LEGENDS OF IRELAND, ENGLAND and NETHERLANDS 2025
Dublin
18 days
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Itinerary
- Arrive in Dublin and transfer from the airport to the hotel of the tour. Bed and breakfast at the Academy Plaza, Iveagh Gardens Hotel or similar.
- We will be able to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, and discover its charms at our own pace. Wander its streets and admire historic architecture such as the Customs House, the imposing Dublin Castle, and the verdant oasis of Phoenix Park. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the prestigious Trinity College University and St. Patrick's Protestant Cathedral, icons of the city. Take advantage of your free time to immerse yourself in the local culture, do some shopping, and of course, experience an authentic Irish pub, where you can enjoy traditional music, craft beer, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Bed and breakfast at the Academy Plaza, Iveagh Gardens Hotel or similar.
- We will start in the morning with a panoramic view of Dublin, where we will get to know its main attractions: the imposing Customs House, the historic Dublin Castles, the vibrant Temple Bar, the elegant Merrion Square and the colourful city gates that hide curious stories. We will also pass by the prestigious University of Trinity College and the Protestant Cathedral of St. Patrick, symbols of Irish culture. After a delicious lunch, we will leave Dublin behind to embark on a journey to the West of Ireland. Our first stop will be the Monastery of Clonmacnoise, founded by St. Cyaran in the fourth century, this monastic complex was an important centre of religious and cultural learning during the Middle Ages and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will continue our tour to the city of Athlone. Beyond its war past, Athlone stands out for its strategic location next to the majestic River Shannon, the longest in Ireland. At the end of the day we will arrive in Galway, known as the "City of Tribes", because of the 14 prosperous families that dominated it during the Middle Ages. Dinner, bed and breakfast included at the Connacht Hotel, Shannon Spring Hotel, Lough Rea Hotel & Spa or similar.
- After breakfast, we will head northeast towards Knock, a place of great religious importance for Irish Catholics. There we will visit the first National Marian Shrine, where in 1879 the apparition of the Blessed Virgin took place, who is today Our Lady of Knock and Patroness of Ireland. The Sanctuary receives more than one and a half million pilgrims a year (optional visit to the Sanctuary Museum). We will continue our journey to the impressive mountains of Connemara, a place chosen by poets and painters as a source of inspiration. We will enjoy the natural beauty of its crystal clear lakes, its valleys and its picturesque villages, on the way to Kylemore Abbey. An old Victorian castle, the residence of Mitchell Henry's family until 1826, and then converted into a convent by the Benedictine nuns. Free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we will return to Galway where we will take a very special walking tour: we will see the last Catholic Cathedral built in Ireland in 1965, the famous Arch of the Spaniards, its bustling High Street full of the famous Irish pubs where you will have time to enjoy a great selection of local beers and live traditional music. Dinner, bed and breakfast at the Connacht Hotel, Shannon Spring Hotel, Lough Rea Hotel & Spa or similar.
- This morning we will make our way to the Cliffs of Moher, crossing "The Burren", which in Gaelic means "Rocky Terrain". The Cliffs of Moher, an imposing expanse of limestone land facing the Atlantic, is a UNESCO protected site. These cliffs offer unparalleled views over the Atlantic Ocean, rising 200 meters above sea level and stretching for 8 kilometres. We will spend time admiring these cliffs and visiting their visitor centre, as they are one of the main postcards of Ireland. Next, we will head to Limerick, where we will take a panoramic tour of the city, the fourth most important in Ireland, founded by the Vikings on the banks of the River Shannon. We will have free time in Limerick for lunch. We will continue our way to Cork, where we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and pass by the English Market, an iconic market located in the city centre. We will also see the church of St. Anne Shandon, the Clock of Lies and the Protestant cathedral of St. Finbar. Cork, known as the "Venice of Ireland", is a city built on water and is home to an important trading port, from where countless ships departed for the New World during the time of the Great Irish Famine. We will have free time to wander the streets of Cork. Dinner, bed and breakfast included at the Cork International Hotel, Radisson Blu Cork, Metropole Hotel or similar.
- Today we will spend the day exploring County Kerry and its famous Ring of Kerry. We will travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, one of the most picturesque in the west of Ireland. This region owes its beauty to the inland lakes that were formed during the last ice age, more than a million years ago. We will pass through typical villages such as Killarney, Waterville, Sneem and Cahercevin, where you will have free time to shop for Irish crafts and enjoy lunch in one of the traditional pubs in the area. At the end of the day, we will return to Cork City. Dinner, bed and breakfast included at the Cork International Hotel, Radisson Blu Cork, Metropole Hotel or similar.
- We will start by leaving Cork City behind and start the return to Dublin, making a stop at the Rock of Cashel. This fortress, which predates the Norman invasion, was ceded to the ecclesiastical power and is linked to the local mythologies of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. In 1647, this place was the scene of a terrible massacre where 3,000 people lost their lives at the hands of Oliver Cromwell's troops. We will continue our journey to Kilkenny City, where we will have free time for lunch and a short visit. We will be able to walk through its streets and take pictures of the imposing Kilkenny Castle, built in medieval times and which belonged to the Butler family until 1935. Finally, we will head to Dublin, where you will enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore the city. This will be your last opportunity on this trip to shop on Irish soil. Bed and breakfast included at the Academy Plaza Hotel, Iveagh Gardens Hotel or similar.
- In the morning we will leave for Dublin Port and board the ferry to cross the Ireland Sea to Wales. Once in Wales we will go to the seaside town of Caenarfon, where Caenarfon Castle is located, a World Heritage Site, another of King Edward I's impressive fortresses and the most famous of the castles in Wales. From 1283, it played an important role in the definitive chapter of the conquest of Wales, and was built not only as a military fortress, but also as the seat of government and royal palace. In 1969, the castle became famous around the world for being the scene of Prince Charles' investiture as Prince of Wales. We will have free time for lunch and wander around the village before continuing the journey until we reach Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to the Snowdonia and North Wales National Park, with its magical setting with an Alpine atmosphere, enhanced by the dense forest that surrounds it. We will enjoy this fairytale landscape on the way to Liverpool, a port city from which millions of emigrants left for the New World and the birthplace of the famous rock group: "The Beatles". After dinner at the hotel you can visit the mythical The Cavern Club, where the Beatles played almost 300 concerts. Dinner, bed and breakfast at the Marriott Liverpool, Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel or similar.
- In the morning we will leave for Chester, for a walking tour of this walled city of Roman origin that looks like something out of a fairy tale, with its houses with wooden facades in the neo-Tudor style "Black & White" style and its magnificent Gothic cathedral. We will also have free time to wander through its streets before heading back to Liverpool. We will arrive before lunch and take a magical and mysterious Panoramic View of Liverpool to get to know the city of the Beatles and the places that inspired many of their songs. We will visit its cathedrals; the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral and the Anglican Cathedral, and in the harbour area we will visit the well-known 'Albert Dock', the maritime Liverpool, a fascinating area in which you can explore the growth of Liverpool and the new cultural area that extends beyond the harbour. Here we will find places such as: the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the "Tate" Gallery, the Liverpool Museum, the British Music Experience or The Beatles Story museum (optional visit). Free afternoon in Liverpool to enjoy the city. Bed and breakfast at the Marriott Liverpool, Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower Hotel or similar.
- Today, our circuit will take us to Stratford-Upon-Avon, a charming town on the banks of the River Avon and birthplace of the playwright William Shakespeare. We will make a brief panoramic walk and we will have free time for lunch, to stroll through its streets, and to get to know some of the places that inspired his works. Stratford is home to several institutions dedicated to the study of Shakespeare such as the Shakespeare Birthplace Foundation and the Shakespeare Institute. We will continue through the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds region, with their thatched-roof cottages and beautiful gardens, we will be in the most representative of the English spirit. We will make a pleasant stop in one of its charming villages and continue our route to the south west where we will stay in the city of Bath or Bristol. Bed and breakfast at the Hampton by Hilton Bath, Mercure Holland House in Bristol or similar.
- This morning we will visit the mystical dolmens monument of Stonehenge. The grandiose and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, with more than 5000 years of history, is one of the wonders of the world and for centuries has awakened the imagination and intrigue of those who visit it. It is the central enclave of Salisbury Plain, showcasing a mysterious landscape dotted with prehistoric barrows and carvings, which are now a World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we will return to Bath where we will immerse ourselves in the history and beauty of this city with a panoramic walk. We will stroll through its flower-adorned streets, see its Georgian architecture and have free time to visit the Roman Baths (optional). They will have the afternoon free in Bath. Don't miss Bath Abbey, an imposing 18th-century church with an impressive façade and ornate interior, The Jane Austen Museum, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous novelist, who lived in Bath for several years, or Pulteney Bridge, a three-arched Georgian bridge that crosses the River Avon and offers stunning views of the city. Bed and breakfast at the Hampton by Hilton Bath, Mercure Holland House in Bristol or similar.
- We will leave Bath this morning for a short walking tour of the charming town of Salisbury, where we will pass by its medieval cathedral, as here you will find the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta signed in 1215 by King John I of England. Afterwards, we will leave for the historic city of Winchester, capital of Anglo-Saxon England. We will take a walking tour to enjoy the city that represents the soul of England and we will pass by its magnificent Gothic cathedral where Jane Austen is buried next to Saxon and Viking kings such as Alfred the Great and Canute the Great. We will visit the Great Hall of Winchester Castle where King Arthur's Round Table is located. Finally, we will return to London in time to make some last-minute purchases. Bed and breakfast at Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, The Cumberland Hotel, Riu Plaza London Victoria, City Sleeper by Royal National Hotel, Copthorne Tara or similar.
- You will have free time in London to enjoy the city. Bed and breakfast at Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, The Cumberland Hotel, Riu Plaza London Victoria, City Sleeper by Royal National Hotel, Copthorne Tara or similar.
- From London you will be picked up in the morning for an exciting journey across the English Channel, through the Eurotunnel (underwater tunnel connecting England with France) to the charming city of Brussels, in Belgium. The journey can be made by Eurostar train or by our coach from London always arriving in the heart of Brussels. This city is considered the Capital of Europe, the epicentre of the European Union, the headquarters of NATO and other major international organizations, consolidating it as a nerve centre of global politics and diplomacy. We will take a brief tour of Brussels. We will contemplate the majestic Palace of Justice, admire the Great Sablon Square, see the famous statue of the Manneken Piss and finally enjoy the beautiful Grand Square and the bustling life of its streets. Bed and breakfast at the Park Inn by Radisson hotel, Radisson Brussels Midi and Mercure Brussels Centro Midi Hotel.
- We will have breakfast at our hotel. Afterwards, we will take a trip to the past and head towards Ghent, the third largest city in Belgium. Ghent features the impressive St. Bavo's Cathedral, a symbol of the city and home to the famous painting Van Eyck's 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'. We will also see the Herb Dock, a port area that still retains the charm of the old guilds that made the city famous. We will have time for lunch in Ghent. In the afternoon, we will head towards Bruges, known as the 'Venice of the North'. It is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. We will walk through its cobbled streets, pass by the Basilica of the Holy Blood that contains a relic of the blood of Christ, visit the Market Square and admire its picturesque canals. In the evening, enjoy its local cuisine and don't forget to savor some of the delicacies of Belgian chocolate. Bed and breakfast at the Novotel Bruges Centrum or similar.
- After breakfast we will get on our coach and leave Bruges heading to Antwerp. Known as the 'City of Diamonds'. About 84% of the world's uncut diamonds pass through here.We will make a short stop at 'La Grote Markt': The central square of Antwerp that is surrounded by impressive guild buildings and crowned by the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady. Afterwards, we will continue our route north until we reach The Hague, the third most populous city in the Netherlands, seat of the government and parliament of the Netherlands. In The Hague, we will take a panoramic tour of this lively city where we will get to know some of the most emblematic places, such as the Binnenhof (seat of the Dutch Parliament), the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court. After this panoramic tour, we will continue this journey to our final destination, Amsterdam. Bed and breakfast at Leonardo Royal Amsterdam, Hampton by Hilton or similar
- We will start the day with a panoramic walk through the city of Amsterdam, one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands. During the tour, we will admire the famous Dam Square, the nerve centre of the city, surrounded by buildings and the majestic Royal Palace of the seventeenth century, official residence of the Dutch Royal Family. The colourful Flower Market, a sea of colours and aromas, famous for its tulips and other fresh flowers. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a relaxing cruise along Amsterdam's iconic canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will sail along its narrow waterways and admire the beautiful gable houses, historic bridges and lively city life. The cruise will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. After the cruise, we will have free time to explore Amsterdam at our own pace. We recommend visiting one of the many museums in the city, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rembrandt Museum or the Anne Frank House. Bed and breakfast at Leonardo Royal Amsterdam, Hampton by Hilton or similar.
- Free day in Amsterdam and end of services.
Included
- Accommodation: 5 nights half board (dinner and breakfast) + 12 nights bed and breakfast, in indicated hotels or similar. The assignment of specific hotels will be confirmed at the time of booking or up to 30 days prior to tour departure.
- Transport: We provide you with inbound transfers upon arrival at Dublin Airport.
- Tickets: In Ireland: Entrance fees to Clonmacnoise Monastery, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey and exterior photo stop at Killkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel. In England: Entrance to the megalithic monument of Stonehenge, The Great Hall in Winchester and stop for exterior photos at the Shakespeare House.
- Panoramic tour of Dublin, Liverpool, Chester and Bath.
- Half-day panoramic tour in London.
- Cross from London through the Eurotunnel to Brussels.
- Tours of Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, The Hague and Amsterdam.
- Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Essential activity of about 75 minutes duration.
Not included
- Luggage compartments, travel insurance, optional excursions, meals not specified in the itinerary, drinks not included in meals, personal expenses.
Important Notes
- Due to the Annual Labour Party Conference held in Liverpool, the tour hotel in Liverpool could undergo last-minute changes to another in or around Manchester, should hotel demand require it. This conference is usually held around the month of September.
- Attention travelers! When you arrive at your hotel in Brussels, Bruges or Amsterdam, please note that you will have to pay an individual city tax. This tax, also known as a tourist tax or acommodation tax, applies to all visitors staying in hotels, hostels and other accommodation within the city. The city tax varies between €3 and €7 per person per night, depending on the category of the accommodation and is used to finance local services such as cleaning, security and tourism promotion.
- CANCELLATION FEES: In case of cancellation for individual reservations (less than 5 rooms per reservation) the penalty will be as follows: Between 11 and 24 days before departure …………………. 25% Between 2 and 10 days before departure …………………. 60% Less than 48 hours or “no show” ……………100%
