ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, IRELAND & WALES
BRITISH ISLES IN DEPTH
24 DAYS FROM $2,679 US Details below or
click here for more information INQUIRY FORM
This extensive vacation covers the whole of the British Isles—Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. No other tour is as complete. Begin your trip with two overnights in London and time to explore on your own or to take an optional tour. Head to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace; enjoy a walking tour of Oxford, where Britain’s elite receive their education; and travel through the exquisite Cotswolds to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and Lady Godiva’s Coventry. Continue on to York, England’s most complete medieval city, for a walking tour with your Tour Director. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, and enter Scotland for two overnights in regal Edinburgh. In the Scottish capital, your tour includes a visit to mighty Edinburgh Castle. On to St. Andrews, home of golf; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for the past 900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. Enjoy an excursion to the spectacular west coast of Scotland, then drive over to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Scenic highlights await you on the way to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and an orientation drive acquaints you with Glasgow’s attractions.
Next, ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland and visit remarkable Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the way to Derry. Travel to Knock, where pilgrims flock to the Marian Shrine; see the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher; and drink in the scenery on the Dingle Peninsula and along the gorgeous “Ring of Kerry.” Visit popular Killarney; Blarney, known for the “Stone of Eloquence;” and Waterford, famous for its crystal. Stop at Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca and enjoy Glendalough with St. Kevin’s Irish Christianity Centre ruins. In Dublin, Ireland’s capital, an orientation drive shows you the sites. Then, ferry back across the Irish Sea to Holyhead and travel south through scenic Wales with stops in Wrexham and Cardiff. Return to England and explore elegant Georgian Bath, famous for its Roman relics. Hear about King Arthur in Glastonbury, stop in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, made famous in The Hound of the Baskervilles, and see where the Pilgrims embarked on their monumental journey in Plymouth. Also see St. Michael’s Mount and Land’s End on the way to the popular seaside town of St. Ives. Contemplate the mystery of Stonehenge, take a break in beautiful Salisbury with its magnificent cathedral, and overnight in Brighton before returning to London for the finale of your awesome adventure.
Special Departure:
Tickets for the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included for the August 1-August 18 departures.
Day 1 Arrive in London, England Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 2 London
A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guards, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (Breakfast)
Day 3 London–Oxford–Stratford-upon-Avon–Coventry
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing: a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta; a walking tour in Oxford, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning; and skirting the Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Overnight is in Coventry. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 Coventry–York–Newcastle
Leave the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, and head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night in Newcastle, once an important center for the wool trade and coal mining and now a vibrant modern city. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 Newcastle–Jedburgh, Scotland–Melrose–Edinburgh
See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival at Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (Breakfast)
Day 6 Edinburgh
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which for the Queen was once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For departures August 1-August 18, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (Breakfast)
Day 7 Edinburgh–St. Andrews–Braemar–Culloden–Inverness–Strathpeffer
A day of memorable sightseeing: St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then via Inverness, head for your Highland destination. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 8 Strathpeffer. West Coast Excursion
More spectacular Scottish scenery: the lovely Falls of Shin, Dornoch Firth, and the Kyle of Sutherland. Then, follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbor on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. Our recommendation for this evening: join the optional Loch Ness Experience, which includes a cruise on the loch followed by supper. (Breakfast)
Day 9 Strathpeffer–Isle of Skye–Fort William–Glasgow
More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then breathtaking scenery all the way to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow, Scotland’s great cultural city. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 Glasgow–Alloway–Belfast, Northern Ireland
On this morning’s orientation drive through Scotland’s largest city, see the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian Squares built by wealthy tobacco barons. Later, stop at Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Belfast. Consider joining tonight’s optional excursion, a “living history” tour of this fascinating city in the company of a Local Guide. (Breakfast)
Day 11 Belfast–Giant’s Causeway–Derry–Belleek–Drumcliff–Sligo, Ireland
Take the scenic route along the Antrim coast to awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, then let the province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry, and, later, Belleek Pottery, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. At Drumcliff, see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats before arriving in Sligo, tonight’s destination. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12 Sligo–Knock–Galway–Cliffs of Moher–Ennis
South to Knock, a village that has attracted pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway on its beautiful bay, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (Breakfast)
Day 13 Ennis–Dingle Peninsula–Killarney
Via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer for the ferry across the Shannon estuary. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon arrival in Killarney, your destination for the next two nights. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 14 Killarney. Ring of Kerry Excursion
At Killorglin, join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney. Then, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Later, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. (Breakfast)
Day 15 Killarney–Blarney–Dungarvan–Tramore
More scenic splendor as you head into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Finally, Dungarvan and along the Copper Coast to the seaside resort of Tramore. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 16 Tramore–Waterford–Avoca–Glendalough–Dublin
Highlights on your northbound journey: Waterford, famed for its exquisite crystal; Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a center of Irish Christianity, founded by St. Kevin. Afternoon arrival in Dublin; top the day with an optional Irish cabaret evening including dinner, dance, song, and laughter. (Breakfast)
Day 17 Dublin
A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Ireland’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Dublin at leisure. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (Breakfast)
Day 18 Dublin–Wrexham, Wales
Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Enjoy the best of North Wales on a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, including spectacular Llanberis Pass, then on to Llangollen, home of an annual national competition for poets and musicians, before arriving in Wrexham. This evening, why not join an optional excursion by barge along the Llangollen Canal? (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 19 Wrexham–Chester, England–Ludlow–Cardiff, Wales
In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.“ Head south now through the market town of Ludlow to Cardiff. In the Welsh capital an orientation drive takes in Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings and Cardiff Castle. Tonight’s optional excursion is to Cardiff Castle for an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner. (Breakfast)
Day 20 Cardiff–Bath, England–Glastonbury–Widecombe–Plymouth
Across the Severn Bridge to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Into the West Country via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur, and wild and romantic Dartmoor with a visit to the picture-book village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 21 Plymouth. Cornwall Excursion
A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall. After viewing St. Michael’s Mount rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land’s End before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. You may wish to join one of your optional excursions this evening. (Breakfast)
Day 22 Plymouth–Stonehenge–Salisbury–Arundel–Brighton
An interesting day heading into Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and views of the intriguing prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. Take a break in Salisbury for a look at its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture. Stop for photos at historic Arundel, dominated by the Duke of Norfolk’s huge castle, before continuing on to the seaside resort of Brighton for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 23 Brighton–Tunbridge Wells–London
A leisurely last day on the road with time this morning for a seafront promenade stroll or to browse along The Lanes, a quaint area of narrow streets renowned for its antique shops. Finally, take the scenic route to Royal Tunbridge Wells and pause for lunch in this picturesque spa town before returning to London about 3 pm. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (Breakfast)
Day 24 London
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.
AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
Ask about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation.
Vacation Highlights
INCLUDED FEATURES
Visits to Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Hadrian’s Wall, Jedburgh and Melrose, Edinburgh Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Departures August 1-August 18), St. Andrews, Braemar, Culloden, Inverness, Strathpeffer, Ullapool, Alloway, Giant’s Causeway, Derry, Belleek Pottery, W.B.Yeats’ burial place, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney, Waterford, Avoca handweaving mill, Glendalough, Llangollen, Ludlow, Bath, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Plymouth, St. Ives, Salisbury, Arundel, Brighton, Royal Tunbridge Wells; orientation drives in Glasgow, Dublin, Cardiff; walking tours in Oxford, York, Chester
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
Cotswold Hills, Northumberland National Park, Scottish Lowlands and Highlands, Falls of Shin, Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, Northern Ireland’s Antrim coast, The Burren, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry and Lakes of Killarney, Snowdonia, Dartmoor National Park, St. Michael’s Mount and Land’s End, Stonehenge and Salisbury Plain
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
GUIDES
Local Guide for city sightseeing in Edinburgh; Host service in London. Professional Tour Director while touring
STANDARD INCLUDED FEATURES
Ask about transportation, hotels, and other standard included features offered.
Accommodations
MEALS
Full English breakfast; 10 three-course dinners with choice of menus
HOTELS - (F) First-Class (ST) Superior Tourist-Class (T) Tourist Class
LONDON Kensington Close (ST), COVENTRY Ramada (F), NEWCASTLE Jurys Inn (F), EDINBURGH Kings Manor (ST), STRATHPEFFER Ben Wyvis (ST), GLASGOW Pond (F), BELFAST Jurys Inn (F), SLIGO Southern (ST), ENNIS Auburn Lodge (ST), KILLARNEY Killarney Court (F), TRAMORE Majestic (ST), DUBLIN Jurys Inn Custom House (ST), WREXHAM Ramada Plaza (F), CARDIFF Legacy Cardiff International (ST), PLYMOUTH Legacy Plymouth International (ST), BRIGHTON Mercure Brighton Seafront (ST)
TRANSPORTATION
Private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Isle of Skye ferry. Round-trip Irish Sea crossings by day ferry. Ferry across the Shannon estuary
Optional Excursions
Important Note: the following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation as they are the excursions that are being offered for this vacation in the current travel year. These optional excursions might or might not be offered next year, as well as new optional excursions might be offered. Information about what optional excursions will be offered for your vacation will be available later this year into next year. If no example excursions are listed, please check back later.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency.
CITY: Belfast
City tour
Join your local guide for a fascinating "living history" tour of Belfast, which ends with a drink in a city pub.
Approximate value: GBP £19 per person
CITY: Cardiff
Welsh Evening
Dinner with wine and entertainment are included in this uniquely Welsh evening.
Approximate value: GBP £55 per person
CITY: Dublin
Guinness Storehouse and Supper
A unique Dublin experience: a visit to the famous Guinness Storehouse with supper included.
Approximate value: GBP £55 per person
Irish Cabaret May to October
After a full choice dinner with wine and Irish coffee, enjoy a traditional Irish cabaret evening including dance, song and laughter.
Approximate value: GBP £69 per person
CITY: Edinburgh
Scottish Evening April 1 - October 31
No visit to Scotland's capital city would be complete without joining a Scottish evening with dinner, wine and a show featuring singers, dancers, bagpipers and the Ceremony of the Haggis.
Approximate value: GBP £55 per person
Rosslyn Chapel
Take a short trip from Edinburgh to visit Rosslyn Chapel, featured in the best selling novel The Da Vinci Code.
Approximate value: GBP £19 per person
Royal Yacht Britannia and Dinner
A visit on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored at Leith docks, is followed by dinner with wine and coffee at a local restaurant.
Approximate value: GBP £49 per person
CITY: Ennis
Bunratty Castle Banquet
At 13th-century Bunratty Castle receive a goblet or two of mead and listen to the history of the castle, before enjoying a medieval Madrigal by the Castle Singers and dinner with wine.
Approximate value: GBP £65 per person
CITY: Highlands
Loch Ness Experience and Supper
A truly unique evening! First visit the award winning Loch Ness Exhibition, then take a trip onboard a boat to try and catch a glimpse of the famous monster before concluding the evening with dinner and a drink of your choice.
Approximate value: GBP £45 per person
CITY: Killarney
Jaunting Car Ride
Unique to Killarney, a fun outing is to take a ride in a horse drawn jaunting car through the National Park to ancient Ross Castle.
Approximate value: GBP £11 per person
Dinner and Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre May to September
A short drive to Tralee for dinner with wine before you take your seats for a performance by Ireland's National Folk Theatre.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
CITY: London
Morning City Sightseeing Daily
A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St. Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (GBP 24) applies.
Approximate value: GBP £29 per person
Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily
Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person
Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily
Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Approximate value: GBP £37 per person
Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 23 to October 3
First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
A Taste of London Daily April to October
Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion combines a traditional London pub experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner at an historic London pub in the City of London.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
Shownight - Wicked (Fridays & Saturdays)
A marvelous evening in London's theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
Shownight - Billy Elliot (Fridays & Saturdays)
A marvelous evening in London's theater district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot.
Approximate value: Please check back later per person
CITY: Plymouth
Harbor Cruise
Plymouth Sound is one of the world's great natural harbors where your cruise takes you past one of the Royal Navy's important bases, with commentary by your captain.
Approximate value: GBP £7.5 per person
CITY: Tramore
Pub Evening
For local Irish flavor, take a scenic drive to a traditional inn to meet the locals over two drinks of your choice.
Approximate value: GBP £27 per person
CITY: Wrexham
Llangollen Canal Barge Ride April 1 to October 31
An unusual outing which takes you by barge along the Llangollen Canal, crossing over a spectacular aqueduct, before disembarking for a drink of your choice at a local inn.
Approximate value: GBP £25 per person
Departure Dates:
March - October
Prices: From approx
$2,679 US per
person double occupancy
More
Tours and Cruises Available For more information please complete the INQUIRY
FORM
This extensive vacation covers the whole of the British Isles—Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. No other tour is as complete. Begin your trip with two overnights in London and time to explore on your own or to take an optional tour. Head to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace; enjoy a walking tour of Oxford, where Britain’s elite receive their education; and travel through the exquisite Cotswolds to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and Lady Godiva’s Coventry. Continue on to York, England’s most complete medieval city, for a walking tour with your Tour Director. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, and enter Scotland for two overnights in regal Edinburgh. In the Scottish capital, your tour includes a visit to mighty Edinburgh Castle. On to St. Andrews, home of golf; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for the past 900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. Enjoy an excursion to the spectacular west coast of Scotland, then drive over to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Scenic highlights await you on the way to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and an orientation drive acquaints you with Glasgow’s attractions.
