23-Nights Britain & Ireland In Depth from $7,449

Globus

OFFER ID 1566394

The drawbridges are down. The silver is polished. The tea is brewing. One lump or two? How about five?! Showing you the sweet sights of five captivating countries over 24 days, our most in-depth tour of Britain and Ireland truly pours on the charm. Royals and writers, artists and architects, real-life warriors and fictional spies - you’ll walk in the footsteps of them all throughout the legendary cities, seaside villages, and quaint countryside hamlets of England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Coast to coast, castle to castle, and pub to pub, you’ll drink in the classic landmarks and landscapes, the famous rivers and ruins, the breathtaking islands and Highlands, and the celebrated stories behind them all. From Abbey Road to Penny Lane and Stonehenge to Clava Cairns, this is the rock star of all Britain and Ireland vacations.

23 nights from $7,449 per person

Itinerary

Britain & Ireland In Depth

Day 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLANDWelcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.

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Day 2 LONDONThe Royal Treatment LONDON Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SITES See the legendary landmarks of England’s historic capital city. Walk where voices have rung out for centuries in Parliament Square and where chimes rise high above you with the ringing of Big Ben’s quarter bells. See Westminster Abbey, where royal coronations, weddings, and funerals have made history.

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Day 3 LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTHPrehistoric Finds & Pub Food LONDON Meet your Tour Director and travel companions at 8 am and drive to Stonehenge.
STONEHENGE Visit the prehistoric monument.
ILMINSTER Lunch at a local pub.
PLYMOUTH [LF] Cruise on Plymouth Sound, one of the world’s great natural harbors. See the Mayflower Steps in The Barbican. (B,L)
221 mi / 356 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Cruise the deep natural inlet of Plymouth Sound, the harbor from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail on the Mayflower bound for the New World in 1620. The wealth of history to be found in The Sound includes Sir Francis Drake’s expeditions, Napoleon’s imprisonment in 1815, and Charles Darwin’s 1831 embarkation on the HMS Beagle – to name a few!

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Day 4 PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALLLegends of Land & Sea PLYMOUTH Scenic drive through the West Country to Poldark’s Cornwall with photo stop at St. Michael’s Mount.
ST. IVES Enjoy free time in the popular seaside resort.
PLYMOUTH Free time this evening. (B)
161 mi / 255 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Breathtaking views of Cornwall, including the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark’ saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the stunning West Country.

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Day 5 PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALESTimeless Kings & Thermal Springs GLASTONBURY Visit the city of King Arthur and the legend of the Holy Grail.
BATH Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths followed by free time. (B)
180 mi / 288 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS The traditions of one ancient Roman ritual are in full flow in Bath. Amid the remarkable Roman and Georgian architecture and the best-preserved Roman Baths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a good spa day is never hard to find in one of the “Best Spa Towns in Europe.” The city of Bath sits above geothermal springs that bubble up from the limestone below. Bath also turns up the heat with some of Britain's grandest Georgian buildings, a mecca for elite 18th-century society.

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Day 6 CARDIFF–WATERFORD, IRELANDStrait to Ireland CARDIFF Drive through South Wales to Fishguard and take a ferry to Rosslare.
159 mi / 255 km (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE St. George’s Channel connects the British territory of Wales in the east and the southeastern part of Ireland in the west. It is named in honor of St. George, England’s patron saint, who had traveled to England by sea from the Byzantine Empire and approached the British Isles from this channel.

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Day 7 WATERFORD–BLARNEY–KINSALEFine Crystal & The Gift of Gab WATERFORD Take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal.
BLARNEY Visit the village renowned for its magical Kissing Stone.
KINSALE Free time. (B,D)
105 mi / 168 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Cut the blarney and hear the history of how telling tales is forever linked to the 15th-century castle and the village below in Blarney. One of the last estate villages that remain standing in Ireland, Blarney was built by an 18th-century landlord to house the castle workers there. It’s true!

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Day 8 KINSALE–RING OF KERRY–KILLARNEYBeauties in County Kerry RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s southwestern peninsula.
KILLARNEY Free time this afternoon. (B)
154 mi / 247 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Explore the emerald tapestries of green fields and ocean views that make other coastlines green with envy. The Ring of Kerry begins and ends in Killarney, taking you on a trip along the southwest coast of Ireland. Discover a paradise of panoramic cliffs, lush landscapes, and breathtaking beaches of the Iveragh Peninsula.

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Day 9 KILLARNEYTraditional Dishes & Ditties KILLARNEY Free time before [LF] dinner with traditional Irish music. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Join the locals of Killarney for an Irish dinner of traditional and modern dishes with festive Gaelic tunes in the heart of this historic Irish town.

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Day 10 KILLARNEY–DINGLE PENINSULA–ADARE–LIMERICKIrish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes DINGLE PENINSULA Visit the Blasket Islands Centre.
ADARE Stop at the quaint village to see its thatched cottages.
LIMERICK Free time. (B)
160 mi / 257 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PHOTO OPS There once was a town called Adare, with charm that was beyond compare... Adare’s charming thatched-roof cottages create visual poetry, earning this village in County Limerick, some say the prettiest village in Ireland.

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Day 11 LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–GALWAY–SLIGONotes Above High Sea CLIFFS OF MOHER Visit the 668-foot-high cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
GALWAY Free time.
SLIGO Free time this evening. (B,D)
179 mi / 288 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Feast your eyes on a stunning spectacle of sea and sky on the Cliffs of Moher on the Wild Atlantic Way. Try to resist the inspiration that has moved artists, poets, and scientists throughout the ages as you stand on the edge of 320 million years of geologic perfection on the rugged coastline of County Clare.

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Day 12 SLIGO–DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND–GIANT’S CAUSEWAY–BELFASTDerry Girls & Daring Giants DERRY Visit the second-largest city in Northern Ireland.
GIANT’S CAUSEWAY See more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed millions of years ago. (B,D)
200 mi / 322 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Follow in the legendary footsteps of giants at the foot of the cliffs along the coast of Northern Ireland, where 40,000 massive black basalt columns jut out of the sea. Hear the legendary myth of two battling giants that caused the magnificent geological wonder of Giant’s Causeway, which actually evolved through volcanic activity 50–60 million years ago.

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Day 13 BELFAST–CARLINGFORD–DUBLIN, IRELANDAn Unsinkable Legend BELFAST Orientation drive includes City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queen’s University. Visit the Titanic Belfast Experience.
CARLINGFORD Stop in the charming village on the Cooley Peninsula. (B)
128 mi / 206 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Explore the fascinating Titanic Belfast Experience for an in-depth look at the history and mystery of the legendary ocean liner. See artifacts and amazing accounts of Belfast’s boom in shipping and those who built her. Learn about the courage and loss of all involved on a fateful night in April 1912. Get an immersive look at the launch, sinking, and final resting place of the doomed ship, with myths and reality revealed.

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Day 14 DUBLINIreland’s Capital City DUBLIN Orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the legendary library of Trinity College.

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Day 15 DUBLIN–NORTH WALES–LIVERPOOL, ENGLANDWelsh Word Challenge DUBLIN Board a ferry to cross the North Channel.
NORTH WALES Photo stop at tongue-twisting town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. Take a scenic drive through North Wales to Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL Free time this evening. (B)
98 mi / 158 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PHOTO OP The village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll may be impossible to pronounce, but its English translation is no walk in the park, meaning “St. Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the red cave.” Nevertheless, this small Welsh town with the big name is a quaint coastal spot in North Wales.

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Day 16 LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOWSongs, Sonnets, and Secret Vows LIVERPOOL Visit The Beatles Story for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the Fab Four.
LAKE DISTRICT Take a scenic drive.
GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth’s beloved village and [LF] sample original Grasmere gingerbread.
GRETNA GREEN See where a Scottish blacksmith performed weddings for eloping young couples. (B,D)
238 mi / 382 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS Sweeten the day with classic gingerbread and hear about Sarah Nelson, a Victorian cook who invented it in 1854.

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Day 17 GLASGOW–ISLE OF SKYE–LOCH NESS–INVERNESSSpectacular in Scotland GLASGOW Depart for a drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and Fort William en route to ferry crossing to the Isle of Skye.
ISLE OF SKYE Visit the Museum of the Isles before driving across the Inner Hebridean island. Return to the mainland.
LOCH NESS Drive the length of the legendary lake en route to Inverness. (B,D)
251 mi / 404 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.

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Day 18 INVERNESS. HIGHLANDS EXCURSIONThe Bronze Age & Brave Battles THE HIGHLANDS Visit the Bronze-Age chamber tomb site of Clava Cairns. Visit the Culloden battlefield site and visitor center. Time in the Highlands capital of Inverness. (B)
30 mi / 48 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Inverness boasts a rich history of historic sites including Inverness Castle and St Andrew's Cathedral yet today is a lively city with a range of restaurants, bars and shops. Discover the covered Victorian Market where independent traders have been selling their wares since the 19th-century.

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Day 19 INVERNESS–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGHMulligans & Military Music PITLOCHRY Walk through the Victorian mountain resort.
ST. ANDREWS See the home of golf and famous university town. (B)
202 mi / 326 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 21, 28, August 1, 4 and 11.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.

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Day 20 EDINBURGHCrown Jewels & Castle Views EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, and the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Free time. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain." Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

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Day 21 EDINBURGH–YORK, ENGLANDCastle Heirs & English Fare KELSO Visit Floors Castle, the largest inhabited castle in Scotland.
YORK See York Minster on a guided walk through one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets called The Shambles. (B)
203 mi / 327 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS The Roxburghe Estate of Floors Castle has been the home of the Innes-Ker family since it was built for the 1st Duke of Roxburghe in 1721. Surrounded by fine Victorian gardens, this historic stately home is known as the gem of the Scottish borders spanning 52,000 acres that are also home to sheep, cattle, and Cheviot lamb.

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Day 22 YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVONMr. & Mrs. Shakespeare STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
COTSWOLDS Scenic drive followed by [LF] dinner at a local pub. (B,D)
162 mi / 260 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre prepared following century old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!

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Day 23 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDONChurchill’s Beginnings WOODSTOCK Visit Blenheim Palace, Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace.
LONDON Free time this afternoon. (B)
98 mi / 159 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS SLEPT HERE Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoys a fascinating history. Built as a gift in 1704 from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, this massive and magnificent masterpiece of English Baroque architecture is also home to exquisite artwork and gardens.

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Day 24 LONDONSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Featured Destinations

York

Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows.

Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs.

Photo used with permission
from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net

Excursions

Inishmore, Aran Islands - 8 hours Full Day

On the very edge of Europe, is an Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology and in its long tradition of gentle hospitality. Here is a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, to touch the past, but with all the comforts and facilities of the present. Aran will take you back to an Ireland of Celts and Early Christians. This is an island of great peace and tranquility, but it is also an island of great fun and activity. A timeless land in an endless sea, weathered monuments on awesome cliffs, great labyrinths of limestone, meandering walls, patchwork fields, quiet beaches and a welcoming island people.

This morning we will depart from Galway and take a ferry to Inishmore, the largest of the three islands, the other islands being Inishmaan and Inisheer. The Islands are located off the West Coast of Galway about 18km out from Rossaveal Harbour in Connemara. Inishmore is approx. 13km long, and contains 3,092 ha. with a native population of about 900. Kilronan the chief center and port.
Landing in Kilronan on Inishmore, you are met by your driver in a horse drawn buggy for a guided tour of the Island and visiting one of its more impressive stone forts called Dun Aonghasa. It is semi-circular structure, resting on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 meters out of the ocean. The fort consists of an inner court 50 meters across surrounded by a wall six meters high and five meters thick at the base.

Visit the Aran Islands Interpretative Centre which highlights the unique history, spirit and landscapes of the Aran Islands. The center details the geology, history and present lifestyle of the islands. See how the legendary currachs, those open-topped, often tar-coated, boats that skim over the waves, are made. Also on display are details of the fish species off the islands and how the islanders have long used seaweed to create patches of soil that could be cultivated for crops, in between the dry stone walls that crisscross the islands and divide its tiny fields. The islands' other craft traditions, including weaving of the famous Aran sweaters, are also documented.

Duration: 8 hours

Included:
Enjoy a pub lunch on Inishmore

Departing the island by ferry you return to Galway City.
Note: it is also possible to fly to Inishmore.

Pricing: Please inquire

Waterford

Nestled in southeast Ireland, Waterford combines low farmland and sandy coastlines with rugged landscape typical of County Cork. The town is an ancient Viking settlement whose roots go back to the 8th century. Even today there is a medieval feel about Waterford with its ancient fortifications, 18th century cathedrals, and fine Georgian houses, particularly around The Mall, George's Street and O'Connell Street. While the town is charming, it regained world recognition with the re-opening of the crystal factory offering once again the famous, exquisite glassware of the town's name. Take a walking tour of Historic Waterford to get an understanding of Waterford's complex history. The 70-foot Reginald's Tower was built in the 11th century. Climb the stone spiral staircase for a great view of the city. The ruins of French Church are part of a Dominican monastery built in 1240 AD given to Huguenot refugees in the 17th century. The Theater Royal and City Hall are considered architectural masterpieces by John Roberts.

Excursions

Waterford Shore Excursion- Waterford and Kilkenny Tour - Full Day Tour

Waterford’s Fine Houses – full day tour

Leaving Waterford this morning we travel through the rich pastures of County Waterford and head for Lismore to visit Lismore Castle Gardens. The castle, which was originally built in 1185 is now the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. While Lismore Castle itself is not open to the public, the beautiful and lovingly maintained public gardens are, as is the west wing of the Castle which houses a wonderful contemporary art gallery. The gardens are said to be the oldest continually cultivated gardens in Ireland and they offer spectacular views of both Lismore Castle and the surrounding countryside of the Blackwater valley.

Leaving Lismore we visit nearby Cappoquin House, which is an eighteenth century mansion built on the site of an old Fitzgerald Castle overlooking the River Blackwater. It was designed by the Cork architect, Abraham Hargreave. The Keane family have lived here for the last 300 years. It is little changed from the handsome building completed in 1779. In the house are many reminders of the Afghan war of 1839 in which General Sir John Keane later created Lord Keane of Ghuznee and Cappoquin played an important role. The garden is on a south facing slope crowned with two huge arboretum rhododendrons and planted with unusual trees and flowering shrubs.

Returning to Waterford, we visit Curraghmore House, which is owned by the Marquis of Waterford and has been home to his ancestors since 1170. Some 2,500 acres of formal gardens, woodland and grazing fields make this the largest private demesne in Ireland and one of the finest places to visit in Ireland. The interior has exceptionally fine plasterwork and a guided tour of the main reception rooms of Curraghmore House can be arranged by prior appointment. This tour takes in some of the finest neo-classical rooms in Ireland which feature the magnificent plaster work of James Wyatt and grisaille panels by Peter de Gree. The superbly landscaped gardens beside Curraghmore House, incorporate a shell house, the interior of which was designed by Catherine, Countess of Tyrone, in 1754. May and June are the best months to appreciate azaleas, rhododendrons, through exceptionally fine trees may be enjoyed at any time.

Your driver with then transfer you back to your ship.

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.

Excursions

Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours

Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.

Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.

Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.

Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.

Highlights:

Admire the grandeur of St Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels
Pour yourself a pint of Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse to discover the country’s most famous export

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by Mercedes E-class or similar for 1 and 2 passengers, VW Caravelle (7 passenger seats) or similar for 3 and 4 passengers and 12-seater or similar for 5 and 6 passengers.
Expert local guide for 8 hours of sightseeing in Dublin
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities
Supplement for public holidays
Anything not specifically mentioned in the "inclusions" list above

Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours

Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour

Belfast

Belfast is popular with travelers who come to discover the city’s physical beauty and renewed tranquility. Enjoy performances at the Grand Opera House, shopping along trendy Donegall Place and visiting numerous pubs along The Golden Mile. St. Anne’s Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is the principal church of the Anglican Church of Ireland and contains stones from every county in Ireland. Located next to Europa Hotel, the Grand Opera House boasts an impressive mix of large productions of opera, ballet, musicals and drama. Known as the Big Ben of Belfast, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1869 to commemorate the Prince Consort. Built in 1849 as one of Queen Victoria’s colleges, Queens University is one of the foremost universities in the British Isles. The classical-style building of Stormont, erected in 1928-32 to house the Parliament of Northern Ireland, stands 3.5 miles outside the city. The Prince of Wales Avenue is exactly one mile long and is bordered by rose beds containing 600 of the famous Korona roses noted for their scarlet blooms.

Excursions

Belfast: Cultural Belfast - 8 hours

Belfast: Highlights of Belfast - 6 hours

Belfast - Tour of Antrim Coast - Full Day Tour

Limerick

Cardiff

Edinburgh

Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Excursions

Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city, Edinburgh provides a fantastic introduction to this magical country. This morning you will receive a warm welcome by your local guide as you disembark your cruise for your full day sightseeing tour (8 hours) by private vehicle.

You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.

Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.

*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.

Highlights:

Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.
Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions:

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities
Supplement for public holidays
Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.

Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

Kinsale

Plymouth, UK

Stratford-on-Avon

London

Inverness

Inverness is an excellent tourism destination. With its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings, it is a pretty place well-known for its floral displays. Walk along the river banks and to the Ness Islands for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on little bridges and visit Bught Park. The Floral Hall has a sub-tropical horticultural extravaganza with a small waterfall, fish and all sorts of plants and trees. Walk up the river in the other direction and see Ben Wyvis on the skyline. Inverness has an excellent museum and art gallery. Local history talks take place here. Eden Court Theater, situated near the cathedral, has events listings and incorporates part of the old Bishop's Palace and is said to be haunted by the 'Green Lady' ghost of a wife of one of the bishops who hanged herself there. Also check out art.tm which is an art gallery and studio. The Spectrum Centre has a cafe and is the meeting place for local clubs and education classes. Look out for Scottish Showtime music and dance performances during the summer.

Excursions

Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours

Glasgow

Liverpool

Liverpool – just saying the name automatically brings the world’s most famous group to mind – The Beatles. Liverpool however has more to offer visitors though than just Beatles memorabilia. Located on the Irish Sea on the mouth of the Mersey River, Liverpool is one of England’s most important seaports, second only to London. A bustling port for the exchanging of goods, it is also a passenger port for those traveling to Ireland. Several churches in the city are notable; among them is the Anglican Cathedral, built in 1904 which is one of the largest ecclesiastical structures in the world. There are several museums in the city as well, the Walker Art Gallery and the Merseyside County Museum.

Excursions

Liverpool: Explore Liverpool - 8 hours

This morning, you are met as you disembark your cruise ship by your driver-guide. Begin your full day private sightseeing tour of Liverpool, once the most important centre of maritime trade in the world.

Liverpool was the European capital of Culture in 2008 as is also the birthplace of Beatles. You may like to walk through the Mathew Street to the Cavern Club, following in the footsteps of the Beatles. See the buildings known as the ‘Three Graces’, and the impressive civic buildings that were constructed as a result of the mercantile wealth. The most important of these is St. George’s Hall, that interestingly claims to be the world’s first air-conditioned building. The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of paintings in the UK outside of London. However the two most magnificent buildings from the 20th-century in Liverpool are the cathedrals. The Anglican Cathedral built in traditional gothic style is the largest church in the UK; the Roman Catholic cathedral is a fine example of contemporary modernist architecture.

Time permitting you may also pass under the River Mersey to Port Sunlight, one of the first planned industrial villages in the world that was opened by the Lever Brothers to house their workers in better conditions. The focal point of the village is the Lady Lever Art Gallery that houses a large collection of Wedgwood Jasperware. You could also visit Speke Hall (closed Monday and Tuesday), a fine example of a Tudor half-timbered manor house that is richly decorated with wooden furniture inside.

Highlights:

Follow in the footsteps of the famous band the Beatles who grew up in Liverpool
See the impressive civic buildings, the Walker Art Gallery and the largest church in the UK

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by luxury car or minivan
An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions:

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities

Sligo

Sligo is the capital of the North West region and one of Ireland's largest towns. It accounts for one third of the population of Sligo County with some 20,000 residents. However, because of its regional status as a regional growth centre and gateway to the North West, its daily population expands to over 42,000. Sligo town is situated on the Garavogue River and is a thriving tourist, commercial and administrative regional centre.

Sligo is a beautiful county with a long Atlantic coastline, unspoilt countryside, mountains, lakes and countless other natural attributes to be seen. One of the world's most famous poets, and Sligo's adopted literary son, W.B. Yeats was inspired by the breathtaking landscape that abounds around Sligo, which prompted much of his poetry and his famous refrain - "Sligo, land of heart's desire".
The Regional Arts Centre houses a collection of J.B.Yeats paintings (brother of W.B Yeats) among other works of interest. Sligo hosts the International Yeats Summer School, an International Choral Festival, and a comtempary music festival to name but a few.

Sligo offers an excellent quality of life, with a wide range of sport and recreational facilities available. The Regional Sports Centre offers various pitches, indoor basketball courts, badminton, tennis, indoor soccer, a gymnasium and weights room, and a superb swimming pool. Championship golf courses compliment Sligo's extraordinary array of out door amenities. For the more energetic there are well developed GAA, Soccer and Rugby complexes. Other pursuits within the greater Sligo area include water-skiing, world class surfing, sailing, scuba-diving, sea and fresh water fishing, canoeing and mountaineering. Sligo Airport also hosts one of Ireland's most active flying clubs.
Sligo boasts a very vibrant nightlife, with a selection of nightclubs, live entertainment theatres and cultural attractions that offer variety and opportunity to meet all tastes.

Killarney

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/28/2026 - 05/21/2026

from $8,299 per person

05/05/2026 - 05/28/2026

from $8,449 per person

05/09/2026 - 06/01/2026

from $8,499 per person

05/12/2026 - 06/04/2026

from $9,669 per person

05/19/2026 - 06/11/2026

from $8,499 per person

05/23/2026 - 06/15/2026

from $9,669 per person

05/26/2026 - 06/18/2026

from $8,499 per person

06/02/2026 - 06/25/2026

from $8,529 per person

06/06/2026 - 06/29/2026

from $8,529 per person

06/09/2026 - 07/02/2026

from $9,699 per person

06/16/2026 - 07/09/2026

from $8,529 per person

06/20/2026 - 07/13/2026

from $8,529 per person

06/23/2026 - 07/16/2026

from $8,499 per person

06/30/2026 - 07/23/2026

from $8,499 per person

07/04/2026 - 07/27/2026

from $8,499 per person

07/07/2026 - 07/30/2026

from $8,529 per person

07/14/2026 - 08/06/2026

from $9,699 per person

07/18/2026 - 08/10/2026

from $8,529 per person

07/21/2026 - 08/13/2026

from $8,799 per person

07/28/2026 - 08/20/2026

from $8,799 per person

08/01/2026 - 08/24/2026

from $8,799 per person

08/04/2026 - 08/27/2026

from $8,799 per person

08/11/2026 - 09/03/2026

from $8,799 per person

08/15/2026 - 09/07/2026

from $9,699 per person

08/18/2026 - 09/10/2026

from $9,699 per person

08/25/2026 - 09/17/2026

from $8,499 per person

08/29/2026 - 09/21/2026

from $8,499 per person

09/01/2026 - 09/24/2026

from $8,499 per person

09/08/2026 - 10/01/2026

from $8,529 per person

09/12/2026 - 10/05/2026

from $8,529 per person

09/15/2026 - 10/08/2026

from $8,449 per person

09/26/2026 - 10/19/2026

from $7,449 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $7,449 per person

Length

23 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

Prices listed are land-only, per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to change and availability. Itinerary and map subject to change. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1566394

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Cruise Vacations of Orange County

765 The City Drive S - Ste 110
Orange, CA 92868
USA

(714) 740-1779
(800) 438-2732