Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty like rolling green hills, rugged coastlines, and mountains, Ireland and Britain’s smaller towns exude old-world charm and offer a relaxing balance to the region’s busy cities - with a slower pace, quaint local shops, and regional cuisine.  Guided vacations can be the best way to discover these idyllic settings – and CIE Tours, the experts in Ireland, Britain, and beyond, can take you there. Some of our favorite quintessential towns include:

Killarney: With its picturesque location surrounded by mountains and lakes, Killarney offers the ultimate Irish town experience complete with great pubs and easy access to the stunning Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous scenic drive. Visit Killarney on more than a dozen CIE Tours itineraries, including their most popular Taste of Ireland.  

Adare: Adare's unique blend of thatched-roof cottages, historic architecture, and idyllic parklands creates a storybook setting that will transport you into the heart of Ireland's enchanting past. Make Adare your home for the week on the Ireland South Daytripper. Unpack once and visit many favorite attractions.  

Dingle: Boasting a beautiful Atlantic seaside location, quirky painted storefronts, and great seafood, this small Irish town delivers charm and fun for visitors. Visit Dingle on Best of Ireland South and Southern Gems.

Cobh: With colorful waterfront houses and walkable streets, Cobh is another lovely seaside town to explore. Its rich maritime history includes serving as the departure point for the Titanic and for millions of emigrants who left Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries. Visit Cobh on the Irish Adventure and Irish Heritage tours.

Pitlochry: Nestled amongst the dramatic mountains, rivers, and forests of the Scottish Highlands, the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry entices visitors with its small-town vibrancy. Stay in Pitlochry’s legendary Athol Palace Hotel on the Scottish Dream, Scottish & Irish Dream and Scottish & Irish Gold tours.  

St Andrews: As the beautiful medieval town famous as the birthplace of golf, St Andrews offers visitors a scenic coastal setting rich in history and culture. Royal fans will also be delighted to see the university where Prince William met Kate Middleton. Visit St Andrews on the Taste of Scotland and Scottish Dream itineraries.

Windermere: Set amidst England’s breathtaking Lake District, the lively Victorian resort town of Windermere entices visitors with outdoor activities like cruising Lake Windermere surrounded by beautiful mountains. Stay overnight in Windermere on the Gems of Northern England and English Odyssey itineraries.