Britain and Ireland Panorama

Tour Highlights

Immerse yourself for 16 days in the life, legacy and landscapes of the United Kingdom! Through England , Scotland , Wales and Ireland , the sights of London , Edinburgh , and Dublin are enticing, but the Isle of Skye , Galway , and Stonehenge will truly leave you awestruck.

Day 1- London Stratford Coventry York

We drive through the scenic Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace and see Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. Then to Coventry, where we will see both the old and new cathedrals. Later we continue to York where our Tour Director will take us on a walking tour along the narrow cobbled streets. Tonight we will enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with our Tour Director and fellow passengers. (Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel 53 / Holiday Inn

Day 2- York - Edinburgh (2 nights)

This morning our drive through the Northumberland National Park takes us for a stop at a section of Hadrian's Wall. Then through into Scotland to the borders and to the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Soon we reach Edinburgh for a two-night stay. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel (2 nights)

Day 3- Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure

Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes the elegant New Town, Princes Street, the Royal Mile views of Holyrood House and Arthur's Seat and a guided visit of the apartments inside Edinburgh Castle. During the Festival, we include tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. Tonight, there's a chance to enjoy a traditional Scottish night out with haggis, dancing and bagpipes! (Full breakfast)

Day 4- Edinburgh St. Andrews Scottish Highlands

We drive across the magnificent Forth Bridge to St. Andrews and its celebrated golf course and ancient university. We stop at the 18th hole before crossing the Tay at Dundee and continuing via Perth to charming Pitlochry where we visit a whisky distillery. Then through the heather-clad heart of the Scottish highlands and past Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Athol to our friendly hotel in Laggan for dinner this evening. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel

Day 5- Scottish Highlands Loch Ness Isle of Skye

First to the famous battle site of Culloden and then on to Scotland's most famous loch, Loch Ness. We take in the breathtaking scenery whilst looking out for the monster, and stop at the romantic ruins of Urquhart Castle! Then to the Kyle of Lochalsh where we cross the sea to Skye! This afternoon there is an opportunity to see the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish peninsular before we enjoy dinner in our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Dunollie

Day 6- Isle of Skye Glasgow

First to Fort William to see the 'Vale of Weeping' at Glencoe, site of the famous massacre by the Campbell clan. Then through Scotland's finest scenery to Loch Lomond and down to Glasgow, where on arrival we will enjoy an orientation tour including George Square, the cathedral and the River Clyde. But, as well, we will discover a Hidden Treasure that this city has to offer! This evening, we enjoy Scottish hospitality at our Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant, before going to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 7- Glasgow Lake District Liverpool

South to the English border to Gretna Green where eloping couples would marry against their parents' wishes. Then through the English Lake District to Grasmere, where Wordsworth is buried, and along the shores of Lake Windermere. Finally to Chester, where a walking tour with our Tour Director will include the galleried 'Rows' before we continue to our Liverpool hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 8- Liverpool Dublin (2 nights)

We drive along the North Wales coast to the Island of Anglesey stopping at the Welsh railway station with the longest name in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch. Then to Holyhead for our ferry to Dublin. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Maldron (2 nights)

Day 9- Dublin sightseeing & at leisure

With a local guide our sightseeing comprises a visit to Trinity College where we will see the beautiful Book of Kells, and we see St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park. The rest of your day is at leisure and tonight, why not join your travelling companions for an evening of Irish entertainment at a cabaret? (Full breakfast)

Day 10- Dublin Galway Limerick

We travel to the West coast and cross the mighty Shannon River as we drive past Athlone and Ballinasloe on our way to Galway Bay. We drive on to Limerick where we will have the chance to visit Bunratty Castle and folk park. Tonight why not try out an Irish ceildh? (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Radisson SAS

Day 11- Limerick Ring of Kerry Killarney /Kenmare

Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive, around the Ring of Kerry, County Kerry's largest peninsula where its varied landscape is truly a photographer's delight. Finally, late in the afternoon, we arrive at our hotel. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Killarney Tower / Kenmare Bay

Day 12- Killarney/Kenmare Waterford

This morning we drive over the Cork and Kerry Mountains to Blarney Castle where we will enjoy an included visit and have the chance to kiss the famous stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Then to Waterford where we visit the waterford crystal showroom. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Waterford Marina

Day 13- Waterford Cardiff

We drive to Rosslare to board our ferry and cruise across the Irish Sea. On arrival in Pembroke, where Henry VII of the Tudors was born, we will start our journey across Wales to Cardiff, the Welsh capital, where we will view the famous castle before dinner in our hotel. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Park Inn City Centre

Day 14- Cardiff Bath Plymouth (2 nights)

We cross the Severn Bridge into England and drive to historic Bath where an orientation includes a visit to the Roman Baths. Next we drive to King Arthur's Glastonbury to see the site of his legendary tomb. Then we stop for a delicious afternoon tea with scones and cream before continuing to Plymouth. (Full breakfast )
Hotel: Jurys Inn (2 nights)

Day 15- St. Michael's Mount and St. Ives Excursion

Today we drive west to the area of Penzance for views of St. Michaels Mount. Then to St. Ives, the bustling artists colony, before driving through north Cornwall and the bleak Bodmin Moor. Tonight we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Full breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 16- Plymouth Salisbury London

This morning we visit Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain and see Salisbury Cathedral before returning to London via Windsor and Runnymede, where our tour must come to an end. (Full breakfast)

Optional Extras

• Pre or post tour accommodation in London.

Tour Itinerary

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs London every Weds throughout the 2010 summer season.

• Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a twin room.
• Please ask for flight quotes from your preferred airport of departure.
• Please ask for pricing in other currencies.

What's Included

• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes

• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.

• The services of one of a professional Tour Director.

• The services of a Travel Representative at your London hotel.

• A qualified local city guide in Dublin and Edinburgh .

• Ferry across the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland and return.

• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
• 23 meals in total (see day-by day itinerary, 5 English, 5 Scottish and 5 Irish full breakfasts, afternoon tea in Devon, 5 three-course dinners, local highlight pub restaurant dinner in Glasgow , farewell Dinner with wine in Plymouth).
• Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Festival.

Images

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