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18 Day Classic UK & Ireland Tour with Flights

London - Liverpool - Leeds - Dublin - Killarney - Ballina - Belfast - Edinburgh - Arrochar - Cardiff

Roundtrip flights from Australia included 

Explore London, Edinburgh, Cardiff & more

Book now with only 50% deposit

2020 & 2021 departures available

From $4,999 Typically $7,599 Include flight pp twin share

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Description


Discover the best of Great Britain & Ireland on this unforgettable 18-day tour. Begin your adventure with a flight to London and enjoy heaps of time sightseeing at your own pace in this iconic city. Hop on a Thames River cruise, visit Westminster Abbey and don't miss out on the Buckingham Palace.  With plenty of time to explore, make sure you tick off the Piccadilly Circus, visit Trafalgar Square or opt-in for the Beatles London Walking Tour! Next, head over to Bath and Cardiff, before leaving Wales behind and making your way towards Liverpool - famous for the Beatles and its football clubs. Enjoy the city's thriving cultural scene and historic architecture before cruising across the Irish sea to Dublin! Discover this 1000-year old city's Viking past whilst visiting Dubin's medieval castles and cathedrals.  Opt-in to visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the city's famous export dark beer is made and head to a traditional Irish pub to experience the best Irish music and dance. Make stops in Waterford, Adare, Galway and so much more before journeying into Northern Ireland, a key filming location for the television show Game of Thrones! Discover the best of Belfast and the Scottish Highlands, as you head over to Edinburgh, one of Europe's most beautiful cities. As your tour draws close to an end, tick off Yorkshire and Cambridge from your must-visit list before heading back to London for your flight home.

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 1

Australia England

Today we depart for London, England. Fly on a premium airline and enjoy the attentive cabin service, regular meals and onboard entertainment system.

Meals included: in-flight only

Day 2

London

Arrive in London today and transfer (own cost) to your hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around this iconic city.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Greenwich or similar, London

Meals included: in-flight only

Day 3

London 

Tour at your own pace, visiting places of most interest to you with a free day in London. Choose an optional tour to suit your mood or take some to explore this city at leisure. London has something for everyone. Be immersed in history with eye-opening antiquity everywhere, be consumed by centuries of spectacular tradition or embrace cool Britannia’s culture, fine food and good times. Explore must-see attractions like Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square or Buckingham Palace. Don’t forget to tick off Hyde Park and the Tower of London.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Greenwich or similar, London

Meals included: breakfast

Day 4

London Bath Cardiff

Today we depart London heading through the beautiful English countryside to Wiltshire and Stonehenge. This iconic symbol of Britain has a history spanning 4,500 years and has many different meanings to people today. It is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. Here you have the option to walk around the sacred Stone Circle. Get an insight into Neolithic life during 2950 BC.

We continue to splendid Bath in Somerset, well known for its Roman-era natural hot spring water baths (built-in 60 AD) that are still operating today. You’ll also fall in love with Bath's stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture that is straight from a Jane Austen novel - highlights include the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. Here you have the option of exploring this architecturally magnificent town or entering the Roman Baths complex.

We cross the massive Severn Bridge into the principality of Wales, heading for Cardiff, complete with its own medieval castle located in the city centre. Cardiff is compact and spread between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, with a strong sporting and cultural presence. The Welsh are famous for their huge singing voices, none more so than Tom Jones. Today you’ll have some time to explore Stonehenge and Bath or take some additional optional activities (at your own expense) like Stone Circle Walk Stonehenge or the Roman Baths Complex. 

Accommodation: Park Inn Cardiff City Centre or similar, Cardiff 

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

  • Stone Circle Walk Stonehenge for approximately £19 pp
  • The Roman Baths Complex for approximately £20 pp
Day 5

Cardiff Stratford-upon-Avon Liverpool

We leave Wales heading back into England and to Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town that was the 16th-century home of William Shakespeare. Immerse yourself in 800 years of history, see the many buildings that would be familiar to Shakespeare if he was still around today. Continue north to Liverpool, famous for the Beatles and it’s two high flying football clubs. But there is so much more to Liverpool, its thriving cultural scene, historic architecture and the Liverpudlian’s pure lust for life. See the iconic sights on a tour of the city and enjoy some free time tonight. Perhaps head to Mathew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music. Today you’ll have some time to explore Stratford and Liverpool or take some additional optional activities (at your own expense) like The Beatles Story & Museum or Shakespeare's House. 

Accommodation: Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock or similar, Liverpool

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

  • The Beatles Story & Museum for approximately £17.50 pp
  • Shakespeare's House for approximately £17 pp
Day 6

Liverpool Dublin

Today we cruise across the Irish sea to Dublin. It’s a small capital but has a legendary literary tradition and a huge reputation for being gregarious and energetic. It has magnificent medieval, Georgian and modern architecture. It’s easy to drink in history with its cobbled streets and classic pubs. Enjoy a tour of the cosmopolitan Irish capital, followed by some time to explore this 1000-year-old city yourself. From the city’s Viking past, its medieval castles and its cathedrals, to its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent history, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to explore easily yourself.

Accommodation: Red Cow Moran Hotel or similar, Dublin

Meals included: breakfast

 

Day 7

Dublin - Free Day 

Choose how you’d like to experience Dublin today with a selection of activities on offer. It’s easy to self-discover this lively capital city that’s as intimate as a village and as friendly as your local Irish pub with a wide range of attractions. There’s also the option of visiting the Guinness Storehouse to see how the city’s most famous export dark beer is made. Alternatively, visit the National Museums of Ireland, take a walk along the South Wall, visit the city’s most famous park, St Stephen’s Green or see the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Tonight, there’s also the option to visit a traditional Irish pub that reflects all that is great about Irish Pubs, including the best Irish music and Irish dancing show in Dublin. Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity to suit your mood. You can explore Dublin and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity (at your own expense) like an Irish Music Evening or a Discover Dublin tour. 

Accommodation: Red Cow Moran Hotel or similar, Dublin

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

  • An Irish Music Evening for approximately € 55 pp
  • Discover Dublin tour for approximately € 50 pp
Day 8

Dublin Waterford Killarney area

We head to Ireland’s ancient east coast and to its oldest city Waterford. Founded by Vikings in 914, the city has a fascinating history, rich maritime tradition, Norman constructs and of course a glittering expanse of immaculately crafted crystal. Continue to spectacular Blarney Castle housing the very famous Blarney Stone - the legendary Stone of Eloquence found at the top of the tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Killarney or similar, Kerry Region

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

 

Day 9

Ring of Kerry

Kerry is the picture-postcard image of Ireland familiar to us all, with its mix of moody mountains, rugged coastlines and quaint vibrant towns. The Ring of Kerry is a popular scenic driving route skirting the edges of the Iveragh Peninsula. Choose how you’d like to experience Kerry today with a selection of activities on offer. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join our optional excursion as we drive along the incredible Ring of Kerry. This famous circular tourist route is home to the most breathtaking coastal views, emerald-green pastures and charming villages. Enjoy views of the coast and charming local villages as we stop along the way. Take the opportunity to amble down the high streets, explore the shops and try the culinary treats on offer from the cute cafes, bars and restaurants in the area. The scenery of this beautiful green landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Today is a free flexi-day so you can explore Kerry and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or join the optional activity (at your own expense) Ring of Kerry day trip. Make your choice while on the tour.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Killarney or similar, Kerry Region

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

  • Ring of Kerry day trip for approximately € 40 pp
Day 10

Ring of Kerry Adare Ballina

Today is another day for dramatic Irish scenery as we make our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, stopping in Adare and Limerick. Adare is renowned as Ireland’s prettiest village, with its string of beautiful 19th-century thatch-roofed white-walled cottages. We journey through the county of Limerick to make our way to the famous Cliffs of Moher. These staggeringly beautiful, entirely vertical cliffs rise to a height of 214m, their edge abruptly falling away into a ceaselessly churning Atlantic. The views on a clear day are absolutely breath-taking.

Continue to the cool harbour city of Galway. Its brightly painted pubs reflect its bohemian flavour, artistic creativity and an infectious up-tempo vibe. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments. Explore the city for yourself during some free time and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer (including its delicious oysters) before we travel on to Ballina.

Accommodation: Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club or similar, Ballina

Meals included: breakfast

 

Day 11

Galway Derry Belfast

Today we journey into Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and a key filming location for the hit television show Game of Thrones. This is a place where fantasy comes to life. Discover the country’s second-largest city Derry (Londonderry). It’s cosmopolitan, creative and steeped in history – but it’s the combination of warmth and wit that makes it special. History is all around you, literally, with the 17th-century city walls. There's lots of history to absorb here, from the Siege of Derry to the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. Don’t be surprised to hear traditional music spilling out onto the streets from vibrant pubs.

Next is the well-known phenomenon of the Giant’s Causeway. This is nature at its most primal: carving the land into mad formations that send the imagination into overdrive. No wonder dreamy and fantastical myths surround it. Experience the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns and hear their stories. The capital Belfast has pulled off a remarkable transformation from its troubled past - now known for its eclectic medley of cultural treasures, the mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. Our local guide takes us on a fascinating combined driving and walking tour, showing us some of the city’s most famous sights, the Titanic and telling us about the city’s past.

Accommodation: Maldron Airport or similar, Belfast

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Day 12

Belfast Scottish Highlands & Whisky Distillery

Today we cruise from Larne across the Sea of Moyle to Scotland, and to Stirling. With its impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag (the plug of an extinct volcano), Stirling's beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of its impressive castle. See the famous Wallace Monument standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a curious Victorian Gothic tower honouring the legendary Braveheart freedom fighter. We then journey to the Scottish Highlands. This ancient region is dominated by dramatic mountains and incredible scenery. Stop off at a historic whisky distillery to learn more about how whisky is made and try some of the different varieties produced here. Be in awe of the scenery as we continue on to our accommodation in the picturesque Highlands this evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Arrochar or similar, Scottish Highlands

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

 

Day 13

Scottish Highlands Loch Ness Edinburgh

We head north and deeper into the dramatic Highlands to Loch Ness, well known for its elusive resident ‘monster’ Nessie. This large, deep, freshwater loch is remarkably beautiful. Enjoy free time here, perhaps join a cruise on the loch or explore the 1,000 years of stirring history at ruined Urquhart Castle. We journey to Edinburgh, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of the Scottish capital, including Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, the birthplace of the original world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel here, you may find some parts of the city strangely familiar. Today you’ll have some time to explore the Scottish Highlands or take the additional optional activity (at your own expense) like a Loch Ness Cruise. Make your choice while on the tour.

Accommodation: Best Western Braids Hill Hotel or similar, Edinburgh

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

  • Loch Ness Cruise for approximately £15 pp
Day 14

Edinburgh - Free Day

Choose how you’d like to experience Edinburgh today with a selection of activities on offer. Perhaps revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, like discovering Edinburgh Castle in full, or take a stroll up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below. Tonight enjoy a special traditional Scottish dinner, the menu comes complete with famous haggis. Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity that piques your interest. You can explore Edinburgh and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity (at your own expense) like the Spirit of Scotland Show or Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital. Make your choice while on the tour.

Accommodation: Best Western Braids Hill Hotel or similar, Edinburgh

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

  • Spirit of Scotland Show for approximately £65 pp
  • Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital for approximately £50 pp
Day 15

Edinburgh Yorkshire

Today we say goodbye to Scotland and make our way to north England and the instantly recognisable Alnwick Castle. It’s the residence of The 12th Duke of Northumberland, built following the Norman conquest in 1096 – but is most famous for the starring role it plays in TV shows and films. Including two Harry Potter films (The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets), Downton Abbey, Robin Hood, The Black Adder, Star Trek and many more. We continue into Yorkshire and to the county’s capital. York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets, lined with little boutiques selling all manner of fascinating items and a number of traditional lolly-shops. We embark on a walking tour of the city to see its most famous sites, including to the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster). Today you’ll have some time to explore Alnwick or take the additional optional activity to tour Alnwick Castle. Make your choice while on the tour.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Leeds-Garforth or similar, Yorkshire 

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

  • Tour Alnwick Castle for approximately £25 pp

 

Day 16

Yorkshire Cambridge London

We journey south through the rolling green English countryside to the historic town of Cambridge, with its ancient colleges and a beautiful winding river. Abounding with exquisite architecture, exuding history and tradition, and renowned for its quirky rituals, Cambridge is a university town extraordinaire. Wander around the University buildings and experience them as countless prime ministers, poets, writers and scientists have done through the centuries. You’ll experience Cambridge in the traditional way, on a punt on the River Cam.

Continue back to London for our final night in England. 

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Greenwich or similar, London

Meals included: breakfast

 

Day 17

London Australia

Today, after breakfast, transfer (own cost) to London Heathrow airport for your flight home.

Meals included: breakfast and in flight 

Day 18

Australia

Arrive home today! 

Meals included: in flight only

 

Inclusions & Exclusions


Inclusions

  • Return Economy Class Airfare from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth or Darwin
  • International flights with Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Royal Brunei or Virgin Australia (subject to availability).
  • Meals as indicated: 15 breakfasts and 6 dinners
  • 15 nights of hotel accommodation in twin share rooms with private en-suite facilities 
  • Modern air-conditioned coach transportation with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excluding free days)
  • English-speaking tour guides
  • Guided sightseeing tours
  • All taxes and fees
  • Incredible experiences as mentioned on the itinerary
    • Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Birthplace of Shakespeare
    • Drive through beautiful North Wales
    • Whiskey distillery tour and tasting in one of Scotland’s oldest distillery
    • Visit Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone
    • Explore Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village
    • Visit Limerick and see the treaty Stone & King John’s Castle
    • Discover the Giant’s Causeway
    • Glimpse the beauty of Loch Ness
    • Photo opportunity at Hadrian’s Wall
  • Darwin departures include flights with Singapore Airlines or Virgin Australia only

 

Accommodation

London - Holiday Inn Express Greenwich or similar
Cardiff - Park Inn Cardiff City Centre or similar 
Liverpool - Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock or similar 
Dublin - Red Cow Moran Hotel or similar 
Kerry Region - Holiday Inn Killarney or similar 
Belfast - Maldron Airport or similar 
Yorkshire - Holiday Inn Leeds-Garforth or similar 
Ballina - Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club or similar 
Scottish Highlands - Hotel Arrochar or similar 
Edinburgh - Best Western Braids Hill Hotel or similar 

 

Start point

Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station

173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JA

06:30 hrs

Hotel lobby, Holiday Inn Express, Greenwich

85 Bugsby Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0GD

07:00 hrs

 

End point

Greenwich station

173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 8JA

18:30 hrs – 21:30 hrs

 

Exclusions

  • Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Optional gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours/entrance fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Airport transfers 
  • Transfer tour endpoint to hotel
  • Travel Insurance (strongly recommended) 
  • Visa(s)/Visa fee

 

Optional Activities

All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader.

  • Day 4: Stone Circle Walk Stonehenge approx. £19 pp
  • Day 4: The Roman Baths Complex approx. £20 pp
  • Day 5: The Beatles Story & Museum approx. £17.50 pp
  • Day 5: Shakespeare's House approx. £17 pp
  • Day 7: An Irish Music Evening approx. € 55 pp
  • Day 7: Discover Dublin tour approx. € 50 pp
  • Day 9: Ring of Kerry day trip approx. € 40 pp
  • Day 13: Loch Ness Cruise approx. £15 pp
  • Day 14: Spirit of Scotland Show approx. £65 pp
  • Day 14: Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital approx. £50 pp
  • Day 15: Tour Alnwick Castle approx. £25 pp

 

Child Policy

Children must be at least 10 years old to participate in this tour. No child discounts apply. A full-priced voucher must be purchased for all children travelling. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

 

 

Shared Room Supplement

Instead of a single supplement, we can arrange a shared room supplement for $500 per person. You will enjoy your own room in London before and after the tour but during the tour you will be matched with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we're unable to match you with another traveller, you will be booked in for a single room. Please send in an inquiry at [email protected] or call us on 1300 350 263.

 

Single Room Supplement

If you're looking to travel solo and reserve a single room for your entire holiday, the additional supplement is $2100. Please send in an inquiry at [email protected] or call us on 1300 350 263.

 

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