SMALL GUIDED VACATIONS: Travel with luxurious comfort and ease

Discover two beautiful cities on our 5-Night Capitals of Ireland and Wales tour. With three nights in Dublin, two nights in Cardiff, a collection of exciting activities and stunning landscapes, this vacation is sure to delight. 

Your tour begins in Ireland’s vibrant capital—Dublin. Upon arrival at Dublin Airport, you’ll be welcomed with a meet & greet and a private transfer to your centrally located accommodation. While in Dublin, enjoy a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, including a tour of the facilities and a pint at the world-famous Gravity Bar. Experience an authentic musical pub crawl led by local musicians and take a day trip to County Wicklow—known as the ‘Garden of Ireland’—where you'll explore a historic handweavers site and a 6th-century monastic settlement. You’ll also have time to explore Dublin highlights such as Trinity College, Grafton Street, Dublin Castle, and Temple Bar.

Following your stay in Dublin, take an independently booked flight to Cardiff, the dynamic capital of Wales. Highlights here include entry to the iconic Cardiff Castle and a scenic boat tour of Cardiff Bay, offering unique views of the city from the water. Take time to explore Mermaid Quay and the revitalized waterfront, or visit nearby cultural landmarks like the National Museum of Wales and the peaceful Alexandra Gardens.

Your tour concludes on the sixth day, but if you're eager to keep exploring the British Isles, one of our destination experts would be happy to help extend your adventure.

PLAN AND BOOK

Included Unique Activities

Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer - Dublin

Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer - Dublin

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Guinness Storehouse Tour

Wicklow and Glendalough Half Day Tour from Dublin

Wicklow and Glendalough Half Day Tour from Dublin

Cardiff Castle Admission

Cardiff Castle Admission

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

Accommodations

3 Nights

Elegant & Stylish 4-Star Hotel

2 Nights

Luxury Landmark Lodging

Transportation and Guides

  • Meet and Greet Transfer on arrival from Dublin Airport to city center hotel

Points of Interest

  • Stroll the Cobblestone-Lined Grafton Street in The Temple Bar
  • Visit Christchurch Cathedral -  Dublin's Oldest Building
  • Take in the stunning campus of Ireland's top university, Trinity College
  • Marvel at Dublin Castle - the Heart of Historic Dublin
  • Meander down O'Connell Street - Dublin's Main Thoroughfare
  • Uncover Rich History at The National Museum of Cardiff
  • See the Beautiful Waterfall and Grounds of Powerscourt House & Gardens
  • Explore stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Discover the Medieval Monastic Settlement at Glendalough
  • Visit Picturesque Mermaid Quay Overlooking Cardiff Bay

Dublin Castle, County Dublin

Christ Church Cathedral, County Dublin

Dublin, County Dublin

Trinity College, County Dublin

Grafton Street, County Dublin

O'Connell Street, County Dublin

Temple Bar, County Dublin

Llandaff Cathedral, Wales

Included Unique Experiences

  • Entrance to Guinness Storehouse & Tour
  • Locally Led Musical Pub Crawl
  • Day Trip to Wicklow – The Garden of Ireland
  • Entrance to Cardiff Castle
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour
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2026 LOW SEASON

Available Dates

Apr, May, Nov, Dec

From $2,468 per person

2026 MID SEASON

Available Dates

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

From $2,718 per person

2027 LOW SEASON

Available Dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec

From $2,715 per person

2027 MID SEASON

Available Dates

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

From $2,990 per person

Your Price Includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 5-Nights in Central City 4-Star Hotels

TRANSPORTATION

  • Meet and Greet Transfer on arrival from Dublin Airport to city center hotel

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Entrance to Guinness Storehouse & Tour
  • Locally Led Musical Pub Crawl
  • Day Trip to Wicklow – The Garden of Ireland
  • Entrance to Cardiff Castle
  • Cardiff Bay Boat Tour

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Stroll the Cobblestone-Lined Grafton Street in The Temple Bar
  • Visit Christchurch Cathedral -  Dublin's Oldest Building
  • Take in the stunning campus of Ireland's top university, Trinity College
  • Marvel at Dublin Castle - the Heart of Historic Dublin
  • Meander down O'Connell Street - Dublin's Main Thoroughfare
  • Uncover Rich History at The National Museum of Cardiff
  • See the Beautiful Waterfall and Grounds of Powerscourt House & Gardens
  • Explore stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park
  • Discover the Medieval Monastic Settlement at Glendalough
  • Visit Picturesque Mermaid Quay Overlooking Cardiff Bay

"Multiple itineraries all over the world!"

Megan Paylor

Nashville, TN

As a travel advisor, I get requests for trips all over the world. So far Authentic Vacations has helped me plan trips for clients throughout Europe, Iceland, and Australia. And my clients always come back happy and eager to plan another! I have worked with everyone, but most extensively with Ellie and Michelle, and I can’t say enough good things about them. They are thorough, kind, knowledgeable, and always willing to help get the job done! Highly recommend the entire crew at Authentic, and will keep coming back!

"So glad we booked our UK vacation with Authentic"

Lori N.

Illinois

This review is long overdue. We booked a 2 week vacation in the UK through Authentic Vacations and are so glad that we did!! Amber was our advisor, and she took my wish list and crafted a great trip that provided exactly what we were looking for. It was so nice to have it all pre-arranged for us so that we could just go and not have to worry about anything. The hotels were great choices and the tour companies that Amber booked were really good ones. Communication was clear and easy, and the company kept all of its commitments. Thank you, Authentic Vacations! Nice job!

"A Complicated Itinerary Made Easy"

Susan G.

Scottdale

Lauren did an excellent job with my clients! She was so helpful in a very unique and complicated trip for a solo traveler. We combined it with some Air BnB that my client did and lauren was so great! Thank you again for being amazing to work with!

"Pleasure, Memory Tour in Ireland"

Howard R.

VA

YES! Joleen put together a wonderful itinerary for my return trip to Ashford and Dromoland Castles in Ireland. The drivers and transfers were very pleasant and always on time with very comfortable luxury transports. The castle hotels were exactly what I expected but I think Joleen must have said things in the booking process because it seemed as though they may have stepped their normal attention to details up a bit. The upgrade at Dromoland was unexpected but much appreciated! Truly felt like a prince at both locations and all things went as planned without any problems. Thank you, your staff and especially Joleen for all that was done to make this a trip to remember!

"My clients were SO happy with their Italy trip"

Nicole K.

Missouri

I worked with Ellie at Authentic Vacations to plan a client's trip to Italy. Not only were the clients SO happy with the itinerary that Ellie crafted, but as the travel advisor, working with Authentic made the whole process seamless and stress-free!

My clients toured around Florence, Rome, and Tuscany. They were sending me pictures throughout their trip, letting me know that I "nailed" the itinerary. Authentic Vacations and its staff really understand the destinations and what travelers are truly looking for.

On the travel advisor side, it was an absolute joy from start to finish working with Ellie. She was always quick to respond and available to help in any way. I truly can't wait to work together in the future!

"Fantastic Vacation in Scotland"

Alison E.

Louisville

My clients just returned from Scotland and Ireland and had a fantastic vacation. I appreciate the fast responses and knowledge in creating custom itineraries and have confidence that everything will be perfect for my clients. I love working with Authentic Vacations!

"Mother & Son vacation to Ireland"

Monica H.

Lynnwood, WA

Lauren was a fantastic consultant to help me craft a great trip for my clients who were a mother and son duo who wanted to travel to Ireland. They loved Dublin and their hotel was top notch, well located and she had fun learning about the history of the hotel as well. Another highlight was the horse-and-carriage ride in Killarney.

"Amazing Ireland Guided Vacation"

Douglas K.

Minneapolis

The best part of our 8-day tour of Ireland? Tour director Joan.


Joan is a perfect blend of group director, logistics manager, guide, travel buddy and fun entertainer. Her knowledge is wide and her demeanor is lively, always full of sunshine (even if the weather is not). Joan clearly understands group dynamics with the ability to easily and subtly adjust an itinerary when warranted.


Each day of our tour included historical insight from Joan with her personal lore added for context, answers to every type of question with interesting explanations, and even an occasional folk song beautifully sung. When she granted us entry into the cathedral in Killarney - her home church and school when growing up - the experience became personal and moving.


I'm certain every member of our group of 17 wants to travel again with Joan because of her gracious and fun expertise. Thank you Joan and Authentic Vacations!

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