20 Days | Grandeur of Britain & Ireland

Cardiff to Waterford

Cross the Irish Sea to Waterford

This morning, we explore Cardiff's iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Centre and Victorian fantasy castle before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening we dine in our hotel.

Accommodation: The Fitzwilton Hotel Waterford

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 Waterford, Blarney and Killarney

Onwards to Blarney and Killarney

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

Accommodation: Hotel Killarney

Meals: Breakfast

 Killarney, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher and Galway

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 MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® 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 Centre, 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. Overnight in 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.

Accommodation: The Connacht Hotel Galway

Meals: Breakfast

 Galway, Sligo and County Donegal

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 city your way before dining at your hotel.

Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date.

Accommodation: Central Hotel Conference and Leisure Centre Donegal/The Abbey Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Dublin, Chester and Liverpool

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, we head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where we'll spend the night.

Accommodation: Jurys Inn

Meals: Breakfast

 Lake District, Gretna Green and Glasgow

Journey North to Glasgow

The runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green is our first stop today, where we'll tread in the footsteps of eloping couples who would take their vows over the Marriage Anvil.

Continue to Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain's most celebrated sons. Visit Falkirk Wheel where you’ll Dive into Culture learning about the legacy of Scotland’s canals and experience the world’s only rotating boat lift.

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre

Meals: Breakfast

 Isle of Skye, Culloden and Scottish Highlands

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.

Accommodation: The Highlander Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

 Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry, St. Andrews and Edinburgh

Onwards to Edinburgh

We continue south and stop in Pitlochry before travelling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. We cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn

Meals: Breakfast

Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn

Meals: Breakfast

 Edinburgh, Alnwick and York

Uncover York’s Treasures

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where we'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 flavours and hospitality.

Accommodation: Novotel Centre

Meals: Breakfast and Be My Guest experience

 York, Statford-upon-Avon and London

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 Centre before returning to London and completing your journey.

Meals: Breakfast