Compare 8-Night Northern Exposure by Authentic Ireland vs Romantic Britain & Ireland - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 21 days |
| Price From | $ 1,598 | $ 7,250 |
| Price Per Day | $ 200 | $ 345 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Our Northern Exposure tour offers you the opportunity to see a wonderful part of Ireland that is often overlooked. Enjoy three nights at unique Castle accommodations. Spend two nights in Belfast - a city filled with lovely gardens and neighborhoods, sublime Victorian homes and buildings. Take in one of the most exciting coastlines in the world... |
Nurture your soul on this romantic tour of Oxford’s cobbled alleyways, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. Spanning the stunning Lake District, Britain’s yesteryear Viking capital of York, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford and William Wordsworth’s home village of Grasmere, this three week tour has it all. In Ireland, the lofty Cliffs of Moher offer truly stunning vistas, while the Dine Around in Killarney experience serves up a traditional Sunday roast dinner—with all the trimmings. The journey through the Ring of Kerry boasts breathtaking views of mountains fading into the distant sea and after a stop at the famous kissing stone in Blarney Castle, Local Experts add some extra sparkle with a personal tour through the House of Waterford Crystal. |
- Arrive in: Arrive at Dublin Airport
- Location: Portmarnock
- Location: Glasnevin Cemetery
- Location: Malahide
- Location: Howth
- Accommodation: Portmarnock Hotel And Golf Links
- Car Rental: Group C/F - Compact
- Location: Belfast
- Location: Carlingford
- Location: Belfast Botanic Gardens
- Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel
- Location: Belfast City Hall
- Location: Titanic Belfast
- Location: Belfast Castle and Cave Hill
- Location: Belfast
- Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel
- Activity: Titanic Experience Belfast
- Location: Derry
- Location: Glens of Antrim
- Location: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Location: Giant's Causeway
- Location: Dunluce Castle
- Location: Bushmills
- Accommodation: City Hotel Derry
- Activity: Dunluce Castle
- Activity: Giant's Causeway Admission
- Location: Donegal
- Location: Killybegs
- Location: Glenveagh National Park
- Location: Slieve League
- Accommodation: City Hotel Derry
- Location: Mohill
- Location: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
- Location: Glencar Waterfall
- Location: Boyle Abbey
- Accommodation: Lough Rynn Castle Hotel
- Location: Croagh Patrick
- Location: Achill Island
- Location: Westport
- Accommodation: Lough Rynn Castle Hotel
- Location: Kingscourt
- Location: Cavan
- Location: Dun na Ri Forest Park
- Location: Boyle Abbey
- Accommodation: Cabra Castle
- Departure at: Depart from Dublin Airport
Day 1: Welcome to London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Park Plaza Victoria, London.
Day 2: Oxford and Stratford
Meet your Travel Director at 07:45 at the hotel in London. Depart for the famous university town of Oxford with its beautiful spires. With time at leisure, why not visit the world-famous Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market? Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks at a local pub.
DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Lincoln and Medieval York
Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country’ on your way to visit Lincoln. Continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain and one of England's oldest cities. Saunter along the Shambles to reach the York Minster, in the heart of this medieval gem. Your hotel lies within the walls facing Clifford’s Tower.
Hilton York.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: The English Lakes to Edinburgh
Drive through the Lake District National Park, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes, inspiring a host of English poets. Stop in Wordsworth’s village of Grasmere and see the poet’s grave in the churchyard. Cross the border at Gretna Green, where runaway lovers were married, and continue to the Scottish capital.
Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - Royal Terrace.
Breakfast
Day 5: Scotland’s Capital of Culture
Travel down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse — official Scottish residence of Her Majesty, the Queen - before crossing over to New Town. Walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.
Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - Royal Terrace.
Breakfast
Day 6: St. Andrews and Inverness
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course as you arrive where golf was born in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton finding her Prince Charming began when her and Prince William were students there. Alternately, stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Your travels continue as you cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run.Pass Culloden Moor, the scene of the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite army in 1746. Stop at Blair Castle and Gardens, home to the Atholl Highlanders for over 19 generations. Be treated to authentic Farm-to-Table tea and scones - an experience not to be missed in Scotland! Continue to Inverness, where your luxury hotel is set within four acres of manicured grounds.
Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness.
Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Across the Sea to Skye
Enjoy a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales of Nessie in the heart of Scotland's great glen.Afterwards, pause for a photo of Eilean Donan Castle, set idyllically on a headland on Loch Duich. Listen to tales of Flora MacDonald and her defence of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.
The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 8: Loch Lomond and Glasgow
Return to the mainland and drive to the World War II Commando Memorial in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Continue through Fort William to absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the Valley of the Weeping, where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonald's took place in 1692. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, en route to Glasgow. Your Travel Director will show you Glasgow's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Breakfast
Day 9: Across the Irish Sea to Belfast
Bid farewell to Scotland as you cross the Irish Sea and continue your journey to the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour of Belfast including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Europa Hotel, Belfast.
Breakfast
Day 10: Dublin city sightseeing. Relaxed Start
Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne before crossing the historic Boyne Valley, site of the battle where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Continue to Dublin, Ireland's 'fair city where the girls are so pretty,' and see O’Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with your Local Expert.
Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin.
Breakfast
Day 11: A pint of the 'Black Stuff'
Experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production and enjoy a private masterclass where you will learn to pour the perfect pint. The rest of the day is yours to shop, continue sightseeing or maybe take an optional drive to the ruined monastic site of Glendalough?
Clayton Hotel Charlemont, Dublin.
Breakfast
Day 12: Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and Limerick
Travel west to Galway, known as the City of the Tribes. Guided by your Travel Director, enjoy free time in this artsy, bohemian city. Cross the limestone landscape of the Burren, to the Visitor Centre at the Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking vistas of the Clare Coast. Journey to the town of Limerick, nestled on the shores of the River Shannon.
The George Hotel Limerick.
Breakfast
Day 13: The Dingle Peninsula to Killarney Relaxed Start
In the morning, your Travel Director will show you the 12th century St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone before setting off to Tralee via the picturesque thatched village of Adare. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way through the great cliffs, wide skies and ocean views of the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney. For dinner you are treated to a traditional Sunday roast, with all the trimmings.
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 14: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
A delightful morning excursion will take you around the Ring of Kerry, where mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Continue through Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm on the Ring of Kerry. Learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy. Maybe take the opportunity to ride a jaunting car around the lake or through the National Park? In the evening, you are invited to choose your own dining experience from a selection of restaurants in Killarney for your Dine-Around Evening.
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 15: Blarney Castle and Waterford
Visit the ruined 15th century Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Continue to the walled city of Waterford and see the 11th century Reginald's Tower. On your guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal, you will meet an artisan and see their fine work.
Granville Hotel, Waterford.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 16: Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff
From Rosslare, take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke and continue on with a pleasant journey through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Travel past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Principality Stadium. Enjoy an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff.
Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Breakfast
Day 17: Bath and Glastonbury
Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above Britain's only thermal, mineral springs. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director, through the Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering educational investments to benefit the community, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your journey continues to mystical Glastonbury where you will see the abbey, reputedly the legendary burial place of King Arthur. Continue south, to reach the seaside town of Torquay.
The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Breakfast
Day 18: The Cornish Coast
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic cruise of Plymouth harbour and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine with your Celebration Dinner - a fitting finale to your travels.
The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms).
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 19: Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge
Start the day by crossing the Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, the world's most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. Your escorted journey draws to a close on your return to London where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Park Plaza Victoria, London.
Breakfast
Day 20: Homeward Bound
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.
Breakfast
