Compare British Manor Houses by Great Value Vacations vs Britain & Ireland Explorer - Classic Group Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 8 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 2,212 | $ 5,325 |
| Price Per Day | $ 277 | $ 355 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | NA | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
This journey through Britain’s stunning countryside will give you an authentic view of the destination – as you drive yourself along the region’s scenic, country roads, stopping to sight see, visit the charming villages, and interact with the local residents as you wish. Your manor house-style accommodations will enhance the authenticity of your journey, as they will put you in the middle of some of Britain’s most historically and culturally significant locations all along the way. You’ll be able to take full advantage of the included English Heritage Pass, as it provides complimentary entry to more than 100 of the most important places in English history, as well as many hidden gems. Use our suggestions in the included itinerary, or take advantage of the guide book provided as inspiration for your own customized journey! |
Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, learn to pour a pint like a pro 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. |
Day 1 Welcome to London!
Arrive in London, where you will collect your hire car and make your way to your first hotel in the Windsor area. Time allowing, visit Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and a royal residence since William the Conqueror. The castle is one of the official residences of The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh who spend the majority of their weekends at the Castle. You can explore the magnificent State Apartments and St George’s Chapel, the setting of Prince Harry and Meghan’s fairy-tale wedding in 2018.
Day 2 Windsor - Oxford - Cotswolds - Stratford-upon-Avon
Your route today will take you via Oxford through the beautiful Cotswolds, on to Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy some time sightseeing in the famous University town of Oxford before heading to Burford via the A40 - a good place for antique lovers. Make your way to Bourton-on-the-Water, either via A40/A429 or via Rissingtons where you will find scenic, more beautiful country roads for more adventurous drivers. Then it's on to Stow-on-the-Wold (A429) - or you can dip into the Slaughters for a less tourist-crowded experience and gorgeous photo opportunities by the river. From here head to Chipping Camden or Broadway (via A424/A44) and take any route up to Stratford from there. Your number of stops today of course depends on time spent in Oxford and other towns.
Day 3 Stratford-upon-Avon
Why not spend some time this morning visiting Stratford, and possibly also venture out to Anne Hathaway's (Shakespeare's wife) or Mary Arden's (Shakespeare's mother) farm (the latter being less crowded). If you would like to explore Warwickshire, visit the town of Warwick and its castle**, which gives you a sense of history, or Kenilworth Castle (included in OVP), which is of particular interest for fans of the Tudors.
Day 4 Shropshire and Chester
Leaving your hotel this morning, head west into the county of Shropshire. This region is known for its stunning scenery and historic, black-and-white architecture. Explore some of the picturesque towns, for example, Ludlow, famous for its food and castle, or Bridgnorth, known for its funicular railway connecting the lower and upper towns. Shrewsbury is the county town, and well worth a visit to explore the higgledy-piggledy lanes and more than 660 listed buildings. Continue across the county border to Cheshire and spend some time in Chester this afternoon. Chester’s history dates back to the Romans, and it’s the location of the largest Roman Amphitheatre, as well as the most complete city walls in Britain. Spend some time exploring the historic city center and the Rows, the unique 700-year-old shopping galleries.
Day 5 District and Chatsworth House
Today’s route will take you into Derbyshire and the Peak District, one of England’s national parks. Explore the stunning scenery on a drive through the national park stopping in pretty villages such as Castleton or Bakewell, known for its delicious pudding. Drive through the dramatic limestone gorge of Winnats Pass to appreciate fabulous views. You may choose to stop to visit Chatsworth House the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, where you can explore the 300 rooms and extensive gardens. Continue to Yorkshire, the largest of all English counties with a very diverse landscape and two national parks.
Day 6 York and the North York Moors
Today you are free to explore North Yorkshire. Ensure some time for sightseeing in York as well as one of the two national parks. Drive across the North York Moors, with its stunning scenery, to Whitby on the coast. The more adventurous driver can get an adrenaline kick from taking route A170, which starts near Thirsk with a very steep climb up the moors. In Whitby, you find coastal views, cliff walks, an old Abbey (included in OVP) - Bram Stoker found his inspiration for the famous book of Dracula here. It is also famous for its seafood and fish & chips, which is a must-try. Slightly further up the coast, stop in the old village of Staithes, to explore its winding streets and art galleries, located in a sheltered cove at the base of a cliff. Maybe visit Castle Howard a stunning stately home known from the Brideshead Revisited TV series. Or head west to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park, with its hills and picturesque market towns and villages.
Day 7 Yorkshire - Alnick Castle - Edinburgh
The last leg of your Britain tour will take you over the border and into Scotland. Take the coastal route to Scotland. We recommend a visit at Alnwick Castle, you might know Alnwick Castle from its starring role as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Bamburgh Castle is also nearby, which invites a photo stop capturing the castle, shoreline and Farne Island. Then continue to Berwick-upon-Tweed before heading up to Edinburgh for some sightseeing in Scotland's Capital City.
Day 8 Depart Edinburgh
Your tour of Britain's manor homes comes to an end today. In accordance with your flight time, make the short transfer from your hotel to Edinburgh Airport, to begin your journey home.
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, 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 Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
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.
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. In the evening, select departures will enjoy the spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.
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, passing the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Travel via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.
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.
Day 7: The English Lakes to Chester Relaxed Start
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?
Day 8: North Wales and over to Dublin Relaxed Start
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 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.
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 will learn to pour the perfect pint. 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Day 15: Homeward Bound
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
