12 Day – Britain and Ireland Tour

Your extraordinary adventure across Britain and Ireland begins today in the bustling heart of London. Leaving the capital’s iconic skyline behind, you’ll journey through picturesque English countryside to the historic town of Windsor, home to the magnificent Windsor Castle. Next, immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Bath, admiring its distinctive honey-coloured Georgian architecture and exploring its ancient Roman heritage. Finally, cross the Severn Estuary into Wales, where the vibrant capital, Cardiff, welcomes you for your first evening, setting a spectacular scene for the unforgettable experiences that lie ahead.

• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre (or similar)
• Meals: Dinner

Start your day with an Optional Experience to Cardiff Castle, a medieval stronghold rich with centuries of history. Leaving the Welsh capital, you’ll journey through ancient landscapes and lush countryside towards Pembroke. Along the way, your scenic drive passes Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales and, according to legend, the birthplace of Merlin. See the impressive 11th-century Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of King Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty. Afterward, board your ferry across the Irish Sea, bound for Ireland, where you’ll spend the night in Waterford.

• Accommodation: Treacy’s (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Your day begins with a fascinating visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom, where you’ll witness the artistry behind the city’s famous delicate crystal. Leaving its Viking history behind, you’ll journey through charming Irish scenery towards the iconic Blarney Castle. Here, a quick kiss of the legendary Blarney Stone is said to bestow upon you the ‘gift of the gab’. Your scenic drive continues, winding past the beautiful Cork and Kerry Mountains. You’ll pass through Killarney, where an optional Jaunting Car ride offers a delightful way to explore, before heading to Tralee, a town famous for its annual Rose of Tralee International Festival.

• Accommodation: Benners Hotel (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Prepare to be captivated by today’s journey through the Dingle Peninsula, a wild and enchanting landscape of ancient stone monuments, secluded beaches, and lush green pastures. This scenic drive will take you through charming tiny villages and past colorful fishing harbors, revealing vistas that have long inspired poets and artists. Though those incredible views from Ireland’s most westerly point will stay with you, your adventure continues to Adare, often hailed as the prettiest village in Ireland. Later, head to Limerick to explore the medieval St. Mary’s Cathedral and take in King John’s Castle. You’ll then arrive at your hotel in Shannon, where a delicious dinner awaits you this evening.

• Accommodation: Treacys Oakwood (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, consider joining an Optional Experience to the impressive 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, offering a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Irish life. After perhaps a friendly chat with the ‘locals,’ you’ll journey through the wild and scenic landscapes of County Clare en route to Galway, known as the ‘place of foreigners.’ Here, admire its striking modern cathedral before continuing to the vibrant and whimsical Irish capital, Dublin. This evening, an optional dinner and lively Irish show promises to get your toes tapping and leave your taste buds craving another round of delicious Irish coffee.

• Accommodation: Dublin One (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

You’re in for a treat this morning as your Local Guide shares the secrets of Dublin, a charismatic capital with a charming small-town feel. You’ll view iconic landmarks like Trinity College, the magnificent St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Dublin Castle, a 13th-century Norman fortress now transformed into a captivating museum. This afternoon is yours to explore Dublin at your leisure, or you could opt for an optional visit to one of Europe’s most significant monastic sites. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient stories of Glendalough to life, guiding you through the stunning landscapes of Ireland’s ‘garden county.’

• Accommodation: Dublin One (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Bid a fond slán go fóill (farewell for now) to the Emerald Isle as you cross the Irish Sea, bound for Holyhead on the Welsh island of Anglesey. Get ready for a true tongue-twister and a fantastic photo opportunity as you view the train station boasting one of the longest names in the world: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Afterward, journey along the picturesque north coast of Wales to Liverpool, the legendary city where the musical ‘Fab Four’ — The Beatles — began their iconic journey. This evening, you’ll head to Haydock in St. Helens for your overnight stay.

• Accommodation: Mercure Haydock (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

After a busy week, prepare for an idyllic stop in what’s often called ‘the loveliest spot,’ a landscape that has inspired countless works of poetry and prose. You could opt for an exclusive cruise on Lake Windermere, skimming its northern coastline, discovering deserted islands, and admiring Wray Castle. Take in the stunning Lake District landscapes so beloved by literary giants like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter before crossing the Scottish border. Your journey continues to Gretna Green, where you’ll learn the fascinating history of eloping couples who would “tie the knot” over the legendary anvil, defying their parents’ wishes. Tonight, an Optional Experience offers the chance to join your fellow travelers for a delicious traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Your journey south today ventures through what was once known as ‘The Debatable Lands,’ where you’ll witness the evocative 12th-century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Admire the expansive Cheviot Hills from Carter Bar, seizing the perfect opportunity for a selfie at the Anglo-Scottish border. Continue into Northumberland National Park to view Hadrian’s Wall, the most extensive Roman archaeological feature globally. After crossing the Tyne River at Newcastle, you’ll arrive in York. An orientation tour will reveal the city’s rich medieval heritage and its spiritual heart, the magnificent Gothic Minster. Wander down the narrow, cobbled Shambles before enjoying dinner in a traditional York pub. Afterward, continue to your hotel in Bradford for the night.

• Accommodation: Leonardo (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, step back in time as you arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, a historic market town whose streets and squares remarkably preserve the atmosphere of Shakespeare’s era. Embark on your own exploration of the birthplace and final resting place of England’s most famous bard. There’s also an opportunity to join an Optional Experience to Warwick Castle, where you might even witness the dramatic firing of the Trebuchet, one of the greatest medieval siege weapons. You’ll then continue to Cheltenham for your overnight stay.

• Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Today, take a step back in time as you journey through the Cotswolds, a glorious region of tiny thatched villages and rolling green hills. Your scenic drive through this historic corner of Britain will bring you to Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill, widely credited with leading the British nation to victory in World War II, rests in the unassuming churchyard at St. Martin’s Church. Churchill deeply loved the Cotswolds and spent his retirement here. Next, you’ll visit Oxford, England’s oldest university city. See several of its iconic landmarks before continuing south to London, where you’ll bid a fond farewell to your Travel Director and new friends, taking with you a lifetime of memories from your incredible journey.

• Meals: Breakfast