Best of Britain and Ireland Tour

From Celtic mythology to Roman ruins, English kings to treasured scenery, this custom-tailored tour showcases some of the finest highlights of Britain and Ireland. Stroll along the quiet streets of Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon, view the historic Roman bathhouses in the enchanting English city of Bath, witness the powerful presence of the famous York Minster, explore the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and experience the building of the Titanic in Belfast, plus so much more.

ITINERARY

(Day 1): London – Arrive in London, the Cosmopolitan Capital of England
(Day 2): Leeds – Visit Stratford-upon-Avon and the Medieval City of York
(Day 3): Glasgow – Tour the Famous English Lakes District en route to Glasgow
(Day 4): Glasgow – Full Day Excursion to the Charming City of Edinburgh
(Day 5): Dublin – Journey to Northern Ireland by Ferry and Explore Belfast
(Day 6): Dublin – Half-Day Tour of the Elegant Capital of Southern Ireland
(Day 7): Waterford – Venture through County Kildare and Medieval Kilkenny
(Day 8): Cardiff – Cross the Irish Sea and Explore the History of Cardiff, Wales
(Day 9): London – Enjoy the Grace and Ancient History of the Georgian City of Bath
(Day 10): London – Depart for Home

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Magic of London

Your private transfer meets you at the airport and escorts you to your luxurious hotel centered in the heart of London. The remainder of the day is yours to stroll around the city at your own enjoyment. You can visit the banks of the famous River Thames, the turrets of the London Tower, see the steeples of Westminster Abbey or check out the contemporary rails of the Millennium Bridge. You’ll find London has an incomparable collection of history and modernity for every taste and pleasure.

Day 2: Visit Stratford-upon-Avon and the Medieval City of York

A savory serving of eggs, bacon, beans, and mushrooms are served for breakfast before your guide meets you for your first full day of discovering Britain. You’ll journey through the magnificent English countryside to the birthplace of one of the greatest writers in history, William Shakespeare. Here, you’ll explore each milestone of his life, from the restored house where he was born and grew up, to the cottage where he wooed his wife Ann Hathaway, to the Holy Trinity Church where he is now at rest and accompanied by his striking monument.

After enjoying a late lunch, your driver will chauffeur you to the City of York, which offers a historic blend of Roman legacy, central streets of medieval allure and tributes to Viking traces. The Gothic spires of York Minster is a particular highlight and one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals. Since the 7th century, the Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England.

Day 3: Tour the Famous English Lakes District en route to Glasgow

After breakfast, your guide leads you out of York and into the stunning Yorkshire Dales. You’ll pass over lush rolling green hills and arrive at the breathtaking scenery of the Lakes District, notable for its sensational landscape. Lake Windermere is the largest lake in the district, stretching 10.5 miles. The lushness of the countryside shining against the reflective waters of this ancient glacial lake shouldn’t be missed.

In the village of Grasmere, you discover the preserved relics of poet William Wordsworth, plus endless charm of a traditional English town. You’ll continue northbound, passing through the discreet treasure of Gretna Green, and over the border to your luxury hotel in Glasgow, Scotland.

Day 4: Full Day Excursion to the Charming City of Edinburgh

Your guide escorts you from Glasgow on a full day excursion to the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh, where the true majesty of Scotland’s past comes into view. Upon entering the city, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city’s skyline, adorning Castle Rock. The castle is Scotland's unmissable highlight. Georgian architecture borders the Royal Mile connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace - the Queen's Edinburgh residence. Edinburgh is filled with a buzzing boutique collection of pubs and antique stores with a maze of atmospheric side streets. The Palace of Holyroodhouse marks the final stop on this itinerary. Bask in the glory of the monarch’s glorious history before an exquisite dinner at one of the many fine restaurants In Edinburgh or back at your luxury hotel.

Day 5: Journey to Northern Ireland by Ferry and Explore Belfast

After another delicious breakfast, you will venture out of Glasgow to the harbor for a short ferry ride to the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. The city has a storied past with a renewed and unique cityscape to enjoy. Luxury apartments now line the old Lagan shipyards and local tours lead locals along the contemporary walls that once divided Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. Your guide leads you to the eastern edge of the River Lagan to Titanic Quarter, the former shipyards that constructed the RMS Titanic.

The Titanic Belfast Center brings the Titanic to vigorous life before you head south to Ireland to your luxury hotel in Dublin, where you’ll enjoy the night.

Day 6: Half-Day Tour of the Elegant Capital of Southern Ireland

A full Irish breakfast starts the morning, accompanied by flavorful soda bread. You venture out into a city filled with luxury, history, and modernity, escorted by your guide to Trinity College. The university remains Ireland’s most respected and was established in the 16th century by Elizabeth I. The entryway to the Examination Hall is decorated by Doric columns and a central pediment adorns Regent House. Neo-Classical elements preserve the integral history of the campus and add to the proud traditions of the University.

In the afternoon you can explore the meandering cobblestone streets further. Dublin’s millennium of history shows itself immediately. Traces of a Viking past date to the 9th century, overpowered by medieval castles and cathedrals, then further complemented by Georgian architecture along the River Liffey. At night enjoy the city at your own leisure before heading back to your luxury hotel.

Day 7: Castle of Kilkenny

Today you move away from the mixture of past and present cultures of Dublin, and journey into Kilkenny City - an awe-inspiring throng of medieval cathedrals, castles, abbeys and other magnificent stone buildings. It is a picture perfect medieval city of narrow lands and ancient buildings, situated between a dramatic castle and a graceful cathedral on the banks of the River Nore. The castle was erected in-between the late 12th and early 13th centuries by William Marshal. More than 49 acres of parkland stage an enchanting view of Mount Leinster in the distance.

Day 8: Cross the Irish Sea and Explore the History of Cardiff, Wales

This morning you will cross the Irish Sea via ferry and arrive in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The ultramodern waterfront is emblematic of a city that has emerged in the new millennium as one of Britain’s leading urban centers. You’ll reach Cardiff Castle, constructed in the late 11th century over a 3rd century Roman fort. Romantic additions over the centuries include an extravagant banquet hall and a Victorian-era clock tower. The clock tower rises 131 feet above the level land, decorated with Norse gods, mahogany, and mirrors.

After touring the Castle, you’re free to explore the city at your leisure with Boat Tours, Roath Park, or Private Plane Tours all possible options before an exquisite dinner and a night at your luxury boutique hotel.

Day 9: Ancient Spa City of Bath, Windsor Castle

This morning, you leave behind the seaside grandeur of Cardiff. After visiting the quaint Georgian city of Bath, you continue to Windsor, the oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle in the world. The castle was constructed by William the Conquerer in the 11th century and has remained in use since its inception. After touring the castle, enjoy lunch Windsor town near the castle, filled with elegant boutique shops and exquisite cafes.

The Queen’s walkway leading up to the castle was marked to honor the occasion of The Queen becoming Britain's longest reigning monarch. It is a symbolic 6.373km long for the 63 years, 7 months and 3 days and links 63 of Windsor's best attractions, features and views.

Enjoy a final night in you luxury hotel in Central London with some of the World’s best restaurants within walking distance.

Day 10: Away from the British Isles

Your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to Heathrow International Airport to return home.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

London
5-Star Deluxe - The Langham London

When the Prince of Wales opened the Langham on Regent Street in 1865, it was London’s first grand hotel. Through its doors passed such literary greats as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde. The hotel has preserved its distinguished reputation, aided by a renovation in 2010 that included the addition of the new Regent Suite with expansive views of Regent’s Park, and a luxury health and wellness center, the Chuan Spa. The traditional meal served in the Palm Court, on the ground floor, consists of delicate finger sandwiches, miniature pastries and thirty blends of tea. The glamorous cocktail bar, Artesian offers martinis made by a mixologist.

 

4-Star Luxury – Baileys Hotel in Kensington

The attractive red brick Bailey’s Hotel is well located on Gloucester Road, in the heart of Kensington. Despite its historic nature, the hotel is beautifully decorated in a contemporary style that remains in keeping with the local area and the building’s character.

The light and elegant restaurant and bar on the ground floor have tall windows, high ceilings and wooden floors, while the grand spiral staircase leading upstairs has its original stained glass windows.

Each floor of guest rooms has its own unique British theme of decor, ranging from Kew Gardens to vintage city gent. Rooms reflect this theme in their furnishings, artwork and palette, and each is spacious and delightfully characterful.

 

Glasgow
5 Star Deluxe - Blythswood Square Hotel

Overlooking a private garden square, the hotel's Georgian townhouses were originally home to wealthy merchants and were later turned into the club headquarters for The Royal Scottish Automobile Club. Today, The Principal Blythswood Square Hotel has been spruced up for the 21st century, with a multi-million pound refurbishment that has refreshed all of the existing guest rooms and suites with an elegant new look and the launch of the 1,900 sq. feet two-bedroom Penthouse Suite with its own private balcony, media room and dining area. The Hotel also hosts a 10,000 sq. ft. Spa facility with 9 luxury treatment rooms, a thermal suite, 2 relaxation pools, and a lounge and café area.

 

Dublin
5 Star Deluxe – Merrion Hotel

Dublin's most stylish and luxurious five-star hotel, The Merrion is located in the city center opposite Government Buildings. Created from four restored Georgian Townhouses, many of the 142 bedrooms and suites overlook period landscaped gardens. Remembered historically as the birthplace of the first Duke of Wellington, the hotel also houses one of Ireland's most impressive collections of art and antiques.

 

4 Star Luxury – Dunboyne Castle Hotel And Spa

The Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa has the heritage capital at its doorstep with historical Newgrange and Hill of Tara in walking distance.

It has 145 opulent bedrooms comprising of 141 well-appointed deluxe bedrooms, 2 luxurious suites, the Synolda suite, and a magnificent presidential suite. It also features interior corridors. Set in the luxurious and elegant surroundings, this picturesque setting, steeped in Irish history, was one time home of Lord Dunboyne. This hotel is the newest property of Ireland, which boasts magnificent gardens, large conference, banquet facilities, and the most exclusive spa of Ireland.

 

Waterford
5 Star Deluxe – The Killarney Park Hotel

Old-world elegance meets contemporary luxury in the family-owned Killarney Park Hotel, where you can look forward to the solace and comfort from a real log fire and the very best of Killarney hospitality and flawless service with modern amenities. The hotel is in the Center of Killarney, surrounded by elegant private gardens.

 

4 Star Luxury – Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa

This Hotel combines the luxury of contemporary comfort with the warmth of Irish hospitality. Each of the 74 suites and rooms offers a breathtaking view – either of the hotel gardens, the rolling Kerry countryside or the magical lakes and mountains. Each room provides the latest in modern technology, as well as every creature comfort – including oversized bathrooms with separate bath and shower, a special feature at Aghadoe. The centrepiece of the Health Club is the indoor heated pool with waterfall and adjacent Jacuzzi.

 

Cardiff
5-Star Deluxe – St. David’s Hotel

Situated on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay, the St. David's Hotel is a striking Cardiff landmark. Dynamic and contemporary in style, the building incorporates a glass-backed atrium from floor to ceiling, giving a vision of space and natural light. The hotel provides the highest levels of service, the ultimate in comfort, leisure and cuisine. It also provides extensive conference and meeting facilities.

 

4 Star Luxury – Park Plaza Cardiff

Situated in the heart of Cardiff city centre just a short stroll from St David's Shopping Centre and the historic Arcades, Cardiff University, Cardiff Castle, City Hall and the Principality Stadium.

Guests will feel at home in the elegant luxury of this award-winning hotel where faultless service complements a superb range of facilities. These include 129 guest rooms, conference and meeting rooms, luxury spa and fitness facilities and an award-winning restaurant and bar.