Britain and Ireland Panorama Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive London (2 Nights)

Welcome to the multicultural melting pot that is London - its culture and heritage shaped by the nations that once contributed to its great empire are found around every turn. Spend your day easing into the energy of a cosmopolitan city that effortlessly blends old and new and is the perfect springboard to a grand adventure through Britain and Ireland.

Day 2: London Sightseeing

Join your Local Specialist today to see the iconic sights, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, meandering through the picturesque Royal Parks, shopping for the best of British wares on Carnaby Street or delving into natural history and royal heritage at one of the many fascinating museums. Full Breakfast

Day 3: London – Stratford-upon-Avon – York

Meet your Travel Director this morning and travel to Stratford-upon-Avon. Venture through the lush green countryside of Warwickshire to Stratford-upon-Avon to delve into the lyrical legacy of one of the world's favourite writers. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre and see Anne Hathaway's cottage, before arriving in York. Wander along its cobbled Shambles and ancient city walls, and see the magnificent York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, we join our Travel Director and travel companions for a delicious Yorkshire dinner in our hotel. Full Breakfast, Welcome Reception

Day 4: York – Jedburgh – Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Journeying through the rugged and dramatic Northumberland National Park, we arrive at the remarkably intact ruins of the 12th century Jedburgh Abbey en route to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included. Enjoy a rousing display of music, dance and precision on the grounds of the beautiful Edinburgh Castle. Full Breakfast

Day 5: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour through Auld Reekie's elegant New Town, Princes Street and the Royal Mile, enjoying views of the exquisite Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat. Embark on a guided visit of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking this picturesque city. Consider a traditional Scottish night out this evening soaking up the aromas of haggis and the exhilarating sounds of bagpipes that fill the air. Full Breakfast

Day 6: Edinburgh – St. Andrews – Pitlochry – Scottish Highlands (2 Nights)

Today we travel across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews to view the celebrated ancient university and explore centuries of golf heritage. Our next stop is the charming Scottish village of Pitlochry on the banks of the River Tummel, whose beautiful Victorian façades we will have an opportunity to admire. Consider an Optional Experience to visit Blair Castle, the ancestral home to the Dukes of Atholl, or relax in the inspiring midst of the Scottish Highlands. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Isle of Skye, Culloden and Scenic Highland Excursion

Driving to the rugged coast of Scotland this morning, we pass the Glenfinnan Monument erected to commemorate the site where the 1745 Jacobite Rising began. We cross the sea by ferry to the Isle of Skye, driving up the Sleat Peninsula and admiring the spectacular scenery of the 'Garden of Skye' before enjoying free time for lunch. Cross over a road bridge to view scenic Eilean Donan Castle back on the mainland and meander past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands including the haunt of Nessie. Pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives during the final confrontation of the Jacobite uprising on Culloden battlefield, returning to your hotel in Laggan later. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Scottish Highlands – Glencoe – Loch Lomond – Glasgow

Our first stop today is at the World War II Commando Memorial near Fort William for breathtaking views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Continuing south through the 'Glen of the Weeping', we remember the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred for failing to pledge allegiance to Scotland's new monarchs. Arriving in Glasgow, we enjoy an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square. We'll also visit the Necropolis for a Cultural Insight into one of Europe's most important 19th century burial grounds. Full Breakfast

Day 9: Glasgow – Lake District – Liverpool

Cross the border into England and enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch with Farmer John and his wife Christine on their Cumbrian working farm. Learn about traditional farming methods. We continue our journey through the beautiful Lake District landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. See Lake Windermere, England's largest lake, before travelling to Liverpool, the haunt of Britain's 'Fab Four'. Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 10: Liverpool – Chester – Dublin (2 Nights)

The charming half-timbered Tudor 'Rows' in Chester are our first stop today as we travel towards the scenic North Wales coast to Holyhead to catch our ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Soak up Irish hospitality and delicious local flavours during a Regional Meal at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 11: Dublin Sightseeing

Larger than life, the tiny capital of Dublin is ours to explore this morning as we delve into the city's iconic sights with a Local Specialist. See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares, before visiting the Guinness Storehouse to find out about Ireland's famous brew and the man whose flowery red signature still appears on every bottle. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the charming atmosphere on your terms. Consider an Optional Experience at an Irish Cabaret for an unforgettable evening spent in good company. Full Breakfast

Day 12: Dublin – Galway – Limerick

Journey to the West Coast and the vibrant cultural city of Galway where you will have an opportunity to view Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square, with its tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, before continuing to Limerick. Full Breakfast

Day 13: Limerick – Ring of Kerry – Cork

Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Circling the spectacular Ring of Kerry, we see mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that has inspired writers and poets for centuries. After a day spent indulging in breathtaking scenery, we arrive in Cork and enjoy a delicious dinner at our hotel. Full Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Cork – Blarney – Cobh – Waterford – Wexford

In the pursuit of acquiring the 'gift of the gab', we visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone before stopping in picturesque Cobh for a walking tour with a Local Specialist. This charming seaside city was the final port of call for the tragic Titanic on its fateful voyage. This afternoon we visit the House of Waterford Crystal and watch talented master craftsmen at work during a Cultural Insight tour of their workshop and admire the delicately crafted pieces on display. Full Breakfast

Day 15: Wexford – Cardiff

We cross the Irish Sea to Wales and its capital, Cardiff, where we will see the Millennium Stadium and view the Millennium Centre, National Assembly and Victorian fantasy Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city, before arriving at your hotel this evening. Full Breakfast

Day 16: Cardiff – Bath – Glastonbury – Plymouth (2 Nights)

Traverse the Severn Estuary to Bath, so named for the ancient Roman Baths that have made the city a popular retreat for centuries. Admire the elegant Georgian façades and visit the Roman Baths before spending some time at leisure to explore the city. We wind our way to mystical Glastonbury to visit the 7th century Abbey where King Arthur is believed to be buried. Later, we arrive in the city of Plymouth, our home for two nights. Full Breakfast

Day 17: Polperro and Dartmoor Excursion

The springboard to a New World takes centre stage as we start our day with an orientation of Plymouth. View the Mayflower Steps, where brave pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage to America, and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Visit the quaint fishing village of Polperro with its narrow streets and picturesque harbour before enjoying a scenic drive through the brooding landscapes of Dartmoor, renowned for its wild ponies. Our epic adventure through Britain and Ireland almost at its end, we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 18: Plymouth – Stonehenge – London

Meander across the Salisbury Plain and visit the mystical ancient monoliths of Stonehenge, whose myths have yet to be fully revealed. We journey back to London this afternoon where we spend our final evening in Britain celebrating a memorable journey with new friends. Full Breakfast

Day 19: Depart London

Say a fond farewell to Britain and Ireland as you prepare to return home with treasured memories of your trip. Full Breakfast