A showcase tour of Britain and Ireland awaits you. Discover historically rich and entertaining attractions while traveling across alluring countryside. Two-night stays in five of the overnight cities allow for a comprehensive focus on the many hightlights of the British Isles.
DAY 1 – DEPARTURE
Overnight flight to the British Isles (Inflight Meals).
DAY 2 – OXFORD–COVENTRY, ENGLAND
Meet your tour manager upon arrival at London Airport. Visit Oxford before getting to know your fellow tour members during the 'Welcome' dinner at your Holiday Inn Coventry Hotel. – Conventry, England (Inflight Meal, D)
DAY 3 – STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, ENGLAND
Stop in the quaint Cotswold village of Stow-on-the-Wold. Then, tour Stratford-Upon-Avon, including a picture stop at Anne Hathaway's Cottage and a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. This afternoon allows for free time or an optional 'Warwick Castle' excursion. Holiday Inn Coventry Hotel – Conventry, England (B, D)
DAY 4 – YORK, ENGLAND
Driving through the picturesque Nottingham area, arrive in the historic city of York at lunchtime. The afternoon is free to visit York Minster Cathedral, York Castle Museum, or Jorvik Viking Center. Days Inn Wakefield Hotel – N. Yorkshire, England. (B,D)
DAY 5 - HADRIAN’S WALL, ENGLAND-JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND
A morning drive takes you to Hadrian's Wall for a picture stop. At lunchtime, you are treated to English tea with cakes and finger sandwiches. Stop in the typical Scottish border town of Jedburgh before arriving in the lush surroundings just outside of Edinburgh. MacDonald Houstoun Hotel – Uphall, Scotland. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Start the day with a guided tour of Edinburgh. After the tour, a good place to spend your free time is along the Royal Mile, the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh. This evening you may choose the optional ‘Scottish Dinner’ excursion or a relaxing dinner at your MacDonald Houstoun Hotel – Uphall, Scotland. (B)
DAY 7 - GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND-LAKE WINDERMERE, ENGLAND
Travel southward to Gretna Green for a visit to the Old Blacksmith's Shop Centre to uncover the story of the 19th century secret wedding ceremonies. Next, travel back into England for a ferry ride on lovely Lake Windermere. Rossett Hall Hotel – Chester, England. (B,D)
DAY 8 – CAERNARFON, WALES-DUBLIN, IRELAND
Travel through the thick, pine forest surrounding Betws-y-Coed and the mountainous terrain of Snowdonia National Park. At Caernarfon, see one of the castles built by Prince Edward I. Have an independent dinner while you ferry from Wales to Ireland or dine at a pub upon arrival at Dublin’s Best Western Ashling Hotel – Dublin, Ireland. (B)
DAY 9 – DUBLIN, IRELAND
A local guide points out Dublin’s highlights this morning. The tour ends with a visit inside Trinity College to see the magical Book of Kells. For evening entertainment, join the optional ‘Irish Dinner Show’. Best Western Ashling Hotel – Dublin, Ireland. (B)
DAY 10 – KILDARE-KERRY COUNTY, IRELAND
After touring the Kildare National Stud Farm, visit the Japanese Gardens of Tully House. As you continue toward western Ireland, enjoy this scenic land of meadows, glens, and crystal rivers. Spend the next two nights in Kerry County, at the Darby O’Gills Hotel -- Kerry County, Ireland. (B,D)
DAY 11 – KILLARNEY, IRELAND
The entire day is at leisure to enjoy Killarney and the stunning surroundings. The tour manager will offer an afternoon optional ‘Ring of Kerry’ excursion and an evening optional ‘Pub Crawl with Dinner’ excursion. Darby O’Gills Hotel -- Kerry County, Ireland. (B)
DAY 12 – BLARNEY CASTLE-WATERFORD, IRELAND
One of the highlights of the tour will be today’s visit to Blarney Castle. An early afternoon arrival in Waterford allows for time to explore the town on foot before having dinner at the Waterford Marina Hotel – Waterford, Ireland (B,D)
DAY 13 – FERRY-CARDIFF, WALES
An early morning departure is necessary to reach the ferry that will take you from Rosslare, Ireland to Fishguard, Wales. Enjoy the varied scenery along the coastal road. The motor coach will take you through Cardiff for a panoramic tour on the way to the Newport Holiday Inn Express or similar hotel. – Newport, Wales (B,D)
DAY 14 – BATH-STONEHENGE-LONDON, ENGLAND
Return to England for a visit to the Roman Baths Museum uncovering excavated remains of the baths and the advanced engineering developed by the Romans. From Bath, continue to mysterious Stonehenge, dating back to about 1500 B.C. End the day in London for a two-night stay at the Ibis Euston Hotel – London, England (B,D)
DAY 15 – LONDON, ENGLAND
You will have a full day in London, starting with a guided bus tour of the popular sights. The afternoon is free to pursue personal interests. The tour manager will offer an afternoon optional ‘Tower of London’ excursion and an evening optional ‘London Dinner & Theater’ excursion. Ibis Euston Hotel – London, England (B)
DAY 16 - RETURN
Daytime flight from London Airport back to the USA. (B, Inflight Meals)
Arrival: Please arrive in London before 12:00 pm
Depart: Please depart London after 10:00 am