Day 1 - London, Stratford-Upon-Avon, York and Bradford
First thing in the morning you will visit Stratford-upon-Avon, here you will have time to see the main attractions and look around the unique, independent shops for gifts.
Next you will walk through the streets of York, these narrow and quintessentially English walkways to view the Cathedral, a building of breathtaking, Gothic, architecture unmatched anywhere in the world.
You will then continue onto Bradford where you will recuperate and dine at your hotel for the night.
Includes Dinner.
Day 2 - Bradford, Lake District, Gretna Green and Glasgow
Feeling rested you will take a leisurely drive through the Yorkshire Dales and enter the beautiful scenery of The Lakes. Skirting the shore of lake Windermere, the largest lake in England and enjoy the green and pleasant land that has inspired many poets until you approach Grasmere. Here you will visit William Wordsworth grave at St. Oswald’s Church.
Crossing the border into Scotland you will visit Gretna Green, where if you wish you can re-enact your marriage vowels in front of the anvil.
In the afternoon, the tour will continue through the city of Glasgow where you will drive through the famous George Square, view the cathedral, and drive along the bank of the River Clyde which conjures up the magnificence and history of the ship building industry.
Includes Full Breakfast.
Optional Experiences
Private Cruise On Lake Windermere
Enjoy an exclusive cruise on a private boat on England’s most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the northern coastline, beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see deserted islands, boats and bird life as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
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.
Day 3 - Edinburgh Excursion
Today you will visit Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. An experienced and knowledgeable guide will show you this city of wonderful Scottish splendour. T
he magnificent palace of Holyroodhouse situated at the base of Arthur’s seat, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Cathedral and the newly built Parliament building.
For the afternoon, you will have some free time to wander and explore, admiring the grandeur and elegance of the Georgian architecture which abounds in the New Town.
Includes Full Breakfast.
Optional Experiences
Royal Yacht Britannia
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
A Stirling Evening
See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. A truly local experience, you’ll be piped in to your evening meal in the historic Scottish city and enjoy an evening of Scottish delights.
Glasgow City Evening
You’ll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation.
Day 4 - Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin
Today you will navigate the coast of Ayrshire and see the island of Ailsa Craig often referred to as the stepping stone to Ireland. Here you will board a waiting ferry on a short hop to the North of the Emerald Isle.
You will see Queen’s University, City Hall and see the dock where the historic Titanic was constructed.
In the afternoon, you will bridge the River Boyne and enjoy the sights the capital of Southern Ireland, Dublin offers, on the way to your hotel.
Includes Full Breakfast.
Optional Experiences
Dinner in Dublin City
Come to one of Dublin’s most locally-loved restaurant-pubs. You’ll enjoy dinner and charming hospitality that this part of the world is renowned for.
Day 5 - Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
Today you will enjoy the city of Dublin at leisure. Your local guide will take you through Phoenix Park, Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the beautiful Georgian squares.
In the afternoon, you can peruse the city at your leisure taking in the terrific shopping at Grafton Street and relax in the bars and restaurants situated throughout the famous Temple Bar. Enjoying the hive of entertainment and street performers this area has on offer.
In the evening the city is bustling, you may like to experience a delightful cabaret.
Includes Full Breakfast.
Optional Experiences
Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough
Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Enjoy an evening of fine food and non-stop fun as Ireland’s history unfolds in a cabaret of comedy, song and dance. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Day 6 - Dublin, Kilkeeny and Waterford
Driving through the county of Kildare to Kilkenny you will visit the magnificent medieval Castle and have time to have a relaxing lunch.
During the afternoon, you will visit the showroom of the exquisite crystal of Waterford before dining and settling into your hotel for the night.
Includes Full Breakfast and Dinner.
Optional Experiences
Explore Waterford’s History and Local Pub
Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the “best history lesson ever”. Afterwards, we stop off for a drink in one of the area’s oldest pubs for a pint or drink of your choice.
Irish Folk Fun
During this evening of entertainment, you’ll get the chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Day 7 - Waterford and Cardiff
Wales waits for your arrival today as you cross the St George’s Channel to visit Cardiff Bay, the National Assembly and the Millennium Centre. There will be time to see the magnificent and massively historic and pride of Wales, Cardiff Castle before visiting the Millennium Stadium. You will then be taken to your hotel to relax into the evening.
Includes Full Breakfast.
Optional Experiences
Cardiff Castle Tour
You’ll explore this unique castle on a private tour and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tales and even Aesop’s fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 1,000-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner
Join us for a traditional Welsh country dinner. We’ll take you to a 14th century thatched inn called The Blue Anchor. While you’re eating and enjoying your drink, you’ll be entertained with a performance from a Welsh harpist.
Welsh Evening At Millennium Centre
Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is the Welsh Millennium Centre, an iconic building in the fashionable Cardiff Bay area. After a warm reception, you’ll enjoy a first-class meal of seasonal Welsh specialities, sourced and produced locally. Quality wine or soft drinks are included and the meal will be accompanied by our enchanting Welsh harpist. You’ll then be entertained by the finest local musicians presenting the beautiful music of Wales.
Day 8 - Cardiff, Bath, Windsor and London
On the finale of your tour you will cross the breathtaking Severn Estuary into England and visit the Georgian, sandstone city of Bath. You could consider seeing the Roman Baths.
Then on to Windsor to experience the largest and oldest of our castles. Windsor Castle is truly awe-inspiring. Through the afternoon you will be free to wander along the bank of the River Thames or shop for souvenirs in this royal city.
To conclude you will arrive back in London where your tour will end.
Includes Full Breakfast.