Tour Britain & Ireland Discovery (Small Groups, 24 Days) | Visit United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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. Killarney: Meet passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their beautiful guesthouse in Killarney, where you’ll hear more about their farm-to-table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coach of the Emerald Isle. On the farm they also grow and harvest all their own fruit and veg. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production. Enjoy the comfort of Insight’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.

Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination. York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city. Sligo Bay: Explore this scenic town during an orientation with your Travel Director. Cork: Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House. Chester: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the Jubilee Clock, the cathedral, city walls and famous black and white Rows. Cardiff: Learn more about Wales’ capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director. Plymouth: During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps. Afterward, explore a quaint Cornish fishing village.

Accommodation

23 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels

Others

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 harbor, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door. Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Join a Local Expert for a fascinating journey into the history of this remote part of the world. Londonderry: There’s no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland’s best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street. Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle with a Local Expert. On a guided tour, learn the history of this magnificent castle and that of the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries. Giant’s Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant’s Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor center, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. 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 program 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 history’s most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses. Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave. Gretna Green: Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married. 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 ’Chariots of Fire’ was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created. 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. 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. Wick: See the world’s shortest street, Ebenezer Place. John o’ Groats: Visit Britain’s most northerly, yet tiny, mainland village. Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle. Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral. Cairnryan: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. Belleek: Enjoy a guided tour of the porcelain production process and meet some of the specialist craftspeople. 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. Limerick: See King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the treaty stone. Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages. 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. Dublin: A Local Expert will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House. Dublin: Board the ferry to return to mainland Britain. Conwy: See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy down and enjoy amazing views out across the craggy mountains of Snowdonia. The spectacular castle was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in just four years between 1283 and 1287. Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey. Looe: Journey to the quaint coastal town of Looe. A holiday hotspot in the Victorian era, explore its comely stores and winding streets at leisure. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Meals

23 Breakfast (B) 11 Dinner with Wine (DW) Stratford-upon-Avon: Get to know your fellow travelers during your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Wick: Whiskys are known for their distinctive flavors, often bursting with the power and subtlety of the sea. Share a wee dram with a master distiller who imparts the age-old techniques. Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening. Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland’s national drink. Cornwall: Celebrate the culmination of your travels in style with delicious wine and local cuisine.

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 client’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.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

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

Day 1: Welcome To London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Day 2 Day 2: London To Stratford-Upon-Avon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: London To Stratford-Upon-Avon

At 08:00, meet your Travel Director at the trip’s hotel in London. After a warm welcome, settle into your luxury coach and head westward through the green Chiltern Hills. Stop in Oxford, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the City of Dreaming Spires, home to the world’s most famous university. With time at leisure, why not enjoy a visit to the renowned Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market? Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit the half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born, now a museum full of memorabilia relating to his life. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks.
Day 3 Day 3: Medieval York Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Medieval York Relaxed Start

A leisurely drive brings you to the historic city of York; its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. Inside the ancient city walls, see the York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe. Explore the maze of narrow streets to the topsy-turvy Shambles, where warped, overhanging timber-framed houses lean so far that they almost touch! Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 4 Day 4: By The Lakes To Edinburgh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: By The Lakes To Edinburgh

Travel across the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines to the picturesque Lake District. A scenic wonderland awaits, with rugged mountains and tranquil waters that inspired a host of English poets, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson and Shelley. After a visit to Wordsworth’s grave in the village of Grasmere, cross into Scotland and stop briefly at Gretna Green. This is the famous spot where runaway lovers were married over the anvil at the blacksmith’s shop. Then it’s on to the majestic Scottish capital.
Day 5 Day 5: Scotland’S City Of Culture
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Scotland’S City Of Culture

Join a Local Expert for a trip along Princes Street to see the ornate Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott and the elegant 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - the official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King and visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland - Scotland’s glittering Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Center or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Day 6 Day 6: The Highland Capital Of Inverness
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: The Highland Capital Of Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife. Make your way to St. Andrews, home to the Old Course and birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous ’Chariots of Fire’ scene was filmed? Alternately, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Cross the Tay and journey to Blair Atholl and pass the Grampian Mountains on the way to the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746 and visit the Culloden Visitor Center. Travel to Inverness, where your centrally located hotel is set on the banks of the River Ness and looks up to Inverness Castle.
Day 7 Day 7: Loch Ness To Wick
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Loch Ness To Wick

Start the day with 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. Your travels then follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Visit a whisky distillery to taste a wee dram and learn about the production of the national drink. Don’t blink as you drive on to your hotel - you pass Ebenezer Place, which at 2.06 m, is the world’s shortest street!
Day 8 Day 8: Orkney Islands Experience
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Orkney Islands Experience

Visit the most northern community on the British mainland, John O’Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands, where the hardy locals live ’below the wind and above the water.’ Your Local Expert takes you to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, the town of Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.
Day 9 Day 9: Over The Sea To Skye
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Over The Sea To Skye

Relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of lochs and mountains on your way to the fishing town of Ullapool. Continue alongside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, before crossing to the magical Isle of Skye - the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear the story of the song ’Over the Sea to Skye,’ which tells of young Flora MacDonald and how she helped to rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie, who fled in disguise after his defeat at Culloden. Admire the scenic splendor on the way to your hotel in Broadford.
Day 10 Day 10: Loch Lomond To Glasgow Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Loch Lomond To Glasgow Relaxed Start

Return to the mainland to see the remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial for a chance to view Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continue on to the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. Stop on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, known as the ’Queen of Scottish Lakes’ according to Sir Walter Scott, before arriving in Glasgow.
Day 11 Day 11: Walk In The Giant’S Steps On The Way To Londonderry
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Walk In The Giant’S Steps On The Way To Londonderry

Cross the Irish Sea, enjoying views of the Island of Arran along the way. Once you arrive in Northern Ireland, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty! The road clings to the coastline at the mouth of the famous Nine Glens of Antrim, alongside sandy beaches beneath towering basalt cliffs. Journey to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. This geological masterpiece was created by the cooling of lava which burst through the earth’s crust millions of years ago. Continue to the ancient walled city of ’Derry’.
Day 12 Day 12: Belleek And Sligo Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Belleek And Sligo Bay

In the morning, meet Ronan, one of the nation’s great storytellers, as he takes you inside Londonderry’s well-preserved walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall, and cross the border to see O’Donnell’s Castle in Donegal. Journey south to the Belleek Pottery & Visitor Center, nestled on the banks of the River Erne. Meet some of the specialist craftspeople and see artisan techniques in action during your visit. Then it’s on to your country retreat, set on the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.
Day 13 Day 13: Galway And Limerick
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Galway And Limerick

Experience the beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Continue to Galway, where your Travel Director will show you St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Move onto your hotel in Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and Georgian houses.
Day 14 Day 14: Adare To Killarney Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Adare To Killarney Relaxed Start

Start the day with an exploration of Limerick where you will see King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone.Continue your journey through the land of song and legend via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, into County Kerry and onto your Killarney hotel.
Day 15 Day 15: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

In the morning, enjoy a trip around the Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s most scenic journeys. See towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages, Ireland’s highest mountain range and the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. With time at leisure, perhaps hire a bicycle and take advantage of the many cycle trails that Killarney has to offer around the lake or through the National Park? At night your Dine-Around Evening offers you authentic and intimate dining as you choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants, ranging in style and ambiance.
Day 16 Day 16: Blarney Castle And Cork
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Blarney Castle And Cork

Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains this morning and head for Blarney. Visit the ruined 15th century castle that is home to the famous Stone of Eloquence. It is said that those whose lips caress the Stone of Eloquence are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Continue on to Cork, Ireland’s second most populous city, built on the River Lee. Enjoy a city tour before checking into your hotel.
Day 17 Day 17: Kilkenny And Dublin Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Kilkenny And Dublin Relaxed Start

Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle. Learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue to Ireland’s lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish cabaret?
Day 18 Day 18: In Dublin’S Fair City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: In Dublin’S Fair City

Experience Ireland’s national, world-famous drink with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. Then meet your Local Expert who will show you the sights of the city, including Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 19 Day 19: Across The Irish Sea To Chester
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Across The Irish Sea To Chester

Bid farewell to Ireland as you board the ferry to Wales. Cross the Isle of Anglesey, via the village bearing Britain’s longest name, and continue over the Menai Straits for a stop in the walled market town of Conwy to see the castle. Travel along the north coast of Wales and cross the English border to arrive at Chester. This fine town still boasts relics of its history as a Roman fortress, as well as the unique black and white shopping arcades, known as the Rows. An exploration with your Travel Director will show you the well-preserved city walls, Jubilee Clock and impressive cathedral.
Day 20 Day 20: The Welsh Marches To Cardiff Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: The Welsh Marches To Cardiff Relaxed Start

Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle.
Day 21 Day 21: Bath And Somerset
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Bath And Somerset

Cross the soaring Severn Bridge to reach the elegant Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in amphitheater-style on the surrounding hills. An orientation of the city will show you the impressive Pulteney Bridge and gothic Bath Abbey, famous for the sculpture of angels climbing Jacob’s Ladder. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Journey on to Somerset, see Wells Cathedral and Cheddar Gorge, as you make your way to Plymouth for the night.
Day 22 Day 22: Discover Dartmoor And The Cornish Coast Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Discover Dartmoor And The Cornish Coast Relaxed Start

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbor, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Back in Plymouth, enjoy a glass of wine and a delectable Celebration Dinner with your newfound friends as you toast to an inspiring journey.
Day 23 Day 23: Ancient Stonehenge To London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Ancient Stonehenge To London

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Return to your hotel in London for a final evening at leisure.
Day 24 Day 24: Homeward Bound
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Homeward Bound

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

+21

24 days tour

Britain & Ireland Discovery (Small Groups, 24 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Britain & Ireland Discovery (Small Groups, 24 Days)

Day 1: Welcome To London

Day 2: London To Stratford-Upon-Avon

Day 3: Medieval York Relaxed Start

Day 4: By The Lakes To Edinburgh

Day 5: Scotland’S City Of Culture

Day 6: The Highland Capital Of Inverness

Day 7: Loch Ness To Wick

Day 8: Orkney Islands Experience

Day 9: Over The Sea To Skye

Day 10: Loch Lomond To Glasgow Relaxed Start

Day 11: Walk In The Giant’S Steps On The Way To Londonderry

Day 12: Belleek And Sligo Bay

Day 13: Galway And Limerick

Day 14: Adare To Killarney Relaxed Start

Day 15: Ring Of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

Day 16: Blarney Castle And Cork

Day 17: Kilkenny And Dublin Relaxed Start

Day 18: In Dublin’S Fair City

Day 19: Across The Irish Sea To Chester

Day 20: The Welsh Marches To Cardiff Relaxed Start

Day 21: Bath And Somerset

Day 22: Discover Dartmoor And The Cornish Coast Relaxed Start

Day 23: Ancient Stonehenge To London

Day 24: Homeward Bound

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