Romantic Britain & Ireland
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 19 Breakfast (B)
- 8 Dinner (D)
- 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
Authentic Dining
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Savor British cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant.
- Pitlochry: Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat, is over 130 years old. The Palace plays host to your afternoon tea. You are welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet.
- Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
- Killarney: There's nothing quite as homely as the Irish 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 dinner.
Insight Choice
- Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
Insight Experiences
- Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
- Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilize traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.
Make Travel Matter
- Ring of Kerry: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
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.
- 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: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- 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 Royal 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.
- Pitlochry: Visit this town, famous for its salmon leap.
- 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 on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch.
- 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: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
- Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take center stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
- Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
- 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, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- 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.
- Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artefacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
- 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.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19732
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 269.651A
Starts: London, United Kingdom
Finishes: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 20 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9,796 ($490 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London
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. Tonight, join your Travel Director for dinner at a local pub.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford Manor.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hilton, York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
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 colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.
Accommodation: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the world's oldest golf 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 and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many of its traditional features.
Accommodation: Kingsmills, Inverness
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
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 defense of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.
Accommodation: The Dunollie, Broadford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Titanic, Belfast
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
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 Center 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.
Accommodation: The George, Limerick
Meals: Breakfast
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. 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.
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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? At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.
Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Granville, Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director, through the Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths, Britain's only thermal, mineral springs. 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.
Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. At dinner this evening, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes.
Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, London
Meals: Breakfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Neil H. - Traveled, October 2024
Insight have been doing this for awhile and this shows there professionalism and experience was always provided. Spent a lot of time on bus and ferries over 4500km in 18 days. We could of spent less time in some places and more at others in saying that i know weather & traffic some time governs what plays out each day made it memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Pamela C. - Traveled, October 2024
The itinerary was great but there was not enough time at each spot. Everyone kept saying they felt rushed. The places we went however were amazing and so was our tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2024
Everything was wonderful and were outstanding. The only improvement I would recommend is the food. It was basically the same most nights and the food was overdone. Breakfast and appetizers were great. It was just the dinners that were lacking.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, August 2024
The staff from Insight was wonderful. Our original tour guide became ill on our first day and was unable to continue. Insight worked quickly and we had a new guide by the next morning. Our guides were wonderful Very knowledgeable and fun. Our driver, was excellent. He really helped out when the first tour guide became ill. I feel like we were able to experience the major sites in the British Isles.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
Good job. It would have been nice to have had more than just a few hours at some locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
It would have been nice to have had more than just a few hours at some locations. It is a lot of bus time, but it is necessary in order to see so much of the countryside. Most of the stops were fantastic; we thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip. It didn’t seem like some of the hotels were as nice as previous Insight tours although a few of them were quite lovely. All in all, it was a fantastic trip and would highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Sophia and Klod were great was a trip of a lifetime both the tour guide and the driver were excellent. All the sites we saw were beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Wonderful Itinerary and fabulous tour director!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Kim T. - Traveled, October 2024
It was a busy but manageable itinerary. Our TD was wonderful and nothing was a problem. Only thing I was disappointed about was our tour showed Culloden but we did not go there, and there was many on our coach that expected this as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Darren L. - Traveled, October 2024
Trip was very well organized and structured. The guide and driver were both fantastic and went out of their way to provide exceptional service. The geographical locations were fabulous as well as all of the hotels. Would travel with Insight Vacations again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Wayne P. - Traveled, October 2024
We had one of the best tour guides I've ever had. I've been on many land tours and cruises and we couldn't have asked for a more organized, considerate and cheerful person as tour guide. I would recommend this tour to any couple who wants to see the best sights in 5 countries and be comfortable. We stayed at most 4-5 hotels and the whole package was extremely well done. The itinerary was incredibly complete. I reviewed the sites we were visiting and compared that with other tour companies and Insight was packed with all the places in Britain and Ireland that my wife and I ever wanted to see. It was a fulfilling tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Joyce P. - Traveled, October 2024
Service was impeccable from beginning to end!!! We never felt stressed or unhappy!! All went smoothly and we saw and did even more than we expected!!! Worth everY bit of the money!!!! This is our third Insight land tour! It met all and more of our expectations and did not disappoint. Our tour guide, Sophie Peacock provided us with so much detail and her concern for all the tourists on the bus was part of the reason the tour was so memorable. She should be commended for her hard work !!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
This was our first long holiday overseas. A fellow traveler from New Zealand had a cough which from the start sounded very infected. Cut a long story short by the end of our trip everyone on the bus was sick. My wife & I got sick 4 days into the trip. There should be rules put in place for anyone sick & intends to travel. I ended up in the emergency room once I got home. We are keeping in touch with some of our travelers & some have ended up with pneumonia. If it was not for our amazing tour guide Sophie Peacock & excellent driver, this trip would have been a total disaster. Majority of our fellow travelers have vowed never to go on a bus trip again or recommend. Yes
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Jo Ann T. - Traveled, October 2024
There were some visited locations where time was way too short & felt rushed… I felt Communication was very reliant on Electronic devices & specific software Overall enjoyed trip other than a lot of sitting on the bus every day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Lindsay H. - Traveled, October 2024
Understand that the weather may be rainy and overcast, but those were the conditions our forefathers lived within centuries ago when there was no fuel and heating like we have today.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/01/2024
Thomas R. - Traveled, September 2024
Fast paced tour that covers much of the significant sites in England and Ireland.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
3 weeks is too long and there is no time to relax and enjoy the towns.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
no issues with service. The bus driver was incredible. Really liked not having to mess with luggage. Hotels were very good and service was as well. A very good tour, but not excellent as if you do the optional tours there is no time to explore many cities. The day is full. And many times there was not adequate time for lunch.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2024
Kym G. - Traveled, September 2024
Smoothly run. Excellent tour guide and coach driver was brilliant. Saw some beautiful scenery, historic locations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
Too many locations and not enough time to explore them. More information about the local history would have been good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2024
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