25 Days | Best of the UK & Ireland | with Douro Valley River Cruise
London - Bath - Cardiff - Liverpool - Dublin - Galway - Belfast - Inverness - Edinburgh - Yorkshire - Cambridge - Porto - Salamanca - Lisbon
Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher and the magnificent Giant's Causeway
Journey through the Scottish Highlands and visit the shores of Loch Ness
Explore iconic UK cities such as Bath, Liverpool, Edinburgh, York & more
Rail from Lisbon to Porto
End your trip with an intoxicating getaway river cruise between vineyards and the river
From $8,999 pp Twin Share
Description
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Embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating realms of myths, legends, and breathtaking landscapes with our meticulously curated UK & Ireland tour! Brace yourself for an unforgettable adventure as we traverse the historic cities of Bath, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, and York, each steeped in its own unique charm and rich cultural tapestry.
Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of the Cliffs of Moher and the rugged grandeur of the Scottish Highlands, immersing yourself in the untamed essence of nature. Witness the natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway and traverse the scenic Ring of Kerry, where every turn unveils a picturesque vista that will leave you breathless. Take a moment to kiss the Blarney Stone, delve into the literary legacy of Shakespeare's hometown, cruise through the storied waters of Cambridge, and venture into the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, uncovering its mythical secrets.
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But that's not all – our tour promises an abundance of cultural treasures, imposing castles, and a myriad of historical attractions, ensuring each day is filled with fascination and discovery. From the allure of Shakespearean tales to the mysteries of ancient stone circles, this journey is a celebration of the rich heritage that defines the United Kingdom and Ireland.
And if that weren't enough, crown your adventure with an optional trip to the iconic Stonehenge, where ancient mysteries and architectural marvels await your exploration.
As your British and Irish odyssey concludes, get ready to set sail on the next leg of our grand tour, as we uncover the treasures of Portugal and Spain along the scenic Douro River. Experience the allure of Porto, a city that seamlessly blends its rich heritage with modern cosmopolitan vibes, creating an intimate and charming atmosphere. Traverse the enchanting city of Lamego, surrounded by verdant hills, offering a refreshing change of scenery. Explore the historical wonders of Guimarães, where fascinating stories are etched into the very monuments and buildings that grace the town.
Join us on this extraordinary journey where every port of call reveals a new chapter in the story of these captivating destinations, promising an adventure filled with culture, history, and the joy of discovery.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Day 25
London
Welcome to London! The day is yours to explore on your own. Please make your own way to Novotel Greenwich where check in is at 3PM. You will meet up with your tour leader tomorrow morning.
London Stonehenge Bath Cardiff
Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, travel to the mysterious Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Next stop is the beautiful, historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous Roman baths. Heading into nearby Wales, arrive in the capital, Cardiff, and enjoy a driving tour around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.
Meals: Dinner
Cardiff Stratford-Upon-Avon Liverpool
After a hearty breakfast, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; the hometown of William Shakespeare. This market town has more than 800 years of history. Next up is Liverpool; this famous British port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will be delighted to be in the home city of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will be enthralled to be in the home of the Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour of the city, and explore the city yourself during your free time this evening. Why not head to Matthew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where the Beatles first made their mark on modern music?
Meals: Breakfast
Liverpool Dublin
Catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin today! Before reaching the ferry, make a stop at the village with the longest name in Europe; Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Then it’s onto Dublin. Upon arrival, take a driving tour of the city, and spot a few of the city’s more famous highlights. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city; discover more about the city’s Viking past, its medieval castles and its cathedrals. Explore its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent episodes. Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all!
Meals: Breakfast
Dublin: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! The Whiskey & Guinness optional excursion includes a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse to see how this famous dark beer is made. Take a trip back in time as you discover the most famous people and events in Irish history during the “Ireland’s Identity” optional excursion. Or, explore the city yourself. Visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall, and visit the city’s most famous park; St Stephen’s Green. Be sure to try out the many pubs and eateries. Tonight, there’s also the option to enjoy a taste of traditional Irish music! Look forward to an evening of fine Irish food, music and dance. Definitely not to be missed!
Meals: Breakfast
Dublin Waterford Blarney Castle Killarney
Leaving Dublin behind, travel onwards to Waterford; the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition, and is also famous for its cut crystal glass. Next up, it’s time to travel to the famous Blarney Castle for an included visit, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. As we depart Blarney, we leave County Cork behind us, enter County Kerry, and make our way towards our hotel for this evening. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Ring of Kerry: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. The best way to see it all is on the Ring of Kerry day trip! Join the optional excursion that travels along the famous circular tourist route in country Kerry. It is home to the most breathtaking coastal views and emerald-green pastures. Enjoy visits to charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village, and explore the shops and cafés in the area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park during a jaunting (carriage) ride. Then, end the day with some free time in Killarney town. Experience this iconic route to the fullest on this excursion!
Meals: Breakfast
Adare Limerick Cliffs of Moher Galway
Today is another day for epic Irish scenery! Making our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, the first stop is Adare; often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Next, it’s time to travel on through the county of Limerick to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the frothing ocean below, and the views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking. Next stop, Galway! This is a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, live music venues, cafés, weekend parties and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during your free time, and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer before we travel north to the hotel for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Derry/Londonderry Giant's Causeway Belfast
Leaving Galway behind, journey onwards to Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry/Londonderry. Northern Ireland’s second-largest city has a lot to offer from culture to art and historic city walls. Next stop is Northern Ireland’s top tourist attraction; the Giant’s Causeway. The final stop on the Irish leg of our adventure is Belfast; the capital of Northern Ireland. Join a local guide for a combined driving and walking tour, showcasing some of the city’s most famous attractions, and sharing insight on the city’s past. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Belfast Whisky Distillery Scottish Highlands
Enjoy free time in Belfast this morning with the chance to learn all about the Titanic, and its ill-fated voyage, on the optional Titanic Belfast Experience. Next up is Scotland! Hop on board and sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky, haggis and tartan! Arrive in Scotland, and once back on dry land, drive to the Scottish town of Ayr for a photo stop. Next, head to Glasgow to enjoy an authentic Scottish whisky tasting and tour of The Clydeside Distillery located on the River Clyde. Afterwards, it’s time to head to tonight’s accommodation, which is in the picturesque Highlands! Enjoy an included dinner with the group this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Loch Ness Edinburgh
Journey into the Highlands, and further explore this famous region of Scotland. Stop for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glen Coe. Enjoy a stop at the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster! Join an optional cruise on the Loch, and see the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Leaving the Highlands, drive to Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital followed by dinner. Apart from being home to Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans of the series might find the city strangely familiar! Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Edinburgh: Free Day
Today is yours to spend as you like – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or discover the city for yourself. Delve into the history, culture and interesting spots of the city on a Conquer the Capital optional excursion with your tour leader. This includes time to explore Edinburgh Castle and a visit to Falkirk. If the weather allows, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below. Tonight, we offer a traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with a chance to taste a famous (or infamous!) traditional Scottish food; haggis!
Meals: Breakfast
Alnwick Castle York
Say goodbye to Scotland, and cross the border into England. Enjoy the opportunity to visit famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland. This castle has also featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, and many more! Next, we travel into Yorkshire, and to the county capital; York. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader, and see its most famous sights, before heading to tonight’s accommodation in Yorkshire. Enjoy one last dinner with the group tonight!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cambridge London
It’s the last day of your UK & Ireland tour, and it finishes off with a real treat! Travel to the historic university town of Cambridge. Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed through the city’s famous university including Charles Darwin and David Attenborough. Enjoy a traditional punting trip along the River Cam. Afterwards, it’s time to return to London where the tour concludes. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found travel friends to keep in touch. Tonight you will be staying at Novotel Greenwich
Meals: Breakfast
London: Free Day
This morning is at leisure. This afternoon please make your own way to the airport, to fly to Lisbon. On arrival please make your own way to your hotel. Then it is free time for the rest of the day.
Lisbon: Free Day
A day to explore Lisbon at leisure
Lisbon Porto: Free Afternoon in Porto
This morning you will make your own way to the Lisbon rail terminal ready for your train to Porto. This scenic journey will get you between the cities in just under 4 hours. On arrival in Porto, please make your own way to the hotel and then the rest of the day is yours to explore.
Porto : Free Day - Board Cruise in evening
The day is at leisure in Porto. Please make your own way to the ship at 5:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner. In the evening, we'll set out on an optional excursion by coach for both packages to see Porto by night.
Meals: All Meals Onboard
Porto Regua
Join us for the optional excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of Porto. Discover one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a historic center that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.DISCOVERY: Touring Porto via tram and visiting the tram museum followed by a tasting of some of the local specialties in the old city.In the afternoon, we'll cruise through the Douro Valley with its fabulous landscapes. Enjoy an evening of dancing or time at leisure in Regua tonight.
Meals: All Meals Onboard
Regua Vega De Terron
Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Vila Réal, a town with a great variety of religious buildings and architecture. In the afternoon, the cruise continues to the heart of the most famous vineyards in Porto to Vega de Terron. We'll arrive in the evening. Enjoy an evening of Flamenco entertainment.
Meals: All Meals Onboard
Barca D Alva Salamanca
Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Salamanca. This town of dazzling beauty houses some extraordinary Roman, Arabic, and Christian architectural treasures.
DISCOVERY: Salamanca tapas tour.
We'll return on board in Barca d'Alva. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Meals: All Meals Onboard
Barca D Alva Ferradosa Pinhao
This morning will be spent cruising. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Pinhão and tasting of port wine. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Meals: All Meals Onboard
Pinhao Porto
Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Lamego. This afternoon will be spent cruising. Enjoy an evening of Fado-themed entertainment.
Meals: All Meals Onboard
Porto
This morning, enjoy time at leisure in Porto. In the afternoon, join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Discover Guimaraes.
DISCOVERY: Hiking along the Atlantic coast all the way to Villa Nova de Gaïa, followed by a wine-tasting session*.
Enjoy an evening of traditional folk entertainment.
Meals: All Meals Onboard
Porto
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9AM. Fly out today anytime after 2PM.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 1 pre night in London at Novotel Greenwich
- 12 nights' accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities on tour
- 1 Post night in London at Novotel Greenwich
- Flight from London to Lisbon in economy
- 2 nights Lisbon
- Rail from Lisbon to Porto
- 1 night Porto
- 7 night Douro Valley River Cruise Porto to Porto TWIN cabin
- Wifi onboard the cruise
- Gala Dinner on the cruise
- Basic drinks included on the cruise (excluding top shelf)
- Meals: 19 breakfasts,7 Lunches, 13 dinners included
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Services of your tour leader (Days 1 to 13 only) who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip
- All taxes and fees included
- Free tour souvenir – a memorable gift of your once in a lifetime trip
A range of amazing experiences, including:
- See the historic sights of Bath
- Visit Conwy; a Welsh castle town
- Enjoy a driving tour of Cardiff
- Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon; birthplace of Shakespeare
- Enjoy a photo stop at the village with Europe’s longest name
- Embark on a driving tour of Dublin
- Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone
- Visit Adare; Ireland’s prettiest village
- Visit Limerick; see the treaty Stone & King John's Castle
- Marvel at the views at the Cliffs of Moher
- Visit Derry; Northern Ireland’s second-largest city
- Explore the magnificent Giant’s Causeway
- Enjoy a locally guided tour of Belfast
- Taste Scottish whisky at a whisky distillery in Glasgow
- Explore the shores of Loch Ness
- Experience Edinburgh on a tour of the city
- Enjoy a photo stop at Hadrian’s Wall
- Explore the historic city of York
- Enjoy a punting trip along the River Cam & more!
Exclusions
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals & sightseeing not specified
- Transfers/ Taxis needed throughout the itinerary
- Porterage
- Optional tours
- Tipping & gratuities
- Items of a personal nature, such as drinks, snacks, laundry etc
- Any items or services not listed in the above inclusions
Your Cruise: This cruise is with Croisi Europe Cruises. Main Deck Category B. You will have a large window in your cabin. All meals and drinks will be provided except speciality list.
Child Policy: No children under 10 years of age are allowed on this tour. Contact us if you are after a family-friendly trip!
Single supplement: Travelling solo? Please contact us for a rate
Fitness levels: These tours require a moderate level of fitness.
Travel Insurance: We sell Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
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