Compare Dublin - Edinburgh - London and Paris by TripMasters vs Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
Trip |
3.5 | Average
|
5 | Excellent
|
Duration | 18 days | 15 days |
Price From | $ 1,740 | $ 6,155 |
Price Per Day | $ 97 | $ 410 |
Highlights |
|
|
Trip Style | Retreats | Group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
Physical Level |
|
|
Travel Themes |
|
|
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
|
|
Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
Activities |
|
|
Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
A fascinating multi-city vacation package with 4 exciting cities in Europe! Visit Dublin (overflowing with tradition; old pubs and trendy coffee shops among castles and majestic countryside) and then Edinburgh (a fairytale setting with gorgeous architecture), continue to London (a world center of theatre, art, music, literature and culture. It's also a city of colorful markets, great shopping, green open spaces and a cosmopolitan culture) and end in Paris (the romantic City of Lights, the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. |
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 in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
Begin the afternoon with a traditional lunch of Irish stew and soda bread or shepherd's pie in any of the quaint pubs to be found throughout Dublin. Afterwards, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by choosing an optional tour such as 'City Sightseeing Dublin Hop-on Hop-off Tour', showcasing Trinity College, The Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, St. Patricks Cathedral, The Phoenix Park and the Old Jameson Distillery or 'Dublin Liffey River Cruise'. Additionally, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit to the number one visitor attraction in Dublin - The Guinness Storehouse. We suggest you take advantage of our optional tour 'Skip the Line: Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket' in order to fully appreciate your time here.
This evening, spend time exploring the cobbled streets, cafés and shops of Temple Bar, Dublin's bohemian quarter. This area on the south bank of the Liffey is full of restaurants and bars with plenty of music and entertainment on hand! Perhaps join in the fun of a literary pub crawl.
Day 2 in Dublin
Wake up early and head to Trinity College, the oldest seat of Irish learning and home to Ireland's greatest art treasure, the Book of Kells, one of the world's most famous illuminated manuscripts. From here, stroll south along Grafton Street, Dublin's busiest shopping street, taking in a few shops and entertaining buskers before coming to St. Stephen's Green; at the northeast corner of the park you'll find many of the city's cultural institutions. Surrounding Leinster House, you will find the National Museum of Ireland - Archaelogy, with artifacts and exhibits from prehistoric times, the National Gallery of Ireland (don't miss the Irish collection and the Caravaggio 'Taking of Christ'), the National Library and the Natural History Museum. Afterwards, proceed east to Merrion Square, one of Dublin's most famous Georgian landmarks.
This afternoon, stop for lunch before continuing west to St. Patrick's Cathedral. To the north, see a living history of Dublin at medieval Dublinia, across the street from ancient Christ Church Cathedral, whose underground crypt is Dublin's oldest structure. Return via Dublin Castle, residence of British power in Ireland for nearly 800 years, and home to the Chester Beatty Library, with its prized Chinese and Turkish treasures.
After a busy day of sightseeing, relax over tea at Bewley's and catch a musical performance at the Olympia Theatre or a play at the Abbey Theatre.
Day 3 in Dublin
Dedicate your third day to the areas north and west. Visit the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which houses the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Kilmainham Gaol, where the leaders of the Easter Uprising were executed following their capture. Then head north, across the Liffey to the National Museum of Ireland and Four Courts, James Gandon's Georgian masterpiece and the home of the Irish judiciary.
This afternoon, enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll along Henry, Moore and Mary streets, the North side's pedestrian shopping area on your way to the Dublin Writers Museum and the Dublin City Gallery, the Hugh Lane. Afterwards, head back to the Liffey via O'Connell Street, the city's widest thoroughfare, stopping to visit the General Post Office before taking a quayside walk by Dublin's most imposing structure, the Custom House.
Later, cross the Liffey via O'Connell Bridge and splurge on a fabulous dinner at the glamorous Tea Room in Temple Bar's Clarence hotel or feast on a final farewell dinner at your 'local' (aka your favorite neighborhood pub).
Additional Days in Dublin
Should you be able to spend additional days in Dublin then explore the northern suburbs of Dublin, from Glasnevin Cemetery and the National Botanic Gardens across to the Marino Casino, picturesque Malahide Castle, Newbridge House and the quaint fishing village of Howth. Or travel south to visit Dún Laoghaire and the National Maritime Museum of Ireland as well as the James Joyce Tower and Museum.
Day trips from Dublin are a great way to see this lush country. Always popular is 'Wild Wicklow Tour Including Glendalough from Dublin' where you will visit the Garden of Ireland and enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside Ireland has to offer. Or perhaps the 'Ring of Kerry Rail Trip from Dublin' or 'Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Dublin' is more to your liking. Finally, we recommend the 'Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip from Dublin' where you will have a chance to kiss the famous stone. Whatever your interests, be sure to check out our optional sightseeing tours for availability and prices.
From Dublin to Edinburgh
Today you continue on your trip to Edinburgh. We recommend that you make your flight reservation between 10:00am and Noon. This will give you time to enjoy your final breakfast in Dublin and head to the airport for your flight to Edinburgh. Should you desire, we offer private transfers where a representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. (Click on Hotel Transportation in the Booking Process.)
Day 1 in Edinburgh
Welcome to Edinburgh! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! Edinburgh waits!
On your first day, head straight to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town. Begin at Edinburgh Castle and follow it all the way to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way be sure to stop at the historic Gladstone's Land and St. Giles' Cathedral as well as the modern Scottish Parliament building. Wander down some of the alleys off the Royal Mile before stopping at John Knox's House on High Street and the Canongate Church. Time permitting, visit the Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Church.
As night approaches, make your way to Grassmarket, with its legendary Traverse Theatre and lively pub scene. This area is full of restaurants and bars sure to please every budget, with plenty of music and entertainment on hand!
Day 2 in Edinburgh
Wake up early and head to Edinburgh's New Town. Start at the Scott Monument before going up Princes Street to the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery. Afterwards, wander through Princes Street Gardens (or continue along Princes Street if you fancy some shopping) until you come to St. John's Church and St. Cuthbert's Church. From here, head north to Charlotte Square and then grab a bite to eat in one of the pubs along Rose Street or George Street.
After some rest and retail therapy, continue to Queen's Street to see original town houses and architecture as well as the private Queen's Street Gardens. At the eastern end, stop and admire the art at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, then visit St. Andrew's Square, named for the patron saint of Scotland before proceeding to Calton Hill with its views of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat (the dormant volcano in Holyrood Park). Time permitting, stop at the National Monument (an imitation of Athen's Parthenon) and the towering Nelson Monument.
After a busy day of sightseeing, enjoy dinner along Broughton Street, one of the best places for nightlife in Edinburgh, offering traditional pubs and stylish bars and restaurants.
Day 3 in Edinburgh
Today, make your way through Stockbridge, a charming village within the city along a bend in the Water of Leith, on your way to the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden, one of the best in Britain, where you may spend a couple hours wandering around its verdant paths.
Then it's on to Leith, Edinburgh's original 'rough and tumble' port that was once an independent town. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway emerging at the Shore. The district of Leith rests on the shores of the Firth of Forth, at the mouth of the Water of Leith. This waterfront area is home of the 5-star Royal Yacht Britannia and known to have some of the city's finest pubs and restaurants, so stop for a pint or a dram of whiskey and a bite to eat before heading back to the city center along the mile-long Leith Walk, which links the district with the east end of Princes Street and offers a unforgettable shopping experience.
On your final night in Edinburgh, head to the city's West End, center of theater and music, for a show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre or a concert at the classic Usher Hall; the nearby Filmhouse offers the best in independent cinema. Alternately, you may want to live like a local and try a simple take-away fish and chip meal or, as they prefer to call them, fish suppers.
Additional Days in Edinburgh
Should you be able to spend additional days in Edinburgh then be sure to visit the surrounding areas. Scotland has a rich history that can be explored on day trips into the countryside. Always popular is a visit to the mysterious Loch Ness with our 'Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh' tour where you will have the opportunity to take in the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands and maybe even see the Loch Ness monster!
Also interesting is 'St Andrews and Fife Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh'. This is a charming day tour with plenty of free time to enjoy and explore Scotland's home of golf, the ancient town of St. Andrews and the fishing villages of the Kingdom of Fife. Likewise, you may want to visit Rosslyn Chapel, the reputed resting place of the legend that is the Holy Grail, made famous by Dan Brown's book The Da Vinci Code or historic Stirling Castle. Whatever your pleasure, be sure to check out our optional sightseeing tours for availability and prices.
The cultural highlight of any year in Edinburgh arrives every summer with the famous Edinburgh International Festival, which brings thousands of visitors from around the world. The Festival really focuses on the Festival Fringe, presenting some 2,000 shows at nearly 250 venues, but as a whole it also celebrates books (with appearances by famous authors like J.K. Rowling), music, visual arts, television and comedy. Additionally, Hogmanay, New Year's Day in Scotland is bigger than Christmas, and Edinburgh now hosts one of the largest New Year's Eve parties in the world.
From Edinburgh to London
Today you continue on your trip to London. We recommend that you make your flight reservation between 10:00am and Noon. This will give you time to enjoy your final breakfast in Edinburgh and head to the airport for your flight to London. Should you desire, we offer private transfers where a representative will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport. (Click on Hotel Transportation in the Booking Process.)
Day 1 in London
Welcome to London! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
Begin the afternoon with a traditional lunch of fish and chips in any of the quaint pubs to be found throughout London. Afterwards, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by choosing an optional tour such as 'The Original London Sightseeing Tour: Hop-on Hop-off' (red route), showcasing St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
As night approaches, make your way to Leicester Square, center of London cinema, for dinner and a show. This West End area is full of restaurants and bars sure to please every budget, with plenty of music and entertainment on hand!
Day 2 in London
Wake up early today and head to Trafalgar Square to see Nelson's Column before going up the mall towards Buckingham Palace. Following the ceremonious 'Changing of the Guard' you will have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll through St. James Park. Remember to cross the bridge at the middle of the lake for one of the best views in all of London.
At the eastern end of the park is Horse Guards Parade. Walk through the central arch into Whitehall where you can have a bit of a laugh trying to make the sentries smile or just snap a quick pic with one. Continue down Whitehall past No. 10 Downing Street to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister then make a brief stop at the Cenotaph before moving on to Parliament Square. Following your visits of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament cross over the square to Westminster Abbey, London's most prestigious religious building. As the setting for coronations, state funerals and the burial place of many famous kings, queens and writers it is definitely not to be missed!
After a busy day of sightseeing, why not experience high tea at the Cellarium Café at Westminster Abbey? Then walk off those scones as you stroll across Westminster Bridge for a ride on the London Eye. We suggest you buy your tickets early to avoid heavy queues. Our optional tour 'London Eye and Thames River Sightseeing Cruise' is a favorite!
Day 3 in London
Begin your day at the British Museum (free admission). Established in 1753, it is home to nearly 8 million works from all over the world and is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections dedicated to human history and culture. Following your visit of the museum, head to Covent Graden for an afternoon of shopping and a bite to eat whilst watching the local street performers.
Next stop is the National Portrait Gallery, where you can gaze upon the likenesses of historically important and famous British men and women from the 16th century through the present day. The Gallery's collection includes over 195,000 portraits including the Chandos portrait of William Shalespeare as well as photographs, drawings and sculptures.
On your final night in London, make your way to the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus to see the Shaftesbury memorial fountain and statue of Eros. Have a casual dinner at one of the local pubs and perhaps catch a show (if you have not already done so) at the Criterion Theatre or in nearby Leicester Square.
Additional Days in London
Should you be able to spend additional days in London then be sure to visit the National History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Afterwards enjoy a spot of tea and some fashionable (albeit expensive) shopping at Harrod's. If you can't spend your cash - then definitely spend your time - strolling through beautiful Kensington Gardens (with its Princess Diana memorials) and neighboring Hyde Park before heading to Marble Arch and Oxford Street.
Alternatively, you can spend the morning exploring Victoria Embankment Garden's and Cleopatra's Needle before hopping a river cruise to Bankside for a visit of Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Bankside Gallery. Be sure to check out the Millenium Footbridge before exploring South Bank, including the London Aquarium and London Dungeons.
Day trips from London are a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Always popular is our optional tour 'England in One Day: Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon Day Trip from London'. Or if a taste of the English countryside is what you are after then may we suggest the 'English Countryside Day Trip from London Including Windsor Castle', which has been continuously occupied for nearly 1,000 years (a record). Whatever your pleasure, be sure to check out our optional sightseeing tours for availability and prices.
From London to Paris
Today you continue on your trip to Paris aboard the Eurostar. We recommend that you make your train reservation between 10:00am and Noon. This will give you time to enjoy your final breakfast in London and head to the train station for your train to Paris. In approximately two hours and 15 minutes you will be in Paris.
Day 1 in Paris
Arrive at the train station in Paris and proceed to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a pleasant lunch in any of the charming streetside cafes to be found throughout Paris. Afterwards, we recommend that you get acquainted with the city by choosing an optional tour such as 'Big Bus Paris Hop-on Hop-off Tour', showcasing the main sights of the French capital or 'Seine River Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Cruise in Paris'.
As night falls, enjoy the Trocadéro scene and a twilight ride up the Eiffel Tower as it glitters with lights to mark the change from one hour to the next; or dine on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, followed by a romantic cruise on the Seine River. Either way you're sure to fall in love with the 'City of Light.'
Day 2 in Paris
Wake up early today and head for the Ile de la Cité to visit Sainte-Chapelle and the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece with dramatic towers, spires, stained glass and statuary that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Time permitting; climb the North tower to see Paris from the hunchback Quasimodo's vantage point. Then, head across the river to the Latin Quarter, home of the historic Sorbonne University, founded in 1257, and the Panthéon.
A midday visit to the Luxembourg Gardens and lunch at 'Cafe de Flore' on Boulevard Saint-Germain will revive you for an afternoon tour of the Louvre Museum. You may want to purchase our optional tour 'Skip the Line: Paris Louvre Museum Guided Tour'. You will avoid the lengthy queues and visit the main works including the 'Venus de Milo', the 'Winged Victory of Samothrace' and the 'Mona Lisa'. You will then be free to explore other sections of the museum at your leisure.
After a busy day of sightseeing, board a relaxing river cruise from Pont Neuf (if you have not already done so). Then grab a bite to eat before heading back to the Latin Quarter for drinks and dancing at the famous 'Le Caveau de la Huchette' jazz club. The dance floor is located in an underground cave and the atmosphere is intoxicating. It's sure to be a night you won't forget!
Day 3 in Paris
Begin your day at the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Emperor Napoléon I to commemorate the victories of his Grande Armée. Continue with a stroll down the grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elysées - don't forget to stop for coffee and macarons at Ladurée - before visiting the Jardin des Tuileries, a classic example of intricate and typical Parisian landscaping.
Cross the pedestrian bridge from the Tuileries Garden and tour the Orsay Museum, housing the world's most important collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Degas, Gaugin and Delacroix. This afternoon, tour the Rodin Museum and the Hôtel des Invalides or take the train from Orsay directly to Versailles.
On your final night in Paris, make your way to Odéon metro station, which will lead you straight to the Montmartre hill (or take the funicular up with a metro ticket) where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama over the city and its monuments illuminated at night. Stop at Sacre Coeur before exploring the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre then enjoy dinner at one of the charming cafes in Place du Tertre or consider a traditional Parisian cabaret at the legendary Moulin Rouge.
Additional Days in Paris
Should you be able to spend additional days in Paris be sure to visit the Marais district, including the Centre Georges Pompidou, a modern art museum, considered by Parisians to be the cultural pulse of the city. While in the area it is also worth visiting the Musée Picasso, Musée Carnavalet and Place des Voges, Paris's oldest public square and a charming place to stop for lunch. Strangely obscure for such a renowned building, the remnats of the Bastille, the famous prison, lie almost forgotten at the edge of a tiny park. Marked only by a small plaque and usually missed by visitors to Paris, this is one gem worth seeing!
For sights from the modern to the macabre, we suggest Montparnasse Tower, an office skyscraper constructed from 1969 to 1973. The top floor terrace is open to the public and offers panoramic views of the city. In contrast, on the 'Skip the Line: Catacombs of Paris Small-Group Walking Tour' you will descend deep into the tunnels of Paris's underground to explore over one kilometer of Catacombs, dating back to 2 BC, that are decorated with human skulls and bones. You will discover the extraordinary history of the Catacombs and listen to the haunting stories and legends that embody these galleries of skeletons. If the catacombs are too creepy then you may want to visit the peaceful and park-like Père Lachaise cemetery - famous as the final resting place of The Doors lead singer, Jim Morrison, and French playwright Molière as well as composer Frédéric Chopin, author Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein, Edith Piaf and many more.
Day trips from Paris are also popular and we offer a wide selection from 'Skip the Line: Versailles Palace and Gardens Walking Tour' and 'Mont-Saint-Michel Day Trip' to 'Normandy D-Day Battlefields and Beaches Day Trip'. Fontainebleau, Vaux-le-Vicomte and Giverny are also great choices so be sure to check our optional sightseeing tours for availability and prices.
Your Last Day in Paris
Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.
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.