Essential Britain & Ireland

What's this trip about?

This incredible 10-day guided vacation allows you to see the "must-see" highlights of the UK, as well as the extraordinary hidden gems that are nestled in-between. Stand in front of spectacular landscapes, stroll through bustling cities, and see fascinating architecture up-close. Begin your adventure in sophisticated London, then enjoy overnights in Newport, Wales; Waterford and Dublin, Ireland; Edinburgh, Scotland; and York, England. Watch storybook pages unfold before your eyes as you explore 2,000-year-old Cardiff Castle in Wales and 12th-century Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Enjoy detailed tours of these majestic castles, climb up their fairytale-like towers, and catch a glimpse of the Scottish Crown Jewels! Enjoy visits to the Roman Baths, constructed around 70 AD, and the mysterious Stonehenge. Trace the footsteps of the one-and-only William Shakespeare in his birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and have lunch in this historic Elizabethan town. Next, see skilled craftsmen at work at the famous House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford, and then again at Ireland's oldest hand-weaving mill at Avoca. You'll also enjoy visits to York Minster, Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Glendalough, and more! Experience orientation tours of Cardiff, Dublin, and Belfast, relax on a city tour of Edinburgh, and stroll through York on a fun walking tour. You'll also enjoy plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.  Please Note: July 29 - August 19 Departures - Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket included (departures July 29, August 5, August 12, and August 19 will attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance on Saturday). June 20 departure - Stonehenge will be closed due to Summer Solstice, and a visit to Salisbury Cathedral will be included instead. Your sightseeing may be moved to an alternate day due to events in the city.

Accommodation