What's it like to be in Ireland?

You can dream, you can imagine, you can read every travel book and watch every video. But in the end, it’s impossible to know unless you go.

EXPERTS IN THE UK & IRELAND

Collette has been exploring the UK and Ireland with travelers for over 30 years. See how our tours get you closer to culture.Click on the image to order, view, or download your FREE brochure.

 
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UK & Ireland

Stunning natural landscapes, renowned hospitality, artisan craftsmanship, and a fair share of bucket list attractions draw the culturally curious to the UK and Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you haven't booked a pre-night stay, your hotel room will be ready for you at the standard check-in time, usually around 3 P.M. We recommend leaving your luggage at the hotel and starting your adventure right away! Your Tour Manager will be on hand to offer great suggestions for exploring the area.

On tours including a visit to Blarney Castle, travelers have access to both the Castle and the grounds, allowing them to choose how to spend their free time. Please note that the line to kiss the Blarney Stone can be quite long, depending on the crowds, which might leave limited time to explore the Castle grounds.

A visit to the Trinity College is not included on tour, but travelers will “see” Trinity College in passing. If travelers would like to visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, they can book tickets independently and visit during free time.

Most hotels on tour offer laundry services. Please note that turnaround time may make using laundry service prohibitive and rates/availability are set by each hotel.

Travelers can expect a variety of styles and sizes. Many hotels are historical buildings that have been beautifully renovated. This means that rooms might be smaller and configured differently than what you are used to, adding to the character and charm of your stay.

Both the UK and Ireland have vibrant food scenes with modern twists on traditional dishes. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated in the UK and Ireland. Both regions have become increasingly aware of various dietary needs and have adapted their food offerings accordingly.

Although the UK and Ireland are relatively small countries, travel times between destinations can be longer than expected. You may experience some extended transfer times between locations to ensure you get to see the best areas the region has to offer. Rest assured that no matter how long the transfer, frequent comfort stops will be made along the way.

UK and Ireland tours offer a perfect mix of city life and serene countryside. Explore historic hubs like London, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Belfast, then unwind in the scenic Cotswolds, Scottish Highlands, or Ring of Kerry. Visit charming towns like Stratford-upon-Avon and Kilkenny for a taste of local culture. With a balance of excitement and relaxation, there’s something for everyone.

In addition to your Tour Manager, you will also meet up with Local Guides. Having a Local Guide by your side means that you get all the benefits of having an insider show you around. Since they call the destination home, they can provide you with an insider’s scoop on everything from the best place to find authentic cuisine to how to spot a rare and exotic bird high up in the treetops.

Collette tours are designed to give travelers immersive experiences. You’ll get the “must-sees,” but you’ll also have access to experiences that you’d be hard-pressed to find on your own. People-to-people moments, like learning what life is like in an African township during a home-hosted lunch in Zimbabwe, learning to play the bagpipes in Scotland, engaging in meaningful dialogue with Native Americans, or meeting with a North Korean defector in Seoul, South Korea to hear about their life, can transform a traveler’s experience.

Explorations tours include Impact Moments. These are visits to social enterprises, nonprofits, or organizations that directly benefit the local community. Impact Moments tell stories, spark conversation, and preserve cultures. They are moments that stay with travelers long after the trip has ended. For instance, in Morrocco, visit the Amal Center, a culinary training center in the suburbs of Marrakech which brings together women in difficult situations, training them on everything related to food service.

One of Collette’s key values is “Be Responsible,” and our team enthusiastically embraces this value. In 2022, we joined the UN Global Compact to commit to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, which included ending poverty and hunger, increasing access to quality education, and more. 100% of our small group Explorations tours are carbon neutral and designed with thoughtful inclusions that support local businesses. We partner with social enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and cultural or environmental conservation groups to ensure that our visit generates sustainable economic and social benefits for the community.

Shades of Ireland Travel Guide

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