Explore timeless London and the English countryside. First, you’ll be met at the airport and taken to your 4-star accommodation. Consider visiting Big Ben and the British Museum. Hop into the back of a traditional Black Cab and you’ll discover London highlights, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. Ask for stories!
During your stay, you’ll day-trip to glorious Bath, Avebury, and Lacock Village. Bath is a delicious combination of Roman Ruins, hot springs, and Georgian neighborhoods. At Avebury you’ll explore a vast, sacred landscape of Bronze Age sites, and Lacock is an unspoiled, sweet English village. Your last day in London is at leisure—picnic in a park and head to the West End for a show. This tour is the best of Southern England.
Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee availability in London over the Kings Coronation Dates of May 6, 2023, but we are confident that we can create an itinerary that allows you to experience the UK's excitement during this historic time. We suggest you also consider adding Scotland or Ireland to your unique UK itinerary!
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, Greater London
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
London, Greater London
Capture the heart of the city’s culture, landmarks and history on our London routemaster bus, whilst sipping on a lovely cup of tea and enjoying the exquisite tastes of England. High tea accompanied with an array of tasty sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries. Your London bus driver will take you round Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more. The Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London sightseeing tour lasts approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic).
Black Cab Meet & Greet Transfer - Heathrow Airport to City
London, Greater London
Begin your tour with a meet and greet by your Black Cab driver (also a licensed Tour Guide). Upon meeting your driver, they will transfer you to your central London accommodation/train station via traditional London Black Taxi. Due to traffic and unforeseen circumstances that can delay journeys to and from the airport, all transfer services are at a fixed-price to avoid costs spinning out of control.
Must-See Sites
The Tower of London, Greater London
On The Map: The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Nearest Tube Stop: Tower Hill - served by the Northern and Jubilee Lines
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The castle was initially used as a royal residence, but is more famous for its prison use between 1100 and 1952. The Tower has always played a prominent role in English history, when control of the Tower was crucial to establish control of the country. Nowadays the Tower is home to the famed Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, which while still in regular royal use, are otherwise on display for visitors to admire. The Yeoman Warders ('Beefeaters') are another major attraction. Guided Warder tours are available, and guards will regale you with tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution and torture! Legend says that the Kingdom and the Tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. There are seven ravens at the Tower today (the required six plus one spare!), and their lodgings are to be found next to the Wakefield Tower. These magnificent birds, eat 170 grams of raw meat a day, respond only to the Raven Master and should not be approached too closely by anyone else, as they may bite!
London, Greater London
On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.
The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.
Tower Bridge, Greater London
On The Map: Tower Bridge crossed the River Thames just east of London Bridge and in close proximity to the Tower of London Nearest Tube Stop: Tower Hill - served by the Circle and District Lines
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames and in close proximity to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name. Officially opened on June 30, 1894 by The Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII), Tower Bridge has become an iconic symbol of London. The bridge is 800 feet in length with the two towers each reaching 213 feet high, built upon submerged concrete piers. The 200 foot central span is split into two equal 'bastules', which can be raised to an angle of 86 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The Bridge's present colour scheme dates from 1977, when it was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. The high level walkway of the Bridge was closed in 1910, as it had become a favorite hang-out spot for local prostitutes and pick-pockets. In 1982, the walkway was reopened, and now welcomes visitors. The exhibition uses films, photos and interactive displays to explain why and how Tower Bridge was built. Visitors can access the original steam engines that once powered the bridge bascules, housed in a building close to the south end of the bridge.
Arrive at
Arrive at London Heathrow Airport, Greater London
Arrive at London Heathrow Airport.
Overnight Location
London, Greater London
On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.
The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.
Day 2
Accommodation
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, Greater London
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
London Bridge Food Tour
London, Greater London
On our Small Group Secret Food Tour: London Bridge, you'll enjoy a variety of classic British foods such as award-winning Fish & Chips, World Famous Sausage Rolls and traditional Bacon & Egg Baps, tasters from street food vendors, English cheeses paired with local beer/cider and try a classic British Dessert alongside a Fresh Pot of Tea. Plus, with all our tours, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the day.
As locals, we are wildly passionate about all the delicious food found around this world-famous and historical city. It is true that English food has a bit of a bad reputation, however we are here to challenge that view. Just wait until you try our food. Once eaten even the most discerning food critic will change their mind!
First, you'll eat a bacon and egg bap in the famous Borough Market followed by a stop for award-winning fish and chips. Next up, sample the best traditional sausage roll in town followed by a visit to a historic pub, to try a selection of British cheeses served with fruit, crackers, and chutney washed down with English cider. Finally indulge with a classic English dessert, served with a pot of refreshing breakfast tea. And of course, there will be a Secret Dish!
Must-See Sites
London, Greater London
On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.
The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.
London Bridge, Greater London
Westminster Abbey, Greater London
On The Map: Westminster Abbey is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to Big Ben. Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located just 0.2 miles north of Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey is one of the world’s great churches, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. Paying a visit is truly an essential part of any trip to London. Kings & Queens, Poets & Heroes - all are represented at the Abbey - and it has many fascinating tales to tell. Westminster has long been the traditional venue for the coronation of English Monarchs, as well as their final resting place. The current, wonderful 700-year-old building is literally brimming with amazing artifacts and stunning craftsmanship. Of particular note is The Lady Chapel, begun in 1503, and constructed at the expense of Henry VII. It is regarded as the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture, and in 1545 was heralded as "the wonder of the entire world". The outstanding feature of the chapel is the spectacular fan-vaulted roof with carved pendants. The spectacular Waterford Crystal chandeliers in The Nave were a gift from the Guinness family, in honor of the Abbey's 900th anniversary in 1965. In front of the High Altar is another of the Abbey's treasures - a marble pavement dating from 1268. The method of its decoration is known as Cosmati work, after the Italian family who developed the technique. Audio guides are available in 12 languages, and the highly-popular Verger-led tour is also an option on-site. Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year.
Covent Garden, Greater London
On the map: Covent Garden, located in London’s West End, is a must-see for anyone interested in shopping, theatre, dining, history and culture. With an endless amount of things to see and do, visitors can spend multiple days in the Covent Garden area. Head to the London Transport Museum to discover the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, its culture and society since 1800. Check out Somerset House - a neo-classical building sitting between the Strand and the river Thames. Catch a Royal Opera performance or enjoy a guided tour at the Royal Opera House - also home to the Royal Ballet. If shopping is your cup of tea, the area is home to some of the best shopping in London - from Tom Ford and Mulberry, to Paul Smith and Apple. Wrap up your day at one of the Garden’s five-star restaurants such as Frenchie, Henrietta, or The Oystermen.
Downing Street, Greater London
Known for being the street that houses the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Downing Street is a popular landmark in the city of London. The Prime Minister’s official residence is 10 Downing Street, while the Chancellor’s official residence is Number 11, both just a few minutes’ walk from the Houses of Parliament. While 10 Downing Street is not open for regular public tours, many walking tours will take you down the street so you can view the front door - subject to security measures.
Changing of the Guard, Greater London
Witness one of the most historical traditions in Britain - the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard is the ceremony where The Queen’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the New Guard. Changing the Guard, also known as Guard Mounting, takes place outside Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 10.45am and lasts around 45 minutes, with the actual handover taking place at 11am. While watching the ceremony is free and does not require tickets, it is recommended that you arrive no later than 10:15 in order to get a good viewing spot. The Buckingham Palace gates and the steps of the Victoria Memorial just opposite are two of the best spots to watch Changing the Guard. Alternatively, get there early and try to grab a spot on The Mall, between Marlborough Road and Buckingham Palace, for a close-up view of the guards marching past.
Please Note: the Changing of the Guard ceremony schedule is subject to change, please check the confirmed dates before planning your experience.
Big Ben, Greater London
On The Map: Big Ben is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to the British Houses of Parliament. Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located right beside Big Ben. When the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in October 1934, it was decided that the new neo-gothic style Palace should include an imposing and impressive clock tower. Thus, one of England's most famous & instantly recognizable landmarks came to be. Interestingly, although the name Big Ben is commonly used to describe the tower, it was initially given to the Great Bell within the tower. The tower itself, which lies to the north of the Houses of Parliament, is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, and was completed in 1859. The Great Clock started on May 31, with the Great Bell's peals being heard for the first very time on July 11. It is the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world,after that of Minneapolis City Hall, and is famed for it's unerring time-keeping accuracy. The hands of the clock are 9 and 14 feet in length, and the Great Bell (Big Ben!) weighs-in at 13 tons. Although it is possible to tour the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower is closed to visitors. But with no lift, and 334 steps to the top, this may not be such a bad thing!
Day 3
Accommodation
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, Greater London
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village Tour
London, Greater London
When you travel through West England, you feel bewildered. In Avebury, you wonder why Neolithic inhabitants built the largest stone circle in Europe. At Lacock, you question how the stunning abbey has managed to be a nunnery, a brewery, a bakery, and a home. And in Bath, you ponder over what Britain would have been like if the Romans had never visited. On this tour, we give you time to investigate the secrets and understand the beauty of these famously historic locations. Your guide lets you wander through the streets of Bath, where Georgian architecture effortlessly blends with ancient Roman artefacts. You travel to Lacock, where the rickety old lanes have been used as a filming location for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride and Prejudice. And you venture to Avebury, where the stone monuments have beguiled visitors, historians, and archaeologists for centuries.
Our day will start as we head west out of London to the village of Avebury. Here you can wander amidst the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world and admire the manor houses. After lunch (not included in tour price), we travel deep into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a television and film location. The Abbey in the heart of the village has its own woodland grounds, and is a quirky country house with fascinating architectural styles.
Our final stop of the day is at the ancient Roman Spa town of Bath. This city has been inhabited for around 2,000 years. There’s Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and a gorgeous abbey to see. It’s a fascinating town to explore, so we give you plenty of time to wander around at your own pace before you return to London in the early evening.
Inclusions: Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach. Air conditioning. The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide.
Exclusions: Lunch and refreshments. Entrance Admission to Visitor Attractions.
Must-See Sites
Roman Baths, Bath, Southwest Region
The 2,000 year-old Roman Baths complex is undoubtedly one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe. The Baths are located below modern street level, and were not discovered and explored until the late nineteenth century. The site was opened as a visitor attraction in 1897. In 2011 the Roman Baths completed a £5.5 million redevelopment to bring the best of modern interpretation to the site, transform its accessibility and preserve it for the next 100 years. The Baths have four main areas: The Sacred Spring, The Roman Temple, The Roman Bath House and Finds from Roman Bath. The Sacred Spring is at the very heart of the site. Naturally hot (46°C) water rises here every day, as it has done for thousands of years. In Roman times, this natural phenomenon was beyond human understanding, and was believed to be the work of the ancient gods. A Great Temple was therefore built next to the Spring dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, a deity with healing powers. The Great Bath itself is lined with 45 sheets of lead. It once stood in an enormous barrel-vaulted hall that rose to a height of 130 feet. For many Roman visitors this would have been the largest building they had ever entered..
London, Greater London
On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.
The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.
Bath, Southwest Region
On The Map: Bath is located in the southwest of England, 115 miles west of London, and just 13 miles east of Bristol.
The City of Bath is truly unique. It was founded by the Romans, after their conquest of Britain in AD 43. Between the 1st and 4th centuries, the Romans constructed a temple dedicated to the divinity, Sulis, as well as several hot baths. The natural source of the baths yields over 1,200,000 litres of water daily, at a temperature of more than 46 °C / 115 °F. Today, you can walk in the ancient footsteps of Romans, on the original stone pavements around the steaming pool. After the fall of the Roman city, medieval Bath became a major wool-producing centre, and the city commanded considerable religious influence from 1091 to 1206. During the 18th century, three ambitious local entrepreneurs set out to make Bath one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - they succeeded! The most famous legacy of their work is the Royal Crescent, comprising of 30 houses laid out in a crescent shape. In total Bath boasts approximately 5,000 listed buildings, and on top of its impressive Roman heritage, is also England's most celebrated Georgian city. Such is its unique nature, the entire City of Bath was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO.
Avebury, Southwest Region
On The Map: Avebury is located in the southwest of England, 80 miles west of London, and 25 miles north of Stonehenge
Avebury may not be quite as well known as Stonehenge, its prestigious neighbor 25 miles to the south, but it is world-famous nonetheless! Avebury is the world's largest prehistoric stone circle, partially encompassing the pretty village of Avebury. Millionaire archaeologist Alexander Keiller excavated the site in the 1930s, and the on-site museum bears his name. Arranged in two parts, the Alexander Keiller Museum is divided into The Stables - displaying archaeological treasures from across the World Heritage Site, and The Barn - a 17th-century Threshing Barn, with interactive displays and children's activities that reveal the story of this ancient landscape. The Avesbury Stone Circle dates from approx. 2600 BC. Its original purpose is shrouded in mystery, but most likely it was used in ancient rituals and ceremonies. The site still has much spiritual meaning today, and is of great religious importance to contemporary Pagans. Nearby Silbury Hill, which is the largest man-made mound in pre-industrial Europe, still dominates the surrounding landscape.
Day 4
Accommodation
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, Greater London
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Must-See Sites
Day of Leisure in London, Greater London
Today is yours to explore London at your leisure. Perhaps you are aching to revisit something you have seen in the past couple of days, or maybe you would enjoy some classic British shopping. May we suggest heading to Borough Market - London’s most renowned food and drink market - to enjoy a light lunch and browse the stalls. You can even pick out a picnic lunch and head to one of London’s many parks - we suggest Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Greenwich Park! For those looking to be entertained, check out London’s West End - home to spectacular shopping streets and a world-famous theatre district - and catch a Broadway show. No matter how you wish to spend your day at leisure, London is sure to deliver something special.
British Museum, Greater London
The British Museum is a museum dedicated to human history, art, and culture, located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Its permanent collection, numbering some 8 million works, is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence and originates from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. World-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies are visited by up to six million visitors per year. As with all other national museums in the United Kingdom it charges no admission fee, except for loan exhibitions.
Piccadilly Circus, Greater London
On the map: Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London's West End in the City of Westminster, built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly. In this context, a circus, from the Latin word meaning "circle", is a round, open space at a street junction. Piccadilly now links directly to the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue, as well as the Haymarket, Coventry Street (onwards to Leicester Square), and Glasshouse Street. The Circus is close to major shopping and entertainment areas in the West End. Its status as a major traffic junction has made Piccadilly Circus a busy meeting place and a tourist attraction in its own right. The Circus is particularly known for its video display and neon signs mounted on the corner building on the northern side, as well as the Shaftesbury memorial fountain and statue of Eros. It is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the London Pavilion, Criterion Restaurant and Criterion Theatre. Directly underneath the plaza is Piccadilly Circus tube station, part of the London Underground system.
The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, Greater London
Trafalgar Square is famous for its huge black lion statues that have been posed with for countless photos. The Square itself also hosts a water fountain, changing artistic statues, and occasionally has huge screens to show important events, like soccer games. Inside the National Gallery awaits original paintings by Monet, Cezanne, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and many more world-famous artists. The Gallery also has been featured in the filming on the Doctor Who series. After feasting your eyes, get some sorbet and ice cream at Amorino around the corner, they make roses out of their ice cream!
Day 5
Included Unique Activities
Black Cab Transfer - London City to Heathrow Airport
London, Greater London
Finish your vacation with a relaxing and easy ride to the airport in a traditional London Black Cab. Your driver will collect you and your luggage from your central London accommodation and deliver you to the terminal of your choosing. Due to traffic and unforeseen circumstances that can delay journeys to and from the airport, all transfer services are at a fixed-price to avoid costs spinning out of control.
Depart From
Depart from London Heathrow Airport, Greater London
Return to London Heathrow Airport three hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.
Must-See Sites
London, Greater London
On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.
The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.
2024
Available Tour Dates
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
From $1,670 per person
Your Price Includes
Tour Highlights:
ACCOMMODATION
4 Nights 4 Star City Hotel
TRANSPORTATION
Authentic London Black Cab Meet and Greet Airport Transfer
Transfer on Departure to a London Airport, Train Station, or Car Rental Location
DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED
Full English Breakfasts Each Morning
INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Afternoon Tea on the Iconic London Red Bus
London Bridge Secret Food Tour
Small Group Day Trip to Bath, Avebury & Lacock
POINTS OF INTEREST
Visit Westminister Abbey & Big Ben
Explore the Tower of London & London Bridge
Stroll through Leicester Square & Piccadilly Circus
Marvel at the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace
Shop at Harrods, Hamleys and on Oxford Street
Prices Based On
All Taxes & Fees Included
Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.
"Family Vacation"
Nov 24, 2023
Tena
North Carolina
Ireland/Scotland trip was a great trip planned with our group and Jorie. We thoroughly enjoyed each city we visited in both countries. All our hotels were very nice but as older adults, I would advise to pack light which is hard to do if your visit is extended but we had to climb stairs in several places. My favorite thing in both countries are the people. Everyone was so friendly and inviting at hotels, restaurants and local sites. We felt completely safe and comfortable. I would agree with other travelers that driving is stressful for both driver and passengers especially in Ireland where the roads are extremely narrow with rock walls on each side. Next trip will include staying in certain cities with tours out. JerPoint Park in Ireland was a favorite of our group of 4. Authentic Vacations plans, reservations and communications were first rate.
"Scottish & Irish Adventure"
Nov 14, 2023
Jim
New York
Lauren, thank you for putting together a wonderful Scottish and Irish adventure. In many unexpected ways it indeed was an adventure that we will remember forever. So sincere thanks. Despite a glitch in St Andrews your team's recovery actually made St Andrews the highpoint of our trip. Staying at Rusacks overlooking the first tee and eighteenth green of the old course was awesome. All the Hotels were first rate. Experiences - awesome The Clontarf Castle is an awesome way to the trip. Well done y'all. Big city stays - We all felt like we could have used an extra day in the larger cities. They all had a story to tell, and we just had enough time to scratch the surface. Self-drive - while less expensive alternative, the person doing the driving misses out on a lot in transit, while the passenger's white knuckle thru the driver's learning process. Also, the roads in Scotland and Ireland are no joke. Would recommend it is worth it to hire a private chauffer driver or go Small Guided for sure.
"Scotland Birthday Vacation"
Nov 9, 2023
Stephanie
Massachusetts
Adina, I'm following up on my client's train/whiskey tour/ birthday trip to Scotland in October. They had a wonderful time! The whiskey tour day was their favorite, made extra special by their driver Alec who was a super star. My client's boyfriend is a real train enthusiast. They enjoyed all the train trips, and Nick was like a child on the Jacobite train. Thanks so much for your help with this trip. You clearly know Scotland and planned a very nice route with some unique requirements. I greatly appreciate your expertise and attentive service. I look forward to working with you again in the future. An early Happy Holidays!
"Memorable Italy"
Nov 9, 2023
Loryl
Kentucky
Amber, I received this email from my client Mrs. R this morning - I love being able to share these with you all :).
Loryl, WOW! What a wonderful trip we had in Italy! Thank you for helping make this trip so memorable.
We have so many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. It was a trip of a lifetime.
Thank You! I guess we need to start thinking about our next trip.
"Scotland Vacation"
Nov 9, 2023
Jackson and Kristina
Florida
Mandie, thank you for your all your work on our vacation to Scotland! We are back to our normal lives and routines but I’m still floating on the high of that amazing experience and I thank you for your expertise and accommodating us in the narrow window of time you were provided! We greatly enjoyed this trip and wouldn’t hesitate to book through you again, you did wonderful!
"Ireland by Chauffer"
Nov 2, 2023
Cathryn
South Carolina
Jennifer, I want to thank you for planning and arranging our wonderful vacation in Ireland. Everything was easy Peezy as my granddaughter would say. The hotels were all beautiful, each one was uniquely different and beautiful. We enjoyed each and the food was enjoyable. We enjoyed all the extra goodies. We were not able to take either sea cruise as the weather canceled the trips. The best decision we made was to have a guide /driver. Martin was an absolute wonder. I wanted to bring him home with us. He saw to every detail and was extremely entertaining to boot. His recommendations were spot on to our interests. I think he knows everyone in Ireland. The car was super too. The back seats were massage chairs. How cool can you get? As a great extra the Owner of Screebe House bought two of my paintings and commissioned two more. Again, many thanks for the trip of a lifetime
"Ireland Vacation"
Nov 1, 2023
Wanda
Charlotte, NC
Our vacation was wonderful we had a great time on our two-week trip to Ireland and Scotland. Jorie helped us plan our trip, she worked hard to include all the places we wanted to see and selected some great adventures for us to enjoy along the way. We truly loved Ireland, the countryside the beautiful sights and the flowers blooming everywhere made our visit one to remember for sure.
"Ireland Anniversary Vacation"
Oct 31, 2023
Tim
Illinois
Hi Jorie, Rose and I had a wonderful time in Ireland! We couldn’t believe how well everything worked out and the locations selected for our stays were excellent. We really loved the Country House and Abbyglen Castle. The staff at Abbbyglen Castle were so nice and made our anniversary evening wonderful! We had no idea there was so much aviation and radio history in Clifden! As for the other locations they were all first rate as well. We went to the “Man O’ War” Pub for dinner our last night in Ireland. It was a great recommendation. The atmosphere, hospitality, and food were awesome. Again, thank you for helping to set up a wonderful trip which we will never forget.
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Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert’s sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!
4. Reserve & Pay Online
Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.
5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!
Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!
Questions?
If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!
Toll-free from the US and Canada: 1-888-443-5259 Rest of World: +1-707-687-0191
Hours of Business:
Monday – Thursday: 7:00am – 5:00pm PST
Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm PST
Saturday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST
Sunday: 6:00am – 3:00pm PST
With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!
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Day 5