Experience enchanting Great Britain and lyrical Ireland at their very best, featuring London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon, the Beatle’s Liverpool, Giant's Causeway, Blarney Stone and more. Experience the instantly recognisable and our special hidden gems. Discover England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland from the eccentric characters to medieval castles, quaint villages, grand cathedrals, timeless landscapes, pop culture and 5000 years of history. Discover the real UK and Ireland with HolidayMax’s immersive luxury touring. Themes include: England, Wales, Dublin, Waterford, Offaly, Limerick, Wexford, Galway, Cork, Westmeath, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Departs from London, Luxury Coach, Returns from Cambridge. + Show more

Package Includes

Return international flights to London (premium airline)
Travel by modern large coach
Tour leader and host, with local guides
4 Nights London hotel (superior 4 Star)
2 Nights Dublin hotel
2 Nights Killarney hotel
2 Nights Edinburgh hotel
1 Night Cardiff hotel
1 Night Liverpool hotel
1 Night Ballina hotel
1 Night Belfast hotel
1 Night Scottish Highlands hotel
1 Night Yorkshire hotel
12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Thames River cruise
Return Ireland cruise
Cambridge punting
Meet and Greet Personalised Transfers

Highlights

London (England) Dublin (Republic of Ireland) Edinburgh (Scotland) Stonehenge Bath (England) Cardiff (Wales) Stratford-upon-Avon (England) Liverpool (England) Giants Causeway Blarney Castle Scottish Highlands Loch Ness Belfast (Northern Ireland) Ring of Kerry (Ireland) Ballina (Ireland) Yorkshire (England) Waterford (Ireland) Killarney area Limerick (Ireland) Cliffs of Moher Adare (Ireland) Galway (Ireland) Alnwick Castle Cambridge (England) Londonderry (Ireland)

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Descriptions

Amazing Experiences

• Tour London, Liverpool, Dublin

• Visit Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff & Liverpool

• Guided tours of Liverpool, Edinburgh, Belfast & Yorkshire

• Enjoy free flexi-days to explore London, Dublin, Kerry and

Edinburgh your way

• London flexi-tour, walking tour, Thames river cruise

• Waterford, Ireland's oldest city

• Blarney Castle and its Blarney Stone

• Adare, "Ireland's prettiest village"

• Stratford, birthplace of Shakespeare

• Hadrian's Wall, edge of Roman Empire

• Experience the Cliffs of Moher

• See Giant's Causeway, natural phenomenon

• Whiskey tasting in the Scottish Highlands

• Experience punting in Cambridge

• Cruise the Irish Sea to Dublin

• Admire the ancient roman heritage in Bath

• See the magnificent 13th century Conwy Castle

• The ‘treaty stone’ and King John’s Castle in Limerick

• Explore the shores of Loch Ness

• Plus more immersive excursions and experiences…

DAY 1 Depart Australia for England

Today we depart for London, England. Fly on a premium award-winning airline like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qantas or British Airways (subject to availability). Enjoy the attentive cabin service, regular meals and onboard entertainment system.

DAY 2 Arrive in London

You will be personally met at London’s Heathrow Airport by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to your central London hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around this iconic city.

Meet and Greet Personalised Arrival Transfer, Overnight London Hotel

DAY 3 Tour London

Your first two full days in London are flexi-tours, so you can tour at your own pace, visiting places of most interest to you. Relax into London time with a choice of included touring options to suit your mood, before we embark on our fully escorted United Kingdom & Ireland adventure.

London has something for everyone. Be immersed in history with eye-opening antiquity everywhere, be consumed by centuries of spectacular tradition or embrace cool Britannia’s culture, fine food and good times.

Your flexi-tour includes our enthralling walking tours, the special Evening Tour and a scenic river cruise on the Thames. You have 3 circular driving tours, stay on for the whole tour enjoying our guide’s entertaining commentary or get-off at any one of 51 incredible stops and re-join our next circular tour bus at your leisure. Explore must-see attractions like Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, Parliament Square, Big Ben, Knightsbridge, Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Harrods, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Kings Cross, Tower Bridge, Oxford Street shops, Madame Tussauds, the Tower of London and more. Alternatively, find your own piece of captivating London.

Walking tours include “Royal Walk” (including the Changing of the Guards when scheduled), “Hidden Gems of the City of London Walk” and the “Hidden Gems of Westminster Walk”.

All 3 circular hop-on hop-off tours, a choice of walking tours, our special Evening Tour and the Thames river cruise are included – so tour as much as you like or simply take it easy.

Coach Tour, Overnight London Hotel

DAY 4 Tour London & Cruise

Make the most of your second flexi-tour today. This is a great day to take your Thames River cruise. Your cruise through the heart of the River Thames takes you from Westminster past an array of amazing landmarks to Tower Pier with more entertaining commentary from your captain.

Perhaps also visit the King’s royal residence of Buckingham Palace, see Poets’ Corner and the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, take a flight in one of the famous glass pods on the London Eye, climb the breathtaking heights of St Paul’s Cathedral’s domed galleries, soak in the exceptional view from the ultra-modern Shard building or test your nerves at the formidable Tower of London.

All 3 circular tours, choice of walking tours, evening tour and river cruise are included – so tour as much as you like or simply take it easy.

Coach Tour, Cruise, Overnight London Hotel

DAY 5 London to Bath to Cardiff (Wales)

Today we depart London heading through the beautiful English countryside to Wiltshire and Stonehenge. This iconic symbol of Britain has a history spanning 4,500 years and has many different meanings to people today. It is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. Here you have the option to walk around the sacred Stone Circle. Get an insight into Neolithic life during 2950 BC.

We continue to splendid Bath in Somerset, well known for its Roman era natural hot spring water baths (built in 60 AD) that are still operating today. You’ll also fall in love with Bath's stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture that is straight from a Jane Austen novel - highlights include the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. Here you have the option of exploring this architecturally magnificent town or entering the Roman Baths complex.

We cross the massive Severn Bridge into the principality of Wales, heading for Cardiff, complete with its own medieval castle located in the city centre. Cardiff is compact and spread between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, with a strong sporting and cultural presence. The Welsh are famous for their huge singing voices, none more so than Tom Jones.

Today you’ll have some time to explore Stonehenge and Bath or take an additional optional activity like Stonehenge ($55). Make your choice while on the tour.

Meet and Greet Personalised Transfer, Escorted coach tour, Dinner, Overnight Cardiff Hotel

Day 6 Cardiff to Stratford (England) to Liverpool

We leave Wales heading back into England and to Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town that was 16th-century home of William Shakespeare. Immerse yourself in 800 years of history, see the many buildings that would be familiar to Shakespeare if he was still around today.

Continue north to Liverpool, famous for the Beatles and it’s two high flying football clubs. But there is so much more to Liverpool, its thriving cultural scene, historic architecture and the Liverpudlian’s pure lust for life. See the iconic sights on a tour of the city and enjoy some free time tonight. Perhaps head to Mathew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music.

Today you’ll have some time to explore Stratford and Liverpool or take some additional optional activities like The Beatles Story & Museum ($39) or Shakespeare's Birthplace & Afternoon Tea Experience ($88). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Overnight Liverpool Hotel

Day 7 Liverpool to Dublin (Ireland)

We enjoy more of Liverpool’s sights this morning before we continue to Conwy to see the magnificent 13th century medieval castle - one of the most superb medieval fortresses in Europe. Conwy - still protected by an unbroken 1,400-yard (1.3km) ring of town walls is our lunch stop for today – enjoy some free time to absorb the palpable sense of history which surrounds you.

Delight in a photo stop at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – the village with the longest place name in Europe before we cruise across the Irish sea to Dublin. It’s a small capital but has a legendary literary tradition and a huge reputation for being gregarious and energetic. It has magnificent medieval, Georgian and modern architecture. It’s easy to drink in the history with its cobbled streets and classic pubs.

Enjoy some time to explore this 1000-year-old city yourself. From the city’s Viking past, its medieval castles and its cathedrals, to its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent history, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to explore easily yourself.

Breakfast, Ferry Transfer, Overnight Dublin Hotel

Day 8 Explore Dublin

Choose how you’d like to experience Dublin today with a selection of activities on offer. It’s easy to self-discover this lively capital city that’s as intimate as a village and as friendly as your local Irish pub with a wide range of attractions. Perhaps visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the city’s most famous export dark beer is made. Alternatively, visit the National Museums of Ireland, take a walk along the South Wall, visit the city’s most famous park, St Stephen’s Green or see the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Breakfast, Overnight Dublin Hotel

Day 9 Dublin to Waterford to Killarney area

We head to Ireland’s ancient east coast and to its oldest city Waterford. Founded by Vikings in 914, the city has a fascinating history, rich maritime tradition, Norman constructs and of course a glittering expanse of immaculately crafted crystal.

Continue to spectacular Blarney Castle housing the very famous Blarney Stone - the legendary Stone of Eloquence found at the top of the tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Killarney Area Hotel

Day 10 Explore Ring of Kerry

Kerry is the picture-postcard image of Ireland familiar to us all, with its mix of moody mountains, rugged coastlines and quaint vibrant towns. The Ring of Kerry is a popular scenic driving route skirting the edges of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Choose how you’d like to experience Kerry today with a selection of activities on offer. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join our optional excursion as we drive along the incredible Ring of Kerry. This famous circular tourist route is home to the most breathtaking coastal views, emerald-green pastures and charming villages. Enjoy views of the coast and charming local villages as we stop along the way. Take the opportunity to amble down the high streets, explore the shops and try the culinary treats on offer from the cute cafes, bars and restaurants in the area. The scenery of this beautiful green landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity to suit your mood. You can explore Kerry and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity like the Ring of Kerry day trip ($98). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, overnight Killarney Area hotel

Day 11 Ring of Kerry to Adare to Limerick to Galway

Today is another day for dramatic Irish scenery as we make our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, stopping in Adare and Limerick. Adare is renowned as Ireland’s prettiest village, with its string of beautiful 19th-century thatch-roofed white-walled cottages.

Visit Limerick and the Treaty Stone, where history whispers of the legend of the Treaty of Limerick, the peace that halted the tumultuous Williamite War in Ireland was sealed here. As you stand present - picturing the past, let your camera capture the majestic 13th-century King John's Castle, perched on the opposite bank, in all its timeless glory.

We journey through the county of Limerick to make our way to the famous Cliffs of Moher. These staggeringly beautiful, entirely vertical cliffs rise to a height of 214m, their edge abruptly falling away into a ceaselessly churning Atlantic. The views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking.

Continue to the cool harbour city of Galway. Its brightly painted pubs reflect its bohemian flavour, artistic creativity and an infectious up-tempo vibe. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments. Explore the city for yourself during some free time and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer (including its delicious oysters) before we travel on to our hotel for the night.

Today you’ll have some time to explore Galway at your own pace or choose an optional activity like the Galway Cruise ($39). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Overnight Ballina Hotel

Day 12 Galway to Londonderry to Belfast

Today we journey into Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and a key filming location for the hit television show Game of Thrones. This is a place where fantasy comes to life.

Discover the country’s second largest city Derry (Londonderry). It’s cosmopolitan, creative and steeped in history – but it’s the combination of warmth and wit that makes it special. History is all around you, literally, with the 17th-century city walls. There's lots of history to absorb here, from the Siege of Derry to the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. Don’t be surprised to hear traditional music spilling out onto the streets from vibrant pubs.

Next is the well-known phenomenon of the Giant’s Causeway. This is nature at its most primal: carving the land into mad formations that send the imagination into overdrive. No wonder dreamy and fantastical myths surround it. Experience the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns and hear their stories.

The capital Belfast has pulled off a remarkable transformation from its troubled past - now known for its eclectic medley of cultural treasures, mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. Our local guide takes us on a fascinating combined driving and walking tour, showing us some of the city’s most famous sights, and telling us tales of the Titanic and the city’s past.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Belfast Hotel

Day 13 Belfast to Glasgow to Scottish Highlands

Enjoy free time this morning to discover the vibrant heart of Belfast and immerse yourself in its rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes or perhaps join our optional tour to learn all about the Titanic and its ill-fated voyage.

We then set sail from Larne across the Sea of Moyle to Scotland, where you’ll be greeted by the stunning Victorian and art nouveau architecture and the warm hospitality of the vibrant city of Glasgow. Enjoy some free time to explore its historic streets, wide range of fascinating museums and galleries and some of the UK’s best shopping outside of London.

It is now time for the breathtakingly beautiful Scottish Highlands - this ancient region is dominated by dramatic mountains and incredible scenery. Be in awe of the surrounding landscapes as we continue on to our accommodation in the picturesque Highlands this evening. Delight in dinner with your travel companions tonight.

Today you’ll have some time to explore Belfast at your own pace or choose an optional activity like the Titanic Belfast Experience ($48). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Ferry Transfer, Dinner, Overnight Scottish Highlands Hotel.

Day 14 Scottish Highlands to Loch Ness to Edinburgh

We head north and deeper into the dramatic Highlands where we pause to admire the stunningly beautiful valley of Glen Coe before continuing on to Loch Ness, well known for its elusive resident ‘monster’ Nessie. This large, deep, freshwater loch is remarkably beautiful. Enjoy free time here, perhaps join a cruise on the legendary waters of Loch Ness, admiring the enchanting beauty of Scotland's iconic landscapes and uncovering the mystery of Nessie.

We journey to Edinburgh, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea. Enjoy a fascinating tour of the Scottish capital, including the Royal Mile, Old Town, Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle, birthplace of the original world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel here, you may find some parts of the city strangely familiar.

Today you’ll have some time to explore the Scottish Highlands or take the additional optional activity like a Loch Ness Cruise ($38). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Edinburgh Hotel

Day 15 Explore Edinburgh

Choose how you’d like to experience Edinburgh today with a selection of activities on offer. Perhaps revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s tour, like discovering Edinburgh Castle in full, or take a stroll up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below.

Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity that piques your interest. You can explore Edinburgh and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity like the Scottish Dinner & Show ($176), Sights of Stirling ($39) or Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital ($78). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Overnight Edinburgh Hotel

Day 16 Edinburgh to Yorkshire (England)

Today we say goodbye to Scotland and make our way to north England and the instantly recognisable Alnwick Castle. It’s the residence of The 12th Duke of Northumberland, built following the Norman conquest in 1096 – but is most famous for the starring role it plays in TV shows and films. Including two Harry Potter films (The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets), Downton Abbey, Robin Hood, The Black Adder, Star Trek and many more.

We continue into Yorkshire, and to the county’s capital. York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets, lined with little boutiques selling all manner of fascinating items and a number of traditional lolly-shops. We embark on a walking tour of the city to see its most famous sites, including to the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster).

Today you’ll have some time to explore Alnwick your own way or take an additional optional activity like Alnwick Castle ($43), Alnwick Garden ($32) or Alnwick Castle & Gardens ($65). Make your choice while on the tour.

Breakfast, Dinner, Overnight Yorkshire Hotel

Day 17 Yorkshire to Cambridge to London

We journey south through the rolling green English countryside to the historic town of Cambridge, with its ancient colleges and a beautiful winding river. Abounding with exquisite architecture, exuding history and tradition, and renowned for its quirky rituals, Cambridge is a university town extraordinaire. Perhaps wander around the University buildings and experience them as countless prime ministers, poets, writers and scientists have done through the centuries. This afternoon we relish a guided tour of Cambridge and then experience this renowned county town in the traditional way, on a punt on the River Cam.

Continue back to London for our final night in England. Relax this evening, perhaps joining some fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

Breakfast, Punt Boat Tour, Overnight London Hotel

Day 18 Say Goodbye to London

Time to say farewell to your fellow travellers and friendly tour hosts as your grand tour through the enchanting United Kingdom and lyrical Ireland draws to an end.

You will be personally met at your hotel by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to London Heathrow airport for your flight home.

Meet and Greet Personalised Departure Airport Transfer

Day 19 Arrive home

Enjoy the attentive service on your premium airline flight home.

Escorted Tour Details

Overview What to Expect Freedom and Flexibility Modern Coaches

Tour Leader Your Mobility & Fitness

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Escorted Coach Touring

Cherish the unforgettable moments of your HolidayMax escorted tour featuring unparalleled sightseeing and enriching cultural experiences. We are passionate about showing you the heart of the destination, enabling you to be truly touched by new experiences.

Your knowledgeable Tour Leader and host will ensure you get the best personal experience on your journey. Tours feature all the must-see sights along with our little-known exclusive hidden gems and special touches in each destination, with plenty of free-time for you to take it all in for yourself. Enjoy the freedom to tailor your holiday in your free-time, including whole free-days that give you a choice of activities to suit your mood on the day.

Stay in quality handpicked hotels. Savour deliciously authentic local dining in outstanding restaurants with a mouth-watering array of culinary experiences. Travel in large modern coaches with expansive windows for an incredible elevated view, in your comfortable seat with generous legroom.

Experience HolidayMax’s renowned immersive touring or river cruising. Join us on an unforgettable journey of discovery. We’ve taken care of the details; you just need to relax and embrace your sense of adventure.

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United Kingdom & Ireland Discovery Tour

19 Day Touring Package

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* Starting holiday costs, per person, for 2 people sharing, on selected travel dates (off-peak). Travel on other dates attracts a surcharge. As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp564