SAMPLE Multi Country - UK & Ireland

2 Adults

Autumn 2024

Number of Travellers:  2
Duration: 22 Days / 21 Nights

Overview

Travel around the United Kingdom and Ireland as you discover, explore and enjoy the culture and heritage of these islands; delving deep into the history with private talks and tours.

Highlights

  • Discover the history of parts of England, Scotland and Ireland, ranging from King Richard III to Rob Roy MacGregor to the archeological sites of the Beara Peninsula
  • Visit St Andrews, Scotland’s home of Golf
  • Meet with one of Scotland’s leading historians for a private audience
  • Explorations of Ireland's west coast, from the coastline to the culture rich city of Galway

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to London

On arrival in London, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.

Overnight: London | Royal Horseguards Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Self Guided London Exploration

Today is yours to head out and delve into all that is on offer in this magnificent city. Take the time to enjoy the sights or perhaps a tour of The British Museum or The National Gallery.

Overnight: London | Royal Horseguards Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Self Guided London Exploration

Today is again yours to enjoy, with endless options such as a trip on the London Eye or perhaps visit the West End for a theatrical performance like no other.

Overnight: London | Royal Horseguards Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Transfer to Cambridge

With a local guide and driver travel to the county of Cambridge, where you have the opportunity to explore the City of Cambridge from a punting trip on the river to viewing the spectacular architecture of King’s College before spending the night in a local hotel.

Overnight: Cambridge | The Gonville Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Take the Train to Liverpool

It is now time to journey north. Take the train from Cambridge to Liverpool (approx 4 hours, 45mins with a change at Birmingham) and have an afternoon at leisure exploring all that Liverpool has to offer – take a wander around the Royal Albert Dock; home to the Tate Liverpool modern art gallery, visit the British Music Experience or explore Liverpool’s Chinatown; one of the oldest Chinese communities in Europe.

Overnight: Liverpool | Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Beatles Magical Mystery Tour

Join a Beatles tour this morning.  Boarding the Magical Mystery tour bus you and fellow passengers will enjoy a 2 hour tour of all things Beatles including Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, and entry to the world famous Cavern Club!

Overnight: Liverpool | Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Private Talk with Noted Historian

It is time to take the leap across the border to Scotland by train, stopping firstly at the City of Glasgow. Here you meet your main Scotland driver guide for lunch in the city, then in the afternoon you will have the delight of a private talk with a noted historian on Scottish Emigration. You’ll learn all about the mass emigration of people from Scotland to the US, Canada and other countries throughout the 17th-19th centuries. You will have a unique opportunity for a Q&A session, giving you a chance to ask any questions you have related to not only Scottish history but contemporary Scottish politics and culture as well.

Overnight: Glasgow | Kimpton Blythswood Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - The Scottish Highlands

Today you’ll transfer north into the Highlands to Balquhidder in the Loch Lomond National Park, here you will visit the grave of Scotland’s renowned outlaw, Rob Roy McGregor and learn of his eventful and fateful life. After the graveyard there is the option of a scenic short hike that takes you through the glen to a viewpoint, marked one of the finest in the country.

 

Overnight: Lochearnhead | Monachyle Mhor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 3 km / 2 miles | 125 m / 410 ft elevation gain | Approx: 1 hrs

Day 9 - Explore the waters of Perthshire and the Village of Killin

Today is the chance to visit the small town of Killin, located at the western end of Loch Tay in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Admire the river as it flows down at the Falls of Dochart, which can be viewed from the village bridge. Here you can also find the ancient burial ground of the Clan MacNab. After a leisurely morning in Killin there is a short journey to the shores of Loch Tay where you can experience the beautiful mountainous surroundings.

Overnight: Lochearnhead | Monachyle Mhor Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Stirling Castle tour and visit the famous Kelpies

The journey of Scotland continues as you move further south to the City of Edinburgh, not before stopping off at Stirling Castle of course. Step into the rich world of Scotland’s royalty to learn stories of the past. After visiting the castle it is now time to visit one of Scotland’s famous landmarks and man-made wonders at Helix Park, home to the largest equine sculptures in the world, the Kelpies.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Visit the Ancient Town of St Andrews

A trip to the coastal town of St Andrews, with your guide take a stroll through the historic town with mediaeval streets, a world renowned University, castle, Cathedral ruins and quaint harbour.

This town is also Scotland’s world famous home of golf so this afternoon it is only right to have a round at one of the local courses.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12 - Explore Scotland's Capital

Discover the quieter areas of Edinburgh, you will visit Dean Village, a quaint hamlet once home to 11 mills running off of the local river. The river, the Water of Leith, is one of Edinburgh’s hidden natural assets with a diversity of flora and fauna that you will have time to discover as you stroll along the 13 mile walkway at the river’s edge.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13 - Day at leisure in Edinburgh

You have a full day at leisure today with no guided excursions planned.  Soak in the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s vibrant and historic Old Town and visit the castle, take in the Georgian grandeur of the New Town or head to Leith docks to see the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s former floating palace.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Kimpton Charlotte Square
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Fly to Ireland and Discover Dublin

Today you will leave Scotland behind and journey on to the wonderful Republic of Ireland. Arriving in Ireland you will be transferred to your accommodation before an afternoon walking around the atmospheric streets of Dublin on a historical city tour.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Dublin Sightseeing

Your guide for the day will lead you through some of Dublin’s lesser known sites, including Georgian Dublin, to provide you a true experience of the City and the history that surrounds it. Visiting the Little Museum of Dublin, located in one of the city’s finest townhouses you will have a curator-led tour to provide you a deeper insight into the Irish capital.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 16 - Free Day to Explore

Today is yours to explore as you wish. Spend some time relaxing at the hotel, perhaps with a spa treatment, or a delicious afternoon tea.

Take a stroll into the bustling shopping district of Dublin for some vacation presents and mementos. Visit Ireland’s iconic Guinness Brewery and Storehouse for a tour or if whiskey is more your poison, the Bow Street Jameson Distillery.

Your guide will be on hand should you wish to take any last minute tours or simply to help you explore.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 17 - Travel to the west and visit the city of Galway

Journey on from Dublin to the thriving city of Galway in the west of Ireland. Immerse yourself in all that is the joy of this colourful city, from the traditional music to the cobbled streets. You will be taken on your very own private tour of Galway by a local musician to provide a taste of the local heritage.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 18 - The Aran Islands

The remote Aran Islands off the coast of Clare are one of the last places where Gaelic ( Irish) is still the daily spoken language.  Inis Mor is the largest of the islands and can be explored on foot, on a bike or using a traditional horse & buggy. There is a wealth of history and ancient sites to be explored and your guide will ensure you visit the best of them. On the return sailing,  pass under The Cliffs of Moher for a view most never get to see of our famous cliffs.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Gregans Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 19 - Killarney National Park

A place of scenic beauty, Killarney National park. This area is rich in both flora and fauna, from the lakes to the mountains and woodlands, it is host to a whole range of biodiversity. Have the unique experience of taking to the waters in a traditional wooden boat while learning the local tales from your storytelling boatman. Back on shore, step upon a horse drawn carriage to make your way through the Gap of Dunloe. The route takes you by glacial lakes, old ruins and over the famous Wishing Bridge, while being surrounded by the impressive landscapes.

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 20 - The Beara Peninsula and Traditional Music Experience

Explore the little travelled Beara Peninsula. Here you will meet a local archaeologist and folklore expert, Carina, to learn of the millenia-old ancient sites including ancient copper mines and stone circles. This evening it is time to indulge in the true sounds of Ireland as you visit a local pub for an evening of traditional music.

Overnight: Killarney | Killarney Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 21 - Ballyfin Demesne

From the coast to the midlands, you will arrive at the exquisite manor house hotel of Ballyfin Demesne. This area is a little more secluded, hidden away from the majority of Ireland’s visitors, providing you a slightly slower pace and a chance to reflect on your Irish adventure.  Once you have settled in, lunch will be served at the Picnic House on the estate with charming views across the Slieve Bloom Mountains before an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Ballyfin | Ballyfin Demesne
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 22 - Departure

Sadly it is now time to transfer to Shannon or Dublin Airport for your departing flight, time to reminisce of your travels as you journey homeward bound.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 21 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide on Day 4 and Days 7-12 in Britain
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 14 to 20 in Ireland
  • Ground transportation on guided days
  • Trains tickets from Cambridge to Liverpool and from Liverpool to Glasgow – Standard Seats
  • All guided hikes, entrance fees and activities, specifically:
    • Guided day trip to Willingham and Cambridge
    • Liverpool Beatles Tour (not private)
    • Private Talk with Sir Tom Devine
    • Stirling Castle and the Kelpies
    • Guided Day Trip to St Andrews
    • Walking tour of Edinburgh Dean Village
    • Burren guided walking tour or Aran Island Experience
    • Dublin & Galway Walking Tours
    • Killarney Boat trip incl horse drawn buggy
    • Local Expert on the Beara Peninsula
    • Picnic at Ballyfin Demesne
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • All gratuities
  • Stamped postcards and €10/£10 on arrival
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Golf at St Andrews