BRITAIN AND IRELAND HIGHLIGHTS

• Depart from your London hotel and journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, immersing yourself in centuries of history.
• Explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the Visitor Centre to learn about his life and works.
• Continue your journey north to York, known for its Viking heritage.
• Enjoy an orientation walk around York’s historic streets, including the famous Shambles, ancient city walls, and the impressive York Minster.
• Conclude the day with a Welcome Dinner at your hotel in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, where you’ll be staying for the night.

• Travel through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park to reach the stunning Lake District, known for inspiring poets and writers like William Wordsworth.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Windermere as you pass through the countryside.
• Cross the border into Scotland and arrive at Gretna Green, famous as a destination for eloping couples to marry over the Marriage Anvil.
• Continue your journey through the Southern Uplands to the vibrant city of Glasgow.
• Join an Optional Experience in Glasgow for a delightful dinner and Scottish entertainment, immersing yourself in the local culture.

Included experiences: Visit Gretna Green and Scenic Drive Through the Lake District

Optional experiences: Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere/ Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise/ A Stirling Evening

• From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh, with its exquisite medieval façades, our encounter with Scotland will see us join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour.
• We’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, and see the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the new Scottish Parliament.
• Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening for a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Included experiences: Edinburgh City Tour

Optional experiences: Rosslyn Chapel

• Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast, past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland.
• Board the ferry to Northern Ireland, then join a Local Specialist to explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in Belfast.
• We’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built.
• This evening, we arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Included experiences: Belfast City Tour

Optional experiences: Dinner in Dublin City

• Dive Into Culture and discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse.
• Top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin.
• Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland, before spending the rest of the day exploring the sights alone.
• Ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colorful street performers.
• This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.

Included experiences: Discover how the world’s most famous stout is created at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and Dublin City Tour

Optional experiences: Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough/ Dublin Dinner and Cabaret

• We Dive Into Culture this morning and gain insights into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud established in 1946.
• Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe.
• Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time for lunch.
• Our next stop sees us Dive Into Culture yet again to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal.
• We’ll watch master crafters at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.

Included experiences: Visit Ireland’s National Stud Farm and Tour the House of Waterford Crystal Workshop

Optional experiences: Explore Waterford’s History and Local Pub/ Irish Folk Fun

• An early start to our sightseeing today sees us cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue our journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Wales Millennium Center, National Assembly, and historic Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city.
• This evening, we Connect With Locals in the idyllic Welsh countryside, joining a local family for a Farewell Dinner Be My Guest experience.
• Visit the oldest and largest vineyard in Wales, you’ll learn how the Norris family are using sustainable farming practices and get to meet some of the resident animals that roam the land freely.
• You’ll enjoy a homemade meal, enchanting stories of rural life in Wales and warm Welsh hospitality, leaving with the knowledge that your visit supports the family in their efforts to farm sustainably.

Included experiences: Enjoy a Welsh Dinner in the Beautiful Award-Winning Vineyards of Wales with a Farming Family and Cardiff Orientation

Optional experiences: Cardiff Castle Tour

• Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths from which the city derives its name.
• Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge, then return to London.

Included experiences: Visit the Roman Baths, Visit Stonehenge and Bath Orientation