Britain and Ireland Grandeur Preview 2018

23 days
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5 reviews  
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Group Tour
Go behind the scenes on a grand exploration of Britain and Ireland - one that will see you circle islands, scale highlands and cross the seas. No corner of the British Isles will remain unexplored, from London and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast with a visit to Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the ever-elusive 'Nessie' all in between.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • City tour in London, Londonderry/Derry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh
    • Scenic drives on a Cornish Excursion and experience the Ring of Kerry
    • Orientation of Salisbury, Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Chester, Glasgow and York
    • View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster
    • Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, Giants Causeway, Quarry Bank Mill, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, medieval Alnwick, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

What's this trip about?

    Go behind the scenes on a grand exploration of Britain and Ireland - one that will see you circle islands, scale highlands and cross the seas. No corner of the British Isles will remain unexplored, from London and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast with a visit to Giant's Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the ever-elusive 'Nessie' all in between.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • London

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive London (2 Nights)

Welcome to London. Relax after your journey and look forward to your holiday of Great Britain and Ireland.

Day 2: London Sightseeing

Marvel at the amazing sights during your included half day guided sightseeing tour of London with a Local Specialist. See the sights including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Later, spend time exploring the city independently or go shopping in one of the famous London department stores.Full Breakfast

Day 3: London – Stonehenge – Salisbury – Plymouth (2 Nights)

Meet your Travel Director before leaving the sights of London behind. Travel to rural Wiltshire and visit the mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge. Visit Salisbury Cathedral and see the Magna Carta which was signed in 1215 by King John and the barons of Medieval E...

Day 4: Cornish Excursion

Your orientation of Plymouth includes the Mayflower Steps and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Cross the River Tamar and follow the Cornish peninsula to St. Ives, the renowned artists' colony. Photograph St. Michael's Mount near Penzance. Relax and enjoy the stunning Cornish scenery.Full Breakfast

Day 5: Plymouth – Bath – Cardiff

On arrival in the city of Bath, admire the Georgian buildings and visit the Roman Baths after which the city is named. Spend some time exploring the city before making your way to the Welsh capital, Cardiff.Full Breakfast

Day 6: Cardiff – Waterford

See the sights of Cardiff including the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay. View historic Cardiff Castle and see the Millennium Stadium. Enjoy the scenic drive through Pembrokeshire and cross the Irish Sea to Rosslare. Dine tonight at your hotel in Waterford.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Waterford – Blarney – Kenmare (2 Nights)

Visit the renowned House of Waterford Crystal for a Cultural Insight demonstration. Watch the master craftsmen at work during your tour of the workshop. At Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Kenmare, your home for the next two nights.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Ring of Kerry Excursion

Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied places in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographer's delight. We will also see Daniel ...

Day 9: Kenmare – Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway

Drive through Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, en route to Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. View King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Arrive later in Galway where you dine at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Galway – Donegal

This morning see Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square. Later stop in Drumcliffe to see the grave of W.B. Yeats. See the fishing village of Mullaghmore, where Lord Mountbatten once lived. Then travel to Donegal to see the 15th century castle and enjoy free time before dinner at your hotel. Dine tonight at your hotelFull Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Donegal – Londonderry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast Orientation

Cross the border to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Walk along the 17th century city walls with your Local Specialist and see the street murals of the Bogside. Visit the Giant's Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic natural wonders in all o...

Day 12: Belfast – Dublin (2 Nights)

This morning meet your Local Specialist ‘Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of the city in their Black Cab. Later, head south to Dublin where you will see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian squares with your Local Specialist. Tonight, perhaps consider an Optional Experience at an Irish Cabaret.Full Breakfast

Day 13: Dublin Sightseeing

This morning explore the Guinness Brewery with entry before general admission and take a tour including a tasting technique demonstration. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Grafton Street famous for its street performers or consider joining an Optional Experience to the monastic site at Glendalough.Full Breakfast

Day 14: Dublin – Chester – Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to Chester. Your orientation walk here includes the Roman walls and the famous Tudor 'Rows'. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the local Town Crier - an esteemed position which dates back to medieval times. Arrive later in historic Liverpool, hometown of the legendary Beatles.Full Breakfast

Day 15: Liverpool – Quarry Bank Mill – Lake District

After a leisurely start, visit Quarry Bank Mill, a National Trust property that brings to life how communities lived together during the Industrial Revolution. Manchester and the surrounding area was involved with textile manufacturing during this period and today's v...

Day 16: Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow

Cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. This afternoon, your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening join your companions for a Regional Meal at a local restaurant.Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 17: Glasgow – Glencoe – Isle of Skye

Travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond towards the site of the 1692 massacre at Glencoe - 'Glen of the Weeping'. Pass through Fort William and see Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. View Eilean Donan Castle before crossing onto the Isle of Skye. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: Isle of Skye – Loch Ness – Culloden – Scottish Highlands

Enjoy a scenic drive back to the mainland via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the elusive monster. View the site of the Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's army was defeated in 1746. Dine tonight at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19: Scottish Highlands – Pitlochry – St. Andrews – Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Head south and stop in Pitlochry before travelling to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Cross the Firth of Forth to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.Full Breakfast

Day 20: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament building. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo are included. Tonight why not enjoy an optional night out including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare?Full Breakfast

Day 21: Edinburgh – Alnwick – York

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick. See the impressive castle and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Marvel at the magnificent scenery en route to York where your walking orientation includes the Shambles and the awe-inspiring Minster. This evening ...

Day 22: York – Stratford-upon-Avon – London

View Anne Hathaway's picturesque thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Spend some time exploring the town before heading back to London.Full Breakfast

Day 23: Depart London

Say goodbye to your fellow travellers as you leave London and return home with special memories.Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,575
Price per day$199
Last Updated: 7/15/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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

Transportation & Flights

ArrayBrendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2017-18 At Brendan Vacations, we know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. That's why every part of your journey, from your front door to the start hotel of your chosen vacation, and from your hotel to the airport and back home again on your return, is made easy with Brendan Vacations. With Brendan Vacations you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle, minivan or taxi between designated airports and Brendan Vacations hotels on the starting and ending day of your holiday only. Guests  arriving before or leaving after the scheduled itinerary day may book and buy a transfer through Brendan Vacations providing that they also purchase the additional pre and post trip hotel night(s) from Brendan Vacations. When booking extra night(s) accommodation, you will also have the opportunity to book the relevant transfer service(s). In Australia and New Zealand complimentary transfers are also included with pre or post accommodations booked through Brendan Vacations. Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. Brendan Vacations has negotiated special group transfer rates from London's Heathrow Airport to the door of your Brendan Vacations London hotel. Guests will be picked up and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from London's Heathrow Airport. $50 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport  Gatwick Airport: For guests flying into London’s Gatwick Airport, Brendan Vacations recommends the Gatwick Express, see Gatwick Express’s website at: www.gatwickexpress.com.,

Transportation & flights

Array Brendan Vacations's Airport Transfers 2017-18 At Brendan Vacations, we know how important it is to get your vacation off to a seamless and smooth start. That's why every part of your journey, from your front door to the start hotel of your chosen vacation, and from your hotel to the airport and back home again on your return, is made easy with Brendan Vacations. With Brendan Vacations you will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle, minivan or taxi between designated airports and Brendan Vacations hotels on the starting and ending day of your holiday only. Guests  arriving before or leaving after the scheduled itinerary day may book and buy a transfer through Brendan Vacations providing that they also purchase the additional pre and post trip hotel night(s) from Brendan Vacations. When booking extra night(s) accommodation, you will also have the opportunity to book the relevant transfer service(s). In Australia and New Zealand complimentary transfers are also included with pre or post accommodations booked through Brendan Vacations. Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. Brendan Vacations has negotiated special group transfer rates from London's Heathrow Airport to the door of your Brendan Vacations London hotel. Guests will be picked up and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from London's Heathrow Airport. $50 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport  Gatwick Airport: For guests flying into London’s Gatwick Airport, Brendan Vacations recommends the Gatwick Express, see Gatwick Express’s website at: www.gatwickexpress.com.
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 full breakfasts
  • 10 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host at your London hotel
  • Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • London airport transfer service is available to purchase. Conditions apply. See airport transfer page link below for details
  • VIP entry to many sights
Trip ID
brendanvacations-BIGTFN13

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