Compare Essential Britain & Ireland by Great Value Vacations vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 3,356 | $ 3,660 |
| Price Per Day | $ 336 | $ 458 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| 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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Picture yourself standing before ancient castles that guard misty lochs and on stunning cliffs with waterfalls cascading down — this is Scotland. From the brightly coloured murals on the bustling streets of Glasgow, to Fort William, an adventurer's playground, you’ll spend eight days exploring cobblestone streets and grassy landscapes. Explore the mystical Isle of Skye and mythological Loch Ness, where the murky depths hide a Scottish legend. See Inverness, vibrant and historic and learn tales of battles and folklore. End your journey in Edinburgh, a city of contrasts, where the old and new coexist, where nature and culture and where every corner holds a piece of history. With the right balance of small-group adventure and free time to explore, this trip will allow Scotland's unique magic to captivate your heart. |
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 Glasgow
Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.
Day 2 Fort William
After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.
Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye
This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!
Day 4 Isle of Skye
Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.
Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness
This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 6 Inverness
Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.
Day 7 Edinburgh
A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.
Day 8 Edinburgh
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.
