—- Other dates are available.
England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales—experience them all on this comprehensive vacation.
Your adventure begins with a full day to enjoy exciting optional tours in London before heading to Oxford.
A walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their education, then experience the exquisite Cotswolds and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon.
Continue to York, England’s most complete medieval city, for a walking tour.
Then, on to captivating Durham with its dramatic Cathedral and Castle before your overnight stop in Newcastle.
See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, and enter Scotland for two overnights in regal Edinburgh.
Here, your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
Travel south through the Lowlands to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples.
Continue through the Lake District, considered the finest of England’s national parks, visiting Wordsworth’s charming Grasmere and driving along beautiful Lake Windermere, the largest of England’s lakes.
Enjoy a walking tour of 2,000-year-old Chester and drive into Wales through breathtaking Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed, and over the Llanberis Pass to the Isle of Anglesey.
At Holyhead, board a ferry for Dublin, Ireland’s capital, where an orientation drive shows you the main attractions.
Head west via Galway to the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher.
Leave Ireland and take the ferry back to Wales for an orientation drive of Cardiff, the capital city.
Returning to England, stop in the Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman ruins, and marvel at enigmatic Stonehenge.
Your tour ends back in London with free time—a memorable trip!
What’s your pleasure? Today is devoted to exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting program of optional activities. You may choose to join a Local Guide for an optional morning sightseeing tour of the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights include a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard (if held). Later on, maybe visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight, a leisurely cruise on the Thames River would be fun!
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. In Oxford, a walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight destination is Sheffield.
This morning, head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Next, visit Durham, a captivating city with winding cobblestone streets and a prominent peninsula crowned with the dramatic Durham Cathedral and Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for the night in Newcastle, once an important center for the wool trade and coal mining, now a vibrant, modern city.
See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots. In Edinburgh, 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. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.
Your choice today: an optional morning excursion to Rosslyn Chapel, made world-famous by Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, and also one of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings. You will have ample time to visit the 15th-century medieval chapel and the visitor center, and also to take photographs of the ruins of Rosslyn Castle. Later, another unique optional opportunity: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which 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 July 31 through August 21, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO.
A scenic North Wales drive via Llangollen, home of an annual national competition for poets and musicians, and through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Pause at lovely Betws-y-Coed before heading over spectacular Llanberis Pass and, finally, cross Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfair and at Holyhead, board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin.
A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. Why not join an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse?
Head for dairy farm country in the center of the “Emerald Isle.” Stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot CLIFFS OF MOHER before heading for Ennis, county town of Clare. Tonight’s optional opportunity: an optional banquet at Knappogue Castle.
Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry, join the road known as the RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Later, in Killarney, discover why this is such a popular resort.
Across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Tramore. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel.
An early start for the short drive to Rosslare. In just under four hours, you cross St. George’s Channel by FERRY to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital’s major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Tonight, why not join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner?
A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before visiting STONEHENGE, still an intriguing mystery. Explore the stunning visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. After returning to London around 3:30 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town?
A Taste of London A unique chance to combine a traditional London pub experience with a relaxed, night-time river cruise, viewing some of the capital’s most beautiful illuminated sights. Enjoy a three-course dinner with several local menu choices, including fish and chips and steak and ale pie at an historic London pub in the City of London. Following dinner you will enjoy scenic views from the comfort of your private cruiser. Highlights include Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s and the Houses of Parliament, with commentary from your guide as you cruise along the River Thames.
Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. One of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II the castle is still used regularly for ceremonial and state occasions. Visit the magnificent State Apartments furnished with priceless works of art by Holbein, Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck. See wonderful St. George’s Chapel the burial place of ten monarchs including Henry VIII and Charles I.
Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews Buckingham Palace serves as both the office and London residence of Her Majesty The Queen. During August and September when the Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland, the Palace’s state rooms are open to visitors. These are the heart of the Palace, lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection which are used for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. Before entry to the Palace you will visit the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables still in existence. See the State vehicles, both horse-drawn carriages and cars, used for coronations, royal weddings and State Visits, including the magnificent Gold State Coach which has been used for every coronation since 1821 and was last used for The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002.
Morning City Sightseeing Morning Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held.
Shownight – Beautiful (Saturday) This fully escorted, door-to-door evening excursion includes a gourmet dinner at a first class restaurant. Choose from a tasty 3 course, 3 choice menu with wine and coffee. Dinner is followed by best seats to see the sensational musical BEAUTIFUL. Return transfers are included, and your Local Host accompanies you during this wonderful evening in London’s West End. BEAUTIFUL is the untold story of Carole King8217’s journey from schoolgirl to superstar; from her relationship with husband and song-writing partner Gerry Goffin, their close friendship and playful rivalry with fellow song-writing duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, to her remarkable rise to stardom.
Tower of London and Crown Jewels The Tower of London is one of the most famous historic buildings in the world. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066-1067, it has been guarded by Yeoman Warders (popularly known as the Beefeaters) since the 14th century. It has been a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution, and an armory. It is most famously known as the home to the priceless Crown Jewels, including the solid gold crown used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the Imperial State Crown and Sovereigns Sceptre, the incredible Cullinan diamonds, and the Koh-i-Noor.
Excursion to Rosslyn Chapel Described as a ‘Bible in Stone’, the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most remarkable buildings and yet at the same time, one of the most mysterious places in Scotland. During your excursion to Rosslyn you will have time to visit the medieval chapel with its exquisite carvings, which have inspired – and intrigued – artists and visitors for generations, as well as the visitor center containing an award-winning exhibition. You might also like to take a short walk to photograph the ruins of nearby Rosslyn Castle.
Royal Yacht Britannia Excursion & Dinner Enjoy a visit to the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which was used on over 700 overseas visits and sailed over a million nautical miles. Having served royalty and prime ministers and hosted presidents, the last commissioned royal yacht offers a rare opportunity to explore areas not normally seen on a conventional visit to a royal residence; from the bridge through the private and state apartments, from the officer and crew quarters to the engine room. After the visit, dine at a fine local restaurant.
Scottish Evening with Bagpipers and the Ceremony of the Haggis No visit to Scotland’s capital city would be complete without joining a Scottish evening. A piper welcomes you in traditional Scottish style, then savor a delicious four-course banquet with wine and let your host lead you through an evening of music, song and dance culminating in the traditional Ceremony of the Haggis and the joint singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ written by Robert Burns.
Knappogue Castle Banquet Come and enjoy the famous medieval banquet at Knappogue Castle. Set within a 15th century castle, costumed entertainers welcome you with a goblet of mead before serving a sumptuous four-course feast with wine, the ladies of the castle will entertain you with a program of music, song and dance, taking you on a journey from medieval times to the present day.
Welsh Evening Wales is known as the land of song, fun and laughter, and Cardiff is the home of our entertaining evening of Welsh culture including dinner, music, song, poetry and history.