Itinerary

Day 1 BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Day 2 ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN, IRELAND
Check into your hotel. At 3 p.m. meet your traveling companions for an afternoon orientation drive through statue-lined O’Connell Street and elegant Georgian squares to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College. Your Tour Director will have some suggestions for dining tonight.

Day 3 DUBLIN-SLIGO
On your first day in the Irish countryside discover why this is known as the “Emerald Isle.” Motor north through history-steeped landscapes, with Ireland’s typical round towers and castle ruins, to the legendary Hill of Tara. See mighty Trim Castle, then across the River Boyne and via the agricultural and angling center of Mullingar to Longford, the county capital. On the way to Sligo take your pictures at scenic Carrick-on-Shannon and the Cistercian abbey ruins at Boyle. (FB,D)

Day 4 SLIGO. NORTHERN IRELAND EXCURSION
At Drumcliff see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats, then step across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. Then follow the route through Omagh to the fascinating city of Derry where a walking tour with a Local Guide takes in the old city walls and St. Columb’s Cathedral. In the afternoon shop for hand-knitted woolen goods in Donegal town. (FB,D)

Day 5 SLIGO-ENNIS
South to Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition, 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 medieval castle banquet. (FB)

Day 6 ENNIS-DINGLE PENINSULA-KILLARNEY
This morning’s orientation drive in Limerick acquaints you with King John’s Castle and the Stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. Then via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, then pass miles of white sandy beaches, setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. The next two nights are spent in the popular resort of Killarney. (FB,D)

Day 7 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 from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner, and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. (FB)

Day 8 KILLARNEY-WATERFORD-TRAMORE
More scenic splendor as you head over the Kerry Mountains 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. Youghal and Dungarvan are further milestones on your way to Waterford, where a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory is included. Spend the night at the nearby seaside resort of Tramore. An optional pub tour might be fun this evening. (FB,D)

Day 9 TRAMORE-DUBLIN
Highlights on your northbound journey: 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. Back in Dublin tonight, your Tour Director will have recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (FB)

Day 10 YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY
(FB)

Dates & Prices

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 explore the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your day.

Day 3:
Sun. LONDON-BATH-CARDIFF, WALES. 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, Henry VIII’s sumptuous Tudor palace on the River Thames; Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire”; and Stonehenge, one of England’s most intriguing mysteries. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics. Then across the Severn Bridge, a tribute to modern engineering, into Wales and Cardiff. (B,D)

Day 4:
Mon. CARDIFF-TRAMORE, IRELAND. An orientation drive in the Welsh capital introduces you to the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Vistas of rich dairy farmland on the way to the departure point for the ferry across St. George’s Channel to Ireland, arriving at Rosslare in just under four hours. Via Waterford, famed for its fine crystal, for an overnight in the seaside resort of Tramore. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Tue. TRAMORE-KILLARNEY. Discover why Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.” Dungarvan, Youghal, and Cork, the country’s second-largest city, are milestones on the way to Blarney, renowned for its Stone of Eloquence. Time at your leisure to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch head through the Cork and Kerry mountains for the resort town of Killarney. (FB,D)

Day 6:
Wed. KILLARNEY-LIMERICK-ENNIS. This morning take a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive known as the “Ring of Kerry”: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Drive via Adare, a village well known throughout Ireland for its prize-winning thatched cottages, to Limerick. An orientation drive here features King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone of 1691. Tonight, an optional banquet at Knappogue Castle is recommended. (FB)

Day 7:
Thu. ENNIS-DUBLIN. Head east for the Irish capital via Kildare and horse-racing country. Your afternoon in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive along statue-lined O’Connell Street. Then admire elegant Georgian squares and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Later, time to browse and shop, take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation for this evening. (FB)

Day 8:
Fri. DUBLIN-WREXHAM, WALES. Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Enjoy the best of North Wales on a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, including spectacular Llanberis Pass and pretty Betws-y-Coed. Visit Llangollen, home of an annual international competition for poets and musicians, before arriving in Wrexham. (FB,D)

Day 9:
Sat. WREXHAM-STRATFORD, ENGLAND-LONDON. Take your photos this morning at Ironbridge, cradle of the Industrial Revolution. More scenic highlights on the last leg of your journey. In Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. After returning to London around 5 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

Visits to Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Salisbury, Bath, Tramore, Blarney, Killarney, Adare, Llangollen, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon; orientation drives in Cardiff, Limerick, Dublin
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2:
Sat. ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND. 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 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. 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-PLYMOUTH. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 a.m. for the West Country. First, a photo opportunity at Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor palace. Continue westward to Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire.” Cross the chalky terrain of Wiltshire and pass Stonehenge, one of England’s most intriguing mysteries. Drive through Dorset, and finally in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombe in the Moor, ghostly setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. (B,D)

Day 5:
Tue. PLYMOUTH-BATH-CARDIFF, WALES. In Plymouth hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. Via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur to Georgian Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into Wales and head for the capital, Cardiff. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for an evening of Welsh entertainment. (FB)

Day 6:
Wed. CARDIFF. BRECON BEACONS EXCURSION. Enjoy an orientation drive to the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Then head out to “The Valleys,” whose iron ore and coal were the raw materials for the Industrial Revolution. Drive through Brecon Beacons National Park, land of salmon rivers and home of the Welsh mountain pony. Afternoon at leisure back in Cardiff and a visit to St. Fagans National History Museum. (FB,D)

Day 7:
Thu. CARDIFF-WEXFORD, IRELAND. A leisurely departure from Cardiff and vistas of rich dairy farmland with a pause at the pretty seaside resort of Tenby on the way to the departure point for the ferry across St. George’s Channel to Ireland, arriving at Rosslare in just under four hours. (FB,D)

Day 8:
Fri. WEXFORD-KILLARNEY. Today discover why Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.” Via Waterford, famed for its fine crystal, drive along the southern coast, passing Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch continue to the popular resort of Killarney. (FB,D)

Day 9:
Sat. KILLARNEY-RING OF KERRY-LIMERICK-ENNIS. This morning enjoy a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive known as the “Ring of Kerry”: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages, to Limerick. An orientation drive here features King John’s Castle, and the Treaty Stone of 1691. Tonight, an optional banquet at Knappogue Castle. (FB)

Day 10:
Sun. ENNIS-DUBLIN. A scenic route this morning via the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren on the way to the port city of Galway on its lovely bay. Hear about the infamous Lynch Stone commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Continue via Athlone before arrival in Dublin with suggestions from your Tour Director for this evening. (FB)

Day 11:
Mon. DUBLIN. A day in the “Fair City” starts with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital, including statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day at leisure. Later, take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation. (FB)

Day 12:
Tue. DUBLIN-CHESTER-LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND. Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Follow the North Wales coast to Chester, the ancient county town on the River Dee. See the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” Overnight in Liverpool of Beatles fame, once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners, and European Capital of Culture in 2008. (FB,D)

Day 13:
Wed. LIVERPOOL-GLASGOW, SCOTLAND. Drive into the tranquil Lake District, often considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Grasmere, home of the poet William Wordsworth and over the border for a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Travel through the history-steeped Lowland Hills to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. (FB,D)

Day 14:
Thu. GLASGOW-NEWTONMORE. Along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond and through wild Rannoch Moor into the Highlands. Via Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was treacherously massacred by the Campbells in 1692, to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Then the Great Glen: vistas of the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich. Follow the banks of Loch Ness, home of the timid and timeless Nessie. Continue via Inverness, the Highland capital, and on the way to tonight’s destination in the Cairngorms National Park stop at the battlefield of Culloden Moor, with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie. (FB,D)

Day 15:
Fri. NEWTONMORE-EDINBURGH. Drive through more spectacular Highland scenery for a stop in the pretty Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. The routing then takes in Perth and Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Continue through Fife and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to spend the next two nights in the Scottish capital. For deparure numbers 0721 through 0811, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (FB)

Day 16:
Sat. 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: join your Tour Director for a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (FB)

Day 17:
Sun. EDINBURGH-YORK-LEEDS, ENGLAND. At Jedburgh, glimpse the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and see the abbey ruins before heading towards the Cheviot Hills and the English border, then through wild Northumberland National Park. On the way, inspect a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. 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. (FB,D)

Day 18:
Mon. LEEDS-STRATFORD-COVENTRY. Head for the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood. In Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and explore the town at your own pace. At historic 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. (FB,D)

Day 19:
Tue. COVENTRY-LONDON. Motor through the Cotswold Hills and pause at Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill lies buried within sight of his birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Finally enjoy a walking tour in Oxford, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning. 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 20:
Wed. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Dates & Prices

Visits to Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Salisbury, Widecombe in the Moor, Plymouth, Glastonbury, Bath, St. Fagans National History Museum, Tenby, Blarney, Killarney, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Liverpool, Grasmere, Gretna Green, Inverness, Culloden, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (departure numbers 0721 through 0811), Jedburgh, Hadrian’s Wall, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Coventry, Churchill’s burial place; orientation drives in Cardiff, Limerick, Dublin; walking tours in Chester, York, Oxford