Britain and Ireland Delight
Britain and Ireland Delight
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
Sign post with landmarks in the city of York, with view of York Minster in the background, UK
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
Gretna Green Village, UK
Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
Custom House and Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Trinity College, Dublin
Waterford, Ireland
Kilkenny, Ireland
Castle Hill Lighthouse, Newport, USA
Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon in Bath, UK
$1850
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Britain and Ireland Delight" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of the UK and Ireland. Begin in London and traverse the scenic landscapes of England, Scotland, and Wales, with stops in iconic cities like York, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Experience the charm of Ireland with visits to Dublin and Waterford, and enjoy ferry crossings from Scotland to Northern Ireland and Ireland to South Wales. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, staying in carefully selected hotels such as the Leonardo in Bradford and the Ibis City Centre in Glasgow. With city orientation tours, many meals included, and the expertise of a Travel Director, this tour offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical experiences. Optional excursions, such as a cruise on Lake Windermere or a dinner in Stirling, provide additional opportunities to explore. Conclude your adventure back in London, enriched by the diverse heritage of these remarkable lands. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London – Stratford-upon-Avon – York – Bradford
Location: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Bradford
Accommodation: Hotel, Leonardo
Accommodation Name: Leonardo
Meals Included: Dinner
Your whirlwind journey through Great Britain and Ireland launches in London. As the boroughs of the 'Old Smoke' give way to the beautiful shires north of its skyscrapers, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through lush green landscapes bound for Shakespeare country. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon where you’ll come face-to-face with the legacy of England’s beloved bard before heading to York. Your Travel Director will take you for an orientation walk through its medieval streets to the sacred York Minster, where every piece of stained glass and limestone block was placed for the glory of God. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before you continue to your hotel in Bradford.
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Day 2: Bradford – Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow
Location: Bradford, Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow
Accommodation: Ibis City Center
Accommodation Name: Ibis City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’re in for a serene start to your morning as you wind your way through the limestone hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. Rustic stone villages, sheep-filled pastures, castles and abbeys line your route to England’s celebrated Lake District. At Lake Windermere, an Optional Experience could take you back to the days of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth who proclaimed the area 'the loveliest spot that man hath found'. Board an optional cruise on a boat. Then cross the Scottish border and stop in Gretna Green where eloping couples would tie the knot over the anvil. Continue to Glasgow later today. Your afternoon orientation of this former industrial hub turned vibrant modern metropolis will include views of the cathedral, the River Clyde and George Square where many of Scotland’s most famous sons are immortalised in stone.
Day 3: Edinburgh excursion
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Ibis City Center
Accommodation Name: Ibis City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day spent exploring Scotland’s exquisite capital will leave you in no doubt as to why it captured the hearts of Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte and even Queen Victoria. Your Local Specialist will reveal all the highlights of 'Auld Reekie'. View the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle which watches over the city from Castle Rock. Exchange the medieval façades of the Old Town for grand Georgian-lined boulevards of the 18th century New Town. You’ll have some time to explore Edinburgh your way or consider joining one of two special Choice Experiences, visiting the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle. This evening surrender to the skirl of bagpipes during an optional dinner in Stirling with views of its Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night.
Day 4: Glasgow – Belfast – Dublin
Location: Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation: Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One
Accommodation Name: Dublin One, Travelodge Plus City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your visit to Scotland culminates in a scenic drive along the Ayrshire coast, the rugged landscapes where Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet, was born and raised. Pass Ailsa Craig, the figurative stepping stone from Scotland to Ireland before boarding your short ferry crossing to Northern Ireland. You won’t dally in its trendy capital, but there’s time to see the City Hall, Queen’s University and the dock where the ill-fated Titanic was built. Head south to Dublin, your home for the next two nights.
Day 5: Dublin sightseeing and free time
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One
Accommodation Name: Dublin One, Travelodge Plus City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’re in for a 'grand' time in the Irish capital this morning as your Local Guide shares all the highlights. See Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in the 12th century. Its 43-metre spire makes this the country’s tallest church. See the stately Georgian Squares then spend the rest of the day on your own. Head down to Grafton Street or Temple Bar for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' or stroll along the Liffey through the heart of Dublin. This evening, an optional dinner and Irish show will have your toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee.
Day 6: Dublin – Kilkenny – Waterford
Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford
Accommodation: Treacy's
Accommodation Name: Treacy's
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue through the splendid countryside bound for Kilkenny where you’ll see its beautiful 12th-century castle, an enduring symbol of Norman occupation. Later you’ll arrive in Waterford where a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom will reveal a wonderland of delicate crystal, from stemware to fine china. You’re in for a riveting history lesson when you join an Optional Experience for a walking tour with a Local Specialist and visit one of the area’s oldest pubs for a pint. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.
Day 7: Waterford - Newport
Location: Waterford, Cardiff, Newport
Accommodation: Copthorne
Accommodation Name: Mercure Newport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say your goodbyes to the 'Emerald Isle', crossing St. George’s Channel to Wales. Small in size but significant in stature, Wales is the fifth country on this journey across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its vibrant capital is your final destination today. Here you’ll view the Millennium Centre, the National Assembly and the historic castle at its heart. Climb the 900-year-old Norman keep and perhaps walk on the battlements during an optional private tour of Cardiff Castle this afternoon. This evening could see you venture into the Welsh countryside for dinner at a 14th-century inn or enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour at an Optional Experience. Then continue to your hotel in Newport.
Day 8: Newport – Bath – Windsor – London
Location: Bath, Windsor, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today may be our final day together, but it’s packed with things to see. Cross the Severn Estuary into England and venture to Bath with its elegant Georgian architecture. The city’s healing waters saw it emerge as a wellness centre as far back as Roman times. Next, head to Windsor to view the world’s oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle. There’s time for a quiet stroll along the banks of the river and shop for Royal souvenirs before arriving in London later where your epic holiday comes to an end.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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City Orientation Tours
City orientation tours are included to enhance your sightseeing experience.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries.
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Ferry Crossings
Ferry crossings from Scotland to Northern Ireland and Ireland to South Wales are included.
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Extensive Variety of Choice Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Experiences is included in the tour.
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Accommodation in Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, including Leonardo in Bradford, Ibis City Center in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One, Treacy's in Waterford, and Copthorne in Cardiff.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a cruise on Lake Windermere, a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, and a dinner in Stirling are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, Driver, and local guides are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and enjoy ferry crossings from Scotland to Northern Ireland and Ireland to South Wales.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, including Leonardo in Bradford, Ibis City Center in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One, Treacy's in Waterford, and Copthorne in Cardiff.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Essentials
- Visit the town of Shakespeare's birth
- View York Minster and the Shambles
- View Glasgow Cathedral and George Square on your orientation tour
- Sightseeing with your Local Guide to Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Castle
- See Belfast City Hall and Queen's University
- Sightseeing with your Local Guide to see St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral and Trinity College
- View Kilkenny Castle and gardens
- Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom
- See the Principality Stadium and view Cardiff Castle
- Visit the Georgian spa town
- View the Royal Castle
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries, and includes ferry crossings from Scotland to Northern Ireland and Ireland to South Wales.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including Leonardo in Bradford, Ibis City Center in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One, Treacy's in Waterford, and Copthorne in Cardiff.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, many meals and daily breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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What kind of experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes city orientation tours, audio headsets for sightseeing experiences, and an extensive variety of Choice Experiences.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, optional experiences such as a cruise on Lake Windermere, a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, and a dinner in Stirling are available but not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are gratuities included in the tour package?
No, gratuities for the Travel Director, Driver, and local guides are not included in the tour package.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Britain and Ireland Delight
8 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Bradford, Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cardiff, Newport, Bath, Windsor ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIDEZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
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