The Best of Ireland & the UK Upgrade
Legendary landscapes come to life
This 7, 9 or 11-night vacation package allows you to self-drive the best of Ireland and the UK! Get the best of everything when you travel at your leisure to Dublin, London, Edinburgh and much more! Enjoy admission to top attractions in Ireland, a Scottish sightseeing pass and a London tour with this upgrade.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual economy car rental for the duration in Ireland
- 3 nights in B&B's of your choice throughout Ireland
- One-way, economy class flight from Dublin to London
- 2 nights in London at the President Hotel or similar
- One-way, standard rail ticket from London to Edinburgh
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at Macdonald Holyrood Hotel or similar
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Scottish Explorer Pass (3-day)
- Admission to Blarney Castle
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- See London by Night
Great Ways to Explore
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Discover Trafalgar Square in London, the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland and the Highlands in Scotland.
- Stay in comfortable accommodations in Ireland and Scotland, with access to each city's attractions and nightlife!
-
From dark stouts to scotch, the drinks of Ireland and the UK are legendary. Try them all!
-
Enjoy admission to two castles and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, plus a London tour and a sightseeing pass in Scotland.
-
Brush up on the local lingo so you can fit right in!
High tea, emerald green countryside and kilts...see and experience all of this and more on this 9-night vacation in Ireland and the UK!Â
Arrive in Dublin and check into your first B&B. With cozy B&Bs as your home base, explore Ireland at your own pace, taking in its friendly atmosphere, lively pubs and rugged coastline. Plus, you'll have admission to two stunning castles and the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
From Ireland, fly to London and spend two nights in the most diverse and cosmopolitan city in the UK! Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the British Museum and Buckingham Palace are just a few attractions you can hit while you're there.Â
It's then off to Edinburgh, Scotland's beautiful capital, where you'll take on the city! Explore Glasgow, Inverness, the Highlands, Isle of Skye...where you go is totally up to you! Just don't forget the scotch.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Dublin (DUB), out of Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual economy car rental for the duration in Ireland
- 3 nights in B&B's of your choice throughout Ireland
- One-way, economy class flight from Dublin to London
- 2 nights in London at the President Hotel or similar
- One-way, standard rail ticket from London to Edinburgh
- 2 nights in Edinburgh at Macdonald Holyrood Hotel or similar
- Breakfast daily
Plus!
- Scottish Explorer Pass (3-day)
- Admission to Blarney Castle
- Admission to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
- Admission to Cliffs of Moher
- See London by Night
-
Discover Trafalgar Square in London, the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland and the Highlands in Scotland.
- Stay in comfortable accommodations in Ireland and Scotland, with access to each city's attractions and nightlife!
-
From dark stouts to scotch, the drinks of Ireland and the UK are legendary. Try them all!
-
Enjoy admission to two castles and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, plus a London tour and a sightseeing pass in Scotland.
-
Brush up on the local lingo so you can fit right in!
High tea, emerald green countryside and kilts...see and experience all of this and more on this 9-night vacation in Ireland and the UK!Â
Arrive in Dublin and check into your first B&B. With cozy B&Bs as your home base, explore Ireland at your own pace, taking in its friendly atmosphere, lively pubs and rugged coastline. Plus, you'll have admission to two stunning castles and the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
From Ireland, fly to London and spend two nights in the most diverse and cosmopolitan city in the UK! Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the British Museum and Buckingham Palace are just a few attractions you can hit while you're there.Â
It's then off to Edinburgh, Scotland's beautiful capital, where you'll take on the city! Explore Glasgow, Inverness, the Highlands, Isle of Skye...where you go is totally up to you! Just don't forget the scotch.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Dublin, Ireland!
& breakfast. Be sure to book your stay prior to your departure date to ensure you are accommodated at your first choice Bed & Breakfast.Â
Consider staying near Galway, a city in Western Ireland bursting with culture and incredible coastal cuisine! Once a small fishing village, Galway has transformed into a vibrant metropolis with annual festivals, bohemian cafe culture, and colorful shop fronts.Â
Check-in - Ireland Bed and Breakfast
Staying in an Ireland Bed and Breakfast offers travelers the complete flexibility of creating their own itinerary. You must select your accommodations ahead of time. To ensure the best availability, it's recommended that you pre-book your B&Bs as far in advance as possible. Enjoy your choice of accommodations from small towns to quaint villages to countryside manors.
All Irish B&B's pride themselves on providing their guests with a fresh, home-cooked breakfast each morning and quality accommodations that cater to every need. Draw on the local knowledge, personal touch and warm welcome of your Irish hosts. Learn about all the best local restaurants, pubs, shops, attractions and activities. Your hosts specialize in the best services available from golf to walking tours of the area, to adventure breaks and much more.
Why Stay in a B&B?
- Most bed and breakfasts are owned by the B&B operators themselves, who usually live on the premises. It's natural to expect that B&B operators who live in their own B&B's will bring a different perspective to the job.
- At B&B's, "customers" are truly guests, and it shows. The B&B owners will gladly help you find the best restaurant in town, the best pubs, point you to the best tourist attractions and local amenities and much much more. Many B&B's depend on word-of-mouth recommendations.
Combine those two factors and it's easy to see why B&B owners go out of their way to make sure your stay provides some great memories of Ireland.
*B&B check-in is between 3:00pm and 6:00pm..
Day 2. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
From your B&B in Galway, make your way down south to County Clare, home to the rugged Cliffs of Moher. Encounter nature in its wildest, purest form as you drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonder.Â
On a clear day, you will be able to see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara as well as the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry.Â
After you've soaked in the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, check into a B&B in Clare.
Cliffs Of Moher Admission
See Ireland's most visited sea cliffs; these dramatic cliffs rise over 700 ft above sea level and offer some of the most breathtaking coastal views.
On a clear day, see as far as the Aran Islands! Take a leisurely stroll along the guided path, climb the castle at the top of the hill, or see how many different species of birds you can spot - you may even see a puffin or two!
Day 3. Ireland Bed & Breakfast
Leave your B&B in the morning and drive to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Built in 1425, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Explore 15th and 16th-century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art that capture the mood of the times. Then get a taste of medieval life at Bunratty Folk Park, complete with a school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and pub!
From Bunratty, drive to County Cork and use your admission to Blarney Castle. Pucker up at the famous Blarney Stone!
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Admission
Be transported to farm life in 19th century Ireland during your visit to Bunratty Folk Park! You will be charmed as you visit the farm houses and cottages and watch the tasks of rural Irish families. Set on 26 acres, this folk park is an uncanny recreation of an old Irish village, down to the furnishing in the shops and homes.
Costumed characters bring the village to life as you watch bakers, policemen, and schoolteachers go about their days. Explore a school, a pub, a grocery story, a hardware store, a post office, and more! For a fun treat, see the baking of the griddle bread next to the fire and be sure to taste it hot with fresh creamery butter.Â
Also on site is Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. See the best examples of medieval furniture, stroll through walled gardens, and pay close attention to the historical detail that fills the castle.
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle was built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since.
Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the 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.
Day 4. Ireland Bed & Breakfast - London, England
Leave your Irish B&B today as you drive back to Dublin. Drop off your rental car at the airport, then head to your departure gate for your short flight to London! Head to your luxurious hotel, settle in, then begin exploring the city.
Walk down bustling Oxford Street, explore Trafalgar Square, or stroll through trendy Covent Garden. Then, treat yourself to a first-night meal of authentic fish and chips!Â
Fly to London!
Set in what may be the most beautiful square in London, the President Hotel enjoys views of Russell Square as well as easy access to the London Underground, which is only minutes away. Guests can enjoy services and amenities such as a restaurant, a bar, a cafe, room service, free Wi-Fi, a concierge, and private parking.
Rooms are comfortable and include a TV with cable channels, a phone, free Wi-Fi, ironing facilities upon request, coffee and tea making facilities, and private bathrooms including a hairdryer. Explore the surrounding area with history, culture, and landmarks found around every corner, and the British Museum within walking distance.
Escape to the comfortable, contemporary Thistle City Barbican, nestled right in-between site-filled Central London and hip, artsy Shoreditch. Do some shopping on the trendy streets of Angel, eat tasty street food in Shoreditch, and visit the world-renowned Barbican Centre and Museum of London! Not only is Shoreditch known for its buzzing food markets, but it's also known as a curry capital and street art hotspot. Check out Brick Lane, home to England's most raved-about curry eateries, then head to wander around and take photos in front of the amazing murals that fill Shoreditch's streets. After you explore Northern London, head to the Old Street Tube station and use it as your gateway into Central London.Â
When you're tired from exploring all day, look forward to relaxing in your tranquil hotel. Step in to the sophisticated lobby and say "hello" to the friendly reception staff. Head up to your room, where you'll find flat-screen TV with Freeview, large cozy beds, and free unlimited Wi-Fi. Take a dip in the pool or work all your stresses away in the gym! Once you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at on-site 120 Central Brasserie, then say "cheers" to a lovely vacation in the chic Bar 120.Â
Day 5. London
Feel like royalty at Buckingham Palace, stroll through Hyde Park, and gawk at the beauty of St. Paul's Cathedral. When you're finished exploring St. Paul's, walk over the Millennium Bridge and check out the artsy neighborhood that's home to Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe!
After an exciting day, unwind with a pint at a traditional pub. You can then take advantage of your included London by night tour.
See London by Night (13826)
This spectacular live guided open top tour showcases some of London’s most iconic sights, by night! The "See London By Night" Tour has been especially designed to show you the very best of London's famous landmarks, all beautifully lit up in the night sky, including:
- Big Ben
- The Houses of Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- The London Eye
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- The Tower of London
- Trafalgar Square
- Piccadilly Circus
- Harrods
- The Natural History Museum
- Royal Albert Hall
- Wellington Arch
- Fleet Street
- St. James’ Palace
- Marble Arch
Day 6. London - Edinburgh, Scotland
Say goodbye to London! At the appropriate time, head to King's Cross station for your train to Edinburgh.Â
You may want to visit the city's Georgian-era new town. Walk through the broad streets and admire the well-preserved 18th and 19th-century neoclassical and Georgian-style architecture. You'll also want to walk along the famous Princes Street; do a bit of shopping or admire the stunning Scott Monument, a Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott.
Train to Edinburgh!
Relax and unwind at The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel, nestled
right in the heart of historic Edinburgh. After a busy day of sightseeing in
the bustling city, you will find yourself only steps away from the comfort and
elegance that this hotel provides. Kick off your shoes and climb into your large,
comfortable bed, or stay up planning your next day, sitting in cozy armchairs
and using the hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi. All 156 guestrooms are furnished to
the highest standard, featuring triple-glazed windows and boasting marble
bathrooms, creating a quiet, peaceful sanctuary in the middle of center city.
When it’s time to eat, indulge in a delicious, classically
Scottish meal at Acanthus, The Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel’s award-winning
restaurant that creates a perfect environment, as it sits just across from
Scottish Parliament and overlooks Arthur’s Seat. By selecting only the finest,
freshest ingredients that are locally sourced where possible, Acanthus is one
of the most exciting new restaurants in Edinburgh. There, you will be treated
to a sensational experience of specialty cocktails, delicious teas, and a
scrumptious breakfast, lunch, or dinner that captures the taste of Scotland.
Pamper yourself at the hotel’s Leisure Club and Spa, which offers
a perfect retreat from the liveliness of Scotland’s capital city.  Find serenity in a variety of luxurious spa
treatments, take a swim in the 45-foot headed swimming pool, or work out all of
your stresses in the state of the art Technogym.Â
Experience the true history, beauty, and culture of Edinburgh at the centrally positioned Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh. Located just off the famous Royal Mile, you'll be right in the center of Edinburgh's Old Town. In just steps, find yourself at Holyrood Park, Princes Street Gardens, or the Edinburgh Castle! Head back to the hotel and recharge at the all-day Costa Coffee Bar, perfect for curling up and relaxing with a good book.
Unwind with a drink at the hotel's stylish on-site bar, then head to the contemporary restaurant and indulge in a mouthwatering meal. After an exciting day, close the door to your room and escape to a state of peace and tranquility. You'll completely forget that a bustling city exists right outside. Relax in your large soft bed, catch up on your favorite TV shows, and use the hotel's free WiFi to plan your next day of adventure. If you happen to crave a midnight snack, don't worry - room service will be at your door in just minutes.Â
Day 7. Edinburgh - Scotland Bed & Breakfast
Activate your Scottish Explorer Pass, which grants you entry to some of Scotland's top historical attractions!
You might want to keep your urban spirit going and head west to the hip city of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. Hot spots there include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Pollok Country Park, Buchanan Street, and the Necropolis. Glasgow is renowned for its shopping, music, artistic culture, and friendliness.Â
Scottish Explorer Pass (7-day)
The 7-day Scottish Explorer Pass is a flexible, one-price admission ticket to 77 Historic Scotland properties and attractions – castles, cathedrals, palaces, and a historical whiskey distillery. Other benefits include skip-the-line entrance to Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, free entry to Historic Scotland’s program of daytime events, and a 20% discount on audio tours at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle & Glasgow Cathedral. An easy and money-saving way to see Scotland’s top attractions, the 7-day Explorer Pass is valid for 7 consecutive days and does not become valid until you activate it at your first site. Please present your voucher in exchange for the Scottish Explorer Pass at any of the following exchange points: Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, or Glasgow Cathedral. It does not become active until your first site visit.
Day 8. Depart Scotland
Your Ireland-UK vacation ends today. At the appropriate time, make your way to the Edinburgh airport and head to your departure gate.Â
Fly home!
Where available, the Flexible Change Plan allows you to change your travel date for ANY reason (between 30 days and 14 days before planned departure). You will receive a Future Travel Credit for the entire amount you paid. Please note that prepaid instant purchase airfares and group airfare are not eligible for the Flexible Change Plan and are subject to airline-imposed change or cancellation fees based on airline rules at the time that the change is requested. You must rebook using the original air carrier at least 14 days prior to your originally scheduled departure and complete travel at least 1 year from original booking date. Additional fees may apply. Future travel credit is non-transferable, non-refundable, and may not be redeemed for cash.