|
|
Heart of the British Isles Tour
16-day tour featuring Scotland, England, Wales & Ireland
|
|
 Tour Description
A showcase tour of Britain and Ireland. Discover a combination of historically rich and entertaining attractions while traveling across alluring countryside. Two-night stays in four of the overnight cities allow for a leisurely focus on the many highlights of the British Isles.Included Features
Meals - In addition to any meals you may be served during your flights to and from Europe, the tour price includes 14 breakfasts, 9 dinners, and 1 afternoon tea during the land portion of the tour.
|
| Call (800) 626-8785 for more information or to book today! Mention code 4497255 | | Image Tours | | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Depart USA | Overnight Flight to Europe
Refer to the 'Departure Instructions' in your Final Documents for easy check-in procedures. | | Day 2 | London | Arrival at London airport - Coventry
Your 'Arrival Instructions' page in your Final Documents provides easy to follow instructions on where and when to meet your tour manager for the transfer to your Coventry hotel. Use this afternoon to freshen up and rest. Tonight is your first chance to mingle with your fellow travelers as you join them for the 'Welcome/Get Acquainted' dinner at your hotel. (Dinner) | | Day 3 | Stratford-upon-Avon | Coventry - Stow-on-the-Wold - Oxford - Stratford-Upon-Avon
The first stop today is Stow-on-the-Wold, an area seemingly oblivious to progress. While you are here, you might get a souvenir photo with your hands in the village's authentic stocks. Then it's on to Oxford, where Henry II established the first University of Britain in 1167. Here, enjoy free time to explore and have an independent lunch. Continue on to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where half-timbered houses and thatched-roof cottages create the setting one thinks of as truly English. Tour the town, which includes a picture stop in front of Anne Hathaway's cottage and a visit to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy some free time in Stratford-Upon-Avon or join the optional excursion to 'Warwick Castle'. Return to your hotel in Coventry for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 4 | North Yorkshire | York - North Yorkshire
Depart for a picturesque drive north via the Nottingham area. Arrive in the historic city of York in time for an independent lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the sights that most interest you. There are many choices available from the York Castle Museum with its extensive collection of arms and armor to the Jorvik Viking Center, where a reconstructed Viking City from the year 948 is housed. Be sure to visit York Minster Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in England. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 5 | Edinburgh | Hadrian's Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh Area
A morning drive takes you to Hadrian's Wall, a fascinating Roman monument nearly 2,000 years old. During this picture stop, visit one section of the 70-plus mile structure. At lunchtime, you are treated to English tea with cakes and finger sandwiches. Cross the border into Scotland and continue on to Jedburgh for an opportunity to stretch your legs in this typical border town. Some may wish to spend their time shopping at the Woollen Mill. The weavers in this area invented tweed by being the first to combine two colors. Others may find the GBP 2.50 entrance fee a bargain for a visit to the Mary (Queen of Scots) House. During the late afternoon drive, you can look forward to a lovely meal at your hotel in the lush Scottish surroundings just outside of Edinburgh. (Breakfast, English Tea, Dinner) | | Day 6 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh
Start the day with a guided tour of Edinburgh. After the tour, a good place to spend your free time is along the Royal Mile, the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh. As you walk past the classic old houses, you might wish to stop at one of the unique attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Writer's Museum, Gladstone's Land (the oldest surviving house in Edinburgh), Museum of Childhood, Brass Rubbing Centre, or the high-tech 'Our Dynamic Earth' museum. A late afternoon return to your hotel allows for a leisurely independent dinner, or an optional 'Scottish Dinner Show'. (Breakfast) | | Day 7 | Cheshire County | Gretna Green - Grasmere - Lake Windermere - Cheshire County
Travel southward to the border town of Gretna Green for a visit to the Old Blacksmith's Shop Centre. Gretna Green was widely known for secret weddings performed by the town blacksmith since the 19th century. Runaway couples used to cross the border from England to be married under the liberal terms of the Scottish law. Next, travel back into England and head to Grasmere. Enjoy an independent lunch in this lakeside village, followed by a ferry ride on Lake Windermere. Your hotel and dinner await you in Cheshire County. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 8 | Dublin | Snowdonia National Park - Caernarfon - Ferry from Holyhead - Dublin
This day is devoted to the sweeping landscape of Northern Wales. First, make a stop in picturesque Llangollen in the Dee Valley to capture its 200 year old aqueduct and greenery-lined canal. Continue through the thick, pine forest surrounding Betws-y-Coed. From here you enter the Snowdonia National Park, a mountainous region with rough but beautiful terrain. Exit the park by way of Llanberis, a hiker's paradise at the foot of Mount Snowdon. At Caernarfon, see one of the castles built by Prince Edward I. Have a leisurely lunch. Or, grab a quick snack, leaving time to climb the castle's tower (GBP 5.10 admission fee). After the motor coach crosses the Menai Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey, it is a must to stop and take a picture at the town with the longest name, which we abbreviate here as Llanfair P.G. Have an independent dinner while you ferry from Wales to the Republic of Ireland or dine at a pub upon your arrival in Dublin. (Breakfast) | | Day 9 | Dublin | Dublin
The capital city of the Republic of Ireland offers much to keep you busy and entertained the entire day. A local guide points out St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the Guinness Brewery among other recognized sights in Dublin, giving you some ideas for more extensive visits during your free time this afternoon. The tour ends with a visit inside the historical Trinity College and Library to see the magical Book of Kells. Around 800 AD, four Irish monks beautified this four-volume edition of the Gospels using ink from bugs and plants. For evening entertainment, join the optional 'Irish Dinner Show'. (Breakfast) | | Day 10 | Kerry County | Dublin - Kildare - Irish Countryside - Kerry County
The area west of Dublin has become famous as the center of the Irish horse breeding and training industry. After touring the Kildare National Stud Farm, visit the Japanese Gardens of Tully House. As you continue toward western Ireland, relax and enjoy the scenic land of meadows, glens, and crystal rivers. Your independent lunch stop will be in one of the picturesque country villages along the way, where bakeries will offer you tea sandwiches; or small, family owned pubs will serve up hearty Irish dishes. Then it's on to your Kerry County hotel, hosting you for dinner this evening and for a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 11 | Kerry County | Killarney - Kerry County
Kerry County provides a wonderful spot to take a relaxing break from touring. The entire day is at leisure to enjoy Killarney and the stunning surroundings. The city is best seen on foot by following the Tourist Trail signs that leadyou to some of the popular landmarks in town. A fun way to get a feel for the outskirts of the city is to hire a jaunting car, a horse-drawn buggy that seats up to four with a driver who doubles as your guide (?15 to ?45 depending on the distance). For the adventurous, there are tours by horseback and boat through Killarney National Park. The tour manager will also offer an optional excursion to the 'Ring of Kerry'. Kerry County offers everything from excellent restaurants to local pubs and friendly cafes for your dinner choices, or join your tour manager for an optional 'Pub Crawl with Dinner' excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 12 | Waterford | Blarney Castle - Waterford
One of the highlights of the tour will be a visit to Blarney Castle. You will need a few hours here to see the thickly constructed (18 feet thick), 17th-century fortification, to walk the magical grounds, and if you choose, to stretch upsidedown to kiss the Blarney Stone in the hopes of gaining the gift of eloquent speech. Eat lunch at one of the charming restaurants in the village of Blarney. An early afternoon arrival in Waterford allows for time to explore the town on foot before having dinner at your hotel. Those interested will have the opportunity to tour the Waterford Crystal Factory (?5.00) which takes you through the process of glass blowing, cutting, and decorating. Of course, you will have the opportunity to make a purchase in the gallery if you so desire. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 13 | Cardiff | Waterford - Ferry from Rosslare - Fishguard - Cardiff
An early morning departure is necessary to reach the ferry in Rosslare. As you depart the Republic of Ireland and approach Fishguard in Wales, have lunch on board the ferry. Enjoy the varied scenery along the coastal road between Pembrokeshire National Park and the Wye Valley. Pause along the way to get a closer look at some of the area landmarks. The motor coach will take you through Cardiff for a panoramic tour on the way to your hotel. Dinner and overnight are at your hotel just north of Cardiff. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 14 | London | Bath - Stonehenge - London
Phenomenal sights await you today! Crossing the mouth of the River Severn, return to England for a tour of Bath, the elegant spa town where the Romans harnessed the natural hot springs 2,000 years ago. A visit to the Roman Baths Museum uncovers excavated remains of the baths and the advanced engineering developed by the Romans. Then, it is on to mysterious Stonehenge. Dating back to about 1500 B.C., one can only speculate how the stones reached the site and how they were moved into place - some weighing 45 tons. Then it's on to London for the evening with dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner) | | Day 15 | London | London
Today begins with a guided bus tour of London, including popular sights such as the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Royal Parks, and Buckingham Palace, where you may be able to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (subject to weather and special events). Following the city tour, the afternoon is open for you to pursue your own interests. For transportation, use the red, doubledecker buses or the 'tube'. Both are easy to use and are an experience in themselves. Shoppers will delight in the selection at Harrods and the other shops in Knightsbridge, or on fashionable Regent Street. For more cultural endeavors, view the unrivaled collection of paintings at the National Gallery. An optional afternoon excursion will be offered to the 'Tower of London'. In the evening, London offers numerous options for dining and entertainment. You might even try to catch a West End show on your own or join your tour manager for the optional 'London Dinner & Theater' excursion. (Breakfast) | | Day 16 | Return USA | Transfer to the London airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast) |
| |
|
|
|
