Find a Tour > Majestic Britain & Ireland Tour

Majestic Britain & Ireland Tour

(22 days, London - London, 2013)
Majestic Britain & Ireland Tour
This wonderful 22 day tour showcases the best of Britain and Ireland, including London and Dublin and visits to Bath, Cardiff, Waterford, the Lake District and Edinburgh.

London to London (Round Trip)
From medieval palaces to Shakespeare and Wimbledon to Westminster Abbey, England is bubbling with pomp, pageantry, music, culture, sport and history everywhere including London, Bath, Chester, Lake District, York, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford. To the north of England lies Scotland, steeped in culture and history with vibrant and exciting cities, including Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, breathtaking lochs, extraordinary mountains and coastlines, and nearly 800 islands. Wales, 'the land of castles', is rich in history, culture, myth and legend and home to traditional villages, Britain’s ‘youngest city’, Cardiff, which still dates back to Roman times; and one of the oldest languages in the world. And the Irish are famous for their passion for literature, music, dance and conversation so it’s no wonder that the Emerald Isle is high on life. With a history dating back as far as 6,000 BC, rolling green hills, bizarre lunar landscapes, spectacular coastline and labyrinthine caves to discover and a Guinness to enjoy at the end of the day, the luck of the Irish is everywhere from Waterford and Killarney to Athlone and Dublin.

  • 21 night land tour

Included Scenic Enrich

  • Cruise the River Thames by boat past The Tower of London and London Bridge to historic Greenwich for dinner at an authentic pub,
  • Visit a local pub in Killarney to enjoy the hospitality of the locals and receive a round of drinks from your Tour Director
  • Tour the historic Glenfiddich Distillery and sample the whiskey of this world famous brand
  • Discover from an expert the sport of falconry, which dates back almost 4,000 years
  • Enjoy a private guided visit and champagne at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, the Queen’s official Scottish residence
  • Take a tour of iconic Edinburgh Castle

Included Scenic Free Choice

  • Enjoy a ‘flight’ on the London Eye; or a guided tour of Westminster Abbey; or a visit to Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms
  • In Killarney take a jaunting car ride; or visit Muckross house; or enjoy a cycling tour
  • Tour Trinity College; or the National Museum in Dublin
  • Cruise Lake Windermere; or visit the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in the Lake District
  • Visit the York Minster; or the Jorvik Viking Centre; or the National Rail Museum in York

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • Our London hotel, The Mayfair couldn’t be in a better location, the hotel offers outstanding quality and service
  • The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is an elegant Georgian mansion set in seven acres of gardens
  • Opposite Trinity College, the Westin Dublin is housed within a former bank and the 19th Century financial heritage is evident throughout this centrally located property
  • The Chester Grosvenor is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is located in the heart of the historic walled city
  • Located in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle and on famous Princes Street, the Caledonian Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s finest hotels

Included Scenic Dining

  • 39 superb meals including 21 Full Breakfasts hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 1 Highlight Lunch two course table d’hôte (HL), 1 lunch buffet or daily à la carte selections (L) 3 Highlight Dinners three course table d’hôte (HD) and 13 Dinners three to four course table d’hôte (D)

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge
  • Tour Bath on an open top bus
  • Visit Bunratty Folk Park to see a 19th century recreation of an Irish village
  • Enjoy a Hooley Show of traditional Irish music and dancing with dinner at Johnnie Fox’s in Dublin
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Dublin
  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and enjoy a Guinness tasting
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Edinburgh and visit the Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Visit majestic Blenheim Palace and enjoy a guided tour

Land Touring Exclusive inclusions

  • Luxury 40 seat coach
  • Small group touring experience
  • Professional Tour Director
  • Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
  • All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included
Day 1: London
Welcome to London. You will be met at Heathrow Airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Meet up this evening with your Tour Director and fellow travellers over a welcome drink.
Two Night Special Stay: London
Day 2: London (FB,HD)
Join your guide for an Included sightseeing tour of London. SCENIC FREE CHOICE choose from the following Included tours: (1) a ‘flight’ on the spectacular London Eye; or (2) a guided tour of Westminster Abbey; or (3) a visit to Churchill’s underground Cabinet War Rooms. This afternoon enjoy a SCENIC ENRICH cruise on the River Thames past the Tower of London and Tower Bridge to historic Greenwich for your welcome dinner at The Trafalgar Tavern, one of London’s last authentic pubs.
Day 3: London - Bath (FB,D)
Your first stop is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world, Stonehenge. From here we visit the ancient cathedral city of Salisbury. Your day ends in the beautiful city of Bath, founded around naturally-occurring hot springs where the Romans built baths and a temple.
Overnight Special Stay: Bath
Day 4: Bath - Cardiff (FB,D)
Appreciate Bath on an Included open top bus tour. Your journey includes the impressive Georgian buildings along the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge followed by a visit to the Roman Baths. Travel to Bristol, home to Britain’s first steel hulled ship, the SS Great Britain, which spent its life transporting emigrants to America and the colonies in Australia. Late this afternoon cross into Wales and spend the night in Cardiff.
Overnight Stay: Cardiff
Day 5: Cardiff - Waterford (FB,D)
Cardiff has been transformed in recent years and on your orientation tour see the Millennium Stadium, the 2,000-year-old castle, the Welsh National Assembly Building and the futuristic Millennium Centre before travelling through the rolling green countryside of Wales. Board a ferry and cross the Irish Sea to Rosslare in Ireland before continuing to Waterford.
Overnight Stay: Waterford
Day 6: Waterford - Killarney (FB,D)
This morning you will have some free time to explore Ireland’s oldest city Waterford. Perhaps you might want to visit the world famous Waterford Crystal Factory. As we leave Waterford behind we travel on to Midleton for a tour and tasting at Jameson’s Irish Whiskey Distillery, then continue to Blarney Castle and kiss the famous stone to receive the gift of the gab, before arriving in Killarney.
Two Night Stay: Killarney
Day 7: Killarney (FB,D)
Today travel the majestic Ring of Kerry. This afternoon choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) enjoy a jaunting car ride – a traditional pony and trap; or (2) visit Muckross House; a Tudor-style mansion made famous for hosting Queen Victoria in 1861; or (3) enjoy a bicycle ride through Killarney and its surroundings. SCENIC ENRICH: This evening after dinner you will visit a traditional local pub for some true Irish music and hospitality – your Tour Director will shout the first round!
Day 8: Killarney - Athlone (FB,D)
This morning visit Bunratty Folk Park, where 19th century Irish rural and urban life is recreated in the form of a local village. Drive along the spectacular Atlantic coastline of the Cliffs of Moher before heading inland to the quaint town of Athlone.
Overnight Stay: Athlone
Day 9: Athlone - Dublin (FB,HD)
This morning explore this historic town before we visit the 10th century built Clonmacnoise. Continue to the capital city of Ireland, Dublin. This evening dine at Johnnie Fox’s, an authentic pub where you enjoy a Hooley show featuring traditional music and dancing.
Two Night Special Stay: Dublin
Day 10: Dublin (FB,L)
Vikings were the first known settlers, yet today Dublin is renowned as a city of literature, home to Joyce and Shaw. Your Included guided tour will showcase the Georgian architecture and grand city squares, and a visit to the Guinness Storehouse to learn how to ‘pull the perfect pint’. SCENIC FREE CHOICE choose from the following Included tours: (1) a guided tour of Trinity College with access to the Long Room and famous ‘Book of Kells’; or (2) tour the National Museum with a guide and discover Ireland’s past.
Day 11: Dublin - Chester (FB,D)
Rise early this morning to catch the ferry to Wales. First stop is Caernarfon, dominated by its majestic 13th century castle which you will visit. Travelling along the North Wales coast, we will reach Chester.
Two Night Special Stay: Chester
Day 12: Chester (FB)
Today your guided walking tour of Chester will include the famous black and white coloured ‘Rows’, two-tiered medieval shopping galleries and the famous Eastgate Clock. See some of the finest medieval woodcarving in the country on your visit to Chester Cathedral.
Day 13: Chester - Lake District (FB,D)
This morning depart for Liverpool and rediscover the 60’s phenomenon that was the ‘fab four’ at the Beatles Story Museum. Journey north to the picturesque Lake District, where Wordsworth and Potter were inspired by the natural beauty of the mountains and lakes. SCENIC FREE CHOICE choose from one of the following Included tours: (1) a relaxing cruise on Lake Windermere; or (2) entry to the famous World of Beatrix Potter attraction.
Overnight Stay: Lake District
Day 14: Lake District - Glasgow (FB,D)
Travel past the original border where Hadrian’s Wall once stood and through unspoilt scenery to Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. Your orientation tour will include the 12th century cathedral and stunning architecture from renowned artist and Glasgow born Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Overnight Stay: Glasgow
Day 15: Glasgow - Inverness (FB,D)
During the next two days experience the majesty of the Scottish Highlands. Begin with a drive through stunning scenery as you pass Loch Lomond before continuing through Glencoe. Journey to Loch Ness and visit the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle. The famous monster Nessie was allegedly spotted near here, so keep an eye out! Venture into the heart of the Highlands to Inverness.
Overnight stay: Inverness
Day 16: Inverness - Aberdeen (FB,D)
Head through the Grampians to your first destination this morning, Cawdor Castle. On your Included tour learn of the Castle’s links to Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. Enter Scotch Whiskey territory to discover the importance of the ‘wee dram’ for the local economy. See the ancient art of barrel making during a visit to a traditional cooperage. SCENIC ENRICH: Tour the historic Glenfiddich Distillery, founded in 1876 by William Grant and his nine sons, and sample one of the most celebrated whiskies in Scotland
Overnight Stay: Aberdeen
Day 17: Aberdeen - Edinburgh (FB,D)
SCENIC ENRICH: This morning enjoy morning tea and a display of the ancient art of falconry, known as the sport of Kings which dates back almost 4,000 years. Depart for Scone Palace, Royal coronation site and traditional home of the legendary Stone of Destiny. Your tour will provide a great insight into the Celtic history of Scone. This afternoon cross the Firth of Forth via the Forth Road suspension bridge into Edinburgh, your home for the next two days. SCENIC ENRICH: This evening, enjoy a private guided visit to Holyrood Palace, founded as a monastery in 1128 and now the Queen’s official residence in Scotland where you will enjoy a glass of champagne in the Throne room after viewing numerous restricted and private areas.
Two Night Stay: Edinburgh
Day 18: Edinburgh (FB,HL)
Edinburgh is one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world. Your Included guided tour will explore all of the key sights in the city. Board the Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the Queen and her family from 1953 to 1997 and tour the ship which has been preserved in the state used by the Queen on her last official voyage. SCENIC ENRICH: Explore Edinburgh Castle, the symbol of the city that is nearly 1,000 years old, towers over the old town on your guided tour. Following the tour you will enjoy a hearty traditional lunch of haggis, neeps and tatties.
Day 19: Edinburgh - York (FB,D)
Drive through the scenic Scottish Borders and the Cheviot Hills to the compact walled city of York. Your Included guided walking tour will reveal York’s Roman and Viking heritage. Much-photographed narrow medieval streets such as The Shambles and the famous Stonegate bring centuries of history to life. SCENIC FREE CHOICE choose from the following Included tours: (1) entry to the stunning York Minster; or (2) a visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre to discover the ancient history of the city; or (3) entry to the National Rail Museum.
Overnight Stay: York
Day 20: York - Stratford (FB,HD)
This morning visit Chatsworth House, consistently voted one of Britain’s favourite estates and the backdrop of the film “Pride and Prejudice”. Continue on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy an Included walking tour of the town and see the Bard’s House. Tonight enjoy your dinner at a fine local restaurant.
Overnight Stay: Stratford
Day 21: Stratford - Oxford - London (FB)
Today we visit Winston Churchill’s ancestral home of Blenheim Palace. We then continue to Oxford, ‘the city of dreaming spires’. Your Included walking tour will take you to the splendid Christ Church college, and other significant university buildings. Our final destination today is London.
Overnight Special Stay: London
Day 22: London (FB)
This morning after breakfast you transfer* to Heathrow Airport for your onward or homebound flight.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For guests who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Click on a Green
date to Book Now
Click on departure date to book now
Depart Date Price
Jun 2013
24
from $10,095
Sep 2013
2
from $10,095
Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in CAD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions.
Itinerary and departure dates subject to change. Please inquire for full details. All prices are in USD and based on per passenger twin share. Refer to the terms and conditions.
See also:
Majestic Britain and Ireland (London - London, 2014)

At a glance
Duration
22 Days
From
$10,095
per person twin share
Dates
24 Jun 2013
On Request
02 Sep 2013
On Request
Print this page Email to a friend General enquiry
Tour FAQs

Related holidays

Paris & Christmas River Cruise
Paris & Christmas River Cruise (Paris - Budapest, 2013)
This 19 day tour begins in Paris, before celebrating the festive season on Europe’s waterways, exploring Christmas markets plus Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna and Budapest.
More information
Enchanting Rhone River Cruise (Nice - Paris, 2013)
Spend 7 nights on board the Scenic Emerald as you sail from Arles to Chalon-sur-Saône along the romantic Rhône River.
More information
Jewels of the Nile & The Red Sea
Jewels of the Nile & The Red Sea (Cairo - Cairo, 2013 - 2014)
This 13 day tour explores the best of Egypt, including a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and a luxury Nile River cruise, before ending with a visit to the Red Sea.
More information