Britain and Ireland Grandeur

Welcome to London

The cosmopolitan capital that is London is yours to explore today - the perfect launch pad to discover what's great about Great Britain. Spend the day relaxing in the Royal Parks, amble along the Thames or visit one of the many museums showcasing the art, culture and antiquities of what was once the British Empire.

Accommodation: Hilton Kensington

Explore the Sights of London

Join a Local Specialist today for a memorable encounter with London's most iconic sights. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey where Britain's kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. Spend the rest of the day exploring London on your terms - shop for the best of British on Carnaby Street, admire the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus or visit 'The City' with Christopher Wren's great St. Pauls Cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hilton Kensington

Journey to Stonehenge and on to Plymouth

Meet your Travel Director today before journeying west to the Wiltshire landscapes of Salisbury Plain where you'll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical megaliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Copthorne

Discover the Cornish Peninsula

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Copthorne

Soak up Bath and off to Cardiff

Arriving in Bath, admire the city's stylish Georgian facades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. Continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where you’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center

Cross the Irish Sea to Waterford

This morning, see Cardiff’s iconic sights – the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum – before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening, dine in your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Fitzwilton

Onwards to Blarney and Killarney

First stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where you will Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with a master crafter. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab', journey to Blarney Castle where you'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Killarney

A Day on the Ring of Kerry

Ireland's enduring natural beauty accompanies your leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. Pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Killarney

Off to Limerick, the Majestic Cliffs of Moher and Galway

Stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries. You’ll visit the Visitor Center, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Your next overnight stop in Galway is a real treat for culture buffs. Ireland’s capital of music, song and dance and it’s the perfect place to dig deep into Ireland’s vibrant traditional arts scene first-hand.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Connacht

Venture into County Donegal

This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the town your way before dining at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Central

Explore Londonderry, the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast

Cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant's Causeway. The final stop today is in Belfast, where you'll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city's sights.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast

On the road to Dublin

Spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin, you'll gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a self-guided tour finishing at the Gravity Bar where you can sip on a pint of the black stuff while overlooking Dublin. Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Address Connolly

See the Sights of Dublin

Today see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colorful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through St. Stephen's Green.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Address Connolly

Ferry across to Historic Chester and Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows. Later, head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where you'll spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Leonardo Liverpool

Continue to the Beautiful Lake District

Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: North Lakes, Castle Green

Journey North to Glasgow

Cross into Scotland and visit Gretna Green, where you’ll discover the village’s romantic legacy of runaway weddings at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and visitor center. Continue to Falkirk, and Dive into Culture at The Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures that honor the powerful draught horses once vital to Scotland’s canals and industry. Arrive in Glasgow for an orientation tour with your Travel Director. Take in the city’s highlights including the 12th-century cathedral and George Square, surrounded by grand architecture.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center

Over the Sea to Skye

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the 'Glen of the Weeping' and see Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. View the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye. This afternoon, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Broadford Distillery, where local makers reveal the connection between Skye’s craft, culture and Gaelic heritage through a tasting of small-batch spirits.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunollie

The Sights of Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as 'Nessie'. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Highlander

Onwards to Edinburgh

Continue south and stop in Pitlochry before traveling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. Cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour; see the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building. Enjoy some free time before an included visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn

Uncover York’s Treasures

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where you'll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavors and hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Novotel Center

Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to London

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before returning to London this afternoon for your last evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hilton Kensington, The Tower

Farewell London

Leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.

Meals: Breakfast