Compare Taste of Wales & Ireland by CIE Tours vs Best of Britain - Classic Group, Winter by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,051 | $ 3,355 |
| Price Per Day | $ 171 | $ 280 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts and 8 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Combine Ireland with its Celtic neighbor, Wales! Start in historic Chester and explore dramatic castles and stunning mountain scenery of Snowdonia. Travel along the sweeping coastline with colorful villages and cross to Ireland by ferry. Finish in Ireland with Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher. End in Shannon or extend to Dublin. |
See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales, and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to miles and miles of lakes, scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields; sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel; and indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside. |
Day 1: Manchester Arrival & Chester
Meals: Dinner
Your trip starts at 2:00 pm when you meet your tour director at your Chester hotel. Chester is about 30 miles from Manchester Airport so ensure that you have arranged a transfer. Set out on a walking tour to see medieval streets with lovely half-timbered houses and shops. Walk along part of the city walls and view Roman ruins. Also visit Chester Cathedral, which dates back to 660 AD. Discuss your itinerary with your tour director and guide over a welcome drink and dinner.
Day 2: Sheepdogs & Conwy
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Cross into Wales and drive to Llangollen and across the scenic Horseshoe Pass. Visit a farm to watch trained dogs herding sheep and stop for photos of 13th century St Asaph’s Cathedral. Drive to Conwy, a compact medieval town which is dominated by its huge castle. Take a walk around Conwy’s narrow streets with ancient houses and see Britain’s smallest house on the docks. Drive to your hotel in Caernarfon.
Day 3: North Wales & Snowdonia Train Ride
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Tour North Wales, starting with a train ride on a narrow-gauge steam train to admire the beautiful scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. Pause for photos of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales and take a look around the typical Welsh village of Betws-y-Coed. Tour the National Slate Museum, which relates the tough working conditions of this region’s slate industry, developed in Victorian times. Back in Caernarfon you may like to explore the old walled town.
Day 4: Harlech Castle & Tenby Walking Tour
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today experience the magnificent Welsh coastline. Visit the mighty Harlech Castle, one of the “Iron Ring Castles” that were built along the coast by the English in the 13th century. Take a look around the attractive Georgian town of Aberaeron. Continue to the picturesque coastal town of Tenby, featuring a little harbor, castle ruins and defensive town walls. After dinner, join a local guide for a walk to hear many humorous tales and traditions associated with Tenby.
Day 5: Lovespoon Workshop & Pembroke Castle
Meals: Breakfast
Drive around scenic Pembrokeshire, a region of gentle rolling hills and indented coastline. Watch the ancient Welsh tradition of hand carving at the Lovespoon Workshop. Tour Pembroke Castle, an imposing 12th century fortress to explore the labyrinth of passageways and towers. Return to Tenby mid-afternoon and dine independently in one of the many restaurants near your hotel.
Day 6: St David’s Cathedral & Ferry to Ireland
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Journey through colorful coastal villages on the way to St David’s, the smallest city in Britain. Visit the imposing 12th century St David’s Cathedral, named for the patron saint of Wales, to view the magnificent carvings and take a look through the nearby art galleries, craft shops and tea rooms close to the cathedral. From Fishguard take a 3-hour ferry ride to Rosslare and head to your hotel in Waterford in time for dinner.
Day 7: Waterford Crystal & Killarney
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about glass blowing and cutting and admire one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Then see Waterford’s ancient buildings on a gentle stroll with a local guide. Travel to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone and shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Journey on to Killarney and admire the famous lakes on a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle, picturesquely set on Lough Leane.
Day 8: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Embark on the Ring of Kerry drive – a winding route with mountains and coastal views. Cross to Valentia Island by bridge to visit the Skellig Experience which describes the austere lives of early Christian monks on the nearby islands and savor a casual lunch. Pause at Moll’s Gap for stunning views before returning to Killarney.
Day 9: Cliffs of Moher & Medieval Banquet
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the coast. Drive through part of the Burren and continue to your hotel. Visit Bunratty Folk Park to see traditional cottages and farm buildings from different parts of Ireland. Feast medieval-style at Bunratty or Knappogue Castle while the lords and ladies serenade you with song and harp music.
Day 10: Dublin & Taylor’s Three Rock Pub
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Travel to Galway for a walking tour around the principal areas of Galway city before traveling to Tullamore to visit the Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre, which explains how whiskey is distilled. Sample some whiskey at the end of your tour and head to Dublin. In the evening drive to Taylor’s Three Rock Pub for dinner and a lively show with traditional Irish music, story-telling and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 11: Independent Dublin Sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast
Spend a full day in Dublin so that you may use your vouchers for an independent open-top bus tour around the city and a visit to one attraction (valid for 48 hours). The bus stops at all the principal city center attractions and you may alight at each stop or stay on the bus to do the complete tour.
Day 12: Depart Dublin for Home
Meals: Breakfast
Your tour ends after breakfast.
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 and Medieval York
At 07:30, meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Later, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.
Hilton York.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Hadrian's Wall to Edinburgh
See a part of Hadrian's Wall, once spanning 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 4: Edinburgh Sightseeing
In the morning, join a Local Expert to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty the Queen, at the end of the Royal Mile. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg, and see the Stone of Destiny. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 5: Loch Lomond to Glasgow
Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Breakfast
Day 6: The Glorious Lake District
Travel via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the picturesque, stone-built village of Grasmere.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: The Welsh Marches and Cardiff
Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of England’s most attractive towns, dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Why not spend time exploring the traditional open-air market, admiring the local crafts and perhaps sampling the produce? Afterwards, cross into southern Wales and head for the capital of Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. See Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.
Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Breakfast
Day 8: Georgian Bath and Devon
Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which serve as a hub of culture and education for the local population. Continue to Glastonbury, steeped in legend and reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Continue on to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.
Jurys Inn Plymouth.
Breakfast
Day 9: Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic cruise of Plymouth Harbour and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe.Later this evening, savour an unforgettable Celebration Dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.
Jurys Inn Plymouth.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Stonehenge and London
Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Return to London for a final evening at leisure.
Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London.
Breakfast
Day 11: Homeward Bound
Your journey ends this morning.
Breakfast
