This 17-day tour is handcrafted for senior travelers, with two-night stays in eight unique destinations. It is a journey through Irish coastline, thatched villages, Georgian splendor, Scottish Highlands and islands, beautiful capitals, medieval outposts, and Shakespearean tales. Ireland, Scotland, and England love to showcase their differences from each other. These are three countries distinguished by their cultural nuances, unique histories, and once in a lifetime experiences.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Shannon – A Relaxed Welcome in Limerick
With its enchanting voices and welcoming atmosphere, Shannon is a lovely introduction to this side of the world. This relaxed town is cast along a river, with colorful houses beneath a bulbous cathedral spire. Not that much happens in Shannon, but there is a real beauty to taking a stroll and exploring local streets as many of the houses are painted a single color that contrasts their neighbors. You can visit one of the small pubs, which are classic places for dancing and storytelling like they always have been. In Shannon, you really feel like you are in Ireland, and the locals will be quick to welcome you into the country. Nothing definitive is planned for today though, just an airport transfer and time to meet with your guide.
What's Included:
Day 2
Shannon – Dramatic Coastal Cliffs and Irish Dance
Day 3
Adare to Killarney – A Thatched Village and a Traditional City
Day 4
Killarney – The Best of the Ring of Kerry
Day 5
Dublin – Flying to the Elegant Georgian Capital
Day 6
Dublin – Customizable Day Around Dublin
Day 7
Inverness – A Beautiful Castle and Glimpse of the Highlands
Day 8
Inverness – Full Day Trip to the Isle of Skye
Day 9
Loch Ness to Edinburgh – So Many Famous Scottish Experiences
Day 10
Edinburgh – Highlights of the Scottish Capital
Day 11
York – Britain’s Most Complete Medieval City
Day 12
Stratford-Upon-Avon – More Than Just Shakespeare
Day 13
Stratford-Upon-Avon – A Beautiful Place to Relax and Watch the Theater
Day 14
London – Classic Sightseeing Around Central London
Day 15 - 16
London – Two Free Days To Discover Your Version of London
Day 17
London – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Experience an outdoor theater performance in the town of Shakespeare’s birth
- Explore the dramatic Irish coastline, including the Cliffs of Moher and Burren
- Absorb in the iconic Scottish style with two days in Inverness, including the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye
- End the tour with three days in London with enough time enough to see parts of the capital that you are most interested in
- Marvel at the Georgian architecture in Dublin and take a day trip to Ireland’s garden county
- Check out Edinburgh Castle, then walk the Royal Mile through an old city
- Immerse yourself in the mazy lanes of York, which is Britain’s best-preserved medieval city
- Discover the Ring of Kerry and take a carriage ride through the thatched village of Adare
- Experience Irish dancing, English breakfasts, Scottish whisky, and many other famous cultural staples
- Search for the Loch Ness monster, explore fabulous Gaelic castles, and go off the beaten track with local guides
Detailed Description
Ireland, England and Scotland are three very different countries. You can witness this in the photos and through the traditions that you will experience. Irish dancing and the Cliffs of Moher is a million miles from Central London, yet you must travel to both to experience the magnitude of their differences. The cultures are distinct, along with their versions of history. Landscapes change enormously, as do the local attractions. Think of Scottish whisky, Irish storytelling and English breakfasts, or even comparing castles in the three countries. These three nations love to showcase their inimitability, especially in comparison to their neighbors, and also when entertaining international visitors.
Such contrasts make this private handcrafted tour feel like three vacations in one. Throughout the 17 days you will explore a full range of highlights, while still traveling at a relaxed and easy-going pace. Rather than hopping quickly between destinations, you will spend two nights in most of them (one in York and three in London). There is plenty of time to really settle in and absorb the local atmosphere. Day trips will show you more of the country and you always return to a comfortable base. In addition, two local flights are used to minimize driving time and maximize your experience on the ground. Traveling through England is best on high-speed trains, and your route is tailored to the best transport connections.
You will start with six days in Ireland where you will land in the quiet outpost of Shannon and listen to some Irish singing and storytelling. You may also check out the famous Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on day two before an even more traditional evening entertainment. Adare and Killarney fill day three, and then day four explores the Ring of Kerry, where villages meet lakeside landscapes and working farms. You will then fly to Dublin and have two nights in the capital city. That is plenty of time for a day of city sightseeing, plus a day trip to County Wicklow, the serene Garden of Ireland.
Next, you will fly straight into Inverness and your Scottish experience will begin with Highlands and castles. There are whisky distilleries and other local icons around this area as well. You will explore the Scottish Highlands, visit old battlefields, take a day trip to the Isle of Skye, and see the lake where Nessie the monster is rumored to hide. Journey South by road to Edinburgh, which is a lovely old capital that is always well received by senior travelers. Two nights means that you can get around all the key sights, especially since your hotel is located on the Royal Mile.
From here onwards, you will travel by train. First, you will zoom to York and see how the atmosphere changes South of the border. Then, you will discover the well-preserved medieval city as you walk through its markets and tiny alleyways. You will only need one day in York and it will not be rushed. Next, you will travel to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare and a rural town you will not want to leave. After seeing the sights, you will have plenty of time to relax amid rural settings, as well as an opportunity to watch the outdoor theater. You will end your private tour with three nights in London. One day will be guided and incorporates the key, major attractions. The other two days are left free, as London is a city that has so many attractions that you can easily find your own angle and allure.
Starting Price
$9,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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