Departure city: London, England
End city: London, England
This UK and Ireland tour has it all. Follow in the slipstream of passionate local guides as we discover Stonehenge, Bath, Edinburgh and York. Not to mention Cambridge, Stratford-upon-Avon and Stirling. Encounter the Cliffs of Moher and the Scottish Highlands. Stand in awe of the majestic Giant's Causeway and scenic Ring of Kerry. Kiss the Blarney Stone and amble along the shore of Loch Ness and so much more!
Today, we depart from London, making our way to Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of Southwest England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Our next stop is the beautiful and historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main site including the famous Roman Baths built here during the reign of the Empire. Heading into nearby Wales we arrive in the capital, Cardiff, where we will have a drive around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.
Meals: D
After breakfast, we continue onto Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown of William Shakespeare! A market town with more than 800 years of history. Then we are off North, to Liverpool! This famous British Port City has a rich history and culture. Football fans will be delighted to be in the home city of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will be enthralled to be in the home of The Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour of the city and explore the city yourself during your free time this evening. Why not head to Mathew Street, home to the world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music.
Meals: B
Today, we catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before we reach the ferry we will make a stop at the village with the longest name in Europe, (please see the name below). Then it is on to Dublin, where once we arrive, we take a driving tour of the city and spot a few of the city's more famous highlights. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city. From the city's Viking past, its Medieval Castles and its Cathedrals and its many museums that illustrate some of the city's more turbulent episodes, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all.
Meals: B
After breakfast, enjoy a day free of leisure in the city of Dublin! Maybe explore the city yourself and visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall and visit the city's most famous park, St. Stephen's Green. Be sure to try out the many pubs and eateries. There is an optional excursion that may pique your interest called, The Discover Dublin. This tour includes a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse to see how this famous dark beer is made and will take you back in time as you discover the most famous people and events in Irish history. Tonight, there is also the option to visit the Merry Ploughboy Music Pub for a taste of traditional Irish music!
Meals: B
Leaving Dublin behind us, we travel onward to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by Vikings in 914, Waterford has a fascinating history, and rich maritime tradition and is famous for its cut crystal glass. Following our stop here, we will travel to the famous Blarney Castle for an included visit, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the gift of the gab. Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland's most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's most famous attractions. As we depart Blarney, we leave County Cork behind us to enter into County Kerry and make our way towards our hotel for this evening.
Meals: B, D
Today, enjoy a day at leisure in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful Churches to visit. Alternatively, join our optional excursion as we drive along the incredible Ring of Kerry. This famous circular tourist route is also known as Iveragh Peninsula. It is home to the most breathtaking coastal views and emerald-green pastures. Enjoy visits to charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village. Take the opportunity to explore the shops and cute cafés in the area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park from a jaunting (carriage) ride. Then end the day with some free time in Killarney town.
Meals: B
Today is another day for some epic Irish scenery! Making our way up the Wild Atlantic Way, our first stop is Adare, often called Ireland's prettiest village. Then, travel on through the county of Limerick and make our way to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the frothing ocean below and the views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking. Our next stop is Galway, a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, live music venues, cafés, weekend parties and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during some free time and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer before we travel north to our hotel where we spend the night.
Meals: B
Leaving Galway behind, we journey onto Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry / Londonderry. Voted UK's City of Culture in 2013, Northern Ireland's second city has a lot to offer. The next stop is Northern Ireland's number 1 tourist attraction, Giant's Causeway. The final stop on the Irish leg of our adventure, is Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. A local guide will take you on a combined driving and walking tour, showing you some of the city's most famous attractions and learning more about the city's past. Having pulled off quite a transformation in recent years, Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles.
Meals: B, D
Enjoy free time in Belfast this morning with the chance to learn all about the Titanic, and its ill-fated voyage, on the optional Titanic Belfast Experience. Next up is Scotland, Hop on board and sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky, haggis and tartan. Arrive in Scotland, and once back on dry land, drive to the Scottish town of Ayr for a photo stop. Next, head to Glasgow to enjoy an authentic Scottish whisky tasting and tour of The Clydeside Distillery located on the River Clyde. Afterwards, it’s time to head to tonight’s accommodation, which is in the picturesque Highlands.
Meals: B, D
Journey into the Highlands, and further explore this famous region of Scotland. Stop for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glen Coe. Enjoy a stop at the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster. Join an optional cruise on the Loch, and see the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Leaving the Highlands, drive to Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital followed by dinner. Apart from being home to Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans of the series might find the city strangely familiar!
Meals: B, D
Your time is yours to spend as you like today, revisit some of the highlights from yesterday's walking tour or discover the city for yourself. Most travellers decide to join their tour leader and driver on our Conquer the Capital optional excursion which is a full tour of the city, with time to explore Edinburgh Castle in full and a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former Royal Residence of the Queen and the Royal family. If the weather allows, hike up to Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city below. Tonight we offer a traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with the famous traditional Haggis! Check our optional excursions for more information.
Meals: B
Saying goodbye to Scotland, we make our way to the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland. This Castle has also been featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, The Black Adder, Star Trek and many more (visiting the Castle is an optional excursion). Next, we travel into Yorkshire and to the county capital, York. Home to the largest Gothic Cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets. We will take you on an orientation tour of the city to see its most famous sites, before heading to our accommodation in Yorkshire.
Meals: B, D
Today is the last day of your UK and Ireland tour, but we're finishing off with a real treat! We make our way to the historic University town of Cambridge! Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed through the city's famous university, John Milton, Charles Darwin, David Attenborough, Siegfried Sassoon, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, William Wordsworth, Rachel Weisz and countless others. We will do the traditional thing and go punting along the River Cam before we return to London where our tour concludes. Be sure to share your details with your fellow travellers to keep in touch after your journey.
Meals: B
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