18 days tour

Romantic Britain & Ireland (Small Groups, 18 Days)

Romantic Britain & Ireland (Small Groups, 18 Days)

This tour includes:

Meals

8 Dinner with Wine (DW) 17 Breakfast (B) Stratford-upon-Avon: Get to know your fellow travellers during your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Blair Atholl: Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream. Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Irelandโ€™s national drink. Killarney: Thereโ€™s nothing quite as homely as the English tradition of a Sunday roast, served with all the trimmings. Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening. Torquay: Blend a little wine with great cuisine and good company for a rousing end of tour Celebration Dinner.

Accommodation

Stratford-upon-Avon: The Stratford is an award-winning boutique hotel in the centre of this historic town. York: The Hilton York is situated within the city walls, close to the York Minster and the best this city has to offer. Edinburgh: Located in a Georgian terrace in the heart of the city, the Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - Royal Terrace is a short walk away Princeโ€™s Street. Inverness: The traditional Columba Hotel provides enviable views over the River Ness and Inverness Castle. Isle of Skye: Boasting an incredible location by Broadford Bay, The Dunollie Hotel is set at the base of outstanding mountains. Glasgow: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow features award-winning architecture, boasting a stunning atrium and rooms with wall-to-ceiling windows. Belfast: The Europa Hotel is located in the heart of Belfast City Centre and offers elegant dรฉcor, a contemporary bistro and a relaxing piano bar. Limerick: The George Hotel Limerick is a modern, centrally-located boutique hotel and provides the perfect base for exploring what wonders Limerick has to offer. Killarney: In the heart of the town centre, the Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa overlooks Killarney National Park and is the perfect location to enjoy the stunning scenery and the local โ€™craic.โ€™ Waterford: Dooleyโ€™s Hotel Waterford has been family-run for generations and is conveniently located inside Waterfordโ€™s City Centre. Cardiff: Clayton Hotel Cardiff is located in the heart of the city on St. Mary Street, just a short walk from Cardiffโ€™s premium sporting facility, Millennium Stadium. Torquay: The Imperial Torquay is perched on a cliff top overlooking the English Channel and was a favourite haunt of Agatha Christie, who wrote about it in several of her novels.

Guide

York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city. Cardiff: Learn more about Walesโ€™ capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.

Others

1 Afternoon Tea (AT) Choose between two carefully selected activities 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. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago. Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master craftsmen utilise traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops. Ring of Kerry: Visit a local seaweed farm striving to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts. Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town. Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably historyโ€™s most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses. Lincoln: Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old. Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave. 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. Edinburgh: 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. Edinburgh: 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 Edinburgh Military Tattoo. St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from โ€™Chariots of Fireโ€™ was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created. Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city. Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise. Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle. Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial. Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungoโ€™s Cathedral. Belfast: 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. Youโ€™ll also see the City Hall, Queenโ€™s University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. Dublin: A Local Expert will show you Dublinโ€™s elegant Georgian squares, Oโ€™Connell Street and the Custom House. Galway: Enjoy an orientation tour of the many landmarks in Galway such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square. Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs. Limerick: See King Johnโ€™s Castle, St. Maryโ€™s Cathedral and the treaty stone. Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation. Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Waterford: Explore the town and see Reginaldโ€™s Tower and the remains of the city walls. Rosslare Harbour: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey. Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the worldโ€™s largest music festivals. Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your clientโ€™s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Transport

: Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. : Enjoy the comfort of Insightโ€™s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Romantic Britain & Ireland (Small Groups, 18 Days)

  • Day 1 Day 1: Oxford And Stratford-Upon-Avon
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      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. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks at a local pub.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Lincoln And Medieval York
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Lincoln And Medieval York

      Travel through the heart of โ€˜Robin Hood Countryโ€™ on your way to visit Lincoln. Continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain and one of Englandโ€™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 Cliffordโ€™s Tower.

  • Day 3 Day 3: The English Lakes To Edinburgh
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: The English Lakes To Edinburgh

      Drive through the Lake District National Park, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes, inspiring a host of English poets. Stop in Wordsworthโ€™s village of Grasmere and see the poetโ€™s grave in the churchyard. Cross the border at Gretna Green, where runaway lovers were married, and continue to the Scottish capital.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Scotlandโ€™S Capital Of Culture
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Scotlandโ€™S Capital Of Culture

      Travel down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse โ€” of๏ฌcial 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 โ€” a colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.

  • Day 5 Day 5: St. Andrews And Inverness
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: St. Andrews And Inverness

      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 โ€™Chariots of Fireโ€™ 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.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 Day 6: Across The Sea To Skye
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Across The Sea To Skye

      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 Scotlandโ€™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 defense of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.

  • Day 7 Day 7: Loch Lomond And Glasgow
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Loch Lomond And Glasgow

      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 MacDonaldโ€™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 Glasgowโ€™s grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungoโ€™s Cathedral.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Across The Irish Sea To Belfast
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Across The Irish Sea To Belfast

      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, Queenโ€™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 Day 9: Dublin City Sightseeing. Relaxed Start
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Dublin City Sightseeing. Relaxed Start

      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, Irelandโ€™s โ€™fair city where the girls are so pretty,โ€™ and see Oโ€™Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St. Patrickโ€™s Cathedral, with your Local Expert.

  • Day 10 Day 10: A Pint Of The โ€™Black Stuffโ€™
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: A Pint Of The โ€™Black Stuffโ€™

      Experience Irelandโ€™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 Day 11: Galway, The Cliffs Of Moher And Limerick
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Galway, The Cliffs Of Moher And Limerick

      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 Center 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 Day 12: The Dingle Peninsula To Killarney Relaxed Start
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: The Dingle Peninsula To Killarney Relaxed Start

      In the morning, your Travel Director will show you the 12th century St. Maryโ€™s Cathedral, King Johnโ€™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 Day 13: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

      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 Irelandโ€™s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERยฎ 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?

  • Day 14 Day 14: Blarney Castle And Waterford
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Blarney Castle And Waterford

      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 Reginaldโ€™s Tower. On your guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal, you will meet an artisan and see their fine work.

  • Day 15 Day 15: Across The Irish Sea To Cardiff
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: Across The Irish Sea To Cardiff

      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 Day 16: Bath And Glastonbury
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 16: Bath And Glastonbury

      Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above Britainโ€™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 MATTERยฎ 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 Day 17: The Cornish Coast
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 17: The Cornish Coast

      Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbor 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 Day 18: Salisbury Plain And Stonehenge
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 18: Salisbury Plain And Stonehenge

      Start the day by crossing the Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, the worldโ€™s most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. Your escorted journey draws to a close upon return to the Victoria Park Plaza hotel in London.

+15
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 5 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

Select a country to define if the visa is required