Britain and Ireland Experience
Britain and Ireland Experience
Britain and Ireland Experience
15 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, Cardiff, Waterford, Tralee, Blarney, Dingle Peninsula, Dublin, Chester, Lake District National Park, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIEXZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Special Guest Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Britain and Ireland Experience" for an unforgettable journey through England, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with highlights including visits to the Georgian spa town, Cardiff Castle, Waterford Crystal Showroom, and the iconic Blarney Stone. Enjoy city orientation tours, luxury coach travel with Wi-Fi, and the expertise of a professional Travel Director. Stay in cherry-picked hotels and savor many included meals, including daily breakfasts. From the bustling streets of London to the scenic landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula, this tour promises a rich and immersive travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hilton Olympia
Accommodation Name: Hilton Olympia
All the highlights of Britain and Ireland lie ahead as your epic journey across two mystical islands kicks off in London. After checking in, spend the rest of your first day in Old Blighty exploring the sights on your own. You could delve into the history of the British Empire at one of its many museums or plant yourself outside Buckingham Palace, keeping a keen eye out for the King.
Day 2: London Free Day
Location: London
Accommodation: Hilton Olympia
Accommodation Name: Hilton Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your time is your own today so plan your exploration of Britain's capital wisely. You'll want to soak up all its pomp and pageantry as you stroll along leafy avenues lined with great monuments, museums and historic landmarks. London is intoxicating no matter your interests and you'll have a full free day to discover it your way.
Day 3: London – Windsor – Bath – Cardiff
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Copthorne Cardiff-Caerdydd
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Cardiff-Caerdydd
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, meet your Travel Director and traveling companions as you set off onto your adventure. The Big Smoke's skyscrapers and boroughs give way to an idyllic countryside as you wind your way to Windsor. Arriving in Bath, you'll admire the honey-colored Georgian architecture which gives this ancient Roman city its elegant aspect. Cross the Severn Estuary, the border between England and tiny Wales, where tonight its capital sets the stage for the rest of your memorable holiday.
Day 4: Cardiff – Waterford
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Treacy's
Accommodation Name: Treacy's
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join this morning’s Optional Experience to Cardiff Castle, a medieval fortress which has enjoyed a colorful history spanning centuries. Ancient ruins and lush countryside lie between the Welsh capital and your first stop at Pembroke Castle. But first, your scenic drive will pass Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales and, legend has it, the birthplace of Merlin. See the 11th-century castle where King Henry VII, the first of the Tudor line, was born, then board your ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland.
Day 5: Waterford – Blarney – Tralee
Location: Waterford, Tralee, Blarney
Accommodation: Hotel, Benners
Accommodation Name: Benners
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The delicate crystal for which Waterford is so famous takes center stage this morning during a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom. Leave all that Viking history behind and enjoy the charming scenery en route to Blarney Castle, where a quick kiss of the Blarney Stone will grant you the 'gift of the gab'. Your scenic drive continues past the Cork and Kerry Mountains. You’ll pass Killarney, where you could hop on an optional Jaunting Car ride, before continuing to Tralee, renowned for its annual Rose of Tralee International Festival.
Day 6: Tralee – Dingle Peninsula – Limerick – Shannon
Location: Dingle Peninsula
Accommodation: Treacys Oakwood
Accommodation Name: Treacys Oakwood
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
There won't be a moment you're not fixated on this wild landscape of stone monuments, deserted beaches and verdant pastures. Today's drive through the Dingle Peninsula is one filled with tiny villages, colorful fishing harbors and landscapes that have inspired poetry. Those incredible views will linger long after you leave Ireland's most westerly point, but there's more to see as you head to the prettiest village in Ireland, Adare. Continue to Limerick to see its medieval-era St. Mary's Cathedral and view King John's Castle, before arriving at your hotel in Shannon where tonight you'll dine in your hotel.
Day 7: Shannon – Galway – Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Dublin One
Accommodation Name: Dublin One
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your first stop today is Ireland's first 'City of Culture', Galway, or join an Optional Experience to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park delving into what Ireland was like in the 19th century. After a chinwag with the 'locals', drive through the wild landscapes of County Clare bound for Galway, the 'place of foreigners'. See its modern cathedral before heading to the whimsical Irish capital. This evening, an optional dinner and Irish show will have your toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee.
Day 8: Dublin Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Citywest
Accommodation Name: Citywest
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’re in good hands this morning as your Local Specialist reveals all their secrets about this charismatic capital city with a small-town feel. View Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle, the 13th-century Norman fortress turned museum. This afternoon explore Dublin on your own or join an optional visit to one of the most important monastic sights in Europe. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient stories of Glendalough to life and show you around the beautiful landscapes of the garden of Ireland.
Day 9: Dublin – Chester – Altrincham
Location: Chester
Accommodation: Best Western Cresta Court
Accommodation Name: Best Western Cresta Court
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say a fond slán go fóill to the 'Emerald Isle', crossing the Irish Sea bound for Holyhead on the Welsh Island of Anglesey. Get ready for a tongue twister you could only capture in a panoramic shot. View the station boasting one of the longest names in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, then head through the north coast of Wales to Chester to explore its Roman heritage. There’s time to walk along its defensive 1st-century walls and view the famous black and white half-timbered buildings before heading to Liverpool where the musical 'Fab Four' had their start.
Day 10: Liverpool (Wigan) – Lake District – Edinburgh (Dunfermline)
Location: Lake District National Park
Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing.
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a busy week of sightseeing, you deserve an idyllic stop in 'the loveliest spot' that has inspired poetry and prose. Board an exclusive and optional cruise on Lake Windermere, skimming the northern coastline, deserted islands and Wray Castle. See the Lake District landscapes that William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter so admired before crossing the Scottish border bound for Gretna Green. Here you’ll learn how eloping couples would tie the knot over the legendary anvil against their parents’ wishes. Tonight, an Optional Experience could see you join your travel companions for a delicious traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Edinburgh Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing.
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Edinburgh’s mystical allure which has captivated writers, poets, politicians and royalty. Your Local Specialist will guide this morning’s sightseeing tour past the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. You’ll explore the medieval Royal Mile and cross the Forth to the grand Georgian boulevards of New Town. The rest of the day is free to explore Edinburgh on your terms. Consider joining one of two special Optional Experiences, visiting the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle. This evening is your chance to enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. Time your visit to coincide with the Edinburgh Tattoo, and you'll get tickets included on certain departures!
Day 12: Edinburgh (Dunfermline) – York – Leeds
Location: York
Accommodation: Hotel, Leonardo
Accommodation Name: Leonardo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your journey south ventures through what was once referred to as 'The Debatable Lands' where all that remains of Jedburgh Abbey are its 12th-century ruins. Admire the expansive Cheviot Hills at Carter Bar, snapping a selfie at the Anglo-Scottish border. Continue into Northumberland National Park to view Hadrian’s Wall, the largest Roman archaeological feature anywhere in the world. Then cross the Tyne River at Newcastle and stop in York, where an orientation tour will reveal the city’s medieval heritage and spiritual heart, its Gothic Minster. Wander down the narrow cobbled Shambles, then continue to your hotel in Leeds, where dinner is served this evening.
Day 13: Bradford – Stratford-Upon-Avon – Cheltenham
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton
Meals Included: Breakfast
The streets and squares of Stratford-upon-Avon remain much as they did in the time of Shakespeare. Embark on your own exploration of the historic market town where England’s famous bard was born and buried. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to Warwick Castle and even see the firing of the greatest of medieval siege weapons, the Trebuchet.
Day 14: Cheltenham – Oxford – London
Location: Cheltenham
Accommodation: Hilton Olympia
Accommodation Name: Hilton Olympia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a step back in time to the Cotswolds, a glorious collection of tiny thatched villages and rolling green hills. Your scenic drive through this historic corner of Britain will bring you to Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill is buried in the unassuming churchyard at St. Martin's Church. Churchill, widely credited with delivering the British nation from the brink of defeat to victory in World War II, loved the Cotswolds and spent his retirement here. Next up is a visit to Oxford, England’s oldest university city. See several of its iconic landmarks before continuing south to London, where you'll bid your Travel Director and new friends a fond farewell.
Day 15: Depart London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across Britain and Ireland. You'll say farewell to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included.
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Local Host Services
The services of a Costsaver Local Host if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel are included.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, are included.
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Meals
Many meals and daily breakfasts are included.
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City Orientation Tours
City orientation tours are included.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury Coach
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries is included.
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Choice Optional Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences is included.
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Hotel Standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as visits to Cardiff Castle, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and a jaunting car ride in Killarney are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, Driver, and Local Specialists are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and enjoy ferry crossings across the Irish Sea, providing a comfortable and connected journey.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, including Hilton Olympia in London, Copthorne Cardiff-Caerdydd in Cardiff, Treacy's in Waterford, and Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing in Edinburgh, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 15 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Many meals and daily breakfasts are included throughout the journey.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries. Additionally, audio headsets are provided throughout the holiday to enhance the included sightseeing experiences.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there is an extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences available throughout the tour. Some examples include a visit to Cardiff Castle, a Jaunting Car ride in Killarney, a cruise on Lake Windermere, and an optional dinner and Irish show in Dublin.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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Will there be a local guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and professional Driver. Additionally, a Costsaver Local Host is available if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Some key highlights include visiting the Georgian spa town, viewing the Royal Castle and Cardiff Castle, visiting the Waterford Crystal Showroom, kissing the Blarney Stone, viewing King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral, and seeing St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, the Georgian Squares, and Trinity College with a Local Specialist.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour. For example, on Day 2, you have a full free day to explore London on your own. Similarly, on Day 8, you have free time in Dublin to explore the city at your own pace.
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What kind of activities are included in the city orientation tours?
The city orientation tours include viewing and visiting significant landmarks and attractions. For example, in Dublin, you will view Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Dublin Castle. In Edinburgh, you will explore the medieval Royal Mile and cross the Forth to the grand Georgian boulevards of New Town.
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Are there any special events or festivals included in the tour?
Yes, if you time your visit to coincide with the Edinburgh Tattoo, you will get tickets included on certain departures. Additionally, in Tralee, you will learn about the annual Rose of Tralee International Festival.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
Throughout the tour, you will have the support of an expert Travel Director and professional Driver. Additionally, the services of a Costsaver Local Host are available if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions