Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Shannon, Ireland. To Limerick. (Sun.) After checking into your hotel, free time to relax and perhaps enjoy the hotel’s leisure amenities or explore the city. At 5 p.m. depart for Bunratty Castle for a special welcome banquet in the company of your Tour Director and traveling companions, with dinner, wine, and entertainment included. (D)

Day 3:
Limerick–Ring of Kerry–Killarney. (Mon.) A day full of splendid scenery, heading south for a stop for photos of the pretty thatched cottages in quaint Adare. At Killorglin on Dingle Bay, the setting for Ryan’s Daughter, join the famed “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Plenty on which to focus a camera here: 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. (FB,D)

Day 4:
Killarney–Waterford. (Tue.) Across the Kerry Mountains for a visit to Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Stone of Eloquence. Time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. In the afternoon, proceed via Cork, Youghal, and Dungarvan to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853, and visit the world-famous WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY. See Reginald’s Tower on the way to your hotel. Before dinner you may want to join an optional pub tour. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Waterford–Dublin. (Wed.) Today’s northbound agenda: Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; Ireland’s oldest HANDWEAVING MILL at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; the Glendalough VISITOR CENTER with its fascinating audiovisual show; and the ruins of St. Kevin’s center of Irish Christianity. Overnight in Dublin. Top the day with your Tour Director’s dining recommendation. (FB)

Day 6:
Dublin. (Thu.) An orientation drive in the capital includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Visit Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Afternoon at leisure for shopping and exploring the Irish capital. Tonight, join your Tour Director for an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (FB)

Day 7:
Dublin–North Wales–Chester, England. (Fri.) Across the Irish Sea from Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey, where a photo stop at tongue-twisting Llanfair... is a must. Follow the North Wales coast to the walled city of Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee. On your walking tour see the Roman remains, the characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” (FB,D)

Day 8:
Chester–Lake District–Edinburgh, Scotland. (Sat.) Head north to the tranquil Lake District, often considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Bowness-on-Windermere and enjoy a CRUISE along the lake on an historic iron steamship, then drive over Kirkstone Pass. Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples, is the next milestone on the way through the history-steeped Lowland Hills to Edinburgh. Tonight, an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. For departure numbers 0803 and 0817 tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO. (FB)

Day 9:
Edinburgh. (Sun.) 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, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). 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. (FB)

Day 10:
Edinburgh–York, England. (Mon.) A special treat: visit magnificent FLOORS CASTLE, the stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Then south past the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the abbey ruins at Jedburgh, into wild Northumberland National Park. Later, inspect a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. Afternoon arrival 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 11:
York–Stratford–Bristol. (Tue.) Leave Yorkshire and its associations with James Herriot, skirting Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest. In Stratford-upon-Avon take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. Savor vistas of the Cotswolds on your way to quaint medieval Stow-on-the-Wold. In Bristol your orientation tour 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 12:
Bristol–Bath–London. (Wed.) In Bath this morning see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS, then try to figure out the prehistoric mystery of STONEHENGE. Visit picturesque Salisbury with its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic, before arriving this afternoon in the British capital. Perhaps an optional dinner followed by a cruise on the River Thames. (FB)

Day 13:
London. (Thu.) 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. Free time in the afternoon for independent activities, and this evening how about celebrating an enjoyable travel experience by taking in dinner and a West End show? (FB)

Day 14:
(Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

RING OF KERRY
Scenic peninsula drive

BLARNEY
Visit the famous woolen mills

WATERFORD
Tour Waterford Crystal factory with a specialist guide

AVOCA
Guided tour of the handweaving mill

GLENDALOUGH
Tour of St. Kevin’s center of Irish Christianity with a local expert

DUBLIN
Orientation drive, visit Trinity College

DUN LAOGHAIRE-HOLYHEAD
Stena Line’s High Speed Service across the Irish Sea

CHESTER
Walking tour

BOWNESS
Lake Windermere cruise

EDINBURGH
Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace

FLOORS
Visit the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe’s castle

YORK
Walking tour

STRATFORD
Picture stop at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace

BRISTOL
Orientation drive

BATH
Visit the Roman relics

STONEHENGE
Visit the prehistoric monument

LONDON
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and see the Changing of the Guard, if held
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in London, England. Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. After checking into your hotel and an afternoon at leisure we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner followed by a guided illuminations cruise on the River Thames.

Day 3:
London–Bath–Bristol. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart London at 8 a.m. for a memorable day’s sightseeing. Take a stroll in picturesque Salisbury with its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic; try to figure out the riddle of STONEHENGE; in the elegant Georgian city of Bath see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS. Tonight’s destination is Bristol with its historic harbor from where John Cabot sailed in 1497 to discover America. Before dinner join your Tour Director for a toast to happy touring with a congenial group. (FB,D)

Day 4:
Bristol–Cardiff, Wales–Waterford, Ireland. On your Bristol orientation tour focus on Brunel’s daring Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain. Cross the Severn Road Bridge to the Welsh capital. An orientation drive here features the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings. Continue along the South Wales coast to Pembroke where your ferry will be waiting. Sail across St. George’s Channel to Rosslare on the Emerald Isle and proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Waterford–Dublin. This morning look forward to a visit to the world-famous WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY, then in Kilkenny take a stroll in this pretty county town. Later, horseracing country with a visit to the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. Drive across the Curragh and on arrival in Dublin, top the day with your Tour Director’s dining recommendation. (FB)

Day 6:
Dublin. An orientation drive in Ireland’s capital city includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then visit Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, maybe take in an optional dinner outing to the Guinness Storehouse. (FB)

Day 7:
Dublin–Belfast, Northern Ireland–Edinburgh, Scotland. Landscapes strewn with Ireland’s typical round towers line the route northwards, crossing the River Boyne and over the border into Northern Ireland. Skirt the Mountains of Mourne and in Belfast, where the Titanic was built, take in the city’s vibrant history and view the impressive City Hall. Next, board your fast ferry to cross the North Channel to Stranraer on Scotland’s southwest coast and continue through the Scottish Lowlands to Edinburgh. (FB)

Day 8:
Edinburgh. Morning city sightseeing with a local expert 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. The afternoon is free to enjoy this “Prince of Cities” at your own pace or maybe join an optional excursion to Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by The Da Vinci Code novel. Tonight relax and enjoy our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. For departure numbers 0730 through 0816 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 9:
Edinburgh–York, England. This morning visit magnificent FLOORS CASTLE, the stately home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. On past the abbey ruins at Jedburgh and the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, into wild Northumberland National Park. Later, 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 10:
York–Stratford–London. Skirt Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest on the way to Stratfordupon-Avon. Take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE, and enjoy lunchtime exploring this fascinating Elizabethan town at your own pace. On return to London at about 3:30 p.m., a shownight theatre evening would be the best finale to your vacation; ask your Tour Director. (FB)

Day 11:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

STONEHENGE
Visit the prehistoric monument

BATH
Visit the Roman relics

BRISTOL
Orientation drive

CARDIFF
Orientation drive

WATERFORD
Guided tour of the Waterford Crystal factory

KILDARE
Guided tour of the Irish National Stud

DUBLIN
Orientation drive, visit Trinity College

EDINBURGH
Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle

FLOORS
Visit the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe’s stately home

YORK
Walking tour

STRATFORD
Picture stop at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace

FERRIES
Cross the Irish Sea Pembroke-Rosslare and by Stena Line’s High Speed Service Belfast-Stranraer
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Glasgow, Scotland. (Mon.) Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax in Scotland’s largest city. Before tonight’s welcome dinner join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a toast to happy touring with a congenial group. (D)

Day 3:
Glasgow–Inverness. (Tue.) Your Celtic adventure starts in earnest before you head for the Highlands with a city drive taking in the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares, built by the wealthy tobacco barons. On the way this morning: Dumbarton, the capital of the ancient Celtic kingdom of Strathclyde; the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond; wild Rannoch Moor; Glen Coe, where the MacDonalds were treacherously massacred by the Campbells; lovely Loch Linnhe; and Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, are memorable highlights. The spectacular afternoon drive follows the Caledonian Canal, with vistas of the Great Glen, Loch Lochy, and Loch Ness, looking out for signs of the mysterious monster. Spend the night in Inverness, the Highland capital. (FB,D)

Day 4:
Inverness–Edinburgh. (Wed.) Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor and continue through heather-clad moors for a visit to a WHISKY DISTILLERY, where your guide explains the ancient art of converting barley, water, and yeast into a heart-warming liquor. On to BALMORAL CASTLE, the Queen’s residence during the hunting season. (After July 31 when the Royal Family is in residence, visit CRATHIE CHURCH instead.) Drive through Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years, and in the afternoon travel via Perth and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Tonight don’t miss our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. (FB)

Day 5:
Edinburgh. (Thu.) Morning city 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, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). The afternoon is free to enjoy this “Prince of Cities” at your own pace. 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 6:
Edinburgh–Chester, England. (Fri.) On the way through the history-steeped Lowland Hills, stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Leave the land of the Scots, and journey through the tranquil Lake District, considered the finest of England’s national parks, and drive over spectacular Kirkstone Pass to visit picturesque Bowness-on-Windermere. Continue to Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee. On your walking tour see the Roman remains, the characteristic black and white half-timbered houses, and the famous two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” (FB,D)

Day 7:
Chester–North Wales–Dublin, Ireland. (Sat.) Travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, via lovely Betws-y-Coed and over breathtaking Llanberis Pass, a region where Welsh is widely spoken as the first language. At Caernarvon you have time to explore the castle which saw the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales. Now it’s across Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey for a photo stop at tongue twisting Llanfair... At Holyhead board your fast ferry and cross the Irish Sea to Dublin. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (FB)

Day 8:
Dublin. (Sun.) An orientation drive in the Irish capital includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then visit Oscar Wilde’s TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Afternoon at leisure. Take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation. (FB)

Day 9:
Dublin–Killarney. (Mon.) Horse-racing country this morning. Drive across the Curragh to visit the IRISH NATIONAL STUD at Kildare, whose thoroughbreds command respect on the racecourses of the world. The Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached, is another milestone on the route to Blarney, renowned for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time here to visit the castle and shop for fine Waterford crystal before continuing on to the popular resort of Killarney. (FB,D)

Day 10:
Killarney–Ring of Kerry–Limerick. (Tue.) Follow the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a spectacular 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip and take your photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. In the afternoon drive via quaint Adare to Limerick where an orientation drive features St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle, and the Stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. A suggestion for a very special night out: an optional medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle. (FB)

Day 11:
Limerick–Sligo. (Wed.) Motor to the spectacular CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic. Via the limestone plateau of The Burren you reach Galway, a vibrant city with a great seafaring tradition. Hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Pass through the region featured in the film The Quiet Man and visit Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since townsfolk saw apparitions. Spend the night in Sligo. (FB,D)

Day 12:
Sligo–Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Thu.) A rich string of attractions awaits you today: the grave of native son and poet W.B. Yeats in Drumcliff; BELLEEK POTTERY FACTORY, renowned for its exquisite creamcolored Parian china; and a fascinating walking tour of Derry with a Local Guide, taking in the Guildhall, old city walls, and St. Columb’s Cathedral. Pass Dunluce Castle, a romantic ruin clinging to its clifftop, and visit awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, composed of thousands of strangely symmetrical basalt columns jutting out to sea. Follow the scenic Antrim coast road to the vibrant city of Belfast. (FB,D)

Day 13:
Belfast–Glasgow, Scotland. (Fri.) Learn more about this fascinating city where the Titanic was built on this morning’s “Living History” tour in the company of a Local Guide. Board your ferry for the fast crossing of the North Channel to Stranraer on the west coast of Scotland. Back in Glasgow, the rest of the afternoon is free for lastminute shopping before bidding farewell to your traveling companions during dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)

Day 14:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

GLASGOW
Orientation drive

HIGHLANDS
Guided tour of a whisky distillery

BALMORAL
Visit the castle or Crathie Church

EDINBURGH
Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace

CHESTER
Walking tour

DUBLIN
Orientation drive, visit Trinity College

KILDARE
Guided tour of the Irish National Stud

BLARNEY
Visit the famous woolen mills

RING OF KERRY
Scenic peninsula drive

LIMERICK
Orientation drive

CLIFFS OF MOHER
Savor the spectacular views

BELLEEK
Guided tour of the pottery factory

DERRY
Walking tour with a Local Guide

COUNTY ANTRIM
Visit the Giant’s Causeway

BELFAST
“Living History” tour with a Local Guide

FERRIES
Irish Ferries Holyhead-Dublin and Stena Line High Speed Service Belfast-Stranraer