Wonders of Britain and Ireland

Day 1 - London Stonehenge Bath Cardiff

A warm welcome from our Tour Director as we leave London and drive to Runnymede where the Magna Carta was signed and then through Windsor Great Park and past Windsor Castle. Then on to the mysterious stone circle at Stonehenge for a fascinating visit before stopping in Salisbury with a chance to visit the beautiful cathedral. We continue to the elegant Georgian streets of Bath where we tour the Roman Baths before crossing the Severn Bridge to Cardiff, capital of Wales. This evening, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director.
Hotel: Park Inn City Centre

Day 2 - Cardiff Pembroke Waterford

This morning after breakfast we will see Cardiff Castle before driving across
South Wales via Carmarthen. Next we head to Pembroke to view the castle, birthplace of Henry VII of the Tudor Dynasty. Here we board our ferry for Rosslare in Ireland. On our arrival we drive to Waterford for dinner and overnight. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Waterford Marina

Day 3 - Waterford Blarney Kenmare

Today our first stop is a visit to the Waterford Crystal showroom; afterwards we drive along the splendid southern coast through the fishing port of Youghal and Cork. Nearby, we visit Blarney Castle so that you can kiss the stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. From here we continue over the Cork and Kerry Mountains to Kenmare. We dine at our hotel this evening. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Kenmare Bay

Day 4 - Kenmare Ring of Kerry Limerick

This morning we drive around the Ring of Kerry, a wonderful landscape hewn by the last Ice Age with some of the most beautiful and unspoilt coastline in Ireland and Ireland's highest mountains. Then north to County Limerick through Adare, the prettiest village in Ireland, and crossing the mighty Shannon to our hotel in Limerick. Why not enjoy an Irish ceilidh tonight? (Full breakfast
Hotel: Radisson SAS

Day 5 - Limerick Dublin (2 nights)

After a full Irish breakfast this morning we will have the chance to visit Bunratty Castle and folk park. Then we drive across County Clare en route to view Galway Bay. We stop in Galway then head across Ireland's rich farmland to Dublin, Ireland's capital. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Mespil / Maldron (2 nights)

Day 6 - Dublin sightseeing AND at leisure

This morning's sightseeing tour of Dublin's 'fair city' with a local guide shows us Trinity College and the astoundingly beautiful Book of Kells St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the Georgian Squares. Finally we visit Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery to learn about this great tradition. The rest of your day is at leisure. You may wish to take an optional excursion to a stately home or to an ancient monastic site this afternoon. For your last night in Ireland, why not join your fellow-travelling companions at an Irish cabaret this evening? (Full breakfast)

Day 7 - Dublin Liverpool

Today we will enjoy a crossing on the world's largest passenger ferry across the Irish Sea, with magnificent views of Dublin Bay. We arrive in Holyhead on the Welsh Island of Anglesey. Cameras at the ready as we see the station with the longest name in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch. Passing by the Snowdonia National Park we travel on to Chester where we enjoy a walking tour which includes the Roman walls, the 'Rows' and an interesting Hidden Treasure. Then on to our hotel in Liverpool, home of the Beatles and enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a restaurant tonight. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 8 - Liverpool Lake District Edinburgh (2 nights)

We travel to the English Lake District and we stop in pretty Grasmere to see the home of William Wordsworth in the village on the lake. Our next stop is at Gretna Green just across the Scottish border, the place where eloping couples could marry against their parents' wishes. Finally on to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for our two-night stay. During the Festival, we include tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Holiday Inn (2 nights)

Day 9 - Edinburgh sightseeing AND at leisure

Morning sightseeing with a local guide includes a visit of the apartments in the castle and views of Holyrood House by Arthur's Seat. We will also drive along elegant Princes Street with its views on to the Crag and Tail on which the castle and Royal Mile are built, and we will see the impressive monument to Sir Walter Scott. Edinburgh's New Town will also be included on our sightseeing tour. (Full breakfast)

Day 10 - Edinburgh York

Through the Scottish Borderlands and across the River Tweed we stop to see the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and then enjoy the view at Carter Bar. Driving into the Northumberland National Park we inspect a section of the Emperor Hadrian's Wall at Heddon and then cross the River Tyne at Newcastle. Soon we stop to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. Next on to York where our walking tour shows us the Shambles and other parts of the city finishing at York Minster, before continuing to our hotel. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 11 - York Coventry Shakespeare Country

This morning we drive into the heart of England, passing close by Sherwood Forest, associated with the legendary Robin Hood, to the city of Coventry. Here we see the two cathedrals one bombed during the second World War and the other built to replace it like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. We'll also see the statue of Lady Godiva before before enjoying a Farewell Dinner at our hotel tonight. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Hilton Warwick

Day 12 - Shakespeare Country Stratford "“ Oxford London

Today we view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage en route to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace. Next a scenic drive through the Cotswolds to the little churchyard at Bladon to see Sir Winston Churchill's grave. Our final stop en route to London is at Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles. We will enjoy a guided walk around one of the famous colleges to get a real taste of student life here before our journey leads us back to London, where we must bid farewell to our Tour Director and touring friends as our tour comes to an end. (Full breakfast)

Optional Extras

• Pre or post tour accommodation in London.

Tour Itinerary

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs London.

• 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

• 11 nights hotel accommodation staying in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.

• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.

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

• The services of one a professional Tour Director.

• 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.

• Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Festival.

• 16 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary: 4 English, 5 Irish and 2 Scottish full breakfasts, afternoon tea in Yorkshire, 2 three-course dinners, local highlight restaurant dinner with wine in Liverpool, farewell Dinner with wine in Warwick.

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