Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales

15 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Cross the Irish Sea and travel through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This great adventure takes you to the most fashionable cities and historic places.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Give traditional Irish cuisine a modern twist during a cooking class and dinner.
    • Experience a traditional English carvery.
    • Behold the sights of Killarney on a traditional jaunting car.
    • Find inspiration in the Lake District's quintessential English villages.
    • Overnight within the medieval walls in York.
    • Ponder ancient mysteries at Stonehenge.
    • Overnight in the capital cities of London, Cardiff, Dublin and Edinburgh.
    • Explore the Roman Bath Museum's 2,000-year-old elaborate spas.

What's this trip about?

    Cross the Irish Sea and travel through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This great adventure takes you to the most fashionable cities and historic places.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe

Attractions

  • Bath
  • Cardiff
  • Dublin
  • Edinburgh
  • Lake District
  • London
  • York

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Ruins & Archaeology

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 London, England - Tour Begins

Your journey opens in the regal city of London. A capital of culture and commerce, the city blends traditional with modern. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a traditional English pub for dinner.

Day 2 London

Discover the pageantry of London as we join a local guide for a city tour. See Big Ben, Westminster, Whitehall, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this iconic city or perhaps partake in an optional excursion to Windsor Castle.

Day 3 London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff, Wales

Travel to Stonehenge, the mysterious formation that dates back to the Stone Age. Explore various theories on how the colossal stones arrived at the location and their purpose. Continue to the elegant Georgian town of Bath to visit the Roman Bath Museum’s 2,000-year-ol...

Day 4 Cardiff - Ferry to Ireland - Waterford

Join a local expert on a leisurely paced walking tour of Cardiff. Learn about the city’s deep ties to the coal industry, its connection to ancient Rome and its famous Victorian shopping arcades. Take in the beautiful countryside of Wales en route to the coastal villag...

Day 5 Waterford - Blarney - Killarney

This morning, it’s your choice! Tour the House of Waterford Crystal factory featuring a fascinating visitor’s center and a retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world -OR- enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city ...

Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

This morning explore Killarney National Park on a traditional jaunting car ride.* Then travel along the glorious Ring of Kerry where you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical scenery. Pause for a moment at the Gap of Dunloe to browse for traditional Irish handcrafted...

Day 7 Killarney - Rock of Cashel - Dublin

Today we venture through the “Golden Vale” en route to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Be amazed by its imposing facade and visit the spot where St. Patrick preached. Tonight, give traditional Irish cuisine a modern twist during a cooking class and dinner at one of Dublin’s premier culinary institutions. Top off the evening by making your very own Irish coffee!

Day 8 Dublin

Discover Dublin’s past and present on a locally guided tour highlighting the Bank of Ireland, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Later, experience for yourself the welcoming nature of the Irish as you set out to explore the “Fair City” on your own.

Day 9 Dublin - Ferry to Wales - Cheshire

Ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. As you traverse northern Wales, pass Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the town with the longest name in the world. Make a stop at majestic Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of ...

Day 10 Cheshire - Lake District - Gretna Green, Scotland - Edinburgh

Travel north into England’s scenic Lake District. Here you’ll feel the inspirational appeal of the region’s quintessential English villages, Lake Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Crossing into Scotland, stop in the town of Gretna Green where generations of runaway couples eloped. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital city.

Day 11 Edinburgh

Today it’s your choice! Come to know this regal city during a locally guided panoramic city coach tour -OR- for a different perspective, join a local expert and explore the city on foot. Both tours include a visit to Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels...

Day 12 Edinburgh - York, England

En route to England, visit Hadrian’s Wall. Construction of this ancient structure began in A.D. 122 and since that time, it has served as the northern border of the Roman Empire. Continue to the historic city of York. Find yourself surrounded by the charms of history as you explore its quaint narrow streets. Walk on the famous “Shambles” and see the magnificent 13th-century Minster.

Day 13 York - Stratford-upon-Avon

Journey to charming Stratford-upon-Avon. Step back in time as we visit William Shakespeare’s birthplace. Afterward, it’s your choice! Tour Anne Hathaway's thatch-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the author's wife -OR- set out on a leisurely cruise along the Avon River. This evening we gather to say farewell to this captivating region over dinner.

Day 14 Stratford-upon-Avon - Tour Ends

Depart today with many fond memories of lovely Britain and Ireland.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,449
Price per day$230
Last Updated: 11/4/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.

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.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

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Other Collette Reviews

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

It was a wonderful trip and experience!

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

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Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
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
20
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Windsor Castle - $65

London Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed! Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

The Guinness Storehouse and Traditional Irish Night - $110

Dublin This culinary and cultural adventure begins at the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Explore the brewing process behind this beloved beverage and learn how to pour the perfect pint. At its spectacular Gravity Bar, enjoy a sweeping 360º view of Dublin as you savor a complimentary pint. Next, come to know Ireland's famed welcoming spirit, lively music and dynamic dancing during a fun filled evening of Irish entertainment at its very best. You will become Irish for the night as you take in the local entertainment and savor some of Ireland's most traditional dishes, such as homemade soda bread and Dublin coddle. The Irish dancers will dazzle you and the traditional Irish ballads will touch your heart. This toe-tapping evening will take you on a journey that captures the true local flavor in a welcoming setting that immerses you in the magic of Irish culture that is rich in tradition and cheer. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 4 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.

The Flavors of Yorkshire - $70

York Surround yourself in old-world ambiance and the fresh flavors of Yorkshire when dining in a family-owned alehouse located in the center of historic York. Begin by being treated to a tasting of five Yorkshire brews that includes a selection of ciders, lagers and ales. Then pick your favorite to enjoy with your homemade farm-to-table dinner. You’ll delight in the personal service as you are guided through the menu featuring a variety of seasonal local dishes including the region’s famous “Yorkshire pudding.” Take this opportunity to get to know Northern England’s budding farm-to-table movement showcased during this locally inspired dining experience. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 8 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. We will walk to the restaurant which is located nearby your hotel.

A Scottish Night Out - $110

Edinburgh Join us for a rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Tonight will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers, who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. A highlight of the evening is the Ceremony of the Haggis, and, of course, you may try this national dish. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories! Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option will not be offered on tours that include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Trip ID
collette-11424

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