Himal Holidays
Himal Holidays
1979 1992 Himal Holidays

UK and Ireland Tour


UK and Ireland Tour

 

UK & Ireland Tour: In association with EE, Explore UK & Ireland Tour, the most delicate highlights of the ever-popular UK & Ireland starting from London! The Best of UK & Ireland tour combines the most beautiful highlights of the top-rated Great Britain tour with another favourite, the Irish Explorer tour, offering coach tours to Ireland from the UK and an unmatched holiday experience. Explore legendary landmarks, medieval castles, rolling green hills, and beautiful scenery!

 

 

UK and Ireland Tour

 

 

Setting off from London, we call at ancient Stonehenge (optional) and Bath, before the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Liverpool, home of The Beatles, is next. Finally, a ferry crossing takes us to Dublin, where your tour includes some of Ireland’s most significant attractions – the historic coastal town of Waterford, Blarney Castle (with its famous stone) and the picturesque village of Killarney. Other sights include the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway.

After crossing the Irish Sea, we tour the Highlands’ rugged horizons before arriving in Edinburgh’s Scottish capital, overlooked by its landmark castle. Next, we head south towards Northumberland, where we call Alnwick Castle, well-known for the critically acclaimed Downton Abbey television series and Harry Potter films. It is also the home of the Duke of Northumberland. Yorkshire is the next port of call before we journey onwards to the university city of Cambridge and try our hand at traditional river punting. After this fantastic 13 days of touring, we then return to London.

 

Save – without compromising on quality – by booking directly with the leading tour operator.

 

How we make fantastic trips affordable

 

Helpful Pre-Trip Info

 

Visa

Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour. Please see our tickets page for more information. You are responsible for contacting the relevant embassies to confirm your visa requirements. We provide support documentation upon request. Contact us.

 

On tour costs

The itinerary above includes complete information about what activities are included, which meals are included, and what are not. We recommend budgeting €25-€40 per day (excluding optional excursions).

Room Sharing

Please note, by default, all rooms are twin bedrooms.

Free-time

In some destinations, you will have a full free day, where you can choose to join our optional excursions or explore on your own.

 

Meeting Point

Your tour starts and finishes in London. Please have a look at our essential tour help page for detailed information.

 

Passport

It should be valid for at least six months after you have returned home from your trip. It would be best to have several blank pages as Visas and entry/exit stamps can take up a whole page.

 

Are international flights included in the tour price?

No, you will need to make arrangements to get to the meeting destination on the first day of your tour. Ensure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.

 

 

Please visit the link, If you are interested in our other UK tour packages. Please explore the UK tour and book if you prefer world-leading companies.

 

 


Similalry, if you want to book directly with UK holidays or Park Holidays,

please look at the below and book it.

Tour Package : : 3000 Itinerary : : Tour Duration : : 13 Days Main Attraction : : UK and Ireland Tour Rating : : 4

Itinerary

Itinerary

 

Start in: London
Greenwich train station, 06:30 Hrs
Holiday Inn Express Hotel Greenwich, 07:00 Hrs

 

End in: London
Greenwich train station, 17:00 hrs – 19:30 Hrs

Duration: 13 Days

Ages: 10 – 75+

Places: 5 Countries (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland)

20 Experiences

 

Full Itinerary Best of UK & Ireland – 13 Days

 

Start point: London & Endpoint: London

DAY 1: London – Stonehenge – Bath – Cardiff

 

Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, we make our way to Stonehenge (optional), the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of southwest England. Ponder the mysteries of this old site for yourself and learn about the area’s history. Once we’ve had a chance to look around, we’re off to the beautiful and historic city of Bath, famous, of course, for the Roman baths built here during the Empire’s reign. Heading into nearby Wales, Caerphilly Castle is our next stop, where you’ll be able to snap a few photos of this ancient attraction, built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, a red-headed Norman nobleman. Finally, we arrive in the Welsh capital of Cardiff, where we’ll stop for the night.

Experiences

Bath Orientation tour: Your Professional tour leader will point out all the main attractions of Bath so that you can make the most of your time here.

Caerphilly Castle photo stop: On our way to Cardiff, we stop off for a quick photo stop at this impressive 700-year old castle.

Visit Cardiff: We continue to the Welsh capital, where you have some free time to spend the evening as you wish.

 

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

Park Inn Cardiff City Centre
Mercure Cardiff
Clayton Hotel
Jury’s Inn Cardiff Hotel

 

Other Foods to try

Lamb, particularly roasted, is strongly associated with Welsh food. However, because of its role as the country’s national vegetable, the leek is also used frequently.

 

Extra Information: Dinner  (Only)  

 

Prepare for your second day of adventure! After breakfast in Cardiff, we make for Stratford, the hometown of William Shakespeare! A market town with more than 800 years of history, the city still has many buildings that would be familiar to Shakespeare if he was still around today. Then we’re off to Liverpool! Liverpool is a famous British port city with a rich history; there’s something for everyone here. Football fans will be delighted to be in the home city of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will enthral to be in the home of The Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour of the city, and explore the town yourself during your free time this evening. Why not head to Mathew Street, the beating heart of the live music scene and home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music?DAY 2: Stratford-upon-Avon – Liverpool

Experiences

Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You will have free time to wander the city and visit the Shakespearean attractions.

Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour and see the Albert Dock, Anfield football stadium, and various locations connected to the Beatles.

 

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

Ibis Liverpool
Hotel ibis Styles Liverpool Centre Dale Street
Premier Inn Liverpool Albert Dock

Other Foods to try

Scouse – a type of lamb or beef stew with vegetables. A similar dish, lapskaus, is traditional in Norway.

 

Extra Information: Breakfast (Only)  

 

DAY 3: Liverpool – Dublin

Today, we catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Once we arrive, we’ll take a driving tour of the city and spot a few of the city’s more famous highlights. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in this 1000-year-old city. From the city’s Viking past, its medieval castles and cathedrals, to its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more violent episodes, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all.

 

Experiences

Enjoy a driving tour of this vibrant capital city. Tomorrow you will have a full free day, so keep a note of all the sights you want to explore further.

 

Accommodation

Red Cow Moran Hotel
Clarion Hotel Dublin Liffey Valley

Other Foods to try

Guinness – a hearty stout beer. Enjoy a pub meal like Steak and Ale pie.

 

Extra Information: Breakfast (Only)  

 

DAY 4: Dublin – Free day

Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! One of the city’s most famous exports is, of course, Guinness, and today there’s the option of visiting the Guinness Storehouse to see how this favourite dark beer is made. Alternatively, visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall, visit the city’s most renowned park, St Stephen’s Green, see the Irish Museum of Modern Art or try out the many pubs and eateries. Tonight, there’s also the option to visit the Merry Ploughboy Music Pub to taste traditional Irish music! Not to be missed – check our Optional Excursions for more information.

 

Attractions to discover in your free time

 

Optional Excursions

 

DAY 5: Waterford – Blarney Castle – Killarney area

Leaving Dublin behind us, we travel onward to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by Vikings in 914, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition. Following our stop here, we’ll travel to the famous Blarney Castle, 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. After that, it’s onward to the pretty town of Killarney in County Kerry, where we’ll stop for the night.

 

Experiences

We stop in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Feel the atmosphere of medieval Ireland here like nowhere else!

On our way to Killarney, we stop at Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone and hope­­­­­­­­­­­­fully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’

 

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Killarney
The Rose Hotel
The Lake Hotel Killarney
The Ashe Hotel Tralee
Holiday Inn Killarney
Sneem Hotel

 

Other Foods to try

 

Seafood is abundant, from freshly caught Wild Salmon to mussels, oysters, and lobsters.

 

Extra Information:  Breakfast  & Dinner  (Only)  

 

DAY 6: Ring of Kerry

Today you have a free day in Killarney. There are incredible trails to hike, fantastic golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join our complimentary optional excursion as we drive the astonishing Ring of Kerry. So keep your camera fully charged and ready – it’s going to be a day of stunning scenery! The Ring of Kerry is home to breathtaking coastal views, emerald-green pastures, and charming villages, where we’ll make comfortable stops. Take the opportunity to stroll down the high streets, explore the shops, and try the cute cafes, bars, and restaurants. You’ll be blown away by the scenery of this beautiful green valley!

 

Experiences

An incredible day of sightseeing awaits as we drive one of Ireland’s most scenic roads. Take in breathtaking views, emerald-green pastures, and charming villages.

 

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Killarney
The Rose Hotel
The Lake Hotel Killarney
The Ashe Hotel Tralee
Holiday Inn Killarney
Sneem Hotel

 

Other Foods to try

Seafood is abundant, from freshly caught Wild Salmon to mussels, oysters, and lobsters.

 

Extra Information: Breakfast  (Only)  

 

DAY 7: Adare – Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway – Ballina

Today’s another day for epic Irish scenery! Making our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way, we’ll be stopping in Adare and Limerick on our way to the famous Cliffs of Moher and the town of Galway. Adare is often called Ireland’s prettiest village, and with its preserved 19th Century thatch-roofed cottages housing craft shops and fine restaurants, it’s not hard to see why. Next, we’ll travel on through the county of Limerick and make our way to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the best-known attractions in all of Ireland. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 meters from the frothing ocean below. The views on a clear day are brbreathtakingFinally. We’ll arrive in Galway, a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, live music venues, cafes, weekend parties, and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during your free time and experience all the charms that Galway offers before travelling to Ballina, where we spend the night.

Experiences

Next, we stop in Adare for a photo stop, often called ‘Ireland’s prettiest village’ featuring perfectly preserved thatch cottages, home to craft shops and restaurants.

The Cliffs of Moher: We’ll stop at the Cliffs of Moher for the chance to get some photos of the spectacular view.

We visit Bunratty Castle – a beautiful 15th-century tower house in County Clare. Bunratty Castle is a piece of Irish history, with the original structure on this site dating back to the 10th century.

Folk Park adjoins the castle, and here you’ll get a peek at a traditional reconstructed Irish village, complete with cottages, weavers, pie-makers, a forge, and a working blacksmith.

Free time in Galway – enjoy the bohemian vibe of this lively town, where you’ll find plenty of bars and cafes. Look out for live music! Alternatively, see the remnants of the medieval city walls or walk down the promenade to Salthill on Galway Bay.

Accommodation

Falls Hotel & Spa Clare
Imperial Hotel Galway
Breaffy House Resort Mayo
Hotel Ballina
The Creggan Court Hotel
Knock House Hotel
Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club

 

Other Foods to try

Shellfish is incredibly popular – the Galway Oyster Festival is held every September. A popular dish is Dublin Lawyer – lobster cooked in whiskey and cream.

 

Extra Information: Breakfast  (Only)

 

DAY 8: Derry/Londonderry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast

 

Leaving Galway behind, we journey to Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry/Londonderry. Fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city offers a lot. Next, we’ll stop at Giant’s Causeway, a famous natural oddity of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Learn about the myths and legends surrounding the area, and then prepare for the final stop in the Irish leg of our adventure, Belfast. Your tour leader will take you on a combined driving and walking tour, showing you some of the city’s most famous attractions and learning more about the city’s past. Having pulled off quite a transformation in recent years, Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles. Fans of Game of Thrones will be pleased to know that a large portion of the series was filmed here!

Experiences

The Giant’s Causeway is one of Ireland’s most famous sights, a natural geological wonder resulting from ancient volcanic activity. Or perhaps a giant did build it as the legend suggests! Either way, we’ll stop here and give you the chance to explore it for yourself. Belfast driving and walking tour. Your tour leader will introduce you to some of the city’s highlights, including Shankill Road and Falls Road. These roads are associated with the loyalist and republican communities, respectively and are separated by peace walls.

 

Accommodation

Travelodge Belfast

Other Foods to try

Located on the coast and surrounded by lush green countryside, fresh seafood (salmon, mussels, and oysters) and meat (beef, pork, lamb, and chicken) dominate Derry’s food.

 

Extra Information: Breakfast & Dinner  (Only)  

 

DAY 9: Stirling – Whisky Distillery – Scottish Highlands

 

Boarding a ferry in Larne, we’ll sail across the Sea of Moyle to Scotland. Once back on dry land, we’ll drive to Stirling and admire the famous Wallace Monument. Built to commemorate one of William Wallace’s most memorable victories at The Bridge of Stirling, the monument is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling. Then, we’re off into the Scottish Highlands! We’ll stop off at a local whiskey distillery, learn more about how whiskey is made and try some of the different varieties produced here. Admire the scenery as we travel to our accommodation in the picturesque Highlands this evening.

 

Experiences

See the National Wallace Monument commemorating Sir William Wallace in Stirling.

Whiskey tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Founded in 1833, this distillery is unique in producing single malt Highland whiskey matured in the Lowlands. Located on the Highlands Line, which divides the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne’s stills are on the Highlands side of this road, and the maturing casks rest just a few meters away on the Lowlands side.

Accommodation

Arrochar Hotel
Dreadnought Hotel Callender
Rob Roy Hotel

 

Other Foods to try

Haggis – a savoury pudding containing sheep’s offal, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach.

 

Extra Information: Breakfast & Dinner  (Only)  

 

DAY 10: Loch Ness – Edinburgh

Today, we set off into the Highlands to further explore this famous region of Scotland. First, we’ll be stopping at the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster! Next, go for an optional cruise on the Loch and see the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Then, heading out of the Highlands, we’ll arrive finally in Edinburgh and enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital. Apart from Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, keep in mind that this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. So fans might find the city strangely familiar!

 

Experiences

Edinburgh walking tour: Arrive in the capital of Scotland and experience the sights and sounds as your tour leader takes you on an evening walking time in this magnificent city.

 

Optional Excursions

 

Accommodation

Britannia Hotel

 

Other Foods to try

Scottish Shortbread – a type of biscuit associated with Christmas and Hogmanay festivities.

Extra Information: Breakfast & Dinner  (Only)

 

DAY 11: Edinburgh – Free day

Your time is yours to spend as you like today – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or strike out on your own and discover the city for yourself. Explore Edinburgh Castle in full, or if the weather allows, take a stroll up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below. Tonight we offer a traditional Scottish dinner, complete with the famous conventional haggis! Check our Optional Excursions for more information.

 

Attractions to discover in your free time

 

Optional Excursions

 

DAY 12: Alnwick Castle – York – Yorkshire

 

Saying goodbye to Scotland, we make for the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland and the second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle. This castle has also featured in many acclaimed films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films (The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets), Downton Abbey, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (and the more recent Ridley Scott incarnation), The Black Adder, Star Trek: The Next Generation and many more! Visiting the castle is an optional excursion, details of which are available in our Optional Excursions documentation. 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 lined with little boutiques selling fascinating things. There are several sweet shops too if you’re looking to satisfy that sweet tooth! We’ll take you on a walking tour of the city to see its most famous sites before heading to our accommodation in Yorkshire.

Experiences

Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Professional tour leader. See York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, and countless other historical highlights.

 

Optional Excursions

Accommodation

Ibis York

Other Foods to try

Yorkshire is home to the pudding of the same name -a side dish made from batter consisting of eggs, flour, and milk. The plate is sometimes served with beef and gravy and is a traditional British Sunday roast staple.

 

Extra Information:  Breakfast & Dinner  (Only)  

 

DAY 13: Cambridge – London

It’s the last day of your UK and Ireland tour, but we’re finishing off with a real treat – today, we make our way 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: John Milton, Charles Darwin, David Attenborough, Sacha Baron Cohen, Siegfried Sassoon, John Cleese, Nick Drake, Stephen Fry, William Wordsworth, Hugh Laurie, Rachel Weisz and, of course, countless others. We’ll do the traditional thing and go punting along the river before returning to London, where our tour concludes. What a ride! Be sure to share your details with your fellow travellers to keep in touch after your journey. We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the British Isles as we enjoyed introducing them to you!

Experiences

Cambridge River Punting. We visit this historic city renowned for its leading university. Savour the history and marvellous views as we punt along the river.

Other Foods to try

The famously sticky Chelsea buns have been made and sold in Cambridge since 1921. So why not visit one of the local bakeries and try one for yourself?

 

Breakfast: Included (Only)  

Includes & Excludes

What’s Included

 

  • Twelve nights’ accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities. Single travellers can pay a single supplement to ensure a private room.
  • Services of your Expat tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip. You can also book any optional excursions available during your tour with your tour leader – please see the ‘Essential Information’ tab for more details.
  • 12 breakfasts, six dinners
  • All taxes and fees
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
  • A modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, a TV for showing DVDs, and a toilet.
  • 20 Experiences(including guided walking tours, orientation walks, driving tours of cities, plus other exciting experiences)
  • Free Professional tour souvenir– a memorable gift of your once in a lifetime trip.

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