Britain & Ireland Explorer
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 epicentre 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.
- 19 Jul 2026 – 31 Jul 2026
from $7,425 pp twin share * - 28 Jul 2026 – 09 Aug 2026
from $8,365.50 pp twin share * - 09 Aug 2026 – 21 Aug 2026
from $10,675 pp twin share * - 11 Aug 2026 – 23 Aug 2026
from $9,085.50 pp twin share * - 16 Aug 2026 – 28 Aug 2026
from $10,675 pp twin share * - 25 Aug 2026 – 06 Sep 2026
from $10,025 pp twin share * - 30 Aug 2026 – 11 Sep 2026
from $8,815.50 pp twin share * - 06 Sep 2026 – 18 Sep 2026
from $10,395 pp twin share * - 13 Sep 2026 – 25 Sep 2026
from $9,355.50 pp twin share * - 20 Sep 2026 – 02 Oct 2026
from $10,125 pp twin share * - 22 Sep 2026 – 04 Oct 2026
from $10,125 pp twin share * - 27 Sep 2026 – 09 Oct 2026
from $10,125 pp twin share * - 04 Apr 2027 – 16 Apr 2027
from $7,492.50 pp twin share * - 18 Apr 2027 – 30 Apr 2027
from $8,325 pp twin share * - 25 Apr 2027 – 07 May 2027
from $7,672.50 pp twin share * - 02 May 2027 – 14 May 2027
from $8,347.50 pp twin share * - 09 May 2027 – 21 May 2027
from $8,437.50 pp twin share * - 16 May 2027 – 28 May 2027
from $9,375 pp twin share * - 23 May 2027 – 04 Jun 2027
from $9,375 pp twin share * - 30 May 2027 – 11 Jun 2027
from $9,650 pp twin share * - 06 Jun 2027 – 18 Jun 2027
from $9,650 pp twin share * - 15 Jun 2027 – 27 Jun 2027
from $8,685 pp twin share * - 20 Jun 2027 – 02 Jul 2027
from $9,650 pp twin share * - 27 Jun 2027 – 09 Jul 2027
from $9,650 pp twin share * - 04 Jul 2027 – 16 Jul 2027
from $9,650 pp twin share * - 11 Jul 2027 – 23 Jul 2027
from $8,685 pp twin share * - 18 Jul 2027 – 30 Jul 2027
from $8,685 pp twin share * - 27 Jul 2027 – 08 Aug 2027
from $8,775 pp twin share * - 01 Aug 2027 – 13 Aug 2027
from $10,595 pp twin share * - 10 Aug 2027 – 22 Aug 2027
from $10,595 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Stratford and Medieval York:
Meet your Travel Director at the trip hotel in London and journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, 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 travelling companions for the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. - Day 2 – Durham, Hadrian’s Wall and Edinburgh:
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. This evening, consider an Optional Experience at a Scottish cultural dinner with haggis and ceilidh dancing. - Day 3 – Scotland’s Capital of Culture:
Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse – official 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 colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums. - Day 4 – 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. - Day 5 – 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. - Day 6 – The English Lakes to Liverpool:
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? - Day 7 – North Wales and over to Dublin:
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. - Day 8 – In Dublin’s Fair City:
Experience Ireland’s national world-famous drink with a 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. - Day 9 – 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. - Day 10 – Ring of Kerry Experience:
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. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants. - Day 11 – 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 dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte! - Day 12 – Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff:
From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive then takes you through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff. Here, see the University of Wales, the Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum. - Day 13 – Roman Baths, Stonehenge and London:
Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, see the incredibly well-preserved remains of one of the greatest spas of the ancient world, still flowing with the natural hot water from the springs below. 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. Your exploration of Britain and Ireland draws to a close upon your return to the hotel in London.
Highlights
- Visit the Roman Baths, Guinness Storehouse, and National Stud Farm.
- Marvel at the regal heritage of Edinburgh Castle and the beauty of the Lake District.
- Pay homage to Shakespeare and tour medieval landmarks across England and Wales.
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 epicentre 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.
Inclusions
- 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.
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- Durham: See the castle and Romanesque cathedral.
- Hadrian’s Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
- 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.
FAQs
- Castle Green, Kendal
- Clayton, Cardiff
- Granville, Waterford
- Hilton, Dublin, Trinity City, Dublin
- Hilton, York
- Kingsmills, Inverness, The Glen Mhor
- Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh
- Maldron, Liverpool
- The Gleneagle, Killarney
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 13 days and 12 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 19 Jul 2026 and 03 Oct 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Insight VacationsFine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.