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Britain and Ireland Explorer
A 17-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $3,225
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| Starting Price: | $3,225 |  |
| Tour Length: | 17 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales | |
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Cities Visited: A well paced tour with two-night stays in the contrasting cities of Edinburgh, Dublin and Killarney; plus a variation in pace with two different Irish ferry crossings to Dublin and from Rosslare. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- In Stratford-upon-Avon visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare
- Visit Edinburgh Castle for fine views over the city and to see the 'Honours of Scotland'
- Experience the sights & spectacle of the Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo (selected departures only)
- Embark on a guided highlight cruise on Loch Lomond - one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs
- Join a local guide for a visit to Dublin Castle (when open)
- Experience the magnificent Ring of Kerry with breathtaking views over mountains and sea
- Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Rooms in the English city of Bath
- Visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge
Included Personal Insights
- Learn some of the lesser known facts about the life of William Wordsworth, Britain's best-loved poet
- An equine professional will join you for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- Enter York's medieval city walls to see the Minster and the tilting houses of the 'Shambles'
- See Durham's Castle and fine Romanesque Cathedral
- See part of the Roman built Hadrian's Wall
- See Jedburgh's ruined Abbey
- Cross Edinburgh's New Town and drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace
- Visit the university town of St Andrews to see the famous golf course
- Drive through dramatic Glencoe
- See Chester's 'Rows' and city walls
- See Dublin's Customs House
- See the Rock of Cashel
- Kiss the stone at Blarney Castle
- Visit Waterford Crystal showroom
- See Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and Castle
- Cross the mighty Severn bridge
- Scenic drives - English Lake District, Ring of Kerry, Scottish Highlands, Grampian Mountains
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport Shuttle Service may be available when you book your air and land with Insight Vacations (conditions apply).
Included Quality Dining
- Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 14 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After checking in to your
hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore this exciting metropolis.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.
Day 3 - LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour of London’s West End shows you Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)
Day 4 - LONDON - STRATFORD - YORK
After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, drive through the Oxfordshire countryside into the 'heart of England' to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare. Head north to York, the ancient capital of Viking Britain, and see history unfold before your eyes as you pass the crooked houses of the 'Shambles' to reach York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Settle into the hotel with a Welcome Drink with your fellow travellers.
Hotel: Hotel 53 (D)
Day 5 - YORK - DURHAM - EDINBURGH
Stop off in Durham to see the castle and the fine Romanesque cathedral before moving on to see Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument. Cross the wild Northumberland moors into Scotland, passing Jedburgh Abbey and the house of the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots en route to the capital of Edinburgh, your base for two nights. Hotel: Royal Terrace (B)
Day 6 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour takes you inside Edinburgh castle, dominating the city from its rocky crag. Continue down the Royal Mile, past the venerable St Giles' Cathedral, to see the Queen's Holyroodhouse Palace before crossing over to the 18th century New Town. The afternoon provides time to shop on Princes Street. Tonight, selected departures enjoy the Military Tattoo - a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums. (B)
Day 7 - EDINBURGH - HIGHLANDS
After breakfast drive towards the Fife coast to St Andrews, a picturesque university town and home of the famous golf course. Over the River Tay, through Dundee and Perth to Pitlochry, to cross the Grampian Mountains for a warm Highland welcome at your hotel. This evening enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis, accompanied by dancing and the sound of the bagpipes. Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel. (B,HD)
Day 8 - HIGHLANDS - LAKE DISTRICT
Mountains and glens greet you as you drive through dramatic Glencoe. On the 'bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond' you'll board a guided Highlight cruise on one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. Afterwards, continue south through Glasgow into the Southern Uplands of Scotland before crossing the border to arrive at your hotel in the beautiful English Lake District. Hotel: Windermere Hyrdo (B,D)
Day 9 - LAKE DISTRICT - GRASMERE - MANCHESTER
Time to enjoy the beauty of the Lake District, its fells, lakes and valleys combining to make it one of England's best loved regions. There is time take an optional cruise on Lake Windermere, before stopping in Grasmere where the Lakeland poet William Wordsworth is buried. Then it's on to our hotel in Manchester for the evening. Hotel:
Park Inn (B,D)
Day 10 - MANCHESTER - CHESTER - DUBLIN
Step back into Roman times in Chester. See the city's ancient encircling walls and its remarkable 13th century black and white galleried 'Rows', now shopping arcades. Continue into Wales, glimpsing the massive Conwy Castle before crossing the Menai Straits to pass through the world-famous village with the very Welsh name of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. From the port of Holyhead, sail across the sea to Ireland and its fun-loving capital, Dublin, for a two-night stay.
Hotel: Burlington (B)
Day 11 - DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
A local guide will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares and the equally impressive castle, which you will visit (if open). Also see the Irish President's home in Phoenix Park, famous O'Connell Street and the historic Customs House. The afternoon is yours to shop in elegant Grafton Street or to continue sightseeing. In the evening, why not treat yourself to an Irish cabaret show and dinner? (B)
Day 12 - DUBLIN - KILLARNEY
Drive to County Kildare, Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse region, for a guided tour of the National Stud, and admire the adjoining Japanese Gardens. Continue to view one of the great sights of Ireland, St. Patrick's great Rock of Cashel, crowned with the noblest group of medieval monuments in Ireland. Cross the rolling pastures which encircle Tipperary, which is immortalised in the famous song, before reaching Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney Towers (B,D)
Day 13 - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
A delightful excursion takes you around the magical Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lake lands and remote villages. As you pass through Ireland's highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life will surround you, especially as you reach the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional ride with the locals on one of Killarney's jaunting cars. (B)
Day 14 - KILLARNEY - WATERFORD
Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to visit the famous 15th century Blarney Castle, the home of the famous stone of eloquence, once kissed, never forgotten! Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, where you can admire a sparkling display of crystal before settling into your hotel for the night.
Hotel: Dooleys. (B,D)
Day 15 - WATERFORD - CARDIFF
Drive to Rosslare to take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke. Continue past the valleys of South Wales to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Millennium Stadium.
Hotel: Radisson Blu. (B)
Day 16 - CARDIFF - BATH - STONEHENGE - LONDON
Cross the Severn bridge, spanning the Bristol channel between England and Wales, then on to Bath with its Georgian streets and crescents, and visit the Roman Baths. Cross Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge. From here, travel to London, where the tour ends. (B)
Day 17 - RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. (CB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
9/4/2010 - 9/20/2010 |
$3,275 |
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9/9/2010 - 9/25/2010 |
$3,275 |
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9/11/2010 - 9/27/2010 |
$3,275 |
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9/16/2010 - 10/2/2010 |
$3,275 |
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9/23/2010 - 10/9/2010 |
$3,225 |
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9/30/2010 - 10/16/2010 |
$3,225 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- In Stratford-upon-Avon visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare
- Visit Edinburgh Castle for fine views over the city and to see the 'Honours of Scotland'
- Experience the sights & spectacle of the Edinburgh Millitary Tattoo (selected departures only)
- Embark on a guided highlight cruise on Loch Lomond - one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs
- Join a local guide for a visit to Dublin Castle (when open)
- Experience the magnificent Ring of Kerry with breathtaking views over mountains and sea
- Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Rooms in the English city of Bath
- Visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge
Included Personal Insights
- Learn some of the lesser known facts about the life of William Wordsworth, Britain's best-loved poet
- An equine professional will join you for a behind the scenes look at Ireland's National Stud and its famous Japanese Gardens
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- Enter York's medieval city walls to see the Minster and the tilting houses of the 'Shambles'
- See Durham's Castle and fine Romanesque Cathedral
- See part of the Roman built Hadrian's Wall
- See Jedburgh's ruined Abbey
- Cross Edinburgh's New Town and drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace
- Visit the university town of St Andrews to see the famous golf course
- Drive through dramatic Glencoe
- See Chester's 'Rows' and city walls
- See Dublin's Customs House
- See the Rock of Cashel
- Kiss the stone at Blarney Castle
- Visit Waterford Crystal showroom
- See Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and Castle
- Cross the mighty Severn bridge
- Scenic drives - English Lake District, Ring of Kerry, Scottish Highlands, Grampian Mountains
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport Shuttle Service may be available when you book your air and land with Insight Vacations (conditions apply).
Included Quality Dining
- Traditional Highland Dinner with Scottish entertainment (HD)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 14 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 3 Ways with Insight Vacations
Book and pay in full on 2011 Europe & Britain departures and receive 10% off listed tour price!
Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!
Other Featured Insight Deals
Save Up To $150 On 2011 USA AND CANADA Departures
Book and pay in full on an Insight Vacations 2011 USA and Canada departure of 10 days or more and save $150 per person or book a departure of 9 days or less and save $100 per person.
Book Now-Offer Ends September 30th, 2010
Save $300 on air-inclusive vacations!
Book yourself and a companion on an air-inclusive Insight Vacations 2010/11 Winter departure and each person will save $150 (this is valid for singles).
Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!
TERMS: 10% savings valid on 2011 Europe & Britain departures when full payment is made by October 1st, 2010. Travel must depart between April 11th, 2011 and October 11th, 2011. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts EXCEPT Early Payment Discount. Offer valid on Select Choices departures EXCEPT City Stays. Offer NOT valid on Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt or tours including cruises. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.