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Romantic Britain & Ireland

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 11,265 Per Person
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 Trip Length
18 Days
 Trip Starts
London
 Trip Finishes
London
18 Day Romantic Britain & Ireland Itinerary (Insight Vacations)
Countries Explored: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales
Trip Style
Regional Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
B908

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Insight Vacations 18 Day Romantic Britain & Ireland. Nurture your soul on this romantic tour of Oxford’s cobbled alleyways, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. Spanning the stunning Lake District, Britain’s yesteryear Viking capital of York, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford and William Wordsworth’s home village of Grasmere, this three week tour has it all. In Ireland, the lofty Cliffs of Moher offer truly stunning vistas, while the Dine Around in Killarney experience serves up a traditional...read more Sunday roast dinner—with all the trimmings. The journey through the Ring of Kerry boasts breathtaking views of mountains fading into the distant sea and after a stop at the famous kissing stone in Blarney Castle, Local Experts add some extra sparkle with a personal tour through the House of Waterford Crystal.

Itinerary

Meet your Travel Director at 07:45 at the hotel in London. Depart for the famous university town of Oxford with its beautiful spires. With time at leisure, why not visit the world-famous Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market?

Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks at a local pub. (DW) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.

Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country' on your way to visit Lincoln. Continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain and one of England's oldest cities. Saunter along the Shambles to reach the York Minster, in the heart of this medieval gem. Your hotel lies within the walls facing Clifford's Tower. (B/DW) Stay: Hilton York.

Drive through the Lake District National Park, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes, inspiring a host of English poets. Stop in Wordsworth's village of Grasmere and see the poet's grave in the churchyard. Cross the border at Gretna Green, where runaway lovers were married, and continue to the Scottish capital. (B) Stay: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Travel down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse — official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King - before crossing over to New Town. Walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums. (B) Stay: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh.

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course as you arrive where golf was born in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton finding her Prince Charming began when her and Prince William were students there.

Alternately, stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Your travels continue as you cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Pass Culloden Moor, the scene of the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite army in 1746.

Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, home to the Atholl Highlanders for over 19 generations. Be treated to authentic Farm-to-Table tea and scones - an experience not to be missed in Scotland! Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds. (B/AT/DW) Stay: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.

Enjoy a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales of Nessie in the heart of Scotland's great glen.

Afterwards, pause for a photo of Eilean Donan Castle, set idyllically on a headland on Loch Duich. Listen to tales of Flora MacDonald and her defense of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye. (B/DW) Stay: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.

Return to the mainland and drive to the World War II Commando Memorial in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Continue through Fort William to absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the Valley of the Weeping, where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonald's took place in 1692. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, en route to Glasgow. Your Travel Director will show you Glasgow's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.

Bid farewell to Scotland as you cross the Irish Sea and continue your journey to the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour of Belfast including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. (B) Stay: Titanic Hotel

Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne before crossing the historic Boyne Valley, site of the battle where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Continue to Dublin, Ireland's 'fair city where the girls are so pretty,' and see O'Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick's Cathedral, with your Local Expert. (B) Stay: Riu Plaza The Gresham

Experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink in the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. The rest of the day is yours to shop, continue sightseeing or maybe take an optional drive to the ruined monastic site of Glendalough. (B)

Travel west to Galway, known as the City of the Tribes. Guided by your Travel Director, enjoy free time in this artsy, bohemian city. Cross the limestone landscape of the Burren, to the Visitor Center at the Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking vistas of the Clare Coast. Journey to the town of Limerick, nestled on the shores of the River Shannon. (B) Stay: The George Hotel Limerick.

In the morning, your Travel Director will show you the 12th century St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone before setting off to Tralee via the picturesque thatched village of Adare. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way through the great cliffs, wide skies and ocean views of the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney. For dinner you are treated to a traditional Sunday roast, with all the trimmings. (B/DW) Stay: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.

A delightful morning excursion will take you around the Ring of Kerry, where mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Continue through Ireland's highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm on the Ring of Kerry. Learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy. Maybe take the opportunity to ride a jaunting car around the lake or through the National Park? (B/DW)

Visit the ruined 15th century Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Continue to the walled city of Waterford and see the 11th century Reginald's Tower. On your guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal, you will meet an artisan and see their fine work. (B/DW) Stay: Granville Hotel, Waterford.

From Rosslare, take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke and continue on with a pleasant journey through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Travel past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Principality Stadium. Enjoy an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. (B) Stay: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.

Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above Britain's only thermal, mineral springs. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director, through the Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering educational investments to benefit the community, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Your journey continues to mystical Glastonbury where you will see the abbey, reputedly the legendary burial place of King Arthur. Continue south, to reach the seaside town of Torquay. (B) Stay: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe.

In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine with your Celebration Dinner - a fitting finale to your travels. (B/DW)

Start the day by crossing the Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, the world's most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. Your escorted journey draws to a close upon return to the Victoria Park Plaza hotel in London. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
  • Lincoln: Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old.
  • York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
  • Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
  • Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.
  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
  • St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
  • Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
  • Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise.
  • Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
  • Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
  • Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
  • Belfast: Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
  • Dublin: A Local Expert will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Galway: Enjoy an orientation tour of the many landmarks in Galway such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
  • Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.
  • Limerick: See King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone.
  • Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
  • Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry.
  • Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
  • Waterford: Explore the town and see Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls.
  • Rosslare Harbour: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.
  • Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
  • Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
  • Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
  • Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master craftsmen utilize traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

  • Dartmoor National Park: Learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert and enjoy a scenic exploration across the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park.
  • Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.

  • Kerry: Visit a local seaweed farm striving to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts.
  • Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Get to know your fellow travelers during your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Blair Atholl: Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream.
  • Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
  • Killarney: There's nothing quite as homely as the Irish tradition of a Sunday roast, served with all the trimmings.
  • Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
  • Torquay: Blend a little wine with great cuisine and good company for a rousing end of tour Celebration Dinner.
  • Dining Summary: 8 Dinners with Wine (DW), 17 Breakfasts (B), 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Romantic Britain & Ireland' Reviews

4.0
AVG. RATING 4.0 / 5
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Romantic Britain 4 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2018
I have booked this trip at the very last minute and I am glad I did. Booking was a breeze. Great tour - visiting almost every corner of Britain and Ireland. Operator provides very comfortable coach with extra leg room, which makes the long journey much nicer. Accommodation was variable. I would say about 50% was great and remainder average. Always very ...read more clean - but some very old hotels.

Tour director was looking after us on daily basis. Everything well organised from wake up calls in the morning till after dinner. Some of the places I would love to stay a bit longer, but have to say the next day it was another wonder to admire. Great companions. We would stay friends forever.
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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