Castles, Countryside & Culture: A Travel Guide to Great Britain & Ireland

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Great Britain and Ireland are more than destinations filled with historic landmarks — they are places where history still shapes everyday life. From vibrant cities and cultural capitals to sweeping coastlines, storybook villages, and centuries-old castles, every journey offers the freedom to experience these lands in a way that feels personal and immersive.

Best Reasons to Visit Great Britain & Ireland

Iconic Cities

London, Edinburgh, and Dublin are more than world-famous capitals — they are cultural hubs alive with history, creativity, and local character. Stroll centuries-old streets lined with striking architecture, discover acclaimed restaurants and theaters, and experience the energy that makes each city distinct.

Castles & Historic Landscapes

From the Tower of London and Windsor Castle to the dramatic fortress of Edinburgh Castle, these iconic landmarks tell stories that span centuries. Explore royal residences, medieval strongholds, and landscapes shaped by Britain and Ireland’s rich and complex past.

Coastal Beauty & Countryside Charm

From the honey-colored cottages of the Cotswolds to the rugged shores of the Jurassic Coast, every region reveals a different side of Great Britain and Ireland’s natural beauty. Rolling green hills, windswept coastlines, and charming villages create landscapes that feel timeless.

With so many ways to explore, choosing the right journey can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created this guide — to help you discover the tour that best matches your travel style and interests.

Great Britain & Ireland tours at a glance

TOUR LENGTH DEPARTS KEY
STOPS AVERAGE
GUESTS TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Small Ship Cruising Tauck Bridges Family Journeys

England, Scotland & Wales →	14 Days	Apr – Oct	London, Edinburgh, Lake District, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Bath	Small Groups: 24 Classic: 40	A choice of West End theatre during a three-night stay in London at The Savoy Enjoy an evening performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an extraordinary display of Scottish traditions (on select August departure dates only) Carolyn Robb, former personal chef to the British Royal Family, shares behind-the-scenes stories and talks about her experiences at royal residences
England and the West Country →	11 Days	Mar – Oct	Bath, Cornwall, Wells, Bovey Castle	Small Groups: 24	Experience life in the fast lane with a visit to the Morgan Sports Car Factory for a guided tour Learn how to make Cornish delights during a private cooking class at Philleigh Cooking School Visit Sudeley Castle, a historic treasure with Tudor connections, enchanting grounds, and the tomb of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s last queen – steeped in history and natural beauty.
A Week In… Scotland →	8 Days	Apr – Oct, Dec	Edinburgh, Inverness, Stirling, Loch Lomond	Even Smaller Groups: 15 Small Groups: 24 Classic: 40	A traditional Scottish evening featuring Scottish bagpipers Private tour of Tomatin Distillery, complete with a tasting of their signature single malts Travel through scenic Glencoe, home to Highland moors, forests, & mountains A visit to Cawdor Castle offers a captivating glimpse into Scottish history and legend Private visit to Holyroodhouse (when the King is not in residence)
A Week In… London and Paris →	8 Days	Apr – Jul, Sep – Oct	Tower of London, British Museum, Windsor, Versailles, London Eye	Small Groups: 24 Classic: 40	Carolyn Robb, former Executive Chef to the royal household of TRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana, gives a special dinner presentation at The Biltmore Mayfair. Afternoon Tea and a West End theatre evening A private capsule on the London Eye & a visit to London’s British Museum with expert insights from a local guide A private welcome to Paris dinner cruise on the River Seine
The Best of Ireland →	14 Days	Apr – Oct	Dublin, Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, Galway, Killarney, Cashel	Classic: 40	Visit Belfast’s award-winning Titanic Belfast interactive museum & enjoy a sumptuous 5-course Titanic tasting dinner Learn the secrets of making Irish whiskey during a tour at the Jameson Distillery where centuries of history are chronicled in every sip Explore the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 40,000 symmetrical basalt columns lining its cliffside
The Best of Ireland, Small Groups →	14 Days	Apr – Oct	Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Ashford Castle, Connemara, Giant’s Causeway	Small Groups: 24	Visit Belfast’s award-winning Titanic Belfast interactive museum & enjoy a sumptuous 5-course Titanic tasting dinner Enjoy stays at lavishly restored castles, grand hotels, and manor houses throughout your journey Journey through the Irish wilds of Connemara & along the spectacular coastal scenery of Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast Road
A Week In… Ireland →	8 Days	Apr – Oct	Cliffs of Moher, Dublin, Galway	Small Groups: 24 Classic: 40	Ride a ferry bound for a visit to the towering Cliffs of Moher, viewing the 700+-foot-high cliffs from the water and the land above Enjoy a hands-on falconry lesson, and a choice of a round of golf, chocolate making or a food tour of Kenmare during three nights at Sheen Falls Lodge Experience a special farewell at Howth Castle in Dublin, featuring a chef-hosted cooking class and dinner in the castle’s private dining room Whisky tasting at Kilbeggan Whisky Distillery
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow →	11 Days	May, Sep	Edinburgh, Isle of Lewis, Glasgow, Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye	Small Ship: 170	Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, joining a local guide for a tour through the historic official residence of the monarch in Scotland Attend a welcome dinner at Òran Mór, a former church turned lively Glasgow landmark Attend a Tauck Exclusive private reception and dinner aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Visits to Dunvegan Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Duart Castle
Ireland Forever →	8 Days	Mar – Apr, Jun – Aug	Dublin, Kinsale, Cliffs of Moher, Titanic Experience, Cobh, Cork, Killarney	Classic: 40	A three-night stay at Fota Island Resort in Cork includes a private barbecue dinner where you’ll meet an Irish storyteller and musicians, and a day of outdoor fun Discover the history of Dublin throughout the centuries to present day on a scavenger hunt that introduces you to landmark sites in the city Visit Titanic Experience Cobh and emigration exhibits
Castles & Kings: London to Paris →	7 Days	Apr, Jun – Aug	London, British Museum, London Eye, Paris, Versailles	Classic: 40	Visit Château de Versailles, a 2,300-room palace built by Louis XIV, hearing what life was like in rooms such as the Hall of Mirrors; walk in the formal gardens An interactive London “Spy Walk” Private double-decker bus tour of London and a private capsule, sightseeing high above the city on the London Eye A speedboat adventure on the River Thames Tickets to a hit show in London’s West End theatre district