• Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations
• Superior dining in top rated restaurants
• Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
• 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
• ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom*
• Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
• Local discovery led by Local Experts
• Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included

Itinerary

Day 1 | London to Stratford-upon-Avon

At 08:00, meet your Travel Director at the hotel in London. After a warm welcome, settle into your luxury coach and head westward through the green Chiltern Hills. Stop in Oxford, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the City of Dreaming Spires, home to the world’s most famous university. With time at leisure, why not enjoy a visit to the renowned Ashmolean Museum or browse through the local indoor market? Continue via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit the half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born, now a museum full of memorabilia relating to his life. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a local restaurant for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks. Meals: Dinner Hotel: Swan’s Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon

Day 2 | Medieval York

A leisurely drive brings you to the historic city of York; its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. Inside the ancient city walls, see York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe. Explore the maze of narrow streets to the topsy-turvy Shambles, where warped, overhanging timber-framed houses lean so far that they almost touch! Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Hilton, York

Day 3 | By the Lakes to Edinburgh

Travel across the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines to the picturesque Lake District. A scenic wonderland awaits, with rugged mountains and tranquil waters that inspired a host of English poets, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson and Shelley. After a visit to Wordsworth’s grave in the village of Grasmere, cross into Scotland and stop briefly at Gretna Green. This is the famous spot where runaway lovers were married over the anvil at the blacksmith’s shop. Then it’s on to the majestic Scottish capital.  Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood

Day 4 | Scotland’s City of Culture

Join a Local Expert for a trip along Princes Street to see the ornate Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott and the elegant 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King and visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland Scotland’s glittering Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery?In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Royal Edinburgh – We’ll enjoy views of the Queen’s Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace – the King’s official home in Scotland.  Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.   Adult: 48.00 GBP

Dinner In Edinburgh – Edinburgh has more eateries per head than any other city in the UK and your Travel Director knows which ones shine and which ones to shun! Join your fellow companions for a fun evening out in this vibrant city. Visit a prized local restaurant for a delicious three course dinner with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink included. Adult: 65.00 GBP

Edinburgh – The Untold Story – Walk Edinburgh’s heart with your Local Expert, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city’s most famous pubs. Adult: 31.00 GBP

Day 5 | Fife and Aberdeen

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife. Make your way to St. Andrews, home to the Old Course and birthplace of golf. Enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous ‘Chariots of Fire’ scene was filmed? Alternately, wander to St. Andrews University where the love story of Kate Middleton meeting her Prince Charming began. Test your senses on a visit to a local Whisky Distillery for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience before continuing to our hotel in Aberdeen, a 19th-century baronial mansion located within 30 acres of stunning grounds. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen

Day 6 | Aberdeen to Wick

Travel through Scotland’s northeast, where barley fields and coastal villages reflect a deep-rooted whisky tradition. Arrive at Loch Ness, deeper than the North Sea in parts and vast enough to hold all of England’s lakes combined. Cruise across the storied waters of Loch Ness, passing Bona Lighthouse at the loch’s northern tip, once vital to navigation in the 19th century. Your Travel Director shares the loch’s geological secrets and enduring tales of Nessie, still the subject of scientific study and local lore. Continue north to Wick, a fishing port that once led Europe in herring exports. Just before arriving, look out for Ebenezer Place, the world’s shortest street at just 2.06 m (6.7 ft).  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman, Wick

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

An Evening of Scots-Gaelic Culture – A rare opportunity to enjoy an introduction to the Gaelic culture that is so unique to the Highlands. Stories, song, music and Highland history await you in the warm atmosphere of a centuries-old Highland hostelry. Adult: 35.00 GBP

Day 7 | Orkney Islands Experience

Start the day by boarding the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands where the countryside is breathtakingly majestic and the tranquillity supports a quieter pace of life. Here the hardy locals say they live ‘below the wind and above the water.’ Your Travel Director accompanies you as you visit the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae and the mysterious Ring of Brodgar. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman, Wick

Day 8 | Over the Sea to Skye

Relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of lochs and mountains on your way to the fishing town of Ullapool. Continue alongside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, before crossing to the magical Isle of Skye – the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear the story of the song ‘Over the Sea to Skye,’ which tells of young Flora MacDonald and how she helped to rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie, who fled in disguise after his defeat at Culloden. Admire the scenic splendour on the way to your hotel in Broadford. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Dunollie, Broadford

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

Isle Of Skye Tour – A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a Local Expert. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the ‘Isle of Mist’ see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Adult: 26.00 GBP

Day 9 | Loch Lomond to Glasgow

Return to the mainland to see the remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial for a chance to view Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continue on to the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. Stop on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, known as the ‘Queen of Scottish Lakes’ according to Sir Walter Scott, before arriving in Glasgow. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Radisson Blu, Glasgow

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:

Glasgow Dinner – In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, tonight’s dining experience will feature one of the venues at the forefront of Glasgow’s foodie scene. Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the city’s atmosphere at night. Adult: 68.00 GBP

Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow – Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco. Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition. Let our specialist guide tells you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh. Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions. Take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Willow Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious 3 course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wine. Adult: 79.00 GBP

Day 10 | Walk in the Giant’s Steps on the way to Derry/Londonderry

Cross the Irish Sea with views of the Isle of Arran en route. On arrival in Northern Ireland, travel to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, where over 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Walk across this striking geological landscape, one of the country’s most recognised natural wonders. Later, continue to Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s only remaining walled city, where centuries of history are preserved within its original 17th-century ramparts. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Da Vinci’s, Londonderry

Day 11 | Belleek and Sligo Bay

In the morning, meet Ronan, one of the nation’s storytellers, as he takes you inside Derry/Londonderry’s well-preserved walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall, and cross the border to see O’Donnell’s Castle in Donegal. Journey south to the Belleek Pottery & Visitor Centre, nestled on the banks of the River Erne. Meet some of the specialist craftspeople and see artisan techniques in action during your visit. Then it’s on to your country retreat, set on the scenic shores of Sligo Bay. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Clayton, Sligo

Day 12 | Galway and Limerick

Experience the beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Continue to Galway, where your Travel Director will show you St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Move onto your hotel in Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and Georgian houses. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: The George, Limerick

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Medieval Castle Banquet – Enjoy a banquet and medieval entertainment in the great hall of the castle. The court jester will make an appearance, as will the castle’s musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court – giving you an evening you won’t forget. Adult: 99.00 EUR

Day 13 | Adare to Killarney

Start the day with an exploration of Limerick where you will see King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Continue your journey through the land of song and legend via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, into County Kerry. As a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet John and Freda, passionate restaurant owners. Learn how their farm-to-table concept operates and enjoy a delicious meal made from fresh ingredients all sourced within a five-mile radius. At night your Dine-Around Evening offers you authentic and intimate dining as you choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants, ranging in style and ambiance. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Aghadoe Heights/ Great Southern

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Jaunting Car Ride – Experience the best of the Irish countryside on a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. Formerly known as the Muckross Estate, this area became Ireland’s first National Park in 1932. In 1981, the park was designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, part of a network of natural areas which have conservation, research, education and training as primary objectives. During your journey, your Local Guide shares insightful anecdotes about the area and Ireland.  Adult: 30.00 EUR

Day 14 | Ring of Kerry Experience

In the morning, enjoy a trip around the Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s most scenic journeys. See towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages, Ireland’s highest mountain range and the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. With time at leisure, perhaps hire a bicycle and take advantage of the many cycle trails that Killarney has to offer  around the lake or through the National Park?  Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Aghadoe Heights/ Great Southern

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:

Celtic Steps – Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond. Beginning with as Irish Classic, ‘Siúil a Rún,’ thought to have originated in the 1800’s, the traditional Irish song tells a bittersweet tale of a woman lamenting her lover after his decision to embark on a military career. The performance then shifts to a series of fast and lively Irish reels with the introduction of the Celtic Steps Dance Troop followed by the waltz and energetic jig. Adult: 47.00 EUR

Gaelic Roots – The origins of Irish culture spring to life over a tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance at this Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along. You’ll treasure experiencing the 2,000-year-old Gaelic culture over an evening out. Adult: 40.00 EUR

Day 15 | Blarney Castle and Cork

Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains this morning and head for Blarney. Visit the ruined 15th century castle that is home to the famous Stone of Eloquence. It is said that those whose lips caress the Stone of Eloquence are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Continue on to Cork, Ireland’s second most populous city, built on the River Lee. Perhaps enjoy a city tour before checking into your hotel. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Maldron South Mall, Cork

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Queenstown Story – Experience this intriguing port town, home to the world’s second-largest natural harbour. We’ll visit stunning St Colman’s Cathedral and the Queenstown Story to hear about the town’s past and discover how it became the single most important Irish port of emigration. Adult: 31.00 EUR

A Tour of Cork’s Inner City – Ireland’s second city – “Rebel Cork” – is one of Ireland’s hidden gems, with origins dating back to the 7th century. This walking tour traces the city’s evolution from the early religious settlement of St. Finbarr, through Viking raids and settlement, to the rise of the Norman city and its wealthy Merchant Princes. View the historic Shandon Steeple, steeped in folklore, and stroll through the narrow laneways toward the city centre. Cross the North Channel of the River Lee and, in the heart of the city, surrounded by its braided waterways, hear tales of Cork’s rich history and its place in the wider world. And of course, enjoy the unmistakable lilt of the lovely Cork accent! Adult: 25.00 EUR

Day 16 | Kilkenny and Dublin

Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle. Learn how the castle was built in 1195 after the Norman Conquest of Ireland and admire its beautifully restored Victorian era rooms. Continue to Ireland’s lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish cabaret? Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Trinity City, Dublin

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Dublin Dinner and Cabaret – Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be 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: 99.00 EUR

Day 17 | In Dublin’s Fair City

Experience Ireland’s national, world-famous drink with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. Then meet your Local Expert who will show you the sights of the city, including Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House. The afternoon is at leisure. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Trinity City, Dublin

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

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 Guide 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: 36.00 EUR

Dinner in Dublin City – Famous for its heritage buildings and authentic local culture, Dublin is a charm-filled city for travellers to explore – and what better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Irish capital than with an evening in one of the most locally loved restaurant-pubs? You’ll enjoy dinner and experience the charming hospitality for which this part of the world is known. Adult: 72.00 EUR

Day 18 | Across the Irish Sea to Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea for a stop in Wales and see Conwy Castle. Return to England and stop in Liverpool for an orientation of the city. Consider an Optional Experience tour featuring the history of The Beatles. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Maldron, Liverpool

Day 19 | The Welsh Marches to Cardiff

Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton, Cardiff

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Cardiff Castle Tour – On a private tour, you’ll explore this unique castle and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Andersen’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: 28.00 GBP

Welsh Evening – Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is a stunningly-renovated deconsecrated church. After a warm reception, you’ll enjoy a first-class meal of seasonal Welsh specialities, 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: 91.00 GBP

Day 20 | Bath and Somerset

Cross the soaring Severn Bridge to reach the elegant Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in amphitheatre-style on the surrounding hills. An orientation of the city will show you the impressive Pulteney Bridge and gothic Bath Abbey, famous for the sculpture of angels climbing Jacob’s Ladder before a visit to the well-preserved Roman Baths. Journey on to Somerset, visit Wells Cathedral, as you make your way to Plymouth for the night. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Crowne Plaza Plymouth/Copthorne Hotel Plymouth.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Dinner in Devon – There can be nothing better than a delightful meal in a quintessential English country pub. Enjoy a three course dinner of superb local food with wine. Cheers! Adult: 56.00 GBP

Day 21 | Discover Dartmoor

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America. Back in Plymouth, enjoy a glass of wine and a delectable Celebration Dinner with your newfound friends as you toast to an inspiring journey. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Crowne Plaza Plymouth/Copthorne Hotel Plymouth.

Day 22 | Ancient Stonehenge to London

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Your discovery of Britain and Ireland concludes upon your return to the hotel in London. Meals: Breakfast