Britain & Ireland Explorer - Small Group

Tour Overview

Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, enjoy a pint at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Stud Farm in Kildare — the epicenter of Ireland’s thoroughbred horse breeding history. This all-encompassing tour showcases the regal heritage of Edinburgh Castle, the stunning beauty of England’s Lake District, the historic grandeur of Durham’s Romanesque cathedral and the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire in Wales. Pay homage to the literary legacy of Shakespeare as you visit his birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon, tour the medieval Shambles of old York, admire the ancient border of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall and set sail from Holyhead to Dublin, on this journey through Great Britain and Ireland.

Choice Highlights

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
• Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Blarney: Visit the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate with a senior gardener.
• 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.

Top Rated Highlights

• 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.
• Durham: See the castle and Romanesque cathedral.
• Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
• 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: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
• 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 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.
• Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
• Loch Ness: Drive along the shores in search of the legendary monster.
• Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
• Liverpool: Stay in the home city of The Beatles.
• Conwy: See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy down and enjoy amazing views out across the craggy mountains of Snowdonia. The spectacular castle was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in just four years between 1283 and 1287.
• Holyhead: Set sail for Dublin across the Irish Sea.
• Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
• Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
• 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.
• Blarney: Visit the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate with a senior gardener.
• 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: 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.
• Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Make Travel Matter

County Tipperary: Meet entrepreneur Ailbhe and hear about her passion for sustainable farming. Learn about biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and the secret to crafting the most delicious honey on the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. Aibhe has been sharing her keen interest and experience in the various courses she has been running since 2015, putting sustainable farming at the heart of local education programs and contributing important research. Brookfield Farm's various activities all support sustainable farming practices, organically certified activities, habitat protection and tree planting initiatives. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 & 12: Quality Education  & Sustainable Production and Consumption.

Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Authentic Dining

York: Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.

Loch Lomond: Enjoy a light lunch and admire the oak woodlands and incredible scenery as you cruise one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, a favorite nature spot of the locals.

Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.

Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.

Waterford: Celebrate the culmination of your escorted journey with wine, good cheer and palate-pleasing cuisine.

Insight Choice

Killarney: Explore the scenery of Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.

Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a nature guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds. Alternatively, enjoy a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys.