Britain & Ireland Discovery (Small Groups, 22 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
22 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 22-day tour that takes you through the heart of Britain and Ireland, immersing you in their rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local experiences. From the academic aura of Oxford to the poetic beauty of Lake District, the historic charm of York to the royal grandeur of Edinburgh, the scenic splendour of Isle of Skye to the cultural vibrancy of Dublin, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy a mix of guided tours, leisure time, and culinary delights, while staying in comfortable accommodations. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone.

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Included

1 night: Swan's Nest Hotel, Stratford

1 night:  Hilton York

2 nights: Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

1 night: Columba Hotel, Inverness

2 nights: The Norseman Hotel, Wick

1 night: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford

1 night: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow

1 night: Da Vinci's Hotel Derry, Londonderry

1 night: Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo Bay

1 night: The George Hotel Limerick

2 nights: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa

1 night: The Kingsley Hotel, Cork

2 nights: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin

1 night: Hallmark Hotel The Queen, Chester

1 night: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff

2 nights: St. Mellion International Resort, Saltash / Crowne Plaza Plymouth

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10 Dinner with Wine (DW)

21 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

1 Dinner (D)

Stratford-upon-Avon: Savor British cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant.

Wick: Whiskies are known for their distinctive flavours, share a wee dram with a master distiller.

Killarney: Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.

Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.

Plymouth: Celebrate the culmination of your travels in style with delicious wine and local cuisine.

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.

Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Londonderry: There's no better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.

Kilkenny: Visit Kilkenny Castle and learn about the powerful family that came to call it home for so many centuries.

Giant's Causeway: Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway, site of wonders. At the visitor centre, learn about the efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, participating in habitat restoration. The National Trust charity has been undertaking replanting activities in Innisfree Farm, adjacent to the Causeway. By sowing a field of Herbal Ley seed mixes containing up to 17 different species, they have prioritized biodiversity and quality food production leaving a low carbon footprint. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.

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.

Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.

Gretna Green: Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married.

Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.

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: 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 Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.

Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.

Inverness: See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.

Loch Ness: Soak up the scenery and hear intriguing tales of Nessie during a cruise on one of Scotland's most famous lakes.

Wick: See the world's shortest street, Ebenezer Place.

Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands on a full day guided journey. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae.

Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Cairnryan: Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.

Belleek: Enjoy a guided tour of the porcelain production process and meet some of the specialist craftspeople.

Galway: Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.

Limerick: See King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone.

Adare: Experience a village walk through the main street lined with thatched cottages.

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: 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.

Dublin: See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert

Dublin: Board the ferry to return to mainland Britain.

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.

Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city.

Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.

Sligo Bay: The area surrounding the town of Sligo was home to one of Ireland's most famous literary figures, the poet William Butler Yeats. On your journey into town, you’ll quickly see why Yeats was inspired by the scenic beauty of the area. Explore its rich medieval history as well as its shops on an orientation with your Travel Director.

Cork: Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" dates back to the 7th century. Your Travel Director will show you the Grand Parade and South Mall, along with City Hall and the Opera House on an insightful orientation tour encompassing the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding and settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. You’ll love learning the tales and history of this port city and enjoy hearing the lilt of the Cork accent.

Chester: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the Jubilee Clock, the cathedral, city walls and famous black and white Rows.

Plymouth: During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps. Afterward, explore a quaint Cornish fishing village.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Killarney: Meet passionate restaurant owners John and Freda at their beautiful guesthouse in Killarney, where you'll hear more about their farm-to-table concept, while enjoying a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients sourced within a five mile radius. John and Freda have a policy that all food is sourced locally from farms and the coach of the Emerald Isle. On the farm they also grow and harvest all their own fruit and veg. They educate their visitors about sustainable consumption and the benefits of eating fresh homegrown produce. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickhire, England, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.Stratford-upon-Avon
Belleek
 Cork, Ireland. Fishing boats inside the port of Cobh. A city with colorful houses in Ireland.Cork
Limerick -  in IrelandLimerick
Photo of beautiful landscape of Killarney, a city of Ireland.Killarney
Galway - city in IrelandGalway
Blarney
Highland - region in United KingdomHighland
Bath - city in United KingdomBath
London, England - Panoramic skyline view of Bank and Canary Wharf, central London's leading financial districts with famous skyscrapers at golden hour sunset with blue sky and clouds.London
Photo of aerial view of St Marys church in Kincasslagh, County Donegal, Ireland.Donegal
Photo of River Nore in Kilkenny in Ireland by Taylor Floyd MewsKilkenny
Photo of aerial view of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom.Glasgow
Adare
York
Photo of Cardiff, United Kingdom by Margaret DeckerCardiff
Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh
Aerial view of Dublin city center at sunset with River Liffey and Samuel Beckett bridge in the middle. Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava.Dublin
Photo of aerial view of Sligo Town, Ireland.Sligo
Photo of aerial view of the historical Glastonbury in Somerset, England.Glastonbury
Cheshire West and Chester - region in United KingdomCheshire West and Chester

Map

Attractions

photo of view of Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway, Ireland.Galway Cathedral
Kilkenny CastleKilkenny Castle
The Custom House, North Dock C ED, Dublin, Dublin 1, County Dublin, Leinster, IrelandThe Custom House
Photo of Guinness Storehouse, Popular Tourist Attraction in Dublin, Ireland.Guinness Storehouse
Adare Town Park, Adare, Adare South ED, The Municipal District of Adare — Rathkeale, County Limerick, Munster, IrelandAdare Town Park
photo of Blarney Castle, Co.Cork, Ireland, home of world famous Blarney Stone .Blarney Stone
photo of King Johns Castle Limerick City .King John's Castle

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: London - Oxford - Stratford-upon-Avon

  • London
  • Stratford-upon-Avon - Arrival day
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Kick off your journey in London, heading west through the verdant Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires. Explore the world-renowned university city and perhaps visit the Ashmolean Museum. Continue through the picturesque Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon, where you'll visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Cap off the day with a warm welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Stratford-upon-Avon - York

  • York
  • More

Embark on a leisurely drive to the historic city of York, steeped in Roman and Viking history. Inside the ancient city walls, marvel at the York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe, and wander through the Shambles, a charming maze of narrow, timber-framed houses. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: York - Lake District - Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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Journey across the Yorkshire Dales and Pennines to the picturesque Lake District, a haven for English poets. After visiting Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere, cross into Scotland and stop at Gretna Green, famous for its blacksmith's shop where runaway lovers were married. Continue to the majestic Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Edinburgh Exploration

  • Edinburgh
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Explore Edinburgh with a local expert, visiting the ornate Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott and the elegant 18th-century New Town. In the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and visit the castle, home to Scotland's glittering Crown Jewels. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps visiting the National Gallery or researching your family tartan.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Inverness

  • Highland
  • More

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and head to St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore before journeying to Blair Atholl and the sparkling Spey Valley. Stop at Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally crushed, and visit the visitor centre. Continue to Inverness, where your hotel overlooks the River Ness and Inverness Castle.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Inverness - Loch Ness - Wick

Day 6: Inverness - Loch Ness - Wick

Start the day with a scenic cruise on Loch Ness, soaking up the scenery and tales of Nessie. Follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick, visiting a whisky distillery along the way to taste a wee dram and learn about the production of the national drink. Don't miss Ebenezer Place, the world's shortest street, as you drive to your hotel.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Wick - Orkney Islands

Day 7: Wick - Orkney Islands

Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands, where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic. Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, and the old Norse Town of Kirkwall. Also, visit the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Orkney Islands - Isle of Skye

Day 8: Orkney Islands - Isle of Skye

Return to the mainland and journey through stunning landscapes to the fishing town of Ullapool. Continue alongside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, before crossing to the magical Isle of Skye, the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear the story of the song 'Over the Sea to Skye' and admire the scenic splendour on the way to your hotel in Broadford.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Broadford - Glasgow

  • Glasgow
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Return to the mainland to see the remote Eilean Donan Castle, which offers a perfect reflection in its loch under a clear sky. Visit the WWII Commando Memorial and view Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Continue on to the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks echoing with the cries of massacred clansmen. Stop on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Glasgow - Giant's Causeway - Derry

Day 10: Glasgow - Giant's Causeway - Derry

Cross the Irish Sea, enjoying views of the Island of Arran along the way. Once in Northern Ireland, prepare for miles of breathtaking beauty along the coastline at the mouth of the famous Nine Glens of Antrim. Visit the iconic Giant's Causeway, a geological masterpiece created by cooling lava millions of years ago. Continue to the ancient walled city of Derry.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Derry - Donegal - Sligo

  • Belleek
  • Sligo
  • Donegal
  • More

In the morning, explore Londonderry's well-preserved walls with one of the nation's great storytellers. Cross the border to see O’Donnell’s Castle in Donegal and journey south to the Belleek Pottery & Visitor Centre, nestled on the banks of the River Erne. Meet some of the specialist craftspeople and see artisan techniques in action. Continue to your country retreat on the scenic shores of Sligo Bay.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Sligo - Galway - Limerick

  • Galway
  • Limerick
  • Sligo
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  • Galway Cathedral
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Experience the beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Continue to Galway, where you'll see St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Move onto your hotel in Limerick, famous for its rhymes, lace and Georgian houses.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Limerick - Adare - Killarney

  • Killarney
  • Limerick
  • Adare
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  • King John's Castle
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Start the day with an exploration of Limerick, where you'll see King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Continue your journey through the picturesque thatched village of Adare and into County Kerry, arriving at your Killarney hotel. In the evening, choose from a selection of local restaurants for an authentic and intimate dining experience.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Killarney Exploration

  • Killarney
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In the morning, enjoy a trip around the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's most scenic journeys. See towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages, Ireland's highest mountain range and the peaceful Lakes of Killarney. With time at leisure, perhaps hire a bicycle and explore the many cycle trails that Killarney has to offer.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Killarney - Blarney - Cork

  • Blarney
  • Cork
  • Killarney
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  • Blarney Stone
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Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains and head for Blarney. Visit the ruined 15th-century castle that is home to the famous Stone of Eloquence. Continue on to Cork, Ireland's second most populous city, built on the River Lee. Enjoy a city tour before checking into your hotel.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin

  • Kilkenny
  • Dublin
  • Cork
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  • Kilkenny Castle
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Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle. With a local expert, learn about the castle's history and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue to Ireland's lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish cabaret.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Dublin Exploration

  • Dublin
  • More
  • Guinness Storehouse
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Experience Ireland's national, world-famous drink with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. Then meet your local expert who will show you the sights of the city, including Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House. The afternoon is at leisure.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Dublin - Conwy - Chester

  • Cheshire West and Chester
  • Dublin
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Bid farewell to Ireland as you board the ferry to Wales. Cross the Isle of Anglesey, via the village bearing Britain's longest name, and continue over the Menai Straits for a stop in the walled market town of Conwy to see the castle. Travel along the north coast of Wales and cross the English border to arrive at Chester. Explore the well-preserved city walls, Jubilee Clock and impressive cathedral.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Chester - Cardiff

  • Cardiff
  • More

Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Cardiff - Bath - Plymouth

  • Bath
  • Glastonbury
  • More

Cross the soaring Severn Bridge to reach the elegant Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An orientation of the city will show you the impressive Pulteney Bridge and gothic Bath Abbey. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a pioneering new educational investment to benefit the community. Journey on to Somerset, see Wells Cathedral, as you make your way to Plymouth for the night.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Plymouth Exploration

  • Glastonbury
  • More

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Back in Plymouth, enjoy a glass of wine and a delectable dinner with your newfound friends as you toast to an inspiring journey.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Plymouth - Stonehenge - London

  • London - Departure day
  • More

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Your discovery of Britain and Ireland concludes upon your return to the hotel in London.

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