Fly drive and touring in the UK and Ireland

Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 1st October 2007
Author: Bob Atkinson (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.

The UK and Ireland are a diverse and rich pair of countries set off the western coasts of Europe. As a citizen of these isles, I have to be biased, however I truly do believe that we have an unparalleled range of scenery, history, culture and places to visit.

Places to visit on a fly drive or touring holiday

The choice is so immense for what is a small geographical area. So whether you are interested in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland, the rolling hills of Southern Ireland or the Ring of Kerry, the Lake District, Cotswolds or the West Country, the stunning scenery of the Northern Irish Coast at Giant's Causeway, the majesty of Snowdonia or the Gower peninsula we have identified the main areas to consider visiting on a touring holiday. And we haven't even mentioned any cities yet - Edinburgh, Dublin, London, Cardiff and Belfast to name but a few!

Taking a fly drive or a driving option is more suitable for an individual area although due to the distances of the UK and Ireland, it is easy to cover long distances by car on the fast and efficient motorway networks.

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Fly drive holidays in the UK & Ireland

Fancy a fly drive holiday? Grab a map, research your route with some good guide books, and then check prices.

We recommend you take advantage of our combined flights and car hire search to find and book your flight and car hire for the UK & Ireland. UK pricing is generally very competitive and easy to organise yourself. For accommodation why not try our hotels search for your overnight options. We even include B&Bs in the UK now to help you.

Escorted coach tours

Travelling in the comfort of a modern coach on your chosen itinerary is a great way to discover the UK and Ireland. We detail companies who can offer both multi destinations tours as well as those who offer tour & stay options at beach resorts and other destinations.

UK & Ireland Touring:

Leger Tours

With five different tours on offer, Ireland is covered with a series of breaks up to six days to the countries highlights.

Orient Express

The British Pullman, Northern Belle & Royal Scotsman all offer luxury day and longer trips in the UK. A real experience and touch of luxury.

UK & Ireland Tour & Stay:

Viator

Find and book London tours and activities on Viator.com. Book ahead to save time and money!

Page & Moy

Page & Moy has an enviable reputation for the diverse and unusual nature of its product range which spans everything from traditional touring holidays, city breaks and opera weekends, to food and wine tours, river and ocean cruises, safari's and F1 racing.

Orient Express

Using the three UK trains, you can combine these with luxury breaks in various locations at top hotels. A unique way to celebrate many things in lide as well as just to enjoy a treat.

Luxury escorted tours

There are a range of providers who specialise in luxury tours of the UK and Ireland, often staying in high class hotels and travelling in smaller groups, on top specification vehicles with the best guides in the industry. Itineraries are often more specialised yet still cover the areas travelled in full.

Rail & river tours

The UK and Ireland are not known for their river based tours or rail tours, however there are options for days trips on the Orient Express as well as old steam locos around the country. There are also a wide range of boating companies to hire river and canal boats across the UK and Ireland's waterways.

Orient Express

A name which is synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and service, Orient-Express owns and manages hotels, trains, cruises and restaurants across the world. Their unique holidays offer something special at affordable prices and a real travel experience.

Further guides on fly drive and touring holidays

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