Tour Overview
Discover the charm of Britain and Ireland on this 10-day journey through five captivating countries. Explore poetic landscapes, marvel at medieval cathedrals, and step inside ancient fortresses steeped in history. Wander Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, soak in the lively spirit of Dublin, and uncover the magic of Waterford crystal and Celtic tales. From the Yorkshire Dales to fairy-tale castles, savor every moment—your way. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive London
Location: London
Accommodation: Ibis Earls Court
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock
Your whirlwind journey through the United Kingdom and Ireland launches in its exhilarating capital. After checking in, explore this multicultural city your way, embracing all the pomp and pageantry of Britain’s capital. Visit one of the many museums that reveal the history and culture of the world, pay your respects to His Majesty or pop into your neighborhood ‘local’ for a pint or two to kick-start your exploration of Britain and Ireland in style.
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Day 2: London – Stratford-upon-Avon – York – Bradford
Location: York
Accommodation: Hotel, Leonardo
Accommodation Name: Leonardo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, meet your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for your whirlwind journey through Great Britain and Ireland. As the boroughs of the Old Smoke give way to the beautiful shires north of its skyscrapers, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through lush green landscapes bound for Shakespeare country. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon where you’ll come face-to-face with the legacy of England’s beloved bard before heading to York. Your Travel Director will take you for an orientation walk through its medieval streets to the sacred York Minster, where every piece of stained glass and limestone block was placed for the glory of God. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before you continue to your hotel in Bradford.
Day 3: Bradford – Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow
Location: Lake District National Park
Accommodation: Ibis City Center
Accommodation Name: Ibis City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’re in for a serene start to your morning as you wind your way through the limestone hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. Rustic stone villages, sheep-filled pastures, castles and abbeys line your route to England’s celebrated Lake District. At Lake Windermere, an Optional Experience could take you back to the days of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth who proclaimed the area 'the loveliest spot that man hath found'. Board an optional cruise on a boat. Then cross the Scottish border and stop in Gretna Green where eloping couples would tie the knot over the anvil. Continue to Glasgow later today. Your afternoon orientation of this former industrial hub turned vibrant modern metropolis will include views of the cathedral, the River Clyde and George Square where many of Scotland’s most famous sons are immortalized in stone.
Day 4: Edinburgh excursion
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Ibis City Center
Accommodation Name: Ibis City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day spent exploring Scotland’s exquisite capital will leave you in no doubt as to why it captured the hearts of Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte and even Queen Victoria. Your Local Specialist will reveal all the highlights of 'Auld Reekie'. View the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle which watches over the city from Castle Rock. Exchange the medieval façades of the Old Town for grand Georgian-lined boulevards of the 18th century New Town. You’ll have some time to explore Edinburgh your way or consider joining one of two special Choice Experiences, visiting the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle. This evening surrender to the skirl of bagpipes during an optional dinner in Stirling with views of its Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night.
Day 5: Glasgow – Belfast – Dublin
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One
Accommodation Name: Dublin One, Travelodge Plus City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your visit to Scotland culminates in a scenic drive along the Ayrshire coast, the rugged landscapes where Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet, was born and raised. Pass Ailsa Craig, the figurative stepping stone from Scotland to Ireland before boarding your short ferry crossing to Northern Ireland. You won’t dally in its trendy capital, but there’s time to see the City Hall, Queen’s University and the dock where the ill-fated Titanic was built. Head south to Dublin, your home for the next two nights.
Day 6: Dublin sightseeing and free time
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One
Accommodation Name: Dublin One, Travelodge Plus City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’re in for a 'grand' time in the Irish capital this morning as your Local Guide shares all the highlights. See Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in the 12th century. Its 43-meter spire makes this the country’s tallest church. See the stately Georgian Squares then spend the rest of the day on your own. Head down to Grafton Street or Temple Bar for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' or stroll along the Liffey through the heart of Dublin. This evening, an optional dinner and Irish show will have your toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee.
Day 7: Dublin – Kilkenny – Waterford
Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford
Accommodation: Treacy's
Accommodation Name: Treacy's
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue through the splendid countryside bound for Kilkenny where you’ll see its beautiful 12th-century castle, an enduring symbol of Norman occupation. Later you’ll arrive in Waterford where a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom will reveal a wonderland of delicate crystal, from stemware to fine china. You’re in for a riveting history lesson when you join an Optional Experience for a walking tour with a Local Specialist and visit one of the area’s oldest pubs for a pint. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.
Day 8: Waterford - Newport
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Copthorne
Accommodation Name: Mercure Newport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say your goodbyes to the 'Emerald Isle', crossing St. George’s Channel to Wales. Small in size but significant in stature, Wales is the fifth country on this journey across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its vibrant capital is your final destination today. Here you’ll view the Millennium Center, the National Assembly and the historic castle at its heart. Climb the 900-year-old Norman keep and perhaps walk on the battlements during an optional private tour of Cardiff Castle this afternoon. This evening could see you venture into the Welsh countryside for dinner at a 14th-century inn or enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humor at an Optional Experience. Then continue to your hotel in Newport.
Day 9: Newport – Bath – Windsor – London
Location: London
Accommodation: Ibis Earls Court
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Severn Estuary into England and venture to Bath with its elegant Georgian architecture. The city’s healing waters saw it emerge as a wellness center as far back as Roman times. Next, head to Windsor to view the world’s oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle. There’s time for a quiet stroll along the banks of the river and shop for Royal souvenirs before arriving in London.
Day 10: Depart London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across the England and Ireland. You’ll say a fond farewell to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout your journey.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Stay in carefully selected hotels that have been tried and trusted for quality and comfort.
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Many meals and daily breakfasts included
Enjoy a variety of meals and daily breakfasts included in your tour package.
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City orientation tours
City orientation tours are included to help you get acquainted with each destination.
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Audio headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries.
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Ferry across the Irish Sea
Ferry crossings across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland and Ireland to South Wales are included.
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Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Experiences are available to enhance your travel experience.
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Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, including Ibis Earls Court in London, Leonardo in Bradford, Ibis City Center in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One, Treacy's in Waterford, and Copthorne in Cardiff.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and excursions are not included in the base tour price.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, Driver, and local guides are not included.
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Visas and Entry Fees
Visas and entry fees to certain attractions are not included.
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Essentials
- Visit the town of Shakespeare's birth
- View York Minster and the Shambles
- View Glasgow Cathedral and George Square on your orientation tour
- Sightseeing with your Local Guide to Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Castle
- See Belfast City Hall and Queen's University
- Sightseeing with your Local Guide to see St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral and Trinity College
- View Kilkenny Castle and gardens
- Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom
- See the Principality Stadium and view Cardiff Castle
- Visit the Georgian spa town
- View the Royal Castle
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries, and includes ferry crossings across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland and from Ireland to South Wales.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including Ibis Earls Court in London, Leonardo in Bradford, Ibis City Center in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Travelodge Plus City Center Dublin One, Treacy's in Waterford, and Copthorne in Cardiff.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Many meals and daily breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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What sightseeing experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes city orientation tours and sightseeing with a Local Specialist in various locations such as Princes Street, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle. Audio headsets are provided to enhance your sightseeing experiences.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences available, such as a cruise on Lake Windermere, a dinner in Stirling with views of its Castle and the Wallace Memorial, and a private tour of Cardiff Castle.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package and should be purchased separately.
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Are gratuities included in the tour price?
Gratuities for the Travel Director, Driver, and local guides are not included in the tour price.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Friday - Sunday
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Apr 25, 2025 - May 04, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Britain and Ireland Delight
10 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, York, Lake District National Park, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cardiff ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIDEZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided