Tour members meet for our flight to London. After dinner is served, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the on-board entertainment to prepare for this exciting adventure of a lifetime.

Today, we arrive at London Airport where we’re met by our English-speaking guide and driver before we transfer to central London. Take a ride on Europe’s tallest observation wheel for breath-taking 360-degree views of London. See Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and a patchwork panorama of London stretching up to 40 kilometres (or as far as Windsor Castle) on a clear day. Afterwards, we enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel in London.

This morning we visit Westminster Abbey! The Gothic masterpiece of Westminster Abbey has been at the heart of British history since the formation of the Abbey by Edward the Confessor in 1065. A visit of Westminster Abbey takes in such highlights as the Coronation Chair, the medieval Lady Chapel, museum containing a collection of royal effigies, and the Abbey Gardens which whisk you away from the hubbub of the city. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a quick Thames River Cruise from Westminster Pier to Tower Pier. After we disembark from our river cruise, we’ll visit the Tower of London which resides on the banks of the River Thames. The Tower is cloaked in nearly 1000 years of history and intrigue. It’s been used at various times as a palace, barracks, military stronghold, zoo and even a prison! The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only intact medieval buildings on the list. We overnight again in London with dinner at our hotel.

This morning, we make a photo stop at Buckingham Palace and see the changing of the guard (conditions permitting) before we begin our travels for the day. Our first stop of the day is St. Paul’s Cathedral, the most recognizable feature of the London skyline. The cathedral was completed by one of Britain’s most accomplished architects Sir Christopher Wren in 1711. Destroyed and rebuilt after the Great Fire of London and an unlikely survivor of the Blitz, the Cathedral has earned a place among London’s most popular sights. Afterwards, we travel to the infamous Stonehenge! The Neolithic stone circle of Stonehenge in the Wiltshire countryside is one of the most famous wonders of the world. Dating back to approximately 3000 BC, the circle of huge upright and horizontal rectangular stones continues to fascinate academics, spiritualists and visitors. How and why did hundreds of people transport five ton stones from all over the South of England and Wales to create a monument that has no obvious function? A multitude of theories regarding the origins and purpose of Stonehenge abound - some serious and some a little hard to believe but all have their supporters. Stonehenge could have been an elite burial mound, druid temple or ancient observatory and may have been put there by ordinary people, aliens or by Merlin the mythical wizard. We travel on our to our hotel in Salisbury for dinner and overnight.

This morning, we depart Salisbury to begin our journey to Oxford. Our first stop today is Salisbury Cathedral! Medieval Salisbury Cathedral may sit serenely within eight acres of manicured lawns in the Wiltshire countryside, but it also has a hugely important place in the history of Britain’s architecture, religion, and politics. This Gothic cathedral boasts Britain’s tallest spire, (123 metres / 404 ft), and largest close, quire and cloisters plus the world’s oldest working mechanical clock. Afterwards, we head to The Roman Baths of the historical city of Bath. This is home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the world and it is even possible to wander around this vast leisure complex just as the Romans did over 2000 years ago. Built in AD70 over hot springs the Great Bath still receives over one million liters of hot water daily from the 12,000-year-old Kings Spring below. An interactive museum, costumed characters and award-winning audio guides narrated by witty travel writer Bill Bryson are also available to bring the history of the baths to life. Afterwards, we conclude our day at our hotel in Oxford for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we make a quick stop to visit Christ Church Cathedral before venturing onward to Stratford-upon-Avon. Once we’ve concluded our time here, we carry on to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage for a quick photo. This is the beautiful 500 year old cottage where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a twelve-roomed farmhouse where Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, lived as a child in the village of Shottery, Warwickshire, England, about 1 mile west of Stratford-upon-Avon. With Shakespeare on the mind, we continue on to visit his birthplace. In the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon is a distinctive 16th century, half-timbered house where the great Bard William Shakespeare was born, grew up and lived with Anne Hathaway and his children for the first five years of their married life. Today the birthplace of William Shakespeare is a literary shrine to millions of pilgrims per year and gives visitors a glimpse into the life of Shakespeare through the artefacts and memorabilia of a number of exhibitions, one of which includes a copy of the only known portrait of the playwright. The house can be toured with an audio guide and there is also a shop, cafe and gardens. Afterward, we conclude our day of travel in Manchester for our next dinner and overnight.

This morning, depart Nottingham to journey to Edinburgh. Since its establishment as a city by the Romans in 71 AD York has played a pivotal role in the history of England and today showcases well-preserved remains that bring this history to life. Over the centuries York was a roman garrison town, Viking stronghold and prosperous medieval city and aspects of all this can still be seen today. Our York walking tour will walk along medieval city walls, visit the ruined 11th century St. Mary’s Abbey and marvel at the exterior of the imposing gothic cathedral. An essential York experience is a walk through the city centre’s maze of half-timbered houses that also almost touch across the narrow, fascinatingly-named lanes like The Shambles and Whip-maWhop-ma-Gate. We will hear stories of the city and the people of York who experienced plagues, sackings, genocides, an unsuccessful civil war, and the coming-and-goings of Roman, Viking, Norman and Scottish armies. We conclude our day with dinner and overnight in Edinburgh.

This morning, we’ll enjoy a combined panoramic and walking tour of Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland. From the historical closes of the Old Town to the larges avenues of New Town, we’ll explore an outstanding city of contrasts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval streets meander through the whole city and tell their own story of traditions and myths more than 1000 years old. During our tour, we’ll get to know different parts of the city such as the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh’s Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. In its dominating position overlooking the capital city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Sited on top of an extinct volcano, gaining stunning views across the City of Edinburgh, the castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history and has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries. After we conclude our time here, we’ll have the rest of the day at our leisure for wandering and shopping. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Edinburgh.

We begin our day with a brief drive to Loch Lomond region where we’ll spend the majority of our day. First, we visit Inveraray Castle & Gardens. Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clam Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland. Most notably, Inveraray Castle featured in the television drama Downton Abbey. Afterwards, we relax and enjoy a special Loch Lomond Cruise. No visit to Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park would be complete withouta trip out on a loch. Peacefully cruising across the waters provides us with unique views of the surrounding mountains, close-ups of numerous islands and perhaps the chance to spot local wildlife too. This cruise will give us the opportunity to explore Loch Lomond’s fjord-like northern end, its islands, wildlife, history, and of course magnificent views of Rob Roy Country. During our cruise we’ll sail pass the lands of the Clan Colquhoun, MacGregor, Buchanan, Montrose, Graham and the ruined strongholds of the MacFarlanes. After returning to the dock, we travel back to our hotel in Edinburgh for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast this morning, we venture to Stirling Castle. One of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle commands the countryside for many miles around. It towers over some of the most important battlefields of Scotland’s past including Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in the summer of 1314. Situated on a volcanic outcrop guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth, Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish Independence and a source of enduring national pride. The castle’s long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. After we conclude our time here, we continue onward to St. Andrews for a walking tour. Known worldwide as The Home of Golf, the town also boasts Scotland’s oldest university. One of the top universities in Britain, St Andrews is often compared to Oxford and Cambridge for its defining presence and the collegiate feel it gives to the town. St Andrews has also two great beaches, one being the magnificent West Sands, where the famous opening sequence of Chariots of Fire was shot. This evening, we return to Edinburgh to enjoy a special farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Our final overnight is at our hotel in Edinburgh.

This morning, transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your journey back home or on to Ireland for those participating in the extension. During our flight home, we’ll have plenty of time to reflect on this new wealth of knowledge from England & Scotland!

Today we arrive in Ireland at the Shannon airport. Our English Speaking guide & driver will welcome us and transfer us to Galway. Enroute, we will stop to visit the Cliffs of Moher, which rise 390 ft above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head, and reach their maximum height of 702 ft just north of O’Brien’s Tower. The cliffs receive almost one million visitors a year. O’Brien’s Tower is a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O’Brien to impress female visitors. From the cliffs and from atop the watchtower, visitors can see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, the Maumturks and Twelve Pins mountain ranges to the north, and Loop Head to the south. There are many animals living on the cliffs: 30,000 birds of 29 species. The most interesting are the famous Atlantic Puffins, which live in large colonies at isolated parts of the cliffs. Afterwards, we check into our hotel for our first overnight in Ireland. Dinner & Overnight in Galway area.

This morning we depart Galway and journey to Limerick. Here, we visit King John’s Castle, located at the heart of Limerick’s medieval quarter. King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history. Explore the spacious outdoor courtyard where you’ll get a sense of the bustling activity that took place many years ago. Next, we enjoy some free time in the area. This evening, we enjoy unique entertainment and a medieval dining experience in the iconic setting of the world famous Bunratty Castle. Overnight, bed and breakfast at our hotel in Limerick or area.

This morning, we depart Limerick and journey to Killarney. Upon arrival, we enjoy a jaunting car ride of Killarney National Park - over 25,425 acres of diverse ecology, including the Lakes of Killarney, Oak and Yew woodlands of international importance, and mountain peaks. It has Ireland’s only native herd of Red Deer and the most extensive covering of native forest remaining in Ireland. The park is of high ecological value because of the quality, diversity, and extensiveness of many of its habitats and the wide variety of rare species that they accommodate. The ride ends at Ross Castle where we will spend some time. Afterwards, visit Muckross House. This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes, famed world wide for their splendour and beauty. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape. Overnight, bed and breakfast at our hotel in Killarney or area.

Today we experience Ireland’s most famous peninsula drive, the Ring of Kerry. It is considered one of the finest drives in the world. From rugged cliffs to golden beaches, small villages and pastures green to peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges. This peninsula illustrates all that is beautiful, wonderful and wild in our beloved motherland. Afterwards, we enjoy a lunch at a local pub or restaurant. Next, we visit Skellig Michael on Valentia Island. Overnight, bed and breakfast at our hotel in Killarney or area.

This morning depart Killarney and journey to Dublin. We will stop along the way to visit the Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold dating to 1446. The castle is now a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. At the top of the castle lies the Stone of Eloquence, better known as the Blarney Stone. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence. There are many legends as to the origin of the stone, but some say that it was the Lia Fáil—a magical stone upon which Irish kings were crowned. The ritual of kissing the Blarney Stone has been performed by millions of people, including world statesmen, literary giants and legends of the silver screen. The kiss, however, is not casually achieved. To touch the stone with one’s lips, the participant must ascend to the castle’s peak, then lean over backwards on the parapet’s edge. *Time permitting, we will detour to the town of Kilkenny, known as the medieval capital of Ireland. We will also visit Kilkenny Castle. Overnight, bed and breakfast at our hotel in Dublin or area.

This morning, we visit Trinity College (alumni includes Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Samuel Beckett, Chris de Burgh, and Aisling Bea), which houses the famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript Gospel book and one of the finest examples of such work in existence. Then enjoy a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and experience the history, heart and soul of Ireland’s most beloved beer. Afterwards, we will enjoy dinner at a local pub or restaurant.

Today we enjoy a day trip to Downpatrick, one of Ireland’s most ancient and historic towns. It takes its name from a fort which once stood on the hill that dominates the town and on which Down Cathedral stands. Upon arrival, we visit the Saint Patrick Centre. The story of Ireland starts here, the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. Saint Patrick was reputedly buried here in 461 on Cathedral Hill, within the grounds of Down Cathedral. His grave is still a place of pilgrimage on St. Patrick’s Day. We enjoy some free time before returning to Dublin for our last evening in the Emerald Isle. Overnight, bed and breakfast at our hotel in Dublin or area.

This morning we transfer to Dublin Airport for our journey home.