Wonders of Britain and Ireland

Ponder the unsolved mysteries of the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge this morning, our first stop today as we drive west through the picturesque English countryside to Bath. Admire its elegant Georgian façades and the Roman Baths, from which the city derives its name. Crossing the Severn Estuary to the Welsh capital of Cardiff, we view the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay, before seeing the Millennium Stadium and historic Cardiff Castle during our orientation of the city. Enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh pub fare and drinks this evening at a rousing Welcome Reception with your travel companions and Travel Director.

Explore proud Welsh traditions and legends on your full day at leisure in this modern capital. Visit the Victorian Gothic fantasy of Cardiff Castle, at the heart of the city, or delve into the city's fascinating history at the Cardiff Story Museum. We cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the Emerald Isle and travel to historic Waterford where we'll dine in our hotel tonight.

Watch the master craftsmen of the renowned House of Waterford Crystal as they create delicate pieces we will admire first-hand in their workshop during a Cultural Insight. We kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab' before crossing the Kerry Mountains to the colourful town of Kenmare. This evening, we enjoy an unforgettable Be My Guest dinner with the O'Sullivan family and their Kerry cows at Molly Gallivan's 200-year-old cottage.

Today we experience the enduring beauty of Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula - the emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide an exquisite backdrop for our leisurely drive around what has become known as the Ring of Kerry. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with its panoramic views.

Celtic art and history take centre stage this morning as we visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, the seat of Irish kings for centuries. Perched atop a limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the historic ruins house one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe. We arrive this afternoon in Dublin, where we will join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds of an Irish cabaret.

Your choice of sightseeing this morning could see you beat the crowds and explore the Guinness Brewery for a tour of the Storehouse including a tasting technique demonstration. Or visit the Little Museum of Dublin, which captures the fascinating history of modern Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the cosy atmosphere of the Irish capital. Ramble through the buzzing streets of Temple Bar or visit Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers. z

Admire the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park as you travel to the ancient city of Chester with its characteristic Tudor Rows and medieval walls, which you will have an opportunity to see during an orientation walk. We arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining our companions for a tasty Regional Meal at a local restaurant.

The beautiful landscape that inspired Romantic poets provides a mesmerising backdrop for our scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Meandering along the shores of Windermere, England's largest lake, we arrive in Grasmere, where William Wordsworth was said to have been inspired to write his famous poem 'Daffodils'. View the grave of this celebrated poet at St. Oswald's Church, then cross the Scottish border and visit the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green. This evening, we arrive in beguiling Edinburgh, where we'll spend the next two nights.

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a memorable sightseeing tour of this captivating capital, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock. See Auld Reekie's quaint Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and admire the Georgian façades in Edinburgh's New Town. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets to the performance at the Edinburgh Tattoo are included.

We venture south to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits imposingly overlooking the town's beautiful gardens. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland and the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where you'll walk through the charming Shambles, see the medieval walls and York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.

We visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon today to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's picturesque thatched cottage before we tread in the footsteps of this legendary writer, enjoying some free time in this quaint town. This evening we join our fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner reminiscing over our very own stories from an unforgettable holiday.

Journey to the picturesque Cotswolds this morning to the charming little churchyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill's grave. Arriving in Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city to view the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library and visit one of the famous colleges that make up the university (when open). We return to London this afternoon and bid a fond farewell to our Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of a wonderful holiday.