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Britain & Ireland Explorer

15 Days
From $5,535 Was $6,150

Best Rate
Guarantee

Trip Type
Group Tour

Activity Level
Easy

Rating

(10 reviews)

Experience Overview

Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, enjoy a pint at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Stud Farm in Kildare — the epicenter of Ireland’s thoroughbred horse breeding history. This all-encompassing tour showcases the regal heritage of Edinburgh Castle, the stunning beauty of England’s Lake District, the historic grandeur of Durham’s Romanesque cathedral and the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire in Wales. Pay homage to the literary legacy of Shakespeare as you visit his birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon, tour the medieval Shambles of old York, admire the ancient border of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall and set sail from Holyhead to Dublin, on this journey through Great Britain and Ireland.

Highlights

Dining Summary

14 Breakfast (B)
5 Dinner (D)
2 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Blarney: Visit the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate with a senior gardener.
Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.

Authentic Dining

York: Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
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 favorite nature spot of the locals.
Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
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.

Insight Choice

Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Insight Experiences

Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilize traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.

Make Travel Matter

County Tipperary: Meet entrepreneur Ailbhe and hear about her passion for sustainable farming. Learn about biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and the secret to crafting the most delicious honey on the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. Aibhe has been sharing her keen interest and experience in the various courses she has been running since 2015, putting sustainable farming at the heart of local education programs and contributing important research. Brookfield Farm's various activities all support sustainable farming practices, organically certified activities, habitat protection and tree planting initiatives. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 & 12: Quality Education & Sustainable Production and Consumption.
Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Top Rated Highlights

Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
Durham: See the castle and Romanesque cathedral.
Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
Loch Ness: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
Liverpool: Stay in the home city of The Beatles.
Conwy: See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy down and enjoy amazing views out across the craggy mountains of Snowdonia. The spectacular castle was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in just four years between 1283 and 1287.
Holyhead: Set sail for Dublin across the Irish Sea.
Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Blarney: Visit the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate with a senior gardener.
Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
Waterford: Explore the town and see Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls.
Rosslare Harbour: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.
Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city.
Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 1421

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Supplier Code: 18.400A

Starts: London, United Kingdom

Finishes: London, United Kingdom

Duration: 15 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $5,535 ($369 /day)

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.

Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, London

Day 2: Stratford-upon-Avon and Medieval York

At 07:30, meet your Travel Director and journey to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue on to York where you walk within the old city walls to the crooked houses of the Shambles and see York Minster, England’s largest medieval cathedral. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner.

Accommodation: Hilton, York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh Relaxed Start

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.

Accommodation: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Scotland’s Capital of Culture

Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - ofﬁcial Scottish residence of His Majesty the King - 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 and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will enjoy the spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.

Accommodation: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
Meals: 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 Tay river. Journey via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.

Accommodation: AC by Marriott, Inverness , Hotel B&B, Inverness
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 you cruise what is arguably one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, while enjoying a light lunch. Cross the English border before arriving at your lakeside hotel.

Accommodation: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: The English Lakes to Liverpool Relaxed Start

In the morning, discover the beauty of the Lake District. Continue to your hotel in Liverpool. In the afternoon, why not join The Beatles City Tour Optional Experience?

Accommodation: Maldron, Liverpool
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: North Wales and over to Dublin Relaxed Start

Today, continue through Wales and see the massive Conwy Castle before crossing over to the Isle of Anglesey. The village with the longest name in Europe will be visible - see if you are able to read it aloud! From the port of Holyhead, set sail for Dublin in Ireland.

Accommodation: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: 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.Later, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during sightseeing with a Local Expert. See famous O’Connell Street, the Custom House and Dublin Castle. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to soak up the Irish atmosphere or browse the shops along Grafton Street.

Accommodation: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast

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.' Cross the rolling pastures that encircle Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious and sustainable honey of the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.

Accommodation: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

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 peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. 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. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear.

Accommodation: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Blarney Castle and Waterford

Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to climb up the ramparts and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Alternatively, 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 century Reginald Tower. Enjoy a guided visit of the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!

Accommodation: Granville, Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Accommodation: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Roman Baths and Stonehenge

Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Your journey continues across Salisbury Plain for a visit to mysterious Stonehenge - no-one can be sure why they were built, or even how prehistoric man could move such huge blocks of stone. Upon your return to London you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, London
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Homeward Bound

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Operator

Insight Vacations (US)

As a global leader in premium escorted travel, Insight Vacations® has been crafting magical journeys for 40 years that embody The Art of Traveling in Style. Through meticulous planning, detailed preparation and boundless passion, Insight’s collection of award-winning itineraries showcases the most outstanding destinations in Europe and North America. Guided by a highly-skilled Travel Director, guests can look forward to traveling in smaller groups, savoring authentic dining and enjoying a range of immersive Insight Experiences.

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Reviews

Barbara Glenn - Traveled, March 2024

Although it was extra busy sometimes I wouldn’t change it. It gave us the opportunity to see so many places that, as a child, I had heard and read about! AND we got to see it in one trip “over the pond”! Our guide, Greg and bus driver, Arther made it so fun. They played music everyday and the whole bus sang! LOVED THIS TRIP!!! The only negative we had, was 3 flights to get home! We live in a large hub. 1 flight over and 3 flights home. That was a bit much!