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Britain and Ireland Experience

This tour has other variations available

Everyday Price From

$2,633

$2,925

12 days

No Countries

Overview

Travel through landscapes that have inspired world-famous writers and poets, from Shakespeare to Robert Burns. On this journey across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, you’ll see medieval castles and cathedrals, wander past the famous Chester Rows and kiss the Blarney Stone. The idyllic settings of the Lake District, Dingle Peninsula and the Cotswolds give way to vibrant capitals and the little-known train station with the world’s longest name.

Locations Visited

London, Windsor, Bath, Cardiff, Pembroke, Rosslare Harbour, Waterford, Blarney, Tralee, Adare, Limerick, Shannon, Galway, Dublin, Holyhead, Liverpool, Haydock, Lake District, Gretna Green, North Queensferry, Edinburgh, York, Bradford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham, Oxford

Countries Visited

England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland

Travel Style

Regional

Accommodations

11 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

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Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

London – Windsor – Bath – Cardiff

All the highlights of Britain and Ireland lie ahead as your epic journey across two mystical islands kicks off in London. The 'Big Smoke’s' skyscrapers and boroughs give way to an idyllic countryside as you wind your way to Windsor. Arriving in Bath, you’ll admire the honey-colored Georgian architecture which gives this ancient Roman city its elegant aspect. Cross the Severn Estuary, the border between England and tiny Wales, where tonight its capital sets the stage for the rest of your memorable holiday.

  • Accommodation

    Holiday Inn Cardiff City Center


  • Meals

    Dinner

Join this morning’s Optional Experience to Cardiff Castle, a medieval fortress which has enjoyed a colorful history spanning centuries. Ancient ruins and lush countryside lie between the Welsh capital and your first stop in Pembroke. But first, your scenic drive will pass Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales and, legend has it, the birthplace of Merlin. See the 11th-century Pembroke castle where King Henry VII, the first of the Tudor line, was born, then board your ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland.

  • Accommodation

    Treacy's Hotel Waterford Spa & Leisure Center


  • Meals

    Breakfast

The delicate crystal for which Waterford is so famous takes center stage this morning during a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom. Leave all that Viking history behind and enjoy the charming scenery en route to Blarney Castle, where a quick kiss of the Blarney Stone will grant you the 'gift of the gab'. Your scenic drive continues past the Cork and Kerry Mountains. You’ll pass Killarney, where you could hop on an optional Jaunting Car ride, before continuing to Tralee, renowned for its annual Rose of Tralee International Festival.

  • Accommodation

    Benners Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

There won't be a moment you're not fixated on this wild landscape of stone monuments, deserted beaches and verdant pastures. Today's drive through the Dingle Peninsula is one filled with tiny villages, colorful fishing harbors and landscapes that have inspired poetry. Those incredible views will linger long after you leave Ireland's most westerly point, but there's more to see as you head to the prettiest village in Ireland, Adare. Continue to Limerick to see its medieval-era St. Mary's Cathedral and view King John's Castle, before arriving at your hotel in Shannon where tonight you'll dine in your hotel.

  • Accommodation

    Treacys Oakwood Hotel Shannon


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

This morning join an Optional Experience to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park delving into what Ireland was like in the 19th-century. After a chinwag with the 'locals', drive through the wild landscapes of County Clare bound for Galway, the 'place of foreigners'. See its modern cathedral before heading to the whimsical Irish capital. This evening, an optional dinner and Irish show will have your toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee.

  • Accommodation

    Dublin One


  • Meals

    Breakfast

You’re in good hands this morning as your Local Guide reveals all their secrets about this charismatic capital city with a small-town feel. View Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle, the 13th-century Norman fortress turned museum. This afternoon explore Dublin on your own or join an optional visit to one of the most important monastic sights in Europe. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient stories of Glendalough to life and show you around the beautiful landscapes of the garden of Ireland.

  • Accommodation

    Dublin One


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Say a fond slán go fóill to the 'Emerald Isle', crossing the Irish Sea bound for Holyhead on the Welsh Island of Anglesey. Get ready for a tongue twister you could only capture in a panoramic shot. View the station boasting one of the longest names in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, then head through the north coast of Wales to Liverpool where the musical 'Fab Four' had their start. This evening we head to Haydock in St. Helen's.

  • Accommodation

    Mercure Haydock


  • Meals

    Breakfast

After a busy week of sightseeing, you deserve an idyllic stop in 'the loveliest spot' that has inspired poetry and prose. Board an exclusive and optional cruise on Lake Windermere, skimming the northern coastline, deserted islands and Wray Castle. See the Lake District landscapes that William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter so admired before crossing the Scottish border bound for Gretna Green. Here you’ll learn how eloping couples would tie the knot over the legendary anvil against their parents’ wishes. Tonight, an Optional Experience could see you join your travel companions for a delicious traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Accommodation

    Doubletree Queensferry Crossing


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Discover Edinburgh’s mystical allure which has captivated writers, poets, politicians and royalty. Your Local Guide takes you past the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. You’ll explore the medieval Royal Mile and cross the City to the grand Georgian boulevards of New Town. The rest of the day is free to explore Edinburgh on your terms. Consider joining one of two special Optional Experiences, visiting the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle. This evening is your chance to enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. Time your visit to coincide with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and you'll get tickets included on certain departures!

  • Accommodation

    Doubletree Queensferry Crossing


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Your journey south ventures through what was once referred to as 'The Debatable Lands' where all that remains of Jedburgh Abbey are its 12th-century ruins. Admire the expansive Cheviot Hills at Carter Bar, snapping a selfie at the Anglo-Scottish border. Continue into Northumberland National Park to view Hadrian’s Wall, the largest Roman archaeological feature anywhere in the world. Then cross the Tyne River at Newcastle and stop in York, where an orientation tour will reveal the city’s medieval heritage and spiritual heart, its Gothic Minster. Wander down the narrow cobbled Shambles, before enjoying dinner. Then continue to your hotel in Bradford where you'll lay your head for the evening.

  • Accommodation

    Leonardo Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

The streets and squares of Stratford-upon-Avon remain much as they did in the time of Shakespeare. Embark on your own exploration of the historic market town where England’s famous bard was born and buried. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to Warwick Castle and even see the firing of the greatest of medieval siege weapons, the Trebuchet.

  • Accommodation

    DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Take a step back in time to the Cotswolds, a glorious collection of tiny thatched villages and rolling green hills. Your scenic drive through this historic corner of Britain will bring you to Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill is buried in the unassuming churchyard at St. Martin's Church. Churchill, widely credited with delivering the British nation from the brink of defeat to victory in World War II, loved the Cotswolds and spent his retirement here. Next up is a visit to Oxford, England’s oldest university city. See several of its iconic landmarks before continuing south to London, where you’ll bid your Travel Director and new friends a fond farewell.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

Essentials

  • View the Royal Castle

  • Visit the Georgian spa town

  • View Cardiff Castle

  • Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone 

  • View the prettiest village in Ireland

  • View King John's Castle and see St. Mary's Cathedral

  • See Galway Cathedral

  • See St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, the Georgian Squares and Trinity College with a Local Guide

  • Visit the Beatles' hometown

  • Visit this picturesque region

  • Visit this town, popular with eloping couples since 1754

  • With your Local Guide, see Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Castle

  • View the Jedburgh Abbey ruins

  • View the remains of the Roman wall

  • View York Minster and stroll along the Shambles

  • Visit the town of Shakespeare and see Anne Hathaway's cottage

  • View Sir Winston Churchill's grave

  • View the Bodleian Library

What's Included

Travel Director

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Host

  • The services of a Costsaver Local Host if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel

Hotel

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Meals

  • Many meals and daily breakfasts included

Orientation

  • City orientation tours

Headsets

  • Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences

Coach

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries

Optionals

  • Extensive variety of Choice Experiences

Dates & Prices

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Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes: 

  • ​International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.
  • ​Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of itinerary.

Terms & Conditions:

  • Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
  • Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
  • Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips.  Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).  
  • For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group. 
  • ​'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login.
  • For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Terms & Conditions page. 
  • Other conditions may apply. CST#2077132-20