British & Irish Grandeur

14 days
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Start and end in London on this in-depth vacation! Discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, medieval York and mighty Alnwick Castle before spending two nights in Edinburgh. Cross to Ireland to explore the Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney and Waterford. Travel through South Wales, stopping at Bath and Stonehenge and end with a night or ...
From$2,824
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Explore Scottish and Welsh Evenings with Local Foods and Music
    • Explore Taylor's Three Rock Pub
    • Visits and admissions to Hampton Court Palace
    • Kiss The Blarney Stone
    • Drive to Salisbury Plain to view the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths at Stonehenge
    • Experience, a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey
    • Explore York Minster, Alnwick Castle & Garden and Edinburgh Castle
    • Enjoy Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Book of Kells at Trinity College, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills
    • Jameson Experience, House of Waterford Crystal, Cardiff Castle, Roman Baths & Pump Room and Stonehenge

What's this trip about?

    Start and end in London on this in-depth vacation! Discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, medieval York and mighty Alnwick Castle before spending two nights in Edinburgh. Cross to Ireland to explore the Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney and Waterford. Travel through South Wales, stopping at Bath and Stonehenge and end with a night or two in London.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • England
  • Scotland
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Belfast
  • Derry
  • Edinburgh

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • Sightseeing by luxury coach
    • Professional tour director
    • 13 nights in hotels listed
    • Full breakfast daily (B) except on day 1
    • 8 dinners (D) including: Welcome dinner in London, Scottish Evening in Edinburgh, Taylor’s Three Rock Pub dinner and traditional show , Welsh Evening in Cardiff, 4 table d'hote dinners and 1 lunch
    • Welcome get-together drink
    • Tours of London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin
    • Walking tours of Cambridge, York, Derry, Dublin’s Trinity College and Waterford
    • Reserved seats for Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 06 to 20 departures
    • Ferry rides between Britain & Ireland
    • Sheepdog trials
    • Oyster card – a pass valid on all public transportation in London
    • Visits and admissions to Hampton Court Palace, York Minster, Alnwick Castle & Garden, Edinburgh Castle, Titanic Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Book of Kells at Trinity College, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Jameson Experience, House of Waterford Crystal, Cardiff Castle, Roman Baths & Pump Room and Stonehenge
    • Audio headsets and group photo
    • Deluxe carry-on backpack, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
    • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
    • Free Wi-Fi on coaches and in hotel lobbies

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: London Arrival & Tour

Meals: Dinner

Your vacation starts at your London hotel at 2:00 pm when you meet your tour director. Head out on a panoramic tour of central London to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Join your tour director for a welcome drink and discuss your trip before dinner.

Day 2: Hampton Court Palace & Free Time in London

Meals: Breakfast

This morning discover the magnificence of Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's favorite royal residence. Move at your own pace through the breath-taking grandeur of Henry's State Rooms, vast Tudor kitchens and more. The afternoon and evening are free so you may use your included Oyster card to explore central London by public transport.

Day 3: Cambridge & York Minster Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Take a stroll around Cambridge to view some of the famous university colleges, including King’s College, and the Mathematical Bridge over the River Cam. Head north to York for a walking tour to appreciate narrow streets and medieval ...

Day 4: Alnwick Castle & Edinburgh Evening

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Head north to visit Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England. View the lavish State Rooms with a stunning array of artifacts, an exhibit on Downton Abbey, and take a stroll through Alnwick Garden. Travel through...

Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Discover Edinburgh’s highlights on a city tour. See the elegant Georgian “New Town” with spacious streets and the compact medieval city along the Royal Mile. Tour Edinburgh Castle to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. T...

Day 6: Ferry to Ireland & Titanic Belfast

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning will be an early start as you drive to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Belfast. Tour the city highlights to see Victorian buildings, the impressive City Hall and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Vis...

Day 7: Giant’s Causeway & Derry Walk

Meals: Breakfast

Travel along the scenic coastal route of the Nine Glens of Antrim and visit the Giant's Causeway, hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle and head to Derry for a walking tour around the medieval city walls with a local guide. Drive south to your Victorian hotel located on Dublin Bay, a few miles from the city.

Day 8: Dublin Tour & Taylor’s Three Rock Pub

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning tour central Dublin to see spacious Georgian squares and streets, landmark public buildings and graceful townhouses. Take a guided walking tour of Trinity College’s campus and view the priceless Book of Kells. The afternoon is free and in the evening enjoy dinner at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub followed by Irish music and dance.

Day 9: Blarney Castle & Killarney

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Travel south, pausing for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel, with 12th century church ruins. Just outside Cork, visit the famous Blarney Castle and climb to the ramparts to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” You may shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods. Continue your drive to Killarney, famous for its exquisite location.

Day 10: Ring of Kerry & Sheepdogs

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive to the delightful town of Kenmare for a look around and savor a casual lunch. Travel along part of the awesome Ring of Kerry route to view spectacular scenery at Moll’s Gap and at Ladies’ View. Stop at a sheep farm to see demonstrations of sheep herding and shearing before returning to Killarney where the evening is free.

Day 11: Jameson Whiskey & Waterford Crystal

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Head east to Midleton to tour the Jameson Experience, a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey. Enjoy a sample at the end of the tour. Travel to Waterford and at the House of Waterford Crystal see how glass is blown an...

Day 12: South Wales & Cardiff Castle

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Depart Waterford early this morning to catch the ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke Dock. Journey through the gentle, green countryside to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Head to Cardiff Castle, developed in Roman times and transformed i...

Day 13: Roman Baths & Stonehenge

Meals: Breakfast

This morning drive east to explore the mineral-rich hot springs at Bath. Tour the Roman Baths and Pump Room, first built by the Romans 2,000 years ago and revived during the 18th century. Drive to Salisbury Plain to view the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths at Stonehenge. Continue to London and check in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure.

Day 14: Tour ends in London

Meals: Breakfast

Your tour ends after breakfast.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,824
Price per day$202
Single supplement (single occupancy)$1,201
Last Updated: 9/4/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with CIE Tours.

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.

CIE Tours Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
Excellent
165
Great
8
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
22
J

JandCsmith

Sep 2018

Written on

Go To Ireland... Just Don't Use CIE

My wife and I travel often and while we enjoyed our tour itself, we would not use CIE again and would caution anyone else before doing so as well. By the time our to...

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Other CIE Tours Reviews

J

Jason

Jun 2024

Written on

Sickness

We used CIE for an amazing tour of Ireland. The food and the locals were amazing. Here is my issue: we were told that another CIE tour from Scotland would be joinin...

E

Exasperated

Dec 2023

Written on

Terrible Company

I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotl...

P

Pam H

Apr 2022

Written on

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME/MONEY WITH CIE!

I gave this return 1 star only because that’s the lowest possible option, otherwise they would receive 0 stars!!! I had a trip planned for September of 2021 to Icela...

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Tour Operator

CIE Tours

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For the 2015 season we will celebrate 83 years of travel excellence! During this time CIE Tours International has provided travellers with the highest quality holidays to Ireland and Britain and we continue to improve our tours and our services.

Over the years we have built up an enviable reputation for security and reliability with satisfied clients throughout the world. We set our own high standards for delivering excellent holidays with state-of-the-art luxury coaches; prompt and pleasant customer service; the best hotels; and carefully chosen visits and entertainment.

Our coach tours are fully inclusive with no optional extras to purchase at your destination. You pay one price and we insist that our tour directors focus solely on your enjoyment. Once you pay the deposit, we guarantee our land tour prices.

If you prefer to travel independently, we offer self-drive and chauffeur-drive programs for Ireland with a wide range of hotel accommodation, which can be booked in advance, as well as popular B & Bs. Whichever way you like to travel, choose one of our fine holidays from our website and enjoy the greatest travel experience ever!

What makes CIE Tours unique?

Sightseeing Visits: CIE Tours includes a variety of attractions on every tour for an interesting travel experience. Check each tour itinerary to see exactly which places are featured. Admission costs are included in the tour price so that you don't waste time paying as you enter each attraction.

Guaranteed Departures & Prices: We guarantee most of our land tour departures which are updated daily on our website. We guarantee land tour costs will not increase, once you have paid your tour deposit, to protect you against international currency fluctuations.

Group Airport Transfers: As a newcomer to an airport, it's great to have someone meet you. We include complimentary group transfers on the starting and ending date of tours at times specified on each itinerary. If you arrive or depart later than our tour dates, you may purchase a transfer from us.

Travel Documents: On arrival CIE Tours will supply coach tour clients with tour vouchers, maps, ticket wallets, destination information, rain poncho, carry-on backpack, phone cards, VAT tax card, luggage tags and a strap. Self-drive clients receive accommodation vouchers and listings, ticket wallets, luggage tags and a strap. Use the tags and strap on your baggage for easy identification throughout your holiday. All you need to supply is a valid passport and, if driving, a current drivers license.

Leisure & Spa Facilities: Most of the hotels we use offer wonderful leisure facilities and spas. When you travel on a coach tour, you will have some free time most days and may like to enjoy some relaxation and spa serenity! So be sure to pack a swimsuit and workout clothes.

History & Geography: People who choose to travel in Ireland and Britain usually have an interest in the long history of the region and, as you tour around, you will visit a lot of ancient cities, churches and castles. All of our tour directors are well trained in the background information of the places and incorporate this history into their narratives in a manner that is fun and easy to digest. Similarly they are able to give you facts on the geography of the regions you travel through, giving you an insight into climate, farming, weather and other topics.

Coach Touring & Sightseeing: Some people think that on a coach tour, all you do is sit on the coach all day. Not true with CIE Tours! We have created balanced and varied days of sightseeing with plenty of stops for taking photos, shopping, lunch, snacks and bathrooms. You never travel for longer than two hours without getting off the coach.

Fully Escorted Coach Tours:

See what you get on a CIE coach tour

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Luxury coach travel, daily sightseeing and a professional tour director

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Speedy group check-in at hotels

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain All breakfasts and most dinners including special dinner/shows

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Airport transfers and baggage handling

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Prepaid hotels, meals and admissions help you control holiday costs

--CIE Tours to Ireland, Scotland and Britain Comprehensive tour documents

Selection Of Itineraries: Touring by coach is a holiday with a capital H! CIE Tours International offers the widest range of itineraries. Depending on your available time and budget, you can choose an ideal tour. All of our programs are carefully planned to permit full enjoyment of your holiday.

Luxury Touring Coaches: Travel in the height of comfort with CIE Tours and sit back and let an expert do the driving! Our state-of-the-art coaches feature panoramic windows for optimum viewing while reclining seats, individual climate controls and a public address system ensure your well-being.

Your Tour Director: CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors they are the envy of the travel industry. From the moment you land in Ireland or Britain, your tour director is there to welcome you, handle your luggage, drive you from place to place and give you a daily commentary. Tour directors make history and culture come alive and create a superb experience with daily doses of humour, information and assistance.

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Meals Included

13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 8 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
cie-BriCraCie

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