Tripology

Commercial Flight

Board your over­night transatlantic flight.

Clear customs and proceed to the Transfer Desk in the arrivals area to board the shuttle to your hotel.

Food and Dining

At 6 p.m. join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Cocktail and tour briefing.

Hotel

Stay at Hilton Olympia (F).

Sightseeing

Meet your Tour Director this morning and head out through the Oxfordshire countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. See Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage at Shottery and then visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford.

Sightseeing

This afternoon, continue to York for a walking tour through the historic streets to the cobbled “Shambles,” around the city walls and to the magnificent Minster.

Food and Dining

This evening meet for a Welcome Drink before a delicious dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions. (CB,D)

Hotel

Stay at Holiday Inn York (F).

Bus

Drive through Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District and along the shores of Lake Windermere.

Sightseeing

Continue north, crossing the border into Bonnie Scotland. Travel through the Southern Uplands to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and formerly a center of the shipbuilding industry. An orientation tour highlights George Square, the Cathedral and the River Clyde. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Radisson SAS (SF).

Sightseeing

Pay a visit to Edinburgh, Scotland''s capital city. A guided sightseeing tour features Princes Street, the Royal Mile, Holyrood House and the new Scottish Parliament.

Bus

After a visit to Edinburgh''s imposing Castle, there is some time free. Later, return to Glasgow.

Food and Dining

This evening enjoy traditional hospitality in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Depart early and drive past Robert Burns'' cottage and his monument at Alloway. Continue along the rugged Ayrshire coast, watching for seals and wild birds

Golfing

We past Turnberry with its championship golf course.

Arrive in Stranraer to board the ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Cruise past the isle of Ailsa Craig, the “stepping stone” between Ireland and Scotland.

Sightseeing

Arriving in Belfast, a sightseeing tour with a local guide highlights the City Hall, Queen''s University and the shipyard where the Titanic was built. Then journey south, crossing the River Boyne at Drogheda and on to Dublin. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Trinity Capital (F) or Academy Plaza (F).

Sightseeing

A local expert leads a tour of Ireland’s capital. See Trinity College, the Bank of Ireland, formerly Ireland''s House of Parliament, St. Patrick''s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the Georgian Squares.

Shopping

The rest of the day is free to continue exploring on your own, shop along Grafton Street or relax in a café.

Nightlife

This evening, why not join an optional outing to a festive Irish cabaret? (B)

Horseback Riding

Your first stop today is at the Irish National Stud Farm outside of Kildare. A guided walking tour takes you through the grounds. See world-class stallions and the beautiful Japanese gardens. Then travel along country roads through the “Boreens” to medieval Kilkenny. Take photos of its ancient castle.

Sightseeing

Continuing to Waterford and the Waterford Crystal Factory. See how the exquisite crystal objects are created, and take the opportunity to shop for a treasure of your own. (B)

Hotel

Stay at The Belfry (F).

Start early this morning, driving to Rosslare Harbour to board the ferry to Pembroke in South Wales.

Sightseeing

Travel along the coast to the Welsh capital, Cardiff. View the historic castle and Millennium Stadium – Cardiff Arms Park.

Food and Dining

Tonight, celebrate a wonderful tour of Britain and Ireland at a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Park Inn City Centre (SF).

Sightseeing

Cross the Severn Bridge into England and head to the elegant city of Bath. An orientation tour features the graceful terraces and a visit to the intriguing Roman Baths. Then on to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge – a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Salisbury, view the impressive Cathedral, the tallest in Britain. (B)

Bus

Then return to London, where your evening is free.

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)