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Nurture your soul on this romantic tour of Oxford’s cobbled alleyways, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse. Spanning the stunning Lake District, Britain’s yesteryear Viking capital of York, Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford and William Wordsworth’s home village of Grasmere, this three week tour has it all. In Ireland, the lofty Cliffs of Moher offer truly stunning vistas, while the Dine Around in Killarney experience serves up a traditional Sunday roast dinner—with all the trimmings. The journey through the Ring of Kerry boasts breathtaking views of mountains fading into the distant sea and after a stop at the famous kissing stone in Blarney Castle, Local Experts add some extra sparkle with a personal tour through the House of Waterford Crystal.
Locations Visited
London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln, York, Lake District National Park, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Loch Ness, Lock Duich, Skye, Fort William, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Torquay, Plymouth, Dartmoor, Stonehenge
Countries Visited
England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales
Travel Style
Regional
Accommodations
17
nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Itinerary
COLLAPSE ALLEXPAND ALL
Day 1
Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon
Meet your Travel Director at 07:45 at the hotel in London. Depart for the famous university town of Oxford with its beautiful spires. With time at leisure, why not visit the world-famous Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market? Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Tonight, join your Travel Director for dinner at a local pub.
Accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals
Dinner
Highlights
Oxford Orientation
See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
Stratford-upon-Avon Dinner
Savour British cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Lincoln and Medieval York
Travel through the heart of ‘Robin Hood Country’ on your way to visit Lincoln. Continue to York, once the Viking capital of Britain and one of England's oldest cities. Saunter along the Shambles to reach the York Minster, in the heart of this medieval gem. Your hotel lies within the walls facing Clifford’s Tower.
Accommodation
Hilton York
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
York Orientation
Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
Day 3
The English Lakes to Edinburgh
Drive through the Lake District National Park, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes, inspiring a host of English poets. Stop in Wordsworth’s village of Grasmere and see the poet’s grave in the churchyard. Cross the border at Gretna Green, where runaway lovers were married, and continue to the Scottish capital.
Accommodation
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Visit William Wordsworth's Grave in Grasmere
Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
Day 4
Scotland’s Capital of Culture
Travel down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse — official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King - before crossing over to New Town. Walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums.
Accommodation
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Edinburgh Castle Visit
Explore Edinburgh Castle with your Local Expert to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Mons Meg up close.
Edinburgh City Tour
Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 5
St. Andrews and Inverness
Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the world's oldest golf course as you arrive where golf was born in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton finding her Prince Charming began when her and Prince William were students there. Alternately, stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Your travels continue as you cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Stop at Atholl Palace and Gardens for a delicious cream tea. Originally opened in Victorian times, the hotel retains many of its traditional features.
Accommodation
Kingsmills Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Afternoon Tea
Dinner
Highlights
Visit the University Town of St. Andrews
Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
Visit Pitlochry
Visit this town, famous for its salmon leap.
Inverness Orientation
See the River Ness, Inverness Castle and beautiful scenery as you explore the history of this Highland city.
Atholl Palace Afternoon Tea
Atholl Palace, built as a Victorian Baronial retreat, is over 130 years old. The Palace plays host to your afternoon tea. You are welcomed into the banqueting room to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, scones, Scottish shortbread and traditional Scottish tablet.
Day 6
Across the Sea to Skye
Enjoy a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales of Nessie in the heart of Scotland's great glen. Afterwards, pause for a photo of Eilean Donan Castle, set idyllically on a headland on Loch Duich. Listen to tales of Flora MacDonald and her defence of the Bonnie Prince as you cross over the sea to Skye.
Accommodation
The Dunollie Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Loch Ness Cruise
Board your cruise on a loch stretching 37 kilometres through the Great Glen Fault, created by tectonic shifts millions of years ago. Its deepest point reaches 230 m (754 ft) and visibility is near zero due to peat content, conditions that have long inspired tales of Nessie, the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Pass Aldourie Castle and hear how this natural trench fuels both hydroelectric power and global fascination.
See Eilean Donan Castle
Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle built on an island in the Loch.
Day 7
Loch Lomond and Glasgow
Return to the mainland and drive to the World War II Commando Memorial in the shadow of Ben Nevis. Continue through Fort William to absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the Valley of the Weeping, where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonald's took place in 1692. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, en route to Glasgow. Your Travel Director will show you Glasgow's grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo’s Cathedral.
Accommodation
Radisson Blu Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Fort William World War II Commando Memorial
Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
Glasgow Orientation
See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Day 8
Across the Irish Sea to Belfast
Bid farewell to Scotland as you cross the Irish Sea and continue your journey to the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour of Belfast including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Accommodation
Titanic Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Belfast City Tour
Meet Hilda, a true Belfast local, having lived in the same house her entire life. During your panoramic tour, hear about the history of the city and learn why Hilda is proud of its progress and current prosperity. You'll also see the City Hall, Queen's University, Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 9
Dublin city sightseeing.
Travel alongside the Mountains of Mourne before crossing the historic Boyne Valley, site of the battle where William of Orange defeated the forces of Catholic King James. Continue to Dublin, Ireland's 'fair city where the girls are so pretty,' and see O’Connell Street, Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with your Local Expert.
Accommodation
Riu Plaza The Gresham
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Dublin City Tour
See Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House with a Local Expert
Day 10
A pint of the 'Black Stuff'
Experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink in the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. The rest of the day is yours to shop, continue sightseeing or maybe take an optional drive to the ruined monastic site of Glendalough.
Accommodation
Riu Plaza The Gresham
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's national drink.
Day 11
Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and Limerick
Travel west to Galway, known as the City of the Tribes. Guided by your Travel Director, enjoy free time in this artsy, bohemian city. Cross the limestone landscape of the Burren, to the Visitor Centre at the Cliffs of Moher for breathtaking vistas of the Clare Coast. Journey to the town of Limerick, nestled on the shores of the River Shannon.
Accommodation
The George Hotel Limerick
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Galway Orientation
Fascinating stories and interesting locals take centre stage on your orientation of the historic heart of Galway. Visit the Lynch Memorial Window. Then make your way to the Church of St. Nicholas - the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use, Spanish Arch and Eyre Square.
See the Cliffs of Moher
Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travellers. Visit the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
Day 12
The Dingle Peninsula to Killarney
In the morning, your Travel Director will show you the 12th-century St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone before setting off to Tralee and Dingle. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way through the great cliffs, wide skies and ocean views of the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney. For dinner you are treated to a traditional Sunday roast, with all the trimmings.
Accommodation
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
See King John's Castle in Limerick
See King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone.
Killarney Orientation
Enjoy hearing of the history of Killarney during your city orientation.
Killarney Sunday Roast
There's nothing quite as homely as the Irish tradition of a Sunday roast, served with all the trimmings.
Day 13
Ring of Kerry Experience
A delightful morning excursion will take you around the Ring of Kerry, where mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Continue through Ireland’s highest mountain range, the MacGillicuddy Reeks, to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. Meet John for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit his family-run seaweed farm on the Ring of Kerry. Learn about sustainable farming practices that protect the wild Irish Atlantic coasts. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy. Maybe take the opportunity to ride a jaunting car around the lake or through the National Park? At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.
Accommodation
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Seaweed Foraging Walk
Meet John, a seaweed advocate and educator for a seaweed foraging walk at Atlantic Irish Seaweed. Stroll along the shore learning about how they work to protect the fragile ecosystem of the wild Atlantic Irish coasts through their educational courses and passion for the local environment. Irish Atlantic Seaweed's environmental policy is to respect, enjoy and protect the natural wonders that surround them, and promote the sustainable use of Ireland's fragile marine ecosystems. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.
The Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive
Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands, beaches, fields dotted with sheep, rocky coastline, remote villages and historical sites, as you journey the magical Ring of Kerry. This 111-mile circular route is the best place to admire Ireland's scenic beauty and truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Dine-Around in Killarney
Choose from a fine selection of local restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
Day 14
Blarney Castle and Waterford
Visit the ruined 15th century Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Continue to the walled city of Waterford and see the 11th century Reginald's Tower. On your guided visit of the House of Waterford Crystal, you will meet an artisan and see their fine work.
Accommodation
Granville Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Blarney Stone
It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal
Visit Waterford Crystal to learn more about the art of crystal carving that has been practised here since the late 1700s. See master crafters utilise traditional cutting and blowing methods at one of the few remaining artisan workshops.
See the Reginald Tower in Waterford
Explore the town and see Reginald's Tower and the remains of the city walls.
Day 15
Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff
From Rosslare, take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Pembroke and continue on with a pleasant journey through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Travel past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and the brilliant Principality Stadium. Enjoy an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff.
Accommodation
Clayton, Cardiff
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Rosslare to Pembroke Ferry
Board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea.
Cardiff Orientation
Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city.
Day 16
Bath and Glastonbury
Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an orientation with your Travel Director, through the Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths, Britain's only thermal, mineral springs. Your journey continues to mystical Glastonbury. Continue south, to reach the seaside town of Torquay.
Accommodation
The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms)
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Bath Orientation
During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
Visit the Roman Baths
Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artefacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
Glastonbury Orientation
Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.
Day 17
The Devonshire Coast
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth harbour and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. At dinner this evening, enjoy a fine selection of local dishes.
Accommodation
The Imperial Torquay (Sea view rooms)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Dartmoor National Park Walk
Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
Plymouth Harbour Scenic Cruise
Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
Torquay Celebration Dinner
Blend a little wine with great cuisine and good company for a rousing dinner.
Day 18
Salisbury Plain and Stonehenge
Start the day by crossing the Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, the world's most famous prehistoric monument, its true meaning lost in the mists of time. Your escorted journey draws to a close upon return to your hotel in London.
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Visit Stonehenge
Walk around the strange, awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
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