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Britain & Ireland Discovery Fly from $899* return

Fly from $899* to Europe in 2019
  • history
    DURATION
    21 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    21 nights

  • Kilkenny has the greatest amount of All Ireland titles of its national sport of hurling. Meet a player to gain an exciting insight into this unique Irish cultural experience, through a demonstration of skill.
  • Meet a master craftsman on your guided visit of the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal.
  • Your Local Expert leads you on a fascinating excursion of discovery on the very fringes of Britain. Strewn across the windswept Orkneys are relics that span human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.
  • Visit Stonehenge, the mysterious circle of upright stones, which stand as strong today as they did 3,500 years ago.
  • The City of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built atop of Britain's only natural mineral springs. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room, built by the Romans over 2,000-years-ago as a place to wash and socialise.
  • Visit Blarney Castle and climb the battlements for a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence.
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      Inclusions/Exclusions

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      22 day journey departing London

      21 nights accommodation in hand picked hotels in the right locations.

      Many meals including deliciously authentic dining and breakfast daily.

      Travelling with a passionate Travel Director.

      Travel throughout via customised coach with double the legroom.

      Airport transfers.

      Return airfares

      Itinerary

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      DAY 1

      LONDON TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON.

      At 08:00 meet your Travel Director at the trip's hotel in London. Travel to Oxford, home to the world's most famous university. Continue via Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon and visit William Shakespeare's birthplace. Enjoy your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

      Meals: Dinner with Wine

      Hotel: Macdonald Swan’s Nest Hotel, Stratford

      DAY 2

      RELAXED START

      MEDIEVAL YORK.

      A leisurely drive brings you to the city of York, its history goes back to the time of Romans and Vikings. Inside the city walls, see the York Minster and explore the narrow streets to the topsy-turvy Shambles, where warped, overhanging timber-framed houses lean so far that they almost touch!

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Hotel: Hilton York

      DAY 3

      BY THE LAKES TO EDINBURGH.

      Travel across the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines to the Lake District - a wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters, inspiration to many English poets. Visit Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere and continue to Gretna Green, where runaway lovers once married.Then it's on to the majestic Scottish capital. At night, select departures will attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Hotel: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel.

      DAY 4 SCOTLAND'S CITY OF CULTURE.

      Join a Local Expert for a trip along Princes Street to see the monument to Sir Walter Scott and the 18th century New Town. Over in the Old Town, visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, Scotland's glittering Crown Jewels. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Th e rest of the day is at leisure.

      Meals: Breakfast

      DAY 5

      THE HIGHLAND CAPITAL OF INVERNESS.

      Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and arrive at St. Andrews, passing the Old Course where golf was born in the 15th century. During your free time to explore, perhaps wander to the university where Kate Middleton met her Prince Charming. Your journey continues to Pitlochry, passing Blair Atholl, the Grampian Mountains and Spey Valley. Stop at Culloden Moor to visit the Culloden Visitor Centre. Travel to Inverness, where your centrally located hotel is set on the banks of the River Ness and looks up to Inverness Castle.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Hotel: Columba Hotel, Inverness.

      DAY 6

      LOCH NESS TO WICK.

      Start the day with a journey of discovery on a private 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 fi shing port of Wick. Pause at the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky and learn about the production of the national drink.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Hotel: The Norseman Hotel, Wick.

      DAY 7

      ORKNEY ISLANDS EXPERIENCE.

      Visit the most northernly community on the British mainland, John O'Groats. 👁 Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands to meet your Local Expert on the islands. Visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during World War II.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      DAY 8

      OVER THE SEA TO SKYE.

      Admire the stunning landscapes en route to Ullapool. Continue along Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, before crossing to the magical Isle of Skye. Hear the story of the song 'Over the Sea to Skye,' and admire the scenic splendour on the way to your hotel in Broadford.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Hotel: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford, Isle of Skye.

      DAY 9

      RELAXED START

      LOCH LOMOND TO GLASGOW.

      Return to the mainland to see the remote Eilean Donan Castle and continue to the WWII Commando Memorial for a chance to view Ben Nevis. Journey on to the Valley of Glencoe and stop on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow

      DAY 10

      WALK IN THE GIANT’S STEPS ON THE WAY TO LONDONDERRY. Cross the Irish Sea to arrive in Northern Ireland. Journey along the coastline at the mouth of the famous Nine Glens of Antrim, passing sandy beaches beneath towering basalt cliff s. Stop at the Giant's Causeway, and hear the legends which surround this geological masterpiece.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Hotel: Da Vinci’s Hotel Derry, Londonderry.

      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. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, to the Gothic Guildhall, and cross the border to see O'Donnell's Castle in Donegal. Journey south to the Belleek Pottery & Visitor Centre and meet craftspeople. Continue to the churchyard at Drumcliff , the last resting place of Irish poet W.B. Yeats. Then it's on to your country retreat, set on the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo

      DAY 12

      GALWAY AND LIMERICK.

      Experience the beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara. In Galway, see 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. (

      Meals: Breakfast

      The George Hotel Limerick.

      DAY 13

      RELAXED START

      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 and into County Kerry and onto your Killarney hotel.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Hotel:Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa, Killarney.

      DAY 14

      RELAXED START

      RING OF KERRY EXPERIENCE.

      In the morning, enjoy a trip around the Ring of Kerry and see towering cliff s, lush lakelands, remote villages, Ireland's highest mountain range and the three peaceful lakes. With time at leisure, perhaps hire a bicycle and take advantage of the many cycle trails that Killarney has to off er. ℓ Your Dine-Around Evening off ers authentic and intimate dining as you choose from a selection of local restaurants.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

      DAY 15

      BLARNEY CASTLE AND WATERFORD.

      Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains as you head for Blarney to visit the ruined 15th century castle, home to the famous Stone of Eloquence. Continue on to Cork and see the City Hall and Opera House, before a delightful coastal drive brings you to historic Waterford.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Hotel: Dooley’s Hotel Waterford.

      DAY 16

      RELAXED START

      KILKENNY AND DUBLIN

      Visit the House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman. Travel to Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest fi eld game, hurling. Meet a player who will share his passion through a demonstration of skill. Continue to Ireland's lively capital and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish Cabaret.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Hotel: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin.

      DAY 17

      IN DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY.

      Before it opens to the public, experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production before learning to pour the perfect pint. Meet your Local Expert who will show the sights of the city, including Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.

      Meals: Breakfast

      DAY 18

      ACROSS THE IRISH SEA TO CHESTER.

      Bid farewell to Ireland as you board the ferry to Wales. Cross the Isle of Anglesey and continue over the Menai Straits for a stop in Conwy to see its castle. Cross the English border to Chester, a town that boasts relics of its Roman history, as well as the unique black and white shopping arcades known as the Rows.Your Travel Director will show you the well-preserved city walls, Jubilee Clock and impressive cathedral.

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

      Hotel: Hallmark Hotel The Queen, Chester.

      DAY 19

      RELAXED START

      THE WELSH MARCHES TO CARDIFF.

      Head south to Th e Hall at Abbey Cwm Hir. Meet the owner, Paul Humpherston, who will explain the history of the stunning building and its surrounds. Enjoy a light lunch of locally sourced delights including Welsh favourites of cheese, cakes and fruits.Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle.

      Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

      Hotel: Clayton Hotel Cardiff

      DAY 20

      BATH AND GLASTONBURY.

      Cross the soaring Severn Bridge to reach the elegant Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During an orientation, see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and the angels climbing Jacob's Ladder on Bath Abbey. Visit the Pump Room and ancient Roman Baths to see the incredibly well-preserved remains of one of the greatest spas of the ancient world. Journey on to Glastonbury, rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, for a visit. After some time to explore, continue to the Cornish countryside for the night.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Hotels: St. Mellion International Resort, Saltash, Cornish Countryside.

      DAY 21

      RELAXED START

      THE CORNISH COAST EXPERIENCE.

      In the morning, cross the moorlands of Dartmoor to reach maritime Plymouth to see the Mayfl ower Steps before visiting a picturesque Cornish fi shing village. Return to Saltash to enjoy a glass of wine with your newfound friends at your delectable Celebration Dinner. Cheers!

      Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

      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 trip's hotel in London.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Dates and Prices

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      From $8418* per person is twin share, air inclusive and is valid until 31 March 2019. Only valid on select departures: 24 April - 12 May 2019 or until sold out. Other departure dates available however prices may differ.

      Accommodation

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      21 nights accommodation in hand picked hotels in the right locations.

      T&Cs

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      *Travel at 60 and Insight Vacations terms and conditions apply.

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