Britain & Ireland Discovery (Classic)

24 days
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4.2/5 Great
5 reviews  
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Group Tour
Take a one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient Roman city of Bath, enjoy a private pint-pouring masterclass at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and experience the majesty of Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh. This 22-day tour of Britain and Ireland is brought to life by Local Experts, with an arsenal of immersive experiences. Visit Orkney Islands for a glimpse of ...
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Overview

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

What's this trip about?

    Take a one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient Roman city of Bath, enjoy a private pint-pouring masterclass at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and experience the majesty of Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh. This 22-day tour of Britain and Ireland is brought to life by Local Experts, with an arsenal of immersive experiences. Visit Orkney Islands for a glimpse of Britain’s furthest northern reaches and the 1000-year-old Kirkwall Town. Visit Ireland’s medieval city of Kilkenny and it's castle. Cross England’s Salisbury Plains to prehistoric Stonehenge where a tour unlocks some of the secrets held by these 5000-year-old megaliths, while the Viking city of York charms all with its maze of narrow streets and close quarter homes.

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
  • 50 Plus
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

Thistle Marble Arch, London.

Day 2: London to Stratford-upon-Avon

Meet your Travel Director at the trip's hotel in London. After a warm welcome, settle into your luxury coach and head westward through the green Chiltern Hills. Stop in Oxford, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the City of Dreaming Spires, home to the w...

Day 3: Medieval York Relaxed Start

A leisurely drive brings you to the historic city of York; its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. Inside the ancient city walls, see the York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe. Explore the maze of narrow streets to the to...

Day 4: By the Lakes to Edinburgh

Travel across the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines to the picturesque Lake District. A scenic wonderland awaits, with rugged mountains and tranquil waters that inspired a host of English poets, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson and Shelley. After a visit to W...

Day 5: Scotland's City of Culture

Join a Local Expert for a trip along Princes Street to see the ornate Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott and the elegant 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - the official Scottish res...

Day 6: Fife and Aberdeen

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife. Make your way to St. Andrews, home to the Old Course and birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Alternately, wander to St. Andrews Uni...

Day 7: Aberdeen to Wick

Start the day with stop at Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746 and visit the Culloden Visitor Center. Then set sail on a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intrigui...

Day 8: Orkney Islands Experience

Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Travel Director ac...

Day 9: Over the Sea to Skye

Relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of lochs and mountains on your way to the fishing town of Ullapool. Continue alongside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, before crossing to the magical Isle of Skye - the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebride...

Day 10: Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start

Return to the mainland to see the remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial for a chance to view Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continue on to the Valley of Glencoe, its d...

Day 11: Walk in the Giant’s Steps on the way to Londonderry

Cross the Irish Sea, enjoying views of the Island of Arran along the way. Once you arrive in Northern Ireland, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty! The road clings to the coastline at the mouth of the famous Nine Glens of Antrim, alongside sandy beaches ...

Day 12: Belleek and Sligo Bay

In the morning, meet Ronan, one of the nation's great storytellers, as he takes you inside Londonderry's well-preserved walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall, and cross the border t...

Day 13: Galway and Limerick

Experience the beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Continue to Galway, where your Travel Director will show you St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Move onto your hotel in Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and Georgian houses.

The George, Limerick

Breakfast

Day 14: Adare to Killarney Relaxed Start

Start the day with an exploration of Limerick where you will see King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. As a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet John and Freda, passionate restaurant owners. Learn how their farm-to-table concept operates and e...

Day 15: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

In the morning, enjoy a trip around the Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s most scenic journeys. See towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages, Ireland’s highest mountain range and the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. With time at leisure, perhaps hire a bicyc...

Day 16: Blarney Castle and Cork

Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains this morning and head for Blarney. Visit the ruined 15th century castle that is home to the famous Stone of Eloquence. It is said that those whose lips caress the Stone of Eloquence are bestowed with the power to persuade, fla...

Day 17: Kilkenny and Dublin Relaxed Start

Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue to Ireland’s lively capital, Dublin, an...

Day 18: In Dublin’s Fair City

Experience Ireland's national, world-famous drink with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. Then meet your Local Expert who will show you the sights of the city, including Dublin's elegan...

Day 19: Across the Irish Sea to Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea for a stop in Wales at Conwy Castle. Return to England and stop in Liverpool for an orientation of the city. Consider an Optional Experience tour featuring the history of The Beatles.

Maldron, Liverpool

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 20: The Welsh Marches to Cardiff Relaxed Start

Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle.

Clayton, Cardiff

Breakfast

Day 21: Bath and Somerset

Cross the soaring Severn Bridge to reach the elegant Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in amphitheater-style on the surrounding hills. An orientation of the city will show you the impressive Pulteney Bridge and gothic Bath Abbey, famous for the...

Day 22: Discover Dartmoor Relaxed Start

Explore Dartmoor with Brendan Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbor, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Back in Plymouth, enjoy a glass of wine and a delectable Cele...

Day 23: Ancient Stonehenge to London

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Return to your hotel in London for a final evening at leisure.

Thistle Marble Arch, London.

Breakfast

Day 24: Homeward Bound

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,150
Price per day$381
Last Updated: 1/5/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
08 Apr 2025
01 May 2025
$9,150
15 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$9,195
22 Apr 2025
15 May 2025
$9,195
29 Apr 2025
22 May 2025
$9,275
03 May 2025
26 May 2025
$9,275
10 May 2025
02 Jun 2025
$9,275
13 May 2025
05 Jun 2025
$9,275
17 May 2025
09 Jun 2025
$9,350
24 May 2025
16 Jun 2025
$9,350
27 May 2025
19 Jun 2025
$9,350

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.

Brendan Vacations Reviews & Ratings

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Other Brendan Vacations Reviews

B

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.

Associations

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Thistle Marble Arch, London.
  • Swan's Nest, Stratford
  • Hilton York
  • Marriott Holyrood, Edinburgh
  • Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen
  • The Norseman, Wick
  • The Dunollie, Broadford
  • Radisson Blu, Glasgow
  • Da Vinci's, Derry/Londonderry
  • Clayton, Sligo
  • The George, Limerick
  • Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney, Great Southern Killarney
  • Maldron South Mall, Cork
  • Trinity City Hotel, Dublin
  • Maldron, Liverpool
  • Clayton, Cardiff
  • Crowne Plaza Plymouth. , Copthorne Hotel Plymouth
  • Copthorne Hotel Plymouth, Crowne Plaza Plymouth.
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
  • 23 Breakfast (B)
  • 11 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
brendanvacations-B959ZN220

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