Itinerary

Day 1:
Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sat. ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3:
Sun. LONDON. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing features all the famous landmarks: Knightsbridge with Harrods, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. A highlight is the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with the spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4:
Mon. LONDON-YORK-SCOTCH CORNER. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 a.m. for a day of northbound travel. Enjoy a walking tour in the university city of Cambridge, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning. In York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night near Richmond, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales made famous by James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small. (B,D)

Day 5:
Tue. SCOTCH CORNER-EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Inspect a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival in Edinburgh. Tonight an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (FB)

Day 6:
Wed. EDINBURGH. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which for the Queen was once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For departure numbers 0804, 0811, and 0818, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands which takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. (FB)

Day 7:
Thu. EDINBURGH-CHESTER, ENGLAND-LIVERPOOL. South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Wordsworth’s Grasmere, then follow the shores of Lake Windermere. In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour includes the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” End the day in Liverpool of Beatles fame, once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners, and European Capital of Culture in 2008. (FB,D)

Day 8:
Fri. LIVERPOOL-STRATFORD-BRISTOL. Into Wales to picturesque Llangollen, home of an international competition for poets and musicians. Back in England, tour fascinating Stratford-upon-Avon, a living monument to William Shakespeare, before driving through the scenic Cotswold Hills with a stop for photos in picture-book Broadway. Overnight in Bristol where your orientation drive focuses on Brunel’s daring Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, and the historic harbor from where John Cabot sailed in 1497 to discover America. (FB,D)

Day 9:
Sat. BRISTOL-BATH-LONDON. A day of memorable highlights with a visit first to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before continuing via Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery, to Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire.” After returning to London around 4 p.m., how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (FB)

Day 10:
Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Hadrian’s Wall, Jedburgh, Melrose, Edinburgh Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (departure numbers 0804, 0811, 0818), Gretna Green, Grasmere, Liverpool, Llangollen, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Broadway, Bath, Salisbury; orientation drive in Bristol; walking tours in Cambridge, York, Chester
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sun. ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3:
Mon. LONDON. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: Knightsbridge with Harrods, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4:
Tue. LONDON-STRATFORD-COVENTRY. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 a.m. for a memorable day’s sightseeing: a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta; Oxford, where a walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education; and through the lovely Cotswold Hills. At Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Finally, at Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World War II bombings, hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, and admire the splendid modern cathedral. (B,D)

Day 5:
Wed. COVENTRY-YORK-SCOTCH CORNER. Leave the Midlands passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, and head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night near Richmond, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales made famous by James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small. (FB,D)

Day 6:
Thu. SCOTCH CORNER-EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Inspect a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival at Edinburgh. For departure numbers 0729 through 0819, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (FB)

Day 7:
Fri. EDINBURGH. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (FB)

Day 8:
Sat. EDINBURGH-CHESTER, ENGLAND-WREXHAM, WALES. South through the historysteeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s National Parks. Visit Wordsworth’s Grasmere, then follow the shores of Lake Windermere. In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” (FB,D)

Day 9:
Sun. WREXHAM-DUBLIN, IRELAND. A scenic North Wales drive via Llangollen, home of an annual national competition for poets and musicians, and through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Pause at lovely Betws-y-Coed before heading over spectacular Llanberis Pass and finally cross Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfair... and at Holyhead board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin. (FB)

Day 10:
Mon. DUBLIN. A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. Take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation for this evening. (FB)

Day 11:
Tue. DUBLIN-ENNIS. Head for dairy farm country in the center of the “Emerald Isle.” In Galway, a vibrant city on the west coast with a great seafaring tradition, hear about the infamous Lynch Stone commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher before heading for Ennis, county town of Clare. Tonight’s optional opportunity: a traditional Irish evening in the setting of a village barn with dinner, wine, and entertainment. (FB)

Day 12:
Wed. ENNIS-KILLARNEY. Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Later, in Killarney, discover why this is such a popular resort. (FB,D)

Day 13:
Thu. KILLARNEY-WATERFORD. Across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Waterford. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)

Day 14:
Fri. WATERFORD-CARDIFF, WALES. An early start for the short drive to the ferry port at Rosslare. In just under four hours you cross St. George’s Channel to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital’s major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for an evening of Welsh entertainment. (FB)

Day 15:
Sat. CARDIFF-BATH-LONDON, ENGLAND. A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before continuing via Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery, to Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire.” After returning to London around 4 p.m., how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (FB)

Day 16:
Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Coventry, Hadrian’s Wall, Jedburgh, Edinburgh Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (departure numbers 0729 through 0819), Gretna Green, Grasmere, Llangollen, Betws-y-Coed, Llanfair, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Adare, Killarney, Blarney, Bath, Salisbury; orientation drive in Dublin; walking tours in Oxford, York, Chester
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Wed. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Thu. ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3:
Fri. LONDON. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: Knightsbridge with Harrods, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the ceremonial pageantry of the Guards, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4:
Sat. LONDON-STRATFORD-COVENTRY. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 a.m. for a memorable day’s sightseeing: a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta; a walking tour in Oxford, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning; and through the lovely Cotswold Hills. At Shakespeare’s Stratfordupon-Avon take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Finally, at Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World War II bombings, hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, and admire the splendid modern cathedral. (B,D)

Day 5:
Sun. COVENTRY-YORK-SCOTCH CORNER. Leave the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, and head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow shambles. Stop for the night near Richmond, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales made famous by James Herriot’s All Creatures Great and Small. (FB,D)

Day 6:
Mon. SCOTCH CORNER-EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND. Inspect a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival at Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (FB)

Day 7:
Tue. EDINBURGH. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town”, drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. For departure numbers 0802, 0809, and 0816, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (FB)

Day 8:
Wed. EDINBURGH-HIGHLANDS. A day of memorable sightseeing: St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. At a whisky distillery, let your guide explain the ancient art of converting barley, water, and yeast into a heart-warming liquor. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then via Inverness head for your Highland destination. (FB,D)

Day 9:
Thu. HIGHLANDS. WEST COAST EXCURSION. More spectacular Scottish scenery. The lovely Falls of Shin; Dornoch Firth and the Kyle of Sutherland; then follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbor on Loch Broom before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. Our recommendation for this evening would be to join the Loch Ness Experience optional excursion including a cruise on the loch followed by supper at a local inn. (FB)

Day 10:
Fri. HIGHLANDS-ISLE OF SKYE-GLASGOW. More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then breathtaking scenery all the way to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was treacherously massacred by the Campbells in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow, Scotland’s great cultural city. (FB,D)

Day 11:
Sat. GLASGOW-BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND. On this morning’s orientation drive through Scotland’s largest city, see the fine 12-thcentury cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian Squares built by the wealthy tobacco barons. Later, stop at Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Belfast. Before checking into your hotel, join the “living history” orientation drive through this fascinating city in the company of a Local Guide. (FB,D)

Day 12:
Sun. BELFAST-SLIGO, IRELAND. Take the scenic route along the Antrim coast to awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, then let the province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry, and later Belleek Pottery Factory, renowned for its exquisite creamcolored Parian china. At Drumcliff see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats, before arriving in Sligo, tonight’s destination. (FB,D)

Day 13:
Mon. SLIGO-ENNIS. South to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway, on its beautiful bay, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (FB)

Day 14:
Tue. ENNIS-DINGLE PENINSULA-KILLARNEY. Via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer for the ferry across the Shannon estuary. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. On the way to Killarney pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. (FB,D)

Day 15:
Wed. KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION. At Killorglin join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney. A special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Later, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner, and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. (FB)

Day 16:
Thu. KILLARNEY-TRAMORE. More scenic splendor as you head into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Finally, Dungarvan and along the Copper Coast to the seaside resort of Tramore. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)

Day 17:
Fri. TRAMORE-DUBLIN. Highlights on your northbound journey: Waterford, famed for its exquisite crystal; Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a center of Irish Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Afternoon arrival in Dublin. Take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation for this evening. (FB)

Day 18:
Sat. DUBLIN. A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Dublin at leisure. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (FB)

Day 19:
Sun. DUBLIN-WREXHAM, WALES. Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Follow the North Wales coast route to Chester, England, the historic county town on the River Dee. A walking tour takes you past Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Spend the night at Wrexham back in Wales. (FB,D)

Day 20:
Mon. WREXHAM-CARDIFF. An interesting southbound route through Wales: scenic Horseshoe Pass; Llangollen, home of an international competition for poets and musicians; the market town of Ludlow; Brecon Beacons National Park; and “The Valleys,” whose iron ore and coal were the raw materials for the Industrial Revolution. In the Welsh capital an orientation drive takes in Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings and Cardiff Castle. Your Tour Director will recommend tonight’s optional Welsh evening. (FB)

Day 21:
Tue. CARDIFF-BATH-PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND. Across the Severn Bridge to the elegant Georgian city of Bath famed for its Roman relics. Into the West Country via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur, and wild and romantic Dartmoor with a visit to the picture-book village of Widecombe in the Moor. Upon arrival in Plymouth hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (FB,D)

Day 22:
Wed. PLYMOUTH. CORNWALL EXCURSION. A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne Du Maurier’s Cornwall. After viewing St. Michael’s Mount rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land’s End, then follow the Atlantic coast strewn with its derelict tin mines and recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for this evening. (FB)

Day 23:
Thu. PLYMOUTH-BRIGHTON. An interesting day heading into Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and views of the intriguing prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. Take a break in Salisbury for a look at its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic. Stop for photos at historic Arundel, dominated by the Duke of Norfolk’s huge castle, before continuing on to the seaside resort of Brighton for overnight stay. (FB,D)

Day 24:
Fri. BRIGHTON-LONDON. A leisurely last day on the road with time this morning for a seafront promenade stroll or to browse along The Lanes, a quaint area of narrow streets, renowned for its antique shops. Finally, take the scenic route via the pretty market town of Lewes and pause for lunch in picturesque Royal Tunbridge Wells, before returning to London about 3 p.m. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (FB)

Day 25:
Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Coventry, Hadrian’s Wall, Jedburgh and Melrose, Edinburgh Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (departure numbers 0802, 0809, 0816), St. Andrews, Braemar, Culloden, Inverness, Strathpeffer, Ullapool, Alloway, Giant’s Causeway, Derry, Belleek pottery factory, W.B.Yeats’ burial place, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney, Waterford, a handweaving mill at Avoca, Glendalough, Llangollen, Ludlow, Bath, Widecombe in the Moor, Plymouth, St. Ives, Salisbury, Arundel, Brighton, Lewes and Royal Tunbridge Wells; orientation drives in Glasgow, Dublin, Cardiff; walking tours in Oxford, York, Chester