| Highlights:
Stratford-upon-Avon * York * Glasgow * Edinburgh * Belfast * Dublin * Kildare * Kilkenny * Waterford * Cardiff * Bath * Stonehenge * Salisbury
Day 1 - London – Stratford – York
Greetings from our Tour Director this morning as we begin our drive through Oxfordshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. On our arrival we see Anne Hathaway's cottage at Shottery and then visit the house where Shakespeare was born. This afternoon we continue to Viking York where a walking tour takes us through the historic streets of the most haunted city in Britain to the cobbled 'Shambles', around the city walls, to Petergate and Stonegate and to the magnificent Minster. This evening,we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner and drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. (Welcome Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn York
Day 2 - York – Lake District – Glasgow (2 nights)
This morning after breakfast, we will enjoy a beautiful drive that takes us through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the quaint villages and scenic glory of the Lake District. From here we continue along the shores of Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake and through the countryside which inspired William Wordsworth's poetry. Later, we cross the border into Bonnie Scotland and drive through the Southern Uplands en route to Glasgow Scotland’s largest city and former centre of the shipbuilding industry. On our orientation tour we will see George Square and the Cathedral as well as the River Clyde. (Full Breakfast) Hotel: Radisson SAS (2 nights)
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Day 3 - Edinburgh Excursion
After breakfast our morning drive brings us to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where a guided sightseeing tour shows us Princes Street, the Royal Mile and views of Holyrood House, in front of Arthur’s seat once home of Mary Queen of Scots, the new Scottish Parliament and a guided visit to Edinburgh's imposing castle. Then enjoy time at leisure to do as you please before going back to Glasgow for the night. This evening we will enjoy an evening of traditional hospitality in a local restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 4 - Glasgow – Belfast – Dublin (2 nights)
An early start today as we drive past Robert Burns' cottage and his monument at Alloway and then along the rugged Ayrshire coast with its many seals and wild birds via Turnberry and its exquisite golf course to Stranraer for our ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Our cruise takes us past the isle of Ailsa Craig, known as the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland, on our way to the Irish coast. On arrival in Belfast a sightseeing tour with a local guide shows us both sides of this fascinating city including the City Hall and Queen's University as well as the dock where the Titanic was built. Then we're on our way south, crossing the River Boyne at Drogheda and on to Dublin for two nights. (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Jurys Ballsbridge (2 nights)
Day 5 - Dublin sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour in this 'fair city' with a local expert shows us Trinity College, the Bank of Ireland, which used to be Ireland's House of Parliament, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the Georgian Squares. The rest of your day is at leisure. You may wish to shop for Irish tweeds and linen in O'Connell or Henry Streets or maybe take a trip to the stately home of Malahide. This evening, why not join us in the excitment at an Irish cabaret? (Full Breakfast)
Day 6 - Dublin - Kildare - Waterford
Today after a good Irish breakfast, our first stop will be at the Irish National Stud Farm located outside the town of Kildare. Here we will enjoy a guided walking tour conducted by a member of the friendly staff, through the tranquillity of the grounds and gardens. We will see world-class stallions and have time to visit the glorious Japanese gardens. Then we travel on Irish country roads through the 'Boreens' to medieval Kilkenny where we see its ancient castle. Later, we continue our drive to the Waterford Crystal Factory where we have an included visit to see how crystal is created before we continue to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: The Belfry |
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Day 7 - Waterford – Cardiff
An early start this morning as we drive to Rosslare Harbour where we board our ferry to Pembroke in South Wales seat of the Tudor dynasty. We drive along th heritage coast and continue on to the Welsh capital Cardiff. Here we stop to view its historic castle and see the Millennium Stadium Cardiff Arms Park. Tonight, why not enjoy a medieval Welsh Banquet?. (Full Breakfast) Hotel: Thistle / Jurys Cardiff
Day 8 - Cardiff – Bath – Stonehenge – London
This morning we cross the Severn Bridge into England heading to the glorious city of Bath. On our arrival an orientation tour shows us its graceful terraces and includes a visit to the Baths dating from Roman times. From here we continue to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge – a World Heritage site. Then we continue to Salisbury with time to view its impressive Cathedral – the tallest in Britain. Finally we return to London. (Full Breakfast)
Britain & Ireland Highlights Optional Excursions
Welsh Banquet
Go back in time to experience a medieval musical event. Hearstories of Wales in days of old and enjoy the beautiful Welsh voices of the Ladies of the Court. 39 (£)
Glasgow Evening
Enjoy an evening of local specialities in a characteristic restaurant in the heart of this vibrant city. 24 (£)
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 (€)
Loch Lomond Cruise and Dinner
Discover the wild beauty of the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond as we cruise across the loch. We will listen to tales of the local area and see the place where Rob Roy lay in hiding as we relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Then on to a quaint restaurant where we will dine on Scottish delicacies. 31.5 (£)
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 (£)
Burns Night in Braveheart Country
Join with the Scots to celebrate and commemorate their hero and national poet Robert Burns. With the bagpipes, the ceremony of the haggis and a delicious traditional meal, this is altogether an unforgettable evening. 31 (£)
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 (€)
Wye Valley & Tintern Abbey with Dinner
An enchanting drive along the Wye Valley brings us to the hauntingly beautiful and evocative Tintern Abbey, made famous by Wordsworth’s poetry. After our visit, we enjoy dinner with a drink in an historic pub, which was once part of the Tintern monks' ciderhouse. 28 (£)
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 (€)
Waterford Walk
Join our local guide for a dip into some of the fascinating history of Waterford, followed by a drink at a local pub. 20 (€)
Lake Windermere Cruise
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England’s largest lake, (tea and coffee included). 10 (£)
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
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