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.
From $3,938* per person twin share
WAS $4,495* per person twin share
Save: $537* per person
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After leaving your London hotel delve into centuries of history today – tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as we arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Centre, before embarking on your 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, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, our home for tonight.
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 featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
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 for a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
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.
Dive Into Culture and discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. 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.
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 crafters at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.
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.
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 where your memorable holiday in Britain and Ireland comes to an end.
Save up to 15% on 2024 travel: Save up to AU$4,000 per couple on select 2024 spring, summer and fall departures with Insight Vacations, Trafalgar or Costsaver as featured on the brand’s website as “Last Minute Deals” or “Seasonal Sale”. New bookings only made with deposit between 29 March 2024 and 30 May 2024. Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure; whichever comes first. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. May be combined with 5% Global Tour Rewards savings only, not combinable with Global Tour Rewards Double Member Benefit offer, group discounts or custom group bookings, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply.^Please note trip is not considered confirmed until receipt of a non-refundable deposit per booking conditions. If not received within three (3) business days of initial booking, the reservation will automatically be canceled. On certain departures, deposits may be required at time of booking to hold seats. AU$200 per person deposit required at time of booking for Level 1 tours to hold space; some trips require payment in full at time of booking.
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*Terms & Conditions apply: Save $150 per person on select 2024 trips with Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki. Save $150pp on tours 7 days or more by quoting: PP150WORLD24. Discount is exclusive for Helloworld Travel, for new bookings only between 8 March and 14 April 2023. Prices are per person twin share and are land only. Single supplements apply. Standard Payment Terms apply, unless combined with another promotional offer whereby stricter payment conditions may apply. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Discounts are subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn at any time without notice. Savings are combinable with The Big Tour Sale and other Ongoing Deals (I.e. Global Tour Rewards, Multiple Trip Discount, etc.) should the chosen trip departure qualify. Offer not valid on special departure and interest groups, Future Travel Credit (FTC) carry forward discount or pre and post accommodation. Offer is not transferable to other dates. Further restrictions apply, for full details, please check with your agent at time of booking.
