Please note when booking flights for this tour: The Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour starts in London, England, and ends in Dublin, Ireland (Departure Airport: Dublin Airport).
Arrive and make your way independently to the Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria. (Arrival Transfers not included).
Your Tour Manager will be in the hotel lobby area during the morning and afternoon to answer any questions you may have, offer advice on what to do and see during your time in London, as well as let you know the details of the welcome dinner this evening.
Most trans-Atlantic flights arrive in the early morning, and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and take the opportunity to discuss with your Tour Manager some suggestions for lunch and for you to begin exploring London on your own.
This evening, meet your fellow tour guests and enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Manager at Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria.
Overnight at Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria. Situated in the bustling centre of the city, Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria serves as an ideal starting point to explore the dynamic British capital.
Your Tour Manager will be available in the lobby of the Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria after breakfast and in the afternoon today to answer any questions. They will have advice for you on what to see and do during your free time in London today. You can also ask them for suggestions on the best places to dine this evening.
Enjoy some free time in London, a city with a seemingly endless abundance of historic buildings and world-famous landmarks, including the Tower of London, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
Tonight you will overnight in Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria.
After breakfast, meet up with your Tour Driver and depart for the city of Bristol. Travel along one of Britain's most scenic regions, the Cotswolds. Made up of a series of rolling hills and picturesque rural landscapes, the Cotswolds is located in England's central southwest and spans across the borders of several English counties.
Visit Stonehenge. Scholars and archaeologists have been amazed by the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge for centuries. Built during the Neolithic Period over an estimated span of 1,500 years, it is made up of approximately 100 colossal upright stones arranged in a circular pattern.
Visit The Roman Baths. Located in Somerset, England, the Roman Baths are an ancient and well-preserved site that gives us a glimpse into the lives of the Romans who lived there between 60 and 70 AD. See the treasure trove of artefacts that were uncovered at the site, such as Roman jewellery, coins, and tools.
Enjoy some free time in Bath City. Venture to the heart of the historic city and take in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning Georgian buildings. Or, take time to unwind in the tranquillity of Henrietta Park or the Sydney Gardens, along the majestic River Avon.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Clayton Hotel Bristol. Located in the vibrant heart of Bristol, the hotel provides an excellent starting point for visitors to explore the city. With easy access to Bristol's shopping district and the lively Harbourside area.
After a hearty breakfast, we will depart for Birmingham City. Heading north, we will pass by Gloucester, Cheltenham and Worcester.
Take a journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. Embark on a picturesque train journey from Cheltenham to Broadway, where you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas throughout. Take in the stunning scenery of the Vale of Evesham, the majestic Malvern Hills, and even glimpses of Wales.
Indulge in the quintessentially English and delicious experience of the Classic Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel . Delight in the freshly baked homemade scones, accompanied by Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. Savour the assortment of finger sandwiches, and sweet treats from the pastry kitchen with a choice of tea or coffee.
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace. Located on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, Shakespeare's Birthplace is a meticulously restored 16th-century house. It is said to be where the renowned playwright, William Shakespeare, was born in 1564 and spent his early years.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Clayton Hotel Birmingham. Located in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, a brief stroll away from the Bullring and Grand Central centres, the Clayton Hotel Birmingham is the ideal location for anyone looking to explore England's "second city".
After breakfast this morning, we will continue our journey north towards the city of Manchester. Your journey today will take you across the Peak District. Made up of a region of highlands and moorlands that form a national park in central England, the area is famous for its stunning natural beauty, as well as containing what some call "the purest natural mineral water in the world".
Take a guided tour of Chatsworth House. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Derbyshire, England, Chatsworth House is a stunning mansion that showcases both history and grandeur. It was built in the mid-16th century, and today takes visitors on a captivating journey through time and art.
Set sail on a Manchester River Cruise. Explore the rich history of the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell, and uncover the stories of trade, industry, and transportation that shaped the region.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Maldron Hotel Manchester City. Conveniently located in the vibrant city centre, Maldron Hotel Manchester City provides easy access to all that Manchester has to offer.
After breakfast this morning, we will depart for the city of Newcastle, located in England's northeast.
Your Tour Manager will take you on a tour of York City. Venture through the historic streets of the city including Aldwark, Bootham, Hornpot Lane and Davygate. York's most famous street, known as The Shambles, showcases an array of well-preserved medieval buildings, including some that trace their origins back to the 14th century. Your Tour Manager will also take you on a tour of York Minster. Initially constructed in the 7th century, York Minster has long been the focal point of Christianity in northern England. The structure we see today was completed in 1472.
Travelling north from York to Newcastle, you will pass by the Angel of the North — a statue standing 66 foot tall and said to represent the hopes and dreams of the people of the north.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Maldron Hotel Newcastle. Nestled in the bustling heart of Newcastle City Centre, Maldron Hotel Newcastle is a four-star accommodation offering an ideal base for visitors to the area.
This morning after a hearty breakfast will continue northwards, crossing the English border and into Scotland at Carter Bar.
Visit Jedburgh Abbey. Established around 1138 by David I, Jedburgh Abbey was created as a home for Augustinian canons. Due to its proximity to the English border, the abbey faced frequent attacks from invading border armies. Today, visitors can explore the abbey's visitor centre and stroll through the nearby herb garden.
Visit Rosslyn Chapel. Located just outside the Scottish city of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel dates back to the 15th-century by Sir William St Clair.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City, the perfect base for anyone looking to explore Scotland's capital.
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, depart on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City, with a local Edinburgh Step-on Guide.
Visit Holyrood Palace. Known as the official Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. Adjacent to the palace is Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat — a volcano that has been extinct for millions of years.
See the Scottish Parliament. This modern building was opened in 2004 after decades of Scottish calls for self-determination.
Enjoy an afternoon visit to Edinburgh Castle, dating from the 12th century that has been a fortress, royal palace and prison through its turbulent past. It houses the oldest crown jewels of Britain - The Honours of Scotland.
Enjoy the afternoon free as you explore The Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh.
Tonight, you will overnight and dine in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City.
Depart for Glasgow City via Stirling and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Visit Stirling Castle. One of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland. The majority of the structure, as it stands today, dates back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The outer defences, facing the town of Stirling, were constructed in the 18th-century. In its lifetime, Stirling Castle has suffered at least eight sieges, most of which took place during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Witness the stunning beauty of Loch Lomond. Take in the Bonnie Banks of Scotland's largest lake, on board a leisurely cruise.
Continue on to Glasgow City.
Evening free in Glasgow City. Enjoy Glasgow's famous Cathedral Quarter. With its pre-industrial roots, Glasgow is now a modern and vibrant city. The great inventors James Watt and Charles Macintosh were born here, to name a few.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Maldron Hotel Glasgow City. This brand new city centre hotel is the ideal 4-star base to check out all that Glasgow has to offer.
Tour Glasgow City with your Tour Manager, and discover Glasgow's key landmarks as well as its hidden gems. Take in the unique architecture, ranging from Medieval to post-modern, and uncover the history of this once troubled city; from its 18th-century heyday as a commercial and trading hub to its economic decline of the late 20th century. The real essence of Glasgow is found in its people, affectionately known as 'Glaswegians', they are renowned for their unique 'patter'; a slang and accent combined that is almost impenetrable to the outside world. Your Tour Manager can give you a general breakdown of the patter, this will come in handy should you converse with a Glaswegian that you may otherwise struggle to understand.
Visit Glasgow Cathedral. A truly rare example of an almost complete 13th century church.
Depart for Cairnryan.
Check-in at Ferry Terminal 1 hour prior to sailing time.
1530 Journey by Ferry to Belfast Port across the North Channel to Belfast Port.
Welcome to Northern Ireland!
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Maldron Hotel Belfast. Set just one mile from the Belfast City Botanic Gardens, and a 12-minute walk from the vibrant Belfast Waterfront.
Tour of Belfast City - Northern Ireland's capital; with your Tour Manager to see and hear all about the history of this once-troubled city — including the Belfast Murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road and Nationalist Falls Road. The city was the only city in Ireland to fully experience the Industrial Revolution. Linen, rope making, tobacco and most famously shipbuilding including the building of the Titanic Belfast on the Harland & Wolff shipyard, were the main industries. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past fifteen years of peace have returned much prosperity, while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Depart for the historic fortified city of Derry/Londonderry City located on the River Foyle. The city fortifications are amongst the best preserved in Europe. The city walls are up to 8 metres in height and in places are 9 metres wide and were completed in 1618 to defend the city from Gaelic chieftains in Donegal.
On the spectacular North Antrim Coast visit Giant's Causeway. This prehistoric geological phenomenon is the subject of many myths and legends. There are an estimated 37,000 basalt columns extending from cliffs down into the sea.
Continue onto Derry/Londonderry City.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Everglades Hotel. Standing as a gateway to the northwest of Ireland, and featuring stunning views across the River Foyle towards the hills of Donegal, the Everglades Hotel is a luxury four-star stay.
Join up with your local Derry/Londonderry City guide as they walk you through the historic city of Derry. Also known as Londonderry, which remains its legal name, Derry/Londonderry City is Northern Ireland's second-largest city (after Belfast), and is famed for being the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland. Built, between 1613 and 1619, as a means of protecting the city against invasion from the English and Scottish, the walls form a walkway through the inner city. Ranging in height from 12 to 35 feet, you can walk across them and view the city from above as your guide lays out the turbulent history of this once troubled region of Northern Ireland.
Continue south to Galway City, known as the "City of the Tribes". Just a few miles outside Derry you will cross the border into Donegal and you are now in the Republic of Ireland. Donegal is a spectacularly rugged county in the very North-West of Ireland has very much its own distinct cultural identity and the locals are fond of the expression - "Up here it's different"
Travel on through Sligo with its distinctive high plateau mountain of Ben Bulben, which featured so prominently in the poetry of W.B. Yeats, one of the foremost figures in 20th-century literature.
Visit Drumcliffe. Located in County Sligo, this is the picturesque final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Here you can read the epitaph on the grave of one of Ireland's greatest poets.
Travel on via Mayo, famous for its important pilgrimage sites including Knock Shrine and Croagh Patrick Mountain, where since ancient times pilgrims have climbed its rocky slopes to the summit in honour of St. Patrick, who it is said fasted and prayed for 40 days on this windswept peak.
Continue on along the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and is considered by many as the best fishing lake in Europe, to Galway City, a vibrant bustling harbour town with medieval origins and with a long tradition of Irish language, music, song, and dance.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Menlo Park Hotel. Located just outside Galway City, this sleek and modern hotel is set in an idyllic location.
Tour the wilds of Connemara, a vast expanse of mountains, bogs, heathlands, and lakes dotted with small fishing villages west of Galway City.
Your journey today will take you via the villages of Oughterard, Maam Cross, and Recess before travelling up the spectacular Inagh Valley, with the 12 Bens of Connemara on your left and the Maumturks Mountains on your right as you travel to the village Leenane on the shores of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord.
Visit Kylemore Abbey. An historic building nestled at the base of Duchruach Mountain, on the northern shore of Lough Pollacappul — in the heart of the Connemara Mountains. It is regarded as one of Ireland's most romantic buildings.
Travel on via Letterfrack to Connemara National Park, where you will have the opportunity for spectacular views of Connemara's hills, bays and inlets.
Return east to Galway City.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Menlo Park Hotel.
This morning, after breakfast, you will begin one of the great coastal scenic routes of the world down the Atlantic west coast of Clare to the world-famous Killarney Town, on the edge of Killarney National Park.
Travelling down the Atlantic seaboard, our journey will take you via Galway Bay, Dunguaire Castle at Kinvarra (This is a drive-by only and only noted for its scenic location overlooking Galway Bay) and Ballyvaughan.
See The Burren, which is Gaelic for rocky land—an apt name for this vast limestone plateau. In the 1640s, Cromwell's surveyor described it as "a savage land, yielding neither water enough to drown a man, nor tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury".
Visit Cliffs of Moher. Braced against the ocean, on the coast of County Clare. Here you will stand on the dramatic 702ft (214m) high and 9 miles (14km) long cliffs, a Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point, to gaze out on the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue down the Atlantic coast via the coastal towns and villages of Ennistymon and Lahinch before turning east to Limerick to visit the beautiful, thatched village of Adare, considered by many as Ireland's prettiest village and home to the 2027 Ryder Cup.
Cross the Limerick/Kerry border, and you are now in the "Kingdom of Kerry" and you will travel on to Killarney.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Dromhall Hotel. Located in the ideal location, between the Ring of Kerry and Killarney Town centre, this hotel has been a popular port of call for guests to the area since the 1960s.
Tour the Ring Of Kerry. Officially known as the Iveragh Peninsula, it is a captivating journey of spectacular mountain and coastal scenery dotted with colourful small towns and villages. You will travel via Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Coomakesta Pass with its magnificent views over Derrynane, home of Daniel O' Connell, known as "The Liberator", to Caherdaniel.
Visit Blind Piper Pub. Here you will have a traditional Irish Pub Lunch. Located in the village of Caherdaniel, locals and visitors alike have been drinking here since 1865. Who is the Blind Piper, you may ask? The Blind Piper is Mici Cumba O'Sullivan, who was born nearby in 1835 and became one of Ireland's most famous pipers.
Travel on via the hamlet of Castlecove, the colourful village of Sneem and on via Moll's Gap, Ladies View, Killarney National Park and along the Lakes of Killarney to Killarney Town.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Dromhall Hotel.
This morning, after breakfast, you will journey north to Dublin. Your route will first take you east to the "county bounds" under the wild Derrynasaggart Mountains, sometimes referred to as the Cork/Kerry Mountains and made famous in the ballad — "Whiskey in the Jar" — to Cork, known as the Rebel County.
Visit Blarney Castle. Built on this site in 1446 by Dermot McCarthy. You will have the chance to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. You will also have an opportunity to shop at Blarney Woollen Mills, boasting a huge selection of Irish arts, crafts and produce.
Cross the River Blackwater and enjoy the breath-taking views of the Golden Vale, the name given to some of Ireland's finest rolling pastureland, and the Galtee Mountains on the Tipperary/Limerick border.
Visit The Rock of Cashel. Rising dramatically from the grassy plains of county Tipperary. This was the seat of kings and medieval bishops for 900 years and flourished until the early 17th century. Brian Ború was crowned King of Munster here in 977, before becoming High King of Ireland in 1002.
Travel on via "The Curragh" a flat open plain of common land, the home of the Irish Defence Forces and world-renowned for Irish horse racing, breeding, and training.
Continue on to Dublin City.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Gresham Riu Plaza Hotel, located in a grand Georgian building on Dublin City's main street; O'Connell Street. This is a luxury hotel in a dream location.
Enjoy a visit to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum. Voted, recently, as "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction", this museum tour tells the story behind the millions of people who fled, or were forced from, Ireland over the past three centuries. Located in Dublin's Docklands..
Visit Christ Church Cathedral. Founded by the Viking King Sitric almost 1000 years ago in 1034. The cathedral crypt is one of the largest in the UK and Ireland, dating back to the 12th Century. Here, in the crypt, you can see the mummified remains of the Cat and the Rat which were found in the cathedral organ, and a rare 14th century copy of the Magna Carta.
Visit Guinness Storehouse. With an address at the world-famous St. James's Gate. Here you will tour the world-renowned brewery and enjoy a perfect complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar — located at the top of a glass tower that commands spectacular views of Dublin City.
Visit Taylors Three Rock. Take in an evening of traditional Irish song, music, laughter, and dance while also indulging in a wide variety of mouthwatering Irish dishes. The audience is treated to breath-taking performances by their resident band and traditional Irish dancers, who never fail to entertain.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Gresham Riu Plaza Hotel.
Today marks the end of The Iconic Britain and Ireland Tour.
After a final great Irish breakfast this morning, there will be 3 group airport transfers between 0500 and 1100 to get you to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. The confirmed transfer times will be advised 10 days prior to the tour start date. Turas sàbhailte dhuibh (safe journey).
| Time | Departure Transfer details |
|---|---|
| Between 05:00 and 11:00 | The Gresham Hotel, Dublin There are 3 group airport transfers this morning, between 5am and 11am, from The Gresham Hotel, Dublin to Dublin Airport. |