Romantic Britain & Ireland

Insight Vacations (AU) · 18 days
Romantic Britain & Ireland
18 Days
From AUD $14250
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Easy

Rating


(10 reviews)

Romantic Britain & Ireland

Romantic Britain & Ireland

Insight Vacations (AU) · 18 days
Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Deluxe

Physical Rating

Easy

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Nurture your soul on this romantic tour of Oxford’s cobbled alleyways, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse.

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 8 Dinner (D)
  • 17 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choice Highlights

    Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
  • Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.

Authentic Dining

  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Savour British cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Pitlochry: Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat, is over 130 years old. The Palace plays host to your afternoon tea. You are welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet.
  • Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
  • Killarney: There's nothing quite as homely as the Irish tradition of a Sunday roast, served with all the trimmings.
  • Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
  • Torquay: Blend a little wine with great cuisine and good company for a rousing dinner.

Insight Choice

  • Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
  • Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.

Insight Experiences

  • 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.
  • 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.

Make Travel Matter

  • Ring of Kerry: Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.
  • 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.
  • Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
  • Edinburgh: Explore Edinburgh Castle with your Local Expert to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Mons Meg up close.
  • 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: 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 Royal 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.
  • Pitlochry: Visit this town, famous for its salmon leap.
  • Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
  • Loch Ness: Board your cruise on a loch stretching 37 kilometres through the Great Glen Fault, created by tectonic shifts millions of years ago. Its deepest point reaches 230 m (754 ft) and visibility is near zero due to peat content, conditions that have long inspired tales of Nessie, the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Pass Aldourie Castle and hear how this natural trench fuels both hydroelectric power and global fascination.
  • Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch.
  • Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
  • Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
  • Belfast: Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
  • Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
  • Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
  • Cliffs of Moher: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
  • Limerick: See King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone.
  • 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.
  • Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
  • Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artefacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
  • Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange, awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Trip Details

Duration

18 days

Transportation

Private

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

London, United Kingdom

Finishes

London, United Kingdom

Accommodations

Deluxe

Travel Style

55+

Physical Rating

Easy

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon
Meet your Travel Director at 07:45 at the hotel in London. Depart for the famous university town of Oxford with its beautiful spires. With time at leisure, why not visit the world-famous Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market? Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Tonight, join your Travel Director for dinner at a local pub.

Accommodation: Swan's Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals: Dinner
2
Day 2: Lincoln and Medieval York
Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country’ on your way to visit Lincoln. Continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain and one of England's oldest cities. Saunter along the Shambles to reach the York Minster, in the heart of this medieval gem. Your hotel lies within the walls facing Clifford’s Tower.

Accommodation: Hilton, York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
3
Day 3: The English Lakes to Edinburgh
Drive through the Lake District National Park, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes, inspiring a host of English poets. Stop in Wordsworth’s village of Grasmere and see the poet’s grave in the churchyard. Cross the border at Gretna Green, where runaway lovers were married, and continue to the Scottish capital.

Accommodation: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
4
Day 4: Scotland’s Capital of Culture
Travel down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse — official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King - before crossing over to New Town. Walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.

Accommodation: Virgin, Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
5
Day 5: St. Andrews and Inverness
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the world's oldest golf course as you arrive where golf was born in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton finding her Prince Charming began when her and Prince William were students there. Alternately, stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Your travels continue as you cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many of its traditional features.

Accommodation: Kingsmills, Inverness
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
6
Day 6: Across the Sea to Skye
Enjoy 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. Listen to tales of Flora MacDonald and her defence of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.

Accommodation: The Dunollie, Broadford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
7
Day 7: Loch Lomond and Glasgow
Return to the mainland and drive to the World War II Commando Memorial in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Continue through Fort William to absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the Valley of the Weeping, where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonald's took place in 1692. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, en route to Glasgow. Your Travel Director will show you Glasgow's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral.

Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast
8
Day 8: Across the Irish Sea to Belfast
Bid farewell to Scotland as you cross the Irish Sea and continue your journey to the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour of Belfast including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Accommodation: Titanic, Belfast
Meals: Breakfast
9
Day 9: A pint of the 'Black Stuff' Relaxed Start
Experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink in the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. The rest of the day is yours to shop, continue sightseeing or maybe take an optional drive to the ruined monastic site of Glendalough.

Accommodation: Hilton, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
10
Day 10: Dublin city sightseeing
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. Continue to Dublin, Ireland's 'fair city where the girls are so pretty,' and see O’Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with your Local Expert.

Accommodation: Hilton, Dublin
Meals: Breakfast
11
Day 11: Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and Limerick
Travel west to Galway, known as the City of the Tribes. Guided by your Travel Director, enjoy free time in this artsy, bohemian city. Cross the limestone landscape of the Burren, to the Visitor Centre at the Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking vistas of the Clare Coast. Journey to the town of Limerick, nestled on the shores of the River Shannon.

Accommodation: The George, Limerick
Meals: Breakfast
12
Day 12: The Dingle Peninsula to Killarney Relaxed Start
In the morning, your Travel Director will show you the 12th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone before setting off to Tralee and Dingle. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way through the great cliffs, wide skies and ocean views of the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney. For dinner you are treated to a traditional Sunday roast, with all the trimmings.

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
13
Day 13: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
A delightful morning excursion will take you around the Ring of Kerry, where mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Continue through Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm on the Ring of Kerry. Learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts. 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? At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.

Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
14
Day 14: Blarney Castle and Waterford
Visit the ruined 15th century Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Continue to the walled city of Waterford and see the 11th century Reginald's Tower. On your guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal, you will meet an artisan and see their fine work.

Accommodation: Granville, Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
15
Day 15: Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff
From Rosslare, take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke and continue on with a pleasant journey through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Travel past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Principality Stadium. Enjoy an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff.

Accommodation: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast
16
Day 16: Bath and Glastonbury
Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director, through the Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths, Britain's only thermal, mineral springs. Your journey continues to mystical Glastonbury. Continue south, to reach the seaside town of Torquay.

Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Meals: Breakfast
17
Day 17: The Devonshire Coast
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbour and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. At dinner this evening, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes.

Accommodation: The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
18
Day 18: Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge
Start the day by crossing the Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, the world's most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. Your escorted journey draws to a close upon return to the hotel in London.

Meals: Breakfast
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $14,250
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 18 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

Nurture your soul on this romantic tour of Oxford’s cobbled alleyways, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Apr 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Anonymous
Traveled, March 2025

04/10/2025

I think I pretty much said it all with my former comments. For anyone who has not been to Hawaii, just do. My suggestion if you use this tour group, arrive the day before Aston or miss the first day of the trip. We had an 11 hour flight and had a 3 hour delay so we didn't get to our Oahu hotel till 8ish pm. We missed the hello dinner. We don't travel much so we were surprised by some of the expense not known till just before we left. Tipping is a big part of the tour, for the tour director and the bus drivers that bring you to the visited destinations. We were told to pack our bags, then take half of the clothes out and double the cash you were going to bring. That is definitely the truth. Because we don't travel a lot, I was happy going to Hawaii with a tour group because you don't have to think about setting a schedule. It's all done for you. So if you've been thinking about traveling to Hawaii or somewhere else, go for it. Just book it.

5.0
Sindy McCrystle
Traveled, March 2025

04/08/2025

Good guide, excellent itinerary, varied activities. Food wonderful. Good mix of group events & time on own. Leader was knowledgable, organized & personable! Last show at hotel was a highlight! Wonderful trip! Liked the planting & visit to the pineapple farm. Appreciated the gift of 2 pineapples. My husband liked the diving/water experience. The meals were wonderful! The show at the hotel was fabulous! A highlight which will be a lasting memory! Our guide was well organized, knowledgable & personalized the trip by sharing little momentos. The visit to the Pearl Harbor area & museum was very meaningful as Family & friend's fathers were fighting there during WW II. Bus drivers were excellent. It was an excellent experience & created wonderful memories.

Tour Operator

Insight Vacations is a premium guided tour operator specializing in immersive, luxury travel experiences across Europe, North America, and beyond. Part of The Travel Corporation (TTC), Insight offers carefully curated itineraries that combine high-quality accommodations, exclusive experiences, and expert Travel Directors who bring destinations to life. With a focus on comfort, cultural authenticity, and personalization, Insight emphasizes “premium escorted journeys,” featuring small group sizes, luxury coaches with extra legroom, and insider access to local traditions, cuisine, and people. Their philosophy is to transform trips into meaningful travel experiences that leave lasting connections with the destinations and cultures visited.

In Business Since 1978