Exploring Britain & Ireland England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales Join us on an unparalleled journey through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. From the glitz and glamour of London to the charm of Killarney, you'll relive the magic and merriment of the middle ages on this great adventure. Your 2-night stay in London includes a sightseeing tour viewing its famous landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London with time to explore on your own. Experience the grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral before marveling at the mysterious rock formations of Stonehenge. A visit to Bath and its Roman Baths Museum is where you’ll see 1st century spas. Then it's on to Wales and its capital Cardiff before boarding your ferry for a delightful cruise to Ireland. Here you'll have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone; witness stunning vistas along the Ring of Kerry; visit a dairy farm; and enjoy a guided tour to the Rock of Cashel. Other highlights in Ireland include tours of the Waterford Crystal Factory, dinner at an Irish cabaret, and a tour of the "Fair City" of Dublin. A ferry ride across the Irish Sea brings you back to Wales where you'll see beautiful Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales, before traveling north to England's scenic Lake District. Crossing into Scotland and its capital Edinburgh, you'll tour the famous Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels, and enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner with entertainment. This tour concludes with a visit to the city of York, where you'll enjoy a walking tour through its quaint streets before venturing onto Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare.
Day 1: Overnight Flight A quick hop across the pond brings you ever closer to the history, culture and scenic wonders of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Day 2: London, England - Tour Begins Your tour begins in the magnificent capital city of London. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers at a special welcome dinner. (D) Day 3: London During a guided city sightseeing tour, discover London's many unique landmarks - Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the changing of the guard, if held. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore the historic sites of London or alternatively, pre-purchase the Complete London Experience option which includes a traditional English tea, a Thames River cruise and a ride on the London Eye. (B) Day 4: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff Your day begins with a visit to Stonehenge of Celtic and Druid lore. This mysterious formation dates back to the Stone Age. *Next, journey to the elegant Georgian town of Bath for a visit to the Roman Bath Museum. See the elaborate spas, which are nearly 2,000 years old.* Continue on to the Welsh capital city of Cardiff for an overnight stay. (B, D) Day 5: Cardiff - Ferry to Ireland - Waterford Take in the verdant countryside of South Wales en route to the coastal village of Fishguard where you board a ferry for a cruise on the Irish Sea across St. George’s Channel to Rosslare, Ireland. Begin your exploration of southeast Ireland in Waterford, founded by the Vikings! (B, D) Day 6: Waterford - Blarney - Killarney During a tour through the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory you will see a demonstration of how cherished crystal treasures are created and you’ll have the opportunity to shop for your own heirlooms. Next, journey through County Cork en route to the historic Blarney Castle. Wind your way up to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it those who kiss the stone are blessed with the gift of telling captivating stories. Your day ends in beautiful Killarney where you will find enchanting lakes and deep green valleys, and you’ll meet people with sparkling Irish eyes and wits to match. (B, D) Day 7: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney A scenic drive brings you to the Ring of Kerry where you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical scenery. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Marvel at the stunning vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, still lakes and picturesque villages. Return to Killarney after a truly enchanting day. (B) Day 8: Killarney - Rock of Cashel - Dublin *The Irish are known for their wit, humility and most of all, their humour. Today, you will have a chance to talk and laugh with a local family when you visit the Molanna Dairy Farm and meet its owners.* After your visit and a relaxing spot of tea, you’ll journey through the picturesque “Golden Vale” en route to the Rock of Cashel for a visit to the historic spot where St. Patrick preached and, as legend has it, rid the Emerald Isle of snakes. This evening, dinner and traditional entertainment are included. (B, D) Day 9: Dublin Enjoy a tour of Dublin “Fair City.” Dubliners are very proud to show off their city on the river Liffey and tell you why it has earned the title as the best city in Europe in which to live. See the Bank of Ireland, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park. A visit is included to the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city your way - visit a museum, stroll in a park or stop by a pub and chat the afternoon away. (B) Day 10: Dublin - Ferry Crossing - Wales A ferry ride across the Irish Sea transports you to Holyhead in northern Wales where you'll pass Llanfairpwll-gwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the town with the longest name in the world. Perhaps you’ll even learn how to pronounce it! Travel through the picturesque Welsh countryside en route to visit the majestic Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales. (B, D) Day 11: Wales - Lake District - Edinburgh, Scotland Travel north into England’s scenic Lake District to see charming Lake Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Crossing into Scotland, you arrive at the border town of Gretna Green. At the Old Blacksmith’s shop, hear why generations of runaway couples came here to be married. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s charming capital city. (B, D) Day 12: Edinburgh A morning tour of the regal city of Edinburgh includes entrance to the famous Edinburgh Castle, the city's most prominent landmark and home of the Scottish crown jewels. Also enjoy a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse*, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The rest of the day is free so that you can listen to the lilt of the Scottish brogue while you shop, explore a museum, or enjoy a tasty afternoon snack. (B) Day 13: Edinburgh - York, England Today, return to England and visit the historic city of York. Explore its quaint streets, including the famous “Shambles,” which, most agree, is like travelling back in time to the Elizabethan period. In some places the street is so narrow that you can touch both sides with outstretched arms. A visit is included to the magnificent 13th-century Minster Cathedral. (B, D) Day 14: York - Coventry - Stratford-Upon-Avon Journey to Coventry and visit its famous modern Cathedral, completely rebuilt after the bombing during World War II. Next, venture off to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway's thatch-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the author's wife. Join your fellow travellers this evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate your new memories and friends. (B, D) Day 15: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Tour Ends Your journey through Britain and Ireland ends in Stratford-upon-Avon today. (B) |
 
*On some dates alternate hotels may be used
*Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include hotel transfers. Air rates include inter-air. Taxes and fuel surcharge extra. Air rates and availability are subject to change until paid in full. Air rates vary by departure and season. Call for other rates and gateways. Experience It! Kiss and Tell Kiss the stone - they say - and you will be given the gift of gab. Many anecdotes exist about the origin of this time-honoured edict, with the most popular involving Queen Elizabeth I and Cormac McCarthy, the loquacious Lord of Blarney. After a long and drawn-out argument about certain duties, the Queen once told a rambling McCarthy that he was giving her “a lot of blarney.” Thus a legend was born: smooch the stone and be presented with McCarthy’s gift of eloquence. In order to reach the stone from its location on top of the castle, you must bend over backwards and lower yourself down a few feet. Curators have installed guardrails to assist visitors when they are ready to pucker-up. You
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