Wonders of Britain and Ireland Summer 2024
Wonders of Britain and Ireland Summer 2024
Wonders of Britain and Ireland Summer 2024
15 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cashel, Dublin, Chester, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, Alnwick, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIBIZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 48
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
All the highlights and some special travel surprises feature on this in-depth UK and Ireland trip. Feel the pride of the Welsh people, see the seat where Irish kings once ruled and sample a pint of the favorite local brew during a tour of the Guinness Brewery in Dublin.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza County Hall
The cosmopolitan capital of London rolls out its red carpet with all the pomp and pageantry you're unlikely to encounter anywhere else in the world. Spend the day ambling along its grand boulevards and past iconic sights as you familiarise yourself with the city's bustling atmosphere.
Day 2: Discover The Sights Of London
Location: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza County Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist today to explore the city's favorite landmarks. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, before spending the rest of the day at leisure to delve into the city's history, culture, art and architecture.
Day 3: Stonehenge And Bath And On To Cardfiff
Location: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel Cardiff, Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet your Travel Director this morning and stop to ponder the mysteries of the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge, before driving west to Bath. Cross the Severn Estuary to Cardiff, then view the Wales Millennium Center and the National Assembly at Cardiff Bay. Later, enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh pub fare and drinks at a rousing Welcome Dinner.
Day 4: Onwards To Waterford
Location: Cardiff, Waterford
Accommodation: Waterford Marina Hotel, Fitzwilton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we view the Principality Stadium during our orientation of Cardiff. Enjoy some leisure time in this modern capital. Perhaps visit the Victorian Gothic fantasy of Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. We cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the 'Emerald Isle' and travel to historic Waterford, where we'll dine in our hotel tonight.
Day 5: Admire Blarney Castle And Journey To Killarney Dive Into Culture
Location: Waterford, Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture and watch the master crafters of the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Then, kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab', before traveling to the picturesque town of Killarney.
Day 6: A Day On The Ring Of Kerry Connect With Locals
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we experience the enduring beauty of Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula – the emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide an exquisite backdrop for our leisurely drive around what has become known as the Ring of Kerry. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirsiveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with its panoramic views. Later, we Connect With Locals at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, sharing a memorable Be My Guest experience with the O'Sullivan family and their Kerry cows.
Day 7: Journey To Cultural Dublin
Location: Killarney, Cashel, Dublin
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center., Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Celtic art and history take center stage this morning as we visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, the seat of Irish kings for centuries. Perched atop a limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the historic ruins house one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe. We arrive this afternoon in Dublin, where we will join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds of an Irish cabaret.
Day 8: Dublin Your Way Dive Into Culture
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center., Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture to discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Then, top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the cozy atmosphere of the Irish capital. Ramble through the buzzing streets of Temple Bar or visit Grafton Street, famous for its colorful street performers.
Day 9: The Sights Of Chester And Liverpool
Location: Dublin, Chester, Liverpool
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central, Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Board the ferry to Wales. Admire the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park as you travel to the ancient city of Chester, with its characteristic Tudor Rows and medieval walls. We arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining our companions for a tasty dinner.
Day 10: Through The Lake District To Edinburgh
Location: Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Apex City
Meals Included: Breakfast
The beautiful landscape, which for centuries inspired the Romantic poets, provides a mesmerizing backdrop for our scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Skirt the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, as we travel through countryside made famous by poet William Wordsworth. We cross the Scottish border and visit the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green. This evening, we arrive in beguiling Edinburgh, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 11: Discover Remarkable Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Apex City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a memorable sightseeing tour of this captivating capital, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock. See Auld Reekie's Royal Mile and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and admire the Georgian façades in Edinburgh's New Town. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Day 12: Venture To York
Location: Edinburgh, Alnwick, York
Accommodation: Novotel Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
We journey south to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland and the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where you’ll walk through the charming Shambles, see the medieval walls and York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.
Day 13: On To Shakespeare’S Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: York, Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation: Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel and Spa, Stratford Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. This evening we join our fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 14: Journey Through The Cotswolds To Oxford And London
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank, Park Plaza County Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the Cotswolds this morning and the little churchyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is buried. Arriving in Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city to view the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library and visit one of the university's famous colleges (when open). We return to London this afternoon.
Day 15: Goodbye London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now, it's time to say farewell to our travel companions at the end of a memorable holiday as we prepare to return home with treasured memories.
What's Included
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London: The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host when you stay at Brendan Vacations's recommended London hotel
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London: Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Brendan Vacations recommended London hotel, booked through Brendan Vacations
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
What's Not Included
International airfare to and from the start and end of the tour is not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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Is there seat rotation on the coach?
Yes, your Travel Director will implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
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Is luggage handling provided?
On Guided Vacations and Private Chauffeur Vacations, all luggage handling is provided at no extra charge. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes! Our hotels are personally selected by Managing Director Catherine Reilly and personally known for their quality, impeccable service and comfort, with the majority of them having air-conditioning. Note: A few hotels may not have air conditioning due to the colder climate.
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What are the coaches like?
We pride ourselves on having the finest fleet of fuel-efficient, fully air-conditioned coaches – all with reclining seats and on-board restrooms. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city center. We also have on board WiFi.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Brendan Vacations is an active supporter of the Treadright® Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than $2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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How many people will be on my trip?
You’ll find an average of 40 to 45 guests on trips throughout Europe.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided vacation with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Will I have free time?
Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. We also give you the opportunity to tailor your trip with Optional Experiences.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. If you are travelling solo but would be happy to share your rook with another traveller of the same gender, we offer 'Twin-share' pricing on our trips. However, if you prefer the privacy of your own room, you can opt for our single supplement. The cost will depend on your trip and can be found in the pricing section of the itinerary.
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How much luggage can I bring?
On Guided Vacations, you can bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30" x 18" x 10") and weight not exceeding 23kg (50 lbs) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescopic handles.
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What is a Travel Director?
Our Travel Directors come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a passion for travel and their homelands. These experienced professionals show you what the guidebooks can't - a true insider's perspective of Ireland and Scotland. Each Travel Director has been through a bespoke training program, and many have at least five years' experience under their belt.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents (important information, itinerary and any relevant vouchers) will be provided 7-10 days prior to your trip's departure.
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What if I have special dietary requirements?
We can accommodate guests who are vegetarian and can assist with diabetic, gluten-free and other medically-recommended diets. Please advise us at time of booking. Unfortunately, we're unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements. We cannot provide salt-free, Kosher, Halal, requests for specific dietary supplements such as soy milk, and high protein or low-carb meals.
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Low Deposit
Brendan Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brendan vacations charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 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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