Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
| Resort: | Exploring Britain & Ireland featuring The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | England, Europe, Ireland, Scotland, UK & Ireland, United Kingdom, Wales |
| Price From: | £2619.00 |
OverviewTravel to some of the worlds most magnificent cities and through the magical countryside of Britain and Ireland. This comprehensive journey takes you through rolling farmland and across the Irish Sea, through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Marvel at the mystery of Stonehenge. Experience Irelands culinary renaissance during a cooking class at one of Dublins premier culinary institutes. Walk in the footsteps of William Shakespeare at his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes in the English Lake District, Irelands Ring of Kerry and the valleys, mountains and imposing castles of North Wales. Admire the ancient Roman ruins at Hadrians Wall and in elegant Bath. Get acquainted with Britains pageantry in the royal cities of Edinburgh and London. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightDiscover the true cultural treasures of Britain and Ireland on a comprehensive journey through England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Day 2: London, England – Tour BeginsYour tour opens in the regal city of London. A capital of culture and commerce, the city blends traditional with modern. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Day 3: LondonDiscover the pageantry of London as we join a local guide for a 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 Windsor Castle. Day 4: London – Stonehenge – Bath – CardiffThis mornings journey takes you to 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. Continue to the elegant Georgian town of Bath to visit the Roman Bath Museums 2,000-year-old elaborate spas. Enjoy some time to stroll through Baths cobblestone streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere. Continue to the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Day 5: Cardiff – Ferry to Ireland – WaterfordJoin a local expert on a leisurely paced walking tour of Cardiff. Learn about the citys deep ties to the coal industry, its connection to ancient Rome and its famous Victorian shopping arcades. Take in the beautiful countryside of Wales en route to the coastal village of Fishguard. There, we board the ferry for Ireland, crossing the Irish Sea. Upon arrival in Rosslare, travel to charming Waterford, your home for the evening. Day 6: Waterford – Blarney – KillarneyBegin your day with a choice of two activities. You may choose to tour the House of Waterford Crystal factory featuring a fascinating visitors center and a retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Or, perhaps you will opt to enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour of Irelands oldest city and immerse yourself in its rich Viking, Norman and Cromwellian history. Later, travel to historic Blarney Castle. Make your way to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone where, legend has it, you will be blessed with the “gift of eloquence.” This evening its Diners Choicetonight your dinner is included and youll choose the perfect spot from a menu of Killarneys great restaurants. Day 7: Killarney – Ring of Kerry – KillarneyThis morning step back in time and experience Ireland’s most traditional mode of transport with a jaunting car ride.** Then travel along the glorious Ring of Kerry where youll find some of Irelands most magical scenery. Pause for a moment at the Gap of Dunloe to browse for traditional Irish handcrafted goods. As we continue our journey, marvel at the vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, lakes and picturesque villages. Later you’ll visit a farm to witness a demonstration of the skill of the local sheepdogs. Day 8: Killarney – Rock of Cashel – DublinToday we venture through the Golden Vale en route to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Be amazed by its imposing facade and visit the spot where St. Patrick preached. Tonight, give traditional Irish cuisine a modern twist during a cooking class and dinner at one of Dublins premier culinary institutions. Top off the evening by making your very own Irish coffee! Day 9: DublinDiscover Dublins past and present on a locally guided tour highlighting the Bank of Ireland, OConnell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and St. Patricks Cathedral. Later, experience for yourself the welcoming nature of the Irish as you set out to explore the Fair City on your own. Day 10: Dublin – Ferry Crossing – Wales – CheshireFerry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. As you traverse northern Wales, pass Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the town with the longest name in the world. Make a stop at majestic Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales. Then, continue through the Welsh countryside and discover some of the most magnificent scenery in all of Britain. Day 11: Cheshire – Lake District – Gretna Green, Scotland – EdinburghTravel north into Englands scenic Lake District. Here youll feel the inspirational appeal of the regions quintessential English villages, Lake Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Crossing into Scotland, stop in the town of Gretna Green where generations of runaway couples eloped. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotlands majestic capital city. Day 12: EdinburghToday its your choice! You may choose to get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided panoramic city tour by coach. Or, for a different perspective, perhaps youll opt to join a local expert and explore the city on foot. Either tour includes 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. Later this evening, take your seat at the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotlands greatest events. Day 13: Edinburgh – York, EnglandEn route to England, visit Hadrians Wall. Construction of this ancient structure began in A.D. 122 and since that time, it has served as the northern border of the Roman Empire. Continue to the historic city of York. Find yourself surrounded by the charms of history as you explore its quaint narrow streets. Walk on the famous Shambles and see the magnificent 13th-century Minster. Day 14: York – Coventry – Stratford-upon-AvonJourney to Coventry and visit its famous modern cathedral, completely rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. Next, venture to charming Stratford-upon-Avon. Step back in time as we visit William Shakespeares birthplace. Afterward, you may choose one of the following: tour Anne Hathaway’s thatch-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the author’s wife; or, perhaps youd prefer a leisurely cruise along the Avon River. This evening we gather to say farewell to this captivating region over dinner. Day 15: Stratford-upon-Avon – Tour EndsDepart today with many new memories of lovely Britain and Ireland. |
