From London to Edinburgh and over the Irish Sea to Belfast and Killarney this adventure across Ireland and Great Britain pairs iconic sights with once in a lifetime experiences. Join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London and bear witness to the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military tradition in the world. In Northern Ireland, join a local ranger to explore the spectacular Giant’s Causeway and in England, journey to the majestic 11th-century Alnwick Castle—known to many from the Harry Potter films. On Founder’s Collection departures, meet her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland for a private tour of the castle gardens followed by a seasonal lunch.
TRAVEL DATE | PRICE | TYPE |
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June 1, 2023 | from $16,944 CAD | Per Person |
DAY | DATE | PLACE |
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1 | Thu Jun 1 | Welcome to London |
2 | Fri Jun 2 | Traditions and Treasures of London |
3 | Sat Jun 3 | Stonehenge and Georgian Bath |
4 | Sun Jun 4 | Explore Bath |
5 | Mon Jun 5 | Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and York |
6 | Tue Jun 6 | Medieval Wonders of York |
7 | Wed Jun 7 | The Wild and Poetic Lake District |
8 | Thu Jun 8 | Alnwick Castle |
9 | Fri Jun 9 | Highlights of Beautiful Edinburgh |
10 | Sat Jun 10 | Edinburgh to Belfast |
11 | Sun Jun 11 | Highlights of Belfast |
12 | Mon Jun 12 | Giant's Causeway and Londonderry |
13 | Tue Jun 13 | Strangford Lough and Vibrant Dublin |
14 | Tue Jun 13 | Dublin A Truly Irish Experience |
15 | Wed Jun 14 | Glendalough to Kilkenny |
16 | Thu Jun 15 | Banter in Blarney |
17 | Fri Jun 16 | Scenic Ring of Kerry |
18 | Sat Jun 17 | Exploring Limerick |
19 | Sun Jun 18 | Regal County Mayo |
20 | Mon Jun 19 | Majestic Ashford Castle |
21 | Tue Jun 20 | Depart Shannon |
Day 1 – Welcome to London
Your UK luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your five-star hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Here you are welcomed with the royal treatment from their red tail-coated doormen. Tonight, enjoy sumptuous British fare at the English Grill Restaurant.
Day 2 – Traditions and Treasures of London
Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Enter bustling Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Household Cavalry Museum. After the sun sets and London lights up, you’re treated to a private, after-hours tour of the Tower of London and the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
Day 3 – Stonehenge and Georgian Bath
At mysterious Stonehenge, stand in awe of Britain’s best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself further into British history as you travel to Bath. Stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture feeling as though you’ve stepped into a classic English novel.
Day 4 – Explore Bath
Personalise your day in Bath at the Jane Austen Centre or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain’s only natural hot springs. Share the highlights of your morning over locally sourced dishes at the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant.
Day 5 – Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and York
Travel through the charmed villages of the Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and admire quaint Tudor cottages. Your day concludes in York where cobbled streets, classic tearooms and Gothic buildings lure you further into the past.
Day 6 – Medieval Wonders of York
Step back into the Middle Ages in York joining an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house.
Day 7 – The Wild and Poetic Lake District
Let the beauty of the Lake District inspire you as you cruise shimmering Ullswater Lake, with time to explore the charming town of Grasmere. Later, check into the lovingly restored country house overlooking Lake Windermere.
Day 8 – Alnwick Castle
Discover majestic Alnwick Castle’s magnificent interiors with a Local Expert before exploring Edinburgh’s beautiful, walkable city..
Day 9 – Highlights of Beautiful Edinburgh
Explore the grounds of Edinburgh’s “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900-years of history. Personalise your afternoon visiting the 17th-century Mary King’s Close or with a stimulating whisky tasting. A meal of fine dishes such as Scottish Border brisket of beef or poached fillet of sole, rounds off your final day, accompanied by music from a former bagpiper to the Royals.
Day 10 – Edinburgh to Belfast
Journey to your luxurious hotel in Belfast for a relaxing three-night stay in the heart of the city centre. Pop up to The Observatory bar where glittering views stretch into the distance. Get to know the tastes of the town at a local restaurant.
Day 11 – Highlights of Belfast
Join a Local Guide for a vivid picture of the past at the world-class Titanic Museum, before customising your time in Belfast. Step out with Local Expert and explore the City Hall, prestigious Queen’s University and Parliament Building at Stormont or meet a local artist to discover Belfast’s progressive street art.
Day 12 – Giant’s Causeway and Londonderry
Experience Northern Ireland’s most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant’s Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. On arrival in Londonderry, Local Guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland’s best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.
Day 13 – Strangford Lough and Vibrant Dublin
Sweet aromas and a slow food ethos await at Tracey’s Farmhouse. Explore the organic farm and learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch. Continue to Dublin for a tour of the city’s key sights including a tasting experience at the Guinness Storehouse or create your own cocktail at Pearse Lyons Distillery.
Day 14 – Dublin A Truly Irish Experience
A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. At a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip prosecco with the founder before dinner.
Day 15 – Glendalough to Kilkenny
Explore Glendalough, the “glen of two lakes” with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.
Day 16 – Banter in Blarney
See classic Ireland in Cashel, famous for its medieval structures including the spectacular Rock of Cashel. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening join the locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.
Day 17 – Scenic Ring of Kerry
Journey into Killarney National Park, winding along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland’s highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Explore the town of Kenmare before indulging in a gourmet lunch at the Park Hotel.
Day 18 – Exploring Limerick
Admire dramatic mountains and windswept sands along Dingle Peninsula. In Adare, discover the charming thatched-roof cottages, castles and abbeys before continuing to Limerick to see the best of the city including St. Mary’s Cathedral and Limerick’s Treaty Stone.
Day 19 – Regal County Mayo
Breathtaking views continue through County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Your stay at the 5-star Ashford Castle begins with a royal welcome as a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to this estate, once home to the Guinness family. Tonight, savour specialties from a seasonal menu at the Castle’s Cullen’s at the Cottage.
Day 20 – Majestic Ashford Castle
Get acquainted with elegant birds of prey at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland or delve into the Castle’s history on a guided tour. Then treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the day dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.
Day 21 – Depart Shannon
Conclude your travels in Ireland.
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