Great Britain and Ireland Tours for 18-35 year old Young Professionals and Student Travellers

The Great Britain and Ireland tour will take you away to a whirlwind of sightseeing, medieval history and culture where you'll hit the highlights of England, Scotland and Ireland. Practice your Liverpudlian accent because you're going to the birthplace of rock and roll's original Fab Four - The Beatles! You don't need a crown to stroll Edinburgh's Royal Mile but you may need binoculars to search for the elusive Loch Ness monster. Add to that drinking Guinness, kissing the Blarney Stone, sampling Irish whisky, castles, cathedrals and craic, and you've got an all encompassing Great Britain and Ireland experience!

Itinerary

Day 1

Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe

Arrive London Day 2

Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers at 6pm. After dinner take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden.

London to Bristol Day 3

Meet up with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager and jump on the coach for a look at London’s iconic buildings and UNESCO World Heritage sites in our included tour. Start your tour by learning about the Royal family’s place of residence (Buckingham Palace), the horror tales of the Tower of London and the magnificent Westminster Abbey, where Princess Diana’s funeral service was held.

You’ll also get to see the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge. Choose to get up close to the famous ring of stones and learn more about the legends surrounding them in an optional excursion.

Next up: Bath and a taste of the high life. Time here means a look into the gorgeous city, complete with terraces, promenades and heritage buildings. Get the background on the city’s name and Roman past in an optional excursion to the stunning Roman Baths.

Later, we pull into the up-and-coming city of Bristol for our overnight stay. This former industrial town has transformed into a cultural hub, with fantastic food, modern art and a buzzing harbourside area.

Tonight we eat together in a 17th Century pub. Relax, order yourself a pint and try out traditional British pub food. Hotel

Bristol to York Day 4

Northbound, we continue on to the port city of Liverpool. This cool town is the birthplace of the Beatles and home to the famous Liverpool FC football club.

Honour the legendary group that put the city on the map with our included Magical Mystery Tour, where our Local Guide takes the group to mythical Beatles’ sites.

Back on the coach, take in the wild countryside of the Peak District as we head to York. It’s soaked in history and English traditions.

Your Tour Manager will wind back the clock and fill you in on York’s 2000-year-old history as you walk through the web of little lanes within the medieval city walls. You’ll see the impressive York Minister, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower.

For legends and folklore, opt for a night-time ghost tour that takes you through dark historic alleyways of York. Our expert Local Guide, a typical story-teller, will give you the low down on whose ghosts haunt which houses! Hotel  Breakfast - Dinner

York to Lake District Day 5

Back on the coach, we wind our way through the jaw-droppingly beautiful Lake District. The area has a reputation as England’s most scenic region and you’ll soon understand why. Filled with 16 major lakes, high peaks and cute, stone-built settlements, this region is all about picture-perfect countryside.

For a bit of action, have a go with the paddle and get out on the water in an optional canoeing or kayak activity. If you feel like getting some adrenaline pumping, try a high ropes course. For those who want to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there’s plenty of hiking trails through the beautiful English countryside.

This afternoon we travel to Bowness-on-Windemere. With free time, opt for a cruise on Lake Windermere and see for yourself why this region inspired so many poets. Otherwise, walk through this bustling town and find a cute tea room. If you’re keen, try a traditional English afternoon tea with tasty scones and hot tea. Hotel   Breakfast 

Lake District to Edinburgh Day 6

Northbound, we’ll drop by the 2000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman Empire’s most impressive engineering feat, before traveling on through the English countryside.

Afterwards, we farewell England and cross the border into Scotland, where we visit the small village and romantic hot spot of Gretna Green, famous for holding runaway marriages.

Later, we pull into the buzzing city of Edinburgh. Home to loads of festivals, cutting-edge Edinburgh serves up a fun, creative mix of ancient and modern.

You’ll get a good look around this striking city as your Tour Manager fills you in on the core sites of the Old and New Towns. Check out the Robbie Burns statue, the National Gallery and the Grass Market, where local artists, designers and craftspeople sell their wares.

Tonight, there’s a chance to experience a hearty Scottish meal, complete with haggis and a traditional bag piper. After dinner, round up some friends and head out into the city’s pumping nightlife. Edinburgh has so much on offer – so ask your Tour Manager for some tips on the city’s cosy pubs, basement bars and happening clubs. Hotel  Breakfast

Edinburgh Day 7

With a free day, decide how you want to shape your Edinburgh experience and explore this living time-line.

Explore the scene-stealing Edinburgh Castle, perched high up above the city on an extinct volcano, where the Scottish crown jewels and famous Stone of Destiny are housed. Retrace Scottish royalty’s footsteps and walk the Royal Mile with its jumble of medieval houses and buildings. See the Holyrood Palace, former home to Mary Queen of Scots.

 For a one-stop shopping spot, make the most of Princes Street. From kilts and tartans to modern labels and cashmere, this street has it all.

At lunch, go local and order some traditional fish’n’chips and a deep fried chocolate bar if you’re feeling adventurous!

For a relaxing afternoon, spend some time in Edinburgh’s famous Botanical Gardens. Explore the 72 acres of grounds, exotic plants and stunning glass houses. Hotel.  Breakfast - Dinner

Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands Day 8

Stop by St. Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university town and the “home of golf” where you’ll see the famous course of the same name that is used in major international tournaments. Then roll on through the Scottish highlands, packed with wild mountain scenery, rugged green hills and the tales of old clans.

Get the inside story on the time-old tradition of whisky, Scotland’s national drink, at our guided visit of a whisky distillery. Sip on malts like the Scotts and maybe even pick up a bottle to take with you.

Next up is the stuff of legends. There’s a chance to cruise the world-famous Loch Ness, on our optional activity this afternoon. Find out more as your Tour Manager fills you in on the lake’s mythical monster.

Back on the coach, plug in your headphones, sit back and take in the dramatic scenery. We drive past turreted castles and surging rivers before stopping for the night in this spectacular spot. Hotel  Breakfast - Dinner 

Scottish Highlands to West Highlands Day 9

This morning, we continue on past tiny villages, emerald green moors, lakes and seaside cliffs that the West Highlands are so famous for.

You’ll see the iconic Eilean Donan Castle – one of Scotland’s most recognized monuments. Sitting above the Alsh, Duic and Long Lochs, with a spectacular mountain backdrop, the 13th century castle is stunning.

On the stunning Isle of Skye, we visit the seaside town of Portree, known for its brightly coloured houses and charming fishing port. Next up: the bizarre landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula, where sharp cliffs and stone pillars rise above the wild Atlantic sea. Your Tour Manager will tell you the stories and legends connected too this remote inner Herbridean Island and fill you in on how people live in this dramatic environment.

Later, we pass Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, as we continue through the remote West Highlands. Hotel Breakfast

West Highlands to Glasgow Day 10

We make our way to Glasgow this morning, via Stirling, famous for its iconic Castle and William Wallace Memorial. Your Tour Manager will tell you all about this historic point of conflict and the battles that took place here before we reach Scotland’s largest city.

We arrive in Glasgow this afternoon. It’s pulsing with urban soul, pubs filled with colourful characters and the most happening live music scene in the country.

There’s free time to explore this UNESCO city of music. Walk around the down town and see the city’s famed Victorian architecture, including Glasgow’s gothic cathedral, the impressive City Chambers and St George’s Square – located right in the city’s heart.

Tonight, get out amongst the locals and try some of Scotland’s tasty produce. Order yourself some of the country’s world-renowned salmon, trout or Aberdeen Angus beef and grab yourself a pint. Later, make the most of the live music scene and ask your Tour Manager where to go for door-to-door music venues. Hotel  Breakfast

Glasgow to Dublin Day 11

Ferry across the Irish sea to Northern Ireland and travel through County Meath and Boyne Valley – former seat of power for ancient kings and the site of one of Ireland’s most bloody battles.

Continue on to dynamic, down-to-earth Dublin. This bustling student town has a whole lot of heart and loads of things to do.Hotel   Breakfast - Dinner 

Dublin to Londonderry Day 12

We slide by Belfast, former hotspot of the Troubles (political conflict in Ireland) and learn about the city’s difficult past. Our Local Guide will introduce Belfast’s iconic political murals and Victorian buildings, while telling you the story behind the city’s history.

Later on, you’ll be amazed by the natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway. With approximately 40 000 rock columns packed together, reaching heights of 12 m( 36ft),this unbelievable rock formation will give you goose bumps.

Next up: riverside Londonderry. With loads of artistic activity, it’s the central point of Northern Ireland’s cultural renewal Hotel   Breakfast 

Londonderry to Galway Day 13

Your Tour Manager will show you the city’s famous 17th century walls. They’ve go t a rep for a reason – standing at 8 metres high and 9 metres long, no enemy has ever succeeded in getting through them.

Explore more of Londonderry with our Local Guide in a fascinating optional tour around the historic city. Learn about epic battles of the past before taking a step back in time with the People’s Gallery in Bogside Our Local Guide will explain how the colourful murals sum up and commemorate key events from the Troubles.
Cruise on to the traditional town of Galway. Loaded with Irish soul and packed with lively pubs, Galway gives you a chance to experience the typically Irish. Get a feel for this pretty town’s atmosphere, where street performers, magicians and traditional musicians busk outside colourfully painted buildings.

Make the most of your free night, round a group of friends and head to the pub. Listen out for locals speaking Irish as you try out traditional Irish stew or order some of the region’s famous oysters. Hotel   Breakfast 

Galway Day 14

Jump on a ferry and cruise out to the stunning Aran Islands for a day away from it all on a gorgeous optional excursion. With rugged cliffs, wild flowers and pounding seas, the Aran Islands are all about natural beauty. Hotel   Breakfast - Dinner

Galway to Cork Day 15

Continue on, past the vertical cliffs of Moher, through the moors and woodlands. See the medieval Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the magical Blarney Stone if you’re keen – your Tour Manager will fill you in on the legend.

Later, we pull into colourful Cork, set on the banks of the River Leah. Make the most of your free time and enjoy some shopping. Rummage through the lively markets, bustling with friendly locals. There’s the rowdy Coal Quay street market where you’ll find local produce or the historic English Market, operating since 1785. Hotel   Breakfast - Dinner

Cork to Kilkenny Day 16

Visit portside Cobh and its Heritage Centre, and get the background on the Titanic and her last port of call. Also find out about how 2.5 million people left Ireland from this spot during the famine.

Get familiar with local know-how on a guided tour around the Jameson’s whiskey distillery, where you’ll learn how they make this famous drop and taste some for yourself.

En route for Kilkenny, you’ll see the Rock of Cashel. The former seat of power to the region’s kings is now a striking green hill topped with ancient ruins. Afterwards, discover Kilkenny’s medieval charm and its signature sites, Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Hotel   Breakfast 

Kilkenny to Dublin Day 17

Back into buzzing Dublin, you’ve got time to explore more of this charismatic capital.

Discover Dublin’s fascinating heritage with your Tour Manager who’ll show you Trinity college, the 120 metre high Monument of Light, Parnell Square and St Stephen’s Green, once the site of Dublin’s public floggings and hangings.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Guinness Storehouse and get the low down on Ireland’s national drink. Find out how the “black stuff” is made and how to pull a pint the Irish way. You’ll even get to satisfy your taste buds with a Guinness at the end

Then it’s on to one of the most important places in Ireland’s history: Kilmainham Gaol. Learn about the bloody struggle for independence as the group discovers the jail that once held so many political prisoners.

Dublin has it all shopping-wise so get some pointers from your Tour Manager and hit the shops on Grafton Street or poke around Dublin’s many bookstores. For a bite to eat, head to the open air food and fresh produce markets and live a bit of the local lifestyle.

Cap off your tour with a night out with the group and opt for authentic Irish experience, complete with a traditional meal and Irish dancing in one of Dublin’s most popular pubs.

Afterwards, make the most of your last night and head to the cultural hot spot of Temple Bar, where pubs, bars and cafes spill out onto cobbled lanes. Hotel  Breakfast 

Dublin to London Day 18

Ferry back across the Irish Sea to Wales. Travel through the unspoilt and rock- strewn Snowdonia National Park and show off your pronunciation skills when we pass by the town with the longest name in the UK, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.

Then it’s back to London where the tour ends, so make sure you get your new friends’ email addresses.  Breakfast

 Dates and Prices 

What's Included

• Experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
• Modern, air-conditioned coach
• Free Travelers Guide
• Free document wallet
• Ferry crossing
• Sightseeing tours of all major cities

Tour Highlights These highlights are included in the price of your tour.

London

• See Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London & Westminster Abbey

Stonehenge 

• See the mystical boulders of Stonehenge

Bath 

• Visit the old Roman town, Bath

Liverpool 

• See the famous sights of The Beatles on a Magical Mystery Tour with our local guide

York  

• Walking tour of the city
• See York Minster and Clifford's Tower

Lake District

• Visit Bowness & see Lake Windermere

Gretna Green

• Entrance to Museum and take part in an historic wedding ceremony

Edinburgh  

• See Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile

St Andrews

• Visit St. Andrews, the home of golf

Scottish Highlands

• Visit and tour a whisky distillery (subject to availability)
• See Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain
• See the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle
• Visit the seaside town of Portree on the Isle of Skye

Stirling

• See Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument

Glasgow

• See George Square & the Glasgow City Chambers

Belfast

• City tour with a local guide

Giant's Causeway

• See the spectacular rock formations

Londonderry

• See the 17th century city walls of Londonderry

Galway

        See this old fishing town

Cliffs of Moher  

•  See the Cliffs

Blarney

• Visit Blarney, home of the Blarney Stone

Cobh

• Entrance to the Port Heritage Centre, last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic

Midleton

• Guided tour of Jameson's Whisky distillery

Cashel

• See the Rock of Cashel

Kilkenny

• See Kilkenny Castle & St. Canice's Cathedral

Dublin

• Visit to Kilmainham Gaol
• See Trinity College, the Monument of Light, Parnell Square and St. Stephen's Green 

Optional Activities Round out your tour with any of these add on activities.

• Please Note 
  • Europe Optional Excursions _ The optional excursions below are a guide of what may be available on this tour in 2010. Complete details will be updated in early 2010.
• Stonehenge 
  • Visit to Stonehenge Monument GB £6.60 

    Take the opportunity to visit these mythical stones up close. Wander around the outside of this World Heritage Site. Use the on-site audioguides (when available) to learn more about the heritage and legends behind the 4,300 year-old ‘hanging stones’.

• Bath 
  • Roman Baths GB £9.50 

    Take a tour of the Roman Baths that gave this town its name. They are remarkably complete and are amongst the finest in Europe. (Minimum 20 people).

• York 
  • Ghost Walk GB£4.50 

    Go ghost hunting with our resident expert, through the ginnels and snickets (small alleyways) of the old town.

• Gretna Green 
  • Gretna Green Group Photo Large: GB£10.00 / Small GB £5.00 

    Entrance to Gretna Green and a souvenir photo of your tour group to take home with you. A great way to remember your fellow travellers and the day of the ‘wedding’!

• Edinburgh 
  • Scottish Evening GB£32.00 (20-34 people)/ GB£31.00 (35+ people) 

    Enjoy a hearty Scottish meal with a chance to try some haggis. The atmosphere for the night is set by a traditional piper who plays for you after dinner and shares stories.

• Galway 
  • Boat ride to Aran Islands

    Boat ride to Aran Islands

• Kilkenny 
• Guided Walking Tour of Kilkenny Euro 5.50 

  Take a stroll through this beautiful medieval city with a local guide and see sights such as Kilkenny Castle and St Canice’s Cathedral. Learn how the city grew from a compact monastic settlement to a Norman trading town and present-day creative centre.

• Dublin 
  • Guinness Storehouse VisitEuro 13.00 

    A chance to visit the original home of Ireland’s famous “black stuff” and hear about the brewing process, as well as the drinking process of course. Improve your Guinness knowledge during the “Guinness Experience” – hear how Arthur Guinness developed the distinctive dark hue, learn how to pull the perfect pint and quench your thirst at the end of the tour with a complementary pint of this unique national brew.

  • Farewell Evening at The Merry Ploughboy Pub Euro 49.00 

    An evening of the best in Irish food, music and dance at this great venue. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and be entertained by a famous Irish ballad band, then get involved with the Irish dancers and learn a traditional Irish “feis” or step dance. A night of authentic Irish entertainment to farewell your tour!