The Best of Britain & Ireland

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Today is free for exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting program of optional activities. London’s calling with an optional morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide to see the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708. This afternoon, why not visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels? And this evening we recommend a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River to see some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights.

Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for Oxford. A walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight destination is Leeds.Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km

This morning, head north to York. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Leaving York, head north and spend some free time in the charming market town of Thirsk famous for its association with James Herriot. On the way to Newcastle, savor spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. Today’s Distance: 108 mi/ 174 km

See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh before arriving in Edinburgh. Here, sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town.” In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. No trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening! Join an optional night out that’s filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis!Today’s Distance: 117 mi/ 188 km

Your choice of optional excursions today: this morning put on your best detective hat and get ready to decipher the cryptic symbols and spellbinding mysteries of 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland's most enigmatic places. This afternoon discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For departures July 27 and August 10, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Chester, the historic county town on the Dee River, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Today’s Distance: 268 mi/ 431 km

A scenic North Wales drive through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park brings you to lovely Betws-y-Coed. Then, head over spectacular Llanberis Pass and, finally, across Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. At Holyhead, board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin. Tonight, everyone’s Irish with a popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.Today’s Distance: 104 mi/ 167 km

A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. This evening, raise a glass to Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.

Head for dairy-farm country in the heart of the “Emerald Isle.” Stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops and a busy café and bar culture. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher before heading for Shannon. Step back in time at an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.Today’s Distance: 214 mi/ 344 km

Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry, join the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly hued farmhouses, winding lanes, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Climb aboard a delightful optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.Today’s Distance: 189 mi/ 304 km

Cross the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. Drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of real local Irish flavor, take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.Today’s Distance: 189 mi/ 304 km

An early start for the short drive to Rosslare. In just under four hours, you cross St. George’s Channel by ferry to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital’s major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Experience Welsh culture at its finest during this memorable optional excursion featuring a dinner of local specialties, wine, and spirited folkloric entertainment.Today’s Distance: 159 mi/ 257 km

A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before visiting Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery. Explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. After returning to London around 3:30 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night on the town? Curtain’s up with an optional escorted evening in London's theater district, starting with a delicious dinner, followed by excellent seats at your chosen show.Today’s Distance: 171 mi/ 275 km

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.