Itinerary:
Day One - London, Bath, Cardiff
Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland. Departing from London, you will make your way to Stonehenge (optional), the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Once you’ve had a chance to look around, you’re off to the beautiful and historic city of Bath, famous of course for the Roman baths built here during the reign of the Empire. Heading into nearby Wales, Caerphilly Castle is your next stop, where you’ll be able to snap a few photos of this ancient attraction, built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, a red-headed Norman nobleman. Finally, you arrive in the Welsh capital of Cardiff - for overnight stay.
Day Two - Stratford-upon-Avon, Liverpool
Prepare for your second day of adventure. After breakfast in Cardiff, you make for Stratford, the hometown of William Shakespeare. A market town with more than 800 years of history, the town still has many buildings that would be familiar to Shakespeare if he was still around today. Then you’re off to Liverpool. Liverpool is a famous British port city with a rich history; there’s something for everyone here. Football fans will be delighted to be in the home city of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will be enthralled to be in the home of The Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour of the city, and explore the city yourself during your free time this evening. Why not head to Mathew Street, the beating heart of the live music scene and home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music.
Day Three - Liverpool, Dublin
Today, you catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Once we arrive, we’ll take a drive tour of the city, and spot a few of the city’s more famous highlights. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city. From the city’s Viking past, its medieval castles and its cathedrals, to its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent episodes, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained, but small enough to get across town in no time at all. Tonight, there’s also the option to visit the Merry Ploughboy Music Pub for a taste of traditional Irish music.
Day Four - Dublin
Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin. One of the city’s most famous exports is, of course, Guinness, and today there’s the option of visiting the Guinness Storehouse to see how it's made. Alternatively, visit the National Museum or Museum of Modern art, take a walk along the South Wall, visit the city’s most famous park, St Stephen’s Green or try out the many pubs and eateries.
Day Five - Waterford, Blarney Castle, Killarney
Leaving Dublin behind you, travel onward to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland. Founded by Vikings in 914, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition. Following your stop here, you’ll travel on to the famous Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. After that, it's onward to the pretty town of Killarney in County Kerry, where you’ll stop for the night.
Day Six - Ring of Kerry
Today, you'll have a free day in Killarney. There are incredible trails to hike, amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join our free optional excursion as we drive the incredible Ring of Kerry. Keep your camera fully charged and at the ready – it’s going to be a day of stunning scenery. The Ring of Kerry is home to breath-taking coastal views, emerald-green pastures and charming villages – including Caherciveen and Kenmare, where you’ll make comfort stops. Both Caherciveen and Kenmare are quaint and pretty – take the opportunity to amble down the high street of Kenmare and try the culinary treats on offer from the cute cafes, bars and restaurants. Finally, Muckross House and Gardens is a stunning Victorian mansion in the heart of Killarney National Park – there’s the option of visiting stunning house and garden to enjoy the scenery.
Day Seven - Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Today’s another day for epic Irish scenery. Travelling up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, you’ll be stopping in Adare and Limerick on your way to the famous Cliffs of Moher and the town of Galway. Adare is often called Ireland’s prettiest village, and with its preserved 19th Century thatch-roofed cottages housing craft shops and fine restaurants, it’s not hard to see why. You’ll travel on through the county of Limerick and make your way to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the best-known attractions in all of Ireland. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the frothing ocean below, and the views on a clear day are breath-taking. Finally, you’ll arrive in Galway, a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, its live music venues, cafes, weekend parties and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during your free time and experience all the charms that Galway offers.
Day Eight - Derry, Londonderry, Giants Causeway, Belfast
Leaving Galway you journey on to Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry / Londonderry. Fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer. Next, you’ll stop at the Giant’s Causeway, a famous natural oddity made up of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Learn about the myths and legends surrounding the area, and then your final stop on your Irish adventure – Belfast. Here, you have a driving tour with a local guide, to see some of the city’s most famous attractions and learn more about the city’s past. Having pulled off quite a transformation in recent years, Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles, and the city’s skyline is constantly changing. Fans of Game of Thrones will be pleased to know that a large portion of the series is filmed here.
Day Nine - Stirling, Scottish Highlands
Today, you make your way to Scotland. Boarding a ferry in Belfast, you’ll arrive back in England and then head to Stirling in Scotland, where you’ll be able to admire the famous Wallace Monument. Built to commemorate one of William Wallace’s most famous victories at The Bridge of Stirling, the monument is a tower standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a hilltop near Stirling. Then, you’re off into the Scottish Highlands. Admire the scenery as you travel to your accommodation.
Day 10 - Loch Ness, Whisky Distillery, Edinburgh
Today, you set off into the Highlands to further explore this famous region of Scotland. You’ll be stopping at the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster. Go for a cruise on the Loch (optional) and see the ruins of Urquhart Castle. You'll then stop off at a local whisky distillery, where you’ll have the chance to taste this most famous Scottish export. Heading out of the Highlands, you’ll arrive finally in Edinburgh, and enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital. Apart from Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, keep in mind that this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans might find the city strangely familiar.
Day 11 - Edinburgh
Your time is yours to spend as you like today – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or strike out on your own and discover the city for yourself. Explore Edinburgh Castle in full, or if the weather allows, take a stroll up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below. Tonight they offer a traditional Scottish dinner, complete with the famous traditional haggis. Check their Optional Excursions for more information.
Day 12 - Ainwich Castle, York, Yorkshire
Saying goodbye to Scotland, you make for the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland and the second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle. This castle has also featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films (The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets), Downton Abbey, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (and the more recent Ridley Scott incarnation), The Black Adder, Star Trek: The Next Generation and many more. Visiting the castle is an optional excursion, details of which are available in your Optional Excursions documentation. Next, you travel into Yorkshire, and to the county capital, York. Home to the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets, lined with little boutiques selling all manner of fascinating things and there are sweet-shops too if you’re looking to satisfy that sweet tooth. They’ll take you on a walking tour of the city to see its most famous sites, before heading to your accommodation in Yorkshire.
Day 13 - Cambridge, London
Today you make your way to the historic university town of Cambridge. Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed through the city’s famous university: John Milton, Charles Darwin, David Attenborough, Sacha Baron Cohen, Siegfried Sassoon, John Cleese, Nick Drake, Stephen Fry, William Wordsworth, Hugh Laurie, Rachel Weisz and, of course, countless others. You’ll do the traditional thing and go punting along the river before you return to London where the tour concludes.
Includes:
- 12 nights' accommodation in twin rooms
- 12 breakfasts, six dinners
- 24 experiences
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet
- Services of your tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips
- All road taxes and fees
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Excludes:
- Airfares
- Visa
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
2017 Commencement Dates:
- 24 April
- 5 June
- 3 July
- 31 July
