Tour Duration: 21 days Tour Code: 90912012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2745 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
LONDON-OXFORD-STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-COVENTRY. Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing: a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta; a walking tour in Oxford, one of the country's oldest seats of learning; and skirting the Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. Take your pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Overnight is in Coventry. (D)
2
COVENTRY-YORK-NEWCASTLE. Leave the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, and head north to 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. Stop for the night in Newcastle, once an important centre for the wool trade and coal mining and now a vibrant modern city. (B,D)
3
NEWCASTLE-JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND-MELROSE-EDINBURGH. See a section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival at Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)
4
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 0804 through 0821, tickets are included for tonight's performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)
5
EDINBURGH-ST. ANDREWS-BRAEMAR-CULLODEN-INVERNESS-STRATHPEFFER. A day of memorable sightseeing: St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then via Inverness, head for your Highland destination. (B,D)
6
STRATHPEFFER. WEST COAST EXCURSION. More spectacular Scottish scenery: the lovely Falls of Shin, Dornoch Firth, and the Kyle of Sutherland. Then, follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbour on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. Our recommendation for this evening: join the optional Loch Ness Experience, which includes a cruise on the loch followed by supper. (B)
7
STRATHPEFFER-ISLE OF SKYE-FORT WILLIAM-GLASGOW. More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then breathtaking scenery all the way to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow, Scotland's great cultural city. (B,D)
8
GLASGOW-ALLOWAY-BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND. On this morning's orientation drive through Scotland's largest city, see the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian Squares built by wealthy tobacco barons. Later, stop at Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Belfast. Consider joining tonight's optional excursion, a "living history" tour of this fascinating city in the company of a Local Guide. (B)
9
BELFAST-GIANT'S CAUSEWAY-DERRY-BELLEEK-DRUMCLIFF-SLIGO, IRELAND. Take the scenic route along the Antrim coast to awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, then let the province's story unfold as you head for the city of Derry, and, later, Belleek Pottery, renowned for its exquisite cream-coloured Parian china. At Drumcliff, see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats before arriving in Sligo, tonight's destination. (B,D)
10
SLIGO-KNOCK-GALWAY-CLIFFS OF MOHER-ENNIS. South to Knock, a village that has attracted pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway on its beautiful bay, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 204-metre (668-foot) Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B)
11
ENNIS-DINGLE PENINSULA-KILLARNEY. Via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer for the ferry across the Shannon estuary. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 51.5 kilometre (32-mile) Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon arrival in Killarney, your destination for the next two nights. (B,D)
12
KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION. At Killorglin, join the road known as the "Ring of Kerry" for a 161 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. Then, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Later, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland's National Folk Theatre. (B)
13
KILLARNEY-BLARNEY-DUNGARVAN-TRAMORE. More scenic splendour as you head into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country's second-largest city. Finally, Dungarvan and along the Copper Coast to the seaside resort of Tramore. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
14
TRAMORE-WATERFORD-AVOCA-GLENDALOUGH-DUBLIN. Highlights on your northbound journey: Waterford, famed for its exquisite crystal; Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland's oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a centre of Irish Christianity, founded by St. Kevin. Afternoon arrival in Dublin; top the day with an optional Irish cabaret evening including dinner, dance, song, and laughter. (B)
15
DUBLIN. A day in the "Fair City" starts off with an orientation drive through Ireland's capital and includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Dublin at leisure. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)
16
DUBLIN-WREXHAM, WALES. Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Enjoy the best of North Wales on a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, including spectacular Llanberis Pass, then on to Llangollen, home of an annual national competition for poets and musicians, before arriving in Wrexham. This evening, why not join an optional excursion by barge along the Llangollen Canal? (B,D)
17
WREXHAM-CHESTER, ENGLAND-LUDLOW-CARDIFF, WALES. In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the twotiered shopping arcades called the "Rows." Head south now through the market town of Ludlow to Cardiff. In the Welsh capital an orientation drive takes in Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings and Cardiff Castle. Tonight's optional excursion is to Cardiff Castle for an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner. (B)
18
CARDIFF-BATH, ENGLAND-GLASTONBURY-WIDECOMBE-PLYMOUTH. Across the Severn Bridge to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Into the West Country via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur, and wild and romantic Dartmoor with a visit to the picture-book village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (B,D)
19
PLYMOUTH. CORNWALL EXCURSION. A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier's Cornwall. After viewing St. Michael's Mount rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land's End before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. You may wish to join one of your optional excursions this evening. (B)
20
PLYMOUTH-STONEHENGE-SALISBURY-ARUNDEL-BRIGHTON. An interesting day heading into Thomas Hardy's Wessex and views of the intriguing prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. Take a break in Salisbury for a look at its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture. Stop for photos at historic Arundel, dominated by the Duke of Norfolk's huge castle, before continuing on to the seaside resort of Brighton for an overnight stay. (B,D)
21
BRIGHTON-TUNBRIDGE WELLS-LONDON. A leisurely last day on the road with time this morning for a seafront promenade stroll or to browse along The Lanes, a quaint area of narrow streets renowned for its antique shops. Finally, take the scenic route to Royal Tunbridge Wells and pause for lunch in this picturesque spa town before returning to London about 3 pm., where your holiday ends. (B)
SIGHTSEEING: Visits to Hampton Court Palace Gardens, Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, Hadrian's Wall, Jedburgh and Melrose, Edinburgh Castle, tickets for Edinburgh Military Tattoo (departure numbers 0804 through 0821), St. Andrews, Braemar, Culloden, Inverness, Strathpeffer, Ullapool, Alloway, Giant's Causeway, Derry, Belleek Pottery, W.B.Yeats' burial place, Sligo, Knock, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Blarney, Waterford, Avoca handweaving mill, Glendalough, Llangollen, Ludlow, Bath, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Plymouth, St. Ives, Salisbury, Arundel, Brighton, Royal Tunbridge Wells; orientation drives in Glasgow, Dublin, Cardiff; walking tours in Oxford, York, Chester
SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Cotswold Hills, Northumberland National Park, Scottish Lowlands and Highlands, Falls of Shin, Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, Northern Ireland's Antrim coast, The Burren, Dingle Peninsula, Ring of Kerry and Lakes of Killarney, Snowdonia, Dartmoor National Park, St. Michael's Mount and Land's End, Stonehenge and Salisbury Plain
GUIDES: Local Guide for city sightseeing in Edinburgh; Host service in London. Professional Tour Director while touring
TRANSPORTATION: Private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Isle of Skye ferry. Round-trip Irish Sea crossings by day ferry. Ferry across the Shannon estuary
HOTELS: Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges
MEALS: Full English breakfast (B); 10 three-course dinners (D) with choice of menus
OPTIONALS: Choice of optional excursions available at reasonable prices to customise your own experience.
Meals Breakfast - 20 Lunch - 0 Dinner - 10
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.
140
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - BILLY ELLIOT (FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS) Location:LONDON Details:A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at 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.
140
GBP
Name:SHOWNIGHT - WICKED (FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS) 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: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.
49
GBP
Name:LOCH NESS EXPERIENCE AND SUPPER Location:HIGHLANDS Details:A truly unique evening! First visit the award winning Loch Ness Exhibition, then take a trip onboard a boat to try and catch a glimpse of the famous monster before concluding the evening with dinner and a drink of your choice.
19
GBP
Name:CITY TOUR Location:BELFAST Details:Join your local guide for a fascinating "living history" tour of Belfast, taking in all the city's major attractions.
64
GBP
Name:BUNRATTY CASTLE BANQUET Location:ENNIS Details:At 13th-century Bunratty Castle receive a goblet or two of mead and listen to the history of the castle, before enjoying a medieval Madrigal by the Castle Singers and dinner with wine.
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.
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.
28
GBP
Name:PUB EVENING Location:TRAMORE Details:For local Irish flavour, take a scenic drive to a traditional inn to meet the locals over two drinks of your choice.
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.
26
GBP
Name:LLANGOLLEN CANAL BARGE RIDE APRIL 1 TO OCTOBER 31 Location:WREXHAM Details:An unusual outing which takes you by barge along the Llangollen Canal, crossing over a spectacular aqueduct, before disembarking for a drink of your choice at a local inn.
59
GBP
Name:WELSH EVENING Location:CARDIFF Details:Dinner with wine and entertainment are included in this uniquely Welsh evening.
10
GBP
Name:HARBOUR CRUISE Location:PLYMOUTH Details:Plymouth Sound is one of the world's great natural harbours where your cruise takes you past one of the Royal Navy's important bases, with commentary by your captain.
Optional Excursions
