Britain and Ireland Explorer
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
BIXPZN19-364
Start City:
London
End City:
London
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
Budget
Tour Length:
19 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 10, 2024 | Tuesday, May 28, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, May 24, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 11, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, May 31, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Jun 07, 2024 | Tuesday, Jun 25, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Jun 14, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 02, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Jul 05, 2024 | Tuesday, Jul 23, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Jul 19, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 06, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Jul 26, 2024 | Tuesday, Aug 13, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Aug 16, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 03, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Aug 23, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Aug 30, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Sep 06, 2024 | Tuesday, Sep 24, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Sep 13, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 01, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Friday, Sep 20, 2024 | Tuesday, Oct 08, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
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Limited-Time Air Offer: up to $400 Off Air-Inclusive Vacations
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Save $200 per couple ($100 per person) on Economy or Premium Economy airfare; save $400 per couple ($200 per person) on Business Class airfare when you book an air-inclusive vacation. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com 10% extra savings. (Blackout dates apply, contact your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Must Book By Thu, May 30, 2024
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Save $100 per person on Economy or Premium Economy airfare; save $200 per person on Business Class airfare. Valid for Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Insight, Brendan Vacations or Costsaver vacations booked with Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class airfare for travel April 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Must be booked with deposit between April 1, 2024 and May 30, 2024. Mention promotion code at time of booking; not valid online. Not valid on group bookings and offer is not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount, Last-Minute Deals or any other airfare discounts; savings are combinable with Global Tour Rewards benefits or other general market promotions on the land portion of the tour. Standard commission on airfare applies. Other conditions may apply.
Global Tour Rewards Members Exclusive Sale, Extra 10% Savings
Global Tour Rewards Members Exclusive Sale, Extra 10% Savings
Promotion Details
For a limited time enjoy Double Global Tour Rewards on select 2024 departures. Receive an extra 5% Global Tour Rewards Discount, combinable with the standard Global Tour Rewards 5% Member Benefit, for savings up to 10% on select 2024 dates. (Not all dates apply, contact your Travel Consultant for details.)
Must Book By Thu, May 30, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›
Receive an extra 5% Global Tour Rewards Discount, combinable with the standard Global Tour Rewards 5% Member Benefit, for savings up to 10% on select 2024 departures. New bookings only made with deposit between March 29, 2024 and May 30, 2024. Standard booking and payment policies apply. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Extra savings may be combined with Global Tour Rewards 5% Member Benefit, but is not combinable with other promotional offers (including Seasonal Sale, Last Minute Deals, etc.), group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply.
Roommate Match Solo Traveler Savings
Roommate Match Solo Traveler Savings
Promotion Details
If you are traveling alone, you can be matched with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. Plus, receive our AffordableTours.com 10% extra savings. (Roommate matching is not available on all packages and/or dates, contact your Travel Consultant for full details.)
Must Book By Tue, Dec 31, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›
Offer does not apply to all vacations, contact your travel consultant for applicable vacations. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, stopovers, airfare or flight supplements, trips with included cruises or cruise extensions. Exceptions apply.
Tour Itinerary
Go behind the scenes on an exploration of all the highlights of Great Britain and Ireland, from the haunt of Shakespeare to Edinburgh’s medieval allure, the sweeping Cliffs of Moher to England’s celebrated Lake District. Come face-to-face with the legacies of the Vikings, Romans and Normans, witness the sites of great tragedies and triumphs, and keep a keen eye out for an elusive monster hidden in a famous loch.
Countries Visited
England , Ireland , North Ireland , Scotland , Wales
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Day 1
Arrive LondonDiscover what's 'great' about Great Britain as you kick-start your lengthy love affair with Britain and Ireland in London. After checking in, spend your leisure time exploring the city your way. You could shop up a storm on Oxford Street, board the London Eye for panoramic views of the city or stroll along the Thames soaking up all its pomp and pageantry in preparation for a memorable trip.Accommodation: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock.
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Day 2
London free dayYou may not be royalty, but London rolls out its red carpet today as you enjoy a full free day to explore the city on your terms. There's no shortage of things to do and places to visit, so spend your time wisely embracing all the cosmopolitan verve this multicultural global capital has on offer, from its museums to its monuments, its leafy parks to its lively pubs.Accommodation: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
London – Stratford-upon-Avon – York – BradfordThis morning, meet your Travel Director and travel companions before you set off from London. Discover what's ‘great' about Great Britain as you kickstart your lengthy love affair with Britain and Ireland in London. The multicultural capital, with all its color, history and culture, waves you on towards the lush green counties north as you wind your way to Stratford-upon-Avon. There's time to explore the town where England's favorite bard was born and laid to rest. You could delve into his life during a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before continuing your journey to York. Wander through its medieval streets to the city's geographic and spiritual heart, the York Minster. Then walk along The Shambles, a street so old it was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Continue to your hotel in Bradford.Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Bradford – EdinburghAll that lies between you and bonnie Scotland is Hadrian’s Wall. Unlike the barbarians it sought to keep out, you’ll have free reign not only to view it but to cross it bound for the 12th-century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. See how this symbol of power and authority over 'The Debatable Lands' still impresses today. This evening, an Optional Experience could see you take in a traditional ceilidh, or time your visit to coincide with the rousing Edinburgh Tattoo with tickets included on certain departures.Accommodation: Moxy Edinburgh Airport
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
Edinburgh sightseeing and free timePoets, writers, kings and queens have all found it impossible to resist Edinburgh’s allure. From its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades across the Leith, you’ll soon discover why it captured the hearts of so many famous people throughout the ages. Your Local Specialist reveals all the colorful tales of 'Auld Reekie' as your sightseeing tour rolls past the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Explore the city your way during your free afternoon or consider joining one of two special Optional Experiences, discovering Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle. Don your tartan if you please this evening. Tonight, choose to visit the ancient village of Torphichen, where Knights Hospitaller once settled.Accommodation: Moxy Edinburgh Airport
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Scottish HighlandsA scenic drive through the ancient kingdom of Fife this morning reveals a time when these lush green hills were under the feudal rule of a Pictish king. Your first stop, however, is in the seaside town of St. Andrews, most noteworthy for its 15th-century university and inspiring the origins of golf. Put aside your dream of a hole-in-one and head to Pitlochry next, your gateway to the Highlands. You could choose to explore this salmon fishing center on your own or walk in the footsteps of queens during an optional visit to Blair Castle, home to Europe’s last remaining private army. Later, an exhilarating optional encounter with a shepherd and his sheep could be on the cards. But it’s the enthusiastic border collies on this Highland farm that are the stars of the show on this Optional Experience.Accommodation: Craiglynne
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Scottish Highlands excursionStraight out of a scene in 'Outlander', the Scottish Highlands has a mystical air about it which you’ll come to discover as you explore its rugged beauty, evocative history and enchanting Highland ways. On your visit to Loch Ness this morning, keep a keen eye out for ‘Nessie’ before arriving in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Today’s poignant highlight is a visit to Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s brave clansmen fought in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Return to your hotel in the Highlands for dinner.Accommodation: Craiglynne
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 8
Scottish Highlands – GlasgowWith its head in the clouds, Ben Nevis offers a majestic backdrop to today’s scenic drive to Fort William, the self-proclaimed ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. Views of Scotland’s highest peak accompany the drive to Loch Linnhe. Continue to Glencoe where the tragic 17th-century massacre of the MacDonalds turned the wild beauty of this valley into a 'Glen of Weeping'. Travel along the banks and braes of Loch Lomond, where an optional cruise experience could take you to Rob Roy’s cave, before arriving in gritty Glasgow later today. Your orientation tour of the city will include views of Glasgow Cathedral and George Square where many of Scotland’s famous sons are immortalized in stone. An evening of good food and characteristic Glaswegian fun lies ahead if you choose an Optional Experience night out on the toon.Accommodation: Ibis City Center
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
Glasgow – Gretna Green – Lake District – WrexhamElope to Gretna Green, as many young couples once did to tie the knot over its marriage anvil. While the practice of handfasting was outlawed less than a century ago, this Scottish town remains a haven for romance and runaway lovers. Continue south through tiny northern villages and vast pastures fringed by ancient stone walls to the Lake District. Today’s highlight is a stop at Lake Windermere where an Optional Experience brings this 'loveliest spot that man hath found' to life. Board an optional cruise on a boat and take a step back in time aboard an old-world steam train before arriving at your hotel later.Accommodation: Ramada Plaza
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 10
Wrexham – Chester – DublinSee the legacy of Roman rule during this morning’s visit to the ancient walled city of Chester. You’ll view its defensive 1st-century walls and the characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings, famously known as 'The Rows' before heading to the west coast. Cross St. George’s Channel to Ireland and its youthful capital, Dublin. You’ll arrive just in time for an Optional Experience at a local restaurant-pub that will deliver the craic for which Ireland is so renowned.Accommodation: Dublin One
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
Dublin sightseeing and free timeEmbrace your playful side on this morning’s sightseeing tour through Ireland’s whimsical capital with a Local Specialist. View St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Trinity College, where the 9th-century Book of Kells, and Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, is housed. This afternoon, explore Dublin your way or join one of two Optional Experiences to visit important monastic sight in Europe. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient stories of Glendalough to life and show you around the beautiful landscapes of the garden of Ireland. This evening, an optional dinner and cabaret evening will have your toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee.Accommodation: Dublin One
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 12
Dublin - Boyle - Co. DonegalCross the 'Emerald Isle', passing lush green counties as you wind your way north to Bundoran. There’s no better way to admire the scenery than joining an optional cruise along the Shannon River. Later, view the ruins of the 12th-century Boyle Abbey before continuing to Donegal, the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. Nothing says sophistication quite like fine porcelain and this afternoon’s visit to Belleek Pottery, across the border in Northern Ireland, reveals over a century of craftsmanship and art, the results of which can still be seen on dining tables the world over.Accommodation: The Abbey
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 13
County Donegal excursionLeaving civilization behind for the day, your scenic drive through County Donegal will deliver a multitude of dramatic landscapes. Golden beaches, rugged cliffs and uninhabited islands dot your route so keep your camera at the ready to capture these perfect gifts of Mother Nature.Accommodation: The Abbey
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 14
County Donegal – Galway – Cliffs of Moher – ShannonGalway’s ancient reputation as a 'place of foreigners' is long gone, but much of its captivating heritage remains as you’ll see first-hand during a stroll around Eyre Square. View Galway Cathedral, then leave the city behind for the plunging Cliffs of Moher. Take a deep breath and let the fresh sea air fill your lungs as you peer over the edge of the emerald-topped cliffs to the crashing waves of the Atlantic below. With a squint you may just be able to see the distant Aran Islands, but without much effort you’ll spot the curious and colorful beaked puffins which are eager residents of the area. You’ll visit the interactive Cliffs Exhibition before heading to your hotel in Shannon.Accommodation: Treacys Oakwood
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 15
Shannon – Dingle Peninsula – Co. KerrySee the Ireland you’ve only encountered in pictures and on the big screen until now. Your drive around the stunning Dingle Peninsula reveals a land of stone monuments, wild beaches and verdant pastures. See tiny Gaelic settlements, colorful fishing villages and landscapes that 'catch the heart off guard', in the words of Irish poet, Seamus Heaney. Later arrive in Tralee in County Kerry, where the Rose of Tralee International Festival attracts 'lovely and fair' Irishwomen from around the world to compete for the crown of 'Rose'. A fitting way to end the day would be to join an Optional Experience with a show of Irish dancers. Embrace the spirit of old Ireland life and times and enjoy a hearty Irish meal.Accommodation: River Island
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 16
Co. Kerry – Blarney – WaterfordKiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab' on your visit to Blarney Castle this morning. Show off your silver tongue throughout your scenic drive through Cork to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. From the ancient Vikings to the Normans, they all made their mark on Waterford, but it is the city’s glittering crystal mastery spanning the years since 1783 that have made it world famous. Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom (when open) to see its artistry before an optional walking tour with a Local Specialist followed by a drink in a pub.Accommodation: Treacy's
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 17
Waterford – CardiffBoard your return ferry to the United Kingdom this morning, arriving in Wales later where its tiny capital Cardiff waits to be explored. Your orientation tour will take you past its Millennium Center, the National Assembly and the historic Castle at its heart. Join an optional tour of Cardiff Castle followed by an optional evening of Welsh music, culture and humor.Accommodation: Future Inn Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 18
Cardiff – Bath – Windsor – LondonThere's time to fit in some last-minute sightseeing before returning to London. Cross the Severn Estuary into England and venture to Bath, with its elegant Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths which have given this ancient spa town its name. Visit Windsor and view the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle before shopping for Royal souvenirs. The King's favorite weekend home is a sight to behold before you continue to London.Accommodation: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 19
Depart LondonIt's time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across Britain and Ireland. You'll say cheerio to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
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Dining Summary
- 18 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
Essentials
- : Visit the town of Shakespeare's Birth
- : View York Minster and stroll along the Shambles
- : View the remains of the Roman wall
- : View the Jedburgh Abbey ruins
- : Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes Princes Street, the Royal Mile and views of the Castle
- : View the 18th green on St. Andrews Old Course
- : Visit the famous battlefield
- : Visit the capital of the Scottish Highlands
- : View the most famous loch of them all
- : See Glencoe, also known as the 'Glen of Weeping'
- : View Glasgow Cathedral and George Square on your orientation tour
- : Visit this town, popular with eloping couples since 1754
- : Visit this picturesque region
- : View the timbered buildings known as the 'Rows'
- : With your Local Specialist, see St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, the Georgian Squares and Trinity College
- : View the Cistercian Abbey
- : Visit the Belleek Pottery Center
- : View the 15th-century castle
- : See Galway Cathedral
- : View the cliffs and visit the Atlantic Edge exhibition
- : Enjoy the beautiful scenery
- : Kiss the Blarney Stone during your visit of Blarney Castle
- : Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom
- : See the Principality Stadium and view Cardiff Castle
- : Visit the Georgian spa town
- : View the Royal Castle
Whats Included
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- : The services of a Costsaver Local Host if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel
- : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- : Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- : City orientation tours
- : Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- : Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
- : On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- The services of a Costsaver Local Host if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- City orientation tours
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.
Overall Rating
4.4
Accommodations
3.7
Itinerary
4.6
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4.3
Value for Money
4.8
I was more satisfied with the hotel and food on the Brition and Ireland Explorer, being a CostSaver tour, than I expected. What a concept; receiving more than paid for.
The itinerary met our expectations perfectly. Our tour director was wonderful. He was caring, helpful, friendly, and he knew his geography and history so well. We were getting a bit bus-weary by the end of 16 days, but we saw so much and did so much. It was great having our luggage delivered to our room and picked up in the morning. It was wonderful to just sit back and relax and not have to worry about where to go and what to see. Our only complaint was that the evening menu got a bit repetitious; it was OK for the meals that were included, but the extra excursion meals were not that good for the price we paid. Not sure I would book some of those excursions that were only meals if I had to do it again; ham and fish seemed to be the theme throughout. In particular, we were very disappointed with our meal in Glasgow. It was very expensive and we got ham or fish, a few vegetables, and a wilted salad. The room was extremely hot and so noisy you couldn't visit. As for the pianist that was supposed to be the entertainment, it was just noise. All in all, we had a wonderful trip and would do a bus trip again.
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The "UK-Ireland Explorer" 19-day trip to England, Scotland & Ireland was everything we hoped it would be as a "bucket list" retirement adventure!