Compare Essential Britain & Ireland by Great Value Vacations vs Ireland, Scotland & England in 18 days - Emerald Isle, Highland Discovery & London - CHARM by Exoticca
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
|
Ireland, Scotland & England in 18 days - Emerald Isle, Highland Discovery & London - CHARM
by
Exoticca
4.5 | Great
|
| Duration | 10 days | 18 days |
| Price From | $ 3,356 | $ 2,899 |
| Price Per Day | $ 336 | $ 161 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | 17 breakfasts. |
| Description |
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Please note: GOOD NEWS - The local tour operator will no longer require a COVID-19 vaccination for travelers as of March 1, 2023. For travelers departing before March 1, the tour operator requires that travelers aged 12 and older provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination in the form of written documentation (paper or electronic copy), in English, for all vacations. Proof of vaccination must be completed at least 14 days prior to the tour start date. *Exceptions apply to children who do not qualify for vaccination. Pack your bags, charge your camera, and embark on the journey of a lifetime! This incredible 10-day guided vacation allows you to see the "must-see" highlights of the UK, as well as the extraordinary nooks and crannies that are nestled in-between. Stand in front of spectacular landscapes, stroll through bustling cities, and see fascinating architecture up-close. Begin your adventure in sophisticated London, then enjoy overnights in Newport, Wales; Waterford and Dublin, Ireland; Edinburgh, Scotland; and York, England. Watch storybook pages unfold before your eyes as you explore 2,000-year-old Cardiff Castle in Wales and 12th-century Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Enjoy detailed tours of these majestic castles, climb up their fairytale-like towers, and catch a glimpse of the Scottish Crown Jewels! Go even farther back in time during your visits to the Roman Baths, constructed around 70 AD, and to the mysterious wonder that is Stonehenge. Trace the footsteps of the one-and-only William Shakespeare in his birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and have lunch in this historic Elizabethan town! Next, see skilled craftsmen at work at the famous House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford, and then again at Ireland's oldest hand-weaving mill at Avoca. The fun doesn't end there. Enjoy visits to York Minster, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Glendalough, and more! You may be thinking, "all of these tours and excursions sound amazing, but will I have time to explore the cities, themselves?" The answer is: absolutely. These cities are packed with culture, history, and art that one must see to believe. Enjoy orientation tours of Cardiff, Dublin, and Belfast, relax on a city tour of Edinburgh, and stroll through York on a fun walking tour. Was there a sight you hoped to spend more time visiting? Not to worry, you'll have tons of free time to explore at your own pace. Please Note:
|
Discover Dublin and the traditional music of Galway. Admire the beauty of Connemara, the scenery of Killarney, and stop in the historic city of Limerick. Fall in love with Edinburgh and its castles before enjoying a tour of Aberdeen. Taste whiskeys in Speyside and explore the cities of Inverness and Glasgow. Finally, head to London, the cultural capital of the United Kingdom. |
Day 1 Welcome to London!
Give London the royal wave hello! Once you land, enjoy a transfer to your hotel. Be sure to look out the window as you drive past the city's iconic landmarks for the very first time! Check into your hotel, then enjoy the rest of the day exploring this exciting city on your own.
Day 2 London - Stonehenge - Bath - Newport, Wales
After a restful sleep and an energizing breakfast, meet your tour director and traveling companions at 8 am for an exciting day of sightseeing. Attempt to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge, see the magnificent monument up-close, then stroll through the exhibition-filled visitor center. Make your way to the elegant Georgian city of Bath and see the fascinating excavations of the famous Roman Baths. Then, cross the Severn River and arrive in Wales! Clink glasses as you enjoy a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel.
Day 3 Newport - Cardiff - Waterford, Ireland
Spend the morning driving through the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Snap photos as you stop at all the major attractions. Take a scenic drive along the South Wales coast to Pembroke, then hop aboard your ferry and sail across the stunning St. George's Channel to Rosslare on the Emerald Isle. Spend the night in Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853! Indulge in a delicious dinner this evening, then enjoy an authentic Irish Coffee demonstration.
Day 4 Waterford - Dublin
Start your day with a guided tour of the famous House of Waterford Crystal - now that's a gift shop worth checking out! Enjoy a ride to Dublin, then spend the evening exploring this vibrant city on your own.
Day 5 Dublin
Soak up the spirit of Dublin today! Begin your day with an orientation drive through Ireland's capital city, on which you'll see statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College, and more. The rest of the afternoon is yours. Mosey down Grafton Street, visit Dublin Castle, and treat yourself to a pint at a traditional pub in the Temple Bar district!
Day 6 Dublin, Ireland - Belfast, Northern Ireland - Edinburgh, Scotland
Today, cross the River Boyne, then weave through the majestic Mountains of Mourne. Continue on to Northern Ireland and arrive in beautiful Belfast, where the Titanic was built! Board your ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland's southwest coast. Snap tons of priceless photos as you travel through Scotland's scenic countryside and make your way to Edinburgh.
Day 7 Edinburgh
Enjoy a full day exploring Edinburgh! Start your day sightseeing in the company of a local guide, who will first introduce you to the 200-year-old "New Town." Travel through time and find yourself in the "Old Town," where you'll drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle and admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the Scottish capital at your own pace. Later, a unique optional excursion: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. For departure numbers August 2 through August 23, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. *July 29 - August 19 Departures - Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket included (departures July 29, August 5, August 12, and August 19 will attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance tonight).
Day 8 Edinburgh - Jedburgh - York, England
This morning, take a drive past the amazing abbey ruins at Jedburgh and into the wild at Northumberland National Park. Enjoy breathtaking rolling greenery, see a section of Hadrian's Wall, then hop back on the coach and travel to York, England. In York, England's most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the towering York Minster. After that, join your tour director on a walk through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.
Day 9 York - Stratford-Upon-Avon - London
Spend your last full day in the UK gallivanting through England. After leaving York, stop at the fascinating Elizabethan town of Stratford-Upon-Avon! Take photos of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, and follow his footsteps throughout this quaint town. Then, return to London. Enjoy one last evening at leisure in London, and make sure you've seen everything you'd hoped to. Treat yourself to a last night meal of fish & chips, paired with a pint, of course! You might want to take a nighttime ride on the London Eye for an unforgettable view of this magical city.
Day 10 Depart London
Enjoy breakfast, then squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage. After being transferred to the airport, relax on your return flight home.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Dublin, the Irish capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Dublin
Arrive at Dublin airport, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Once settled, spend the rest of the day exploring the Irish capital at your leisure. Why not take a stroll along the banks of the River Liffey to admire the city's diverse architecture or head straight to the vibrant Temple Bar area to enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Dublin's best pubs and eateries. A number of venues in the area hold regular live music performances so be sure to catch one of these for an unforgettable start to your journey through Ireland. Overnight stay in Dublin.
Day 3: Dublin
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour of Dublin. Explore the most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this wonderful capital. Pass by famous Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and whose library is home to the legendary Book of Kells. Continue to the Temple Bar area, the cultural center of Dublin and home to colorful pubs which host live Irish music and dance performances. Learn the legend of the Ha’Penny Bridge over the River Liffey and stroll past Dublin Castle, the seat of British Rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Continue past Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland's largest church and named after the beloved patron Saint of Ireland. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy your last moments in Dublin at your leisure. Why not pay a visit to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, or the famous Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the "black stuff". Overnight stay in Dublin.
Day 4: Dublin - Athlone - Galway
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind today as you travel to the town of Athlone, which sits on the River Shannon in the center of the county. Take a panoramic tour of Athlone to see its impressive 13th-century castle and historic streets. After some time at your leisure, continue to Galway a port city on Ireland’s west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the city center, learn about its history and explore Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs, many of which still offer traditional Irish folk music shows. Overnight stay in Galway.
Day 5: Galway - Connemara - Galway
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart towards Connemara National Park, a beautiful cultural region, situated in County Galway. Connemara is known for its strong connection to traditional Irish culture and immaculate landscapes. Admire the rolling countryside, home to wild Connemara ponies. After a day of exploring the rich landscapes of rural Ireland, return to your hotel in Galway and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Galway.
Day 6: Galway - Limerick - Killarney
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover one of the most iconic landscapes in Ireland: the stunning Cliffs of Moher! Stretching along the coastline for around 14-kilometers, these dramatic sea cliffs overlook the wild waters of the Atlantic. Set off towards Country Kerry, stopping along the way in Limerick, one of the oldest and most important cities in Ireland, dating back to the 12th-century. Afterwards, continue to the southwest of Ireland and into County Kerry, home to the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kerry.
Day 7: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - County Cork
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Ring of Kerry today, an area of immense natural beauty, glistening lakes and dramatic coastlines, home to incredible beaches and charming seaside villages. In the afternoon, head towards Cork, known as the culinary capital of Ireland and famed for its fantastic food market. It's also home to brilliant museums and art galleries and the legendary Shandon Bells. Overnight stay in County Cork.
Day 8: Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the journey back to Dublin, stopping along the way at the medieval town of Kilkenny with its cobblestoned streets and imposing St. Canices Cathedral. After some time at your leisure, continue towards the capital. Arrive in Dublin and enjoy the evening at your leisure, hitting the bars or revisiting your favorite sights. Overnight stay in Dublin.
Day 9: Dublin - Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure.
Day 10: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 11: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 12: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.
Day 13: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.
Day 14: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore
Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.
Day 15: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 16: Edinburgh - London
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the Waverly Station to take the train to London. Arrive in London and self-transfer* to the hotel. London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London has been an important human settlement since it was founded by the Romans originally named Londinium almost two millennia ago. London is a global city, one of the nerve centers in the arts, commerce, education, maintenance, fashion, finance, media, research, tourism and transport. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in London. *you will have the possibility to add a transfer from the train station to your hotel in the next step of the booking process.
Day 17: London
Breakfast at the hotel. See London from a different perspective today, with a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames! Take in the views of several of the capital's most emblematic riverside landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Southbank and the London Eye and enjoy the fully-stocked bar to buy drinks and snacks as you listen to the entertaining onboard commentary! Afternoon free to enjoy the capital at your leisure. Overnight stay in London.
Day 18: London
Breakfast at the hotel. A free day to continue exploring the wonderful city of London at your leisure! Trend-setting visitors might enjoy a stroll through Shoreditch, home to art galleries, urban culture and unique boutique shops and eateries. On the other hand, Notting Hill is a must-visit, home to pretty pastel-coloured houses and antique shops. Art lovers will relish a visit to the Tate Modern whilst history buffs cannot miss out on a tour of the Tower of London! Overnight stay in London.
Day 19: London - US
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight*** back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add a transfer from your hotel to the airport in the next step of the booking process. Please contact our customer service if you require a transfer from an airport other than LGW or LHR. *** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 20 days.
