Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland (9050) - 2013

18 days from London to London


Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
Gretna Green
Gretna Green
Cliffs of Moher
Prehistoric Stonehenge
Cliffs of Moher
Stonehenge
Pomp-and-ceremony in London
An old blacksmiths shop at Gretna Green
London’s Tower Bridge over the River Thames
Marvel at the architecture on Londons infamous Big Ben
800.276.1241

Optional Excursions

The following list of optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These optional excursions might or might not be available. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.

Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online currency converter for exchange rate information.

A Taste of London
A unique chance to combine a traditional London pub experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner with several local menu choices, including fish and chips and steak and ale pie at an historic London pub in the City of London. Following dinner you will enjoy scenic views from the comfort of your private cruiser, The Silver Bonito, owned by EDF Energy London Eye. Highlights include Tower Bridge, St. Paul's and the Houses of Parliament, with commentary from your guide as you cruise along the River Thames.
Approximate value: £61 GBP per person


Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. One of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II the castle is still used regularly for ceremonial and state occasions. Visit the magnificent State Apartments furnished with priceless works of art by Holbein, Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck. See wonderful St.George's Chapel the burial place of ten monarchs including Henry VIII and Charles I.
Approximate value: £40 GBP per person


Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews
Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen. During August and September when the Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace's state rooms are open to visitors. These are the heart of the Palace, lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection which are used for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. Before entry to the Palace you will visit the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables still in existence. See the State vehicles, both horse-drawn carriages and cars, used for coronations, royal weddings and State Visits, including the magnificent Gold State Coach which has been used for every coronation since 1821 and was last used for The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.
Approximate value: £51 GBP per person


Morning City Sightseeing
Morning Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held.
Approximate value: £30 GBP per person


Shownight - Billy Elliot (Monday Only)
This fully escorted, door-to-door evening excursion includes a gourmet dinner at a first class restaurant. Choose from a tasty 2 course, 3 choice menu with wine and coffee. Dinner is followed by best seats to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot. One of the most celebrated, award-winning musicals on stage today, Billy Elliot has been dazzling London8217's West End since 2005, and has gone on to captivate audiences around the world. With unforgettable music by Elton John, sensational dance and a powerful storyline, this astonishing theatrical experience will stay with you forever.
Approximate value: £99 GBP per person


Shownight - Jersey Boys (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
This fully escorted, door-to-door evening excursion includes a gourmet dinner at a first class restaurant. Choose from a tasty 3 course, 3 choice menu with wine and coffee. Dinner is followed by best seats to see the London staging of Jersey Boys. Discover the story of a group of working class boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the greatest successes in pop music history - Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Using their legendary music, the thrilling early years of rock 'n' roll are brought to life in this outstanding new musical at the Prince Edward Theatre!
Approximate value: £99 GBP per person


Shownight - Singin' In the Rain (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
This fully escorted, door-to-door evening excursion includes a gourmet dinner at a first class restaurant. Choose from a tasty 3 course, 3 choice menu with wine and coffee. Dinner is followed by best seats to see the London staging of Singin' In The Rain. "The superbly enjoyable production of Singin' in the Rain, now playing at London's Palace Theatre, is a smash-hit with critics and audiences alike and tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies - and some of its stars - behind."
Approximate value: £99 GBP per person


Shownight - Wicked (Monday Only)
This fully escorted, door-to-door evening excursion includes a gourmet dinner at a first class restaurant. Choose from a tasty 2 course, 3 choice menu with wine and coffee. Dinner is followed by best seats to see the sensational musical Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. "Wicked tells the incredible untold story of the witches of Oz and has been casting its spell over audiences across the world for a decade, winning over 80 international awards. Packed with thrilling technical wizardry, dazzling costumes and a brilliantly witty story, you'll be left spellbound by the powerful score, from multi GRAMMY and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, that features the show-stopping Defying Gravity."
Approximate value: £99 GBP per person


Sunday City Sightseeing
Morning Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held.
Approximate value: £26 GBP per person


Tower of London and Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is one of the most famous historic buildings in the world. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066-1067, it has been guarded by Yeoman Warders (popularly known as the Beefeaters) since the 14th century. It has been a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution, and an armory. It is most famously known as the home to the priceless Crown Jewels, including the solid gold crown used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the Imperial State Crown and Sovereigns Sceptre, the incredible Cullinan diamonds, and the Koh-i-Noor.
Approximate value: £40 GBP per person


Welsh Evening at Cardiff Castle
After a guided tour of Cardiff Castle, enjoy an unforgettable evening of Welsh hospitality in historic surroundings. You are treated to the very best of Welsh food, entertainment and the warmest of welcomes from your hosts, the Nosweithiau Bute-iful Nights. Traditionally costumed characters perform popular Welsh songs and invite you to join in the fun.
Approximate value: £59 GBP per person


Jaunting Car Ride through the National Park
When visiting Killarney, a jaunting car ride should not be missed! Your "jarvey" will pick you up at the hotel and take you along Killarney National Park, Deer Park and onto Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Lein. There is time to take photographs of the restored 15th century castle in picture perfect setting, before taking a different route back to your hotel. All along the way, the driver will regale you with stories, anecdotes and local gossip.
Approximate value: £11 GBP per person


Killarney Pub Evening
Discover Irish pub culture on this pre-dinner excursion. A scenic drive will take you to a traditional inn where live music is played. Join the locals in a bit of 'craic' while you enjoy two drinks of your choice and listen to some typical Irish music and songs.
Approximate value: £28 GBP per person


Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre Performance
Enjoy a delicious pre-theater dinner with wine, then let the Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre group enthrall you with their outstanding performance. The company was founded in 1974 to bring the country's rich cultural heritage to modern audiences. The performances are delivered in a mixture of traditional Irish dancing, song, live music and mime, but no dialogue, all of which fuse to create a memorable and emotional experience.
Approximate value: £65 GBP per person


Knappogue Castle Banquet
Come and enjoy the famous Knappogue medieval banquet at Knappogue Castle. On arrival at the castle you will be greeted with a goblet of honey rich mead. Then, the ladies of the castle will entertain you with a program of music, song and dance, taking you on a journey from medieval times to the present day, while you enjoy a sumptuous four-course banquet feast with wine. **Please Note: This excursion to Bunratty will depart from either Limerick or Ennis based on your vacation itinerary.
Approximate value: £65 GBP per person


Guinness Storehouse Visit & Supper
Located in the heart of the St James's Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse, a former fermentation plant, has been remodeled into the shape of a giant pint of Guinness. This visit will teach you everything about the world famous beer: from how Guinness is made, to the ancient craft of Guinness barrel making in the cooperage. The highlight is the 7th floor Gravity Bar, where you will sample a pint of "the black stuff" and enjoy the breathtaking three hundred and sixty degree views across Dublin City. Round the evening off with an excellent buffet dinner with wine.
Approximate value: £58 GBP per person


Traditional Irish Cabaret Evening
The enchanting evening starts with a four-course dinner with wine and a traditional Irish coffee. Then enjoy an evening of quality entertainment, celebrating the best of everything Irish in comedy, music, song & dance from Ireland's leading entertainers. Enjoy a lively blend of traditional Irish dance, ballads and tunes. The dancers thrill audiences as they twirl and tap with exuberance to the musical accompaniment of the accordion, uileann pipes, guitar and piano. A fun and unforgettable evening.
Approximate value: £69 GBP per person


Liverpool Evening City Tour
Discover Liverpool, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive waterfront. First, set foot inside Liverpool Cathedral, a magnificent place which Sir John Betjeman called 'one of the great buildings of the world'. Then, let your Local Guide describe the city's glorious maritime history and world-renowned musical heritage as well as its present status as key destination for art lovers, fans of the theatre and museums.
Approximate value: £20 GBP per person


Royal Yacht Britannia Excursion & Dinner
A unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, once the perfect royal residence for the Queen's glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner with wine and coffee at a local restaurant rounds off the evening.
Approximate value: £54 GBP per person


Scottish Evening with Bagpipers and the Ceremony of the Haggis
Your evening commences in style with a piper welcoming you in traditional Scottish style. Savor a delicious four-course Scottish banquet with wine, then let your host lead you through an evening of music, song and dance culminating in the traditional Ceremony of the Haggis and the joint singing of 'Auld Lang Syne' written by Robert Burns.
Approximate value: £60 GBP per person


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As recommended by Budget Travel