Britain & Ireland Discovery - Small Group

25 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
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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 24-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 ...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Dartmoor National Park: Learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert and enjoy a scenic exploration across the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park.Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.
    • Plymouth: Set sail on a scenic cruise from Plymouthharbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
    • : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
    • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
    • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhancedwell-being and hygiene protocols.
    • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
    • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
    • : "One experience that is not to be missed on this trip is a visit to the Roman Baths, because it’s an incredible relic of Roman times from 2000 years ago."
    • : "The trick to really connecting with Ireland is not taking the Irish weather too seriously. If you don't like it, give it a few minutes and it's bound to change."

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 24-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 5000-year-old Skara Brae village, while Ireland’s medieval city of Kilkenny serves up the chance to experience hurling—a 3,000 year old Celtic sport. Prehistoric Stonehenge towers over England’s Salisbury Plains, where a tour unlocks some of the secrets held by these 5000-year-old monoliths, while the Viking city of York charms all with its maze of narrow streets and close quarter homes.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • England
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Bath
  • Dublin
  • Inverness
  • Kilkenny
  • London
  • Orkney Islands
  • Stonehenge
  • York

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
    • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
    • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
    • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
    • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
    • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
    • You may purchase transfers from/to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on arrival and departure days, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

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.

Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London.

Day 2: London to Stratford-upon-Avon

At 08:00, 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, hom...

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: The Highland Capital of Inverness

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: Loch Ness to Wick

Start the day with a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales of Nessie in the heart of Scotland's great glen. Your travels then follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Visit the Old Pu...

Day 8: Orkney Islands Experience

Visit the most northern community on the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands, where the hardy locals live 'below the wind and above the water.' Your Local Expert takes you to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mys...

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. Ke...

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.Continue your journey through the land of song and legend via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, into County Kerry and onto your Killarney hotel.

Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

Breakfast

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, home to the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet a player who will share his passion, as you test your skills during a lesson. Continue to Ir...

Day 18: In Dublin’s Fair City

Experience Ireland's national, world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production and enjoy a private masterclass where you will learn to pour the perfect pint. Then meet ...

Day 19: Across the Irish Sea to Chester

Bid farewell to Ireland as you board the ferry to Wales. Cross the Isle of Anglesey, via the village bearing Britain's longest name, and continue over the Menai Straits for a stop in the walled market town of Conwy to see the castle. Travel along the north coast of Wa...

Day 20: The Welsh Marches to Cardiff Relaxed Start

Head south as you follow the Welsh border to The Hall at Abbey Cwm Hir. Meet the proud owner of the home, Paul Humpherston, as he explains the history and restoration of the stunning building and its surrounds. Enjoy a light lunch of locally sourced delights including...

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 amphitheatre-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 and the Cornish Coast Relaxed Start

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Visit a picturesque Cornish fishing village, where contraban...

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.

Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London.

Breakfast

Day 24: Homeward Bound

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

Breakfast

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,825
Price per day$353
Last Updated: 6/25/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Insight Vacations.

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.

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

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

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London. Swan's Nest Hotel, Stratford. Hilton York. Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel. Columba Hotel, Inverness. The Norseman Hotel, Wick. The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford. Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. Da Vinci's Hotel Derry, Londonderry. Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo Bay. The George Hotel Limerick. Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa. Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City. Trinity City Hotel, Dublin. The Queen at Chester, BW Premier Collection by Best Western. Clayton Hotel, Cardiff. Copthorne Hotel Plymouth. Crowne Plaza Plymouth. , Copthorne Hotel 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 .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Trip ID
insightvacations-SB959N18

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