Britain and Ireland Grandeur

23 days
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Group Tour
There’s more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you’ll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher, smell the mossy walls of medieval castles and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.
19%
$7,346
From$5,972
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • : Explore London, Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
    • : DiscoverPlymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York
    • : Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, Guinness Storehouse, Falkirk Wheel, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
    • : View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle in Limerick, the scenic Lake District, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster
    • : See Galway Cathedral
    • : Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry
    • : Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
    • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
    • Cornwall: See Plymouth's famed landmarks and explore typical seaside villages during an orientation of the Cornish peninsula.
    • Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.

What's this trip about?

    There’s more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you’ll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher, smell the mossy walls of medieval castles and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • England
  • Ireland

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
    • London: The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host when you stay at Brendan Vacations's recommended London hotel
    • London: Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Brendan Vacations recommended London hotel, booked through Brendan Vacations
    • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
    • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
    • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
    • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
    • Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to London

The cosmopolitan capital that is London is yours to explore today - the perfect launch pad to discover what's great about Great Britain. Spend the day relaxing in the Royal Parks, amble along the Thames or visit one of the many museums showcasing the art, culture and antiquities of what was once the British Empire.

Hilton Kensington

Day 2: Explore the Sights of London

Join a Local Specialist today for a memorable encounter with London's most iconic sights. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey where Britain's kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. Spend the rest of the day exploring London on your t...

Day 3: Journey to Stonehenge and on to Plymouth

Meet your Travel Director today before journeying west to the Wiltshire landscapes of Salisbury Plain where you'll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical megaliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.

Copthorne

Breakfast, Welcome Reception

Day 4: Discover the Cornish Peninsula

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.

Copthorne

Breakfast

Day 5: Soak up Bath and off to Cardiff

Arriving in Bath, we admire the city's stylish Georgian façades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. We continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where we’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage.

Holiday Inn City Center, Park Inn by Radisson City Center

Breakfast

Day 6: Cross the Irish Sea to Waterford

This morning, we see Cardiff's iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Center and Victorian fantasy castle before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening we dine in our hotel.

Fitzwilton

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Onwards to Blarney and Killarney Dive Into Culture

Our first stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where we Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with master craftsmen. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab', we journey to Blarney Castle where you'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.

Hotel Killarney

Breakfast

Day 8: A Day on the Ring of Kerry

Ireland's enduring natural beauty accompanies our leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. We pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks.

Hotel Killarney

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Off to Limerick, the Majestic Cliffs of Moher and Galway Make Travel Matter

Stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, m...

Day 10: Venture into County Donegal

This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the town your way before dining at your hotel.

Central

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Explore Londonderry, the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast Make Travel Matter

We cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MAT...

Day 12: On the road to Dublin

We spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin later, we see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. Tonight...

Day 13: See the Sights of Dublin Dive Into Culture

Today you'll gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a self-guided tour finishing at the Gravity Bar where you can sip on a pint of the black stuff while overlooking Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish c...

Day 14: Ferry across to Historic Chester and Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows. Later, we head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where we'll spend the night.

Leonardo Hotel Liverpool

Breakfast

Day 15: Continue to the Beautiful Lake District

Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.

North Lakes, Castle Green

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Journey North to Glasgow Dive Into Culture

The runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green is our first stop today, where we'll tread in the footsteps of eloping couples who would take their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Continue to Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent Geo...

Day 17: Over the Sea to Skye

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the 'Glen of the Weeping' and see Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. We'll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye.

Dunollie, Kings Arms

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: The Sights of Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as 'Nessie'. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746.

Highlander

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19: Onwards to Edinburgh

We continue south and stop in Pitlochry before traveling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. We cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Holiday Inn

Breakfast

Day 20: Explore Edinburgh Castle

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building.

Holiday Inn

Breakfast

Day 21: Uncover York’s Treasures Connect with Locals

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where we'll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest e...

Day 22: Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to London

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before returning to London this afternoon for our last evening at leisure.

Hilton Kensington, The Tower

Breakfast

Day 23: Farewell London

We leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,972
Price per day$260
Last Updated: 5/2/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double
Single
Availability
23 May 2024
14 Jun 2024
$6,875
$9,115
available
30 May 2024
21 Jun 2024
$6,895
$9,135
onRequest
06 Jun 2024
28 Jun 2024
$6,895
$9,135
available
13 Jun 2024
05 Jul 2024
$6,895
$9,135
onRequest
20 Jun 2024
12 Jul 2024
$6,895
$9,135
onRequest
27 Jun 2024
19 Jul 2024
$7,075
$9,315
available
04 Jul 2024
26 Jul 2024
$7,075
$9,315
onRequest
11 Jul 2024
02 Aug 2024
$5,972
$8,272
available
12 Jul 2024
03 Aug 2024
$6,078
$8,518
available
18 Jul 2024
09 Aug 2024
$6,456
$8,896
available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Brendan Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Barbara

Jul 2018

had a wonderful time

We just went on Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle and had a wonderful time. This was our first bus tour and we didn't know quite what to expect, however, we couldn't...

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Jo LaFalce

Jul 2018

it was fabulous!

My husband and I recently went to Ireland on a Brendan Vacations tour...first tour we've even been on...and it was fabulous! From start to finish everything about th...

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Mark

Aug 2022

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After waiting for 3 years we were finally scheduled to go to Ireland but 8 days before our trip we were informed that they had changed their vaccination policy and w...

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Tour Operator

Brendan Vacations

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Brendan Vacations is the premier Ireland and Scotland destination expert, backed by more than 50 years of planning authentic Celtic travel experiences from its office in the heart of Dublin. Guided by its mantra ‘taking you personally,’ Brendan Vacations is passionate about delivering deeply immersive, tailor-made experiences across five travel styles: fully Guided Tour packages, independent Private Chauffeur, Lux Self-Drive, Self-Drive and Locally Hosted Rail vacations. Through the warmth of Brendan Vacations’ highly personalized service, guests will stay in hand-selected accommodations - including castles and B&Bs, explore the iconic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, and meet local people passionate about sharing their stories. Brendan Vacations is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of brands.

Why we love this operator
They have a high level of personalized attention and curated itineraries for Ireland & Scotland.
What they’re known for
Experience the best of Ireland & Scotland travel handcrafted by local experts.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hilton Kensington Copthorne Holiday Inn City Center, Park Inn by Radisson City Center Fitzwilton Hotel Killarney Connacht Central Stormont, AC by Marriott The Address Hotel Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center. Leonardo Hotel Liverpool North Lakes, Castle Green Novotel, Courtyard by Marriott SEC., Hilton Garden Inn City Center Dunollie, Kings Arms Highlander Holiday Inn Novotel Center Hilton Kensington, The Tower,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 22 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 7 Dinner (D)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
brendanvacations-BIGTDZN19

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