Britain & Ireland Discovery with Insight Vacations

22 days

04 May 25 to 17 Sep 25

Book by 20 Feb 25

Take a remarkable 22-day journey through Britain and Ireland, where history and culture come alive with insights from Local Experts. Explore the ancient Roman city of Bath, tour the renowned Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, and admire the stunning Edinburgh Castle. Wander through the medieval streets of Kilkenny and visit its historic castle. Cross the Salisbury Plains to uncover the mysteries of Stonehenge, a 5,000-year-old wonder. In York, let the charm of narrow streets and centuries-old homes transport you to the heart of its Viking heritage.

Includes

22 Day Insight Vacations Guided Holiday
21 Nights in stylish, hand picked hotel accommodation
Authentic dining inclusive of 21 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 11 Dinners
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned coach
An expert Insight Travel Director
From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination
Baggage handling everywhere, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels
Hotel and restaurant tips are included
Personal radio headsets, gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your local expert's fascinating insights and commentaries
Additional experiences during your free time that can be purchased at an additional cost
Top Rated Highlights
Oxford Orientation
York Orientation
Visit Gretna Green
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
Visit William Wordsworth's Grave in Grasmere
See Ebenezer Place in Wick
See Eilean Donan Castle and much more!
Unique Insight Experiences
Londonderry City Tour: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.

Excludes

Flights
Transfers not mentioned
Visas
Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature

Extras

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge can be signed up for on tour at an additional cost.
Airport Transfers: If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Smaller coaches without extra legroom or onboard washroom may be used.
Please note some departures are not definite departures.

Highlights

21 Nights in stylish hotel accommodation
33 Meals
Unique Insight Experiences

Itinerary

Day 1: London to Stratford-upon-Avon

At 08:00, meet your Travel Director at the hotel in London. After a warm welcome, settle into your luxury coach and head westward through the green Chiltern Hills. Stop in Oxford, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the City of Dreaming Spires, home to the world's most famous university. With time at leisure, why not enjoy a visit to the renowned Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market? Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit the half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born, now a museum full of memorabilia relating to his life. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a local restaurant for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks. Accommodation: Swan's Nest Hotel Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Medieval York

A leisurely drive brings you to the historic city of York; its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. Inside the ancient city walls, see the York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe. Explore the maze of narrow streets to the topsy-turvy Shambles, where warped, overhanging timber-framed houses lean so far that they almost touch! Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation: Hilton York Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: By the Lakes to Edinburgh

Travel across the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines to the picturesque Lake District. A scenic wonderland awaits, with rugged mountains and tranquil waters that inspired a host of English poets, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson and Shelley. After a visit to Wordsworth’s grave in the village of Grasmere, cross into Scotland and stop briefly at Gretna Green. This is the famous spot where runaway lovers were married over the anvil at the blacksmith's shop. Then it’s on to the majestic Scottish capital. Accommodation: Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Scotland's City of Culture

Join a Local Expert for a trip along Princes Street to see the ornate Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott and the elegant 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - the official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King and visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland - Scotland's glittering Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery? In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Accommodation: Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Fife and Aberdeen

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? Alternately, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Accommodation: Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Aberdeen to Wick

Start the day with stop at Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746 and visit the Culloden Visitor Centre. Then set sail on 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. Your travels then follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Don't blink as you drive on to your hotel - you pass Ebenezer Place, which at 2.06 m, is the world's shortest street! Accommodation: The Norseman Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Orkney Islands Experience

Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II. Accommodation: The Norseman Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Over the Sea to Skye

Relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of lochs and mountains on your way to the fishing town of Ullapool. Continue alongside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, before crossing to the magical Isle of Skye - the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear the story of the song 'Over the Sea to Skye,' which tells of young Flora MacDonald and how she helped to rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie, who fled in disguise after his defeat at Culloden. Admire the scenic splendour on the way to your hotel in Broadford. Accommodation: The Dunollie Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Loch Lomond to Glasgow

Return to the mainland to see the remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial for a chance to view Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continue on to the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. Stop on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, known as the 'Queen of Scottish Lakes' according to Sir Walter Scott, before arriving in Glasgow. Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hote Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Walk in the Giant’s Steps on the way to Londonderry

Cross the Irish Sea, enjoying views of the Island of Arran along the way. Once you arrive in Northern Ireland, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty! The road clings to the coastline at the mouth of the famous Nine Glens of Antrim, alongside sandy beaches beneath towering basalt cliffs. Accommodation: Da Vinci's Hotel Derry Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Belleek and Sligo Bay

In the morning, meet Ronan, one of the nation's great storytellers, as he takes you inside Londonderry's well-preserved walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall, and cross the border to see O’Donnell’s Castle in Donegal. Journey south to the Belleek Pottery & Visitor Centre, nestled on the banks of the River Erne. Meet some of the specialist craftspeople and see artisan techniques in action during your visit. Then it’s on to your country retreat, set on the scenic shores of Sligo Bay. Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Sligo Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Galway and Limerick

Experience the beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Continue to Galway, where your Travel Director will show you St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Move onto your hotel in Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and Georgian houses. Accommodation: The George Hotel Limerick Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Adare to Killarney

Start the day with an exploration of Limerick where you will see King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Continue your journey through the land of song and legend via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, into County Kerry and onto your Killarney hotel. At night your Dine-Around Evening offers you authentic and intimate dining as you choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants, ranging in style and ambiance. Accommodation: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa | Great Southern Killarney Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 14: Ring of Kerry Experience

In the morning, enjoy a trip around the Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s most scenic journeys. See towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages, Ireland’s highest mountain range and the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. With time at leisure, perhaps hire a bicycle and take advantage of the many cycle trails that Killarney has to offer around the lake or through the National Park? Accommodation: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa | Great Southern Killarney Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Blarney Castle and Cork

During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the imposing facades of the Louvre, the Luxor obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and enjoy a drive along the Champs Élysées to Napoleon's Arc de Triomphe. Today enjoy an Insight Choice experience. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. You are in for a memorable evening starting with a delicious Celebration Dinner at the historic restaurant La Coupole, serving delicious French cuisine and wine. Accommodation: Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Kilkenny and Dublin

Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle. Learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue to Ireland’s lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish cabaret? Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: 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. Then meet your Local Expert who will show you the sights of the city, including Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House. The afternoon is at leisure. Accommodation: Trinity City Hotel Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Across the Irish Sea to Liverpool

Day 19: The Welsh Marches to Cardiff

Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle. Accommodation: Clayton, Cardiff Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Bath and Somerset

Cross the soaring Severn Bridge to reach the elegant Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in amphitheatre-style on the surrounding hills. An orientation of the city will show you the impressive Pulteney Bridge and gothic Bath Abbey, famous for the sculpture of angels climbing Jacob's Ladder. Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Plymouth | Copthorne Hotel Plymouth Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 21: Discover Dartmoor

Day 22: Ancient Stonehenge to London

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Your discovery of Britain and Ireland concludes upon your return to the hotel in London. Included Meals: Breakfast

Terms & conditions

Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Excludes flights, transfers, visas, travel insurance and anything not mentioned. Savings are not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. High season supplements and block out dates may apply, pricing varies pending departure date. Package excludes flights. You can do optional free-time add-on experiences in your free time and pay for them as you travel (additional costs apply). Insight Vacations reserves the right to withdraw promotional offers and adjust savings anytime. All savings / discounts mentioned have already been included in the advertised price. Pentravel and Tour Operator reserves the right to withdraw or amend promotional offers at any time. Save up to R35,000 per couple (up to R17,500 per person) on select 2025 guided holidays departures as “The Big Tour Sale”. Savings percent will vary depending on brand, trip and departure date. New bookings only made with deposit between 09 December 2024 and 20 February 2025. Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure; whichever comes first. R3000 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. At time of loading this may not be a definite departure. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.

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