BRITISH & IRISH GRANDEUR 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS
Day 1:
Tour begins 2:00 PM, London. Head out on a panoramic tour of central London to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner.
(D)
Day 2:
Discover the magnificence of Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's royal residence. Move at your own pace through the breath-taking grandeur of Henry's State Rooms, vast Tudor kitchens and more. The afternoon and evening are free so you may use your included Oyster card to explore central London by public transport.
(B)
Day 3:
Take a stroll around Cambridge to view some of the famous university colleges, including King’s College, and the Mathematical Bridge over the River Cam. Head to York to tour the stately York Minster, with towers and colourful stained glass. Appreciate the narrow streets and medieval houses during a guided walking tour.
(B, D)
Day 4:
Visit Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England. View the lavish State Rooms with a stunning array of artefacts, an exhibit on Downton Abbey, and take a stroll through Alnwick Garden. Travel through the Northumberland National Park and on to your hotel near Edinburgh where you’ll experience a Scottish Evening with bagpipes and fun music.
(B, D)
Day 5:
Discover Edinburgh’s highlights on a city tour. See the elegant Georgian “New Town” with spacious streets and the compact medieval city along the Royal Mile. Tour Edinburgh Castle to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. The rest of the day is free for independent activities. On 5 to August 19 departures experience the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
(B)
Day 6:
Head to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Belfast. Tour the city to see Victorian buildings, the impressive City Hall and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built. Step back in time in and uncover a way of life from 100 years ago at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum chatting to costumed visitor guides demonstrating traditional crafts. In the evening head out for a pub dinner at the Cultra Inn on the grounds of Culloden Hotel.
(B, D)
Day 7:
Travel through the scenic Glens of Antrim to the Giant's Causeway. This impressive area of hexagonal columns was formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava and has given rise to many legends. Head to your Dublin city centre hotel and enjoy a free for individual pursuits and dining.
(B)
Day 8:
Tour central Dublin to see spacious Georgian squares and streets, landmark public buildings and graceful townhouses. Take a guided walking tour of Trinity College’s campus and view the priceless Book of Kells. The afternoon is free for you to browse and sightsee independently. In the evening enjoy dinner at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub followed by Irish music and dance.
(B, D)
Day 9:
Travel south, pausing for photos at the stately Rock of Cashel, with 12th century church ruins. Visit the famous Blarney Castle and kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or stroll the gardens. Treat yourself to Irish goods the Blarney Woollen Mills. Continue to Killarney, famous for its exquisite location.
(B, D)
Day 10:
Visit the delightful Muckross House, a 19th century furnished mansion with an interesting history and U.S. connections. Head to the delightful town of Kenmare for a look around and a casual lunch. Travel along part of the Ring of Kerry to view spectacular scenery at Moll’s Gap and at Ladies’ View. Immerse yourself in farm life and see demonstrations of sheep herding before returning to Killarney where the evening is free.
(B, L)
Day 11:
Head to Midleton to tour the Jameson Experience, a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey. Enjoy a sample at the end of the tour. At the House of Waterford Crystal see how glass is blown and cut by master craftspeople. In the evening take a gentle walking tour with a local guide to discover the history of the old port city of Waterford.
(B, D)
Day 12:
Catch the ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke Dock. Take a panoramic tour around the principal streets of Cardiff, considered the youngest and fastest-growing capital in Europe. In the evening head to Cardiff Castle for a tour of the Gothic-style residence and an unforgettable Welsh evening of dinner with local music and entertainment.
(B, D)
Day 13:
Head out to explore the mineral-rich hot springs at Bath. Tour the Roman Baths and Pump Room, first built by the Romans 2,000 years ago and revived during the 18th century. View the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths at Stonehenge. Continue to London for a free evening.
(B)
Day 14:
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner