Best Of Uk & Ireland
Best Of Uk & Ireland
$4040
Best Of Uk & Ireland
13 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool, Dublin, Waterford, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ireland, Kerry Region, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Scotland, Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Edinburgh, Alnwick Castle, York, Yorkshire, Cambridge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GBIR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Myths, legends and incredible scenery, this UK & Ireland tour has it all! Discover the historic cities of Bath, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool and York. Admire the epic landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher and the Scottish Highlands. Experience the majestic Giant’s Causeway and scenic Ring of Kerry. Kiss the Blarney Stone, visit Shakespeare’s hometown, cruise through Cambridge, explore Loch Ness and much more! Top it all off with an optional trip to Stonehenge. Look forward to days filled with culture, castles and historical attractions aplenty on our fun-filled UK & Ireland tours!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff
Location: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, travel to the mysterious Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Next stop is the beautiful, historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous Roman baths. Heading into nearby Wales, arrive in the capital, Cardiff, and enjoy a driving tour around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.
Orientation tour of Bath: Join your tour leader and enjoy an orientation tour through this beautiful town; famous for its sandstone Georgian architecture and Roman Bathhouse.
Visit Cardiff: Continue on to the Welsh capital where your tour leader will take you on a drive through the city, showing you the sights, before checking-in to the hotel for the night.
Day 2: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Liverpool
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; William Shakespeare’s hometown, which offers more than 800 years of history. Delve deeper into Shakespeare’s life on an optional excursion to his childhood home before indulging in an afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre! Next up is Liverpool; this port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will delight in being in the home of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will love being in the home of the Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour* of the city. The evening is free to explore. Why not head to Matthew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where the Beatles first made their mark on modern music?
*Please note the second half of the Liverpool driving tour will take place on the morning of Day 3.
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy free time to wander the city, and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century house where he grew up.
Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour to see some of the city's highlights including the Albert Dock, and a variety of locations connected to the Beatles.
Day 3: Liverpool - Dublin
Location: Liverpool, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
See more of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour this morning before catching the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before reaching the ferry, make stops in Conwy to see the gorgeous castle and at the village with the longest name in Europe; Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Then, it’s onto Dublin. Enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city this evening; discover more about the city’s Viking past, its Medieval castles and its cathedrals. Explore its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent episodes. Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all!
Visit Conwy: Enjoy a comfort stop and lunch in the charming Welsh town of Conwy - a walled, market town famous for its 13th century castle.
See Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch: Make a photo stop at the village with the longest place name in Europe - try to capture the whole name in a photo and pronounce it correctly on your first go!
Day 4: Dublin: Free Day
Location: Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! The Whiskey & Guinness optional excursion includes a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse to see how this famous dark beer is made. Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour -
to book now! Take a trip back in time as you discover the most famous people and events in Irish history during the “Ireland’s Identity” optional excursion. Or, explore the city yourself. Tonight, there’s also the option to enjoy a taste of traditional Irish music! Look forward to an evening of fine Irish food, music and dance.Day 5: Waterford - Blarney Castle - Killarney Area
Location: Waterford, Blarney Castle, Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Dublin behind, travel onwards to Waterford; the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition, and is also famous for its cut crystal glass. Next up, it’s time to travel to the famous Blarney Castle for an included visit, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. Depart Blarney and leave County Cork behind. Next, enter County Kerry and travel towards the hotel for this evening. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Visit Waterford: Spend some time in the oldest city in Ireland. Founded over 1,000 years ago, remnants of the city’s Viking origins can be seen in ruins of ancient fortified walls. Waterford’s history is far-reaching and colourful. Here, feel the atmosphere of medieval Ireland like nowhere else!
Visit Blarney Castle: Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold located just outside Cork, and it has an interesting claim to fame - it is home to the Blarney Stone! Legend says that if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone you might gain the ‘gift of the gab'!
Day 6: Ring Of Kerry: Free Day
Location: Ireland, Kerry Region
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. The best way to see it all is on the Ring of Kerry day trip! Join the optional excursion that travels along the famous circular tourist route in country Kerry. It is home to the most breathtaking coastal views and emerald-green pastures. Enjoy visits to charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village, and explore the shops and cafés in the area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park during a jaunting (carriage) ride. Then, end the day with some free time in Killarney town. Experience this iconic route to the fullest on this excursion!
Day 7: Adare - Limerick - Cliffs Of Moher - Galway
Location: Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is another day for epic Irish scenery! Travelling along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, the first stop is Adare; often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Next, it’s time to travel on through the county of Limerick to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the frothing ocean below, and the views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking. Next stop, Galway! This is a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, live music venues, cafés, weekend parties and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during free time, and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer before travelling north to the hotel for the night.
Visit Adare: Take a few photos in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly preserved thatch-roofed cottages that house craft shops and restaurants today.
Visit Limerick: Pay a visit to the Treaty Stone; legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed here, which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange, and concluded the Siege of Limerick. Snap some great photos of the 13th century King John’s Castle from across the river.
Experience the views at the Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves! The Cliffs of Moher are truly breathtaking and certainly one of the top Ireland travel highlights.
Day 8: Derry/Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast
Location: Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast this morning, journey onwards to Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry/Londonderry. Northern Ireland’s second-largest city has a lot to offer from culture to art and historic city walls. Next stop is Northern Ireland’s top tourist attraction; the Giant’s Causeway. The final stop on the Irish leg of our adventure is Belfast; the capital of Northern Ireland. Join a local guide for a combined driving and walking tour, showcasing some of the city’s most famous attractions, and sharing insight on the city’s past. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Visit Derry: Still fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer, including a beautiful waterfront and well-preserved city walls.
Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway: This natural wonder is surrounded by myth and legend. Did a giant build this sight, or was it an ancient volcanic activity that formed the 40,000 basalt columns? Clamber over the rocks, experience it up close and decide for yourself!
Guided tour of Belfast: A local guide will introduce some of the city's highlights, including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican communities respectively and are separated by peace walls. Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles and gaining a reputation as an exciting city which blends traditions with modernity.
Day 9: Belfast - Scottish Highlands
Location: Scotland, Scottish Highlands, Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy free time in Belfast this morning with the chance to learn all about the Titanic, and its ill-fated voyage, on the optional Titanic Belfast Experience. Next up is Scotland! Hop on board and sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky, haggis and tartan! Arrive in Scotland, and once back on dry land, drive to the Scottish town of Ayr for a photo stop. Afterwards, it’s time to head to tonight’s accommodation, which is in the picturesque Highlands! Enjoy an included dinner with the group this evening.
Day 10: Loch Ness - Edinburgh
Location: Loch Ness, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey into the Highlands and further explore this famous region of Scotland. Stop for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glen Coe before visiting the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster! Join an optional cruise on the Loch, admire the views and try to spot Nessie! Leaving the Highlands, drive to Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital followed by dinner. Apart from being home to Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans of the series might find the city strangely familiar! Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Photo stop at Glen Coe: Enjoy a photo stop at one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands, and infamous for the tragic events of the Massacre of Glencoe that happened here in 1692.
Visit Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be her home? You’ll have free time to explore or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot the mythical creature from the water.
Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh. Highlights of Scotland’s captivating capital city include the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Old Town and Arthur’s Seat. See more on your free day tomorrow.
Day 11: Edinburgh: Free Day
Location: Scotland, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to spend as you like – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or delve into the history, culture and interesting spots of the city on a Conquer the Capital optional excursion with your tour leader. This includes time to explore the incredible Edinburgh Castle. Today also offers the opportunity to visit Stirling with an optional half-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy an orientation tour, take a trip to the top of Wallace Monument, see the Kelpies, Stirling Castle and more! Tonight, choose to enjoy the optional traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with a chance to taste a famous (or infamous!) traditional Scottish food; haggis!
Day 12: Alnwick Castle - York - Yorkshire
Location: Alnwick Castle, York, Yorkshire
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Say goodbye to Scotland, and cross the border into England. Enjoy the opportunity to visit the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland. This castle has also featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, and many more! Next, we travel into Yorkshire, and to the county capital; York. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader, and see its most famous sights, before heading to tonight’s accommodation in Yorkshire. Enjoy one last dinner with the group tonight!
Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your tour leader. Stroll along the historic, cobbled streets and admire the impressive medieval gothic architecture as well as the City Walls which run along the River Ouse.
Day 13: Cambridge - London
Location: London, Cambridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s the last day of your UK & Ireland tour, and it finishes off with a real treat! Travel to the historic university town of Cambridge. Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed through the city’s famous university including Charles Darwin and David Attenborough. Enjoy a traditional punting trip along the River Cam. Afterwards, it’s time to return to London where the tour concludes. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found travel friends to keep in touch, and share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags #ExpatExplore and #TravelMadePossible.
Go punting along the River Cam: Enjoy a traditional punt along the river and admire the views. An experienced punter will propel the punt by pushing against the river bed with a pole, while introducing you to the city’s history and telling you some of its most famous tales.
What's Included
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Accommodation
12 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
See the historic sights of Bath
Enjoy a driving tour of Cardiff
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon; birthplace of Shakespeare
See Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour
Explore Conwy; a Welsh castle town
Visit the village with the longest name in Europe
Explore Waterford; the oldest city in Ireland
Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
Visit Adare; Ireland’s prettiest village
Visit Limerick; see the treaty Stone & King John's Castle
Marvel at the views at the Cliffs of Moher
Enjoy free time in vibrant Galway
Visit Derry; Northern Ireland’s second-largest city
Visit the Giant's Causeway, a true natural wonder
Enjoy a locally guided tour of Belfast
Enjoy a photo stop at Glen Coe
Explore the shores of Loch Ness
Experience Edinburgh on a tour of the city
Explore the historic city of York
Enjoy a punting trip along the River Cam in Cambridge
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 12 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
On this tour, you will enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Free time gives you the opportunity to see more of a destination. This is a chance to embark on one of Expat Explore’s popular optional excursions or simply see aspects of a city, town or destination that interest you but are not included on the tour itinerary.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, all our tours are conducted in English
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour and back home at the end of the tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. It is your responsibility to contact the relevant embassies to confirm your visa requirements. We provide support documentation upon request. Simply contact us.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour. In certain hotels this will be available in the hotel lobby only, while in others you will be able to get access in your room.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
The tour price includes accommodation for the duration of the tour, transport by private coach, breakfasts and dinner as per your itinerary, ferry crossings (where applicable), and guided walking tours and excursions as per your itinerary. On top of this, you will have a tour leader to assist you along the way with great tips and handy advice!
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We do not book pre orpost accommodation
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No. Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. It is your responsibility to contact the relevant embassies to confirm your visa requirements. We provide support documentation upon request. Simply contact us.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.