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Insight Vacations
OFFER ID 1517233
Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group
Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, enjoy a pint at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Stud Farm in Kildare - the epicenter of Ireland’s thoroughbred horse breeding history. This all-encompassing tour showcases the regal heritage of Edinburgh Castle, the stunning beauty of England’s Lake District, the historic grandeur of Durham’s Romanesque cathedral and the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire in Wales. Pay homage to the literary legacy of Shakespeare as you visit his birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon, tour the medieval Shambles of old York, admire the ancient border of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall and set sail from Holyhead to Dublin, on this journey through Great Britain and Ireland.
Dining Summary
14 nights from $7,450 per person
Insight Vacations: Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group
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.
Accommodations: The Clermont Victoria, London
Day 2 - Stratford-upon-Avon and Medieval York
At 07:30, meet your Travel Director and journey to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue on to York where you walk within the old city walls to the crooked houses of the Shambles and see York Minster, England’s largest medieval cathedral. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner.
Accommodations: Hilton, York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh Relaxed Start
Stop in Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Then view part of Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument, once spanning 80 miles from coast-to-coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Cross the Scottish border to reach the elegant Scottish capital, Edinburgh.
Accommodations: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Scotland’s Capital of Culture
Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - of?cial Scottish residence of His Majesty the King - before crossing over to New Town. Next, walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and to see Scotland's Crown Jewels and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will enjoy the spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.
Accommodations: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - St. Andrews and 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? Your travels continue as you cross the Tay river. Journey via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.
Accommodations: AC by Marriott, Inverness , Hotel B&B, Inverness
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Loch Ness and Glencoe
In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. Continue your journey through some of the most stunning scenery in all of Scotland, found in the region of Glencoe. Reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and admire the incredible scenery as you cruise what is arguably one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, while enjoying a light lunch. Cross the English border before arriving at your lakeside hotel.
Accommodations: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - The English Lakes to Liverpool Relaxed Start
In the morning, discover the beauty of the Lake District. Continue to your hotel in Liverpool. In the afternoon, why not join The Beatles City Tour Optional Experience?
Accommodations: Maldron, Liverpool
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - North Wales and over to Dublin Relaxed Start
Today, continue through Wales and see the massive Conwy Castle before crossing over to the Isle of Anglesey. The village with the longest name in Europe will be visible - see if you are able to read it aloud! From the port of Holyhead, set sail for Dublin in Ireland.
Accommodations: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - In Dublin’s Fair City
Experience Ireland's national world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production.Later, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during sightseeing with a Local Expert. See famous O’Connell Street, the Custom House and Dublin Castle. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to soak up the Irish atmosphere or browse the shops along Grafton Street.
Accommodations: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - From Dublin to Killarney
Travel to Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse breeding region for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes visit of the National Stud with an equine professional. You then visit the acclaimed 100-year-old Japanese Gardens, where you can 'journey through life.' Cross the rolling pastures that encircle Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious and sustainable honey of the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.
Accommodations: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
In the morning, join a delightful trip around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Get a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life as you pass through Ireland’s highest mountain range and make your way to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear.
Accommodations: The Gleneagle, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 - Blarney Castle and Waterford
Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to climb up the ramparts and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Alternatively, visit the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener. Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, with its 11th century Reginald Tower. Enjoy a guided visit of the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!
Accommodations: Granville, Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff
From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive will then take you into the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and brilliant Principality Stadium.
Accommodations: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 - Roman Baths and Stonehenge
Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Your journey continues across Salisbury Plain for a visit to mysterious Stonehenge - no-one can be sure why they were built, or even how prehistoric man could move such huge blocks of stone. Upon your return to London you are at leisure for the rest of the day.
Accommodations: The Clermont Victoria, London
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 - Homeward Bound
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
12750 Center Court Drive South, Suite 120
Cerritos, CA 90703
USA
(661) 872-3940; (661) 327-2111