Exploring Britain and Ireland

An overnight flight transports you to stunning landscapes, lively cities and stirring history.
Hotel Name: Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel

Arrive in Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, where rocky hills tower in the distance and the shadows of history can be seen around every corner. With no planned activities today, settle in to discover Scotland's capital and see how medieval crossroads blend seamlessly with a vibrant modern energy. This evening, delve into Scottish culture with a whisky-inspired dinner highlighting the flavors of Scotland and meet your fellow travelers.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital and second most populous city in Scotland. Edinburgh has been recognized as the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. The city's various historical and cultural attractions, as well as the appeal to the tourist market, makes Edinburgh the most popular tourist destination in the UK after London, attracting over 1 million overseas visitors each year.

Today get acquainted with Scotland’s regal capital on a locally guided city tour exploring both the Old and New Towns. Explore the Royal Mile on foot and walk up the hill to Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels. This afternoon is yours to further explore independently. Later this evening, take your seat at the spectacular, world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of Scotland's greatest events.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: DoubleTree by Hilton York

Admittance: Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Since 1950 the iconic Edinburgh Military Tattoo has dazzled millions of spectators with performances from musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers. This epic show, unique every year, takes place at the haunting Edinburgh Castle illuminated under the open sky. In the past, the show’s themes have paid tribute to nature, Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, and Scotland's homecoming, to name a few. This international festival comes alive with performers from a multitude of countries and audience members from around the world. Military pageantry and cultural celebrations, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display, set the stage for an amazing evening.

Depart Edinburgh, traveling through the picturesque countryside of Northumberland by motor coach. Visit a family farm situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders, where sustainability and innovation are core to their business. Continue to Hexham Abbey, one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England. Later in York, with its medieval city walls and snickelways, dinner is at a local pub.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: York
The historic walled city of York in North Yorkshire is located in the northern part of England. Today York is still encircled by its ancient medieval walls. York was founded by the Romans in A.D. 71 and is considered to be one of the great cities of the medieval world.

Take in York’s rich and storied history while joining your Tour Manager on a leisurely orientation walking tour. Explore the quaint, narrow streets of the ‘Shambles’ that appear today almost as they did during the Middle Ages. At the heart of the city is its impressive Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Venture inside and stand in awe of the seemingly endless sea of stained-glass windows. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Canopy by Hilton London City

Admittance: High-Speed Train

Board a high-speed train to London. Upon arriving in England’s bustling capital, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. Afterward, join a local expert for a walking tour of the city. At Westminster, see the exteriors of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben, and continue on to see the exterior of Buckingham Palace, the London home to Britain’s royalty since 1837. After checking into your hotel, the evening is yours to explore the vibrancy of London’s nightlife.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: London
A world in a city is a common way to describe the capital of England and its 9 million inhabitants. A cultural melting pot of over 230 nationalities, London is the financial, political and cultural capital of the UK and has a history dating before the Romans in A.D. 43.

Enjoy a day to explore London at your leisure. You may choose to take an optional excursion to Hampton Court Palace, home of the Tudor dynasty and England’s most notorious king, Henry VIII. Explore fascinating tales from history in this regal setting that’s also recognizable as a key filming location in Bridgerton, the popular Regency era drama.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Clayton Hotel

Admittance: Afternoon Tea

Travel to Bath, the elegant Georgian town, to visit the Roman Bath Museum’s 2,000-year-old elaborate spas. Stroll through Bath’s cobblestone streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere. Your day ends in the Welsh capital of Cardiff.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Bath
Bath is a city in Somerset, southwest England located 97 miles west of London. The city is known for the Roman baths located here that the early Romans built. In the Georgian era the city became a popular spa town, and today many tourists come to view the Roman baths. In addition to the Roman baths and hot springs, Bath is also known for its Georgian architecture.

Join a local expert on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Cardiff. Learn about the city’s deep ties to the coal industry, its connection to ancient Rome, and its famous Victorian shopping arcades. Tour Cardiff’s historic castle, an impressive structure that was once a Roman fort, a Norman castle, and an extraordinary Victorian Gothic fantasy palace. This afternoon, visit The Royal Mint to discover its rich history and witness the stringent processes that creating a coin entails. Tonight, dive into the rich cultural heritage of Wales when you join local artists for an evening of Welsh music, poetry and cuisine.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Granville Hotel

Visit Area: Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain. It is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south. Wales is populated by over 3 million people; its capital city being Cardiff. Wales uses the pound sterling as their currency.

Take in the beautiful Welsh countryside en route to the coastal village of Pembroke. There, board the ferry for Ireland, crossing the Irish Sea. Upon arrival in Rosslare, travel to Tramore in County Waterford, your home for the evening.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Killarney Oaks Hotel

Admittance: Cardiff Castle

This morning, it’s your choice! Tour the House of Waterford Crystal factory featuring a fascinating visitor’s center and a retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world -OR- enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city and discover its rich Viking, Norman and Cromwellian history. Later, travel to historic Blarney Castle. Make your way to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you do, you will be blessed with the "gift of eloquence." This evening, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a “menu” of Killarney’s great restaurants.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: The Royal Mint

This morning, explore Killarney National Park on a traditional jaunting car ride.* Then, travel along the glorious Ring of Kerry where you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical scenery. Marvel at the vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, lakes and picturesque villages. Enjoy an evening in Killarney at your leisure.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge

Admittance: Welsh Evening

Venture through the “Golden Vale” en route to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Take in its imposing facade and visit the spot where St. Patrick preached. Continue on to vibrant Dublin, Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Waterford
Waterford is Ireland's oldest city with a history that dates back to Viking times. This busy port city on a tidal reach of the River Suir is known as the home of the famous Waterford crystal.

Today, it’s your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the River Liffey. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Tonight, experience Ireland's lively music and dynamic dancing during a fun-filled evening of Irish entertainment.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre or Walking Tour of Waterford City
While in Waterford you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to visit Waterford Crystal’s impressive new factory and see first-hand the centuries-old tradition of Irish crystal making. Feel the heat of the furnace and marvel at the skills of the craftsmen on a guided tour of the facility. After the tour, perhaps you’ll indulge your passion for the world’s most famous crystal in the factory’s lavish retail store, which houses the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world! Or, you can choose to join a local guide and explore 1,100 years of Waterford's history. From the Vikings to the Victorians, discover why Ireland’s oldest city is also one of its most important in terms of history, culture, and trade. House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre Activity Level: 2 Travelers can choose on the day. Walking Tour of Waterford City Activity Level: 2 Travelers can choose on the day.

Depart today with many fond memories of lovely Britain and Ireland.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is a medieval castle in Blarney near County Cork, Ireland. The castle was built nearly 600 years ago by Cormac MacCarthy. The castle is very popular with tourists because of the Stone of Eloquence, more commonly referred to as the Blarney Stone. Millions of tourists have flocked to the castle in kiss the Blarney Stone, located at the top of the castle.