Britain & Ireland Explorer

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{ "summary": [ "Step into the stories of Great Britain and Ireland on this journey through history and natural beauty. Explore Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, feel the medieval magic of Edinburgh, and stand in awe of the sweeping Cliffs of Moher. Uncover the legacies of Vikings, Romans, and Normans. Traverse England’s stunning Lake District, and scan the eerie waters of a legendary loch for its most famous resident. " ], "itinerary": [ { "icon": "tour", "day": "1", "title": "London ", "image": "", "body": "Discover what's 'great' about Great Britain as you kickstart your lengthy love affair with Britain and Ireland in London. After checking in, spend your leisure time exploring the city your way. You could shop up a storm on Oxford Street, board the London Eye for panoramic views of the city or stroll along the Thames soaking up all its pomp and pageantry in preparation for a memorable trip." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "2", "title": "London", "image": "", "body": "You may not be royalty, but London rolls out its red carpet today as you enjoy a full free day to explore the city on your terms. There's no shortage of things to do and places to visit, so spend your time wisely embracing all the cosmopolitan verve this multicultural global capital has on offer, from its museums to its monuments, its leafy parks to its lively pubs." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "3", "title": "London | Stratford-upon-Avon | York | Bradford", "image": "", "body": "This morning, meet your Travel Director and travel companions before you set off from London. Discover what's ‘great' about Great Britain as you kickstart your lengthy love affair with Britain and Ireland in London. The multicultural capital, with all its colour, history and culture, waves you on towards the lush green counties north as you wind your way to Stratford-upon-Avon. There's time to explore the town where England's favourite bard was born and laid to rest. Continuing your journey to York. Wander through its medieval streets to the city's geographic and spiritual heart, the York Minster. Then walk along The Shambles, a street so old it was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Continue to Bradford." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "4", "title": "Bradford | Edinburgh", "image": "", "body": "All that lies between you and bonnie Scotland is Hadrian’s Wall. Unlike the barbarians it sought to keep out, you’ll have free reign not only to view it but to cross it bound for the 12th-century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. See how this symbol of power and authority over 'The Debatable Lands' still impresses today." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "5", "title": " Edinburgh", "image": "", "body": "Poets, writers, kings and queens have all found it impossible to resist Edinburgh’s allure. From its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian façades across the Leith, you’ll soon discover why it captured the hearts of so many famous people throughout the ages. Your Local Guide reveals all the colourful tales of 'Auld Reekie' as your sightseeing tour rolls past the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Explore the city your way during your free afternoon." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "6", "title": "Edinburgh | St. Andrews | Scottish Highlands", "image": "", "body": "A scenic drive through the ancient kingdom of Fife this morning reveals a time when these lush green hills were under the feudal rule of a Pictish king. Your first stop, however, is in the seaside town of St. Andrews, most noteworthy for its 15-century university and inspiring the origins of golf. Head to Pitlochry next, your gateway to the Highlands." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "7", "title": "Scottish Highlands | Loch Ness | Inverness | Culloden", "image": "", "body": "Straight out of a scene in 'Outlander', the Scottish Highlands has a mystical air about it which you’ll come to discover as you explore its rugged beauty, evocative history and enchanting Highland ways. On your visit to Loch Ness this morning, keep a keen eye out for ‘Nessie’ before arriving in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Today’s poignant highlight is a visit to Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces fought in the 1745 Jacobite Rising." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "8", "title": "Scottish Highlands | Fort William | Glencoe | Loch Lomond | Glasgow", "image": "", "body": "Get ready for a jaw-dropping road trip through Scotland’s most legendary landscapes. Towering above it all, Ben Nevis sets the scene as we cruise toward Fort William. Soak in the stunning views of Loch Linnhe on your drive before heading to Glencoe, where the breathtaking beauty hides a dark past. The adventure keeps rolling along the scenic shores of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow, where a city tour takes you past the stunning Glasgow Cathedral and George Square.\n" }, { "icon": "location", "day": "9", "title": "Glasgow | Gretna Green | Lake District | Wrexham", "image": "", "body": "Elope to Gretna Green, as many young couples once did to tie the knot over its marriage anvil. Continue south through tiny northern villages and vast pastures fringed by ancient stone walls to the Lake District. Today’s highlight is a stop at Lake Windermere before arriving in Wrexham." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "10", "title": "Wrexham | Chester | Dublin", "image": "", "body": "See the legacy of Roman rule during this morning’s visit to the ancient walled city of Chester. You’ll view its defensive walls and the characteristic black and white half timbered buildings before heading to the west coast. Cross St. George’s Channel to Ireland and its youthful capital, Dublin." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "11", "title": "Dublin", "image": "", "body": "Embrace your playful side on this morning’s sightseeing tour through Ireland’s whimsical capital with a Local Guide. View St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Trinity College, where the Book of Kells is housed. This afternoon, explore Dublin your way." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "12", "title": "Dublin | Boyle Abbey | Donegal", "image": "", "body": "Cross the 'Emerald Isle', passing lush green counties as you wind your way north. Later, view the ruins of the 12-century Boyle Abbey before continuing to Donegal." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "13", "title": "County Donegal", "image": "", "body": "Leaving civilisation behind for the day, your scenic drive through County Donegal will deliver a multitude of dramatic landscapes. Golden beaches, rugged cliffs and uninhabited islands dot your route so keep your camera at the ready." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "14", "title": "County Donegal | Galway | Cliffs of Moher | Shannon", "image": "", "body": "Galway’s ancient reputation as a 'place of foreigners' is long gone, but much of its captivating heritage remains as you’ll see first-hand. View Galway Cathedral, then leave the city behind for the plunging Cliffs of Moher. Take a deep breath and let the fresh sea air fill your lungs as you peer over the edge of the emerald-topped cliffs." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "15", "title": "Shannon | Dingle Peninsula | County Kerry", "image": "", "body": "See the Ireland you’ve only encountered in pictures and on the big screen until now. Your drive around the stunning Dingle Peninsula reveals a land of stone monuments, wild beaches and verdant pastures. Later arrive in County Kerry." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "16", "title": "County Kerry | Blarney | Waterford", "image": "", "body": "Kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Continue through Cork to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom (when open) to see its artistry." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "17", "title": "Waterford | Cardiff", "image": "", "body": "Board your return ferry to the United Kingdom this morning, arriving in Wales later where its tiny capital Cardiff waits to be explored. Your orientation tour will take you past its Millennium Centre and historic Castle." }, { "icon": "location", "day": "18", "title": "Cardiff | Bath | Windsor | London", "image": "", "body": "There's time to fit in some last-minute sightseeing before returning to London. Venture to Bath, with its elegant Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths. Visit Windsor and view the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle before continuing to London." }, { "icon": "tour", "day": "19", "title": "London", "image": "", "body": "It's time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across Britain and Ireland. You'll say cheerio to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home." } ] }

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