Day 1: London – Stratford-upon-Avon –Bradford
Welcome to London. Your holiday starts with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon. In your free time why not visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor Centre for an in-depth look at the great man’s life? Later arrive at your hotel in Bradford where you dine tonight. (D) Hotel: Jurys Inn
Day 2: Bradford – York – Near Edinburgh (Airth) (2 Nights)
See the sights of York, including the Minster and picturesque ‘Shambles’. Head north, stopping to view Hadrian’s Wall and the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, to your hotel in Airth. Tonight why not attend a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes? (FB) Hotel: Airth Castle
Day 3: Edinburgh Sightseeing and Free Time
This morning’s sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist includes views of the Georgian New Town, Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. During the Festival, tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included. (FB)
Day 4: Edinburgh – St. Andrews –Scottish Highlands (2 Nights)
Crossing into the ancient Kingdom of Fife, we head for the coastal town of St.Andrews, the home of golf. Later we stop in the town of Pitlochry before heading to your Highland hotel for a two night stay. (FB,D) Hotel: Carrbridge
Day 5: Scottish Highlands Excursion
Today is dedicated to the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Visit Loch Ness, and keep a look out for the famous monster. Visit Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Later visit the battlefield of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie fought the English. Dine at your hotel. (FB, D)
Day 6: Scottish Highlands – Glasgow
Drive in the shadow of Ben Nevis to Fort William then follow the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe – the Glen of the Weeping. Travel along the ‘banks and braes of Loch Lomond’ before continuing to Glasgow. View Glasgow Cathedral and George Square during your orientation tour.(FB) Hotel: Holiday Inn Theatreland
Day 7: Glasgow – Gretna Green – Lake District – Haydock (Near Liverpool)
Visit Gretna Green, where eloping lovers famously went to marry. Continue south through breathtaking scenery in the English Lake District to your hotel. (FB, D) Hotel: Holiday Inn
Day 8: Haydock (near Liverpool) – Chester – Dublin (2 Nights)
On arrival in Chester view the medieval city walls and the half-timbered buildings known as the ‘Rows’. Later cross the Irish Sea to Dublin. (FB) Hotel: Maldron Newlands Cross
Day 9: Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
Your Local Specialist shows you the sights of this historic city, with views of Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Phoenix Park. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city. (FB)
Day 10: Dublin – Boyle –Ballyshannon (2 Nights)
View the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey at Boyle and drive through lush countryside to Ballyshannon. (FB, D) Hotel: The Abbey
Day 11: County Donegal Excursion
Travel through the beautiful County Donegal. See the harbour town of Mullaghmore before heading to the town of Donegal where you view the 15th century castle. Visit the Belleek Pottery centre in Northern Ireland. (FB)
Day 12: Ballyshannon – Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Tipperary
This morning travel to Galway on the banks of the Corrib River. View the cathedral and stroll around Eyre Square. At the Cliffs of Moher view the dramatic cliffs and visit the Atlantic Edge exhibition. Later arrive at your hotel. (FB) Hotel: Aherlow House
Day 13: Tipperary – Dingle Peninsula – Tralee
Leave Tipperary and take a drive to enjoy the scenic landscape along the Dingle Peninsula. See the unspoilt and colourful villages and fishing harbours of Ireland’s most westerly point. Later arrive in the town of Tralee, famed for its annual ‘Rose of Tralee’ festival and beauty pageant. (FB, D) Hotel: Earl of Desmond
Day 14: Tralee – Blarney – Waterford
Explore Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Continue through Cork and along the coast to Waterford, famous for its crystal ware. Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom (when open). (FB) Hotel: Viking
Day 15: Waterford – Cardiff
Travel from Waterford to Rosslare, then by ferry to Wales. Arrive in Fishguard and drive on to Cardi and see the Millennium Stadium and Castle during your orientation. (FB) Hotel: Copthorne
Day 16: Cardiff – Bath – Windsor – London
Cross the Severn Estuary to Georgian Bath. Admire the Georgian architecture and enjoy free time to visit the Roman Baths. Visit Windsor and view the castle en route to London where your amazing holiday comes to an end. (FB)
KEY:FB Full Breakfast - BB Buffet Breakfast - L Lunch - D Dinner