Experience the British Isles
on a guided tour with Collette

Ready to get closer to culture in the British Isles? Join locals with the inside scoop on an expertly planned, expertly led tour.

3 REASONS TO TRAVEL TO THE BRITISH ISLES WITH COLLETTE

Unlocking History

In Liverpool, sit down with the staff at Strawberry Field to learn about its connection to John Lennon, its role in inspiring one of The Beatles’ most beloved songs, and how it continues to make an impact today.

Hands-On Cultural Experiences

Spend an afternoon in the Aran Islands sampling a variety of award-winning cheeses. Goat farmer, cheese maker, and local host on tour, Gabriel F., has received the Best Local Food Hero Award in Galway for his award-winning cheeses.

Unique Local Connection

Sit down with a local family for lunch at their farm in Northern Ireland. Learn about their family run business, taste farm-to-table favorites, and after a herding demonstration, meet their hard working sheepdogs.

Collette Tours: Explore Worldwide Group Travel

FEATURED BRITISH ISLES TOURS

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.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLLETTE’S GUIDED TOURS TO THE BRITISH ISLES

Virtual Event:
Life on the Aran Islands

Around 1,000 people live on Inis Mór – the largest of the Aran Islands. Goat farmer Gabriel Faherty is one of them. Learn his career trajectory “from boats to goats” and get unique insight about the place where his family has lived for generations.

Watch On Demand

Virtual Event:
The Legacy of Strawberry Field

Before the days of Beatlemania, a young John Lennon played on the grounds of Strawberry Field – a former Salvation Army home for children. Today, Strawberry Field gives young people with learning difficulties the opportunity for work experience.

Watch On Demand

Playlist:
Sounds of the Isles

From iconic rock legends to modern indie anthems, this playlist celebrates the best sounds from the UK and Ireland. Whether you're vibing to classic Britpop, soulful ballads, or Celtic-inspired tunes, these tracks bring the spirit of the isles straight to your ears.

Listen on Spotify

Book your British Isles tour now

Contact Us

EXPERTS IN THE BRITISH ISLES

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 below to view or download the brochure.

 
4MGN3 UK Ireland Brochure US CAN LG

The British Isles

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

Read What our Travelers are Saying...
Feefo logoRead all reviews

Get a glimpse into what you'll experience
through content from our travelers.