16-day Heart of the British Isles Tour
Tour Map
16-day tour featuring England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. A showcase tour of Britain and Ireland awaits you! Ancient castles, glorious cathedrals, royal venues and majestic countrysides make this an enchanting journey. Two-night stays in five of the overnight cities contribute to an in-depth tour with many highlights.
| 2023 Departure Dates | Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| May-10-2023 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $3,940 pp |
| Jun-14-2023 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $3,940 pp |
| Aug-02-2023 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,190 pp |
| Sep-06-2023 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $3,940 pp |
| Sep-11-2023 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $3,940 pp |
| Sep-20-2023 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $3,940 pp |
| Sep-27-2023 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $3,940 pp |
Tour Year 2023
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Great Britain.
The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in and for arrival in the British Isles. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - ENGLAND . . Arrival at London Airport - Oxford - Warwickshire.
Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the "Arrival Instructions" in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. During the motor coach transfer to your hotel in Warwickshire, make a brief stop in Oxford where Henry II established the first university of Britain in 1167. Tonight, at your hotel, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during the "Welcome Dinner." (Dinner)
DAY 3 - ENGLAND . . Stow-on-the-Wold - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Warwickshire.
Views of the unspoiled countryside known as the Cotswolds clearly confirm you have arrived in England. Gentle hillsides, peaceful meadows, and charming villages with old stone buildings characterize this region. The first destination today is Stow-on-the-Wold, offering antique shops and an opportunity to take a souvenir photo with your hands in the village's authentic stocks. Then it's on to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where half-timbered houses with thatched roofs create a truly English setting. The introductory tour includes a picture stop in front of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and entrance to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy some free time in Stratford-Upon-Avon or join the optional Warwick Castle excursion (see Optional Excursions) showcasing 1,000 years of history. Return to your Warwickshire hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - ENGLAND . . York - County Durham.
Drive north via the Nottingham area. Around lunch time, arrive in the historic city of York and spend the afternoon exploring the sights that interest you. "The Shambles" is one of the most picturesque streets in Britain with unique shops, cafés and restaurants. York also boasts the most complete example of medieval city walls still standing in England today. Walk along these historic walls for exceptional views. Be sure to take a look inside York Minster Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in England. In the late afternoon, travel through North Yorkshire to County Durham for hotel check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - ENGLAND . . Hadrian's Wall & SCOTLAND . . Jedburgh - Edinburgh.
A morning drive takes you to Hadrian's Wall, a fascinating Roman monument nearly 2,000 years old. Stop at Chester’s Roman Fort to study a section of the 70-plus mile structure at a closer range. Shortly after crossing the border into Scotland, reach Jedburgh where you will be treated to an English Tea with cakes and finger sandwiches. Following tea, use your free time in Jedburgh to tour the Mary Queen of Scots House, see Jedburgh Abbey, or do some shopping at the Woollen Mill. A late afternoon arrival at your Edinburgh hotel provides time to freshen up and relax. Dinner is independent, or join the optional Scottish Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast, English Tea)
DAY 6 - SCOTLAND . . Edinburgh.
Start the day with a guided tour of Edinburgh. Afterward, a good place to spend your free time is along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town. As you walk past the classic old houses, you may wish to visit one of the unique attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Writer's Museum, Gladstone's Land (the oldest standing house in Edinburgh), Museum of Childhood, or the high-tech Our Dynamic Earth Museum. Edinburgh offers a variety of options for tonight's independent dinner. [During the first two weeks of August, Image Tours includes attendance to the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular show by military bands, performed outside the castle]. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - SCOTLAND . . Gretna Green & ENGLAND . . Liverpool.
The morning stop will be at the Old Blacksmith’s Shop in the border town of Gretna Green, which became well known for “run-away weddings” officiated by the blacksmith. Starting in 1754, English couples would cross the border to be married under the liberal terms of the Scottish laws. Continuing south from Gretna Green, travel back into England and on to Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles. A 4:00 p.m. arrival at your Liverpool hotel provides time to explore and shop. Your tour manager will offer an optional Magical Mystery Tour excursion (see Optional Excursions) highlighting landmarks made famous by the Beatles. Dinner is independent tonight so that you may choose to dine at the hotel or at one of the pubs, restaurants or live music venues along Mathew Street. Here you will find the replicated Cavern Club, where the Beatles regularly played during their early years. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - WALES . . Snowdonia - Caernarfon - Ferry from Holyhead & IRELAND . . Dublin.
This day is devoted to the sweeping landscape of Northern Wales. After a morning stop in Betws-y-Coed, continue through the thick pine forest into Snowdonia National Park, a mountainous region with rough but beautiful terrain. At Caernarfon, admire one of the castles built by King Edward I. A quick independent lunch will allow time to climb the castle's tower (approximately £11 admission fee). After the motor coach crosses the Menai Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey, pause to take a picture of the town with the longest name, which we abbreviate here as Llanfair P.G. For your independent dinner, you have the choice of dining while you ferry from Wales to the Republic of Ireland or at a pub upon arrival in Dublin. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - IRELAND . . Dublin.
The capital city of the Republic of Ireland offers much to keep you busy and entertained. A local guide joins you this morning to provide insight into the city's history and to point out the popular landmarks including Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the Guinness Brewery. Entrance into St. Patrick's Cathedral is included. Following the city tour, the afternoon is free for individual pursuits. A popular attraction is the Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library (approximately €16 admission fee), an ornately decorated and meticulously scribed edition of the Gospels from 800 A.D. Equally popular is a tour of the Guinness Brewery (approximately €25). Tonight's dinner is independent, or join the optional Irish Dinner Show excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - IRELAND . . Dublin - Kildare - Irish Countryside - County Kerry.
The area west of Dublin has become known as the center of the Irish horse breeding and training industry. After touring the Kildare National Stud Farm, visit the Japanese Gardens of Tully House. As you continue toward western Ireland, relax and enjoy the scenes of meadows, glens and crystal clear rivers. One of the friendly country villages along the way will provide a pleasant spot for an independent lunch. Bakeries will offer you tea sandwiches, and family-owned pubs will serve up hearty Irish dishes. Then it's on to your County Kerry hotel, hosting you for dinner this evening and a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - IRELAND . . Ring of Kerry - Killarney - County Kerry.
Travel to the Iveragh Peninsula, also known as "The Ring of Kerry," for a day of spectacular coastal landscapes. The day will include several photo stops as well as lunch at one of the seaside villages. At one of the farms en route from the coast to Killarney, observe a sheep herding demonstration. For tonight's independent dinner, Killarney offers everything from excellent restaurants to local pubs. After dinner, return to your County Kerry hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 12 - IRELAND . . Blarney Castle - Waterford.
The morning visit to Blarney Castle is sure to be a tour highlight. Capture enchanting photos and impressive views as you walk the grounds and study this 18-feet-thick, 17th-century fortification from various angles. Learn of the magical tales associated with the castle, the most famous involving the Blarney Stone. Enjoy an independent lunch at one of the charming restaurants in the village of Blarney. An early afternoon arrival in Waterford allows for time to explore the town on foot or to participate in the optional Waterford Crystal Experience excursion (see Optional Excursions). Dinner is included at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - IRELAND . . Waterford - Ferry from Rosslare & WALES . . Pembroke - Cardiff.
An early morning departure is necessary to reach the ferry in Rosslare for your crossing from Ireland to Wales. You will have time for an independent lunch on board. Leaving the ferry, view the varied scenery along the coastal road between Pembrokeshire National Park and the Wye Valley. By mid-afternoon, arrive in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Take a stroll through the 56-acre Bute Park, relax over afternoon tea at a café, or participate in the optional Cardiff Castle excursion (see Optional Excursions). Continue to your hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 14 - ENGLAND . . Bath - Stonehenge - London.
Crossing the mouth of the River Severn, return to England for a tour of Bath, the elegant spa town where the Romans harnessed the natural hot springs 2,000 years ago. An included visit to the Roman Baths Museum reveals the advanced engineering developed by the Romans. Then, it is on to mysterious Stonehenge. Dating back to about 1500 B.C., one can only speculate how the stones reached the site and how they were moved into place - some weighing 45 tons! Upon arrival in London, check in and enjoy a relaxing "Farewell Dinner" at the hotel. Tomorrow, the entire day will be devoted to sightseeing in the British capital. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - ENGLAND . . London.
Today begins with a guided bus tour of London’s famous landmarks such as the Royal Parks, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Following the city tour, you will have a few hours to pursue your personal interests. If you have a specific destination in mind, the Tube system (Underground) is easy, fast and economical. Your tour manager will also provide suggestions for some of the most popular attractions. Spend lunch time amid the bustling shops and street performers of Covent Garden. Or, study works of art by da Vinci, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Picasso at The National Gallery. Located nearby, the London Eye Ferris wheel provides unique views of the city. In the evening, London offers numerous options for independent dining and entertainment. Or, join your tour manager for the optional London Dinner & Theatre excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 16 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the London airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
DAY 1 - Overnight flight to Great Britain.
Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to London.
DAY 2 - ENGLAND . . Arrival at London Airport - Oxford - Warwickshire.
Arrive at London's Heathrow Airport. Meet your tour manager and travel (1½ hrs) to Oxford. After a stop in Oxford, continue (1½ hrs) to your Warwickshire hotel for a "Welcome Dinner". (Dinner)
DAY 3 - ENGLAND . . Stow-on-the-Wold - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Warwickshire.
Travel (1½ hrs) through the Cotswolds to Stow-on-the-Wold, a picturesque and charming village. Continue on (1 hr) to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Free time for lunch and viewing of the birthplace of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Optional afternoon excursion to Warwick Castle. Return (1 hr) to your Warwickshire hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - ENGLAND . . York - Darlington.
Motor north (1½ hrs) via the Nottingham area and on to York (1½ hrs). Ample free time for visiting the famous York Cathedral, enjoying lunch and individual exploration of this historic city. In the late afternoon, transfer (1½ hrs) to your Darlington hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - ENGLAND . . Hadrian's Wall & SCOTLAND . . Jedburgh - Edinburgh.
Morning drive (2 hrs) to photo stop at Hadrian's Wall. Cross into Scotland (1½ hrs) to the border town of Jedburgh for an 'English Tea' with cakes and finger sandwiches. Continue (1½ hrs) to Edinburgh for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, English Tea)
DAY 6 - SCOTLAND . . Edinburgh.
Meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh (3 hrs including stops). The afternoon is free for further individual exploration, shopping and leisure in Edinburgh. (Breakfast)
DAY 7 - SCOTLAND . . Gretna Green & ENGLAND . . Liverpool.
This morning, travel (2½ hrs) to Gretna Green for a visit to the Old Blacksmith's Shop. Re-enter England (1 hr) stopping for lunch on the way (2 hrs) to Liverpool. Consider the optional Magical Mystery Tour excursion (1 hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - WALES . . Snowdonia - Caernarfon - Ferry from Holyhead & IRELAND . . Dublin.
Experience the landscapes of Northern Wales as you travel to Betws-y-Coed (2 hrs), Snowdonia National Park (½ hr) and Caernarfon (½ hr) with a view of the castles built by Prince Edward I. After a lunch break, cross the Menai Bridge (½ hr) for a photo stop and continue (¾ hr) to board your ferry for the two hour crossing from Wales to Ireland. Dine on board the ferry or upon arrival (1 hr transfer) at your Dublin hotel. (Breakfast)
DAY 9 - IRELAND . . Dublin.
A local guide will accompany you on this morning's sightseeing tour of Dublin (3 hrs including a visit inside St. Patrick's Cathedral). The afternoon and evening are yours for individual pursuit, or join the optional Irish Dinner Show excursion (¼ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - IRELAND . . Dublin - Kildare - Irish Countryside - County Kerry.
Travel (1 hr) to the Kildare National Stud Farm and the Japanese Gardens of Tully House. Continue west (2 hrs) to one of the villages in the Irish countryside for an independent lunch stop. In the late afternoon arrive (1½ hrs) at your County Kerry hotel for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - IRELAND . . Ring of Kerry - Killarney - County Kerry.
Travel to the Ring Of Kerry (1 hr) for a day of spectacular coastal landscapes. After a morning stop, continue (1½ hrs) to Waterville for an included lunch. In the afternoon, stop in Sneem (1 hr) and at a local sheep farm (½ hr). Your last stop (1 hr) is in Killarney for independent dinner. Return (1 hr) to your County Kerry hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)
DAY 12 - IRELAND . . Blarney Castle - Waterford.
Your morning transfer (2 hrs) takes you to Blarney for a visit to the village and castle. After an independent lunch, travel (2½ hrs) to Waterford for an afternoon arrival and time to explore the town or participate in the optional Waterford Crystal Experience before dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - IRELAND . . Waterford - Ferry from Rosslare & WALES . . Pembroke - Cardiff.
An early departure is necessary to reach Rosslare (1½ hrs) in time for the ferry to Pembroke, Wales. Travel (2¼ hrs) along the coastal road to Cardiff. During your free time, consider joining the optional Cardiff Castle excursion. Transfer (½ hr) to your Cardiff area hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 14 - ENGLAND . . Bath - Stonehenge - London.
Cross the mouth of the River Severn back into England (1½ hrs) and to the Roman Spa town of Bath. After a tour of the Roman Bath Museum continue (1 hr) to mysterious Stonehenge. Proceed (2½ hrs) to London for a "Farewell Dinner" at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - ENGLAND . . London.
Morning sightseeing tour of London (3 hrs including stops). The afternoon is yours for independent sightseeing. The evening, consider joining the optional London Dinner & Theater excursion (¾ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 16 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer (2 hrs) to the London Heathrow Airport for your return flight to the USA. (Breakfast)
- Tour Stratford-Upon-Avon of Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway fame
- See the 2,000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall at Chester’s Roman Fort
- Join the locals for British “high tea” with cakes and finger sandwiches
- Discover the medieval charm of Edinburgh’s Castle and Royal Mile
- Visit the Cavern Club in Liverpool where the Beatles were discovered
- Take in the Ring of Kerry scenery and a sheep herding demonstration
- Witness the detailed craftsmanship behind Waterford Crystal
- Ponder the mystery of how ancient Stonehenge was constructed
- Wave like royalty at London's Buckingham Palace
- Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
- 14 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners and 1 English Tea in addition to any in-flight meals
- Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
- Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
- Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
- Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance
The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.
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Upcoming Departures
Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel & Spa
Walton, Wellesbourne Warwickshire, England- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- free WI-FI
- elevator
- restaurant
- terrace
- bar
- indoor pool
- fitness center
Clarion Hotel Newcastle South
Newcastle, England- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
- indoor pool
Holiday Inn Scotch Corner
Darlington, UK- hairdryer
- TV
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- indoor swimming pool
Mercure Edinburgh - Princes Street
Edinburgh, Scotland- hairdryer
- TV
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- safety deposit box at reception
Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre
Liverpool, England- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- safety deposit box at reception
Staycity Aparthotel Liverpool Waterfront
Liverpool, UK- Kitchenette
- Hairdryer
- Free WIFI
- TV
- Elevator
- Café
- Fitness Center
Staycity Dublin City Quay
Dublin, Ireland- Kitchenette
- hairdryer
- free WIFI
- TV
- elevator
- café
- fitness center
The Ashe Hotel
Tralee, Ireland- hairdryer
- Television
- free WIFI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
Waterford Marina Hotel
Waterford, Ireland- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
Park Inn Radisson Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff, Wales- hairdryer
- satellite TV
- free WIFI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
Holiday inn Cardiff Central
Cardiff, Wales- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- TV
- free WIFI
- mini-bar
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- garden
Hilton London Kensington
London, England- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- TV
- free WIFI
- mini-bar
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- fitness center
- sauna
- steam bath
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS
$0.00Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.
WARWICK CASTLE
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. $60.00Drive to Warwick for a fascinating and intriguing visit showcasing over 1,000 years of history. Initially this was a site of fortifications intended to fend off Danish invaders. The castle was built on the banks of the River Avon in 1068 by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, Warwick has grown into one of the most dramatic and complete medieval castles, with the grounds being equally impressive to the interior.
IRISH DINNER SHOW
6:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. $100.00Lively entertaining performances of authentic music, song and dance engage the audience in a festive atmosphere during a 3-course dinner of Irish dishes. One glass of beer, wine or soft drink is included. The show features Ireland’s leading traditional music group “The Merry Ploughboys” and the “World Champion Irish Dancers.”
WATERFORD CRYSTAL EXPERIENCE
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. $20.00The documented history of glass making in Ireland dates back as far as the 13th century. Waterford Crystal got its start in the late 1700s and became known worldwide for its purity of color, high standards and traditional patterns. Tour the new “Waterford Crystal Experience.” Here you will see master crystal blowers and cutters at work. Learn about the production process and browse the impressive visitor’s center.
CARDIFF CASTLE
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. $40.00During the tour, a private guide will explain the 2,000 year history of Cardiff Castle. Each period left its distinctive mark, from the arrival of the Romans through the Norman Conquest and the lavish Victorian era. The tour also visits rooms not open to general admission, including a spectacular castle apartment decorated as a medieval fairy-tale home.
