Day 1

Stonehenge and Bath and on to Cardfiff

Ponder the mysteries of the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge this morning, as we drive west to Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and the Roman Baths. Crossing the Severn Estuary to the Welsh capital, we view the Wales Millennium Centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay. Enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh pub fare and drinks this evening at a rousing Welcome Reception with your travel companions and Travel Director.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Mercure Holland House/Park Inn by Radisson City Centre

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Welcome Reception

Day 2

Onwards to Waterford

This morning, we view the Principality Stadium during our orientation of Cardiff. Enjoy some leisure time in this modern capital. Perhaps visit the Victorian Gothic fantasy of Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. We cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the 'Emerald Isle' and travel to historic Waterford, where we'll dine in our hotel tonight.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Marina/Fitzwilton

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Admire Blarney Castle and Journey to Killarney

Dive Into Culture and watch the master craftsmen of the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Then, kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab', before travelling to the picturesque town of Killarney.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Killarney

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 4

A Day on the Ring of Kerry

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 Cahirsiveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with its panoramic views. This evening, we Connect With Locals at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, sharing a memorable Be My Guest experience with the O'Sullivan family and their Kerry cows.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest

Day 5

Journey to Cultural Dublin

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.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Hilton Garden Inn

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 6

Dublin Your Way

Beat the crowds and Dive Into Culture when you explore the Guinness Brewery for a tour of the Storehouse including a tasting and pouring technique demonstration. 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.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 7

The Sights of Chester and Liverpool

Board the ferry to Wales. 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. We arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining our companions for a tasty Regional Dinner.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Jurys Inn

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner

Day 8

Through the Lake District to Edinburgh

The beautiful landscape, which for centuries inspired the Romantic poets, provides a mesmerising backdrop for our scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Skirt the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, as we travel through countryside made famous by poet William Wordsworth. We 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.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Apex City

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 9

Discover Remarkable Edinburgh

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 Royal Mile and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and admire the Georgian façades in Edinburgh's New Town. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 10

Venture to York

We journey 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.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Novotel Centre

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 11

On to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon

We visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage, then enjoy some free time to explore. This evening we join our fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Mercure Shakespeare

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 12

Journey through the Cotswolds to Oxford and London

Journey to the Cotswolds this morning and the little churchyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is buried. 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 university’s famous colleges (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.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast