Best of Britain and Ireland
| Resort: | Best of Britain and Ireland |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | England, Europe, Ireland, Scotland, UK & Ireland, United Kingdom, Wales |
| Price From: | £3449.00 |
OverviewDiscover the best of the UK and Ireland on a comprehensive tour through England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales. Live like royalty during stays at two historic castles. Personalize your tour by choosing your included experience in York, Edinburgh, Killarney, Kilkenny and Stratford-upon-Avon. Take a scenic journey through the English countryside on a train ride from London to York. Visit the new House of Waterford Crystal factory. Soak up the pastoral landscapes of the Cotswolds. Tour regal Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Enjoy an, interactive Scottish culinary experience. See the Atlantic from the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and marvel at the majesty of the Giants Causeway. Walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare when you visit Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit a working family farm in the Irish countryside. Experience the wonder of Stonehenge. See beautiful Killarney from your seat on an Irish jaunting car. Journey to historic Blarney Castle, and kiss its famous stone! Spend two nights in the medieval stronghold of Kilkenny. Trace the history of the Beatles on a guided tour of Liverpool. Experience all of this regions rich history and culture on this wide-ranging exploration. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightDiscover the true cultural treasures of Britain and Ireland on a comprehensive journey featuring England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales. Day 2: London, England – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in Englands cosmopolitan capital of London. Old-world traditions meet modern charm in this capital of culture and commerce. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Day 3: LondonDiscover the pageantry of London as you join a local guide for a panoramic city tour. See Big Ben, Westminster, Whitehall, Hyde Park and the Changing of the Guard* (if held) at Buckingham Palace. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this iconic city or perhaps partake in an optional excursion to Kensington Palace. Day 4: London – Rail Journey – York – Choice on TourYour day begins at Kings Cross Station where youll board a train to the medieval city of York. After traveling through Englands scenic countryside, arrive in York and choose how youd like to spend the afternoon. Perhaps youll join a local expert for a leisurely walking tour seeing the Roman walls and the historic Shambles, an area that appears today almost as it did during the Middle Ages. Or, perhaps youll visit Yorks famous Minister, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure. Day 5: York – Borders Region, Scotland – EdinburghHead north through rolling fields on your way to bonnie Scotland. Stretching across the country you will find Hadrians Wall, which once marked the northern border of the vast Roman Empire. Stop to see this ancient fortification that was begun in A.D. 122 to protect Roman Britain from the tribes of Scotland. Next, drive through Scotlands Borders region before arriving in Edinburgh, the “Athens of the North.” Discover Scotland’s exciting capital city rich in beauty and culture. This evening, give traditional Scottish ingredients a modern twist during a private cooking experience at one of Scotlands premier culinary institutions. Day 6: Edinburgh – Choice on TourToday its your choice! Perhaps youll get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided panoramic city tour by coach. Or, for a different perspective, you may opt to join a local expert and explore the city on foot. Both tours include a visit to Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels; and the Palace of Holyroodhouse,** the Queens official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city independently. Day 7: Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Pitlochry – Eastern HighlandsTravel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf. See the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. Discover its old-world appeal as you explore this popular resort town on your own. Spend time at one of Scotlands renowned whisky distilleries. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the worlds finest. Continue to Scotlands Eastern Highlands for a relaxing 2-night stay. Day 8: Eastern Highlands – Culloden – Dunrobin Castle – Eastern HighlandsYour day begins at Culloden Battlefield. On this spot in April 1746, a half-hour battle between loyalist and Jacobite forces changed the course of history. Next, tour the majestic Dunrobin Castle.*** Dating back to the 1330s, its 189 rooms make it the largest house in the Northern Highlands. Experience a fascinating falconry display in the formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Day 9: Eastern Highlands – Loch Ness – Urquhart Castle – GlasgowEnjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you journey further into the Highlands. Take a cruise of famed Loch Ness, one of Britains most scenic bodies of water. Keep your eyes open – you never know when Nessie will appear! Soak up the awe-inspiring view at the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle before disembarking and exploring this historic stronghold for yourself. Continue through Scotlands stunning Great Glen before arriving at your hotel in the bustling Victorian city of Glasgow. Day 10: Glasgow – Ferry Crossing – Belfast, Northern IrelandSay goodbye to Scotland to cross the Irish Sea and arrive in Belfast, the cosmopolitan capital of Northern Ireland. Join a local expert for an informative city tour and learn about the struggles in this great citys history as you pass through its distinctive neighborhoods. Day 11: Belfast – Antrim Coast – BelfastThis morning, lose yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Glens of Antrim. Marvel at the majesty and mystery of the Giants Causeway, Northern Irelands only UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Belfast for an evening at leisure. Day 12: Belfast – Enniskillen – Sligo, IrelandDepart Belfast for Irelands stunning west coast. En route, stop in the historic town of Enniskillen before stepping into the world of Irish craftsmanship with a visit to Belleek Pottery. Tour this impressive facility and learn how traditional methods have been passed down from generation to generation. Continue to County Sligo and stop to view W.B. Yeats grave in Drumcliffe Churchyard. In the shadow of Benbulben, take a moment to reflect upon the profound natural beauty that was so often Yeats inspiration. Day 13: Sligo – Galway – EnnisThis morning, travel to what is often called Irelands most Irish city, coastal Galway. Enjoy time on your own to meander its cobblestone streets, relax in Erye Square, or visit its stunning cathedral. This afternoon, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family with a visit to a working farm. Your day ends in the charming market town of Ennis. Day 14: Ennis – Cliffs of Moher – KillarneyYour day begins at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Irelands most incredible attractions. Enjoy free time to walk along their rambling edge, soaking up unparalleled views and snapping incredible photos. Ferry across the mighty Shannon into County Kerry. Arrive in Killarney where a time-honored jaunting car ride**** will take you through stunning Killarney National Park. Rugged mountains, serene lakes, and lush forests come together to create an unparalleled landscape that harkens back to ancient myths. Day 15: Killarney – Choice on TourToday is yours to choose how youd like to explore County Kerry. Perhaps youll join a local expert on a walk through history at the impressive Muckross Estate and Gardens; stroll along the lakeshores of Killarney National Park before arriving at the majestic Torc Waterfall. Or, perhaps you will choose to travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry; soak up the pristine ocean scenery, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney along the way. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Ireland culture. Day 16: Killarney – Blarney – Waterford – KilkennyJourney to historic Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of the gab. Then its on to the House of Waterford Crystal. Enjoy a fascinating factory tour followed by time to browse the retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Continue on to the charming Norman city of Kilkenny. Day 17: Kilkenny – Choice on TourToday its your choice! Perhaps youll stay in town and join a local expert on a walking tour of medieval Kilkenny; meander through historic streets unveiling the rich history of this Norman stronghold. Or, maybe youd prefer to delve into Irelands monastic past with a visit to the stirring ruins of Kells Priory, one of the largest and most impressive medieval monuments in the country; then youll visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship and gain insight to the emigrant experience following Irelands devastating potato famine. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently. Day 18: Kilkenny – Dublin – Castle StayThis morning we make our way to Dublin, the Fair City. Join a local guide for a tour of the city. Take in OConnell Street, Grafton Street and the city’s magnificent rows of stately Georgian townhomes. Tour Kilmainham Gaol, the historic prison that held some of Irelands most famous political and military leaders including Charles Stewart Parnell and Eamon de Valera. Next, enjoy some leisure time to discover the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. Perhaps youll choose an optional tour of the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage before pouring and enjoying the perfect pint. Top your day off with an overnight on the regal grounds of a 13th-century Irish castle. Day 19: Dublin – Ferry Crossing – North Wales, UKFerry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. Pause in the medieval walled town of Conwy for a tour of its 13th-century castle. Perhaps youll follow in the footsteps of guardians of old with a walk along the historic fortress walls. Continue on to your castle hotel by way of Snowdonia National Park, a stunningly wild landscape that is home to ancient woodlands and snowcapped mountains. Settle in to your Welsh castle for a relaxing 2-night stay. Day 20: North Wales – Choice on TourToday its your choice! Perhaps you will choose to relax on the regal grounds of Ruthin Castle and enjoy a day at leisure. Or, maybe youd enjoy a visit to the great port city of Liverpool; a tour reveals the 800-year history of this fascinating city; afterwards, spend time on your own at the restored Albert Dock complex where you could explore one of the many museums such as the Tate Liverpool Gallery, Maritime Museum, or the award-winning Beatles Story. Day 21: North Wales – Ludlow – Cardiff, WalesBid your castle farewell and travel south through the English-Welsh borderlands, an area of unforgettable and varied natural beauty. Stop in the medieval market town of Ludlow, one of finest historic towns in England with a wealth of stunning period buildings. Continue south to the stirring ruins of Tintern Abbey, surrendered to Henry VIII in 1536. Despite the shells grand structure being open to the skies, its mystery and appeal remain as enduring as ever. End your day in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Day 22: Cardiff – Bath – Stonehenge – FrimleyThis mornings journey takes you to the elegant Georgian town of Bath. Visit the Roman Bath Museums 2,000-year-old spas and enjoy time to stroll through its cobblestone streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere. Continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge, the mysterious formation that dates back to the Stone Age. Explore various theories on how the colossal stones arrived at the location and their purpose. Day 23: Frimley – Stratford-upon-Avon – FrimleyVenture to charming Stratford-upon-Avon. Step back in time as you visit William Shakespeares birthplace. Afterward, its your choice: you may tour Anne Hathaways thatched-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the authors wife; or, perhaps youd prefer a leisurely cruise along the Avon River. Return to your hotel, traveling through some of Englands most beautiful countryside. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and toast the end of a wonderful journey. Day 24: Frimley – Tour EndsDepart today with many cherished memories of Britain and Ireland. |
