Spotlight on the United Kingdom and Ireland
The United Kingdom is just one of the many incredible destinations Bella Vita can help you discover. This is an area that we know incredibly well. We’ve lived here, traveled here, explored all facets and angles of this special region. From Michelin-starred restaurants in London to sheep shearing in Scotland, from dolphin watching in Dingle, Ireland to salmon fishing in Wales, we have done (and can arrange) just about anything for our clients.
As Bella Vita has expanded beyond the Mediterranean, we can plan trips virtually anywhere for our clients. All this while still offering our VIP amenities and upgrades, exclusive travel advice and preferred industry discounts to you. Thanks to our affiliations with with the illustrious Travel Experts and Virtuoso, our clients can benefit from special VIP perks and amenities all over the world, including the UK and Ireland.
The United Kingdom, made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is an island nation in northwestern Europe. Ireland, the beloved “emerald isle”, is an independent country just next door (that also is same island as Northern Ireland). This week, we share some of our favorite reasons to come and experiences here.
Breathtaking Landscapes in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Both countries offer stunning natural landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland to the picturesque countryside of the Cotswolds in England. Whether you prefer rugged coastlines or rolling green hills, there is something for everyone.
Tailor made tours to explore the countryside
One of our favorite tours to appreciated these incredible landscapes is our private day tour of the Cotswalds in England. When staying in Bath, your private driver and guide will meet you for full day of touring the Cotswolds. First, walk around the charming village of Castle Combe. After, you can then travel to Lacock Abbey and Village, a perfectly preserved quintessential English village, mostly owned by the National Trust, and the birthplace of photography. To continue, you can then stop at one of landscape architect Capability Brown’s most beautiful parks, Bowood House and Gardens. To end the day, you also visit the Neolithic henge monument of Avebury, the largest of its kind in Europe composed of three stone circles around the village of Avebury.
Cosmopolitan Cities
From the bustling streets of London to the vibrant city of Dublin, the United Kingdom and Ireland are home to dynamic and cosmopolitan cities. These urban centers offer a vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary scenes, and a thriving arts and music scene.
The United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums and galleries, such as the British Museum and the National Gallery in London. From ancient artifacts to modern art, these cultural institutions offer a wealth of artistic and historical treasures.
Tailor made tours in the United Kingdom: Private Walking Tour of London
This walking tour is the perfect overview of London, giving you a glimpse into the city’s Royal heritage and fascinating history. You will begin your day at Westminster Abbey, where you will learn all about the Royal weddings, funerals, coronations, and the many State occasions that have taken place in the Abbey over the years. You will then head over to Buckingham Palace to witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. From here, visit Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms to learn about where Winston Churchill and his War Cabinet met and lived at the height of the Blitz during World War II.
Tailor made tours: Dublin music tour
A unique saunter through Ireland’s musical heritage, our Dublin Musical Tour delves into the history and stories of Dublin and Ireland. Famous for the gift of gab, the Irish place an incredible importance in song and Irish Music. Led by an accomplished local balladee this unique walking tour will have you enthralled, engaged, and singing your heart out!
The musical tour of Dublin guides you through the history of Irish music. All of this with an accessible and good-humored style as only the Irish can. To start, you will hear stories of Dublin’s 18th Century dens of iniquity in an area known as ‘Hell’. Of course you will hear songs from Dublin with roots as far back as the 9th Century. It will all give you a fascinating insight into the role of music in creating an Irish identity, driving a cultural revolution, and the contemporary Irish music & folk scene.
Incredible accommodations
From luxury in the cities to countryside estates and cozy bed and breakfasts, our portfolio in the United Kingdom and Ireland is extensive. After our first meetings and getting to know our clients, we can personally recommend some of our favorite properties. We base these on your travel style, preferences, budget and needs. All of our trips are tailor made and as different as each of our clients!
Cameron House, Scotland
This boutique accommodation has an enviable postion. Standing on the peaceful southern shores of Loch Lomond, it occupies over 400 acres of magnificent woodland. Cameron House is an 17th century baronial mansion offering deluxe accommodation, award winning cuisine, superb leisure and outdoor pursuits. In addition, the championship golf course “Carrick on Loch Lomond” and exclusive spa provide an inspirational setting. With interiors that are almost as dramatic as the exterior of the manor, this stunning residence evokes character and comfort at every turn.
Ashford Castle, Ireland
Who hasn’t dreamed of staying in a real, actual castle? Through the grand stone gates, a royal adventure begins. This remarkable 800-year-old castle, widely recognized as Ireland’s top castle destination and once home to the Guinness family, is exceptional in every sense. It is nestled in 350 acres of woodland on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo. The property has received multiple awards and accolades. Enjoy extraordinary dining experiences and fine Irish cuisine, watch hawks soar at Ireland’s first school of falconry, and restore inner peace at the state-of-the-art spa. Warm smiles from the extraordinary characters of the castle will greet you at every turn. It is also Ireland’s only Forbes Five Star Hotel.
Getting around the United Kingdom and Ireland
For clients looking for more independence, these are destinations that lend themselves quite well to a self drive itinerary. With your own vehicle, you can stop in small towns along the way as you explore the lush countryside. For those combining a trip with other stops, the cities are full of great public transportation. We can also arrange a private transfer from one destination to the other if you are not as keen as driving on the “wrong” side of the road (it’s easier than you think!). Many clients choose a long layover in London or Dublin on their way home from a longer European trip. Others choose to hop between the United Kingdom and Ireland as the total focus of their holiday. The options are endless!
The United Kingdom and Ireland, tailor made
With its combination of spectacular cities and countryside, cultural heritage, nature and museums, the UK and Ireland are unforgettable destinations. We can help plan a customized itinerary that showcases the best of what this enchanting region has to offer.
Contact us today to learn more about a tailor made holiday here!
