Castles & Kingdoms
Castles & Kingdoms
Castles & Kingdoms
18 Days Starting in London and ending in Shannon
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds, Stratford, York, Ullswater, Lake District, Alnwick, Edinburgh, Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Londonderry, Strangford, Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Ashford Castle, Shannon
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
From London to Edinburgh and over the Irish Sea to Belfast and Killarney this adventure across Ireland and Great Britain pairs iconic sights with once in a lifetime experiences. Join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London and bear witness to the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military tradition in the world. In Northern Ireland, join a local ranger to explore the spectacular Giant’s Causeway and in England, journey to the majestic 11th-century Alnwick Castle—known to many from the Harry Potter films. The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Meals Included: Dinner
Your UK luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your five-star hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Here you are welcomed with the royal treatment from their red tail-coated doormen. Tonight, enjoy sumptuous British fare at the English Grill Restaurant.
Day 2: Traditions And Treasures Of London
Location: London
Accommodation: The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. View bustling Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Household Cavalry Museum. After the sun sets and London lights up, you’re treated to a private, after-hours tour of the Tower of London and the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
Day 3: Stonehenge And Georgian Bath Relaxed Start
Location: London, Stonehenge, Bath
Accommodation: Francis Hotel, Bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savour a Relaxed Start before standing in awe of mysterious Stonehenge, Britain's best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself further into British history as you travel to Bath. Stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture feeling as though you’ve stepped into a classic English novel.
Day 4: Explore Bath Relaxed Start
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Francis Hotel, Bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Personalise your day with a visit to the Jane Austen Centre or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain’s only natural hot springs. Share the highlights of your morning over locally sourced dishes at the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant.
Day 5: Cotswolds, Stratford-Upon-Avon And York
Location: Bath, Cotswolds, Stratford, York
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel & Spa, York.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through a storybook of rolling hills in the Cotswolds toward Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and admire quaint Tudor cottages. Your day concludes in York where cobbled streets, classic tearooms and Gothic buildings lure you further into the past.
Day 6: Medieval Wonders Of York Relaxed Start
Location: York
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel & Spa, York.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Step back into the Middle Ages in York joining an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house.
Day 7: The Wild And Poetic Lake District
Location: York, Ullswater, Lake District
Accommodation: Merewood Country House Hotel, Lake District.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Let the beauty of the Lake District inspire you as you cruise shimmering Ullswater Lake, taking in some of the best views of this region. Later, check into the lovingly restored country house overlooking Lake Windermere.
Day 8: Alnwick Castle
Location: Lake District, Alnwick, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover majestic Alnwick Castle’s magnificent interiors with a Local Expert before exploring Edinburgh's beautiful, walkable city. Should you visit during August, witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most spectacular military concerts and celebration of the history, heritage and colours of Scotland’s regiments.
Day 9: Highlights Of Beautiful Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the grounds of Edinburgh’s “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900-years of history. Personalise your afternoon visiting the 17th-century Mary King's Close or with a stimulating whisky tasting. After a private performance from a former bagpiper to the Royals, a meal of fine dishes such as Scottish Border brisket of beef or poached fillet of sole, rounds off your final day.
Day 10: Edinburgh To Belfast
Location: Edinburgh, Belfast
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to your luxurious hotel in Belfast for a relaxing three-night stay in the heart of the city centre. Pop up to The Observatory bar where glittering views stretch into the distance. Get to know the tastes of the town at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Giant's Causeway And Londonderry
Location: Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Londonderry, Belfast
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant's Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. On arrival in Londonderry, Local Guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.
Day 12: Strangford Lough And Vibrant Dublin Relaxed Start
Location: Strangford, Dublin
Accommodation: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Sweet aromas and a slow food ethos await at Tracey's Farmhouse. Explore the organic farm and learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before enjoying a Farm-to-Table lunch. Continue to Dublin and explore the Guinness Storehouse learning how to pull the perfect pint.
Day 13: A Truly Irish Experience
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. At a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip Prosecco with the museum founder Trevor White as he shares his local stories.
Day 14: Glendalough To Kilkenny Relaxed Start
Location: Dublin, Glendalough, Kilkenny
Accommodation: Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a Relaxed Start, explore Glendalough, the "glen of two lakes" with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.
Day 15: Banter In Blarney
Location: Kilkenny, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See classic Ireland in Cashel, famous for its medieval structures including the spectacular Rock of Cashel. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening join the locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.
Day 16: Scenic Ring Of Kerry Relaxed Start
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey into Killarney National Park, winding along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Explore the town of Kenmare before indulging in a gourmet lunch at the Park Hotel.
Day 17: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start
Location: Ashford Castle
Accommodation: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Indulge in another Relaxed Start with the option of breakfast in-bed room service. Get acquainted with elegant birds of prey at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland or delve into the Castle’s history on a guided historical tour. Then treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the last full day of your Belfast to Shannon luxury tour dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.
Day 18: Depart Shannon
Location: Shannon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport.
Check out our Q&As
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.
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Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?
We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.
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What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?
A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.
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Who travels with Luxury Gold?
We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.
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What is the role of the Well-Being Director?
Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.
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Thursday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold 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.
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Terms and Conditions