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Romantic Britain & Ireland

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Tour Pace: Active
Bath, England
Tour Style: Premium
22 Days from $5,125 per person

A wealth of history, dramatic scenery, sacred sites, legends and traditions all come together, invoking a sense of romance on this tour.

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  1. Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).

  2. Check into your hotel, then there is time to relax, explore or shop.

    hotel:Grosvenor, London (2 Nights)

  3. An included half day sightseeing tour of London’s West End shows you all the major sights - Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Your Tour Director is also on hand today for help and advice.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Grosvenor, London

  4. In the morning, drive to the famous university town of Oxford with its beautiful spires. With time at leisure, why not visit the world-famous Ashmolean Museum or just browse through the local indoor market, before continuing via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover the story of Shakespeare's early years during during a visit to his birthplace. Your cozy hotel is nestled a few minutes’ walk from the banks of the River Avon. Later, join your Tour Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Reception with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

    meal(s):WD
    hotel:Alveston Manor, Stratford.

  5. Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country' on your way to visit Lincoln Castle, one of the finest examples of a Norman castle in England. Your tour will include a chance to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Later, continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain. Saunter along the Shambles to reach York Minster, in the heart of this medieval gem. Your hotel lies within the walls facing Clifford's Tower.

    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:Hilton, York.

  6. Drive through the Lake District National Park, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes, inspiration to a host of English poets. Stop in Wordsworth's village of Grasmere and see the poet's grave in the churchyard before crossing the border at Gretna and continuing to the Scottish capital.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Apex City, Edinburgh (2 nights).

  7. In the morning, travel down the Royal Mile to the Queen’s Holyroodhouse Palace before crossing over to the ‘New Town’. Next, walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. At night, selected departures venture to the Military Tattoo – a colorful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Apex City, Edinburgh.

  8. Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, the home of golf. After some time to explore, cross the Tay and drive to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry. Next, stop at Culloden Moor, scene of the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. Continue on to stately Inverness, where your grand hotel is perfectly placed in the centre of town.

    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:The Columba Hotel, Inverness.

  9. Go on a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales of 'Nessie' in the heart of Scotland's great glen. Afterwards, pause for a photo of Eilean Donan Castle, set idyllically on a headland on Loch Duich. Then hear tales of Flora MacDonald and her vain defense of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.

    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.

  10. Return to the mainland and drive to the Commando Memorial in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Then on through Fort William to absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the ‘Valley of the Weeping', where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692. Enjoy a scenic drive along the ‘Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond', en route to Glasgow for an orientation tour.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Hilton, Glasgow.

  11. Bid farewell to Scotland as you cross the Irish Sea and drive to the vibrant Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet your Local Expert to see the City Hall, Queen's University and Stormont Castle. In your free time, why not follow the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic at the new state of the art Belfast exhibition.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Europa, Belfast.

  12. Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne before crossing the historic Boyne Valley, site of the battle where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. On your guided tour of Ireland's ‘fair city', you will see O'Connell Street, historic Phoenix Park and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin (2 nights).

  13. This morning, before it opens to the public, experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production and enjoy a tasting with a Guinness expert. The rest of the day is yours to shop, continue sightseeing or maybe take an optional drive to the ruined monastic site of Glendalough?

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Dublin.

  14. Travel west to Galway the 'City of the Tribes' for an orientation tour. Continue across the limestone landscape of the Burren, to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking vistas of the Clare Coast. Next, journey on to Limerick on the shores of the river Shannon.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:George Boutique Hotel, Limerick.

  15. See the 12th century St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone before setting off via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, to Tralee. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way into the great cliffs, wide skies and ocean views of the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney.

    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:Killarney Plaza, Killarney (2 nights).

  16. A delightful morning excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Continue through Ireland's highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy. Maybe take the opportunity to ride a Jaunting Car around the lake or through the National Park? Choose from a selection of restaurants in Killarney this evening.

    meal(s):FB, DA
    hotel:Killarney Plaza, Killarney.

  17. Visit Blarney Castle, the home of the famous stone of eloquence, once kissed, never forgotten! Travel on to the walled city of Waterford for a guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman.

    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:Dooleys Hotel, Waterford.

  18. Take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke for a pleasant drive through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of South Wales to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Millennium Stadium.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.

  19. Cross the Severn Bridge to reach Bath, the site of Britain's only hot, mineral springs. Enjoy a tour through the Georgian streets and crescents and visit the Roman Baths. Then drive to mystical Glastonbury to view the Abbey, reputedly the legendary burial place of King Arthur. After a short onwards journey, you'll reach the seaside town of Torquay.

    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Imperial, Torquay (2 nights).

  20. In the morning, drive to Plymouth to see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Move on to a quaint Cornish fishing village. Return to Torquay across rugged Dartmoor. Enjoy a glass of wine with your Celebration Dinner - a fitting finalé to your tour.

    meal(s):FB, CD
    hotel:Imperial, Torquay.

  21. Cross Salisbury Plain to visit Stonehenge, the world's most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. In the afternoon, return to London's Grosvenor Hotel.

    meal(s):FB

  22. Your journey draws to a close after breakfast this morning.

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30 Day Refund Guarantee

We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

Add air to your reservation

Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • VIP Access VIP Access
  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • Cultural Enrichment Cultural Enrichment
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips
  • Most Meals Most Meals
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options

INCLUDED QUALITY DINING

17 Full Breakfasts (FB), 5 three-course Dinners (D); plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 1 Dine-Around (DA) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee.

Signature Experiences

London:

  • Half day sightseeing tours of London’s West End shows you all the major sights - Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.

Stratford:

  • Visit the timber-framed building where Shakespeare was born and grew up.

Lincoln:

  • Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old.

Edinburgh:

  • Walk with a Local Expert inside the walls of the Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.
  • For a limited time in August, witness the astounding spectacle of the Military Tattoo.

Culloden Moor:

  • Stop at the famous battlefield.

Loch Ness:

  • Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of 'Nessie' during a cruise.

Cliffs of Moher:

  • Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs.

Killarney:

  • Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages, as you tour the magical Ring of Kerry.

Blarney:

  • It is said that those whose lips caress the Stone of Eloquence are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax.

Bath:

  • Visit the Roman Baths, where offerings and curses were thrown to the Roman Goddess Sulis Minerva.

Stonehenge:

  • Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
  • Definite Departure
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
20 Aug 17 10 Sep 17 checkmark $5,550pp Call 1-877-622-9109
27 Aug 17 17 Sep 17 checkmark $5,325pp Call 1-877-622-9109
3 Sep 17 24 Sep 17 checkmark $5,175pp Call 1-877-622-9109
10 Sep 17 1 Oct 17 checkmark $5,175pp Call 1-877-622-9109
17 Sep 17 8 Oct 17 checkmark $5,125pp Request Quote Book Now

These departures include Edinburgh Tattoo.

Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.

Single Room Supplement: from $1,470 p.p.

Triple Supplement: $290 p.p.

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $154 per person.

Early Payment Discount: Pay in full to save the amount listed above. For details, click here.

AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift!  Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.

Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.

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  • U.S. citizens traveling to UK and Ireland must have a current passport that is valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering the UK or Ireland.

  • The currency in the UK is the Pound (£) and in Ireland is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination.  The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in the UK and Ireland. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling.  It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.

  • English specialties include fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, stilton cheese, and scones with clotted cream. Culinary experiences to not to miss include a traditional pub meal, afternoon tea, and full English breakfast.  In larger cities like London you’ll also find restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine.

    Food and drink in Scotland goes far beyond haggis, porridge, and whisky.  Specialties to try include kippers, fish and chips, Scotch broth, smoked salmon, sausages, shortbread, and Dundee cake.  For a meal that’s inexpensive and authentic, try a pub meal with a pint of Scottish ale.

    Irish specialties including Irish stew, coddle, potato bread, corned beef and whiskey cake. Be sure to visit a local chip shop for fresh fish and chips, and sample Irish ales in a traditional pub.

  • The climate in the UK and Ireland is temperate, with regular rainfall throughout the year. We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress.  A few important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.

  • Tipping is less common than in the U.S. When dining out, some restaurants will add a service charge of 12.5 percent to your bill, especially for groups.  If a service hasn’t been added, it’s appropriate to leave 10 – 15 percent gratuity.

    At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director.  Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit.  A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.

  • Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.

  • You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions.  All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers.  In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. 

    If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

  • We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.

Reviews

Monday, May 22, 2017
Romantic Britain & Ireland
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The hotel in Isle of Skye was deplorable. The mattress had springs popping thru and was so small was hard to walk to the bathroom. Also the basic room at the Grosvenor Hotel was also horrible small and not the standard used to, I know that the deluxe double is only 20 pounds a night more, what we pay for the tour there is no reason to put us in substandard accommodations. Our tour director Matt was fabulous, sights amazing. Some of historic stops, we could have used more time, & there was time in our travel schedule.
Vacation : Already finished comments

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every year in August and is included on four departures in 2017:

July 30, August 6, August 13, and August 20.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, often referred to as "the most spectacular show on earth," is an exciting celebration showcasing the best of Scottish music, dance, and military pageantry.  In 2017 it will take place in Edinburgh from August 4th to August 26th, and is sure to draw entertainers and spectators from around the world. 

Tickets and arrangements have been included on these select departures. Book early as they will sell out quickly!

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Most Haunted

Adult Price: £27.00

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.

Dinner In Edinburgh

Adult Price: £36.00

Edinburgh has more eateries per head than any other city in the UK and your Tour 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 or wine, beer or soft drink included.

Belfast

Historic Pub Walk and Dinner

Adult Price: £36.00

Join a local to hear about the importance of Belfast's pubs through the eras, stroll through the narrow streets before reaching a Victorian alehouse to enjoy a traditional supper and drinks.

Edinburgh

Royal Yacht Britannia

Adult Price: £17.50

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.

Scottish Dinner & Cabaret

Adult Price: £58.00

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!

Scottish Highlands

Blair Castle

Adult Price: £20.00

Journey into the fascinating past with a visit to the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. Brimming with treasures inside and out, magnificent Blair Castle is set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery. During your informative tour, see how the castle has been transformed through the ages and learn how Queen Victoria's famous stay led to the creation of Europe's only private army.

Skye

Isle Of Skye Tour

Adult Price: £15.00

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, KiltRrock, and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

Glasgow

Glasgow Dinner

Adult Price: £37.00

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.This meal may be offered as a lunch.

Belfast

Titanic Experience

Adult Price: £17.00

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.

Dublin

An Epic Voyage

Adult Price: € 39.00

Stroll with your tour director along the Banks of the Liffey to view the historic architecture of Custom House Quay, including the Triumphal Arch of 1813 and the ever poignant Famine Memorial statues. Enter Vaults two centuries old, for an exclusive reception of canapés and drinks, before touring"Epic". Here, walk with your ancestors to hear how the emigrating Irish influenced the four corners of the world and modern life as we know it.

Dinner & Irish Cabaret

Adult Price: € 71.00

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.

Irish Countryside & Glendalough

Adult Price: € 21.00

An afternoon drive takes you through the rural countryside of County Wicklow - the garden of Ireland. Pass through the pretty Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin’s great 6th Century monastic site at Glendalough. After exploring the monastic remains return to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Dublin Dinner

Adult Price: € 45.00

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.

Limerick

Shannon Castle Banquet

Adult Price: € 69.00

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 jester, 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.

Killarney

Gaelic Roots

Adult Price: € 33.00

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.

Jaunting Car Ride

Adult Price: € 21.00

Clip-clop your way through the charming streets of Killarney into the beautiful Bourne Vincent National Park. A local “jarvie” informs you of the local history, legend and folklore aboard one of the famous jaunting cars.

Waterford

Waterford Walking Tour

Adult Price: € 23.00

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.

Cardiff

Cardiff Castle Tour

Adult Price: £21.00

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.

Pub Dinner

Adult Price: £35.00

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.

Welsh Evening At Millennium Centre

Adult Price: £54.00

Join us for a lively night celebrating Welsh food and culture at the stunning Welsh Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Enjoy a traditional and locally-sourced three-course meal whilst being entertained by Welsh stories, enchanting music and renowned Welsh singers.

Plymouth

Plymouth Harbour Cruise

Adult Price: £15.00

Join us for a pleasant cruise around the harbour of this most famous seaport. Your skipper provides all the informative commentary as you enjoy panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe, site of Drake’s legendary game of bowls.  View the Mayflower steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America, and ships weighed anchor for Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland. Continue into the Royal Navy Dockyard for a chance to see some of the more modern vessels of the Royal Navy

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