Self-Drive Highlights of England, Wales & Ireland - 13 Days

Highlights

• See London's highlights in a black cab and take high tea at the Savoy
• Visit sophisticated Oxford and charming Cotswolds market towns
• Step into medieval times as you explore the castles of northern Wales
• Learn about Dublin's famous scribes on a literary-themed city tour
• Drive the famous Ring of Kerry along Ireland's gorgeous coast

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in London (England), Black Cab Tour, High Tea at the Savoy

Welcome to England! Any grand tour of the UK just has to start in London. This dynamic capital has a settled history dating to Roman times, and in the centuries since, it has become a global center of Anglo history and culture. This is the city of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, Shakespeare and Dickens. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

After checking in, hop in one of London's iconic black cabs for a half-day tour of the highlights. Start at the Gothic Westminster Abbey, which has served as the coronation church since the 11th century. Then, visit the Houses of Parliament, officially called the Palace of Westminster. Standing next door is Big Ben, the iconic palace clock. Continue to Buckingham Palace, the headquarters of the British Monarchy, followed by a stop at Trafalgar Square to see Nelson's Column. Lastly, visit the Tower of London, a historic palace and fortress with a chilling past that today houses the Crown Jewels.

Later, you'll sit down for that most quintessentially British of past times: high tea. This light meal takes place at the renowned Savoy Hotel, one of the city's most luxurious 5-star hotels, and they've been offering their famed Afternoon Tea since 1889. You'll enjoy this leisurely two-hour experience in the hotel's Thames Foyer. Sit beneath a luminous glass-domed atrium while being serenaded by a classical pianist as you sample various teas, sandwiches, savory dishes, pastries, and, of course, scones with clotted cream. 

Day 2: Hidden Gems Food Tour, Evening at the Theater

Rise and shine—hope you're hungry! This morning, you'll meet a local guide and set off on a quest to discover the city's best eats. It begins with a walk from the famous Tower Bridge to Borough Market. Dating to the 12th century, its reputation as London's renowned food and drink market remains undented. Browse over 100 artisan stalls and sample everything from seafood, fine wine, Persian sharing plates, bao buns, cider, and plenty of British and European cheeses. Afterward, you'll continue to other local eateries, pubs, and shops—even stopping at a gin distillery for a tasting.

After the food tour, take the rest of the afternoon to relax and see the city on your own. In the evening, get dressed up for a night in the glitzy West End, London's famous theater district. At a historic theater here, you'll sit down for a performance of the award-winning play or musical of your choice.

Day 3: Drive to Moreton-in-Marsh via Oxford & Blenheim Palace

Say goodbye to London, as this morning, you'll pick up a rental car and set off on the two-hour drive west toward Oxford, located in central-southern England. Take a break from driving to pay a visit to the historic Oxford University. Founded in the 11th century, this is the second-oldest university in the world. A highlight is Bodleian Library, Oxford's main research library (it houses over 13 million books). 

Later, continue north another 30 minutes to the 18th-century Blenheim Palace. The seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, this is one of the United Kingdom's finest manor homes, and here you'll enjoy afternoon tea complemented by Champagne and delectable cakes. You can also explore the manor's landscaped gardens, admire its collection of art and artifacts, visit the Butterfly House (home to butterfly species from around the world), and meander through the Marlborough Hedge Maze.

Afterward, another 30 minutes takes you deeper into the English countryside and the famous Cotswolds. This rural area of southern England encompasses six counties and enjoys Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) conservation status. The region is denoted by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and various sites of cultural and historical interest. You'll be staying in one such charming village, Moreton-in-Marsh.

Day 4: Drive to Tenby (Wales) via Tintern Abbey & Hay-on-Wye

Continue your journey west this morning as you get back behind the wheel and start an epic road trip toward Tenby, located about five hours away on the Welsh coast. After crossing into Wales, you'll stop at Tintern Abbey. Once a thriving monastery founded by Cistercian monks in 1131, it was immortalized in the early writings of English Romantic poet William Wordsworth. Now ruins, you'll still be able to make out its intricate and fragile architecture with soaring Gothic arches, ornamental stonework, and the gaps for once-magnificent windows.

Continue to Hay-on-Wye. Featuring over 20 book shops, this charming village is known as the "town of books." Here you can browse independent shops and sip a coffee on the banks of the beautiful River Wye. After some time enjoying the village, complete your drive to Tenby. Located in the gorgeous coastal county of Pembrokeshire, this picturesque little town boasts a selection of sandy beaches and quirky townhouses. Settle into your guesthouse, take a walk, and have a nice dinner by the water. 

Day 5: Tenby Ghost Walk & Caldey Island Tour, Drive to Portmeirion

Rise and shine! This morning you'll embark on the famous two-hour guided tour known as "The Ghost Walk and Story of Tenby." During this jaunt around town, which begins at Lifeboat Tavern in Tudor Square, you'll learn all about local history, myths, and lore. This includes tales about ghosts, fairies, witches, and strange Pembrokeshire customs, along with omens, mysteries, and murder. Your guide will offer up a mix of lighthearted stories and haunting tales during this leisurely walk, which also includes stops to take pictures at magnificent viewpoints.

Next, hop on a ferry to Caldey Island for a private, guided three-hour tour. Take a relaxed walk during which you'll pass landmarks spanning the island's settled history, from the sixth century to the present day. Visit the old priory and churches like St Illtud's and St David's, and view the outside of Caldey Abbey, a whitewashed monastery built in 1910. Afterward, return to the mainland and drive 3.5 hours north up through Wales to the whimsical, Italianate-style village of Portmeirion, where you'll overnight.

Day 6: Explore Portmeirion & Harlech Castle, Drive to Conwy

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Day 7: Castles of the Welsh Coast: Caernarfon, Conwy & Beaumaris

Today is all about castles and coastline! While exploring the northern coast of Wales, you'll encounter a storied trio of castles—Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris—recognized as World Heritage Sites today. And this section of the coast was nicknamed "the Queen of Welsh Resorts" for good reason. Its quiet appeal stands in stark contrast to the wilder Isle of Anglesey, just offshore, where waves crash against the clifftops. This part of Wales offers rich opportunities for surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, walking, and bird-watching. 

One highlight is a visit to the imposing medieval Caernarfon Castle, the official residence of Edward I. Controversial for its role in underlining the defeat of Wales by the English in the 13th century, this fortress is steeped in history and legend. It was home for some time to the medieval ruler Owain Glyndŵr, who instigated a fierce and long-running revolt against English invaders. In more recent history, the current King Charles was crowned Prince of Wales here in 1969. 

Day 8: Ferry to Dublin (Ireland), Guided City Tour

After breakfast, you'll set off across the Isle of Anglesey to reach the Welsh town of Holyhead. There, you'll drop off your rental car and board a ferry for the three-hour ride across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Welcome to Ireland! This capital is a gem of a city whose streets are filled with equal parts of history and modernity. There's excitement around every corner and culture to spare, plus no shortage of awe-inspiring architecture that dates back centuries. At the terminal, a driver will meet you for the ride to your hotel. Then, meet a guide for a tour of Dublin's historic streets.

During this two-hour walk led by a local historian, you'll learn about the city's growth from a Gaelic village through its settlement by the Vikings, Normans, and English and to the modern city it is today. The walk begins at the iconic Gresham Hotel, and from there, you'll stop at highlights like the statue of James Joyce, the 393-foot (120 m) Spire of Light, and the monument dedicated to "The Liberator," Daniel O'Connell, who won Catholic emancipation for Ireland.

Then, see a more modern side of Dublin as you cross the River Liffey to the Silicon Docks, the European home of giant tech companies. The tour continues on to hotbeds of Irish culture and history like the Temple Bar district, the 19th-century Olympia Theatre, and the 15th-century Dublin Castle. It finishes with visits to City Hall, Wood Quay (the remains of the largest Viking settlement outside Scandinavia), and the 11th-century Christchurch Cathedral.

Day 9: Dublin Literary Tour

Today, you'll discover another cornerstone of Irish culture: its literary tradition. This three-hour walking tour takes you down Dublin's historic streets, which feel right out of a novel. The tour covers the city's most illustrious writers, including James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats, and Oscar Wilde.

It begins in Merrion Square, the cultural heart of the city and the home of Oscar Wilde. Here you'll learn about the religious and social atmosphere of 19th and early 20th-century Dublin and how it affected the writers of the time. Your guide will then lead you to the National Library and Trinity College, perhaps stopping along the way at the favorite pub of Wilde, Beckett, and Joyce. While walking these hallowed streets and seeing historic sights, you'll discuss the educational and cultural establishment that was fundamental to the development of literary culture in Dublin.

Much of the tour focuses on James Joyce. You and your guide will visit several places that serve as the setting for his most famous novel, "Ulysses." You'll also stop by the hotel where Joyce met his wife, as well as a beautiful little shop that figures prominently in the book and is run by a passionate group of Joycean enthusiasts. At the conclusion of the tour, you can read a scene from the great novel in the very place the episode is set. Afterward, head to a pub for a drink and discussion about the novel and other literary landmarks in the area.

Day 10: Drive to Kilkenny, Ireland's Medieval Capital

Time to hit the road once again! Pick up a rental car this morning and set off on the 1.5-hour drive from Dublin west into the Irish countryside and the old medieval capital of Kilkenny. Upon arrival, start your explorations with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, the town's most famous landmark. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland in the 12th century, the castle has been rebuilt, extended, and adapted over 800 years. It's the historic symbol of the city, and besides its impressive architecture, it enjoys a scenic location on the banks of the River Nore. 

From the castle, take a short stroll down the 1,500-year-old streets of Medieval Mile, where you can stop for a pint at local institutions like Kyteler's Inn, named after a famed witch, or Smithwicks Brewery. Nearby you'll find St Canice's Cathedral, known for its massive round tower and breathtaking viewing gallery. When you've had your fill of exploring, head to your hotel to check in and freshen up before heading back to the Medieval Mile for dinner.

Day 11: Drive to Kinsale via the Rock of Cashel, Kinsale Harbor Sailing Tour

After breakfast, get back in the car and drive about 2.5 hours southwest toward County Cork, known for its delicious gastronomy, famous castles, coastal cliffs, and colorful seaside towns. Along the way, make sure to stop by one of Ireland's most important landmarks, the Rock of Cashel. Steeped in folklore and myth, the site houses the remains of a 12th-century ecclesiastical site, though legends say it dates back to the fifth century and has ties to Saint Patrick.

Your final destination for the day is Kinsale, a small harbor village famous for its narrow streets and brightly colored shops. Check into your hotel, then head to the harbor, where a sailboat awaits. Hop aboard and commence a 2.5-hour leisurely cruise around the harbor, enjoying views of colorful Kinsale and the Irish coast. Highlights include passing the famous Charles and James forts. These coastal defensive structures were built in the 17th century to guard the area against invaders. After the ride, grab dinner in town—Kinsale is filled with 5-star and Michelin restaurants.

Day 12: Drive the Ring of Kerry to Limerick

Your final destination today is Limerick, but you'll detour west to take in some of Ireland's most scenic countryside along the way. Start early with the 1.5-hour drive 56 miles (90 km) northwest into County Kerry to Killarney. This town sits on the shores of idyllic Lough Leane and is a fixture on the legendary Ring of Kerry scenic route. There's much to see in this region, whose wild beauty comprises mountains, lakes, and forests.

Choose your route to witness the highlights on a drive through the Gap of Dunloe, a dramatic narrow mountain pass between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain ranges. Or, venture into Killarney National Park, a 26,000-acre (10,521 ha) protected area and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

If you'd like to take a trip back to the Middle Ages, look no further than Ross Castle. This 15th-century fortress overlooks Lough Leane and is the seat of the O'Donoghue Clan. For more history, visit Muckross Park, a Victorian estate (now a hotel). If you like, have lunch in its lovely café, which looks out to the famous Walled Garden. Later, take a walk around the ruins and cloisters of the adjacent Muckross Abbey. After a full day of exploration, continue up the coast and inland to the city of Limerick, where you'll check into your hotel and sit down to one last celebratory dinner in Ireland.

Day 13: Drive to Shannon, Depart 

All great adventures must end. But the UK and Ireland will be right here if and when you decide to come back. Enjoy one more leisurely breakfast in Limerick before it's time to hit the road for the quick 30-minute drive to Shannon Airport, where you'll drop your rental car and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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