Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group, 2021

15 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
The leisurely pace and beauty of the Irish countryside blends with historic English towns, Welsh hospitality and the austere Scottish Highlands, for a truly memorable exploration of the British Isles.

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Dublin: Before it opens to the public, visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink. Experience a private masterclass and learn to pour the perfect pint.
    • York: In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
    • Loch Lomond: Enjoy a light lunch and admire the oak woodlands and incredible scenery as you cruise one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, a favourite nature spot of the local's.
    • Chester: Enjoy a delightful Farm-to-Table dinner at a local restaurant.
    • Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
    • Waterford: Celebrate the culmination of your escorted journey with wine, good cheer and palate-pleasing cuisine.
    • Dining Summary: 14 Breakfasts (B), 3 Dinners (D) and 3 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee.
    • Killarney: Choose between a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys or alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park.
    • Blarney: Choose between a visit to Blarney Castle where you will see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Alternatively, visit the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener.
    • Kildare: Join a working member of the famous Irish Stud Farm for a private, behind-the-scenes visit of the stud where many legendary racehorses were bred. After, stroll through the finest Japanese gardens in Europe, designed by master horticulturalists, Tassa and Minoru Eida.

What's this trip about?

    The leisurely pace and beauty of the Irish countryside blends with historic English towns, Welsh hospitality and the austere Scottish Highlands, for a truly memorable exploration of the British Isles.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • England
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Bath
  • Chester
  • Dublin
  • Edinburgh
  • London
  • York

Trip includes

    • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas
    • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
    • 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 enchant 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.

Day 2: Stratford-upon-Avon and Medieval York.

At 07:30, meet your Travel Director and journey to Stratford to visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Continue on to York, where you walk within the old city walls to the crooked houses of the Shambles and see York Minster. Join your Travel Director for a warm ...

Day 3: Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh

Stop in Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Then view part of Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument, once spanning 80 miles from coast-to-coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Cross the Scottish border to reach the elegant Scottish capital, Edinburgh. (Breakfast)

Day 4: Scotland’s Capital of Culture

Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - official Scottish residence of Her Majesty, the Queen - before crossing over to New Town. Next, walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and to see Scotland's Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. (Breakfast)

Day 5: St. Andrews and 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?Your travels continue as you cross the T...

Day 6: Loch Ness and Glencoe

In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. Continue your journey through some of the most stunning scenery in all of Scotland, found in the region of Glencoe. Reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and admire the incredible scenery as y...

Day 7: The English Lakes to Chester

In the morning, discover the beauty of the Lake District. Continue to your hotel in Chester. In the afternoon, why not join The Beatles City Tour Optional Experience in Liverpool?This evening, enjoy a delightful Farm-to-Table dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 8: North Wales and over to Dublin

In the morning, step back into Roman times in Chester, where you see the city’s ancient encircling walls and remarkable 13th century black and white Rows.Continue through Wales, passing the massive Conwy Castle before crossing over to the Isle of Anglesey. The village...

Day 9: In Dublin’s Fair City

Before it opens to the public, 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 and tasting, where you wil...

Day 10: From Dublin to Killarney

Travel to Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse breeding region for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes visit of the National Stud with an equine professional. You then visit the acclaimed 100-year-old Japanese Gardens, where you can 'journey through life.' Continue to vi...

Day 11: Ring of Kerry Experience

In the morning, join a delightful trip around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Get a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life as you pass through Ireland’s highest mountain range and make your way to the three peacefu...

Day 12: Blarney Castle and Waterford

Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Climb up the ramparts and see the famous Stone of Eloquence, or visit the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener.Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, with its 11th cent...

Day 13: Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff

From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive will then take you into the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and brilliant Principality Stadium. (Breakfast)

Day 14: Roman Baths and Stonehenge.

Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room built above on of Britain’s hot, mineral springs. See the incredibly well-preserved remains of one of the ...

Day 15: Homeward Bound.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,275
Price per day$352
Last Updated: 0/30/2024

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

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-SB904N116

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