Insight Vacations Discounts - Romantic Britain & Ireland

Summary

Tour Pace:The alternating mix of touring days and two night stays makes for a moderately paced tour. However, Waterford to Cardiff requires an early start in order to catch the morning ferry.

Hotels: From the stately Georgian architecture of Edinburgh’s Roxburghe Hotel, to the 21 story Radisson Blu skyscraper in Cardiff’s city centre, expect a diverse range of hotels.

Please Note: In some parts of Ireland, the Scottish Highlands and Islands north from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the remote nature and limited seasonality means hotels are often more basic, modest and simpler in style than Insight hotels elsewhere in Europe, especially in the larger or capital cities. These properties are typically family-run establishments and have completely individual character - which is part of their attraction. The key attribute of these properties is their easy access to the wonders of the beautiful countryside and more remote towns and villages.

Highlights

INCLUDED FIRST CLASS SERVICES

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director

• Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours

• Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom

• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage

• Insight Traveller Welcome pack

• London Airport transfer service available

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Oxford: See the ‘dreaming spires’ and colleges.

• Stratford: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

• Lincoln: Visit one of England’s finest Medieval cathedrals.

• York: See York Minster, city walls and medieval “Shambles”

• Yorkshire Dales: Hear about life as a local hillside farmer.

• Edinburgh: Visit the Castle during your guided city tour. Selected departures experience the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

• St Andrews: Visit the birthplace of golf.

• Highlands: Visit Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre and see Loch Ness.

• Mull & Iona: Tour the Isle of Mull and visit Iona Abbey.

• Loch Lomond: Embark on a guided scenic cruise.

• Arran: Visit Arran Aromatics and a local whisky distillery.

• Belfast: Visit the new Titanic Belfast Exhibition on your guided city tour.

• Dublin: Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral during a guided city tour.

• Galway: See the cathedral and Eyre Square.

• Cliffs of Moher: Visit the Exhibition Centre.

• Killarney: Tour the scenic Ring of Kerry.

• Blarney: Visit the Castle and kiss the Blarney stone.

• Waterford: Visit the Crystal Showroom.

• Cardiff: See the castle and Millennium Stadium.

• Bath: Visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Rooms.

• Stonehenge: Visit the mysterious megaliths.

• Scenic drives – Cotswolds, Yorkshire Dales, Highlands, Glencoe, Mull & Arran, Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Severn Bridge.

• Glasgow: Enjoy an orientation tour

INCLUDED QUALITY DINING

Itinerary

Day 1 - LONDON – OXFORD – STRATFORD

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, drive to the famous university town of Oxford. Admire its beautiful spires before continuing via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon- Avon. Visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare and enjoy some free time to stroll along the River Avon. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception and light informal meal.

Hotel: Falcon

Meals: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - STRATFORD – LINCOLN – YORK – LEEDS

Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country’ on your way to visit Lincoln Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest medieval buildings, featured in the Da Vinci Code. Later continue to York, once the Viking Capital of Britain. Saunter along the Shambles to reach York Minster, in the very heart of this medieval gem. Continue to Leeds, ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’.

Hotel: Park Plaza

Meals: Full Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3 - LEEDS – YORKSHIRE DALES – EDINBURGH

Enjoy a different side of England as you enter the Yorkshire Dales National Park via Leyburn and stop in the quaint village of Hawes. See the outstanding natural beauty of Upper Wensleydale, famous for its cheese before crossing the border at Gretna and continuing to the Scottish capital.

Hotel: Roxburghe

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 4 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING.

Walk with your guide inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town. Continue down the Royal Mile, past the St Giles’ Cathedral, to the Queen’s Holyroodhouse Palace before crossing over to the ‘New Town’. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. Tonight, selected departures enjoy the Military Tattoo – a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 5 - EDINBURGH – ST ANDREWS – HIGHLANDS

Drive to the town St Andrews, home of golf! Continue over the River Tay, through Dundee and Perth to Pitlochry, and cross the Grampian Mountains to your Highland hotel. This evening enjoy a Highlight Dinner with haggis, accompanied by dancing and the sound of the bagpipes.

Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel

Meals: Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner

Day 6 - EDINBURGH – ST ANDREWS – HIGHLANDS

Follow the Spey Valley and stop at tragic Culloden Moor and visitor centre, where the pride of the Highland clans was finally crushed. Drive via the Highland capital of Inverness to the scenic shores of Loch Ness in search of the monster. Continue to the Commando Memorial in the shadow of Ben Nevis and stop a wee while in Fort William. Move on to the pretty coastal resort of Oban.

Hotel: Oban Bay

Meals: Full Breakfast / Dinner

Day 7 - MULL AND IONA EXCURSION

Ferry across Loch Linnhe to reach the Isle of Mull. Enjoy a scenic drive across the island before a short boat ride to Iona. This early centre of Celtic Christianity is the burial place of many Scottish kings, and your visit to Iona Abbey shows why this remains one of Scotland’s most sacred sites.

Meals: Full Breakfast / Dinner

Day 8 - OBAN – LOCH LOMOND – TROON

Drive through the beautiful scenery of the Trossachs to Loch Lomond and embark on a guided lake cruise. Continue to the city of Glasgow for an orientation tour and free time. Then on to your hotel in Troon.

Hotel: Barcelo Marine/Menzies Irvine

Meals: Full Breakfast / Dinner

Day 9 - ISLE OF ARRAN EXCURSION

A short ferry ride takes you to Brodick on the Isle of Arran. Your tour of the Island includes a visit to Arran Aromatics to see the production of luxury soaps, creams and candles at Scotland’s leading manufacturer. Next learn all about whisky making from the professionals at Arran Distillery, and sample a ‘wee dram’.

Meals: Full Breakfast / Dinner

Day 10 - TROON – BELFAST

Bid farewell to Scotland as you cross the Irish Sea and drive to the vibrant city of Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland. Meet your local guide for a panoramic tour. Highlights include the City Hall, Queen’s University and Stormont Castle. RMS Titanic was built in Belfast - follow the story of the ill fated ship at the new state of the art Titanic Belfast building and exhibition.

Hotel: Europa

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 11 - BELFAST – DUBLIN

Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne to Drogheda, taking a short drive along the historic Boyne Valley, sight of the Battle of Boyne where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. This afternoon, on your guided tour of Ireland’s ‘fair city’ see O’Connell Street, historic Phoenix Park and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Hotel: Burlington/Herbert Park

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 12 - DUBLIN AT LEISURE

A whole day at leisure to shop, continue sightseeing or just enjoy a pint of Guinness at the local pub!

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 13 - DUBLIN – GALWAY – LIMERICK

West to Galway to see Galway Cathedral. Continue around the famous bay to the Visitors’ Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and the breathtaking vistas of the Clare Coast. Cross the Burren en route to Limerick.

Hotel: George Boutique Hotel

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 14 - LIMERICK – DINGLE – KILLARNEY

Travel via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, to Tralee. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way into the great cliffs, wide skies and ocean views of the Dingle Peninsula. Choose from a selection of restaurants in Killarney this evening.

Hotel: Killarney Towers/Killarney Avenue

Meals: Full Breakfast / Dine Around

Day 15 - RING OF KERRY EXCURSION

A delightful excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lake lands and remote villages. Continue through Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 16 - KILLARNEY – WATERFORD

Visit Blarney Castle, the home of the famous stone of eloquence, once kissed, never forgotten! Travel on through the port of Dungarvan to the walled city of Waterford, where you can admire a sparkling display of crystal. Enjoy a glass of wine with your Celebration Dinner at the hotel tonight.

Hotel: Fitzwilton

Meals: Full Breakfast / Celebration Dinner

Day 17 - WATERFORD – CARDIFF

Take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke. Continue on to the Welsh capital of Cardiff, famous for its castle and Millennium Stadium.

Hotel: Radisson Blu

Meals: Full Breakfast

Day 18 - CARDIFF – BATH – LONDON

Over the Severn Bridge, then it is not far to Bath with its Georgian streets and crescents, and visit the Roman Baths. Cross Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge. From here, travel to London, where your tour comes to an end

Meals: Full Breakfast

Tour Map

Dates & Prices

2012 EARLYBIRD Special - Tour Dates & Prices

Departs on

Returns on

Brochure Price

Costless Discount Price

Insight Vacations Premium Escorted Europe and Britain 2012

2012

	Tue, May 01, 2012	Fri, May 18, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
DEF	Tue, May 08, 2012	Fri, May 25, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, May 15, 2012	Fri, Jun 01, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, May 22, 2012	Fri, Jun 08, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, May 29, 2012	Fri, Jun 15, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jun 05, 2012	Fri, Jun 22, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jun 12, 2012	Fri, Jun 29, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jun 19, 2012	Fri, Jul 06, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jun 26, 2012	Fri, Jul 13, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jul 03, 2012	Fri, Jul 20, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jul 10, 2012	Fri, Jul 27, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jul 17, 2012	Fri, Aug 03, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
	Tue, Jul 24, 2012	Fri, Aug 10, 2012	$4325.00	$3503.00
DEF	Tue, Jul 31, 2012	Fri, Aug 17, 2012	$4550.00	$3687.00
DEF	Tue, Aug 07, 2012	Fri, Aug 24, 2012	$4550.00	$3687.00
	Tue, Aug 14, 2012	Fri, Aug 31, 2012	$4550.00	$3687.00
DEF	Tue, Aug 21, 2012	Fri, Sep 07, 2012	$4550.00	$3687.00
	Tue, Aug 28, 2012	Fri, Sep 14, 2012	$4350.00	$3524.00
DEF	Tue, Sep 04, 2012	Fri, Sep 21, 2012	$4350.00	$3524.00
	Tue, Sep 11, 2012	Fri, Sep 28, 2012	$4350.00	$3524.00
	Tue, Sep 18, 2012	Fri, Oct 05, 2012	$4299.00	$3482.00
	Tue, Sep 25, 2012	Fri, Oct 12, 2012	$4299.00	$3482.00
	Tue, Oct 02, 2012	Fri, Oct 19, 2012	$4299.00	$3482.00
	Tue, Oct 09, 2012	Fri, Oct 26, 2012	$4299.00	$3482.00

DEF = Definite Departure
Costless Prices are subject to early payment conditions / based on limited availability / and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices are in Australian Dollars and based on twin share, single room supplements apply.
Tour prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.

Optionals

Most Insight tours already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. The following is a general list for guidance and budgeting purposes only. Actual optional excursions and prices will be advised by your Tour Director at the beginning of your tour.

BLAIR CASTLE

Blair Castle is at the hub of a breath-taking historic landscape. This magnificent ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl is Scotland’s most visited historic house. It is the home of the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only remaining private army, and is brimming with treasures inside and out.
Adult Price: UK £ 14
Code: BLA01

ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA

This magnificent ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. For four royal couples, Britannia was to provide a honeymoon sanctuary before the onset of married life in the world's most photographed family. Now berthed in Leith, you are welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.
Adult Price: UK £ 14
Code: EDI04

IRISH COUNTRYSIDE AND GLENDALOUGH

An afternoon drive through County Wicklow known as the garden of Ireland. We pass through the Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin’s great 6th Century monastic site at Glendalough. We return to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Adult Price: UK £ 17
Code: DUB04P

JAUNTING CART RIDE

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a ride through the streets of Killarney and into the beautiful Bourne Vincent National Park with a local “jarvie” in one of the area's famous jaunting cars.
Adult Price: UK £ 17
Code: KLL01P

WATERFORD WALKING TOUR

We take an interesting and informative walking tour with a local guide and then continue to get to know the locals with a drink in a typical pub.
Adult Price: UK £ 19
Code: WAT01P

DINNER IN EDINBURGH

Join your tour companions this evening for a night out in this splendid city as we visit a well established restaurant for a three course dinner with a drink included.
Adult Price: UK £ 26
Code: EDI02

DINNER AND DUBLIN COAST DRIVE

A three course dinner at a local restaurant followed by a scenic drive around Dublin Bay.
Adult Price: UK £ 39
Code: DUB06P

DINNER AND CEILIDH

Enjoy the great atmosphere or ‘craic’ at our ceilidh evening. Traditional Irish music and dancing and the chance to sing along to some familiar Irish melodies. Dinner is included on this fun evening.
Adult Price: UK £ 45
Code: KLL05P

SCOTTISH DINNER AND CABARET

Join us for a memorable evening of traditional singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere to enjoy. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate an evening in Edinburgh.
Adult Price: UK £ 47
Code: EDI01

RAGUS THE SHOW

Inspired by the islanders of Inis Mór, Ragús is a show of Live, fast moving, traditional Irish music, song and dance. Evocative of times past, audiences feel the pulse of a rich and vibrant musical heritage and come away with a truly enjoyable and unique cultural experience. A three-course dinner with Irish coffee is included.
Adult Price: UK £ 53
Code: DUB07P

SHANNON CASTLE BANQUET

Enjoy a banquet in the great hall of the castle. As we dine, we are entertained by the court jester, the castle musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court, in the splendour of a bygone age. There’s fine music, singing, dancing, good food and laughter. It won’t be long before you join in with the ‘court entertainers’. You'll be sure to take home warm memories of this delightful evening.
Adult Price: UK £ 59
Code: LIM01P