Tour Description

Cross the Irish sea, explore historic cities shrouded in folklore and mystery, gawp at Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and appreciate a culture of cool from as far back as the Beatles. Through London, York, Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin and more, this 16-day tour of Britain and Ireland includes entrance into awe-inspiring attractions aplenty, including puckering up for the Blarney stone, cruising across Loch Ness and enjoying your very own Magical Mystery tour. It'll be love at first London site.

Priced From:

$ 3923pp ^*

From: 2023-10-13

To: 2024-03-15

Start Location: London, United Kingdom

End Location: London, United Kingdom

Trip Type: In Depth Explorer

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

London to Manchester via Liverpool

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar)

Good morning dear Londonites! And welcome to your 16-day deep dive into all things Great Britain & Ireland. Big things are just around the corner. So big we've nicknamed one of them Big Ben. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent – this is the call of the day as we pull up in lively Liverpool. Tonight we’ll bed down in Manchester – Liverpool’s neighbouring city and fellow home of musical royalty. Dinner’s included tonight and after that, you’re free to explore. Just remember that toniiiiiight, you’re a rock and roll star.

Manchester to York

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth (or similar)

Lap up your last dose of Manchester before we go back to the time of the Vikings... in the traditional walled city of York. 2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes of York, exploring the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alleyways & prepare to be spooked.

York to Lake District

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)

Even if the ghosts of York kept you awake all night, you're going to need to rise and shine and wave goodbye to the Harry Potter like setting of this ancient city. Whatever you do, don't Google this place before we arrive. It will spoil the surprise of its unfathomable beauty. Endless green hills, 16 serene lakes & streets of stone homes will have you pining for the country life.

Lake District to Edinburgh via Hadrian's Wall

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West (or similar)

Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! But first we'll take a spectacular drive this morning to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. Back in the 21st Century we'll find ourselves in Edinburgh, a city that, although still simmering in ancient history, comes alive with music festivals, a rousing creative scene & fun bars. Top the day off with a Scottish meal, complete with haggis and a traditional bagpiper.

Edinburgh

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West (or similar)

Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!!) to kickstart your love affair with this city. Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street or indulge in some whisky tasting.

Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)

It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for the Scottish Highlands. On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland’s oldest university town. Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in the Scottish Highlands amped up for mystical tales.

Scottish Highlands to West Highlands

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Bay Great Western Hotel (or similar)

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness and Glenfinnan Viaduct, the mood will only be rising. We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness, the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of... Feast your eyes on the railway viaduct – once a calling stop for the magical Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the breathtaking waters of Loch Shiel, which seems to stretch on endlessly. With breath-taking scenery still in mind, today's sights will leave you more than content with your day's discoveries.

West Highlands to Glasgow

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)

After a few days of remote and rugged goodness, a change of pace in Scotland's biggest city is sure to fire things up a notch. We make a stop in Stirling, known for its famous Castle nestled right on a hill, and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeeedom!" Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique.

Glasgow to Dublin

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Scotland, you've been unreal. If Ireland puts on half the show you did, we have many happy days ahead of us. We arrive in the port town of Larne, your first steps on Northern Irish soil, but not for long... So much more than the capital city, Dublin is a place of heritage, character, and more cute pubs than you could crawl in a week. End the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.

Dublin to County Cork

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Cork International (or similiar)

That's us done with Dublin…for now. But fear not Dub-lovers, we'll get another taste of this fine place before our trip comes to an end. Break up your coach hangs with some bicycle time in a city sure to leave you wanting Irish in your blood. Explore the castle, a cathedral and take in all of the medieval charm that Kilkenny has to offer before we hit the road again for County Cork. Welcome to vibrant County Cork! But not before the chance to sample some of Ireland's famous whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Midleton. Yum! Even when the skies are grey, County Cork is covered in colour and good vibes.

County Cork to Galway

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Hopefully you exhausted all of your cork puns yesterday, as today we are moving on, sightseeing our way to 2-nights in Galway. Irish folklore tells us there's a chunk of limestone built into a castle that grants its kissers the gift of the gab. Pucker up kids, we're paying her a visit! Whether heights are your cup of Irish Breakfast or not, these impressive cliff faces are not to be missed! From the moment we arrive in Galway, you'll understand why 2 nights were needed here. Everything you've dreamed Ireland to be is tucked into this small, atmospheric city. Step into a local pub and down Irish stew over live music and chats with locals. Outside will be just as lively, with buskers & colourful buildings lining the streets.

Galway

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Head up to Dún Aonghasa (the ruins of a prehistoric fortress) - make sure you take photos, this area is not for the faint-hearted! Irish life, you so sweet.

Galway to Derry/Londonderry

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)

Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. Here the 17th century walls stand at 8 metres high speaking of times gone by when this area was in battle. Times may have changed, but we're still keen to soak up the history and learn a thing or two from our wise Local Guide.

Derry/Londonderry to Belfast

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Belfast City (or similar)

Today we've got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do. UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway - also known as those giant rock columns you've probably drooled over on Pinterest, needs to be seen to be believed. Get those hashtags ready, a snap with the group is essential on the mind-blowing natural formation. Next up - we'll arrive in Belfast. Concluding the day will be a driving tour and a trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.

Belfast to Dublin

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

With one night left in Ireland and on tour, we're on the fast track to Dublin where our Irish fairytale first began. A promise is a promise. Here we are back in the city that started our Ireland infatuations. Use this second stint to do your missed critical activities such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse where you can learn how to pull a pint the Irish way.

Dublin to London

Day 16

Duration: 1

We leave Ireland today with leprechauns in our hearts and memories in our souls. Enjoy the roll back to London town as it will be the last bout our crew has together. We've crossed the Irish Sea, motored through Wales, passed the town of try-to-say-it-out-loud Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, and now we are back in London. That's all folks! Pass the tissues, say your goodbyes, and make plans for your next adventure. Unless, of course, there's talk of a reunion tour. Greek Islands, anyone?

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2023-10-13

End Date: 2023-10-28

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4317

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4317

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5447

Start Date: 2023-10-20

End Date: 2023-11-04

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4571

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4571

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5767

Start Date: 2023-11-03

End Date: 2023-11-18

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4993

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4993

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 6388

Start Date: 2023-11-17

End Date: 2023-12-02

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4755

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4755

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 6084

Start Date: 2023-12-01

End Date: 2023-12-16

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4755

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4755

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 6084

Start Date: 2023-12-22

End Date: 2024-01-06

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4382

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4382

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5511

Start Date: 2023-12-27

End Date: 2024-01-11

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4382

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4382

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5511

Start Date: 2024-01-05

End Date: 2024-01-20

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4382

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 4382

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5511

Start Date: 2024-01-19

End Date: 2024-02-03

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5052

Start Date: 2024-02-09

End Date: 2024-02-24

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5052

Start Date: 2024-02-23

End Date: 2024-03-09

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5052

Start Date: 2024-03-03

End Date: 2024-03-18

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5052

Start Date: 2024-03-08

End Date: 2024-03-23

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5052

Start Date: 2024-03-15

End Date: 2024-03-30

twin

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 3923

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 5052