Grand Tour Of Britain & Ireland

24 days
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USTOA

Group Tour
Our longest, comprehensive itinerary taking in a wealth of highlights while staying at great hotels with most meals included. Start in London and visit Stratford-upon-Avon and York before staying in Edinburgh. Explore the Scottish Highlands and journey around most of the Irish coastline. Travel through Wales and England’s West Country before ending in Windsor...
From$4,881
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • In-depth Tour with Prominent Visits
    • Explore five Capital Cities
    • Spectacular Scenery
    • Opportunities to visit Historic Castles
    • Enjoy 2-Night Stays in Most Locations
    • Opportunities for Individual Pursuits
    • Explore Cornwell

What's this trip about?

    Our longest, comprehensive itinerary taking in a wealth of highlights while staying at great hotels with most meals included. Start in London and visit Stratford-upon-Avon and York before staying in Edinburgh. Explore the Scottish Highlands and journey around most of the Irish coastline. Travel through Wales and England’s West Country before ending in Windsor, close to London.

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Details

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

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • History
  • Wildlife Viewing

Trip includes

    • Sightseeing by luxury coach
    • Professional tour director
    • 23 nights in hotels listed
    • Full breakfast daily (B) except on day 1: 18 dinners (D) including, Welcome dinner in London, Scottish Evening in Edinburgh, Taylor’s Three Rock Pub dinner/show, Cardiff Castle Welsh Banquet, 14 table d'hote dinners
    • 1 lunch (L)
    • Welcome get-together drink
    • Tours of London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin and Cardiff
    • London open-top bus tour with Tower of London or Kensington Palace visit
    • Walking tours of York, St Andrews, Derry, Galway, Waterford, Dublin’s Trinity College, Conwy and Windsor
    • Reserved seats for Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 04 to 18 departures
    • Loch Ness scenic cruise
    • Oban Distillery whisky tasting and tour
    • Ferry rides to Isle of Mull, between Britain and Ireland and across River Shannon
    • Irish coffee on Inishowen Peninsula
    • “The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
    • Tea & scones at J B Keane’s Pub in Listowel
    • Sheepdog trials on Ring of Kerry
    • Visits and admissions to St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, York Minster, Edinburgh Castle, St Andrews Cathedral, Duart Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Giant’s Causeway, Donegal Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Titanic Experience, House of Waterford Crystal, Dunbrody Famine Ship, Book of Kells at Trinity College, Conwy Castle, Cardiff Castle, Roman Baths & Pump Room, Land’s End, Stonehenge and Windsor Castle
    • 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

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Itinerary

Day 1: London Arrival & Tour

Meals: Dinner

Your vacation starts at your London hotel at 2:00 pm when you set out on a panoramic tour of central London with a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral. Meet your tour director for a welcome drink and dinner.

Day 2: Tower of London & City Sights

Meals: Breakfast

Today travel on an open-top bus tour. There are different bus routes as well as a walking tour and a River Thames cruise. Visit either the Tower of London or Kensington Palace.

Day 3: Shakespeare’s Birthplace & York

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. See an exhibition about his life and walk through the house which is furnished as it would have been in his day. Journey north to the medieval city of York.

Day 4: York Minster & Scottish Evening in Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Take a walking tour around central York and visit York Minster, renowned for its stained glass. Cross into Scotland and pause to view ruined Melrose Abbey. In Edinburgh dine at a Scottish Evening with a lively show.

Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Discover Edinburgh’s highlights on a city tour. See the elegant Georgian “New Town” and the medieval Royal Mile. Tour Edinburgh Castle to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland. On August 04 to 18 departures, experience the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Day 6: St Andrews & Highland Scenery

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Travel north to St Andrews, famous for golfing. Take a walking tour around the town center and visit the picturesque ruins of St Andrews Cathedral. Stop in Pitlochry on the way to Inverness, in the Highlands.

Day 7: Loch Ness Cruise & Oban Distillery

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy wonderful Highland views on a scenic cruise of Loch Ness. Stop at a woolen mill and take photos at majestic Glencoe. Visit Oban Distillery to see how whisky is distilled and sample some.

Day 8: Isle of Mull & Duart Castle

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Take a ferry ride from Oban to the Isle of Mull. Tour many of the historic chambers of Duart Castle, home of the present Clan Chief. Drive to the colorful coastal town of Tobermory before returning to Oban.

Day 9: Loch Lomond & Rabbie Burns

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Drive south alongside scenic Loch Lomond. Stop at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to learn about the famous poet’s life and poetry. Continue to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Belfast in time for dinner.

Day 10: Belfast & Giant’s Causeway

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Tour the highlights of Belfast and travel along the scenic Nine Glens of Antrim coast. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Pause at Dunluce Castle and head to Derry.

Day 11: Derry & Inishowen Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Start your day with a short walk around the medieval city walls of Derry. Then drive around the Inishowen Peninsula. Enjoy great views as you follow the coastline and stop at Malin Head, the most northerly point.

Day 12: Donegal Castle & Galway

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Travel through the Blue Stack Mountains to Donegal town where you will tour Donegal Castle, built in the 15th century by an O’Donnell chieftain. Continue your drive south passing through Counties Sligo and Mayo to Galway. Join a local guide for a walking tour around the compact center of the city before dinner.

Day 13: Connemara & “The Quiet Man”

Meals: Breakfast

Take a drive through the stunning scenery of Connemara and in Cong take a short walking tour to see movie locations from “The Quiet Man.” Return to Galway for an afternoon at leisure to explore the city.

Day 14: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Drive through the Burren to view the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic Ocean and cross the River Shannon Estuary by ferry. Stop at J B Keane’s Pub in Listowel for tea with scones and head to Killarney.

Day 15: Ring of Kerry & Sheepdogs

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Head to the delightful town of Kenmare and journey along part of the Ring of Kerry route. Watch trained dogs herding sheep and tour the gracious 19th century Muckross House. Lunch is included today and the evening is free.

Day 16: Blarney Castle & Waterford

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” and shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. In Cobh visit the Titanic Experience which tells about the 123 Irish people who embarked on the RMS Titanic. Continue to Waterford and after dinner take a walking tour.

Day 17: Waterford Crystal & Taylor’s Three Rock

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Tour the famous House of Waterford Crystal to watch molten glass being transformed into shimmering trophies. Tour the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of one used during the 1840s Famine. In Dublin dine at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub.

Day 18: Dublin & Book of Kells

Meals: Breakfast

Tour central Dublin to see the main sights. Take a guided walking tour through the campus of Trinity College to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. Afternoon and evening are free.

Day 19: Ferry to Wales & Conwy

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Take a short ferry ride from Dublin to Holyhead and drive to Conwy. Tour Conwy Castle, a huge 13th century fortification built by King Edward I. Take a guided walk around the walled town.

Day 20: Snowdonia & Brecon Beacons

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Travel through Snowdonia National Park to view the highest peaks in Wales and continue south. Cross the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park. Tour Cardiff, visit Cardiff Castle and dine at a fun Welsh banquet there.

Day 21: Roman Baths & Glastonbury

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

This morning head east to tour the Roman Baths and Pump Room, renowned for the mineral-rich hot springs. Stop in Glastonbury, associated with King Arthur and drive to Cornwall.

Day 22: Explore Cornwell & Land’s End

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Drive to Land’s End, the most westerly point of Britain and view the majestic rocky island of St. Michael’s Mount. Browse around the charming village of Mevagissey.

Day 23: Stonehenge & Windsor Castle

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Drive to Salisbury Plain to marvel at the vast monoliths of Stonehenge. Continue to Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, residence of The Queen. After dinner take a brief walking tour around the historic town.

Day 24: Tour Ends in Windsor

Meals: Breakfast

Your tour ends after breakfast.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,881
Price per day$203
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

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
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Great
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Average
1
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Terrible
22
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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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Logistics

Accommodation

Park Plaza Hotel Waterloo

Opened in 2016, this hotel is the newest of the four-star Park Plaza hotels and includes the quality services and facilities travelers appreciate most. Dine at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, café or bar, or stay in your comfortable room or suite and order room service. Relax in the on-site spa, sauna or heated indoor pool, and stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. It is located within walking distance of top London attractions, including the London Eye and close to London Waterloo railway and underground station, as well as Lambeth North underground station.

York Marriott York

This modern, stylish hotel is an ideal base for exploring York. The Chase Bar & Grill is open for all meals with an international menu. 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms offer satellite TV, a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities. Guests can enjoy one hour of free Wi-Fi access in public areas. The leisure club features a heated pool and spa facilities. York city center is within 2 miles of the hotel with York Minster being a 40-minute walk.

Marriott Edinburgh Hotel

This hotel is a five-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport and 15 minutes from the city center. The luxurious Edinburgh hotel rooms include, air conditioning, a hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and steam iron. High-speed Internet access is available free in our public areas and for a fee in all guest rooms. Our seasonally inspired Source Grill Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and offers mouth-watering local produce served with friendly service. Enjoy superb leisure facilities including a sparkling pool, fitness centre, and relaxing spa.

Columba Hotel Inverness

Opened in 1881, this grand historic hotel combines contemporary style and amenities with traditional comfort. Each room features excellent modern facilities including movies, music, radio on demand, and high-speed wireless and free Wi-Fi Internet access. There is a traditional roast meal restaurant with a range of hot, cold and grilled options. This hotel has a great location in the heart of Inverness with splendid views of the Ness River and Inverness Castle.

Caledonian Hotel Oban

Originally built around 1882, this landmark hotel will extend a warm Scottish welcome to guests. Guest rooms have views of ocean, town or the surrounding hills and are fully equipped with everything for a comfortable stay, including complimentary Wi-Fi access. Discover the elegant Restaurant Caledonian or pick the informal Café Caledonian. The Caledonian Hotel is situated in the center of Oban, right at the water’s edge. It is close to the ferry terminal for boats to the Isle of Mull.

Europa Hotel Belfast

This well-established hotel offers 272 bedrooms with every comfort and luxury, including soundproofing to ensure a good night’s sleep. Enjoy good food, live piano and street views at the Piano Bar upstairs. Head to The Causerie for snack and specials or to the Lobby Bar for drinks and pub grub. Located on Great Victoria Street, in the heart of Belfast. The Opera House is next door and the historic Crown Liquor Saloon is across the street. Within easy walking distance of Donegall Square. Parking nearby

Everglades Hotel Derry

This hotel has a host of features to make any stay comfortable and inviting. Experience bistro dining at its best in the Grill or step into the Library Bar for snacks, cocktails and full bar service. In the 64 guest rooms be pampered with extra-thick mattresses, the plumpest of pillows and soothing color schemes. Located on Prehen Road, 2 miles south of Derry city center. Easy access to city attractions by bus or taxi and convenient for touring County Donegal. Hotel parking.

Galway Bay Hotel Galway

In this stylish hotel all rooms are designed to ensure warmth and comfort with elegant furnishings and exceptional facilities. The award-winning Lobster Pot Restaurant offers contemporary Irish and international cuisine while the Harvest Cafe offers informal lunches, dinners and snacks. The traditional Irish pub is the perfect place to meet friends. Enjoy swimming pool and leisure facilities. Located in Salthill, a coastal suburb of Galway, with great views of Galway Bay and the Burren. Just 2 miles from the city center. Hotel parking.

Killarney Plaza Hotel Killarney

This modern hotel offers tastefully decorated public rooms with choices of bars and restaurants in an atmosphere of gracious luxury with attentive personal service. Guest rooms provide a tranquil atmosphere in which to rest and relax with plenty of amenities. Facilities include a state-of-the-art leisure center and Molton Brown spa. The hotel is located right in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Also close to the jaunting car stand and the peaceful Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.

Dooley's Hotel Waterford

This charming family-run hotel offers a warm welcome to all guests. It blends its traditional façade and many other cozy attributes with updated guest rooms and facilities. Enjoy delicious and wholesome food in the Ship Restaurant or the Dry Dock Bar, which offers live music at weekends. Set on the waterfront in the heart of Waterford city. Within easy walking distance of shopping, Reginald’s Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal. Parking nearby

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - Dublin Dublin

Enjoy stunning city center views from the 150 well-appointed rooms, furnished with a flat-panel LCD TV, in-room coffee and tea provisions, high-speed Internet access, mini bar and hair dryer. From an Irish pub to a French brasserie, the hotel provides guests with a culinary tour. Complimentary access to nearby Iveagh Fitness Club. The hotel is located in the heart of the historic old city, between Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a 10-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street.

The Quay Hotel

This contemporary hotel and day spa complex offers real luxury on the breathtaking Deganwy Marina, with views over the Conwy Estuary. The fully non-smoking hotel has been meticulously designed throughout, and its architecture epitomises cool sophistication. The large, airy spaces, understated chic and sharp styling combine to create a truly inspirational hotel experience. Wall-to-wall windows with sea views flood the interiors with natural light, and the use of specially quarried Welsh slate makes a thoroughly individual design statement. The rooms incorporate plush beds dressed in crisp Egyptian cotton, luxurious bathrooms and unrivalled in-room facilities.

Clayton Hotel Cardiff

This new 12-story hotel, opened in 2011, is one of Cardiff’s tallest buildings with panoramic views over Cardiff Bay. The Cardiff Hotel Bar is open for drinks and casual food throughout the day. Stir Bar & Restaurant overlooking Mill Lane offers an array of dishes to tempt your taste buds. 216 guest rooms provide every amenity for a comfortable stay. Guest rooms offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. These spacious and airy rooms offer beds with crisp white duvet and pillows, with outstanding views of the beautiful Cardiff surroundings. Facilities include air-conditioning, tea/coffee making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Duke of Cornwall Hotel

Built during the Golden Age of steam and steeped in history, the Duke of Cornwall was Plymouth's first luxury hotel and still provides first class accommodation and service today. Enjoy the lovely details of this historic building. The hotel has 72 rooms, each with a unique view and decor. The beautifully-appointed dining room has won many awards for its excellent cuisine coupled with friendly service.

Harte & Garter Hotel Windsor

This hotel is an amalgamation of two 14th century inns, combined in the 19th century to form a traditional Victorian hotel. The property presents a combination of classical styles with modern facilities. The hotel has 79 stylish and individual bedrooms, with some offering stunning views of Windsor Castle. The Tower Bar & Brasserie serves classic British cuisine and the former stables now house a state-of-the-art spa. The hotel is located in the center of Windsor, within easy walking distance of Windsor Castle and grounds.

Travel Insurance
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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 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 17 Dinners

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

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