Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Travel to fascinating cities and through the magical countryside of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, exploring historic places, iconic sights, and rich heritages. Take in the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, and the Welsh and English countryside. Step into the past at York’s medieval Shambles and Bath’s ancient Roman ruins. Get acquainted with Britain’s pageantry in the royal cities of Edinburgh and London and soak in the cities’ iconic sights on guided walking tours. This is an unforgettable journey for the books through Britain and Ireland.
Travel to fascinating cities and through the magical countryside of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, exploring historic places, iconic sights, and rich heritages. Take in the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, and the Welsh and English countryside. Step into the past at York’s medieval Shambles and Bath’s ancient Roman ruins. Get acquainted with Britain’s pageantry in the royal cities of Edinburgh and London and soak in the cities’ iconic sights on guided walking tours. This is an unforgettable journey for the books through Britain and Ireland.
Highlights
- Edinburgh is the capital and second most populous city in Scotland. Edinburgh has been recognized as the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. The city's various historical and cultural attractions, as well as the appeal to the tourist market, makes Edinburgh the most popular tourist destination in the UK after London, attracting over 1 million overseas visitors each year.
- Since 1950 the iconic Edinburgh Military Tattoo has dazzled millions of spectators with performances from musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers. This epic show, unique every year, takes place at the haunting Edinburgh Castle illuminated under the open sky. In the past, the show’s themes have paid tribute to nature, Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, and Scotland's homecoming, to name a few. This international festival comes alive with performers from a multitude of countries and audience members from around the world. Military pageantry and cultural celebrations, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display, set the stage for an amazing evening.
- The historic walled city of York in North Yorkshire is located in the northern part of England. Today York is still encircled by its ancient medieval walls. York was founded by the Romans in A.D. 71 and is considered to be one of the great cities of the medieval world.
- A world in a city is a common way to describe the capital of England and its 9 million inhabitants. A cultural melting pot of over 230 nationalities, London is the financial, political and cultural capital of the UK and has a history dating before the Romans in A.D. 43.
- Bath is a city in Somerset, southwest England located 97 miles west of London. The city is known for the Roman baths located here that the early Romans built. In the Georgian era the city became a popular spa town, and today many tourists come to view the Roman baths. In addition to the Roman baths and hot springs, Bath is also known for its Georgian architecture.
- Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with a history that dates back to Viking times. This busy port city on a tidal reach of the River Suir is known as the home of the famous Waterford crystal.
- Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney near County Cork, Ireland. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy. The castle is very popular with tourists because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of tourists have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.
- Killarney is a town in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. The town is on the shores of Lough Leane which is a part of Killarney National Park. Killarney has been welcoming tourists and visitors for over 250 years.
- The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile-long circular tourist route in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is Ireland’s longest and one of its most diverse big circle driving routes. The route features beautiful beaches, lakes, medieval ruins, mountains and lakes. Driving The Ring is a very popular daytrip for tourists visiting the area, especially in the summer months.
- Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.
Hotels
- Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel — Edinburgh
- DoubleTree by Hilton York — York
- Canopy by Hilton London City — London
- Clayton Hotel — Cardiff
- Granville Hotel — Waterford
- Scots Hotel — Killarney
- Herbert Park Hotel — Dublin
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Start City
- Edinburgh
- End City
- Dublin
- Duration (Days)
- 15
- Activity Level
- Level 3
What's Included
- 20 meals included
- Inter-tour flights included
- Edinburgh is the capital and second most populous city in Scotland. Edinburgh has been recognized as the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. The city's various historical and cultural attractions, as well as the appeal to the tourist market, makes Edinburgh the most popular tourist destination in the UK after London, attracting over 1 million overseas visitors each year.
- Since 1950 the iconic Edinburgh Military Tattoo has dazzled millions of spectators with performances from musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers. This epic show, unique every year, takes place at the haunting Edinburgh Castle illuminated under the open sky. In the past, the show’s themes have paid tribute to nature, Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, and Scotland's homecoming, to name a few. This international festival comes alive with performers from a multitude of countries and audience members from around the world. Military pageantry and cultural celebrations, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display, set the stage for an amazing evening.
- The historic walled city of York in North Yorkshire is located in the northern part of England. Today York is still encircled by its ancient medieval walls. York was founded by the Romans in A.D. 71 and is considered to be one of the great cities of the medieval world.
- A world in a city is a common way to describe the capital of England and its 9 million inhabitants. A cultural melting pot of over 230 nationalities, London is the financial, political and cultural capital of the UK and has a history dating before the Romans in A.D. 43.
- Bath is a city in Somerset, southwest England located 97 miles west of London. The city is known for the Roman baths located here that the early Romans built. In the Georgian era the city became a popular spa town, and today many tourists come to view the Roman baths. In addition to the Roman baths and hot springs, Bath is also known for its Georgian architecture.
- Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with a history that dates back to Viking times. This busy port city on a tidal reach of the River Suir is known as the home of the famous Waterford crystal.
- Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney near County Cork, Ireland. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy. The castle is very popular with tourists because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of tourists have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.
- Killarney is a town in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. The town is on the shores of Lough Leane which is a part of Killarney National Park. Killarney has been welcoming tourists and visitors for over 250 years.
- The Ring of Kerry is a 111-mile-long circular tourist route in County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. It is Ireland’s longest and one of its most diverse big circle driving routes. The route features beautiful beaches, lakes, medieval ruins, mountains and lakes. Driving The Ring is a very popular daytrip for tourists visiting the area, especially in the summer months.
- Dublin is the capital and the largest city in Ireland. Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and sits at the mouth of the River Liffey. Dublin was founded in 841 by the Vikings. Today, Dublin is the economic center of Ireland and the historical and contemporary center for industry, education and the arts.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Overnight Flight
An overnight flight transports you to stunning landscapes, lively cities and stirring history.
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Day 2: Edinburgh, Scotland
Arrive in Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, where rocky hills tower in the distance and the shadows of history can be seen around every corner. With no planned activities today, settle in to discover Scotland's capital and see how medieval crossroads blend seamlessly with a vibrant modern energy. This evening, delve into Scottish culture with a whisky experience and dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland, and meet your fellow travelers.
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Day 3: Edinburgh
Today get acquainted with Scotland’s regal capital on a locally guided city tour exploring both the Old and New Towns. Explore the Royal Mile on foot and walk up the hill to Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. This afternoon is yours to further explore independently. Later this evening, take your seat at the spectacular, world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest events.
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Day 4: Edinburgh - Scottish Borders - England - York
Depart Edinburgh, traveling through the picturesque countryside of Northumberland by motor coach. Visit a family farm situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders, where sustainability and innovation are core to their business. Later on this evening, arrive in York, with its medieval city walls and snickelways.
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Day 5: York
Take in York’s rich and storied history while joining your Tour Manager on a leisurely orientation walking tour. Explore the quaint, narrow streets of the ‘Shambles’ that appear today almost as they did during the Middle Ages. At the heart of the city is its impressive Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Venture inside and stand in awe of the seemingly endless sea of stained-glass windows. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
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Day 6: York - London
Board a high-speed train to London. Upon arriving in England’s bustling capital, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Afterward, join a local expert for a walking tour of the city. At Westminster, see the exteriors of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben, and continue on to see the exterior of Buckingham Palace, the London home to Britain’s royalty since 1837. After checking into your hotel, the evening is yours to explore the vibrancy of London’s nightlife.
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Day 7: London
Enjoy a day to explore London at your leisure. You may choose to take an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it’s since been home to 40 monarchs, including the current King of England.
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Day 8: London - Bath - Cardiff, Wales
Travel to Bath, the elegant Georgian town, to visit the Roman Bath Museum’s 2,000-year-old elaborate spas. Stroll through Bath’s cobblestone streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere. Your day ends in the Welsh capital of Cardiff.
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Day 9: Cardiff
Join a local expert on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Cardiff. Learn about the city’s deep ties to the coal industry, its connection to ancient Rome, and its famous Victorian shopping arcades. Tour Cardiff’s historic castle, an impressive structure that was once a Roman fort, a Norman castle, and an extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy palace. Enjoy lunch at a local pub before continuing your walk with a local guide.
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Day 10: Cardiff - Waterford, Ireland
Take in the beautiful Welsh countryside en route to the coastal village of Pembroke. There, board the ferry for Ireland, crossing the Irish Sea. Upon arrival in Rosslare, travel to Tramore in County Waterford, your home for the evening.
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Day 11: Waterford - Blarney - Killarney
This morning, it’s your choice! Tour the House of Waterford Crystal factory featuring a fascinating visitor’s center and a retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world -OR- enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city and discover its rich Viking, Norman and Cromwellian history. Later, travel to historic Blarney Castle. Make your way to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you do, you will be blessed with the "gift of eloquence." This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a “menu” of Killarney’s great restaurants.
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Day 12: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
This morning, explore Killarney National Park on a traditional jaunting car ride.* Then, travel along the glorious Ring of Kerry where you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical scenery, and enjoy a brief stop at the historic Kerry Bog Village Museum and the Atlantic Irish Seaweed farm. Marvel at the vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, lakes and picturesque villages. Enjoy an evening in Killarney at your leisure.
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Day 13: Killarney - Rock of Cashel - Dublin
Venture through the “Golden Vale” en route to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Take in its imposing facade and visit the spot where St. Patrick preached. Next, continue on to vibrant Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital, and visit the magnificent Christchurch Cathedral for a guided tour and drinks reception.
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Day 14: Dublin
Today, it’s your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the River Liffey. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Tonight, experience Ireland's lively music and dynamic dancing during a fun-filled evening of Irish entertainment.
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Day 15: Dublin - Tour Ends
Depart today with many fond memories of lovely Britain and Ireland.