Britain and Ireland Grandeur Summer
Overview
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?
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Itinerary
The multicultural melting pot that is London is yours to explore today - the perfect launch pad to an epic adventure to discover what's great about Great Britain. Spend the day relaxing in the Royal Parks, amble along the picturesque Thames or visit one of the many museums showcasing the art, culture and antiquities of what was once the British Empire.
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...
Meet your Travel Director today before journeying to the Salisbury Plain and ponder the myths of the mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to today. Continuing through picturesque Devon, we arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, our home for the next two nights. Full Breakfast, Welcome Reception
Enjoy 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. Meander along the dramatic Cornish coastline to the quaint artists' retreat of St. Ives and view St. Michael's Mount with its 17th hilltop century castle overlooking the stunning Cornish scenery. Full Breakfast
Arriving in Bath, we admire the city's stylish Georgian façades and ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name before continuing to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where you have an evening at leisure to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage and flavours.Full Breakfast
This morning, we explore Cardiff's iconic sights - the Millennium Stadium, Millennium Centre and Victorian fantasy Cardiff 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.Full Breakfast, Dinner
Our first stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where we will enjoy a fascinating Cultural Insight demonstration with master craftsmen. In pursuit of the 'gift of the gab', we journey to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, before crossing the Kerry Mountains to colourful Kenmare, our home for the next two nights.Full Breakfast
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.Full Breakfast, Dinner
En route to Galway, we stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. We'll visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher that plunge into the Atlantic, before arriving in Galway where we'll spend the night.Full Breakfast, Dinner
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. Travel to Donegal to see its 15th century castle and enjoy time at leisure before dining at your hotel.Full Breakfast, Dinner
We cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, stopping in Londonderry to meander along its 17th century city walls with a Local Specialist who will also show us the street murals of the Bogside. The mythical stepping stones of Giant's Causeway are our next stop en route to Belfast where we'll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city's sights.Full Breakfast
We spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their Black Cab. Heading south to Dublin later, we see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. To...
Beat the crowds and gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse before general admission for a tour and tasting technique demonstration. The rest of the day is yours to explore the charming Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colourful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through Phoenix Park, Dublin's playground.Full Breakfast
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'. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the life of the local Town Crier before heading to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where we'll spend the night.Full Breakfast
This morning we visit Quarry Bank Mill, a National Trust property that will give us a Cultural Insight into life during the Industrial Revolution. Heading north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, we see Lake Windermere and the spectacular scenery.Full Breakfast, Dinner
The runaway wedding capital of 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. We arrive in Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent G...
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 travelling to the Isle of Skye. Full Breakfast, Dinner
Meander 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. Full Breakfast, Dinner
We continue south and stop in the pretty town of Pitlochry before travelling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to one of the oldest golf courses in the world. We cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle are included.Full Breakfast
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 new Scottish Parliament building.Full Breakfast
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 the York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening we enjoy a Be My Guest Farewell Dinner at a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavours and hospitality.Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining
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 back to London this afternoon for our last evening at leisure. Full Breakfast
We leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.Full Breakfast
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Dates & Availability
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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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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...
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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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 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.
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Logistics
Accommodation
- 22 full breakfasts
- 10 dinners
- 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
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