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Insight - Romantic Britain & Ireland - Small Group (04/2024 - 07/2024) (SB908ZN19)

20 Days From London to London 
Tour Style: Britain and Ireland
Insight Brochure Price from $7,195.00
Brochures: Europe & Britain Premium 2023 v2, Europe & Britain Premium 2024 v1
Visits: England, Ireland

Nurture your soul on this romantic tour of Oxford’s cobbled alleyways, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. Spanning the stunning Lake District, Britain’s yesteryear Viking capital of York, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford and William Wordsworth’s home village of Grasmere, this three week tour has it all. In Ireland, the lofty Cliffs of Moher offer truly stunning vistas, while the Dine Around in Killarney experience serves up a traditional Sunday roast dinner—with all the trimmings. The journey through the Ring of Kerry boasts breathtaking views of mountains fading into the distant sea and after a stop at the famous kissing stone in Blarney Castle, Local Experts add some extra sparkle with a personal tour through the House of Waterford Crystal.
Choice Highlights
  • 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.

Well-being
  • : 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.
  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
  • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Travel Director
  • : "One food I really love introducing my guests to is haggis because it’s surprisingly really nice and they love hearing about how it’s made. "
  • : "Towering mountains, glittering lochs, beautiful forests, crumbling toothy ancient castles, rushing rivers, grand vistas, clear air... there's nowhere else like the Highlands, in how it looks but also how it feels: strong, bright, impressive and light."
  • : "One person my guests love to meet is a real musician because they love Irish music and love to experience it in its own land."

Top Rated Highlights
  • 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.
  • Lincoln: Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old.
  • York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
  • 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 'Chariots of Fire' 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. Mungo'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. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
  • Dublin: A Local Expert will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'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 John's Castle, St. Mary'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 Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls.
  • Rosslare Harbour: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.
  • Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
  • 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 world's largest music festivals.
  • Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Authentic Dining
  • 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 Ireland's national drink.
  • Killarney: There'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.
  • Dining Summary: 19 Breakfast (B), 8 Dinner with Wine (DW), and 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Make Travel Matter
  • 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.

Insight Experiences
  • 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.
  • 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.

Insight Tour Itinerary

Day 1Welcome 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.
Visits: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Victoria, London.
Day 2Oxford and Stratford
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.
Visits: London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.
Day 3Lincoln and Medieval York
Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country’ on your way to visit Lincoln. Continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain and one of England'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 Clifford’s Tower.
Visits: Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln, York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Hilton York.
Day 4The 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 Wordsworth’s village of Grasmere and see the poet’s grave in the churchyard. Cross the border at Gretna Green, where runaway lovers were married, and continue to the Scottish capital.
Visits: York, Lake District National Park, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh.
Day 5Scotland’s Capital of Culture
Travel down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse — official 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 — a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.
Visits: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh.
Day 6St. 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 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Your travels continue as you cross the Tay. 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.
Visits: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Culloden, Inverness
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.
Day 7Across 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 Scotland'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 defence of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.
Visits: Inverness, Loch Ness, Lock Duich, Skye
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
Day 8Loch 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 MacDonald'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 Glasgow's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral.
Visits: Skye, Fort William, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Day 9Across 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, Queen'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.
Visits: Glasgow, Belfast
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Europa Hotel, Belfast.
Day 10Dublin 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, Ireland's 'fair city where the girls are so pretty,' and see O’Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with your Local Expert.
Visits: Belfast, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin.
Day 11A pint of the 'Black Stuff'
Experience Ireland'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.
Visits: Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin.
Day 12Galway, 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 Centre 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.
Visits: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The George Hotel Limerick.
Day 13The Dingle Peninsula to Killarney Relaxed Start
In the morning, your Travel Director will show you the 12th century St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’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.
Visits: Limerick, Adare, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Day 14Ring 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 Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® 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? In the evening, you are invited to choose your own dining experience from a selection of restaurants in Killarney for your Dine-Around Evening.
Visits: Killarney, Ring of Kerry
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Day 15Blarney 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 Reginald's Tower. On your guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal, you will meet an artisan and see their fine work.
Visits: Killarney, Blarney Castle, Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: Granville Hotel, Waterford.
Day 16Across 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.
Visits: Waterford, Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Day 17Bath and Glastonbury
Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above Britain'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 MATTER® 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.
Visits: Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Torquay
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Day 18The Cornish Coast
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbour 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.
Visits: Torquay, Plymouth, Dartmoor
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Day 19Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge
Start the day by crossing the Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, the world's most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. Your escorted journey draws to a close on your return to London where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Visits: Torquay, Stonehenge, London
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Park Plaza Victoria, London.
Day 20Homeward Bound
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Visits: London
Meals: Breakfast


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

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Insight Tour Dates


Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour StartRetailRequest
Tue 04/16/24 $7,195.00
Tue 06/11/24 $7,475.00
Tue 07/23/24 $7,725.00
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