Romantic Britain & Ireland (Classic, 18 Days)

Guide

York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city. Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.

Meals

8 Dinner with Wine (DW) 17 Breakfast (B) Stratford-upon-Avon: Get to know your fellow travellers during your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Blair Atholl: Visit Blair Castle and Gardens, which has been home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, and tour the ballroom to learn about the history of the estate. Relish a delicious afternoon sipping on freshly brewed coffee or tea and tasting homemade scones with berry jam and sweet cream. Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink. Killarney: There's nothing quite as homely as the English tradition of a Sunday roast, served with all the trimmings. Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening. Torquay: Blend a little wine with great cuisine and good company for a rousing end of tour Celebration Dinner.

Others

1 Afternoon Tea (AT) Choose between two carefully selected activities Dartmoor National Park: Learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert and enjoy a scenic exploration across the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago. Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master craftsmen utilise traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops. Ring of Kerry: Visit a local seaweed farm striving to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts. Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town. Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses. Lincoln: Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old. Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave. Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse. Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created. Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city. Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise. Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle. Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial. Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Belfast: Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. Dublin: A Local Expert will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House. Galway: Enjoy an orientation tour of the many landmarks in Galway such as the Lynch Memorial, Church of St. Nicholas, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square. Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs. Limerick: See King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone. Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation. Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Waterford: Explore the town and see Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls. Rosslare Harbour: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey. Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals. Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Transport

: Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Accommodation

1 night: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford 1 night: Hilton York 2 nights: Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - Royal Terrace 1 night: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness 1 night: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford 1 night: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow 1 night: Europa Hotel, Belfast 2 nights: Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin 1 night: The George Hotel Limerick 2 nights: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa 1 night: Dooley's Hotel Waterford 1 night: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff 2 nights: The Imperial Torquay

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

DINNER IN EDINBURGH Edinburgh has more eateries per head than any other city in the UK and your Travel Director knows which ones shine and which ones to shun! Join your fellow companions for a fun evening out in this vibrant city. Visit a prized local restaurant for a delicious three course dinner with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink included. ADULT PRICE: GBP 40.00 SCOTTISH DINNER & CABARET Join us for a lively and memorable evening of traditional Scottish song, dance, tartan and bagpipes. In addition to wine and dinner, your kilted hosts will lead you through some of the best-loved Scottish music and songs. You'll learn a Highland dance or two and sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. An exceptional Scottish experience! ADULT PRICE: GBP 60.00 ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA This magnificent ship has hosted some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. For four royal couples, Britannia was to provide a honeymoon sanctuary before the onset of married life in the world's most photographed family. Now berthed in Leith, you are welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. ADULT PRICE: GBP 23.00 EDINBURGH'S MOST HAUNTED Join our Ghouls and Ghosts to embark upon a scary and mirth-filled tour of Edinburgh's old town as never seen before! We'll enjoy a drink afterwards to calm our nerves before returning to the land of the living. ADULT PRICE: GBP 27.00 ISLE OF SKYE TOUR A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a local expert. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the 'Isle of Mist' see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed. ADULT PRICE: GBP 15.00 GLASGOW DINNER In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, this restaurant is very much at the forefront. In the hub of Glasgow's vibrant cosmopolitan capital, enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the unique atmosphere of the city at night. ADULT PRICE: GBP 40.00 HISTORIC PUB WALK AND SUPPER This evening, a local will take us on a leisurely walk through the changing heart of Belfast. We'll view Street art inspired by the murals of the past and experience the renewal of this vibrant city through the history of its best-known pubs. We'll finish with supper in a Victorian pub, famed for its home-cooked fare. ADULT PRICE: GBP 40.00 TITANIC EXPERIENCE Follow the story of this ill-fated ship and her people, from the launch in this very city. Explore the exhibition in this stunning award-winning building, on the former site of the shipyard where Titanic was built. ADULT PRICE: GBP 18.00 IRISH COUNTRYSIDE & GLENDALOUGH An afternoon drive takes you through the rural countryside of County Wicklow - the garden of Ireland. With our Local Expert, we'll pass through the pretty Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin’s great 6th Century monastic site at Glendalough. Afterwards, we'll explore the monastic remains before returning to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. ADULT PRICE: EUR 25.00 DINNER & IRISH CABARET Over an excellent dinner of quality Irish food, enjoy a nonstop show of comedy, dance, song and music. Ireland’s musical history unfolds in a cabaret that will delight you long after the night has ended. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the fun, and it’s all wrapped up in the spirit of Irish humour. At the end of your meal, cap off one of Ireland’s best nights out with an Irish Coffee. ADULT PRICE: EUR 72.00 DUBLIN DINNER Join us for some warm Irish hospitality a three course dinner in a family run pub, that was formerly the haunt of nobility and notorious highwaymen. Lovely exposed brick walls and dark wood make for a cosy atmosphere in which to enjoy your hearty pub meal. ADULT PRICE: EUR 49.00 SHANNON CASTLE BANQUET Calling all Lords and Ladies! Please be seated for a delicious banquet in the great hall of the castle. In the splendour of a bygone age, entertainment is provided by the court butler, castle musicians and attendants of the medieval court. It won’t be long before you're making merry with the fine music, singing, dancing, good food and laughter. You'll be sure to take home warm memories of this delightful evening. ADULT PRICE: EUR 73.00 GAELIC ROOTS A tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance, Gaelic roots showcases Ireland at its best. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along in no time. ADULT PRICE: EUR 34.00 JAUNTING CAR RIDE Clip-clop your way through Killarney National Park, the first Irish National Park and a land of lakes and lore. A local "jarvey" will inform us of the history, legends and folklore of this beautiful setting while aboard one of these famous carts. ADULT PRICE: EUR 22.00 WATERFORD WALKING TOUR Join an extremely knowledgeable and entertaining historian for an insightful walking tour of Ireland's oldest city. Meet a range of colourful characters and learn about the town's history from the arrival of the Vikings through to British rule as you stroll to various key sights. Afterwards, rub shoulders with the locals with a drink in a typical pub. ADULT PRICE: EUR 24.00 PUB DINNER Visit a traditional country pub with its stone floors, real ale, and cosy atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy a mouth-watering meal featuring freshly cooked traditional British food. ADULT PRICE: GBP 37.00 CARDIFF CASTLE TOUR Take an ‘insider’ look at this unique Castle started by the Romans 2,000 years ago where we have our own private tour. The refurbishments done in the 1800s have been described as outrageous to opulent, bogus to brilliant and some even say the architect, William Burgess, smoked his opium pipe too much! His influences include Arab and Islamic art, Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. In addition, we can walk on the battlements and climb the 1,000-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff. ADULT PRICE: GBP 21.00 WELSH EVENING Join us for a lively night celebrating Welsh food and culture at a stunningly-renovated deconsecrated church in the heart of Cardiff. Enjoy a traditional and locally-sourced three-course meal whilst being entertained by Welsh stories, enchanting music and renowned Welsh singers. ADULT PRICE: GBP 55.00

Insurance

Insurance is not included.