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Insight Vacations

Romantic Britain & Ireland

Classic Group, Summer Season

Everyday Price From

$9,882

$11,625

18 days

No Countries

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.

Locations Visited

London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln, York, Lake District National Park, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Loch Ness, Lock Duich, Skye, Fort William, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Torquay, Plymouth, Dartmoor, Stonehenge

Countries Visited

England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales

Travel Style

Regional

Accommodations

17 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon

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. Tonight, join your Travel Director for dinner at a local pub.

  • Accommodation

    DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon


  • Meals

    Dinner

Highlights

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Oxford Orientation

See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.

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Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in 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.

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Stratford-upon-Avon Dinner

Savour British cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Hilton York


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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York Orientation

Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Virgin Hotels Edinburgh


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit William Wordsworth's Grave in Grasmere

Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Virgin Hotels Edinburgh


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Edinburgh Castle Visit

Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.

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Edinburgh City Tour

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.

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Witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

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 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the world's oldest golf 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. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many of its traditional features.

  • Accommodation

    Kingsmills Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Afternoon Tea

    Dinner

Highlights

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Visit the University Town of 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.

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Visit Pitlochry

Visit this town, famous for its salmon leap.

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Inverness Orientation

See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.

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Atholl Palace Afternoon Tea

Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat, is over 130 years old. The Palace plays host to your afternoon tea. You are welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet.

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.

  • Accommodation

    The Dunollie Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Loch Ness Cruise

Board your cruise on a loch stretching 37 kilometres through the Great Glen Fault, created by tectonic shifts millions of years ago. Its deepest point reaches 230 m (754 ft) and visibility is near zero due to peat content, conditions that have long inspired tales of Nessie, the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Pass Aldourie Castle and hear how this natural trench fuels both hydroelectric power and global fascination. 

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See Eilean Donan Castle

Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Radisson Blu Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Fort William World War II Commando Memorial

Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.

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Glasgow Orientation

See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Titanic Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Belfast City Tour

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.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Riu Plaza The Gresham


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Dublin City Tour

See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert

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.

  • Accommodation

    Riu Plaza The Gresham


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink. 

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.

  • Accommodation

    The George Hotel Limerick


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Galway Orientation

Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre 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.    

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See the Cliffs of Moher

Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.

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. 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.

  • Accommodation

    Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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See King John's Castle in Limerick

See King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone.

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Killarney Orientation

Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.

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Killarney Sunday Roast

There's nothing quite as homely as the Irish tradition of a Sunday roast, served with all the trimmings.

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? At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.

  • Accommodation

    Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Seaweed Foraging Walk

Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

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The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

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.

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Dine-Around in Killarney

Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Granville Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Blarney Stone

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.

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Visit the House of Waterford Crystal

Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilise traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.

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See the Reginald Tower in Waterford

Explore the town and see Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls.

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.

  • Accommodation

    Clayton, Cardiff


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Rosslare to Pembroke Ferry

Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.

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Cardiff Orientation

Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city.

Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director, through the Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths, Britain's only thermal, mineral springs. 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.

  • Accommodation

    The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Bath Orientation

During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.

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Visit the Roman Baths

Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artefacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

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Glastonbury Orientation

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.

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. At dinner this evening, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes.

  • Accommodation

    The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms)


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

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Dartmoor National Park Walk

Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration. 

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Plymouth Harbour Scenic Cruise

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

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Torquay Celebration Dinner

Blend a little wine with great cuisine and good company for a rousing dinner.

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 your hotel in London.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

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Visit Stonehenge

Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

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