Day 2 - Cardiff – Pembroke – Waterford This morning after breakfast we will see Cardiff's Castle before driving across South Wales via Carmarthen. Next we head to Pembroke to view the castle, birthplace of Henry VII of the Tudor Dynasty. Here we board our ferry for Rosslare in Ireland. On our arrival we drive to Waterford for dinner and overnight. (Full Breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Waterford Marina

Day 3 - Waterford – Blarney – Kenmare (Kerry)
Today our first stop is a visit to the Waterford Crystal showroom, afterwards we drive along the splendid southern coast through the fishing port of Youghal and Cork. Nearby, we visit Blarney Castle – so that you can kiss the stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. From here we continue over the Cork and Kerry Mountains to Kenmare. We dine at our hotel this evening. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Kenmare Bay


Day 4 - Kenmare Bay – Ring of Kerry – Limerick
This morning we drive around the ‘Ring of Kerry’ a wonderful landscape hewn by the last Ice Age with some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the world and Ireland’s highest mountains. Then north to County Limerick, through Adare, the prettiest village in Ireland and crossing the mighty Shannon to our hotel in Limerick. Why not enjoy an Irish Ceilidh tonight? (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Radisson SAS / George


Day 5 - Limerick – Dublin (2 nights)
After a full Irish breakfast this morning we will have the chance to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk park. Then we drive across County Clare en route to view Galway Bay. We stop in Galway then head across Ireland's rich farmland to Dublin, Ireland's capital. (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Jurys Ballsbridge (2 nights)

Day 6 - Dublin sightseeing & at leisure This morning's sightseeing tour of Dublin's 'fair city' with a local guide shows us Trinity College and the astoundingly beautiful ‘Book of Kells’, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the Georgian Squares. The rest of your day is at leisure. You may wish to take an optional excursion to a stately home or to an ancient monastic site this afternoon. For your last night in Ireland, why not join your fellow travelling companions at an Irish cabaret this evening. (Full Breakfast)

Day 7 - Dublin - Chester
Today we will enjoy a relaxing cruise on the world’s largest passenger ferry across the Irish Sea, affording magnificent views of Dublin Bay. We arrive in the specatacular mountain scenery of North Wales as we arrive in Holyhead on the Welsh island of Anglesey. You’ll need to use the wide-angle lens on your camera to take a picture of our next place of call – the station with the longest name in the world... Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch. Passing by the Snowdonia National Park we travel on to Chester where we enjoy a walking tour around the Roman walls and to see its Tudor architecture and galleried shops known as the 'Rows' before heading to our hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn South

Day 8 - Chester – Lake District – Edinburgh (2 nights)
Today we travel to one of the most beautiful National Parks in the world – the English Lake District – home of William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. We stop in pretty Grasmere to see the home of William Wordsworth in the village on the lake; Our next stop is at Gretna Green just across the Scottish border – featured in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and famous for its love and romance – the place where eloping couples could marry against their parents’ wishes. Finally on to the Scottish capital – Edinburgh for our
two-night stay. During the Festival, we include tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo.
(Full Breakfast) Hotel: Holiday Inn (2 nights)

Day 9 - Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure
Morning sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit of the apartments in the Castle and views of Holyrood House by Arthur’s seat. We will also drive along elegant Princes Street with its views on to the Crag and Tail on which the Castle and Royal Mile are built and we will see the impressive monument to Sir Walter Scott. Edinburgh’s New town will also be included on our sightseeing tour. You may wish to visit the Rosslyn chapel just south of Edinburgh – closely associated with the Knights Templar and Freemasons and made famous by ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Tonight, why not enjoy a Scottish night out? (Full Breakfast)

Day 10 - Edinburgh – York Through the Scottish Borderlands, and across the River Tweed we stop to see the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and then view the magnificent scenery at Carter Bar. Driving into the Northumberland National Park we stop to inspect a section of the Emperor Hadrian’s Wall at Heddon and then cross the River Tyne at Newcastle. Next on to York where our Tour Director takes us on a walking tour through the 'Shambles' and other great parts of the city finishing at the largest Cathedral in Britain – York Minster – where we will enjoy the Evensong service. Afterwards we will enjoy typical Yorkshire hospitality at dinner in a local pub. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner) Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 11 - York – Coventry – Shakespeare Country (Warwick)
This morning we travel through Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest, where we see the church where, according to legend, Maid Marion and Robin Hood were married. Then into the heart of England to Coventry city, where we see the two cathedrals – one bombed during the second World War and the other built to replace it like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. We’ll also see the statue of Lady Godiva before reaching our hotel in Warwick, famous for its castle, for dinner and overnight stay. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Hilton

Day 12 - Shakespeare Country (Warwick) – Stratford – Oxford – London
Today we view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage en route to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace. Next a scenic drive through the Cotswolds to the little churchyard at Bladon to see Sir Winston Churchill's grave. Our final stop en route to London is at Oxford, the oldest University city in the British Isles. We will enjoy a guided walk around of one the famous colleges to get a real taste of student life here before our journey leads us back to London. (Full Breakfast)

Wonders of Britain & Ireland Optional Excursions:

Lake Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the lake district as we cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
13 (£)

Warwick Castle
This excursion allows you to explore the “jewel in the crown” of England’s great medieval castles. You’ll visit the Armoury, the grim Dungeon, the magnificent State Apartments and the haunted tower. The really adventurous can climb Guy’s and Caesar’s Towers for panoramic views out over the Warwickshire countryside and the River Avon far below. 13.5 (£)

Trossachs Tour
Known as the gateway to the Highlands - lochs, glens and mountains combine in one of Britain’s most scenic landscapes. We enjoy views of Stirling and Doune Castles as around each bend of the twisting Highland road the legends of Scotland come to life. Stories of William Wallace, Rob Roy MacGregor and Walter Scott’s ‘Lady of the Lake’. In case you were wondering ‘Trossachs’ means ‘the bristly country’.
10 (£)

Edinburgh Night Out
Join us for a relaxed evening with a leisurely drive followed by dinner in a traditional Scottish pub. 24 (£)

Edinburgh Scottish Show with Dinner
Tonight is a chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate anevening in Edinburgh. 39.50 (£)

Dublin Malahide Stately Home
Malahide is both a castle and a stately home, and has been the seat of the Talbot family since the reign of Henry II. Today, it is the home of the National Portrait Gallery of Ireland as well as one of the finest collections of Georgian furniture and antiques in the country. There are fine gardens, wonderful views of Dublin Bay and even a famous miniature railway close by. 17 (€)

Glendalough. The Glen of the Two Lakes
This is one of the most important monastic sites in Europe dating back to the 7th century. This sacred site is famous for its tranquil beauty - set amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland. 18 (€)

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Visit the 15th century Castle with its fine furnishings, antiques and paintings. Bunratty was built by the MacNamaras and became the main stronghold of the powerful O’Brien clan. Experience the Ireland of yesteryear as you wander through the folk park with its thatched cottages and smoky turf fires - a way of life that has all but gone now. In the village street there are shops, a school and a bakery - maybe treat yourself to some of the freshly baked cakes in the village tea room. 18 (€)

Craggaunowen
Join us on a journey back to the time of St. Patrick and Ireland’s Golden Age. Located in a remote and scenic part of County Clare, Craggaunowen is a re-creation of the Celtic way of life. You will be taken to see the Dwelling houses, Furnsteads, and other features of everyday life during the Iron Age and Early Christian eras. Also see a leather craft of the type used by St.Brendan The Navigator in his legendary voyage of discovery to the New World. 18 (€)

Shannon Castle Banquet
The banquet is held in the great hall of the Castle: we dine, we’re entertained by the court jester, the Castle musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court, in the splendour of a by-gone age. There’s fine music, singing, dancing, good food and laughter. It won’t be long before you join in with the ‘court entertainers’ taking home warm memories of this delightful evening. 60 (€)

Irish Celi Evening
Enjoy the great atmosphere or ‘craic’ at our ceili evening. Traditional Irish music and dancing and the chance to sing along to some familiar Irish melodies. Dinner is included on this fun evening. 54 (€)

Killarney Jaunting Car Ride
Take a traditional pony and trap ride through the streets of Killarney and into the beautiful Bourne - Vincent National Park. Your ‘Jarvey’ will tell you stories about Killarney - remember he has probably kissed the Blarney Stone once or twice! 17 (€)

Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Over an excellent dinner you’ll enjoy a non-stop show featuring comedy, dance, song, music and fine food. Ireland’s musical history unfolds in a cabaret that will delight you long after the night has ended. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the fun, and it’s all wrapped up in the spirit of Irish humour. We will even serve you an Irish Coffee at the end of dinner, it will put you in the mood for Ireland’s best night out. 64 (€)

Cardiff Castle Tour
Visit this unique castle given to the city of Cardiff by the Marquis of Bute. The ornate decor within the castle will surprise and delight you. 10 (£)

Irish Pub Experience
Why not join in the fun and laughter of one of the cosiest pubs in the country? Traditional Irish music tops the evening and before you know it you’ll be joining in the songs and laughter. (A drink of your choice is included). 20 (€)

Dublin Dinner
Join us for dinner in one of Dublin’s pub/restaurants. 39 (€)

Irish Stud & Japanese Gardens
A chance to visit the world famous Irish National Stud situated in Co. Kildare. We have a guided tour of the stable area and see their magnificent stallions. Followed by a visit to the Japanese Gardens. 17 (€)

An Evening of Irish Entertainment
A chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best Folk tradition. Enjoy a glass of wine whilst being entertained by the people who live and work in the area. 24 (€)

Dublin. Theatre & Dinner
Dublin has a great literary heritage. Join us for dinner and a performance at one of Dublin's Theatres.
75 (€)
EDINBURGH. Rosslyn Chapel Tour & Trail
With a local guide, we drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we have a tour of the famous Rosslyn Chapel. Visit one of Scotland's most unusual 15th Century buildings, famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'. Intricate carvings of New World plants, and secret chambers make this a must on any visit to Scotland. Afterwards there is the opportunity to visit the chapel shop and maybe take a stroll in the beautiful Rosslyn Glen before returning to Edinburgh. 18 (£)

Tour Cancellation: The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, provided that such cancellation is advised not less than 35 days prior to scheduled tour departure. If material alterations become necessary to tours or travel arrangements for which bookings have already been made, the tour operator will inform passengers without delay and will give passengers the choice either of accepting the alteration, which will be of comparable standard, if available, or of receiving a prompt and full refund of all money paid