Britain & Ireland Grandeur

Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Stonehenge and on to Plymouth

Journey west where you’ll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical monoliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Plymouth
Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Discover the Cornish Peninsula

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Plymouth
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Soak up Bath and off to Cardiff

Arriving in Bath, we admire the city's stylish Georgian façades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. We continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where we’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage.
Hotel: Park Inn by Radisson City Centre or Holiday Inn (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Cross the Irish Sea to Waterford

This morning, we explore Cardiff's iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Centre and Victorian fantasy castle before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening we dine in our hotel.
Hotel: The Fitzwilton Hotel Waterford
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Onwards to Blarney and Killarney

First stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where you will Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with a master crafter. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab', journey to Blarney Castle where you'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.
Hotel: Hotel Killarney
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: A Day on the Ring of Kerry

Ireland's enduring natural beauty accompanies your leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. Pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks.
Hotel: Hotel Killarney
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Off to Limerick, the Majestic Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries. You’ll visit the Visitor Centre, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Your next overnight stop in Galway is a real treat for culture buffs. Ireland’s capital of music, song and dance and it’s the perfect place to dig deep into Ireland’s vibrant traditional arts scene first-hand.
Hotel: The Connacht Hotel Galway
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Venture into County Donegal

This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the town your way before dining at your hotel.
Hotel: Central Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre Donegal
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Explore Londonderry, the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast

Cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit to the haunt of Finn McCool will help to conserve this iconic natural landmark. The final stop today is in Belfast, where you'll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city's sights.
Hotel: AC by Marriott or Stormont Hotel Belfast (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: On the road to Dublin

We spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin later, we see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance.
Hotel: The Address Connolly Hotel or Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: See the Sights of Dublin

Beat the crowds and gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse before general admission. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a tour and tasting technique demonstration. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colourful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through Phoenix Park, Dublin's playground.
Hotel: The Address Connolly Hotel or Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Ferry across to Historic Chester and Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows. Later, head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where you'll spend the night.
Hotel: e Atlantic Tower
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Continue to the Beautiful Lake District

Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.
Hotel: North Lakes Hotel and Spa Penrith or Castle Green Hotel Kendal (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14: Journey North to Glasgow

The runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green is your first stop today, where you'll tread in the footsteps of eloping couples who would take their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Next, visit the Falkirk Wheel where you’ll Dive into Culture learning about the legacy of Scotland’s canals and experience the world’s only rotating boat lift. Continue to Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain's most celebrated sons.
Hotel: Novotel Glasgow Centre or Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 15: Over the Sea to Skye

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the 'Glen of the Weeping' and see Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. View the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye.
Hotel: The Dunollie Hotel Broadford or The Kings Arms Hotel Kyleakin (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: The Sights of Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as 'Nessie'. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746.
Hotel: The Highlander Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17: Onwards to Edinburgh

Continue south and stop in Pitlochry before travelling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. Cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Hotel: Holiday Inn or Novotel Edinburgh Centre (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Explore Edinburgh Castle

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building.
Hotel: Holiday Inn or Novotel Edinburgh Centre (hotel will be dependent on your departure date)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Uncover York’s Treasures

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where you'll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavours and hospitality.
Hotel: Novotel Centre
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest

Day 20: Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to London

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre before returning to London.
Included Meals: Breakfast