Tour Duration: 15 days Tour Code: 90512012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2082 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
LONDON-STONEHENGE-SALISBURY-WIDECOMBE-PLYMOUTH. Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and depart at 8 am for the West Country. Cross the chalky terrain of Wiltshire and pass Stonehenge, one of England's most intriguing mysteries. Stop in Salisbury, the "City of the Soaring Spire," then drive through fabled Wessex. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombein-the-Moor, ghostly setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. Later in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (D)
2
PLYMOUTH-BATH-CARDIFF, WALES. Via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its amazing Roman relics and Georgian buildings. Cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into Wales and head for the capital, Cardiff. Here, an orientation drive introduces you to all the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. A suggestion for tonight: why not join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner? (B)
3
CARDIFF-TENBY-TRAMORE, IRELAND. Vistas of rich dairy farmland this morning on the way to the pretty seaside resort of Tenby. Then on to Pembroke, departure point for the ferry across St. George's Channel to Ireland. Arrive at Rosslare in just under four hours. (B,D)
4
TRAMORE-BLARNEY-KILLARNEY. Today, discover why Ireland is called the "Emerald Isle." Drive along the southern coast, passing Cork, the country's second-largest city. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, continue to the popular resort of Killarney. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland's National Folk Theatre. (B)
5
KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION. At Killorglin, join the road known as the "Ring of Kerry" for a 160 kilometre (100-mile) coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly coloured farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. (B)
6
KILLARNEY-DINGLE PENINSULA-ADARE-LIMERICK-ENNIS. Breathtaking scenery this morning on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 52 kilometres (32-mile) Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. Then, via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages, and Limerick to Ennis. Tonight, an optional banquet at Knappogue Castle. (B)
7
ENNIS-CLIFFS OF MOHER-GALWAY-DUBLIN. A scenic route this morning via the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren on the way to the port city of Galway on its lovely bay. Hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Continue across the mighty Shannon before arrival in Dublin. The optional dinner suggestion is a fun Irish cabaret evening with dance, song, and laughter. (B)
8
DUBLIN. A day in the "Fair City" starts with an orientation drive through Eire's capital, including statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The rest of the day at leisure. Why not join an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)
9
DUBLIN-CHESTER, ENGLAND-LIVERPOOL. Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue twisting place names. Follow the North Wales coast to Chester, the ancient county town on the River Dee. See the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the "Rows." Overnight in Liverpool of Beatles fame and once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners. (B,D)
10
LIVERPOOL-LAKE DISTRICT-GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND-GLASGOW. Drive into the tranquil Lake District, often considered to be the finest of England's national parks. Visit Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth, and over the border for a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Travel through the history-steeped Lowland Hills to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. (B,D)
11
GLASGOW-FORT WILLIAM-INVERNESS-CULLODEN-GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY. Along the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond and through wild Rannoch Moor into the Highlands. Via Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Then, the Great Glen for vistas of the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich. Follow the banks of Loch Ness, home of the timid and timeless Nessie. Continue via Inverness, the Highland capital, and on the way to tonight's destination, stop at the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie. (B,D)
12
GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY-PITLOCHRY-ST. ANDREWS-EDINBURGH. Drive through more spectacular Highland scenery for a stop in the pretty Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. The routing then takes in Perth and Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Continue through Fife and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to spend the next two nights in Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: enjoy a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)
13
EDINBURGH. A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old "New Town" and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the "Old Town," drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which for the Queen was once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For departure numbers 0723 through 0813, tickets are included for tonight's performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)
14
EDINBURGH-JEDBURGH-YORK, ENGLAND-LEEDS. At Jedburgh, glimpse the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and see the abbey ruins before heading towards the Cheviot Hills and the English border, then through wild Northumberland National Park. On the way, see a section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. In York, England's most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (B,D)
15
LEEDS-STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-LONDON. Head for the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood. In Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Return to London around 4 pm, where your holiday ends. (B)
SIGHTSEEING: Visits to Salisbury, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Plymouth, Glastonbury, Bath, Tenby, Blarney, Killarney, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Liverpool, Grasmere, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Inverness, Culloden, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (departure numbers 0723 through 0813), Jedburgh, Hadrian's Wall, Shakespeare's Stratford- upon-Avon; orientation drives in Cardiff, Dublin; walking tours in Chester, York
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Stonehenge and Salisbury Plain, Dartmoor National Park, Ring of Kerry and Lakes of Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, The Burren, Lake District National Park, Scottish Lowlands and Highlands, Loch Lomond, Northumberland National Park, Cotswold Hills
TRANSPORTATION: Private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach; round-trip Irish Sea crossings by day ferry
HOTELS: Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges
MEALS: Full English breakfast (B); 6 three-course dinners (D) with choice of menus
OPTIONALS: Choice of optional excursions available at reasonable prices to customise your own experience
Meals Breakfast - 14 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 6
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
29
GBP
Name:MORNING CITY SIGHTSEEING DAILY Location:LONDON Details:A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St.Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (GBP25) applies.
39
GBP
Name:TOWER OF LONDON AND CROWN JEWELS AFTERNOONS DAILY Location:LONDON Details:Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
39
GBP
Name:AFTERNOON EXCURSION TO WINDSOR CASTLE DAILY Location:LONDON Details:Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favourite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
49
GBP
Name:BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE ROYAL MEWS AFTERNOONS DAILY JULY 31 TO SEPTEMBER 30 Location:LONDON Details:First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
59
GBP
Name:A TASTE OF LONDON DAILY APRIL TO OCTOBER Location:LONDON Details:Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a 3-course dinner with wine and beer at a contemporary London restaurant, followed by a narrated illumination cruise on the River Thames.
99
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - BILLY ELLIOT (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner a The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot.
99
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - WICKED (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Wesminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
59
GBP
Name:WELSH EVENING Location:CARDIFF Details:Dinner with wine and entertainment are included in this uniquely Welsh evening.
64
GBP
Name:DINNER AND SIAMSA TIRE NATIONAL FOLK THEATRE MAY TO SEPTEMBER Location:KILLARNEY Details:A short drive to Tralee for dinner with wine before you take your seats for a performance by Ireland's National Folk Theatre.
11
GBP
Name:JAUNTING CAR RIDE Location:KILLARNEY Details:Unique to Killarney, a fun outing is to take a ride in a horse drawn jaunting car through the National Park to ancient Ross Castle.
23
GBP
Name:MUCKROSS HOUSE AND LAKE VIEW DRINK Location:KILLARNEY Details:This afternoon tour takes in historic Muckross House and ends with a drink overlooking the Lakes of Killarney.
64
GBP
Name:KNAPPOGUE CASTLE BANQUET APRIL 15 TO OCTOBER 31 Location:ENNIS Details:At Knappogue Castle the costumed butler and ladies of the castle welcome you with a glass of mead before a four course dinner, including wine. Then embark on a musical medieval journey and an unforgettable evening.
68
GBP
Name:IRISH CABARET MAY TO OCTOBER Location:DUBLIN Details:After a full choice dinner with wine and Irish coffee, enjoy a traditional Irish cabaret evening including dance, song and laughter.
56
GBP
Name:GUINNESS STOREHOUSE AND SUPPER Location:DUBLIN Details:A unique Dublin experience: a visit to the famous Guinness Storehouse with supper included.
22
GBP
Name:SHEEP DOG DEMONSTRATION Location:AVIEMORE Details:Join a true native Highland shepherd as he demonstrates the work and training of boarder collies, followed by a drink in a local inn.
59
GBP
Name:SCOTTISH EVENING MAY 1 - OCTOBER 14 Location:EDINBURGH Details:No visit to Scotland's capital city would be complete without joining a Scottish evening with dinner, wine and a show featuring singers, dancers, bagpipers and the Ceremony of the Haggis.
54
GBP
Name:ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA AND DINNER Location:EDINBURGH Details:A visit on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored at Leith docks, is followed by dinner with wine and coffee at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursions
