Castles and Kingdoms
Experience Overview
From London to Edinburgh and over the Irish Sea to Belfast and Killarney this adventure across Ireland and Great Britain pairs iconic sights with once in a lifetime experiences. Join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London and bear witness to the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military tradition in the world. In Northern Ireland, join a local ranger to explore the spectacular Giant’s Causeway and in England, journey to the majestic 11th-century Alnwick Castle—known to many from the Harry Potter films.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 20 Breakfast (B)
- 9 Dinner (D)
- 4 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Bath: Visit the historic Roman Baths, which draw from Britain’s only natural mineral springs and gave the Georgian city its name. This remarkably preserved historic site was once a gathering spot for Romans to bathe and socialise over 2,000 years ago.
- Bath: Visit the immersive Jane Austen Center dedicated to the writer who lived here in the early 1800s and used the city as a setting for two of her novels. Learn about her life, her works and the Regency period from entertaining actors. Choose between two carefully selected activities
- York: Embark on a leisurely guided tour to the grand York Minster, an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
- York: Get active and follow a Local Expert as you walk on the 13th century city walls and you soak up the spectacular views of River Ouse and the Old Town. Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Edinburgh: Visit the 17th century Mary King's Close with a Local Expert, walk in the footsteps of former residents and unlock fascinating stories from Edinburgh's sometimes dark past.
- Edinburgh: Try a wee dram of whisky as you embark on a tasting experience of this Scottish staple. Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Belfast: Join a Local Expert and enjoy a panoramic tour as they explain the city's turbulent history, evolution and current prosperity. On this tour, you'll see the City Hall, Queen's University, and the Parliament Building at Stormont.
- Belfast: Join a local artist and discover Belfast through its street art and learn how this art form plays an essential role in forging a new narrative for this progressive city.
- Dublin: No trip to Ireland would be complete without a taste of the black elixir of Ireland. Explore the Guinness Storehouse and learn how to pull the perfect pint.
- Dublin: Discover a world of flavors during a tour and whiskey tasting at Pearse Lyons Distillery, home of cocktail exploration and modern Irish whiskey. Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Ashford Castle: Take part in a unique falconry experience at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland.
- Ashford Castle: Join a guided historical tour of the 800-year-old Castle, that was once the home of the Guinness family.
Additional Included Highlights
- Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
- In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
- Included at all hotels.
- Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
- Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
- On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
- Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
- Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.
Curated Experiences
- London: You’re invited to the Tower of London to experience the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military ceremony in the world. At your special after-hours visit you’ll get an inside look at the 700-year-old tradition that stood the tests of even the most tumultuous times.
- Dublin: Meet esteemed author Trevor White on a rare, personal after-hours tour of The Little Museum of Dublin, which he founded. You'll learn about his work, his life and what it means to be a Dubliner.
- York: Feeling like the star of a period drama, you’ll enter the 18th century mansion for a private, after-hours tour of the house.
Exceptional Dining
- London: Dine in style at the lavish English Grill Restaurant, just across the road from Buckingham Palace. Enjoy your Welcome Dinner prepared by executive chef Ben Kelliher using only the finest English produce and the same suppliers who serve the King’s kitchen.
- Bath: Experience an exquisite Michelin-starred lunch at the Olive Tree restaurant. A fresh, seasonal menu, curated by award-winning Head Chef Chris Cleghorn, offers classic flavors combined with modern techniques. Relax in the chic, yet informal atmosphere and enjoy the best of British cuisine.
- Dublin: Dine at a hand-picked gastropub in the heart of Dublin. Discover the favorite dishes of local people and enjoy a hearty meal in the unique ambiance of this thriving city.
- York: Visit one of Britain's finest noble houses, Castle Howard, in an exclusive after-hours visit and enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea in the Grecian Hall.
- Killarney: Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Irish tonight as you join a local family at their home for dinner with entertainment, dancing and laughter.
- Edinburgh: Say farewell to Edinburgh with a final Celebration Dinner in the historic Scottish capital. Let your tastebuds be delighted with a delicious meal and raise a glass to the health of your companions and your unforgettable journey.
- Belfast: Introduce yourself to Belfast the right way, with a hearty meal. Check in to the luxurious Grand Central Hotel and let your Travel Concierge take you for an à la carte dinner in a specially selected local restaurant.
- Ashford Castle: Celebrate in royal style amongst the chandeliers and panelled walls of the historic George V Dining Room, named for the monarch who dined here in 1906 when he was the Prince of Wales. Chef Philippe Farineau presents a delicious menu for your evening.
- Ashford Castle: Dine in the cozy surrounds of Cullen's at the Cottage, a traditional thatched cottage where you’ll be greeted with delicious aromas. Savor freshly-cooked local and international dishes in this former cinema, which premiered ‘The Quiet Man’ before Hollywood.
Magnificent Stays
- York: Housed in the iconic former headquarters of the prestigious North Eastern Railway Company, the five-star Grand Hotel & Spa places you minutes away from museums, shops and the River Ouse.
- Ashford Castle: The remarkable 800-year-old Ashford Castle is Ireland’s only Forbes five-star hotel and was once home to the Guinness family. With its spectacular surroundings, interiors, on-site dining and fantastic hospitality team, you’ll be greeted with a world-famous Irish Welcome at this beautifully restored hotel.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
- Giant's Causeway: Visit this astounding natural phenomenon on a private tour with a wildlife ranger. Hear more about the formation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site around 50 million years ago and the fantastic folklore that surrounds it. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learn about the conservation efforts in place that support the natural habitat and animal populations.
- Belfast: On the banks of Strangford Lough in County Down, an area of outstanding natural beauty, step inside Tracey's Farmhouse, an enchanting cottage for a home hosted culinary experience. Get to know Tracey as she shows you around her organic farm and explains her cooking philosophy. Learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before indulging in a seasonal, Farm-to-Table lunch. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience focuses on seasonal produce, organically grown ingredients and sourcing from the immediate community. Tracey's Farmhouse is actively practicing and encouraging the slow food movement and doesn't rely on air miles.
Passport Moments
- Adare: Admire the beauty of the charming village of Adare during a village with your Travel Concierge. Famous for its thatched-roof cottages and pretty streets, this quaint haven offers idyllic photo opportunities.
- Cliffs of Moher: Gaze across the waves of the Atlantic Ocean from the Cliffs of Moher as you stop along the Wild Atlantic Way. Call into the Visitor Experience and catch panoramic views from the 185-year-old O’Brien’s tower at the edge of the 800-foot cliffs.
- Belfast: Visit the Titanic Belfast museum to see the poignant tribute to the ill-fated liner, now one of the world's leading attractions. Tread the site where the RMS Titanic was built and discover its fascinating history.
- London: Your passionate Local Expert will lead you from Westminster to Piccadilly Circus as they recount fascinating tales of London and its famous landmarks. Pass by the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and Trafalgar Square as you explore the English capital.
- London: Step through history at Horse Guards Parade, the ceremonial grounds of St James's Park in the shadow of Buckingham Palace. Discover the secrets of a cavalryman’s uniform in the Household Cavalry Museum before trying on the royal clothes yourself.
- Londonderry: Meet Ronan McNamara, the finest storyteller in Northern Ireland, with a tale for every corner of his hometown. Alongside Ronan, enjoy a tour of beautiful Londonderry, one of the finest walled cities in Europe.
- Stonehenge: Visit the mysterious circle of upright stones, the best known prehistoric site in Europe. Experience the lives led by Neolithic builders 3,500 years ago and admire the selection of archaeological treasures that have been unearthed in this place.
- Bath: Be taken through the grand historic sights of Bath with a private orientation tour. See the majestic Royal Terrace, the inspiring architecture of Bath Abbey, and, the stately Pulteney Bridge, completed in 1774.
- Bath: Join a Local Expert for an insightful tour revealing the town's history.
- Dublin: Explore historic Trinity College, which was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. Visit the iconic Book of Kells, the beautiful manuscript hand painted by monks, that dates back to ca. 800 AD.
- Dublin: Take a tour through the cobbled streets of Dublin with your Local Expert, who’ll share stories and facts about the local area. See O’Connell Street with the imposing General Post Office, the neo-classical Custom House and historic Dublin Castle.
- Cotswolds: Journey through the Cotswolds, one of the most quintessential and unspoiled regions of England, famous for gentle, rolling hillsides known as ‘wolds’, green river valleys and historic market towns, where time has stood still for over 300 years.
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Fans of the famous playwright, William Shakespeare, will love exploring this vibrant town where he was born. This cultural center still has many rows of attractive half-timbered houses that date back to the 16th century.
- Glendalough: Enjoy visiting Glendalough (the valley of two lakes) where a Local Expert will guide you through this early medieval monastic site, which has a rich history. The glacial valley also offers beautiful scenery to explore.
- Cashel: Reputed to be where St. Patrick converted the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th century, Cashel is a pretty medieval town where the High Kings once sat. See the spectacular Rock of Cashel, the well-preserved fortress that dates from the 11th century.
- Blarney: Explore the grounds of Blarney Castle and its gardens built nearly six hundred years ago by the MacCarthy branch of the Kings of Desmond. See where so many have kissed the famous stone to get the legendary gift of the gab.
- Ullswater: Enjoy a scenic cruise on one of England's most beautiful lakes.
- Alnwick Castle: Join a Local Expert for an in-depth exploration of the 11th century castle, with its striking medieval architecture and see why it was featured in the Harry Potter films.
- Ring of Kerry: Take in the beauty around you as you explore The Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula, passing through whimsical coastal villages and magnificent landmarks such as Ross Castle. This scenic drive is one of the most famous in Ireland.
- Edinburgh: A Local Expert guides you around magnificent Edinburgh Castle, perched on a black basalt outcrop. Discover the site’s 900-year history and take in the spectacular panoramic views over the city’s most famous landmarks.
- Edinburgh: Wander along Princes Street with your Local Expert, past the Gothic Sir Walter Scott Monument, and continue down the old-world Royal Mile to the gates of Holyrood Palace, the principal residence of Scottish royalty since the 16th century, and the Queen’s official Edinburgh lodgings.
- Edinburgh: In true Gaelic style, meet a fabulously entertaining bagpiper, playing pipes passed down since 1888. Hear fascinating tales from the time he played for the Queen Mother, to riotous nights at Edinburgh Castle.
- Galway: Visit Galway and take in the lively atmosphere of this cultural destination. You'll find bustling streets, fun boutiques and quirky art galleries in this quintessentially Irish harbor city. Don’t be surprised if someone bursts into song!
- Ashford Castle: Arrive to the famous Ashford Castle, where you’ll be escorted over the drawbridge by a lone piper, in a manner fit for royalty. This haunting sound echoes the signal given to troops in battle announcing the end of the day.
Personalise your day
- Belfast: Join a Local Expert and enjoy a panoramic tour as they explain the city's turbulent history, evolution and current prosperity. On this tour, you'll see the City Hall, Queen's University, and the Parliament Building at Stormont.
- Belfast: Join a local artist and discover Belfast through its street art and learn how this art form plays an essential role in forging a new narrative for this progressive city.
- Bath: Visit the historic Roman Baths, which draw from Britain’s only natural mineral springs and gave the Georgian city its name. This remarkably preserved historic site was once a gathering spot for Romans to bathe and socialise over 2,000 years ago.
- Bath: Visit the immersive Jane Austen Center dedicated to the writer who lived here in the early 1800s and used the city as a setting for two of her novels. Learn about her life, her works and the Regency period from entertaining actors.
- Dublin: No trip to Ireland would be complete without a taste of the black elixir of Ireland. Explore the Guinness Storehouse and learn how to pull the perfect pint.
- Dublin: Discover a world of flavors during a tour and whiskey tasting at Pearse Lyons Distillery, home of cocktail exploration and modern Irish whiskey.
- York: Embark on a leisurely guided tour to the grand York Minster, an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
- York: Get active and follow a Local Expert as you walk on the 13th century city walls and you soak up the spectacular views of River Ouse and the Old Town.
- Edinburgh: Visit the 17th century Mary King's Close with a Local Expert, walk in the footsteps of former residents and unlock fascinating stories from Edinburgh's sometimes dark past.
- Edinburgh: Try a wee dram of whisky as you embark on a tasting experience of this Scottish staple.
- Ashford Castle: Take part in a unique falconry experience at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland.
- Ashford Castle: Join a guided historical tour of the 800-year-old Castle, that was once the home of the Guinness family.
Trip Details
Product Code: 28301
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Luxury Gold (CA)
Supplier Code: 281.1039B
Starts: London, United Kingdom
Finishes: Shannon, Ireland
Duration: 21 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $21,125 ($1,006 /day)
Itinerary
Your UK luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your five-star hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Here you are welcomed with the royal treatment from their red tail-coated doormen. Tonight, enjoy sumptuous British fare at the English Grill Restaurant.
Accommodation: The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Meals: Dinner
Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. View bustling Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Household Cavalry Museum. After the sun sets and London lights up, you’re treated to a private, after-hours tour of the Tower of London and the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
Accommodation: The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Meals: Breakfast
Savor a Relaxed Start before standing in awe of mysterious Stonehenge, Britain's best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself further into British history as you travel to Bath. Stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture feeling as though you’ve stepped into a classic English novel.
Accommodation: Francis Hotel, Bath.
Meals: Breakfast
Personalise your day with a visit to the Jane Austen Center or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain’s only natural hot springs. Share the highlights of your morning over locally sourced dishes at the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant.
Accommodation: Francis Hotel, Bath.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel through a storybook of rolling hills in the Cotswolds toward Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and admire quaint Tudor cottages. Your day concludes in York where cobbled streets, classic tearooms and Gothic buildings lure you further into the past. Step back in time with your Travel Concierge and stroll The Shambles, one York's most iconic streets, with its narrow, winding lanes and charming, timber-framed buildings.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel & Spa, York.
Meals: Breakfast
Step back into the Middle Ages in York joining an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel & Spa, York.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Let the rugged, dramatic beauty of the Lake District envelope and inspire you as you cruise shimmering Ullswater Lake, taking in some of the best views of this region. Enjoy some northern hospitality of a typical English Pub. Later, check into the lovingly restored country house overlooking Lake Windermere.
Accommodation: Merewood Country House Hotel, Lake District.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover majestic Alnwick Castle’s magnificent interiors with a Local Expert before exploring Edinburgh's beautiful, walkable city. Should you visit during August, witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most spectacular military concerts and celebration of the history, heritage and colors of Scotland’s regiments.
Accommodation: Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Meals: Breakfast
Explore the grounds of Edinburgh’s “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900-years of history. Personalise your afternoon visiting the 17th-century Mary King's Close or with a stimulating whisky tasting. After a private performance from a former bagpiper to the Royals, a seasonal meal of fine dishes at award-winning Dine Edinburgh rounds off your final day.
Accommodation: Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to your luxurious hotel in Belfast for a relaxing three-night stay in the heart of the city center. Pop up to The Observatory bar where glittering views stretch into the distance. Get to know the tastes of the town at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the world-class Titanic Museum for a vivid picture of the past , before customising your time in Belfast. Step out with Local Expert and explore the City Hall, prestigious Queen's University and Parliament Building at Stormont or meet a local artist to discover Belfast’s progressive street art.
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Experience Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant's Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. On arrival in Londonderry, Local Guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.
Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Meals: Breakfast
Meet local lady Tracey at her farmhouse to uncover the secrets of some local delicacies. Continue to Dublin and explore the Guinness Storehouse learning how to pull the perfect pint or visit Pearse Lyons Distillery for a private tour and a cocktail.
Accommodation: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. Tour the capital city with a Local Expert to see O'Connell Street, the Custom House and St. Patrick's Cathedral. At a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip Prosecco with the museum founder Trevor White as he shares his local stories. Discover local dishes at our hand-picked gastropub in the heart of Dublin.
Accommodation: Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After a Relaxed Start, explore Glendalough, the "glen of two lakes" with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.
Accommodation: Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny.
Meals: Breakfast
See monastic Ireland in Cashel, famous for the spectacular Rock of Cashel, also known as St. Patrick's Rock. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening experience the hospitality and warmth that Ireland is renowned for meeting locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.
Accommodation: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens (Superior Rooms), Killarney.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey into Killarney National Park where sweeping mountains, epic cliffs, lush lake lands and valleysenvelope you in emerald green and blue as you wind along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.
Accommodation: The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens (Superior Rooms), Killarney.
Meals: Breakfast
In Adare, discover the charming thatched-roof cottages, abbeys and park. Stunning views beckon in County Clare as you visit the Cliffs of Moher, where rugged beauty meets the wild Atlantic. Continue to Galway's Glenlo Abbey, an 18th-century estate overlooking Lough Corrib.
Accommodation: Glenlo Abbey, Galway.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A visit to Galway is both charming and vibrant and finds you in the heart of Ireland's culture, history and scenic beauty. Continue to the 5-star Ashford Castle where your stay begins with a lone piper escorting you over the drawbridge to this estate, once home to the Guinness family. Tonight, savor specialties from a seasonal menu at the Castle’s Cullen's at the Cottage.
Accommodation: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Indulge in another Relaxed Start with the option of breakfast in-bed room service. Get acquainted with elegant birds of prey at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland or delve into the Castle’s history on a guided historical tour. Then treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the last full day of your Belfast to Shannon luxury tour dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.
Accommodation: Ashford Castle, Cong.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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