Highlights
- Marvel at the Cliffs of Moher and the magnificent Giant’s Causeway
- Tours of Belfast, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Dublin
- Drive through the iconic Scottish Highlands and visit the shores of Loch Ness
- Visit the historic Blarney Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Option to explore Stonehenge and the Roman Baths
Summary
Myths, legends and incredible scenery, this UK & Ireland tour has it all! Discover the historic cities of Bath, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool and York. Admire the epic landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher and the Scottish Highlands. Experience the majestic Giant’s Causeway and scenic Ring of Kerry. Kiss the Blarney Stone, visit Shakespeare’s hometown, cruise through Cambridge, explore Loch Ness and much more! Top it all off with an optional trip to Stonehenge. Look forward to days filled with culture, castles and historical attractions aplenty on our fun-filled UK & Ireland tours!
DAY 1: London – Stonehenge – Bath – Cardiff
Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, travel to the mysterious Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Next stop is the beautiful, historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous Roman baths. Heading into nearby Wales, arrive in the capital, Cardiff, and enjoy a driving tour around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Bath: Join your tour leader and enjoy an orientation tour through this beautiful town; famous for its sandstone Georgian architecture and Roman Bathhouse.
Visit Cardiff: Continue on to the Welsh capital where your tour leader will take you on a drive through the city, showing you the sights, before checking-in to the hotel for the night.
Meals
Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Stonehenge
Uncover the many mysteries of Stonehenge and get up close with this 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is definitely bucket list-worthy!
£ 28
DAY 2: Stratford-upon-Avon – Liverpool
After breakfast, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; William Shakespeare’s hometown, which offers more than 800 years of history. Delve deeper into Shakespeare’s life on an optional excursion to his childhood home before indulging in an afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre! Next up is Liverpool; this port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will delight in being in the home of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will love being in the home of the Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour* of the city. The evening is free to explore. Why not head to Matthew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where the Beatles first made their mark on modern music?
*Please note the second half of the Liverpool driving tour will take place on the morning of Day 3.
Experiences
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy free time to wander the city, and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century house where he grew up.
Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour to see some of the city’s highlights including the Albert Dock, and a variety of locations connected to the Beatles.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Afternoon Tea Experience
Visit the house where Shakespeare grew up and delight in a traditional afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare theatre!
£ 45
The Beatles Story & Museum
Discover the award-winning Beatles Story, the world‘s largest permanent exhibition devoted to the Beatles, located in their hometown of Liverpool!
£ 20
DAY 3: Liverpool – Dublin
See more of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour this morning before catching the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before reaching the ferry, make stops in Conwy to see the gorgeous castle and at the village with the longest name in Europe; Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Then, it’s onto Dublin. Enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city this evening; discover more about the city’s Viking past, its Medieval castles and its cathedrals. Explore its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent episodes. Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all!
Experiences
Visit Conwy: Enjoy a comfort stop and lunch in the charming Welsh town of Conwy – a walled, market town famous for its 13th century castle.
See Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch: Make a photo stop at the village with the longest place name in Europe – try to capture the whole name in a photo and pronounce it correctly on your first go!
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 4: Dublin: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! The Whiskey & Guinness optional excursion includes a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse to see how this famous dark beer is made. Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour – contact us to book now! Take a trip back in time as you discover the most famous people and events in Irish history during the “Ireland’s Identity” optional excursion. Or, explore the city yourself. Tonight, there’s also the option to enjoy a taste of traditional Irish music! Look forward to an evening of fine Irish food, music and dance.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Ireland’s Identity
Discover Irish history and global cultural impact. Visit Ireland’s most famous cemetery, EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum, and the GPO Museum.
€ 65
Whiskey & Guinness Experience
Visit a renowned whiskey distillery for a historic tour and whiskey tasting before exploring the Guinness Storehouse and tasting Ireland’s national drink!
€ 69
Irish Music Evening
Experience an unforgettable evening filled with traditional Irish food, music and dancing at an award-winning pub in Dublin.
€ 65
DAY 5: Waterford – Blarney Castle – Killarney area
Leaving Dublin behind, travel onwards to Waterford; the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition, and is also famous for its cut crystal glass. Next up, it’s time to travel to the famous Blarney Castle for an included visit, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. Depart Blarney and leave County Cork behind. Next, enter County Kerry and travel towards the hotel for this evening. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Experiences
Visit Waterford: Spend some time in the oldest city in Ireland. Founded over 1,000 years ago, remnants of the city’s Viking origins can be seen in ruins of ancient fortified walls. Waterford’s history is far-reaching and colourful. Here, feel the atmosphere of medieval Ireland like nowhere else!
Visit Blarney Castle: Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold located just outside Cork, and it has an interesting claim to fame – it is home to the Blarney Stone! Legend says that if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone you might gain the ‘gift of the gab’!
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 6: Ring of Kerry: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. The best way to see it all is on the Ring of Kerry day trip! Join the optional excursion that travels along the famous circular tourist route in country Kerry. It is home to the most breathtaking coastal views and emerald-green pastures. Enjoy visits to charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village, and explore the shops and cafés in the area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park during a jaunting (carriage) ride. Then, end the day with some free time in Killarney town. Experience this iconic route to the fullest on this excursion!
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Ring of Kerry Day Trip
Take a scenic drive of the Ring of Kerry, learn about Irish history, watch a sheepdog show and take a jaunting ride through Killarney National Park!
€ 50
DAY 7: Adare – Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway
Today is another day for epic Irish scenery! Travelling along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, the first stop is Adare; often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Next, it’s time to travel on through the county of Limerick to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the frothing ocean below, and the views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking. Next stop, Galway! This is a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, live music venues, cafés, weekend parties and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during free time, and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer before travelling north to the hotel for the night.
Experiences
Visit Adare: Take a few photos in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly preserved thatch-roofed cottages that house craft shops and restaurants today.
Visit Limerick: Pay a visit to the Treaty Stone; legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed here, which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange, and concluded the Siege of Limerick. Snap some great photos of the 13th century King John’s Castle from across the river.
Experience the views at the Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves! The Cliffs of Moher are truly breathtaking and certainly one of the top Ireland travel highlights.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Galway Cruise
Embark on a cruise and admire the harbour sights of Galway! Learn about the city’s history and culture with onboard commentary.
€ 20
DAY 8: Derry/Londonderry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast
After breakfast this morning, journey onwards to Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry/Londonderry. Northern Ireland’s second-largest city has a lot to offer from culture to art and historic city walls. Next stop is Northern Ireland’s top tourist attraction; the Giant’s Causeway. The final stop on the Irish leg of our adventure is Belfast; the capital of Northern Ireland. Join a local guide for a combined driving and walking tour, showcasing some of the city’s most famous attractions, and sharing insight on the city’s past. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Experiences
Visit Derry: Still fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer, including a beautiful waterfront and well-preserved city walls.
Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway: This natural wonder is surrounded by myth and legend. Did a giant build this sight, or was it an ancient volcanic activity that formed the 40,000 basalt columns? Clamber over the rocks, experience it up close and decide for yourself!
Guided tour of Belfast: A local guide will introduce some of the city’s highlights, including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican communities respectively and are separated by peace walls. Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles and gaining a reputation as an exciting city which blends traditions with modernity.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 9: Belfast – Scottish Highlands
Enjoy free time in Belfast this morning with the chance to learn all about the Titanic, and its ill-fated voyage, on the optional Titanic Belfast Experience. Next up is Scotland! Hop on board and sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky, haggis and tartan! Arrive in Scotland, and once back on dry land, drive to the Scottish town of Ayr for a photo stop. Afterwards, it’s time to head to tonight’s accommodation, which is in the picturesque Highlands! Enjoy an included dinner with the group this evening.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Titanic Belfast Experience
Experience the fascinating history of the Titanic with impressive interactive galleries, full-scale reconstructions and innovative special effects.
€ 28
DAY 10: Loch Ness – Edinburgh
Journey into the Highlands and further explore this famous region of Scotland. Stop for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glen Coe before visiting the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster! Join an optional cruise on the Loch, admire the views and try to spot Nessie! Leaving the Highlands, drive to Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital followed by dinner. Apart from being home to Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans of the series might find the city strangely familiar! Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Experiences
Photo stop at Glen Coe: Enjoy a photo stop at one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands, and infamous for the tragic events of the Massacre of Glencoe that happened here in 1692.
Visit Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be her home? You’ll have free time to explore or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot the mythical creature from the water.
Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh. Highlights of Scotland’s captivating capital city include the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Old Town and Arthur’s Seat. See more on your free day tomorrow.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Loch Ness Cruise
Search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you cruise on the famous loch!
£ 20
DAY 11: Edinburgh: Free Day
Today is yours to spend as you like – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or delve into the history, culture and interesting spots of the city on a Conquer the Capital optional excursion with your tour leader. This includes time to explore the incredible Edinburgh Castle. Today also offers the opportunity to visit Stirling with an optional half-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy an orientation tour, take a trip to the top of Wallace Monument, see the Kelpies, Stirling Castle and more! Tonight, choose to enjoy the optional traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with a chance to taste a famous (or infamous!) traditional Scottish food; haggis!
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Sights of Stirling
Discover the stunning sights of Stirling! See the Kelpies, visit the Wallace Monument, admire Stirling Castle and enjoy a city orientation tour.
£ 20
Conquer the Capital Edinburgh
Discover the highlights of Edinburgh with your tour leader! Visit Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Princes Street Gardens and more.
£ 40
Scottish Dinner & Show
Enjoy an evening of Scottish entertainment, including traditional music and Highland dancers, along with a three-course meal!
£ 90
DAY 12: Alnwick Castle – York – Yorkshire
Say goodbye to Scotland, and cross the border into England. Enjoy the opportunity to visit the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland. This castle has also featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, and many more! Next, we travel into Yorkshire, and to the county capital; York. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader, and see its most famous sights, before heading to tonight’s accommodation in Yorkshire. Enjoy one last dinner with the group tonight!
Experiences
Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your tour leader. Stroll along the historic, cobbled streets and admire the impressive medieval gothic architecture as well as the City Walls which run along the River Ouse.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Alnwick Castle Only
Visit Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland and the real-life setting for Hogwarts! Learn more about the castle’s history on a tour.
£ 22
Alnwick Garden Only
Visit the stunning Alnwick Garden! Admire the world’s largest cherry blossom orchard, Rose and Ornamental gardens and 12 acres of gorgeous greenery.
£ 16
Alnwick Castle & Gardens
Discover Alnwick Castle and its beautiful gardens. This is one of the largest inhabited castles in England and a setting for many famous films!
£ 33
DAY 13: Cambridge – London
It’s the last day of your UK & Ireland tour, and it finishes off with a real treat! Travel to the historic university town of Cambridge. Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed through the city’s famous university including Charles Darwin and David Attenborough. Enjoy a traditional punting trip along the River Cam. Afterwards, it’s time to return to London where the tour concludes. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found travel friends to keep in touch, and share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags #MasterDMC
Experiences
Go punting along the River Cam: Enjoy a traditional punt along the river and admire the views. An experienced punter will propel the punt by pushing against the river bed with a pole, while introducing you to the city’s history and telling you some of its most famous tales.
Meals
Breakfast
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