Daily Itinerary:
MONDAY MAY 3 - Overnight flight to Great Britain. Today begins your British Isles adventure. Motorcoach to Airport prior to our transatlantic flight. (Inflight Meals)
TUESDAY MAY 4 - ENGLAND . . Arrival at London Airport - Oxford - Warwickshire. Upon arrival at London Airport we meet our Tour Manager. During the motor coach transfer to your hotel in Warwickshire, make a brief stop in Oxford where Henry II established the first university of Britain in 1167. Tonight, at your hotel, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during the “Welcome Dinner.” (Inflight Meals, Dinner)
WEDNESDAY MAY 5 - ENGLAND . . Stow-on-the-Wold - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Warwickshire. Gentle hillsides, peaceful meadows, and charming villages with old stone buildings dot the quintessential English landscape of the Cotswolds ... a perfect introduction to the heart of the British Isles. The first destination today is Stow-on-the-Wold, offering antique shops and an opportunity to take a souvenir photo next to the remnants of the historic village stocks. Then it’s on to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where half-timbered houses with thatched roofs create a truly English setting. Orientation includes a visit to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Following your visit, enjoy free time in Stratford-Upon-Avon or join the optional Warwick Castle excursion showcasing 1,000 years of history. Return to your Warwickshire hotel for dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
WARWICK CASTLE Optional Excursion ($70) Drive to Warwick for a fascinating and intriguing visit showcasing over 1,000 years of history. Initially this was a site of fortifications intended to fend off Danish invaders. The castle was built on the banks of the River Avon in 1068 by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, Warwick has grown into one of the most dramatic and complete medieval castles, with the grounds being equally impressive to the interior.
THURSDAY MAY 6 - ENGLAND . . York - County Durham. Drive north through the Nottingham area to the historic city of York. Arriving around lunch time, spend the afternoon exploring the popular sights. “The Shambles” is one of the most picturesque streets in Britain with unique shops, cafés and restaurants. York also boasts the most complete set of medieval city walls still standing in England today. Be sure to take a look inside York Minster Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in England. In the late afternoon, travel through North Yorkshire to County Durham for hotel check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
FRIDAY MAY 7 - ENGLAND . . Hadrian's Wall & SCOTLAND . . Jedburgh - Edinburgh. A morning drive takes you to Hadrian’s Wall, a fascinating Roman monument nearly 2,000 years old. Stop at Chester’s Roman Fort to study a section of the 70-plus mile structure up close. Shortly after crossing the border into Scotland, arrive in Jedburgh where you will be treated to afternoon tea with cakes and finger sandwiches. Following tea, use your free time in Jedburgh to tour the Mary, Queen of Scots House, see Jedburgh Abbey, or do some shopping at the Woollen Mill. A late afternoon arrival at your Edinburgh hotel provides time to freshen up and relax before stepping out for an independent dinner. (Breakfast, Afternoon Tea)
SATURDAY MAY 8 - SCOTLAND . . Edinburgh. Start the day with a guided tour of Edinburgh. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s Old Town, is a wonderful place to spend your afternoon free time. As you walk past the classic old houses, you may wish to visit one of the unique attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Writer’s Museum, Gladstone’s Land (the oldest standing house in Edinburgh), Museum of Childhood, or the high-tech Our Dynamic Earth Museum. Edinburgh offers a variety of options for tonight’s independent dinner. (Breakfast)
SUNDAY MAY 9 - SCOTLAND . . Gretna Green & ENGLAND . . Liverpool. The morning stop will be at the Old Blacksmith’s Shop in the border town of Gretna Green, which became well known for “run-away weddings” officiated by the blacksmith (known as the anvil priest). Starting in 1754, English couples would cross the border to be married under the liberal terms of the Scottish laws. Continuing south, travel back into England and on to Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles. A late afternoon arrival at your Liverpool hotel provides time to explore and shop. Your Tour Manager will offer an optional Magical Mystery Tour excursion highlighting landmarks made famous by the Beatles. Dinner is independent tonight so that you may choose to dine at the hotel or at one of the pubs, restaurants or live music venues along Mathew Street. Here you will find the replicated Cavern Club, where the Beatles were discovered.(Breakfast)
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR ($45) A local guide takes you to famous Liverpool landmarks including sites of the legendary Beatles, such as Strawberry Fields and Penny Lane.
MONDAY MAY 10 - WALES . . Snowdonia - Caernarfon - Ferry from Holyhead & IRELAND . . Dublin. This day is devoted to the sweeping landscape of Northern Wales. After a morning stop in Betws-y-Coed, continue through the thick pine forest into Snowdonia National Park: a mountainous region with rough but beautiful terrain. At Caernarfon, admire one of the castles built by King Edward I. A quick independent lunch will allow time to climb the castle’s tower (admission fee). After the motor coach crosses the Menai Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey, pause to take a picture of the town with the longest name (58 letters), which we abbreviate here as Llanfair P.G. For your independent dinner, you have the choice of dining while you ferry from Wales to the Republic of Ireland or at a pub upon arrival in Dublin. (Breakfast)
TUESDAY MAY 11 - IRELAND . . Dublin. The capital city of the Republic of Ireland offers much to keep you busy and entertained. A local guide joins you this morning to provide insight into the city’s history and to point out the popular landmarks including Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the Guinness Brewery. Entrance into St. Patrick’s Cathedral (entrance is included). Following the city tour, the afternoon is free for individual pursuits. A popular attraction is the “Book of Kells Experience” at the Trinity College Library (admission fee). Here you will view the Book of Kells, an ornately decorated and meticulously scribed edition of the Gospels from 800 A.D. Equally popular is a tour of the Guinness Brewery (admission fee). Tonight’s dinner is independent, or join the optional Irish Dinner Show excursion. (Breakfast)
IRISH DINNER SHOW ($100) Lively performances of Irish music, song and dance engage the audience in a festive atmosphere during a 3-course dinner of regional dishes. One glass of beer, wine or soft drink is included. The show features Ireland’s leading traditional music group “The Merry Ploughboys” and the “World Champion Irish Dancers.”
WEDNESDAY MAY 12 - IRELAND . . Dublin - Kildare - Irish Countryside - County Kerry. The area west of Dublin has become known as the center of the Irish horse breeding and training industry. Tour the Kildare National Stud Farm, followed by a visit to the Japanese Gardens of Tully House. As you continue toward western Ireland, relax and enjoy the scenes of meadows, glens and crystal clear rivers. One of the friendly country villages along the way will provide a pleasant spot for an independent lunch. Bakeries will offer you tea sandwiches, and family-owned pubs will serve up hearty Irish dishes. Then it’s on to your County Kerry hotel, hosting you for dinner this evening and a two-night stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)
THURSDAY MAY 13 - IRELAND . . Ring of Kerry - Killarney - County Kerry. Travel to the Iveragh Peninsula, also known as “The Ring of Kerry,” for a day of spectacular coastal landscapes. Along the way, make several photo stops. Lunch at one of the seaside villages is included. At one of the farms en route from the coast to Killarney, observe a sheep herding demonstration. For tonight’s independent dinner, Killarney offers everything from excellent restaurants to friendly local pubs. After dinner, return to your County Kerry hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)
FRIDAY MAY 14 - IRELAND . . Blarney Castle - Waterford. The morning visit to Blarney Castle is sure to be a tour highlight. Capture enchanting photos and impressive views as you walk the grounds and study this 17th century fortification with walls that are 18 feet thick at the base. Learn of the magical tales associated with the castle, the most famous involving the Blarney Stone. Enjoy an independent 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 or to participate in the optional Waterford Crystal Experience excursion. Dinner is included at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
WATERFORD CRYSTAL EXPERIENCE ($25) The documented history of glass making in Ireland dates back as far as the 13th century. Waterford Crystal got its start in the late 1700s and became known worldwide for its purity of color, high standards and traditional patterns. Tour the new “Waterford Crystal Experience.” Here you will see master crystal blowers, cutters, shapers and engravers at work. Learn about the production process and browse the impressive collection on display.
SATURDAY MAY 15 - IRELAND . . Waterford - Ferry from Rosslare & WALES . . Pembroke - Cardiff. An early morning departure is necessary to reach the ferry in Rosslare for your crossing from Ireland to Wales. You will have time for an independent lunch while on the ferry. Arriving in Wales, view the scenery along the coastal road between Pembrokeshire National Park and the Wye Valley. By mid-afternoon, arrive in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Take a stroll through the 56-acre Bute Park, relax over afternoon tea at a café or participate in the optional Cardiff Castle excursion. Continue to your hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
CARDIFF CASTLE ($50) During the tour, a private guide will explain the 2,000 year history of Cardiff Castle. Each period left its distinctive mark, from the arrival of the Romans through the Norman Conquest and the lavish Victorian era. The tour also visits rooms not open to general admission, including a spectacular castle apartment decorated as a medieval fairy-tale home.
SUNDAY MAY 16 - ENGLAND . . Bath - Stonehenge - London. 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. An included visit to the Roman Baths Museum reveals the advanced engineering developed by the Romans. Then, it is on to mysterious Stonehenge. Dating back to about 1500 B.C., one can only theorize how the stones reached the site and how they were moved into place — some weighing 45 tons! Upon arrival in London, check in and enjoy a relaxing “Farewell Dinner” at the hotel. Tomorrow, the entire day will be devoted to sightseeing in the British capital. (Breakfast, Dinner)
MONDAY MAY 17 - ENGLAND . . London. Today begins with a guided bus tour of London’s famous landmarks such as the Royal Parks, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Following the city tour, you will have a few hours to pursue your personal interests. If you have a specific destination in mind, the Tube system (Underground) is easy, fast and economical. Your Tour Manager will also provide suggestions for some of the most popular attractions. Spend lunch time amid the bustling shops and street performers of Covent Garden. Or, study works of art by da Vinci, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Picasso at The National Gallery. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the London Eye Ferris wheel provides unique views of the city. In the evening, London offers numerous options for independent dining and entertainment. Or, join your Tour Manager for the optional London Dinner & Theatre excursion. (Breakfast)
LONDON DINNER & THEATRE ($165) This excursion includes dinner with one beverage, followed by a hit show in one of London’s distinctive West End theatres. Your Final Trip Documents will announce the specific show featured for your tour.
TUESDAY MAY 18 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A. Transfer to the London airport for your return flight home. Motorcoach to Terre Haute. (Breakfast, In Flight Meals)