DAY 1 : London – Stratford-Upon-Avon – York – Bradford
Meals
Dinner
This morning visit Stratford-upon-Avon, where you have time to see the sights and shop for souvenirs. During your orientation of York your Travel Director will take you on a walk through the web of quaint, narrow streets and show you York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Continue to your hotel in Bradford where you dine tonight.
Day 2: Bradford – Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow (2 Nights)
Meals
Breakfast
Drive through the Yorkshire Dales to the scenic glory of the Lake District. Travelling along the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, and through countryside that inspired the Romantic poets, you reach Grasmere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried at St. Oswald's Church. We cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would say their vows over the anvil. This afternoon your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the cathedral, the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry.
Optional Tours at Additional Cost
- Glasgow City Evening - You'll enjoy a chance to experience a night out in the city of Glasgow. Your Travel Director will take you for an evening of good food, a drink, and undoubtedly interesting conversation. Adult Price: Price on Request
- A Stirling Evening - See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. A truly local experience, you'll be piped in to your evening meal in the historic Scottish city and enjoy an evening of Scottish delights. Adult Price: Price on Request
- Private Cruise On Lake Windermere - Enjoy an exclusive cruise on a private boat on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the northern coastline, beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see deserted islands, boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Adult Price: Price on Request
- Windermere Cruise And Steam Train Ride - A chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite. Adult Price: Price on Request
Day 3 : Edinburgh Excursion
Meals
Breakfast
Today visit Edinburgh. Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city. View the famous castle, the Royal Mile, historic Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. Later enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Optional Experiences / Tours
- Royal Yacht Britannia - You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples. Adult Price: Price on Request
Day 4 : Glasgow – Belfast – Dublin (2 Nights)
Meals
Breakfast
Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past the island called Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Scotland to Ireland, then board a ferry for the short crossing to Northern Ireland. See City Hall, Queen's University and the dock where the Titanic was built during your city orientation. Finally cross the River Boyne at Drogheda to enter the Irish capital, Dublin.
Optional Experiences / Tours
- Dinner in Dublin City - Come to one of Dublin's most locally-loved restaurant-pubs. You'll enjoy dinner and charming hospitality that this part of the world is renowned for. Adult Price: Price on Request
Day 5 : Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
Meals
Breakfast
See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Christchurch Cathedral and the stately Georgian squares with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its street performers. This evening consider joining an Optional Experience to an Irish cabaret.
Optional Experiences / Tours
- Dublin Dinner and Cabaret - Enjoy an evening of fine food and non-stop fun as Ireland’s history unfolds in a cabaret of comedy, song and dance. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner. Adult Price: Price on Request
- Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough- Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland. Adult Price: Price on Request
Day 6 : Dublin – Kilkenny – Waterford
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Traverse County Kildare's splendid countryside. In Kilkenny see the imposing medieval castle and enjoy free time for lunch. This afternoon visit the House of Waterford Crystal showroom and see the exquisite pieces. Dine tonight at your hotel.
Optional Experiences / Tours
- Irish Folk Fun - During this evening of entertainment, you'll get the chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you. Adult Price: Price on request
- Explore Waterford's Viking History - Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever". Adult Price: Price on request
Day 7 : Waterford – Cardiff
Meals
Breakfast
Cross St. George's Channel to Wales, and continue your journey to Cardiff Bay to view the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly. View the historic Cardiff Castle and see the Millennium Stadium before arriving at your hotel.
Optional Experiences / Tours
- Cardiff Castle Tour - You’ll explore this unique castle on a private tour and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 900-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff. Adult Price: Price on Request
- Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner - Join us for a traditional Welsh country dinner. We'll take you to a 14th century thatched inn called The Blue Anchor. While you're eating and enjoying your drink, you'll be entertained with a performance from a Welsh harpist. Adult Price: Price on Request
- Welsh Evening At Millennium Centre - Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is the Welsh Millennium Centre, an iconic building in the fashionable Cardiff Bay area. After a warm reception, you'll enjoy a first-class meal of seasonal Welsh specialties, sourced and produced locally. Quality wine or soft drinks are included and the meal will be accompanied by our enchanting Welsh harpist. You'll then be entertained by the finest local singers presenting the beautiful music of Wales. Adult Price: Price on Request
Day 8 : Cardiff – Bath – Windsor – London
Meals
Breakfast
Cross the Severn Estuary into England and the glorious city of Bath. See splendid Georgian architecture during your orientation. Perhaps consider a visit to the Roman Baths. View the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle during your visit to Windsor. Why not enjoy a stroll along the banks of the river or shop for Royal souvenirs. Later arrive back in London where your amazing holiday ends.