Itinerary at a Glance
DAY 1 - Departure from the USA
After months of anticipation, your British holiday is upon you! Keep your departure instructions handy, for they will guide
you through the check-in process for your overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 2 - London
Touch down this morning on the other side of the 'pond' in England's capital, London. Upon arrival, meet your tour manager
and board the motor coach for the transfer to your hotel. Use this afternoon to freshen up and rest. You might wish to take
a walk around the hotel' neighborhood or maybe try out the economical and efficient subway system. Tonight is your first
chance to mingle with your fellow travelers as you join them for the Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
DAY 3 - London
On the city sightseeing tour you will see the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar
Square and other popular sights in London. Following the city tour, the afternoon is open for you to pursue your own
interests. To get around, use the red, double-decker buses or the tube. Both are easy to use and are an experience in
themselves. Shoppers will delight in the selection at Harrods and the other shops in Knightsbridge, or on fashionable
Regent Street. For more cultural endeavors, view the unrivaled collection of western paintings at the National Gallery. An
optional afternoon excursion will be offered to the 'Tower of London'. In the evening, London offers numerous options for
dining and entertainment. You might even try to catch a West End show. Or join your tour manager for the optional 'London
Eye & Dinner' excursion.
DAY 4 - Oxford - Stow-on-the-Wold - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Coventry
The first stop today is Oxford, where Henry II established the first University of Britain in 1167. The motor coach will
continue onward into the Cotswolds, characterized by low stone walls, walking paths that lead through the countryside, and
charming antique shops. An independent lunch stop in Stow-on-the-Wold will help you better experience this area seemingly
oblivious to progress. While you are here, you might get a souvenir photo with your hands in the village's authentic
stocks. A short drive further lies Stratford-Upon-Avon, where half-timbered houses and thatched-roof cottages create the
setting one thinks of as truly English. Tour the town, which includes a picture stop in front of Anne Hathaways cottage
and a visit to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy some free time in Stratford-Upon-Avon or join the optional
excursion to 'Warwick Castle'. Continue to your hotel in nearby Coventry for dinner and an overnight stay.
DAY 5 - York - North Yorkshire
Depart for a picturesque drive north via the Nottingham area. Arrive in the historic city of York in time for an
independent lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the sights that most interest you. There are many choices available--from
the York Castle Museum with its extensive collection of arms and armor to the Jorvik Viking Center, where a reconstructed
Viking City from the year 948 is housed. Be sure to visit York Minster Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in England. In
the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel for check-in and dinner.
DAY 6 - Hadrian's Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh Area
A morning drive takes you to Hadrian's Wall, a fascinating Roman monument nearly 2,000 years old. During this picture stop,
visit one section of the 70-plus mile structure. At lunchtime, you are treated to English tea with cakes and finger
sandwiches. Cross the border into Scotland and continue on to Jedburgh for an opportunity to stretch your legs in this
typical border town. Some may wish to spend their time shopping at the Woollen Mill. The weavers in this area invented
tweed by being the first to combine two colors. Others may find the GBP 2.50 entrance fee a bargain for a visit to the Mary,
Queen of Scots, House. During the late afternoon drive, you can look forward to a lovely meal at your hotel in the lush
Scottish surroundings just outside of Edinburgh.
DAY 7 - Edinburgh
Start the day with a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. After the tour, a good place to spend additional
time is along the Royal Mile, the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh. As you walk past the classic old houses, you might wish to stop
at one of the unique attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Writers Museum, Gladstone's Land (the oldest
surviving house), Museum of Childhood, Brass Rubbing Centre, or the high-tech museum called 'Our Dynamic Earth'. Return to
your hotel for a leisurely independent dinner or join the optional 'Scottish Dinner Show'.
DAY 8 - Gretna Green - Grasmere - Lake Windermere - North Wales
Travel southward to the border town of Gretna Green for a visit to the Old Blacksmith's Shop Centre. Gretna Green was
widely known for secret weddings performed by the town blacksmith since the 19th century. Runaway couples used to cross the
border from England to be married under the liberal terms of the Scottish law. Next, travel back into England and head to
Grasmere. Enjoy an independent lunch in this lakeside village, followed by a ferry ride across Lake Windermere. A late
afternoon drive leads to your hotel in North Wales.
DAY 9 - Betws-Y-Coed - Caernarfon - Llanfair P.G. - Holyhead - Dublin
This day is devoted to the sweeping landscape of Northern Wales. First, make a stop in picturesque Llangollen in the Dee
Valley to capture its 200 year old aqueduct and greenery-lined canal. Continue through the thick, pine forest surrounding
Betws-y-Coed. From here you enter the Snowdonia National Park, a mountainous region with rough but beautiful terrain. Exit
the park by way of Llanberis, a hiker's paradise at the foot of Mt. Snowdon. At Caernarfon, see one in a series of castles
built by Prince Edward I. For GBP 4.50, you can climb the castle towers. After the motor coach crosses the Menai Bridge
onto the Isle of Anglesey, it is a must to stop and take a picture at the town with the longest name, which we abbreviate
here as Llanfair P.G. Have an independent dinner while you ferry from Wales to the Republic of Ireland or dine at a pub
upon your arrival in Dublin.
DAY 10 - Dublin
The capital city of the Republic of Ireland offers much to keep you busy and entertained the entire day. A local guide
points out St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the Guinness Brewery among other recognized sights in Dublin, giving
you some ideas for more extensive visits during your free time this afternoon. The tour ends with a visit inside the
historical Trinity College and Library to see the magical Book of Kells. Around 800 AD, four Irish monks beautified this
four-volume edition of the Gospels using ink from bugs and plants. For evening entertainment, join the optional 'Irish
Cabaret Dinner'.
DAY 11 - Dublin - Kildare - Adare - Kerry County
The area west of Dublin has become famous as the center of the Irish horse breeding and training industry. After touring
the Kildare National Stud Farm, visit the Japanese Gardens of Tully House. As you continue toward western Ireland, relax
and enjoy the scenic land of meadows, glens, and crystal rivers. Your independent lunch stop will be in Adare, providing an
opportunity to admire the world-famous thatched cottages along the main street. The picturesque scene is completed by
lovely gardens and a medieval monastery. Then it's on to your Kerry County hotel, hosting you for dinner this evening and
for a two-night stay.
DAY 12 - Killarney - Kerry County
Kerry County provides a wonderful spot to take a relaxing break from touring. The entire day is at leisure to enjoy
Killarney and the stunning surroundings. The city is best seen on foot by following the Tourist Trail signs that lead you
to some of the popular landmarks in town. A fun way to get a feel for the outskirts of the city is to hire a jaunting car,
a horse-drawn buggy that seats up to four with a driver who doubles as your guide. For the adventurous, there are tours by
horseback and boat through Killarney National Park. The tour manager will also offer an optional excursion to the 'Ring of
Kerry'. Kerry County offers everything from excellent restaurants to local pubs and friendly cafes for your dinner choices,
or join your tour manager for an optional 'Pub Crawl with Dinner' excursion.
DAY 13 - Blarney Castle - Waterford/Wexford
One of the highlights of the tour will be a visit to Blarney Castle. You will need a few hours here to see the thickly
constructed (18 feet thick), 17th-century fortification, to walk the magical grounds, and if you choose, to stretch
upside-down to kiss the Blarney Stone in the hopes of gaining the gift of eloquent speech. Eat 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
before having dinner at your hotel. Those interested will have the opportunity to tour the Waterford Crystal Factory
(GBP 5.00) which takes you through the process of glass blowing, cutting, and decorating. Of course, you will have the
opportunity to make a purchase in the gallery if you so desire.
DAY 14 - Waterford/Wexford - Rosslare - Fishguard - Cardiff
An early morning departure is necessary to reach the ferry in Rosslare. As you depart the Republic of Ireland and approach
Fishguard in Wales, have an early lunch on board the ferry or purchase a few items to eat along the way to Cardiff. Enjoy
the varied scenery along the coastal road between Pembrokeshire National Park and the Wye Valley. At the center of Wales
attractive bayside capital is Cardiff Castle, built on the site of a Roman fort. During your free time, its worth your
while to walk across the moat bridge to catch the view from the delightful roof garden. Dinner and overnight are at your
hotel just north of Cardiff.
DAY 15 - Bath - Stonehenge - London
Phenomenal sights await you today! 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. A visit to the Roman Baths Museum
uncovers excavated remains of the baths and the advanced engineering developed by the Romans. Then, it is on to mysterious
Stonehenge. Dating back to about 1500 B.C., one can only speculate how the stones reached the site and how they were moved
into place--some weighing 45 tons! Return to London for the evening. Dinner is independent tonight, giving you the choice
to eat a quick bite at a pub with time to prepare for the return trip home, or to take part in London's wide range of
evening entertainment.
DAY 16 - Daytime Flight back to the U.S.A.
Your grand tour of scenic Britain has come to a close. Enjoy your homeward flight as you reminisce about your travels.
