• Handpicked 4 & 5 Star hotels in great locations
• Businss Class style coaches with extended legroom
• Supeior dining in top rated restaurants
• Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences
• Daily breakfass & many relaxed morning starts after 9am
• Local discovery led by local Experts
• 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver
• 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 with Wine Hotel: Swan’s Nest Hotel, Stratford.

Day 2 | Medieval York

A leisurely drive brings you to the historic city of York; its story goes back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. Inside the ancient city walls, see the 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 the 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 Hotel Holyrood

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu – Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we’ll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can’t miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience.  Adult: 85.00 GBP
* This experience will only be offered during the summer months April – October

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 spectacular 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 Hotel 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 social home in Scotland. Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the social rooms of the palace.  Adult: 44.00 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: 59.00 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: 29.00 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

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Blair Castle – Journey into the fascinating past with a visit to the ancestral home of the Dukes of Atholl. Brimming with treasures inside and out, magnificent Blair Castle is set on its grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery. During your visit, see how the castle has been transformed through the ages and learn how Queen Victoria’s famous stay led to the creation of Europe’s only private army.  Adult: 30.00 GBP

Day 6 | Aberdeen to Wick
Start the day with stop at Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746 and visit the Culloden Visitor Centre. Then set sail on a journey of discovery on a Loch Ness cruise. Soak up the scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales of Nessie in the heart of Scotland’s great glen. Your travels then follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Don’t blink as you drive on to your hotel – you pass Ebenezer Place, which at 2.06 m, is the world’s shortest street!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman, Wick

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 5000- year-old village of Skara Brae, the old Norse Town of Kirkwall, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners during World War II
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman Hotel, 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 ed 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 Hotel, 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: 24.00 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 onto 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 Hotel, Glasgow

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
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: 62.00 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 tell 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: 73.00 GBP

Day 10 | Walk in the Giant’s Steps on the way to Londonderry
Cross the Irish Sea, enjoying views of the Island of Arran along the way. Once you arrive in Northern Ireland, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty! The road clings to the coastline at the mouth of the famous Nine Glens of Antrim, alongside sandy beaches beneath towering basalt cliffs. Journey to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. This geological masterpiece was created by the cooling of lava which burst through the earth’s crust millions of years ago. Continue to the ancient walled city of ‘Derry’.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Da Vinci’s Hotel Derry, Londonderry

Day 11 | Belleek and Sligo Bay
In the morning, meet Ronan, one of the nation’s great storytellers, as he takes you inside Londonderry’s wellpreserved 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 Hotel, 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 on to your hotel in Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace, and Georgian houses.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: The George Hotel Limerick.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Shannon Castle Banquet – Calling all Lords and Ladies! Please be seated for a delicious banquet in the great hall of the castle. In the splendour of a bygone age, entertainment is provided by the court butler, castle musicians, and attendants of the medieval court. It won’t be long before you’re making merry with the new music, singing, dancing, good food, and laughter. You’ll be sure to take home warm memories of this delightful evening. Adult: 89.00 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. 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. Continue your journey through the land of song and legend via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, into County Kerry and onto your Killarney hotel. At night your DineAround 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 BournVincent 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 Specialist shares insightful anecdotes about the area and Ireland.  Adult: 28.00 EUR

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

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: 37.00 EUR

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: 43.00 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

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, atter and coax. Continue on to Cork, Ireland’s second most populous city, built on the River Lee. Enjoy a city tour before checking into your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City

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: 29.00 EUR

A Tour of Cork’s Inner City – Ireland’s second city – “Rebel Cork” is one of Irelands Hidden Gems and dates back to the 7th century. This walking tour will encompass the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding & settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes. View Shandon Steeple rich in history and folklore, walk the narrow laneways towards the city centre. Cross the North Channel of the river Lee. In the heart of the city surrounded by this braided river, hear the the tales and history of this port city and of it’s place in the world. And enjoy hearing the lilt of the lovely Cork accent! Adult: 23.00 EUR

Day 16 | Kilkenny and Dublin
Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle. With a Local Expert, 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

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:  Dinner & Cabaret – Ireland conjures images of hearty meals and toe-tapping entertainment. Indulge in a bit of both over an evening of new food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song, and dance. Get in the spirit of joining in the show, elevated with a healthy dose of Irish humour. Enhance your evening sipping on an after-dinner Irish coffee. Adult: 89.00 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 for leisure.
Meals: Breakfast  Hotel: Trinity City Hotel, Dublin

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Dublin Dinner – Join us for some warm Irish hospitality over a three-course dinner in a family-run pub, that was formerly the haunt of nobility and notorious highwaymen. Lovely, exposed brick walls and dark wood make for a cozy atmosphere in which to enjoy your hearty pub meal. Adult: 65.00 EUR

Irish Countryside & Glendalough – An afternoon drive takes you through the rural countryside of County Wicklow – the garden of Ireland. With our Local Expert, we’ll pass through the pretty Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin’s great 6th-century monastic site at Glendalough. Afterward, we’ll explore the monastic remains before returning to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. Adult: 34.00 EUR

Day 18 | Across the Irish Sea to Liverpool
Cross the Irish Sea for a stop in Wales at 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

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Liverpool & The Beatles City Tour – Join a local Blue badge guide to discover the home of The Beatles. You will see famous sights associated with the Fab Four, along with Liverpool’s two cathedrals and hear tales of emigration and the city’s connection to the Titanic. Adult: 25.00 GB

Day 19 | The Welsh Marches to Cardiff
Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Principality Stadium and Cardi Castle.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Cardiff Castle Tour – Take an ‘insider’ look at this unique Castle started by the Romans 2,000 years ago where we have our own private tour. The refurbishments done in the 1800s have been described as outrageous to opulent, bogus to brilliant and some even say the architect, William Burgess, smoked his opium pipe too much! His influences include Arab and Islamic art, Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, and even Aesop’s fables. In addition, we can walk on the battlements and climb the 1,000-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff. Adult: 26.00 GBP

Welsh Evening – Join us for a lively night celebrating Welsh food and culture at a stunningly renovated deconsecrated church in the heart of Cardi. Enjoy a traditional and locally sourced three-course meal whilst being entertained by Welsh stories, enchanting music, and renowned Welsh singers. Adult: 83.00 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 the gothic Bath Abbey, famous for the sculpture of angels climbing Jacob’s Ladder. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Journey on to Somerset, and see Wells Cathedral, as you make your way to Plymouth for the night.
Meals: Breakfast  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Plymouth/Copthorne Hotel Plymouth.

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Cornwall Dinner – 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: 51.00 GBP

Dartmoor Excursion and Dinner – A scenic drive across the mysterious moors takes us to the capital of the area, Princetown. Here we’ll see the infamous Dartmoor prison, before driving to a lovely old Inn for a drink and supper. Later, a Local Specialist will regale us with stories and legends about the area. Adult: 68.00 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