Britain and Ireland Explorer
A 17-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $3,135
(Not Yet Rated) | Write a review
|
| Starting Price: | $3,135 |  |
| Tour Length: | 17 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland | |
  |
||
Cities Visited: A well paced tour with two-night stays in the contrasting cities of Edinburgh, Dublin and Killarney; plus a variation in pace with two different Irish ferry crossings to Dublin and from Rosslare. |
||||||||||||||
Included Premium Highlights
- In Stratford-upon-Avon visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare
- Visit Edinburgh Castle for fine views over the city and to see the 'Honours of Scotland'
- Experience the sights & spectacle of the Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo (selected departures only)
- Embark on a guided highlight cruise on Loch Lomond - one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs
- Join a local guide for a visit to Dublin Castle (when open)
- Experience the magnificent Ring of Kerry with breathtaking views over mountains and sea
- Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Rooms in the English city of Bath
- Visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge
Included Personal Insights
- Learn some of the lesser known facts about the life of William Wordsworth, Britain's best-loved poet
- An equine professional will join you for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- Enter York's medieval city walls to see the Minster and the tilting houses of the 'Shambles'
- See Durham's Castle and fine Romanesque Cathedral
- See part of the Roman built Hadrian's Wall
- See Jedburgh's ruined Abbey
- Cross Edinburgh's New Town and drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace
- Visit the university town of St Andrews to see the famous golf course
- Drive through dramatic Glencoe
- See Chester's 'Rows' and city walls
- See Dublin's Customs House
- See the Rock of Cashel
- Kiss the stone at Blarney Castle
- Visit Waterford Crystal showroom
- See Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and Castle
- Cross the mighty Severn bridge
- Scenic drives - English Lake District, Ring of Kerry, Scottish Highlands, Grampian Mountains
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport shuttle service.
Included Quality Dining
- Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 14 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After checking in to your
hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore this exciting metropolis.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.
Day 3 - LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour of London’s West End shows you Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)
Day 4 - LONDON - STRATFORD - YORK
After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, drive through the Oxfordshire countryside into the 'heart of England' to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare. Head north to York, the ancient capital of Viking Britain, and see history unfold before your eyes as you pass the crooked houses of the 'Shambles' to reach York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Settle into the hotel with a Welcome Drink with your fellow travellers.
Hotel: Hotel 53 (D)
Day 5 - YORK - DURHAM - EDINBURGH
Stop off in Durham to see the castle and the fine Romanesque cathedral before moving on to see Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument. Cross the wild Northumberland moors into Scotland, passing Jedburgh Abbey and the house of the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots en route to the capital of Edinburgh, your base for two nights. Hotel: Royal Terrace (B)
Day 6 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour takes you inside Edinburgh castle, dominating the city from its rocky crag. Continue down the Royal Mile, past the venerable St Giles' Cathedral, to see the Queen's Holyroodhouse Palace before crossing over to the 18th century New Town. The afternoon provides time to shop on Princes Street. Tonight, selected departures enjoy the Military Tattoo - a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums. (B)
Day 7 - EDINBURGH - HIGHLANDS
After breakfast drive towards the Fife coast to St Andrews, a picturesque university town and home of the famous golf course. Over the River Tay, through Dundee and Perth to Pitlochry, to cross the Grampian Mountains for a warm Highland welcome at your hotel. This evening enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis, accompanied by dancing and the sound of the bagpipes. Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel. (B,HD)
Day 8 - HIGHLANDS - LAKE DISTRICT
Mountains and glens greet you as you drive through dramatic Glencoe. On the 'bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond' you'll board a guided Highlight cruise on one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. Afterwards, continue south through Glasgow into the Southern Uplands of Scotland before crossing the border to arrive at your hotel in the beautiful English Lake District. Hotel: Windermere Hyrdo (B,D)
Day 9 - LAKE DISTRICT - GRASMERE - MANCHESTER
Time to enjoy the beauty of the Lake District, its fells, lakes and valleys combining to make it one of England's best loved regions. There is time take an optional cruise on Lake Windermere, before stopping in Grasmere where the Lakeland poet William Wordsworth is buried. Then it's on to our hotel in Manchester for the evening. Hotel:
Park Inn (B,D)
Day 10 - MANCHESTER - CHESTER - DUBLIN
Step back into Roman times in Chester. See the city's ancient encircling walls and its remarkable 13th century black and white galleried 'Rows', now shopping arcades. Continue into Wales, glimpsing the massive Conwy Castle before crossing the Menai Straits to pass through the world-famous village with the very Welsh name of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. From the port of Holyhead, sail across the sea to Ireland and its fun-loving capital, Dublin, for a two-night stay.
Hotel: Burlington (B)
Day 11 - DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
A local guide will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares and the equally impressive castle, which you will visit (if open). Also see the Irish President's home in Phoenix Park, famous O'Connell Street and the historic Customs House. The afternoon is yours to shop in elegant Grafton Street or to continue sightseeing. In the evening, why not treat yourself to an Irish cabaret show and dinner? (B)
Day 12 - DUBLIN - KILLARNEY
Drive to County Kildare, Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse region, for a guided tour of the National Stud, and admire the adjoining Japanese Gardens. Continue to view one of the great sights of Ireland, St. Patrick's great Rock of Cashel, crowned with the noblest group of medieval monuments in Ireland. Cross the rolling pastures which encircle Tipperary, which is immortalised in the famous song, before reaching Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Towers (B,D)
Day 13 - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
A delightful excursion takes you around the magical Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lake lands and remote villages. As you pass through Ireland's highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life will surround you, especially as you reach the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional ride with the locals on one of Killarney's jaunting cars. (B)
Day 14 - KILLARNEY - WATERFORD
Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to visit the famous 15th century Blarney Castle, the home of the famous stone of eloquence, once kissed, never forgotten! Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, where you can admire a sparkling display of crystal before settling into your hotel for the night.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B,D)
Day 15 - WATERFORD - CARDIFF
Drive to Rosslare to take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke. Continue past the valleys of South Wales to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Millennium Stadium.
Hotel: Radisson Blu. (B)
Day 16 - CARDIFF - BATH - STONEHENGE - LONDON
Cross the Severn bridge, spanning the Bristol channel between England and Wales, then on to Bath with its Georgian streets and crescents, and visit the Roman Baths. Cross Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge. From here, travel to London, where the tour ends. (B)
Day 17 - RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. (CB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
4/8/2010 - 4/24/2010 |
$3,135 |
 |
|
|
4/22/2010 - 5/8/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
4/24/2010 - 5/10/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/1/2010 - 5/17/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/6/2010 - 5/22/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/8/2010 - 5/24/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/13/2010 - 5/29/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/15/2010 - 5/31/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/20/2010 - 6/5/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/22/2010 - 6/7/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/27/2010 - 6/12/2010 |
$3,250 |
|
|
|
5/29/2010 - 6/14/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/3/2010 - 6/19/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/5/2010 - 6/21/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/10/2010 - 6/26/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/12/2010 - 6/28/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/17/2010 - 7/3/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/19/2010 - 7/5/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/24/2010 - 7/10/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
6/26/2010 - 7/12/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/1/2010 - 7/17/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/3/2010 - 7/19/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/8/2010 - 7/24/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/10/2010 - 7/26/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/15/2010 - 7/31/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/17/2010 - 8/2/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/22/2010 - 8/7/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/24/2010 - 8/9/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/29/2010 - 8/14/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
7/31/2010 - 8/16/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
8/5/2010 - 8/21/2010 |
$3,350 |
|
|
|
8/7/2010 - 8/23/2010 |
$3,350 |
|
|
|
8/12/2010 - 8/28/2010 |
$3,350 |
|
|
|
8/14/2010 - 8/30/2010 |
$3,350 |
|
|
|
8/19/2010 - 9/4/2010 |
$3,350 |
|
|
|
8/21/2010 - 9/6/2010 |
$3,350 |
|
|
|
8/26/2010 - 9/11/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
8/28/2010 - 9/13/2010 |
$3,265 |
|
|
|
9/2/2010 - 9/18/2010 |
$3,275 |
|
|
|
9/4/2010 - 9/20/2010 |
$3,275 |
|
|
|
9/9/2010 - 9/25/2010 |
$3,275 |
|
|
|
9/11/2010 - 9/27/2010 |
$3,275 |
|
|
|
9/16/2010 - 10/2/2010 |
$3,275 |
|
|
|
9/23/2010 - 10/9/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
9/30/2010 - 10/16/2010 |
$3,225 |
|
|
|
|
Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
||||
Included Premium Highlights
- In Stratford-upon-Avon visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare
- Visit Edinburgh Castle for fine views over the city and to see the 'Honours of Scotland'
- Experience the sights & spectacle of the Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo (selected departures only)
- Embark on a guided highlight cruise on Loch Lomond - one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs
- Join a local guide for a visit to Dublin Castle (when open)
- Experience the magnificent Ring of Kerry with breathtaking views over mountains and sea
- Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Rooms in the English city of Bath
- Visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge
Included Personal Insights
- Learn some of the lesser known facts about the life of William Wordsworth, Britain's best-loved poet
- An equine professional will join you for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- Enter York's medieval city walls to see the Minster and the tilting houses of the 'Shambles'
- See Durham's Castle and fine Romanesque Cathedral
- See part of the Roman built Hadrian's Wall
- See Jedburgh's ruined Abbey
- Cross Edinburgh's New Town and drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace
- Visit the university town of St Andrews to see the famous golf course
- Drive through dramatic Glencoe
- See Chester's 'Rows' and city walls
- See Dublin's Customs House
- See the Rock of Cashel
- Kiss the stone at Blarney Castle
- Visit Waterford Crystal showroom
- See Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and Castle
- Cross the mighty Severn bridge
- Scenic drives - English Lake District, Ring of Kerry, Scottish Highlands, Grampian Mountains
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport shuttle service.
Included Quality Dining
- Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 14 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Red Hot Special Oberammergau Passion Play
Only once a decade does the Alpine village of Oberammergau stage
its world famous Passion Play and now is the time to book for 2010.
On selected departures, Insight Vacations has great value prices on Passion Play Options and is offering them at 10% off the brochure price!
So, instead of paying $1000 for the Passion Play Option, you’ll pay
only $900 pp! That’s a saving of $200 per couple!
Tour Name Promo Code Departure Date Tour Duration
- Country Roads of Bavaria, HOT106 4 Jun 2010 13 Days
Switzerland & Austria
- Road to Rome HOT107 8 May 2010 15 Days
- European Spotlight HOT108 18 Jun 2010 14 Days
In addition, check out the exciting itineraries below which offer even more
great savings. And should you wish to visit the Passion Play on these tours, simply add the regular Oberammergau Option supplement of $1000 p.p. to the reduced tour price. The choice is yours...
Promo Tour Departure Brochure Price Price
Code Name Date WAS NOW
HOT109 Best of Germany 28 May 2010 $1,935 $1,740
HOT110 European Explorer 27 May 2010 $5,750 $5,175
HOT111 Hightlights of Europe 28 May 2010 $4,225 $3,799
Save $300 Off per couple
Two travelers booking together on an air-inclusive 2010 Europe tour will each save $150 off on all Lufthansa or United Airline flights.
Book Now - offer end March 31st, 2010.
TERMS: Valid for new bookings only. Offer CAN be combined with all brochure discounts. Entire booking including air must be paid in full by March 31, 2010. Offer valid from March 1st-March 31st, 2010. All Travel must be completed by October 24th, 2010. Offer is valid on UA and LH flights only (no code share flights allowed over the Atlantic – must be on UA or LH only). Valid on all tours to Europe, Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Morocco. Offer - $300 off per couple or $150 off for single travelers. Offer subject to availability and valid off of all net fares. Promotion cannot be booked online. Commission paid on air for this promotion is 0%. Air tickets are non-refundable after purchase. No name changes allowed once a reservation is made. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Offer can be used for groups – with availability and names at time of booking – full payment on entire package due March 31, 2010. CST No. 2068745-20
Ratings & Reviews:
This tour has no reviews yet. Have you experienced this tour? Write a review.
Related Travel Articles
Visitors who viewed this tour also viewed:
Britain and Ireland Discovery
26 Days starting from $4,825
A well paced tour with two-night stays in the cities of Edinburgh, Thurso, .. (click for more)
Best of Ireland and Scotland
15 Days starting from $2,899
This well paced tour has two-night stays in Dublin, Killarney, the Highland.. (click for more)
Elegance of Great Britain
15 Days starting from $2,835
This tour is leisurely paced with two-night stays in every place visited. I.. (click for more)
Gems of Britain
8 Days starting from $1,199
Edinburgh, York, Chester and Cambridge. Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Wed.. (click for more)
All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.