Your whirlwind journey through Great Britain and Ireland launches in London. As the boroughs of the 'Old Smoke' give way to the beautiful shires north of its skyscrapers, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through lush green landscapes bound for Shakespeare country. Visit Stratford-upon-Avon where you’ll come face to face with the legacy of England’s beloved bard before heading to York. Your Travel Director will take you for an orientation walk through its medieval streets to the sacred York Minster, where every piece of Stained glass and limestone block was placed for the glory of God. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before you continue to your hotel in Bradford
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Jurys Inn/Holi
You’re in for a serene start to your morning as you wind your way through the limestone hills and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. Rustic stone villages, sheep-filled pastures, castles and abbeys line your route to England’s celebrated Lake District. At Lake Windermere, an Optional Experience could take you back to the days of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth who proclaimed the area'the loveliest spot that man hath found'. Board an optional cruise on a private boat, skimming the northern coastline, deserted islands and Wray Castle. Then cross the Scottish border and stop in Gretna Green where eloping couples would tie the knot over the anvil. Continue to Glasgow later today. Your afternoon orientation of this former industrial hub turned vibrant modern metropolis will include views of the cathedral, the River Clyde and George Square where many of Scotland’s most famous sons are immortalised in stone.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ibis City Centre
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere - Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere to discover the beauty of the northern coastline, admiring picturesque homes, gardens and the neo-gothic architecture of Wray Castle along the water. You'll be left inspired as you encounter deserted islands, unique wildlife and scenic vistas as you explore the area beloved by famous writers Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult: 23.00 GBP
Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride - Take in the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England's largest lake, admiring beautiful homes, castles and more. Then, step back in time as we board the historic steam
train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite, enjoying the thrill of riding the heritage railway and taking in scenic views as we
travel.*
Adult: 27.00 GBP
* Occasionally this experience will operate in reverse.
Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere - Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere to discover the beauty of the northern coastline, admiring picturesque homes, gardens and the neo-gothic architecture of Wray Castle along the water. You'll be left inspired as you encounter deserted islands, unique wildlife and scenic vistas as you explore the area beloved by famous writers Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult: 23.00 GBP
Music City Tour and Meal - Take your holiday-in Glasgow to the next level, with the chance to explore more of the trendy Scottish city on a guided walking tour. After exploring some of the city's best sights, we’ll enjoy a two-course
dinner with live music from Glasgow's up-and-coming folk performers. Afterwards, an informal trad folk session will see us through the night for one unforgettable experience.
Adult: 49.00 GBP
A day-spent exploring Scotland’s exquisite capital will leave you in no doubt as to why it captured the hearts of Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte and even Queen Victoria. Your Local Specialist will reveal all the highlights of 'Auld Reekie'. View the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle which watches over the city from Castle
Rock. Exchange the medieval façades of the Old Town for grand Georgian-lined boulevards of the 18 century New Town. You’ll have some time to explore Edinburgh your way or consider joining one of two special Optional Experiences, visiting the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle. This evening surrender to the skirl of
bagpipes during an optional dinner in Stirling with views of its Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ibis City Centre
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Edinburgh Castle Experience - Dominating the skyline of the city, Edinburgh Castle has stood strong on Castle Rock since the 12th century. Led by our Local Specialist, we'll pay a visit to the castle that is famous for being the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked fortresses in the world. We’ll also see the crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Adult: 35.00 GBP
Rosslyn Chapel - We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult: 22.00 GBP
A Stirling Evening - See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. One of the largest castles inScotland, Stirling was once home to Mary Queen of Scots and boasts a fascinating history to uncover. After your tour, you'll enjoy a truly local experience as you head for your evening meal in the historic city to savour Scottish delights.
Adult: 44.00 GBP
Your visit to Scotland culminates in a scenic drive along the Ayrshire coast, the rugged landscapes where Robert Burns, Scotland’s National Poet, was born and raised. Pass Ailsa Craig, the figurative stepping stone from Scotland to
Ireland before boarding your short ferry crossing to Northern Ireland. You won’t dally in its trendy capital, but there’s time to see the City Hall, Queen’s University and the dock where the ill-fated Titanic was built. Head south to Dublin, your home for the next two nights. There’s no better way to embrace the energy of the city than joining an optional dinner at one of its most popular restaurantpubs. Rub shoulders with the locals as you enjoy dinner and a solid dose of Irish craic.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Maldron Tallaght/Clayton Leopardstown
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dinner in Dublin City - Famous for its heritage buildings and authentic local culture, Dublin is a charm-filled city for travellers to explore – and what better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Irish capital than with an evening in one of the most locally loved restaurant-pubs? You'll enjoy dinner and experience the charming hospitality for which this
part of the world is known.
Adult: 51.00 EUR
You’re in for a 'grand' time in the Irish capital this morning as your Local Specialist shares all the highlights. See Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in the 12 century. Its 43-metre spire makes this the country’s tallest church. See the stately Georgian Squares then spend the rest of the day-on your own. Head down to Grafton Street or Temple Bar for a pint of the 'Black Stuff' or stroll along the Liffey through the heart of Dublin. This evening, an optional dinner and Irish show will have your toes tapping
and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Maldron Tallaght/Clayton Leopardstown
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will have the opportunity to choose between the following two optional experiences:
Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough - Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which was built in the Early Medieval style and dates back to the 6th Century. Your Local Specialist will
tell historic tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
Adult: 27.00 EUR
Irish Emigration Experience - See another side of Ireland as we take a tour of EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum. Enjoy an eye-opening and moving experience as you ‘walk alongside your ancestors’ and learn how the Irish diaspora influenced the four corners of the world. After the tour, embrace another side of local culture as you enjoy a taste of the famous Irish Coffee.
Adult: 54.00 EUR
Dublin Dinner and Irish Show - Take your tour of Ireland to the next level with an evening of fine food and toe-tapping fun in the vibrant city of Dublin. Watch as Ireland’s history unfolds before your eyes with comedy, song and dance in an interactive Irish Show. After indulging in a delicious dinner, you’ll top off the evening with a quintessential travel
experience: drinking an Irish Coffee.
Adult: 72.00 EUR
You won’t need to do on your Sunday-best to visit stylish Kildare, although the heart of Ireland’s horseracing community with its elegant estates will have you wishing you could linger a little longer. Continue through the splendid countryside bound for Kilkenny where you’ll see its beautiful 12 -century castle, an enduring symbol of Norman occupation. Later you’ll arrive in Waterford where a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom will reveal a
wonderland of delicate crystal, from stemware to fine china. You’re in for a riveting history lesson when you join an Optional Experience for a walking tour with a Local Specialist and visit one of the area’s oldest pubs for a pint. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Treacy's
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Explore Waterford's History and Local Pub - Discover a world of Vikings and medieval legends in Waterford, where a Local Specialist will bring the historic era to life as they share thrilling stories and anecdotes. One traveller even
described the tour as the “best history lesson ever”. Later, stop off for a drink in one of the area’s oldest pubs for a pint or drink of your choice.
Adult: 24.00 EUR
Irish Folk Fun - Travel is all about immersing yourself in local culture – so, what better way to see the real Waterford than with an evening of authentic entertainment? Experience famous Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition, enjoying a drink while locals sing and play music for you with classic instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle and bodhrán drum.
Adult: 29.00 EUR
Say your goodbyes to the 'Emerald Isle', crossing St. George’s Channel to Wales. Small in size but significant in stature, Wales is the fifth country on this journey across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Its vibrant capital is your final destination today. Here you’ll view the Millennium Centre, the National Assembly and the historic castle at its heart. Climb the 900-year-old Norman keep and perhaps walk on the battlements during an optional private tour of Cardiff Castle this afternoon. This evening could see you venture into the Welsh countryside for dinner at a 14 - century inn or enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour at an Optional Experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Copthorne
CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Cardiff Castle Tour - Explore this unique castle on a private tour and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments that blend cultural styles. Completed in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Arabic art, Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales and even Aesop's Fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 1000-year-old Norman Keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Adult: 21.00 GBP
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Welsh Evening - Step off the tourist trail and experience a unique evening in a Cardiff landmark, enjoying dinner and music inside a stunningly renovated deconsecrated church. Enjoy a delicious meal of seasonal Welsh specialties in this must-visit destination, with quality wine or soft drinks included. Listen to an enchanting harpist as you dine, before being entertained by the finest local singers.
Adult: 69.00 GBP
Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner - Join us for a travel experience you won't soon forget, with a traditional Welsh country dinner in a 14th Century thatched inn known as The Blue Anchor. Enjoy the cosy charm of the roaring fireplace and old stonework as you eat and sample local drinks, listening to the tranquil sounds of a Welsh harpist as they perform.
Adult: 45.00 GBP
Today-may be our final day-together, but it’s packed with things to see. Cross the Severn Estuary into England and venture to Bath with its elegant Georgian architecture. The city’s healing waters saw it emerge as a wellness centre as far back as Roman times. Next, head to Windsor to view the world’s oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle. There’s time for a quiet stroll along the banks of the river and shop for Royal souvenirs before arriving in London later where your epic holiday-comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast