Essential Britain & Ireland

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: 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 on Saturday) June 20 departure - Stonehenge will be closed due to Summer Solstice, and a visit to Salisbury Cathedral will be included instead.