Day 1 : Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to York
Venture through lush green Warwickshire bound for Stratford-upon-Avon to delve into the lyrical legacy of one of the world's favourite writers. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre, and see Anne Hathaway's cottage, before arriving in York. Wander along its cobbled Shambles and see the magnificent York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, we join our Travel Director and travel companions for a delicious Yorkshire dinner in our hotel.
Accommodation : Novotel Centre, Leonardo Hotel Leeds
Day 2 : Continue through Northumberland to Edinburgh
Journeying through Northumberland National Park’s dramatic landscapes, we arrive at the remarkably intact ruins of the 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey en route to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn
Day 3 : Discover Enchanting Edinburgh
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour through Auld Reekie's elegant New Town, Princes Street and the Royal Mile, enjoying views of the exquisite Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat. Embark on a guided visit of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Later, consider a traditional Scottish night out this evening, savouring up the flavours of haggis and exhilarating sounds of bagpipes which fill the air.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn
Day 4 : Venture into the Scottish Highlands
Today, we travel across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews to view its celebrated ancient university and explore centuries of golf heritage. Our next stop is Pitlochry on the banks of the Tummel River. You could choose to join an Optional Experience to visit Blair Castle, the ancestral home to the Dukes of Atholl. We continue to the Scottish Highlands, our home for two nights.
Accommodation : Laggan
Day 5 : Explore the Isle of Skye
Drive to the rugged coast of Scotland this morning, passing scenic Eilean Donan Castle. We cross to the Isle of Skye, admire the spectacular scenery before enjoying free time for lunch. A Local Specialist will take us on a journey to admire the remarkable Cuillin Mountain. Cross back to the mainland and continue past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodation : Laggan
Day 6 : Onwards to Loch Lomond and Glasgow’s Rich Legacy Dive Into Culture
Our first stop today is the World War II Commando Memorial, near Fort William, for views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Continue south through the 'Glen of Weeping', paying tribute to the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred for failing to pledge allegiance to Scotland's new monarchs. Arriving in Glasgow, we enjoy an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square. We'll also visit the Necropolis where we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into one of Europe's most important 19th-century burial grounds.
Accommodation : Crowne Plaza
Day 7 : Through the Lake District to Liverpool Connect with Locals
Cross the border into England and Connect With Locals, joining Christine on her Cumbrian working farm for a Be My Guest lunch, before continuing your journey through the beautiful Lake District and its landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. See Lake Windermere, England's largest lake, before travelling to Liverpool, the haunt of Britain's ‘Fab Four'.
Accommodation : Mercure Atlantic Tower
Day 8 : Across the Irish Sea to Dublin
The half-timbered Tudor Rows in Chester are our first stop today as we travel to Holyhead in North Wales to catch our ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin.
Accommodation : Clayton Ballsbridge
Day 9 : Admire Dublin’s Iconic Sights Dive Into Culture
Dive Into Culture and visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's famous brew, before delving into Dublin’s iconic sights with a Local Specialist. See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or consider a trip to Glendalough. This evening you could choose to join an Optional Experience at an Irish Cabaret.
Accommodation : Clayton Ballsbridge
Day 10 : On to Galway and Limerick
Journey to the West Coast and the vibrant cultural centre of Galway, where you will have an opportunity to see Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square, with its tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, before travelling to Limerick.
Accommodation : Greenhills Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre, The Inn at Dromoland
Day 11 : Circle the Ring of Kerry and on to Cork Stays With Stories
Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world, circling the spectacular Ring of Kerry.
Accommodation : Vienna Woods Hotel
Day 12 : The Sights of Blarney, Waterford and Wexford Dive Into Culture
In the pursuit of acquiring the 'gift of the gab', we visit Blarney Castle where you might kiss the famous Blarney Stone, before stopping in Cobh for a walking tour with a Local Specialist. This seaside city was the final port of call for the tragic Titanic on its fateful voyage. This afternoon, we Dive Into Culture during a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master crafters at work.
Accommodation : Maldron
Day 13 : Ferry across to Cardiff
We cross the Irish Sea to Wales and its capital, Cardiff, where we will see the Principality Stadium and view the Millennium Centre, National Assembly and Cardiff Castle.
Accommodation : Clayton
Day 14 : Enjoy Bath, Glastonbury and Plymouth
Cross the Severn Estuary to Bath, so named for the ancient Roman Baths that have made the city a popular retreat for centuries. Admire the elegant Georgian façades and visit the Roman Baths, before some free time to explore on your own. We wind our way to mystical Glastonbury to visit the 7th-century Abbey where King Arthur is believed to be buried. Later, we arrive in the city of Plymouth, our home for two nights.
Accommodation : Copthorne, Mercure Rougemont
Day 15 : A Day Exploring Coastal Villages
The springboard to a 'New World' takes centre stage as we start our day with an orientation of Plymouth. View the Mayflower Steps, where brave pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage to America, and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Visit the fishing village of Polperro with its narrow streets and picturesque harbour, before enjoying a scenic drive through the brooding landscapes of Dartmoor, keeping a keen eye out for the area’s wild ponies. Our epic adventure through Britain and Ireland almost at its end, we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation : Copthorne, Mercure Rougemont
Day 16 : Journey to Prehistoric Stonehenge and return to London
Our return journey to London will see us cross the Salisbury Plain and visit the ancient mystical monoliths of Stonehenge, whose myths have yet to be fully revealed. This afternoon we close the curtain on a memorable journey with new friends.