Britain and Ireland Grandeur Reverse Summer 2021

23 days
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4.2/5 Great
5 reviews  
60%
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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.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Explore Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry with a Local Specialist
    • Discover York, Glasgow, Chester, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Cardiff, Bath, Plymouth and Salisbury
    • Visit Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, medieval Alnwick, Edinburgh Castle, Isle of Skye, Falkirk Wheel, the Giants Causeway, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, Waterford Crystal Showroom, the Roman Baths in Bath and the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge
    • View York Minster, Culloden Battlefield, Eilean Donan Castle, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher and the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth
    • Scenic Drive around the Ring of Kerry and on a Cornish Excursion
    • Connect with Locals
    • Dive into Culture
    • Make Travel Matter

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 focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Bath
  • Dublin
  • Edinburgh
  • London
  • Scottish Highlands

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

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.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon, York and Leeds

This morning meet your Travel Director. The 'Bard of Avon' and his legacy take centre stage as we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's picturesque thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre before heading to York and Leeds, where we'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and get to know our Travel Director and travel companions.

Day 4: Onwards to Edinburgh

We venture north to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits imposingly overlooking the town's beautiful gardens. Enjoy a scenic drive north to the enchanting capital of Edinburgh. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Day 5: Explore Elegant Edinburgh

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

Day 6: Venture to the Scottish Highlands

We continue north to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to one of the oldest golf courses in the world. View the famous 18th green which the golfing greats have clamoured to play on for centuries, before heading to picturesque Pitlochry and our overnight stop in the Scottish Highlands.

Day 7: Culloden, Loch Ness and on to the Isle of Skye

View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Then meander through the scenic Scottish Highlands along the banks of Loch Ness in search of Nessie. We'll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle where three lochs meet before travelling to the Isle of Skye where we dine in our hotel tonight.  

Day 8: Journey to Glasgow

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the 'Glen of Weeping' before heading to the Scottish cultural capital, Glasgow, where our orientation tour includes views of the Cathedral and the magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain's most celebrated sons.

Day 9: Continue to the Beautiful Lake District

We visit Falkirk Wheel where you'll Dive Into Culture learning about the legacy of Scotland's canals and experience the world's only rotating boat lift. The runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green is our next stop today. See where eloping couples would make their vows...

Day 10: Off to Lively Liverpool

We travel to the bold British city of Liverpool, hometown of the 'Fab Four'. Saunter through its edgy Scouse streets and perhaps visit The Cavern Club, where the Beatles once played, during your evening at leisure.

Day 11: Ferry Across to Dublin

Travel to the ancient town of Chester where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous Tudor 'Rows'. We continue along the scenic North Wales Coast to the island of Anglesey en route to Holyhead. Cross the Irish Sea to Dublin, the charismatic Irish capital.

Day 12: See the Sights of Dublin

Beat the crowds and gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse before general admission. Here you'll Dive Into Culture and embark on a tour and tasting technique demonstration. Later, we join a Local Specialist to see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights. The re...

Day 13: On the Road to Belfast

This morning, cross the border to Northern Ireland. We meet our Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Spend the rest of the day at leisure perhaps exploring the Titanic Quarter to learn more about this ill-fated ship.

Day 14: Explore the Giant’s Causeway, Londonderry and County Donegal

This morning, visit Giant's Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking ballast columns, a UNESCO World Heritage site in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United Kingdom. Our visit will Make Travel Matter by he...

Day 15: Venture to Galway

This morning, we stop in Galway to see the stone Cathedral that was built on the site of an old prison, and stroll around Eyre Square with its tribute to John F. Kennedy.

Day 16: Off to the Majestic Cliffs of Moher, Limerick and Killarney

We'll visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher before travelling to Limerick to view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle, the tallest spire in Ireland. Our drive continues through picturesque Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, before arriving in Killarney, our home for the next two nights.

Day 17: A Day on the Ring of Kerry

Today, we stop in Killarney on our way to the enchanting Ring of Kerry where Ireland's enduring natural beauty is our welcome companion as we circle past the fishing village of Waterville, Black Valley and Moll's Gap.

Day 18: Onwards to Blarney and Waterford

In pursuit of the 'gift of the gab', we kiss the Blarney Stone, before continuing to the House of Waterford Crystal where we will enjoy a fascinating Dive Into Culture demonstration with master craftsmen.

Day 19: Cross the Irish Sea to Cardiff

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue your journey through beautiful countryside to arrive in its capital. Explore Cardiff's iconic sights - the Principality Stadium, Millennium Centre and Victorian fantasy Cardiff Castle at its heart.

Day 20: Soak up Bath and on to Plymouth

Arriving in Bath, we admire the city's elegant Georgian façades and ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. Later we continue to Plymouth, our home for the next two nights.

Day 21: Discover the Cornish Peninsula

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps, where brave pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage to the New World centuries ago. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro. Tonight, we will Connect With Locals for a Farewell Dinner Be My Guest experience at a Cornish farm.

Day 22: Journey to Stonehenge and Return to London

The mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge are our first stop. Ponder their myths that remain largely unsolved before travelling to London.

Day 23: Depart London

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

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,395
Price per day$235
Last Updated: 5/3/2023

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.

Brendan Vacations Reviews & Ratings

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Other Brendan Vacations Reviews

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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...

J

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...

M

Mark

Aug 2022

Written on

Find someone else

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

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 breakfasts
  • 8 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host if you stay at Brendan Vacations's recommended London hotel Use of Brendan Vacations's London Reception Centre offering a range of services including tickets for day trips and local attractions Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted Optional Experiences and free time All porterage and restaurant gratuities Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras An expert Travel Director and professional Driver All hotel tips, charges and local taxes London airport transfer service is available to purchase. Conditions apply. See airport transfer page for details Handcrafted Highlights
Trip ID
brendanvacations-RIGTN16

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