Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group
Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, learn to pour a pint like a pro at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Stud Farm in Kildare — the epicenter of Ireland’s thoroughbred horse breeding history. This all-encompassing tour showcases the regal heritage of Edinburgh Castle, the stunning beauty of England’s Lake District, the historic grandeur of Durham’s Romanesque cathedral and the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire in Wales. Pay homage to the literary legacy of Shakespeare as you visit his birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon, tour the medieval Shambles of old York, admire the ancient border of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall and set sail from Holyhead to Dublin, on this journey through Great Britain and Ireland.


Dining Summary

• 14 Breakfast (B)
• 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
• 2 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Killarney: Enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys as you explore the lush scenery of Killarney National Park.
• Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
• Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.

Authentic Dining

• York: In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
• Loch Lomond: Enjoy a light lunch and admire the oak woodlands and incredible scenery as you cruise one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, a favorite nature spot of the locals.
• Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
• Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
• Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
• Waterford: Celebrate the culmination of your escorted journey with wine, good cheer and palate-pleasing cuisine.

Insight Choice

• Killarney: Enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys as you explore the lush scenery of Killarney National Park.
• Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
• Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
• Blarney: Your up close and personal encounter with the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate is brought to life on a guided tour with a senior gardener. On your stroll enhanced by your expert’s insights, learn about the arboretum’s rare trees, mystical Druid rock formations and the Bog Garden boasting three 600-year-old yew trees.

Insight Experiences

• Kildare: Horse-racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll get a rare peek into it over your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents.
• Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilize traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.

Make Travel Matter

• County Tipperary: Meet entrepreneur Ailbhe and hear about her passion for sustainable farming. Learn about biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and the secret to crafting the most delicious honey on the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. Aibhe has been sharing her keen interest and experience in the various courses she has been running since 2015, putting sustainable farming at the heart of local education programs and contributing important research. Brookfield Farm's various activities all support sustainable farming practices, organically certified activities, habitat protection and tree planting initiatives. The Brookfield Farm experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Sustainable Production and Consumption.
• 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 program 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.

Top Rated Highlights

• 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.
• York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
• Durham: See the castle and Romanesque cathedral.
• Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
• 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: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.
• 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: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
• Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
• Liverpool: Stay in the home city of The Beatles.
• Conwy: See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy down and enjoy amazing views out across the craggy mountains of Snowdonia. The spectacular castle was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in just four years between 1283 and 1287.
• Holyhead: Set sail for Dublin.
• Dublin: A Local Expert will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
• Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
• Killarney: Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
• Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
• 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.
• Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
• Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
• Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.