Britain and Ireland Explorer (2024/2025, Base)

19 days
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Go behind the scenes on an exploration of all the highlights of Great Britain and Ireland, from the haunt of Shakespeare to Edinburgh’s medieval allure, the sweeping Cliffs of Moher to England’s celebrated Lake District. Come face-to-face with the legacies of the Vikings, Romans and Normans, witness the sites of great tragedies and triumphs, and keep a keen e...
26%
$4,709
From$3,488
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Overview

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

What's this trip about?

    Go behind the scenes on an exploration of all the highlights of Great Britain and Ireland, from the haunt of Shakespeare to Edinburgh’s medieval allure, the sweeping Cliffs of Moher to England’s celebrated Lake District. Come face-to-face with the legacies of the Vikings, Romans and Normans, witness the sites of great tragedies and triumphs, and keep a keen eye out for an elusive monster hidden in a famous loch.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Trip includes

    • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
    • The services of a Costsaver Local Host if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel
    • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
    • Many meals and daily breakfasts included
    • City orientation tours
    • Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
    • Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
    • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive London

Discover what's 'great' about Great Britain as you kick-start your lengthy love affair with Britain and Ireland in London. After checking in, spend your leisure time exploring the city your way. You could shop up a storm on Oxford Street, board the London Eye for pano...

Day 2: London free day

You may not be royalty, but London rolls out its red carpet today as you enjoy a full free day to explore the city on your terms. There's no shortage of things to do and places to visit, so spend your time wisely embracing all the cosmopolitan verve this multicultural...

Day 3: London – Stratford-upon-Avon – York – Bradford

This morning, meet your Travel Director and travel companions before you set off from London. Discover what's ‘great' about Great Britain as you kickstart your lengthy love affair with Britain and Ireland in London. The multicultural capital, with all its color, histo...

Day 4: Bradford – Edinburgh

All that lies between you and bonnie Scotland is Hadrian’s Wall. Unlike the barbarians it sought to keep out, you’ll have free reign not only to view it but to cross it bound for the 12th-century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. See how this symbol of power and authority over...

Day 5: Edinburgh sightseeing and free time

Poets, writers, kings and queens have all found it impossible to resist Edinburgh’s allure. From its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades across the Leith, you’ll soon discover why it captured the hearts of so many famous people throughout the ages. Your ...

Day 6: Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Scottish Highlands

A scenic drive through the ancient kingdom of Fife this morning reveals a time when these lush green hills were under the feudal rule of a Pictish king. Your first stop, however, is in the seaside town of St. Andrews, most noteworthy for its 15th-century university an...

Day 7: Scottish Highlands excursion

Straight out of a scene in 'Outlander', the Scottish Highlands has a mystical air about it which you’ll come to discover as you explore its rugged beauty, evocative history and enchanting Highland ways. On your visit to Loch Ness this morning, keep a keen eye out for ...

Day 8: Scottish Highlands – Glasgow

With its head in the clouds, Ben Nevis offers a majestic backdrop to today’s scenic drive to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. Views of Scotland’s highest peak accompany the drive to Loch Linnhe. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-c...

Day 9: Glasgow – Gretna Green – Lake District – Wrexham

Elope to Gretna Green, as many young couples once did to tie the knot over its marriage anvil. While the practice of handfasting was outlawed less than a century ago, this Scottish town remains a haven for romance and runaway lovers. Continue south through tiny northe...

Day 10: Wrexham – Chester – Dublin

See the legacy of Roman rule during this morning’s visit to the ancient walled city of Chester. You’ll view its defensive 1st-century walls and the characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings, famously known as 'The Rows' before heading to the west coast. C...

Day 11: Dublin sightseeing and free time

Embrace your playful side on this morning’s sightseeing tour through Ireland’s whimsical capital with a Local Guide. View St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Trinity College, where the 9th-century Book of Kells, and Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, is hous...

Day 12: Dublin - Boyle - Co. Donegal

Cross the 'Emerald Isle', passing lush green counties as you wind your way north to Bundoran. There’s no better way to admire the scenery than joining an optional cruise along the Shannon River. Later, view the ruins of the 12th-century Boyle Abbey before continuing t...

Day 13: County Donegal excursion

Leaving civilization behind for the day, your scenic drive through County Donegal will deliver a multitude of dramatic landscapes. Golden beaches, rugged cliffs and uninhabited islands dot your route so keep your camera at the ready to capture these perfect gifts of Mother Nature.

The Abbey

Breakfast

Day 14: County Donegal – Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Shannon

Galway’s ancient reputation as a 'place of foreigners' is long gone, but much of its captivating heritage remains as you’ll see first-hand during a stroll around Eyre Square. View Galway Cathedral, then leave the city behind for the plunging Cliffs of Moher. Take a de...

Day 15: Shannon – Dingle Peninsula – Co. Kerry

See the Ireland you’ve only encountered in pictures and on the big screen until now. Your drive around the stunning Dingle Peninsula reveals a land of stone monuments, wild beaches and verdant pastures. See tiny Gaelic settlements, colorful fishing villages and landsc...

Day 16: Co. Kerry – Blarney – Waterford

Kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab' on your visit to Blarney Castle this morning. Show off your silver tongue throughout your scenic drive through Cork to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. From the ancient Vikings to the Normans, they all made the...

Day 17: Waterford – Cardiff

Board your return ferry to the United Kingdom this morning, arriving in Wales later where its tiny capital Cardiff waits to be explored. Your orientation tour will take you past its Millennium Center, the National Assembly and the historic Castle at its heart. Join an...

Day 18: Cardiff – Bath – Windsor – London

There's time to fit in some last-minute sightseeing before returning to London. Cross the Severn Estuary into England and venture to Bath, with its elegant Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths which have given this ancient spa town its name. Visit Windsor and vie...

Day 19: Depart London

It's time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across Britain and Ireland. You'll say cheerio to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,488
Price per day$184
Last Updated: 11/16/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
18 Apr 2025
06 May 2025
$3,875
$5,215
02 May 2025
20 May 2025
$3,925
$5,835
09 May 2025
27 May 2025
$3,925
$5,375
16 May 2025
03 Jun 2025
$3,975
$5,345
23 May 2025
10 Jun 2025
$3,975
$5,335
30 May 2025
17 Jun 2025
$3,995
$5,365
06 Jun 2025
24 Jun 2025
$3,995
$5,435
13 Jun 2025
01 Jul 2025
$3,995
$5,375
20 Jun 2025
08 Jul 2025
$3,995
$5,375
27 Jun 2025
15 Jul 2025
$4,050
$5,450

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.

Costsaver Reviews & Ratings

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133
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42
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Tour Operator

Costsaver

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Costsaver delivers the ultimate unpacked tours, to give guests the freedom to tour how they choose. With all of the travel essentials taken care of, including 3 & 4 star hotels, many meals, transport must-see sights, and a 24-7 on road team, guest have the flexibility to then tailor their trip with a choice of 600+ Choice Optional Experiences from across the globe. Costsaver’s 70+ (and counting) unbeatable budget tours are perfectly planned, so guests can get going with complete ease.

Costsaver is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Value tours without compromise

CostSaver offer you incredible experiences and value, whether you’re a first time traveler or a repeat guest. You’ll enjoy iconic sights, quality hotels and up to half your evening meals.

That’s because our tours are operated by Trafalgar – the industry leader. Their 70 years of expertise give us the knowledge and buying power to create amazing tours at an unbeatable price, even compared to leading competitors. Packed full of quality inclusions, we give you so much more for your money on every no-hassle trip.

Savor Europe on a budget. That’s the CostSaver way.

Sustainable Travel

Sustainable tourism is vital and as an active founder and supporter, CostSaver works hand in hand with TreadRight to ensure we protect the places we visit and take care of the world around us. TreadRight's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities. By providing grants to organisations that encourage sustainability in different destinations, we hope to maintain the natural attractions across the world that define each unique region.

Local Specialist

These passionate historians and artists reveal the secret stories and hidden facts behind the sights you see. Entertaining experts, they take you deeper into local culture.

Not all tours are equal

With CostSaver you're always guaranteed just the right handpicked hotels, all your breakfasts, and up to half your three-course dinners. Plus all the things you can't put a value on. Here's how we put our competitors in the shade

Why we love this operator
Their value for money is incredible for the exceptional experiences they offer.
What they’re known for
Worldwide budget tour packages with the travel essentials, with options to tailor your trip.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Novotel Brentford
  • Leonardo
  • Moxy Edinburgh Airport
  • Craiglynne
  • Ibis City Center
  • Ramada Plaza
  • Dublin One
  • The Abbey
  • Treacys Oakwood
  • River Island
  • Treacy's
  • Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
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
  • 18 Breakfast (B)
  • 5 Dinner (D)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
costsa-BIXPZN20

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