Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
London bids you a warm welcome to its regal traditions and centuries-old heritage. Stroll through its Royal Parks to relax after your journey, or take to its streets to admire elegant façades merged with the modern verve of a global capital that marches to its own multi-cultural tune.
Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as we visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Center, before embarking on your drive north to the Viking city of York, where we'll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening, we indulge in traditional pub grub at a Welcome Dinner in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, our home for tonight.
We journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on our journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which we’ll pass as we continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. We'll cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. We drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow where our orientation will take us past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh, with its exquisite medieval façades, our encounter with Scotland will see us join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour. We’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, and see the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening for a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast, past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Board the ferry to Northern Ireland, then join a Local Specialist to explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in Belfast. We’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, we arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where we'll spend the next two nights.
Dive Into Culture and discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland, before spending the rest of the day exploring the sights alone. Ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colorful street performers. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.
We Dive Into Culture this morning and gain insights into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud established in 1946. Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time for lunch. Our next stop sees us Dive Into Culture yet again to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. We'll watch master crafters at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.
An early start to our sightseeing today sees us cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue our journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Wales Millennium Center, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. This evening, we Connect With Locals in the idyllic Welsh countryside, joining a local family for a Farewell Dinner Be My Guest experience. Visit the oldest and largest vineyard in Wales, you’ll learn how the Norris family are using sustainable farming practices and get to meet some of the resident animals that roam the land freely. You’ll enjoy a homemade meal, enchanting stories of rural life in Wales and warm Welsh hospitality, leaving with the knowledge that your visit supports the family in their efforts to farm sustainably.
Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths from which the city derives its name. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge, then return to London.
Say farewell to your traveling companions at the end of your vacation, as you prepare to fly home with wonderful memories.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere (Available on Day 2)Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult Price: £28 Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise (Available on Day 2)Step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside. Then a chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England's largest lake.*
Adult Price: £33 A Stirling Evening (Available on Day 2)See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. A truly wonderful experience, you'll be piped in to your evening meal in the historic Scottish city and enjoy an evening of Scottish delights.
Adult Price: £61 Rosslyn Chapel (Available on Day 3)We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £29 Dinner in Dublin City (Available on Day 4)Famous for its heritage buildings and authentic local culture, Dublin is a charm-filled city for travelers to explore – and what better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Irish capital than with an evening in one of the most locally loved restaurant-pubs? You'll enjoy dinner and experience the charming hospitality for which this part of the world is known.
Adult Price: €65 Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough (Available on Day 5)Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
Adult Price: €34 Dublin Dinner and Cabaret (Available on Day 5)Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humor. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €89 Explore Waterford's History and Local Pub (Available on Day 6)Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever". Afterwards, we stop off for a drink in one of the area's oldest pubs for a pint or drink of your choice.
Adult Price: €28 Irish Folk Fun (Available on Day 6)Join a magical entertainment experience, where you'll get the chance to see Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
Adult Price: €33 Cardiff Castle Tour (Available on Day 7)On a private tour, you'll explore this unique castle and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 900-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Adult Price: £26