TouringForLess

Brendan - Britain and Ireland Highlights Summer 2023 (03/2023 - 10/2023) (BBIHZN18)

10 Days From London to London 
Tour Style: Regional Explorer
Brendan Brochure Price from $2,655.00
Brochures: Ireland and Scotland Tours 2023 v2, Ireland and Scotland Tours 2024 v1
Visits: England, Ireland

Short on travel time but want to see all the Britain and Ireland highlights? This trip delivers the genius of Shakespeare, Waterford crystal creations in Ireland and a hearty Welsh dinner at a local vineyard, with a side of ancient history, in just over one week.
Choice Highlights

Must-see Highlights
  • : Explore Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover York, Glasgow, Cardiff and Bath
  • : Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, Guinness Storehouse, the Irish National Stud and Japanese Garden, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, the Roman Baths in Bath and the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge
  • : View York Minster, Glasgow Cathedral and George Square, City Hall in Belfast, Kilkenny Castle and Gardens
  • : See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff

Iconic Experience
  • York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
  • 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.
  • Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
  • Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
  • 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.
  • 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: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
  • Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Dive Into Culture
  • 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.
  • Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
  • Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.

Be My Guest
  • Cardiff: Enjoy a hearty Be My Guest Welsh dinner with a farming family and their animals in the beautiful award-winning vineyards of Wales.

Brendan Tour Itinerary

Day 1Welcome to London
London bids you a warm welcome to its regal traditions and centuries-old heritage. Stroll through its Royal Parks to relax after your journey, or take to its streets to admire elegant façades merged with the modern verve of a global capital that marches to its own multi-cultural tune.
Visits: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank
Day 2Stratford-upon-Avon, York and on to Harrogate
Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as we visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Centre, before embarking on a scenic drive north to the Viking city of York, where we'll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening, we indulge in traditional pub grub at a Welcome Reception in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, our home for tonight.
Visits: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Harrogate
Meals: Breakfast, Welcome Reception
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Day 3Through the Scenic Lake District to Glasgow
We journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on our journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which we’ll pass as we continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. We'll cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. We drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow where our orientation will take us past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience to Braveheart Country for a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
Visits: Harrogate, Gretna Green, Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel
Day 4Explore Enchanting Edinburgh
From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh, with its exquisite medieval façades, our encounter with Scotland will see us join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour. We’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, and see the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening. Enjoy views of Glasgow Cathedral and George Square before a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Visits: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Accommodation: Novotel
Day 5Cross the Irish Sea to Belfast and Dublin
Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast, past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Board the ferry to Northern Ireland, then join a Local Specialist to explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in Belfast. We’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, we arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where we'll spend the next two nights.
Visits: Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mespil, Clayton Ballsbridge
Day 6Discover Diverse Dublin Dive Into Culture
Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of Guinness brewing, enjoy a Storehouse tour and a tasting. Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland, before spending the rest of the day exploring the sights alone. Ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.
Visits: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mespil, Clayton Ballsbridge
Day 7Journey to Kilkenny and on to Waterford Dive Into Culture
We Dive Into Culture this morning and gain insights into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud established in 1946. Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time for lunch. Our next stop sees us Dive Into Culture yet again to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. We'll watch master craftsmen at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.
Visits: Dublin, Waterford
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Marina
Day 8Ferry Across to Cultural Cardiff Connect with Locals
An early start to our sightseeing today sees us cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue our journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Wales Millennium Centre, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. This evening, we Connect With Locals in the idyllic Welsh countryside, joining a local family for a Farewell Dinner Be My Guest experience. Visit the oldest and largest vineyard in Wales, you’ll learn how the Norris family are using sustainable farming practices and get to meet some of the resident animals that roam the land freely. You’ll enjoy a homemade meal, enchanting stories of rural life in Wales and warm Welsh hospitality, leaving with the knowledge that your visit supports the family in their efforts to farm sustainably.
Visits: Waterford, Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Centre
Day 9Soak up Bath and Stonehenge then off to London
Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths from which the city derives its name. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge, then return to London.
Visits: Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge, London
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank
Day 10Farewell London
Say farewell to your traveling companions at the end of your vacation, as you prepare to fly home with wonderful memories.
Visits: London
Meals: Breakfast


Available Room Types: Single, Triple, Twin, Twinshare
Child: ages 5 to 17

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