15-Day Britain & Ireland Explorer 2026

Highlights

• Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
• York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
• Durham: See the castle and Romanesque cathedral.
• Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
• Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
• Edinburgh: Explore Edinburgh Castle with your Local Expert to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Mons Meg up close.
• Edinburgh: A hush descends, and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
• St. Andrews: Spend time in St Andrews, a coastal university town shaped by old quadrangles, sea air and open links. Walk to the stretch of West Sands Beach where Chariots of Fire filmed its iconic scene, then look across the Old Course, regarded as the birthplace of modern golf.
• Inverness: With your Travel Director, see the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
• Loch Ness: Travel along the shores of this Scottish icon. Take in wide views and learn more about the legendary creature said to lurk beneath its waters.
• Liverpool: Stay in the home city of The Beatles.
• Conwy: See Conwy Castle, the magnificent medieval fortress still towering over the town after 700 years. Climb the restored spiral staircase, scale the great towers and walk a complete circle around the battlements. Admire the unbroken town walls of Conwy down and enjoy amazing views out across the craggy mountains of Snowdonia. The spectacular castle was built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George in just four years between 1283 and 1287.
• Holyhead: Set sail for Dublin across the Irish Sea.
• Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
• Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
• Killarney: Take a gentle orientation through Killarney as your Travel Director brings the town’s history to life. Streets lined with shopfronts, church spires and the curve of the surrounding mountains help you place the stories being shared.
• Ring of Kerry: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
• Blarney: Visit the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate with a senior gardener.
• Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
• Waterford: Explore the town and see Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls.
• Rosslare Harbour: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.
• Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city.
• Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artifacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
• Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
• Stonehenge: Walk around the strange, awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
• York: In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
• Loch Lomond: Enjoy a light lunch and admire the oak woodlands and incredible scenery as you cruise one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, a favorite nature spot of the locals.
• Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink. 
• Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
• Waterford: Celebrate the culmination of your escorted journey with wine, good cheer and palate-pleasing cuisine.
• Kildare: Horse racing is key part of Irish culture; and you'll gain a rare insight into it on your visit to the Irish National Stud. Set in Kildare at the breeding ground of champions and the birthplace of legends, explore the foaling unit, museum and the stallions that continue to make racing history. As the only stud farm in Ireland open to the public, learn the insights of horse-racing at a site whose former visitors include queens and presidents. 
• Waterford: Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilize traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.
• County Tipperary: Meet entrepreneur Ailbhe and hear about her passion for sustainable farming. Learn about biodiversity, regenerative agriculture and the secret to crafting the most delicious honey on the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch. Aibhe has been sharing her keen interest and experience in the various courses she has been running since 2015, putting sustainable farming at the heart of local education programs and contributing important research. Brookfield Farm's various activities all support sustainable farming practices, organically certified activities, habitat protection and tree planting initiatives. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 & 12: Quality Education  & Sustainable Production and Consumption.
• Killarney: Explore on a horse-drawn jaunting car with local jarveys.
• Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a local guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Killarney: Explore on a horse-drawn jaunting car with local jarveys.
• Killarney: Join a gentle hike with a local guide in Killarney National Park and admire stunning mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls. Stroll along the lake shore and past the impressive 15th Century Ross Castle and the famous Muckross Estate, a charming 19th Century mansion and grounds.
• Blarney: Visit the lush gardens of the Blarney Castle estate with a senior gardener.
• Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.