Britain and Ireland Highlights Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive London

Old Blighty bids you a warm welcome to its regal traditions and fascinating heritage. Ramble through its picturesque Royal Parks relaxing after your journey, or take to its streets to admire centuries-old façades merged with the modern verve of a global capital that marches to its own multicultural tune

Day 2: London – Stratford-upon-Avon – York – Harrogate

Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as we visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and Visitor Centre before embarking on a scenic drive north to the Viking city of York where we'll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the quaint cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening we indulge in traditional pub grub at a memorable Welcome Reception in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, our home for tonight. Full Breakfast, Welcome Reception

Day 3: Harrogate – Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow (2 Nights)

Stunning landscapes dotted with quaint stone villages offer a picturesque backdrop for our drive around the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. We meander past England's pretty Lake Windermere to Grasmere, described by William Wordsworth as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found". View the grave of this famous Romantic poet at St. Oswald's Church before crossing the border to the runaway wedding capital of Greta Green, where eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. We arrive in Glasgow this evening where we will enjoy an orientation tour with views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square lined with statues of some of Great Britain's most celebrated sons. Full Breakfast

Day 4: Edinburgh Excursion

From the cultural capital of Glasgow to beguiling Edinburgh with its exquisite medieval façades, our encounter with Scotland will see us join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. We'll see the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before we return to Glasgow this evening for a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 5: Glasgow – Belfast – Dublin (2 Nights)

Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland, to board the ferry to Northern Ireland. Join a Local Specialist and explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in its capital, Belfast, where we'll view City Hall, Queen's University and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening we arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where we'll spend the next two nights. Full Breakfast

Day 6: Dublin Sightseeing

Drive through the charming streets of pretty Dublin with a Local Specialist. We'll see the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Gain insight into the centuries-old tradition of Guinness brewing and enjoy a Storehouse tour and tasting technique demonstration, before spending the rest of the day exploring Dublin's quaint city streets. Ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers or consider visiting the Old Jameson Distillery. This evening join an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance. Full Breakfast

Day 7: Dublin – Kildare – Kilkenny – Waterford

Fascinating Irish heritage and tradition are explored this morning as we gain a Cultural Insight into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm established in 1946. Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time in this charming city for lunch. Our next stop sees us enjoying a Cultural Insight into the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. We'll watch master craftsmen at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom. Full Breakfast

Day 8: Waterford – Cardiff

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue your journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Millennium Centre, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. This evening join a local Welsh family in the idyllic Welsh countryside for a memorable Be My Guest Farewell Dinner. Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 9: Cardiff – Bath – Stonehenge – London

Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and world-famous Roman Baths from which the city derives its name. Journeying across the picture-perfect landscapes of Wiltshire, we visit the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge, whose myths and mysteries have yet to be fully revealed, returning to London later. Full Breakfast

Day 10: Depart London

Say farewell to your travelling companions at the end of your holiday, as you prepare to fly home with wonderful memories. Full Breakfast