Compare Essential Britain & Ireland by Great Value Vacations vs Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 3,356 | $ 5,895 |
| Price Per Day | $ 336 | $ 393 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| 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:
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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!
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: 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.
