with a royal welcome as a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to this estate, once home to the Guinness family. Tonight, savor specialties from a seasonal menu at the Castle’s Cullen's at the Cottage.
Day 20 : Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start
Location: Ashford Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ashford Castle Cong.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Get acquainted with elegant birds of prey at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland or delve into the Castle’s history on a guided tour. Then treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the day dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.
Day 21 : Depart Shannon
Location: Shannon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport.
What's Included
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Meals
As detailed in itinerary.
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Additional Services
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.
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Fully Guided
You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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What is the tipping policy?
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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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Ensure you have a valid passport for all the countries you will visit or travel through; many countries require your passport to be valid for a longer period than the length of your stay (usually a minimum of 6 months), so check what applies to your itinerary. You might also need to obtain visas (depending on your nationality). Talk to your Embassy if you are unclear about what documentation you require.
It is a good idea to have copies of your passport details, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers, keeping them separate from the originals and perhaps leaving an additional copy with someone at home.
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What is the maximum group size?
A max size of group is 22 guests.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, English speaking tour guide on this tour.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Each guest can bring a single bag measuring no more than 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. (23kg). You can also bring one hand luggage bag that is no bigger than 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Hand luggage cannot have wheels or a telescopic handle.
If you wish to bring a second item of luggage, please request this at time of booking. Additional charges will apply. -
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.
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Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?
We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.
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What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?
A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.
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Who travels with Luxury Gold?
We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.
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What is the role of the Well-Being Director?
Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.
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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold 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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