Wonders of Britain and Ireland

Visit Europe

Day 1

Stonehenge and Bath and on to Cardiff

Ponder the mysteries of the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge, before driving west to Bath to visit the Roman Baths on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Cross the Severn Estuary to Cardiff, then view the Wales Millennium Centre and the National Assembly at Cardiff Bay. Later, enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh pub fare and drinks at a rousing dinner.

Day 2

Onwards to Waterford

This morning, view the Principality Stadium during your orientation of Cardiff.

Enjoy some leisure time in this modern capital. Perhaps visit the Victorian Gothic fantasy of Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. Cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the 'Emerald Isle' and travel to historic Waterford, where you'll dine in your hotel tonight.

Day 3

Admire Blarney Castle and Journey to Killarney Dive Into Culture

Dive Into Culture and watch the master crafters of the renowned House of Waterford Crystal.

Then, kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab', before travelling to the picturesque town of Killarney.

Day 4

A Day on the Ring of Kerry Connect with Locals

Today, experience the enduring beauty of Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula – the emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide an exquisite backdrop for your leisurely drive around what has become known as the Ring of Kerry.

See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirsiveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with its panoramic views. Later, meet the O'Sullivan family at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, sharing a memorable Be My Guest experience.

Day 5

Journey to Cultural Dublin

Celtic art and history take centre stage this morning as you visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, the seat of Irish kings for centuries.

Perched atop a limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the historic ruins house one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe. Arrive this afternoon in Dublin, where you will join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds of an Irish cabaret.

Day 6

Dublin Your Way Dive Into Culture

Dive Into Culture to discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse.

Then, top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the cosy atmosphere of the Irish capital. Ramble through the buzzing streets of Temple Bar or visit Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers.

Day 7

The Sights of Chester and Liverpool

Board the ferry to Wales.

Admire the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park as you travel to the ancient city of Chester, with its characteristic Tudor Rows and medieval walls. Arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining your companions for a tasty dinner.

Day 8

Through the Lake District to Edinburgh

The beautiful landscape, which for centuries inspired the Romantic poets, provides a mesmerising backdrop for your scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District.

Skirt the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, as you travel through countryside made famous by poet William Wordsworth. Cross the Scottish border and visit the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green. This evening, you arrive in beguiling Edinburgh, where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 9

Discover Remarkable Edinburgh

Join a Local Specialist this morning for a memorable sightseeing tour of this captivating capital, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock.

See Auld Reekie's Royal Mile and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and admire the Georgian façades in Edinburgh's New Town. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Day 10

Venture to York

Journey south to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town.

Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland and the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where you’ll walk through the charming Shambles, see the medieval walls and York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.

Day 11

On to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon

Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised.

View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. This evening,  join your fellow travellers for dinner.

Day 12

Journey through the Cotswolds to Oxford and London

Journey to the Cotswolds this morning and the little churchyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is buried.

Arriving in Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles, you'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city to view the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library and visit one of the university’s famous colleges (when open). Return to London this afternoon and bid a fond farewell to your Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of a wonderful holiday.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)

11 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

Kenmare: Join the O'Sullivan Family and their Kerry Cows for a dinner of Irish Stew at Molly Gallivan's 200-Year Old Cottage.

Dive Into Culture

Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.

Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.

Iconic Experience

Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.

Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.

Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. 

Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.

Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.

Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.

Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.

Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Alnwick: See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county town.

York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.

Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.

Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Must-see Highlights

Discover Bath, Cardiff, Chester, York and Oxford

Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, the Rock of Cashel in Cashel, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Alnwick Castle, York Minster in York, Anne Hathaway's cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon and Sir Winston Churchill's grave at Bladon

See St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Georgian Squares in Dublin and the English Lake District's magnificent scenery

Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry in Ireland

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

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