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| Map of Ireland | Self Drive Vacations | Ireland Golf Tours | Escorted Tours | Ireland Travel Guide |
| Map Vacation Highlights INCLUDED FEATURES London: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if held Canterbury: Visit the cathedral Brighton: Royal Pavilion tour Salisbury: Visit the cathedral city Stonehenge: Visit the prehistoric monument Widecombe-in-the-Moor: Take a stroll in the quaint Dartmoor village Plymouth: Orientation Cornwall: Take photographs of St. Michael’s Mount, visit Land’s End and St. Ives Glastonbury Bath: Visit the Roman relics Cardiff: Orientation drive Fishguard-Rosslare: Cross St. George’s Channel by ferry Waterford: Guided tour of the Waterford Crystal factory Blarney: Visit the famous woolen mills Killarney: Visit the popular resort town Ring of Kerry: Scenic peninsula drive Dingle Peninsula: Visit the Blasket Islands Centre Adare: Admire the thatched cottages Cliffs of Moher: Savor the spectacular views Galway: Orientation Knock: Visit the religious site Drumcliff: Visit W.B. Yeats’ grave Belleek: Guided tour of the pottery factory County Antrim: Visit the Giant’s Causeway Belfast: “Living History” tour with a Local Guide Downpatrick: Visit the Saint Patrick Centre Dublin: Orientation drive, visit Trinity College Dun Laoghaire-Holyhead: Cross the Irish Sea by Stena Line’s high-speed service Betsw-y-Coed: Take a stroll in this popular resort Llangollen: Visit the picturesque village Chester: Walking tour Grasmere: Visit Wordsworth’s village Gretna Green Glasgow: Orientation drive Mallaig-Armadale: Cross the Sound of Sleat by ferry Isle of Skye: Visit the Museum of the Isles at the Clan Donald Centre Inverewe: Visit the subtropical garden Highlands: Guided tour of a whisky distillery Braemar St. Andrews: Visit the home of golf Edinburgh: Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace Floors: Visit the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe’s castle Jedburgh: Take pictures of the abbey ruins York: Walking tour Coventry: Admire the modern cathedral Stratford-upon-Avon: Take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace Stow-on-the-Wold Blenheim: Guided tour of the palace Note: Tickets for the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included for the following departures: July 19 through August 9 INSIDE VISITS Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable Accommodations MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner Full English breakfast daily (B); 12 three-course dinners (D) with choice of menus, including a welcome dinner in Brighton SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class London Novotel London West (F), Brighton Hilton Metropole (SF), Plymouth Holiday Inn (SF), Bristol Mercure Holland House (SF), Waterford Fitzwilton (F), Killarney Scotts (F), Limerick Clarion (SF), Sligo Clarion (SF), Belfast Hilton (SF), Dublin Clarion (SF), Chester St. David’s Park (SF) at Ewloe, Glasgow Thistle (F), Inverness Columba (F), Edinburgh Barceló Carlton (SF), York Ramada (F), Stratford Holiday Inn (SF), London Ramada Hyde Park (F) |
BRITAIN & IRELAND IN DEPTH
Itinerary BRITAIN & IRELAND IN DEPTH - 26 days incl. air, or 25 days from London to London (GT) This Ireland and Britain vacation offers our most complete view of the British Isles. In England, your tour includes visits to London, Canterbury, the seaside resort of Brighton, mysterious Stonehenge, historic Plymouth, and Roman Bath. See the Welsh capital of Cardiff and then take a ferry to picturesque Ireland for visits to the Waterford Crystal Factory,  Blarney, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the
Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, and Dublin. Then it’s back across the
Irish Sea and through North Wales to the walled city of Chester in England.
Travel north to see the highlights of Scotland, including the “Bonnie
Banks” of Loch Lomond, the Isle of Skye, Inverewe Gardens, Inverness,
pretty Braemar, and elegant Edinburgh. Back in England, you have time to
experience the towns of York and Stratford-upon-Avon before visiting Blenheim
Palace on your way back to LondonItinerary Day 1 (Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight. Day 2 Arrival in London The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel , England (Mon.) Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay. Day 3 London (Tue.)  After a hearty English breakfast, morning
sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: Knightsbridge
with Harrods Story aboutHarrods "For decades “Everything for
Everybody Everywhere” was not only a slogan but quite literally, a reality
for Harrods, the world’s most famous department store. This mantra and the
department store’s practice of providing high quality merchandise with
exemplary service largely explain its fame – that, coupled with the fact
that it had royal support from 1913 through 2000. Harrod’s 1912 mail order
catalogue explains the company’s history best, as it reads: “Harrods,
the Supply Centre for the Empire: Wherever the British Flag floats, Harrods is
a household word for everything good and reliable and their service is
synonymous with Integrity, Assiduity, and Enterprise.”" , the Houses
of Parliament Overlooking The Houses of Parliament along the north bank of the
Thames River and Big Ben Story aboutHouses of Parliament "Big Ben may be
the most famous feature of the Houses of Parliament, but equally impressive is
the hammerbeam ceiling of Westminster Hall. The Hall dates back to 1097 and, at
that time, the roof was supported by pillars. During the reign of King Richard
II (14th century), however, it was replaced by the hammerbeam roof seen today.
This roof – its beauty and sustainability – is even more impressive
when you know its history. It was built with beams made from trees that were
ancient at the time, reputedly acorns, dating back to the 6th century (or
earlier). If only these walls (beams, rather) could talk!" beside the
River Thames, Westminster Abbey Story about" Story of Mary, Queen of
Scots" "Crowned Queen of Scotland at less than a year of age in 1543
and heralded as the true Queen of England by many Catholics at age 15, as well
as the Queen Consort of France at 16, Mary, Queen of Scots was charismatic,
.jpg) shrewd, courageous and
beautiful. She loved archery, riding horses, hunting and hawking and played
golf, billiards, cards and chess. Despite her passion for fun, she entered the
world’s stage at a time of especially heated conflict between Catholics
and Protestants. It was this conflict that drove the intrigue, plotting and
backstabbing that dominated much of her life. In 1568, Mary, Queen of Scots,
was unjustly accused of complicity in the murder of one husband and later
imprisoned in England for 19 years, not because she was guilty of a crime but
because her freedom would have been a threat to the English throne. At age 44,
she was executed for treason in a plot to kill Elizabeth I, a conviction that
was purely political. Despite the fact that Mary and Elizabeth I were blood
cousins, queens of contiguous countries reigning at the same time and
inextricably bound by political rivalry, Mary and Elizabeth never met. Only in
death did they become close: Both are buried in Westminster Abbey." ,
Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing
Street, and Buckingham Palace Story aboutBuckingham Palace "Amid the
splendor of modern cities it’s hard to imagine what places looked like
before they became what we know today. In a previous incarnation, the ground
where Buckingham Palace now stands was a mulberry garden cultivated by King
James I as food for silkworms. The silk industry he hoped to nurture never
materialized, and eventually a roadhouse was built there, followed in due
course by the Blake House, Goring House and Arlington House.Originally known as
the Buckingham House, built as a townhouse by the Duke of Buckingham in 1709,
the estate was acquired by King George III in 1762." . Highlights are a
visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing
of the Guard Story aboutChanging of the Guard "Changing the Guard dates to
Henry VII (reigned 1485-1509) and was designed to show military discipline as
well as ceremony. The tall bearskin hats were introduced in the 18th century to
make the soldiers look taller and thus more frightening, and they were adopted
for ceremonial use in 1832. The ceremony we know today started in the late
1800s and involves real soldiers who fulfill all military duties, guarding the
Queen being just part of their service." , if held. Free time in the
afternoon for independent activities or to join an optional excursion to
Windsor Castle or the Tower of London Story aboutTower of London "Since
its founding in the 11th century, the Tower of London has served many roles:
impregnable fortress, royal residence, armory, treasury, home of the famed
Crown Jewels, and a prison for those who offended the monarchy. To this day it
is guarded by the “Beefeaters,” a name that likely originates from
when Tower guards were paid part of their salary with chunks of beef, a
practice that continued until the 1800s." with its fabulous Crown Jewels.
Later, maybe an optional dinner followed by a cruise on the River Thames? (B)
Day 4 London–Canterbury–Brighton .jpg) (Wed.) Meet your Tour Director and traveling
companions and depart London at 8 am. Drive through the orchards of Kent to
visit CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL Story aboutCanterbury Cathedral and The Black Prince
"Prince Edward, who would have become King Edward IV had he outlived his
father, wanted to be buried in the crypt at Canterbury Cathedral, but he was so
beloved for his prowess in battle that he was placed near the high altar to be
closer to Thomas à Becket, the figure who is known for the Canterbury
Pilgrimage that inspired the world-famous Canterbury Tales. In history, Prince
Edward will be remembered as the Black Prince although the origins of this
nickname are disputed, given the fact that the nickname originated after
Edward’s death. Many historians believe “The Black Prince”
refers to the black armor Edward’s father dressed him in as he descended
into battle at age 16. And, the French refer to Prince Edward as “Le
Noir” thanks to his conquests against them and cruelty in battle he became
known for – another possible source of the nickname. " , where you
hear about the Black Prince and Thomas à Becket Story aboutThomas a
Becket "Without Thomas à Becket there would have been no Canterbury
pilgrimage, thus no Canterbury Tales, and we would have lost one of the English
language’s greatest literary works. What would Geoffrey Chaucer have
written about instead? Thomas à Becket was not always the saintly figure
he’s known as today. When he was young, he made his way in the secular
world running the civil service for his childhood friend King Henry II. When
King Henry appointed him Archbishop of Canterbury, assuming his friend and
servant would help reform the clergy, he got a big surprise. It was during this
time that Becket found his true calling, perhaps for the first time in his
life, as a servant of God, not the King. Unfortunately, this God-focused
mission found him accidentally murdered. Murder – an accident? Yes! King
Henry’s knights misinterpreted the king’s outburst, “Who will
rid me of this meddlesome priest?” (or “low born priest” or
“low born clerk,” depending on the source), as an order and killed
Becket. " . Stop in the quaint town of Battle, site of William the
Conqueror’s decisive victory in 1066, on the way to the Regency seaside
resort of Brighton for a tour of the exotic ROYAL PAVILION The Royal Pavilion
in Brighton is the former residence for the Royal family , the lavish oriental
palace built for the Prince Regent in the early 1800s. Tonight, enjoy a welcome
dinner at your hotel. (B,D) Day 5 Brighton–Salisbury  The
Salisbury Cathedral in England –Stonehenge Story aboutStonehenge
"Built in several stages starting around 3,000 BC, Stonehenge remains one
of humankind’s biggest mysteries. While science is still trying to
determine the purpose behind this famous prehistoric monument, it is generally
assumed to be some sort of astronomical observatory that reflects the changing
trajectory of the sun through the sky and the seasons" –Plymouth
(Thu.) Catch glimpses of Arundel Castle on the way to picturesque Salisbury
with its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture.
Visit prehistoric STONEHENGE before entering the glorious West Country with a
stop at the picture-book village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor as you head across
wild and romantic Dartmoor. Upon arrival in Plymouth, where the next two nights
are spent, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps where the
Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (B,D) Day 6 Plymouth. Cornwall Excursion (Fri.) A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall. After viewing St. Michael’s Mount, rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land’s End, then follow the Atlantic coast strewn with its derelict tin mines and recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. Back in Plymouth, your Tour Director will arrange an optional evening visit to a local inn for dinner. (B) Day 7 Plymouth–Bath–Bristol (Sat.) At Glastonbury, hear about its associations with King Arthur, and in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS The Roman Baths once served as a complex for public bathing . Overnight is in Bristol, from where John Cabot sailed in 1497 to discover America. (B,D) Day 8 Bristol–Cardiff, Wales–Waterford, Ireland (Sun.) A morning orientation drive in Cardiff features the castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings. Cross St. George’s Channel to Rosslare in Ireland and proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. (B,D)  Day 9 Waterford–Blarney–Killarney Take in
the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park (Mon.) A fascinating visit
to the world-famous WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY, then via the port city of Cork
to Blarney, renowned for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time here to visit the
castle and shop at the famous WOOLEN MILLS before continuing to Killarney, your
Kerry base for the next three nights. (B,D) Day 10 At Leisure in Killarney (Tue.) A full day to relax. There are plenty of things to do: your Tour Director will help you plan. If you feel a little adventurous we recommend joining our optional excursion that includes a fun-filled, horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the National Park to Ross Castle Ross Castle, located in Killarney National Park ; a boat ride to Innisfallen Abbey and across the lakes to Muckross House. After lunch on your own the excursion continues with a visit to the house and gardens, returning to your hotel mid afternoon. (B) Day 11 Killarney. Ring of Kerry Enjoy the beautiful views along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland Excursion (Wed.) Start a scenic day with a drive to Killorglin on Dingle Bay, and join the spectacular RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Take your photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Later, join an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner and tickets for the National Folk Theatre. (B) Day 12 Killarney–Dingle
Peninsula–Adare–Limerick (Thu.) Breathtaking scenery on Dingle
Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent Atlantic Ocean
vistas. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, learn about the way of life on the
remote islands evacuated by its inhabitants in 1953. Via quaint Adare with its
pretty thatched cottages, head for the city of Limerick. Tonight’s
optional recommendation: a medieval banquet. (B) Day 13 Limerick–Cliffs of Moher Visit the Cliffs of Moher and see some of Ireland’s most spectacular views –Sligo (Fri.) Motor to the spectacular CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic. Via the limestone plateau of The Burren you reach GALWAY and hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Pass through the region featured in the film The Quiet Man and visit Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Spend the night in Sligo. (B,D)  Day 14
Sligo–Belleek–Giant’s Causeway–Belfast, Northern Ireland
(Sat.) A fascinating day today: the grave of native son and poet W.B. Yeats
in Drumcliff; the BELLEEK POTTERY FACTORY, renowned for its exquisite
cream-colored Parian china; then let the province’s story unfold as you
head for awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, composed of thousands of
strangely symmetrical basalt columns jutting out to sea. Overnight at the
vibrant modern city of Belfast. (B,D)  Day 15 Belfast–Downpatrick–Dublin
Dublin, the capital of Ireland , Ireland (Sun.) This morning’s
highlight is a “living history” orientation drive through the city,
brought to life by your Local Guide. Follow the shores of Strangford Lough to
Downpatrick and visit the inspiring SAINT PATRICK CENTRE. Drive in the lee of
the Mountains of Mourne to Newry and cross once more into the Republic.
Tonight, take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation. (B)  Day 16 Dublin (Mon.) Your orientation drive in
the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant
Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then a highlight visit to
TRINITY COLLEGE Enjoy the beautiful campus of the renowned Trinity College with
the famous Book of Kells. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Top the day
with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B) Day
17Dublin–Chester, England (Tue.) Back across the Irish Sea from Dun
Laoghaire to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey, where a photo stop at
tongue-twisting Llanfair... is a must. Then a scenic drive through Snowdonia
National Park, over spectacular Llanberis Pass, and via pretty Betws-y-Coed to
Llangollen, home of an annual international contest for poets and musicians.
(B,D) Day 18 Chester–Lake District–Gretna Green Story aboutGretna Green "There are many legends of love that surround Gretna Green – the first town encountered across the Scottish border. For centuries, Gretna Green has been synonymous with elopement and blacksmith marriages, although marriage by a blacksmith is more legend than fact. Until the 18th century, church marriages among the lower classes in Europe were almost unheard of. Instead, lower class weddings were usually looked at as “marriage by declaration.” When England passed the Marriage Act of 1754, establishing church weddings as the only legal form of marriage, a sudden industry began over the border in Scotland, where couples could still wed by declaration. Scottish “blacksmith priests” began working in pubs and inns and the eloping couples came in droves." –Glasgow, Scotland (Wed.) On your morning walking tour in the walled city of Chester, see the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, the cathedral, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Focus now on the tranquil Lake District, and after a break in William Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere, head north for the Scottish border. On the way through the history-steeped Lowland Hills, visit GRETNA GREEN, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. In Glasgow, your city drive takes in the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian Squares, built by the wealthy tobacco barons. (B,D) Day 19 Glasgow–Fort William–Isle of Skye  Enjoy the panoramic views of Scotland from the
Isle of Skye –Inverness (Thu.) Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch
Lomond and enter the Highlands. Proceed via Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and Fort
William, then follow the “Road to the Isles.” At Mallaig, board your
FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye, where you visit the MUSEUM OF THE
ISLES at the Clan Donald Centre. Return to the mainland and later, watch out
for the monster as you trace the shores of Loch Ness on the way to the Highland
capital. (B,D) Day 20 Inverness. Highlands Excursion (Fri.) Further into the remote Highlands for a day of spectacular Scottish scenery. Trace the shores of Loch Maree to INVEREWE GARDEN, with subtropical plants encouraged by the warm Gulf Stream. Follow the trails created by Osgood Mackenzie more than 120 years ago. Drive along Loch Glascarnoch for the day’s final highlight visit to a MALT WHISKY DISTILLERY. Ask your Tour Director for this evening’s dining suggestions. (B) Day 21 Inverness–Braemar–St. Andrews–Edinburgh (Sat.) Main features today: the battlefield of Culloden Moor; vast expanses of heather in the Grampian Mountains; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games; St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing; and over the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Tonight an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. For departure numbers July 19 through August 9 tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO Enjoy the sounds of bagpipes and drums at the Military Tattoo performance . (B) Day 22 Edinburgh (Sun.)  Morning city sightseeing with a Local
Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous
scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the
narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE The Edinburgh Castle dominating the
skyline of Edinburgh, Scotland to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels, then
explore HOLYROOD PALACE The Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh serves as the offical
residence of the Queen (except when the Queen is in residence). The afternoon
is free to enjoy this “Prince of Cities” at your own pace. Later, a
unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, once the
perfect royal residence for the Queen’s glittering state visits and family
holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived
and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. (B) Day 23 Edinburgh–York, England (Mon.) This morning, visit the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe’s FLOORS CASTLE, and later, pass the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the abbey ruins at Jedburgh. Through wild Northumberland National Park to see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, and south to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. (B,D) Day 24 York–Coventry–Stratford-upon-Avon (Tue.) Skirt Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest on the way to Coventry. Here, listen to the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom and view the splendid modern cathedral which rose from the rubble of severe World War II bombings. In Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of ANNE HATHAWAY’S COTTAGE and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. (B,D) Day 25 Stratford-upon-Avon–London (Wed.) Drive through the lovely Cotswold Hills to quaint medieval Stow-on-the-Wold. A final spectacular highlight: enjoy a guided tour of magnificent BLENHEIM PALACE The Blenheim Palace in England , home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and afterwards, time to explore the Capability Brown landscaped parkland. After returning to London around 4 pm, how about celebrating the success of your vacation by taking in a West End show? (B) Day 26 (Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B) BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation. AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES Details about airport transfer times, prices and what's included with your vacation |
Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure
historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged. Single room
supplement: $987 Triple room reduction per person: $122 Extra nights per person
in London: Mar.-Apr.: in single room $123, in twin room $76, in triple room $69
May-Oct.: in single room $223, in twin room $134, in triple room $124
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