Insight – Tours By RegionMarc Bollinger2020-05-13T14:52:59+00:00
Take the road to Rome from the iconic West End of London, through the cobbled streets of Paris and across the Alps of Innsbruck, to the Italian capital. Journey through the vineyards of Burgundy and slip across the Swiss border for an indulgent Dine Around meal in Lucerne. Enjoy a feast of local delicacies at a selection of hand-picked restaurants, set along the beautiful lakeside vistas. Voyage across the Dolomites to Venice and bear witness to the ancient skill of glassblowing. Practiced by precious few, this almost extinct artform is led by local craftsmen, intent on keeping the 15th-century tradition alive. In ancient Rome, enjoy fast-track access to the Vatican Museums and see Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel.
Travel through Ireland and Scotland in a Small Group, following a trail of incredible views and quiet moments. In Dublin, Trinity College’s cobbles lead you to the Book of Kells, while in Kildare the Irish National Stud and its Japanese Gardens blend stillness, color and careful design. At Blarney, visit the 15th-century castle, where the famous Stone is set high in the battlements and long linked with the ‘gift of the gab’. In Londonderry, walk along the old city walls with a local historian whose powerful stories bring history, culture and personal insight to life. Finally, you’ll learn about Scotland’s traditions with a sustainable whisky tasting at Uile-bheist, where Highland flavors and folklore come together for the ultimate finale.
From London to Rome and onto Paris, this grand tour takes in Cinque Terre, abundant Florence sightseeing and a delectable Lucerne Dine Around evening. After speeding from London to Amsterdam aboard Eurostar, the perfect introduction to the Netherlands is a curated cruise through the canals led by local experts. Onwards in style into Germany, the Rhine's UNESCO world heritage sites give way to the golden city of Prague—where your local guide will lead you through the hilltop castle courtyards and the grandiose St Vitus Cathedral or through the Jewish Quarter. A tour of Italy serves up the gondola-filled canals of Venice and the opulence of Rome, before Swiss delights beckon in Lucerne. Paris dazzles last with a chance to shop the city's boutiques like a local and enjoy views of iconic sights, including Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
From London to Rome and onto Paris, this grand tour takes in Cinque Terre, abundant Florence sightseeing and a delectable Lucerne Dine Around evening. After speeding from London to Amsterdam aboard Eurostar, the perfect introduction to the Netherlands is a curated cruise through the canals led by local experts. Onwards in style into Germany, the Rhine's UNESCO world heritage sites give way to the golden city of Prague—where your local guide will lead you through the hilltop castle courtyards and the grandiose St Vitus Cathedral or through the Jewish Quarter. A tour of Italy serves up the gondola-filled canals of Venice and the opulence of Rome, before Swiss delights beckon in Lucerne. Paris dazzles last with a chance to shop the city's boutiques like a local and enjoy views of iconic sights, including Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
Discover the ancient Roman Baths of Bath with their healing waters, enjoy a pint at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse and take an exclusive behind the scenes tour of the National Stud Farm in Kildare — the epicenter of Ireland’s thoroughbred horse breeding history. This all-encompassing tour showcases the regal heritage of Edinburgh Castle, the stunning beauty of England’s Lake District, the historic grandeur of Durham’s Romanesque cathedral and the rolling hills of Pembrokeshire in Wales. Pay homage to the literary legacy of Shakespeare as you visit his birthplace in Stratford Upon Avon, tour the medieval Shambles of old York, admire the ancient border of the Roman Empire at Hadrian’s Wall and set sail from Holyhead to Dublin, on this journey through Great Britain and Ireland.
Discover Ireland’s legendary landscapes and enduring traditions on this 10-day journey through the country’s most celebrated regions. From Georgian squares in Dublin to the windswept shores of Connemara, experience ancient sites, historic estates and vibrant cities. Walk along the Cliffs of Moher, travel the Ring of Kerry and enjoy an enriching MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Powerscourt Gardens. Visit Kylemore Abbey, cruise Lough Corrib and explore monastic ruins, film locations and castles that tell Ireland’s layered story.
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this guided tour celebrating Ireland’s nature and history. Dine inside Dublin’s Irish Emigration Museum, indulge your curiosities at Kylemore Abbey and stand atop the towering Cliffs of Moher. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seaweed foraging walk reveals a landscape that has inspired artists and writers while visits to iconic Blarney Castle and Kilkenny Castle gets you up close and personal with Ireland’s history.
From the dizzying 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher near Galway Bay to the grandiose Georgian architecture of Cork, this experience of Ireland is unlike any other. Take a stroll through the grounds of Trinity College with access to the famous Book of Kells in Dublin, see the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh and feast on a Farm-to-Table meal in a Killarney guesthouse. This family-run kitchen is the domain of chef John Sheehan and his wife Freda, who serve up nothing but authentic Irish recipes—guaranteed to inspire and delight. The once kissed, never forgotten Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle enthralls visitors from far and wide, while historic Galway delights the imagination.
From the dizzying 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher near Galway Bay to the grandiose Georgian architecture of Cork, this experience of Ireland is unlike any other. Take a stroll through the grounds of Trinity College with access to the famous Book of Kells in Dublin, see the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh and feast on a Farm-to-Table meal in a Killarney guesthouse. This family-run kitchen is the domain of chef John Sheehan and his wife Freda, who serve up nothing but authentic Irish recipes—guaranteed to inspire and delight. The once kissed, never forgotten Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle enthralls visitors from far and wide, while historic Galway delights the imagination.
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this guided tour celebrating Ireland’s nature and history. Dine inside Dublin’s Irish Emigration Museum, indulge your curiosities at Kylemore Abbey and stand atop the towering Cliffs of Moher. A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seaweed foraging walk reveals a landscape that has inspired artists and writers while visits to iconic Blarney Castle and Kilkenny Castle gets you up close and personal with Ireland’s history.
Travel through Scotland in a Small Group, discovering destinations shaped by legend, landscape and local craft. You’ll feel the energy of Edinburgh’s cultural districts, wander Glasgow’s stately Georgian streets and cross the water to the Isle of Skye, where lochs and misty ridgelines set a wilder scene. Slow the pace in the Orkney Islands as you explore Kirkwall’s Norse heritage and the windswept Ring of Brodgar. Discover Wick with a whisky tasting or a visit to the Heritage Museum. Plus, you’ll savor afternoon tea at Atholl Palace, join a bagpiping class in Edinburgh and even spend time around the legendary Loch Lomond.
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way and journey from Galway to Killarney on this once-in-a-lifetime tour of Ireland. Trace a landscape shaped by myth and geology—home to Europe’s longest defined coastal route and the staggering Cliffs of Moher, rising 214 m (702 ft) above sea level. Discover Galway’s vibrant streets, Killarney’s musical heritage and the storybook beauty of Kylemore Abbey, a neo-Gothic masterpiece built in 1868. From the quiet scholarship of Trinity College with its 9th-century Book of Kells, to the raw beauty of Connemara, this is Ireland at its most authentic and intriguing.
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Set foot on the stomping grounds of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, see the grand Georgian architecture of Glasgow and sail across the sea to the Isle of Skye—the most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Enjoy a quieter pace of life on the tranquil Orkney islands as you explore the 1000-year-old Norse Town of Kirkwall and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. In Wick, whet your whistle with a wee dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery or visit the fascinating Heritage Museum on this Insight Choice. After exploring the charming cobbled streets of St. Andrews, enjoy cream tea at Atholl Palace.
Experience the Wild Atlantic Way and journey from Galway to Killarney on this once-in-a-lifetime tour of Ireland. Trace a landscape shaped by myth and geology—home to Europe’s longest defined coastal route and the staggering Cliffs of Moher, rising 214 m (702 ft) above sea level. Discover Galway’s vibrant streets, Killarney’s musical heritage and the storybook beauty of Kylemore Abbey, a neo-Gothic masterpiece built in 1868. From the quiet scholarship of Trinity College with its 9th-century Book of Kells, to the raw beauty of Connemara, this is Ireland at its most authentic and intriguing.
Experience the best of Scotland, from its dramatic Highlands and rugged islands to its rich cultural heritage, on a journey thoughtfully designed to support the environment, local communities and heritage preservation. With more MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences and sustainable partners than ever, this tour ensures your travels have a positive impact. Meet a descendant of Robert the Bruce at his ancestral home; visit the Balmoral Estate, a royal favorite of King Charles; and explore the revival of tartan at Prickly Thistle, Scotland’s first B-Corp certified textile mill. Search for seals, whales and seabirds in the pristine waters off Dornoch Bay and the Isle of Mull, supporting conservation-focused local operators. Unwind in luxury at Cameron House on the edge of Loch Lomond, where you can glide across the loch on an elegant champagne cruise—all while embracing a new era of responsible, high-end travel.
See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to expansive lakes and scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields and sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel. Finally, indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside.
Experience Great Britain in all its luxuriant glory as you explore Alnwick and Edinburgh Castles. At the Tower of London, join the Yeoman Warder for a Ceremony of the Keys—a time old tradition carried out for the past 700-years, to help guard the Crown Jewels. Journey in style from Viking York to the magnificent Castle Howard for High Tea in the grand surrounds of the Grecian Hall, followed by a private tour of the castle and its grounds, after it closes to the public. In Bath join a Local Expert to visit Roman Baths, one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world, before enjoying a spectacular lunch at The Olive Tree. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves up a mouthwatering menu of locally sourced, seasonal fare, paired with fine wines.
Uncover the wild beauty and storied past of Ireland and Northern Ireland on this 11-day journey. Follow ancient stone paths through Glendalough’s mist-veiled valley. In Belfast, uncover the city’s modern identity through its vibrant street art and powerful murals. At the Giant’s Causeway, stand before nature’s geometry, perfectly ordered and otherworldly. Learn the secrets of traditional soda bread in Tracey’s farmhouse kitchen, warm with the scent of griddled flour and turf smoke. Travel by jaunting car beneath the shifting skies of the Ring of Kerry, then pause at the Cliffs of Moher, where wind and sea meet in endless motion. In Donegal, Lough Eske Castle offers quiet luxury amid deep woods and still water—a moment of calm, wrapped in history. From Galway’s painted shopfronts to the grandeur of Glenlo Abbey, this journey is a masterclass in contrast: wild and refined, timeworn and timeless.
Take the country roads across England and Wales on an exploration of Dorset’s quaint seaside vistas, Cardiff’s Welsh Rugby heritage and Bath’s ancient Roman history. Witness the millennia-old Stonehenge and tour the stunning 8th-century ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. The rich honey color hues of the stone houses will delight in The Cotswolds, the literary legacy of Jane Austen will bring Pride and Prejudice to life in Bath, and the luxury accommodations in Dartmoor’s Bovey Castle will give you a regal taste of the high life.
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, visit the majestic Kilkenny Castle. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed.
Follow in the footsteps of historical figures and literary giants on a 12-day guided tour of Scotland and England. In Edinburgh be dazzled by the jewels of Scottish royalty and join a Local Expert as you explore the best the city has to offer. Dine with Sir Ludovic, a Scottish Baronet, on his 10,000-acre coastal home - Ardgowan Castle. He’ll tell you about the castle's history and surrounding area as you enjoy traditional tea and scones. Cruise the English Lake District, and visit William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Plus, marvel at Stonehenge's monoliths and indulge in a Dine-at-Home Experience at York's Thirsk Hall, an 18th-century town house renovated by English architect John Carr.
Your Europe battlefield tour is the ultimate in-depth journey into the history of World Wars I and II. Journey to the Ypres Salient battlefields and see the Passchendaele Memorial and Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. Visit the Australian Fromelles Military Cemetery, where 250 British and Australian soldiers were buried and learn insights from a Local Expert for a tour of the key battlefields of the Somme. In Normandy, stand on the 100-foot-tall Pointe du Hoc overlooking the D-Day Landing Beaches and be guided through the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. End the trip exploring Paris' celebrated squares and avenues, from Place de la Concorde to the Champs-Élysées.
Take a one-of-a-kind trip to the ancient Roman city of Bath, enjoy a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and experience the majesty of Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh. This 24-day tour of Britain and Ireland is brought to life by Local Experts, with an arsenal of immersive experiences. Explore Ireland’s medieval city of Kilkenny and its castle. Cross England’s Salisbury Plains to prehistoric Stonehenge where a tour unlocks some of the secrets held by these 5000-year-old megaliths, while the Viking city of York charms all with its maze of narrow streets and close quarter homes.
Nurture your soul on this romantic tour of Oxford’s cobbled alleyways, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. Spanning the stunning Lake District, Britain’s yesteryear Viking capital of York, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford and William Wordsworth’s home village of Grasmere, this three week tour has it all. In Ireland, the lofty Cliffs of Moher offer truly stunning vistas, while the Dine Around in Killarney experience serves up a traditional Sunday roast dinner—with all the trimmings. The journey through the Ring of Kerry boasts breathtaking views of mountains fading into the distant sea and after a stop at the famous kissing stone in Blarney Castle, Local Experts add some extra sparkle with a personal tour through the House of Waterford Crystal.
This unforgettable Ireland and Scotland guided tour offers travelers a deep dive into the heart of Gaelic culture and history. Dublin impresses with the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College and the millennia old Book of Kells. Glencoe offers a glimpse of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis before a cruise on Loch Ness and a chance to seek out Scotland’s most infamous bonnie monster. Up in the highlands, enjoy a whiskey tasting at a distillery, to uncork tales of smugglers before the vacation embarks on a grand tour of the Scottish capital. Edinburgh doesn’t disappoint with the Royal Mile, home to Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the Scottish Parliament.
Follow in the footsteps of historical figures and literary giants on a 13-day guided tour of Scotland and England. In Edinburgh be dazzled by the jewels of Scottish royalty and join a Local Expert as you explore the best the city has to offer. Dine with Sir Ludovic, a Scottish Baronet, on his 10,000-acre coastal home - Ardgowan Castle. He’ll tell you about the castle's history and surrounding area as you enjoy traditional tea and scones. Cruise the English Lake District, and visit William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Plus, marvel at Stonehenge's monoliths and indulge in a Dine-at-Home Experience at York's Thirsk Hall, an 18th-century town house renovated by English architect John Carr.
Experience Great Britain in all its luxuriant glory as you explore Alnwick and Edinburgh Castles. At the Tower of London, join the Yeoman Warder for a Ceremony of the Keys—a time old tradition carried out for the past 700-years, to help guard the Crown Jewels. Journey in style from Viking York to the magnificent Castle Howard for High Tea in the grand surrounds of the Grecian Hall, followed by a private tour of the castle and its grounds, after it closes to the public. In Bath join a Local Expert to visit Roman Baths, one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world, before enjoying a spectacular lunch at The Olive Tree. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves up a mouthwatering menu of locally sourced, seasonal fare, paired with fine wines.
Marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, spot locals sipping pastis in Nice and admire Florence the home of Michelangelo and the Renaissance, as you circle the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Embrace the city of Pisa with a stop at the famous leaning tower, where Italian astronomer Galileo was said to have pioneered his theories of gravity. In France, work up an appetite in the medieval streets. In Spain, dine with the locals in Basque tradition with an evening of San Sebastian pintxos tastings, snack-sized tapas, while sipping on a refreshing glass of local Txakoli wine. In Rome, taste the seasonal flavors and of course, handmade pasta.
Live the European dream on this 11‑day guided tour. Luxuriate in Rome, enjoy fast‑track entry to the Vatican, ride an exhilarating open‑top cable car up Lucerne’s Mt. Stanserhorn in Switzerland and dine in style in Paris. Journeying through Italy, savor fresh local cuisine among the canals of Venice. After your Travel Director leads you through the vineyard‑covered plains of Umbria, spend two enchanting nights in Florence, surrounded by fine wine, cobbled streets and green‑marble cathedrals. Your adventure concludes in Paris, where iconic sights await, including the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the Champs‑Élysées.
Experience the best Europe has to offer. Travel from London to Europe on the high-speed Eurostar train. Cruise along the quaint canals in Amsterdam, and travel from Austria, across the Dolomites into Italy. Join a local home dinner in Rome where your host serves up delicious regional dishes. Enjoy fast-track access to the Vatican museums and view Michaelangelo's famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Then voyage through the Chianti Hills of Florence and the cobbled streets of lakeside Lucerne with a final stop in the city of lights, Paris.
Experience the finest Europe has to offer as you lose yourself on the Romantic Road in Rothenburg and satisfy your appetite in Hungary with a delightful dinner cruise in Budapest. Led by local experts, your experience will rival the aristocrats of yesteryear in the famed Carinthian Lake District. After checking in at your exclusive, private boat access hotel, dinner is served at La Fenice before twilight night caps at Cafe Florian—the premier cocktail bar in Venice. Sample a little pomp and circumstance with the Bavarian grandeur of Germany's Würzburg Residenz and in Vienna, tread in the footsteps of your local Travel Director with a chance to take a private tour of Maria Theresa's awesome Schönbrunn Palace.
Follow in the footsteps of the gladiators as you see the Colosseum in Rome, take in the regal history of the Habsburgs at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and see the Rhine Valley sights on the road to Königswinter during this 2-week guided tour. From the iconic attractions of Rome and the cultural gems of the Vatican, your expert-led voyage sets out across Europe, stopping for sunset cocktails and dinner in Venice, and sightseeing in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. In Vienna, enjoy the exclusive Insight Choice of Viennese Waltz dance lessons—set to the tunes of Mozart’s masterpieces, or sample sachertorte at a traditional Viennese cafe, washed down with a specially selected coffee. End your adventure with a private Rhine Castle visit paired with regional wines and a dinner in Amsterdam.
From Prague to Vienna and on to Paris, this immersive tour of Europe takes in the mansions of Amsterdam, the Roman Empire relics of Rome and the breathtaking scenery of the Alps. Arrive at your Venice hotel by private boat, ahead of an exclusive dining experience at La Fenice restaurant, and sunset cocktails at Cafe Florian. In the Golden City of Prague, take your pick of Insight Choice experiences, touring the courtyard of a 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, or joining a Local Expert on an exploration of the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, with a stop at a local bakery to sample Trdelník—a traditional Czech pastry. Journey onwards through the countryside forests of Bohemia to Hungary for a scenic Budapest dinner cruise, gliding past the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in style.
From Prague to Vienna and on to Paris, this immersive tour of Europe takes in the mansions of Amsterdam, the Roman Empire relics of Rome and the breathtaking scenery of the Alps. Arrive at your Venice hotel by private boat, ahead of an exclusive dining experience at La Fenice restaurant, and sunset cocktails at Cafe Florian. In the Golden City of Prague, take your pick of Insight Choice experiences, touring the courtyard of a 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, or joining a Local Expert on an exploration of the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, with a stop at a local bakery to sample Trdelník—a traditional Czech pastry. Journey onwards through the countryside forests of Bohemia to Hungary for a scenic Budapest dinner cruise, gliding past the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites in style.
See Paris icons like the Champs-Élysées, enjoy the gastronomic delights of pintxos tasting tours in San Sebastian, the foodie city of Spain and try your hand at Venice glassblowing in Italy, all on this grand European tour. From boutique fashionista shopping in the avenues of Paris to Picasso's trail blazing masterpieces in Madrid, this cultural tour de force is all encompassing. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's masterpiece—La Sagrada Família. The French Riviera offers an abundance of opulence, the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the harbor of Monaco packed to the brim with luxury yachts, and in Vienna the regal history of Austria's Habsburg dynasty fires up the imagination.
See Paris icons like the Champs-Élysées, enjoy the gastronomic delights of pintxos tasting tours in San Sebastian, the foodie city of Spain and try your hand at Venice glassblowing in Italy, all on this grand European tour. From boutique fashionista shopping in the avenues of Paris to Picasso's trail blazing masterpieces in Madrid, this cultural tour de force is all encompassing. Barcelona dazzles with Gaudi's masterpiece—La Sagrada Família. The French Riviera offers an abundance of opulence, the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the harbor of Monaco packed to the brim with luxury yachts, and in Vienna the regal history of Austria's Habsburg dynasty fires up the imagination.
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