Romantic Britain & Ireland - Classic Group

Romantic Britain & Ireland - Classic Group

370 Views
20 Days From

$7950

$6360

Romantic Britain & Ireland - Classic Group

20 Days Starting and ending in London

Visiting: Oxford, York, Edinburgh, Inverness, Skye, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge, London

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

B908ZN19

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

20 - 40

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English
Interests:

Cultural, History

From:
$7950
$6360 Operator discount: -$1590 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 01-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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 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.

Highlights

  • - Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.

  • - 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.

  • - 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.

  • - 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.

  • - Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise.

  • - Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.

  • - Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Oxford And Stratford-Upon-Avon

Location: Oxford

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.

Accommodation Name: The Cumberland Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner, with Wine

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.

Day 2 : Lincoln And Medieval York

Location: York

Accommodation: Hilton York.

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

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.

Day 3 : The English Lakes To Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation: Hotel, Macdonald Holyrood Edinburgh.

Accommodation Name: Hilton York

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4 : Scotland’S Capital Of Culture

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation: Hotel, Macdonald Holyrood Edinburgh.

Accommodation Name: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.

Day 5 : St. Andrews And Inverness

Location: Inverness

Accommodation: Hotel, Kingsmills Inverness.

Accommodation Name: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Afternoon Tea with Wine

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. 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.

Day 6 : Across The Sea To Skye

Location: Skye

Accommodation: Hotel, The Dunollie Broadford.

Accommodation Name: Kingsmills Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

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 defence of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.

Day 7 : Loch Lomond And Glasgow

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation: Hotel, Radisson Blu Glasgow.

Accommodation Name: The Dunollie Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 8 : Across The Irish Sea To Belfast

Location: Belfast

Accommodation: Hotel, Titanic

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 9 : Dublin City Sightseeing

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Riu Plaza The Gresham

Accommodation Name: Titanic Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 10 : A Pint Of The 'Black Stuff'

Location: Dublin

Accommodation: Riu Plaza The Gresham

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza The Gresham

Meals Included: Breakfast, Breakfast

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.

Day 11 : Galway, The Cliffs Of Moher And Limerick

Location: Galway

Accommodation: Hotel, The George Limerick.

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza The Gresham

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 Centre 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.

Day 12 : The Dingle Peninsula To Killarney Relaxed Start

Location: Killarney

Accommodation: Hotel, Killarney Plaza and Spa.

Accommodation Name: The George Hotel Limerick

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

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.

Day 13 : Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

Location: Ring of Kerry

Accommodation: Hotel, Killarney Plaza and Spa.

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

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? In the evening, you are invited to choose your own dining experience from a selection of restaurants in Killarney for your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 14 : Blarney Castle And Waterford

Location: Waterford

Accommodation: Hotel, Granville Waterford.

Accommodation Name: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

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.

Day 15 : Across The Irish Sea To Cardiff

Sun Travels And Resorts (Sun travels)
Val Rossi

Location: Cardiff

Accommodation: Hotel, Clayton Cardiff.

Accommodation Name: Granville Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 16 : Bath And Glastonbury

Randolfo Santos
Steven Eastham
Diego Alberto Etchevarne

Location: Bath

Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).

Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 17 : The Cornish Coast

Location: Dartmoor National Park

Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).

Accommodation Name: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbour 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.

Day 18 : Salisbury Plain And Stonehenge

Location: Stonehenge

Accommodation: Park Plaza Victoria London.

Accommodation Name: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 on your return to London where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day 19 : Salisbury Plain And Stonehenge

Location: Stonehenge

Accommodation Name: The Cumberland Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 on your return to London where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Day 20 : Homeward Bound

Location: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Travel Director

    Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

  • Luxury Transportation

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour with physical distancing measures.

  • Handpicked Hotels

    Stay in style at handpicked hotels known for excellent locations, service, and comfort. Enjoy accommodations within the walls facing Clifford’s Tower, the elegance of the Hilton York, and sea view rooms at The Imperial Torquay.

  • Authentic Dining

    Dining Summary: 19 Breakfast (B), 8 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 1 Afternoon Tea (AT). Experience a variety of local meals, ensuring a genuine taste of the regions visited.

  • Exclusive Experiences

    From visiting the historic Stonehenge to exploring the scenic Ring of Kerry and experiencing a private tour of the Guinness Storehouse, enjoy unique, Insight Experiences that bring each destination to life.

  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

    Engage in experiences that advance UN Sustainable Development Goals, like visiting a local seaweed farm on the Ring of Kerry and learning about the cultural heritage of Bath.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • All-Inclusive Tips

    We handle all tips for hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

  • Baggage Handling

    Enjoy seamless travel with us taking care of moving your bags for you and delivering them to your hotel room.

  • Airport Transfers

    Scheduled airport transfers on the first and last day of your tour (conditions apply).

What's Not Included

  • International Airfare

    International airfare to and from the start and end point of your tour is not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Experiences

    Some optional experiences that offer an enhanced exploration of certain sites are not included and can be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, and room service are not included.

  • Meals, Unless Specified

    Meals not mentioned in the inclusions, as well as certain alcoholic beverages, are not covered.

  • Airport Transfers Outside Scheduled Times

    If your arrival and/or departure flights are outside the scheduled times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation, airport transfers are not included.

Mode of Transport

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.

Accommodation

Your hotel lies within the walls facing Clifford’s Tower. Stay at the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Enjoy the elegance of the Hilton York. Relax at the Kingsmills Hotel. Experience the charm of The Dunollie Hotel. Discover the Radisson Blu Hotel. Unwind at the Clayton Hotel. Indulge in the sea view rooms at The Imperial Torquay. Feel at home at the Granville Hotel.

Check out our Q&As

  • Are there any activities included in the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    Yes, the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour includes activities such as choosing between two carefully selected activities, a cruise from Plymouth harbour, learning about the history of stone circles in Dartmoor National Park, and visiting various historical and cultural sites across England, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

  • What countries are visited on the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    The Romantic Britain & Ireland tour visits England, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

  • How many meals are included in the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    The Romantic Britain & Ireland tour includes 19 Breakfasts (B), 8 Dinners with Wine (DW), and 1 Afternoon Tea (AT).

  • What are the accommodation options on the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    Accommodation options on the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour include staying at the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Hilton York, Kingsmills Hotel, The Dunollie Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, Clayton Hotel, The Imperial Torquay, Granville Hotel, Titanic Hotel, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, and The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).

  • What are some of the highlights of the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    Highlights of the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour include visiting Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln, York, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Stonehenge, and more.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    The Romantic Britain & Ireland tour starts and ends in London.

  • What type of transportation is used on the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    The Romantic Britain & Ireland tour uses a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Is there a private tour option available for the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour?

    The information provided does not specify whether a private tour option is available for the Romantic Britain & Ireland tour.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.