Britain & Ireland Discovery - Small Group
Britain & Ireland Discovery - Small Group
Take a one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient Roman city of Bath, enjoy a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and experience the majesty of Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh. This 22-day tour of Britain and Ireland is brought to life by Local Experts, with an arsenal of immersive experiences. Explore Ireland’s medieval city of Kilkenny and it's castle. Cross England’s Salisbury Plains to prehistoric Stonehenge where a tour unlocks some of the secrets held by these 5000-year-old megaliths, while the Viking city of York charms all with its maze of narrow streets and close quarter homes.
Dining Summary
Take a one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient Roman city of Bath, enjoy a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and experience the majesty of Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh. This 22-day tour of Britain and Ireland is brought to life by Local Experts, with an arsenal of immersive experiences. Explore Ireland’s medieval city of Kilkenny and it's castle. Cross England’s Salisbury Plains to prehistoric Stonehenge where a tour unlocks some of the secrets held by these 5000-year-old megaliths, while the Viking city of York charms all with its maze of narrow streets and close quarter homes.
Dining Summary
- 23 Breakfast (B)
- 11 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Savor British cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant.
- Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
- Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
- Plymouth: Celebrate the culmination of your travels in style with delicious wine and local cuisine.
- Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Londonderry: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Amble through the Picture Gallery, library, drawing room, nursery and bedrooms decorated in 1830s splendor as well as the rolling parkland formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and man-made lake.
- Montrose: Sample a 'wee dram' and learn the fascinating process of whisky production at a family run distillery overlooking Lunan Bay.
- Giant's Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor center, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Killarney: Meet passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their beautiful guesthouse in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their Farm-to-Table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coach of the Emerald Isle. On the farm they also grow and harvest all their own fruit and veg. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.
- Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gretna Green: Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- 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: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
- Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
- Wick: See the world's shortest street, Ebenezer Place.
- Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- Cairnryan: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.
- Belleek: Enjoy a guided tour of the porcelain production process and meet some of the specialist craftspeople.
- Sligo Bay: The area surrounding the town of Sligo was home to one of Ireland's most famous literary figures, the poet William Butler Yeats. On your journey into town, you’ll quickly see why Yeats was inspired by the scenic beauty of the area. Explore its rich medieval history as well as its shops on an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
- Limerick: See King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone.
- Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.
- Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.
- Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
- Dublin: Board the ferry to return to mainland Britain.
- Conwy: See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy down and enjoy amazing views out across the craggy mountains of Snowdonia. The spectacular castle was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in just four years between 1283 and 1287.
- Liverpool: Stay in the home city of The Beatles.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city.
- Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Plymouth: During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps. Afterward, explore a quaint Cornish fishing village.
Interests
- Small Group
About Insight Vacations
There's more to travel than simply visiting new places – join us for experiences that spark your curiosity and take you beyond traditional sightseeing. On our premium guided tours, every day is filled with fascinating facts and intriguing stories, while superior dining nourishes the body and stylish hotels rest the soul.
When you join a guided tour, you travel hassle-free. But when you join an Insight Vacations tour, you travel ‘business class’ - with all the p
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Apr 19, 2025 through
May 12, 2025
Apr 15, 2025
7:00 PM
23 Nights
from
$10,795.00
(USD)
Per Person
Airfare not included
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8170360
|
Jun 14, 2025 through
Jul 07, 2025
Jun 10, 2025
7:00 PM
23 Nights
from
$11,250.00
(USD)
Per Person
Airfare not included
|
8170364
|
Jul 05, 2025 through
Jul 15, 2025
Jul 11, 2025
7:00 PM
23 Nights
from
$11,325.00
(USD)
Per Person
Airfare not included, Various departures
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8170366
|
Itinerary
| Day | Destination | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Welcome to London | ||
| 2 | London to Stratford-upon-Avon | ||
| 3 | Medieval York Relaxed Start | ||
| 4 | By the Lakes to Edinburgh | ||
| 5 | Scotland's City of Culture | ||
| 6 | The Scottish Highlands | ||
| 7 | Loch Ness to Wick | ||
| 8 | Orkney Islands Experience | ||
| 9 | Over the Sea to Skye | ||
| 10 | Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start | ||
| 11 | Walk in the Giant’s Steps on the way to Londonderry | ||
| 12 | Belleek and Sligo Bay | ||
| 13 | Galway and Limerick | ||
| 14 | Adare to Killarney Relaxed Start | ||
| 15 | Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start | ||
| 16 | Blarney Castle and Cork | ||
| 17 | Kilkenny and Dublin Relaxed Start | ||
| 18 | In Dublin’s Fair City | ||
| 19 | Across the Irish Sea to Liverpool | ||
| 20 | The Welsh Marches to Cardiff Relaxed Start | ||
| 21 | Bath and Somerset | ||
| 22 | Discover Dartmoor Relaxed Start | ||
| 23 | Ancient Stonehenge to London | ||
| 24 | Homeward Bound |
