British Heritage and
Dublin
Superior First Class Hotels - 10
days
Catch all the excitement of England, Scotland, Wales and Dublin in just
10 days. Start in the inspiring city of London, visit the medieval and
Georgian highlights of Edinburgh and finish in the vibrant atmosphere of
Dublin. See the delightful scenery of the Scottish Borders, the famous
Lake District and the majestic peaks of Snowdonia. Centrally located
hotels position you for optimal enjoyment. Four special evenings with
entertainment enhance the itinerary, especially in North Wales where you
stay in medieval Ruthin Castle and experience a Welsh banquet.
DAY 1 SATURDAY - Depart U.S. for London
Depart U.S. on your overnight
flight to London. Dinner and continental
breakfast are served on board.
DAY 2 SUNDAY - London at Leisure
Welcome
to London! After immigration control and picking up your baggage, transfer
independently to your city center hotel. For the balance of the day you
are free to rest after your long journey or to explore London a little on
your own. There are very many choices for you to make – visit the Victoria
& Albert Museum, stroll through Kensington Gardens, try some of the
cozy London pubs, or browse along Kensington High Street close to your
hotel. In the evening meet your tour director and fellow travelers over a
welcoming drink.
DAY 3 MONDAY - London Tour and Theater
This morning
take a guided tour around central London's famous landmarks including
Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Visit St. Paul's Cathedral and see the architectural masterpiece of Sir
Christopher Wren and the many historic memorials. Spend the afternoon at
leisure to discover more of this great city on your own. Head to the West
End to see an evening performance of the popular "Les Miserables".
(CB)
DAY 4 TUESDAY - Oxford and
Stratford-upon-Avon
This morning drive west of London to
Oxford. This world-famous university, founded in the 12th century, has
expanded to forty-two colleges over the years. After a browse around this
lovely town drive through the Cotswolds to see some of the pretty villages
with their stone cottages and colorful gardens. Continue to
Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare spent his entire life. Just
outside the town visit his wife’s home, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, an
Elizabethan farmhouse with 16th century furnishings. Then drive north to
York for your overnight stay. (CB, D)
DAY 5 WEDNESDAY - Hadrian’s Wall and
Abbotsford
Take a walking tour through York to observe the
winding medieval streets and ancient houses in the historic city center.
Visit the imposing York Minster to see its towers and stained glass. Drive
through north Yorkshire and Durham to view Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman-built
barrier separating England from Scotland. Journey through the gentle
Scottish Borders scenery to visit Sir Walter Scott's home at Abbotsford
where most of his novels took shape. Drive to Scotland’s capital city,
Edinburgh, where a celebratory cabaret at Prestonfield House will
introduce you to Scottish food,culture and traditions. (B, D)
DAY 6 THURSDAY - Edinburgh Highlights
This
morning take a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh. See the older parts of the
city where the houses are extremely narrow but tall. Drive along Princes
Street with its elegant shops and manicured gardens to discover the wide
streets and squares of the Georgian "New Town". Pass the Palace of
Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Then visit
Edinburgh Castle to tour the historic buildings and enjoy a splendid view
of central Edinburgh. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or
shopping along Princes Street, close to your hotel. On departures from
August 4 to 18 you can enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.
(B)
DAY 7 FRIDAY - Lake District and Ruthin Castle
Today drive south through the pleasant Scottish countryside stopping
at the Moffat Woollen Mills. Continue south past Gretna Green, near the
English border. Travel through the Lake District with its many lakes and
gentle hills and stop in Windermere to soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
Continue south to Chester to take a walking tour of Chester which will
include "The Rows", picturesque arcaded shops in black and white
half-timbered style and see the original medieval walls. Cross into Wales
to check into Ruthin Castle where you’ll participate in the medieval
banquet in the evening and stay in this old castle hotel. (B, D)
DAY 8 SATURDAY - North Wales and Jurys Cabaret
This morning drive through the charming Welsh countryside and through
the picturesque villages of Corwyn and Betws-y-Coed. Head west to where
the highest mountains in Wales are assembled. Traverse a portion of the
Snowdonia National Park with views of majestic peaks en route to take the
afternoon ferry from Holyhead. After crossing the Irish Sea, arrive in
Dublin and transfer to your hotel. In the evening enjoy dinner and
traditional entertainment at Jurys Irish Cabaret. (B, D)
DAY 9 SUNDAY - Dublin Highlights
Enjoy a morning tour of Dublin, with its spacious Georgian
squares and streets, landmark public buildings, and rows of graceful
townhouses. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Jonathan Swift was once
Dean, and then tour Dublin Castle. See the State Apartments, built to
house the viceregal administration and now used for Irish and European
Union official functions. The afternoon and evening are free for you to
browse and sightsee on your own. (B)
DAY 10 MONDAY - Depart for Home
Sadly,
your tour ends today. Enjoy a full Irish breakfast before taking a taxi
transfer to Dublin Airport. Allow plenty of time to check in and perhaps
do a little duty free shopping before you board your aircraft for the
flight home. (B)
DEPARTURES
Departs
every Saturday from April 28 - October 20
HOTELS
Stay at the following (or similar):
• Copthorne
Tara Hotel, London (2 nights)
• Moat House Hotel, York (1 night)
•
Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights)
• Ruthin Castle Hotel, Ruthin (1
night)
• Hilton Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
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