British Isles Adventure Cities and Countryside - 13 Days

We leave London and head north to Cambridge, where we take time to admire the historic university colleges. After lunch, we continue to York – its impressive cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets make a strong first impression. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, we travel further north to Durham – a vibrant medieval city with a magnificent cathedral set opposite the castle. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Leaving Durham, we travel north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town renowned for its beautiful gardens and large medieval castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is one of Northern Europe’s most vibrant cities and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Edinburgh Castle commanding the skyline above steep streets and parks. We enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.

We leave Edinburgh for a full day in the Scottish Highlands, beginning with coffee and a stroll in Pitlochry. We continue through Inverness in northern Scotland, close to the mysterious Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle (admission included), then board a boat to glide across the dark waters of Loch Ness. We then pass Fort Augustus with its sluice system and Fort William, a tourist centre at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. Heading south, we cross the high plateaus – where snow is often visible – and follow the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow at the end of the day.

Important note – For groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November until the end of February, shorter days and frequent snow mean a revised plan: 08:00 a.m. – departure from Edinburgh to Pitlochry (09:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.), a picturesque town known for whisky production, where we visit a traditional whisky distillery (admission included). We continue to Stirling (12:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.) to explore its impressive historic centre dominated by Stirling Castle (tickets included). After time for lunch, we stop to photograph The Kelpies, two enormous horse heads inspired by Scottish mythology, then continue to Glasgow, arriving at around 05:00 p.m., when you will have time to stroll through the city centre.

We leave Glasgow and travel south to Cairnryan – we board the ferry for the crossing to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast, the capital and largest city, we note its complex history between Protestant and Catholic communities and its revitalisation since the 1998 peace agreement. You’ll have free time to explore – we recommend the Titanic Museum, the city’s most visited attraction, set in the historic shipyard where the Titanic was built, once one of the world’s leading shipbuilding centres.

After breakfast we leave Belfast for the Antrim Coast, pausing in Cushendun, a Conservation Area since 1980 within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Around midday you’ll have free time for lunch in Ballycastle – a lively seaside town. We then continue to Bushmills, where we visit the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – entrance and guided tour included. Later, we explore the Giant’s Causeway – entrance included – a remarkable sweep of around 40,000 basalt columns formed by cooling lava some 60 million years ago and long associated with a legendary giant’s pathway to Scotland. We finish the day in Derry, a walled city that blends history and modernity, with free time to stroll before the overnight stay.

We leave Derry and cross into the Republic of Ireland, travelling through beautiful mountain scenery to Donegal, a lively, characterful town. Admission to Donegal Castle is included – we explore this impressive medieval stronghold before returning to Northern Ireland to visit the spectacular Marble Arch Caves (admission included), one of Europe’s most remarkable cave systems. Formed over 330 million years ago, the caves extend for more than 11 km and continue to evolve as underground rivers shape the limestone. You’ll have free time for lunch – not included. After the visit, we continue to Belfast for arrival and free time.

After breakfast we depart Belfast for Hillsborough Castle – admission included – the official government residence in Northern Ireland. This grand 18th century Georgian mansion sits just outside the city, surrounded by woodlands, wildflower meadows and formal gardens. You’ll have free time for lunch before we continue south into the Republic of Ireland. En route we visit Monasterboice – admission included – a 5th century monastic site famed for its high crosses, notably Muiredach’s Cross, one of Ireland’s finest. We then travel on to Dublin, arriving mid afternoon, where you’ll have free time.

We’ll begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s peaceful capital. We’ll walk along the River Liffey, pause in the city’s parks, take in the historic university area and lively central streets, and view the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Please note that, depending on our arrival time in Dublin and the daylight hours, this tour may take place the previous afternoon.

We depart Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit its 18th century gardens – admission included – widely considered Ireland’s most beautiful. We’ll take in the formal terraces, fountains, the Japanese Gardens and the small pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll. Further south, we stop at the Rock of Cashel – admission included – an impressive medieval fortress that symbolises Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening, giving you time for a walk in the city centre before dinner, which is included.

We depart Cork for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in ocean views beside this 17th century fortress. In Kinsale, you will have time to explore the historic centre. We then continue to Killarney, where you will have time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon, we include a Jaunting Car Tour through the National Park to Ross Castle, along with a short lake cruise. We make a brief stop in Adare to see its stone and thatched cottages and abbey ruins, before reaching Limerick by mid afternoon. On arrival you can explore the city centre – visit the castle, walk the riverside, step into the cathedral or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.

We depart Limerick and visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – to explore traditional cottages, old market streets and the castle that evokes medieval life. We then continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located – we may be lucky enough to see a sheepdog herding display. Next, we visit the Cliffs of Moher – admission included – towering over the Atlantic. You can walk to O’Brien’s Tower for wider views. We then travel through Burren National Park, noted for its striking limestone landscape, before arriving in Galway.

We depart Galway this morning for Cong, a picturesque village in a lake district setting. We visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll around Ashford Castle, a medieval fortress now operating as a hotel. We then continue to Clonmacnoise for a guided visit to its Celtic monastic ruins – entry and guided tour included. Please note that, due to renovation work, our time at Clonmacnoise will be shorter than usual. After the visit, you’ll have free time for lunch and a short stroll in Athlone before we travel on to Dublin, arriving in the evening.

After breakfast, our journey comes to an end in Dublin – we hope you leave with wonderful memories of your trip.