Tour Britain And Ireland Grandeur (23 Days) | Visit United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Hygieneprotocol

You must be fully vaccinated to travel with us. Your final vaccine dose must have been administered a minimum of 15 days prior to the start of the trip. This is your second dose of Pfizer, Moderna, or Astra Zeneca, or single dose of Johnson & Johnson. You must be able to show documented proof of vaccination on trip. Your CDC card is sufficient (we recommend saving a picture on your smart phone as a backup option), but please be aware that certain destinations may require you to fill out additional forms online.

Others

1 Welcome Reception (WR) 22 Breakfast (B) 7 Dinner (D) Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness. York: Enjoy a traditional British Be My Guest dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of either their elegant town house in the city or in their impressive country house overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York. Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street. Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour. Falkirk: Visit Falkirk Wheel to learn about Scotland’s canal system at the world’s only rotating boat lift. Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years. Cornwall: See Plymouth’s famed landmarks and explore typical seaside villages during an orientation of the Cornish peninsula. Blarney: 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. Limerick: See Limerick’s iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director. Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement. Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square. Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married. Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands. Alnwick: See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county 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. London: See London’s iconic sites with a Local Specialist. Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you’ll discover the legend of the Giant’s Causeway as you explore and learn about this iconic natural landmark. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Explore London, Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist Discover Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, Guinness Storehouse, Falkirk Wheel, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle in Limerick, the scenic Lake District, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster See Galway Cathedral Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name. Cardiff: Learn more about Wales’ capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director. Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland’s enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Lahinch: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center 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. Sligo Bay: Explore this scenic town during an orientation with your Travel Director. Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents. Dublin: See Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows. Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven. Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch. Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever. 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. Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist 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. York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city. An expert Travel Director and professional Driver London: The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host when you stay at Brendan Vacations’ recommended London hotel London: Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Brendan Vacations recommended London hotel, booked through Brendan Vacations Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted All porterage and restaurant gratuities All hotel tips, charges and local taxes Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland Optional Experiences and free time On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Guide

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Meals

1 Be My Guest 1 Welcome Reception 22 Breakfasts 6 Dinners

Accommodation

Hilton London Kensington Hilton London Kensington Copthorne Hotel Plymouth Copthorne Hotel Plymouth Holiday Inn Cardiff City Center, Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Center The Fitzwilton Hotel Waterford Hotel Killarney Hotel Killarney The Connacht Hotel Galway Central Hotel Conference and Leisure Center Donegal AC by Marriott , Stormont Hotel Belfast The Address Hotel Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center The Address Hotel Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center Leonardo Hotel Liverpool North Lakes Hotel and Spa Penrith, Castle Green Hotel Kendal Courtyard by Marriott SEC, Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Center, Novotel Glasgow Center Kings Arms, The Dunollie, Broadford The Highlander Hotel Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Novotel Center Hilton London Kensington, The Tower

Not included:

Flights

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To London

The cosmopolitan capital that is London is yours to explore today - the perfect launch pad to discover what’s great about Great Britain. Spend the day relaxing in the Royal Parks, amble along the Thames or visit one of the many museums showcasing the art, culture and antiquities of what was once the British Empire.
Day 2 Day 2: Explore The Sights Of London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Explore The Sights Of London

Join a Local Specialist today for a memorable encounter with London’s most iconic sights. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey where Britain’s kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. Spend the rest of the day exploring London on your terms - shop for the best of British on Carnaby Street, admire the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus or visit ’The City’ with Christopher Wren’s great St. Pauls Cathedral.
Day 3 Day 3: Journey To Stonehenge And On To Plymouth
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Journey To Stonehenge And On To Plymouth

Meet your Travel Director today before journeying west to the Wiltshire landscapes of Salisbury Plain where you’ll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical megaliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.
Day 4 Day 4: Discover The Cornish Peninsula
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Discover The Cornish Peninsula

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.
Day 5 Day 5: Soak Up Bath And Off To Cardiff
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Soak Up Bath And Off To Cardiff

Arriving in Bath, we admire the city’s stylish Georgian façades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. We continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where we’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city’s proud heritage.
Day 6 Day 6: Cross The Irish Sea To Waterford
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cross The Irish Sea To Waterford

This morning, we see Cardiff’s iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Center and Victorian fantasy castle before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening we dine in our hotel.
Day 7 Day 7: Onwards To Blarney And Killarney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Onwards To Blarney And Killarney

Our first stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where we Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with master crafters. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab’, we journey to Blarney Castle where you’ll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.
Day 8 Day 8: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry

Ireland’s enduring natural beauty accompanies our leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. We pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll’s Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks.
Day 9 Day 9: Off To Limerick, The Majestic Cliffs Of Moher And Galway
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Off To Limerick, The Majestic Cliffs Of Moher And Galway

Stop in Limerick and view St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John’s Castle. Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries. You’ll visit the Visitor Center, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Your next overnight stop in Galway is a real treat for culture buffs. Ireland’s capital of music, song and dance and it’s the perfect place to dig deep into Ireland’s vibrant traditional arts scene first-hand.
Day 10 Day 10: Venture Into County Donegal
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Venture Into County Donegal

This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the town your way before dining at your hotel.
Day 11 Day 11: Explore Londonderry, The Giant’S Causeway And Belfast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Explore Londonderry, The Giant’S Causeway And Belfast

We cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant’s Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Our visit to the haunt of Finn McCool will help to conserve this iconic natural landmark. Our final stop today is in Belfast, where we’ll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city’s sights.
Day 12 Day 12: On The Road To Dublin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: On The Road To Dublin

We spend the morning with a Local Specialist ’Cabbie’ who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin later, we see St. Patrick’s Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance.
Day 13 Day 13: See The Sights Of Dublin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: See The Sights Of Dublin

Today you’ll gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a self-guided tour finishing at the Gravity Bar where you can sip on a pint of the black stuff while overlooking Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colorful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through St. Stephen’s Green.
Day 14 Day 14: Ferry Across To Historic Chester And Liverpool
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Ferry Across To Historic Chester And Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows. Later, we head to the haunt of the ’Fab Four’, edgy Liverpool, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 15 Day 15: Continue To The Beautiful Lake District
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Continue To The Beautiful Lake District

Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.
Day 16 Day 16: Journey North To Glasgow
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Journey North To Glasgow

The runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green is our first stop today, where we’ll tread in the footsteps of eloping couples who would take their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Continue to Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain’s most celebrated sons. Visit the Falkirk Wheel where you’ll Dive into Culture learning about the legacy of Scotland’s canals and experience the world’s only rotating boat lift.
Day 17 Day 17: Over The Sea To Skye
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Over The Sea To Skye

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the ’Glen of the Weeping’ and see Britain’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis. We’ll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye.
Day 18 Day 18: The Sights Of Loch Ness And Culloden In The Scottish Highlands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: The Sights Of Loch Ness And Culloden In The Scottish Highlands

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as ’Nessie’. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746.
Day 19 Day 19: Onwards To Edinburgh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Onwards To Edinburgh

We continue south and stop in Pitlochry before traveling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. We cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Day 20 Day 20: Explore Edinburgh Castle
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Explore Edinburgh Castle

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building.
Day 21 Day 21: Uncover York’S Treasures
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Uncover York’S Treasures

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where we’ll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavors and hospitality.
Day 22 Day 22: Journey To Stratford-Upon-Avon And On To London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Journey To Stratford-Upon-Avon And On To London

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor Center before returning to London this afternoon for our last evening at leisure.
Day 23 Day 23: Farewell London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Farewell London

We leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.

+20

23 days tour

Britain And Ireland Grandeur (23 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Britain And Ireland Grandeur (23 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To London

Day 2: Explore The Sights Of London

Day 3: Journey To Stonehenge And On To Plymouth

Day 4: Discover The Cornish Peninsula

Day 5: Soak Up Bath And Off To Cardiff

Day 6: Cross The Irish Sea To Waterford

Day 7: Onwards To Blarney And Killarney

Day 8: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry

Day 9: Off To Limerick, The Majestic Cliffs Of Moher And Galway

Day 10: Venture Into County Donegal

Day 11: Explore Londonderry, The Giant’S Causeway And Belfast

Day 12: On The Road To Dublin

Day 13: See The Sights Of Dublin

Day 14: Ferry Across To Historic Chester And Liverpool

Day 15: Continue To The Beautiful Lake District

Day 16: Journey North To Glasgow

Day 17: Over The Sea To Skye

Day 18: The Sights Of Loch Ness And Culloden In The Scottish Highlands

Day 19: Onwards To Edinburgh

Day 20: Explore Edinburgh Castle

Day 21: Uncover York’S Treasures

Day 22: Journey To Stratford-Upon-Avon And On To London

Day 23: Farewell London

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania