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Recommended Itineraries in the UK & Ireland

The United Kingdom & Ireland offer fantastically rewarding and diverse holidays from multi-destination cultural tours to romantic city breaks, rural adventures and family fun. You've got historical country houses, royal palaces, ancient castles, stunning landscapes and yes, even world-class food all jostling for your attention on these small isles!

On a tailor made tour of the UK & Ireland, you get the chance to experience some really special towns and cities – from buzzing multicultural London to the beautiful Georgian cities of Edinburgh, Bath and Dublin, the university towns of Cambridge and Oxford and the birthplace of Shakespeare, Tudor Stratford-upon-Avon. In addition to centuries of history, these towns and cities have some of the finest museums, galleries and architecture in the world. The UK & Ireland also have some of Europe's most picturesque natural landscapes. Ampersand favourites include the wild Scottish Highlands and the vast lakes of the Lake District, the picture-perfect Cotswolds and the New Forest – the UK's last open area of unenclosed pasture land where horses and ponies roam freely. The UK & Ireland also boast fantastic wildlife. Go fishing in its rivers, loch and lakes, and ride, shoot or birdwatch to your heart's content in its many national parks, forests and countryside. Rich in urban, rural and gastronomical delights, the UK & Ireland also boast some of the world's best hotels. From grand country house hotels and small charming boutique properties to landmark institutions and luxury 21st century hotels, the UK & Ireland have something to offer everyone.


Our suggested tours in guide

Ampersand's Unusual Escorted Journey to Ireland

UK Ballyfin Ireland

10 days from £4,500

Ireland is home to some of the world’s finest historical homes, medieval castles and influential gardens. We have created Ampersand's...

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Royal Britain... A Luxury Tailor-made Tour of London and Edinburgh

Royal Britain UK Itinerary 14

6 days from £3,150 / $4,150

This classic combination of London and Edinburgh allows you to explore the best of Royal Britain using only the finest...

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A Pretty Pocket of England – The Classic Cotswolds

Thyme Hotel Cotswolds Uk 36

9 days from £3,995 / $5,420

Not far from the Urban Jungle of London lies a pretty pocket of rural bliss. The honey coloured hues of...

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A Quintessential Downton Abbey Experience

The Connaught London UK 8

11 days from £3,800 / $4,865

Not just for fanatics, our Downton Abbey Tour of the UK gives the perfect taste of the grand history of...

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James Bond in London: The Ultimate 007 Experience

UK Shangri La At The Shard London UK

6 days from £3,674 / $5,327

Sexy, glamorous and action packed, London is possibly the most exciting city in the world. This itinerary offers the ultimate 007 Bond...

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Grand Tour of Ireland

Ellies Photos Ireland Research Trip Ampersand Travel 31

11 days from £4,673

Do you want to experience the ‘real’ Ireland whilst staying at her most exceptional luxury properties? Ampersand has selected the...

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Historical Houses and Gorgeous Gardens… A Luxury Tour of Southern England

Gravetye Sussex UK 5

9 days from £2,924 / $4,678

This 9 day tour takes you to The Cotswolds, Somerset and Sussex to explore some of Southern England’s finest historical...

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Best of British... A Luxury Tailor-Made Grand Tour of the British Isles

Ampersands BEST OF BRITISH UK LUXURY TOURS 1

13 days from £4,344 / $6,950

This classic tour allows you to explore the British Isles staying in the best luxury hotels in each location. Over...

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English Indulgence... Luxury London, Bath and the New Forest

EXCELLENT ENGLAND UK Luxury Tours 1

9 days from £3,286 / $5,257

England has some of the world's most beautiful luxury hotels. This 9 day tour allows you to experience London's Corinthia,...

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Romantic Scotland.. A Stay at The Witchery and Loch Ness Lodge

Romantic Scotland UK Itinerary 8

7 days from £2,189 / $3,502

A perfect introduction to Scotland, this 7 day tour takes you to Edinburgh and Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands....

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The Best of Scotland & Ireland: The Ultimate Luxury Vacation

Ashford Castle Cong Ireland Ampersand Travel 2

15 days from £7,365 / $11,784

This itinerary offers a perfectly balanced and varied taste of Scotland and Ireland. Stay in the finest hotels in the...

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Luxury Christmas in London

Luxury Christmas In London UK 14

8 days from £3,191 / $5,105

This festive itinerary is perfect for families looking to make the most of the Christmas period in London. Split between...

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Four Seasons England... Tailor-made Town and Country

Four Seasons Town And Country UK Itinerary 2

10 days from £3,100 / $4,960

Explore the best of what London, Hampshire and Dublin have to offer with this luxurious Four Seasons itinerary. Experience London’s...

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Literary Legends in Luxury... London, Oxford & Stratford Upon Avon

Literary Legends UK Itinerary 8

9 days from £2,924 / $4,678

This 9 day tour covers London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Dublin, with specialised guides at all times. Visit the homes of...

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Amazing Architecture... Luxury London Tailor-made Tour

Amazing Architecture UK LUXURY TOURS 5

6 days from £1,863 / $2,980

A perfect tour for architecture-lovers, this 6 day itinerary will allow you to explore London's architectural wonders - from Georgian...

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Castles of Scotland... A Grand Historic Tour

Wedding Aldourie Castle

10 days from £8,665 / $13,864

This is the ultimate luxury tour of Scotland showcasing her most sensational experiences – from the vibrant culture of Edinburgh...

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The Ultimate Babymoon Getaway

Top 10 Hotel Spas Lime Wood Hampshire UK 2

6 days from £2,200

Indulgent, relaxing and romantic, this itinerary is perfect for parents-to-be looking for some R&R and pampering before the birth...

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Boutique Blighty... Luxury Tailor-made Tour of England

Boutique Blighty 10

12 days from £3,407 / $5,451

This 12 day tour allows you to enjoy England's highlights from the comfort of some of the country's best boutique...

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The Ultimate Downton Abbey Experience

Luxury Christmas In London UK 16

9 days from £4,530 / $7,293

Explore the filming locations of the period drama Downton Abbey, whilst staying in some of our favorite UK properties. Over...

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Grand Tour of Scotland

Grand Tour Of Scotland UK Itinerary 3

11 days from £2,564 / $4,102

This 11 day itinerary takes you on a tour of Scotland's highlights visiting whisky distilleries, world-class golf courses, scenic glens,...

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Family Christmas at The Ritz London

Family Christmas At The Ritz London UK LUXURY TOURS 1

6 days from £1,581 / $2,529

For those looking for festive family fun in the capital, this 6 day stay in London's famous Ritz hotel is...

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Learn to be an English Gentleman or Lady

Learn How To Be An English Gentleman UK Itinerary 17

6 days from £1,868 / $2,529

This 6 day town and country itinerary lets you experience the Connaught and the luxurious Coworth Park in Berkshire. Shop...

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Art Attack... East versus West London

Art Attack UK LUXURY TOURS 3

6 days from £1,780 / $2,848

London has some of the best art in the world, from Renaissance classics, Turner Prize entries or raw and ready...

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Journey into The Scottish Highlands

Journey To Highlands UK Itinerary 12

11 days from £3,045 / $4,872

The Scottish Highlands are considered the last great wilderness of Europe and this 11 day tour takes you on a...

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Luxury London... A Classic Luxury Tailor-Made Tour of the Capital

Luxury London UK Itinerary 2

6 days from £1,990 / $3,184

Explore the best of London from your base at London's luxurious Claridge's hotel. Perfectly located minutes from Hyde Park, Mont...

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Outdoors Lover's Paradise... A Luxury Tour of the UK's Lakes, Lochs and Brochs

Outdoor Lovers Paradise UK Itinerary 8

10 days from £2,670 / $4,272

Great Britain has a great deal to offer lovers of the outdoors and this tailor-made itinerary allows you to explore...

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The Royal Scotsman: The County Homes and Gardens Journey

Royal Scotsman Country Homes Gardens UK Itinerary 4

5 days from £4,660 / $7,456

Perfect for those who wish to experience the UK's finest country homes and gardens, this 5 day and 2 night...

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The Royal Scotsman: The Highland Journey

Royal Scotsman Highland Journey UK Itinerary 1

3 days from £2,350 / $3,760

This 3 day 2 night tour is perfect for combining with a tour of Scotland or the rest of the...

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Some of our favourite hotels in guide

Ard na Sidhe Country House ,
Killarney

Ard Na Sidhe Country House Killarney Ireland 16

Located outside the Killorglin, a short distance from Killarney on the banks of the scenic Caragh Lake, Ard Na Sidhe...

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Blakes ,
London

Blakes, (Corfu Suite), London, UK

Discreetly tucked-away behind its chic black Victorian townhouse exterior near South Kensington, Blakes, which can boast being the world's first...

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Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard ,
London

Shangri La Hotel At The Shard London 4

A combination of staggering views, great bars and restaurants, and the “wow” factor of staying in Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper...

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The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel ,
Edinburgh and The Lothians

The Balmoral Edinburgh UK 4

Consistently voted one of Scotland's finest hotels, the Rocco Forte Balmoral is a world-class luxury hotel located on Princes Street,...

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Gidleigh Park ,
Devon

Gidleigh Park Devon Uk 9

Gidleigh Park is an impressive Tudor style house that sits majestically within 107 acres of serene gardens and woodlands on...

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The Royal Crescent Hotel ,
Bath

UK - Royal Crescent  Daffodills

Classically beautiful both inside and out, the Royal Crescent hotel is housed in two Grade I listed townhouses at the...

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Some of our favourite places of interest in guide

Paris * (itinerary extensions)

PARIS Four Seasons George V Paris France 8

* Ampersand can arrange a tailor-made city break to Paris or an extension to your UK itinerary. Consistently voted the...

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Kenmare

 SHEEN FALL LODGE Kenmare Ireland 4

Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kenmare epitomises the untamed beauty of the south...

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Loch Ness

UK The Banks Of Loch Ness Scotland

Known for its infamous monster, Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest loch by volume and a site of outstanding natural beauty....

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The Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders Scotland 3

Sweeping valleys, heather-strewn moorlands, emerald forests and an enthralling history, the Scottish Borders are a captivating and exciting part of...

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Hampshire

Hampshire UK 4

Situated on the southern coast of England, Hampshire is a beautiful county complete with long sandy beaches, the New Forest...

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Edinburgh and The Lothians

Edinburgh UK 4

Scotland’s royal city, Edinburgh, is a real jewel. From ancient castles to royal palaces and Georgian townhouses, the city exudes...

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Related Blog Posts

Read some of our hand-picked blog posts for guide


Client Testimonials

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

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