Britain & Ireland Explorer

England Ireland

Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, enjoy a pint at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Stud Farm in Kildare — the epicentre 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.
Britain & Ireland Explorer

Accommodation

DAY 1: Hilton, York - Meals: Dinner
DAY 10: The Gleneagle, Killarney - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: Granville, Waterford - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12: Clayton, Cardiff - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Leonardo Royal, Edinburgh - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: AC by Marriott, Inverness , Hotel B&B, Inverness - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Castle Green, Kendal - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Maldron, Liverpool - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Trinity City, Dublin, Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: The Gleneagle, Killarney - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 utilise traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.

DAY 1: Stratford and Medieval York

Meet your Travel Director at the trip hotel in London and journey to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue on to York, where you walk within the old city walls to the crooked houses of the Shambles and see York Minster, England’s largest medieval cathedral. Join your Travel Director for the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

DAY 2: Durham, Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh Relaxed Start

Stop in Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Then view part of Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument, once spanning 80 miles from coast-to-coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Cross the Scottish border to reach the elegant Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

DAY 3: Scotland’s Capital of Culture

Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King - before crossing over to New Town. Next, walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and to see Scotland's Crown Jewels and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will enjoy the spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.

DAY 4: St. Andrews and Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife. Make your way to St. Andrews, home to the Old Course and birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed? Your travels continue as you cross the Tay river. Journey via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.

DAY 5: Loch Ness and Glencoe

In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. Continue your journey through some of the most stunning scenery in all of Scotland, found in the region of Glencoe. Reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and admire the incredible scenery as you cruise what is arguably one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, while enjoying a light lunch. Cross the English border before arriving at your lakeside hotel.

DAY 6: The English Lakes to Liverpool Relaxed Start

In the morning, discover the beauty of the Lake District. Continue to your hotel in Liverpool. In the afternoon, why not join The Beatles City Tour Optional Experience?

DAY 7: North Wales and over to Dublin

Today, continue through Wales and see the massive Conwy Castle before crossing over to the Isle of Anglesey. The village with the longest name in Europe will be visible - see if you are able to read it aloud! From the port of Holyhead, set sail for Dublin in Ireland.

DAY 8: In Dublin’s Fair City

Experience Ireland's national world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production.Later, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during sightseeing with a Local Expert. See famous O’Connell Street, the Custom House and Dublin Castle. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to soak up the Irish atmosphere or browse the shops along Grafton Street.

DAY 9: From Dublin to Killarney

Travel to Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse breeding region for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes visit of the National Stud with an equine professional. You then visit the acclaimed 100-year-old Japanese Gardens, where you can 'journey through life.' Cross the rolling pastures that encircle Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious and sustainable honey of the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.

DAY 10: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start

In the morning, join a delightful trip around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Get a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life as you pass through Ireland’s highest mountain range and make your way to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney.  Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear.

In the morning, join a delightful trip around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Get a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life as you pass through Ireland’s highest mountain range and make your way to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. ��Explore Killarney with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear.

DAY 11: Blarney Castle and Waterford

Explore Blarney with Insight Choice. Choose to climb up the ramparts and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Alternatively, visit the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener. Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, with its 11th century Reginald Tower. Enjoy a guided visit of the world-famous House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!

DAY 12: Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff

From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive will then take you into the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and brilliant Principality Stadium.

DAY 13: Roman Baths, Stonehenge and London

Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community.See the incredibly well-preserved remains of one of the greatest spas of the ancient world, still flowing with the natural hot water from the springs below. Your journey continues across Salisbury Plain for a visit to mysterious Stonehenge - no-one can be sure why they were built, or even how prehistoric man could move such huge blocks of stone. Your exploration of Britain and Ireland draws to a close upon your return to the hotel in London.

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20/04/2025 02/05/2025 £4,325 Book
27/04/2025 09/05/2025 £3,867 Book
04/05/2025 16/05/2025 £3,894 Book
06/05/2025 18/05/2025 £4,475 Book
11/05/2025 23/05/2025 £4,425 Book
18/05/2025 30/05/2025 £3,894 Book
25/05/2025 06/06/2025 £4,450 Book
01/06/2025 13/06/2025 £3,982 Book
03/06/2025 15/06/2025 £4,070 Book
08/06/2025 20/06/2025 £4,525 Book
17/06/2025 29/06/2025 £4,595 Book
22/06/2025 04/07/2025 £4,550 Book
06/07/2025 18/07/2025 £4,095 Book
13/07/2025 25/07/2025 £4,550 Book
20/07/2025 01/08/2025 £4,095 Book
03/08/2025 15/08/2025 £4,477 Book
10/08/2025 22/08/2025 £4,975 Book
17/08/2025 29/08/2025 £4,975 Book
26/08/2025 07/09/2025 £4,725 Book
31/08/2025 12/09/2025 £4,525 Book
07/09/2025 19/09/2025 £4,525 Book
14/09/2025 26/09/2025 £4,525 Book
21/09/2025 03/10/2025 £4,525 Book
23/09/2025 05/10/2025 £4,525 Book
05/04/2026 17/04/2026 £4,550 Book
19/04/2026 01/05/2026 £4,550 Book
26/04/2026 08/05/2026 £4,625 Book
03/05/2026 15/05/2026 £4,650 Book
05/05/2026 17/05/2026 £4,695 Book
10/05/2026 22/05/2026 £4,650 Book
17/05/2026 29/05/2026 £4,650 Book
24/05/2026 05/06/2026 £4,675 Book
31/05/2026 12/06/2026 £4,750 Book
02/06/2026 14/06/2026 £4,850 Book
07/06/2026 19/06/2026 £4,750 Book
16/06/2026 28/06/2026 £4,825 Book
21/06/2026 03/07/2026 £4,775 Book
28/06/2026 10/07/2026 £4,775 Book
05/07/2026 17/07/2026 £4,775 Book
12/07/2026 24/07/2026 £4,775 Book
19/07/2026 31/07/2026 £4,775 Book
28/07/2026 09/08/2026 £4,895 Book
02/08/2026 14/08/2026 £5,225 Book
09/08/2026 21/08/2026 £5,225 Book
11/08/2026 23/08/2026 £5,325 Book
16/08/2026 28/08/2026 £5,225 Book
25/08/2026 06/09/2026 £4,975 Book
30/08/2026 11/09/2026 £4,750 Book
06/09/2026 18/09/2026 £4,750 Book
13/09/2026 25/09/2026 £4,750 Book
20/09/2026 02/10/2026 £4,750 Book
22/09/2026 04/10/2026 £4,750 Book
27/09/2026 09/10/2026 £4,650 Book

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

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