Short on time but eager to experience the highlights of Britain and Ireland? This eight-day journey immerses you in Shakespearean lore, Waterford crystal craftsmanship, and a traditional Welsh dinner at a vineyard, all while exploring a tapestry of ancient history.
Day 1: Stratford-upon-Avon, York, and Harrogate
- Begin your adventure with your Travel Director, diving into the rich tapestry of history. Explore Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and visit his Birthplace and Visitor Center.
- Continue north to the historic Viking city of York. Enjoy an orientation walk through its cobbled streets, admire the Shambles, and marvel at the York Minster and ancient city walls.
- Conclude your day with dinner in the charming Victorian spa town of Harrogate.
Day 2: Through the Scenic Lake District to Glasgow
- Travel through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park and the stunning Lake District, which has inspired poets like William Wordsworth.
- Pass by Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and cross into Scotland. Visit Gretna Green, known for its historical runaway weddings.
- Proceed to Glasgow, where you’ll get an orientation tour including Glasgow Cathedral and George Square.
- In the evening, you might choose to enjoy an Optional Experience with a delightful dinner and Scottish entertainment.
Day 3: Explore Enchanting Edinburgh
- From Glasgow, head to the captivating city of Edinburgh. Accompanied by a Local Specialist, explore Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, and stroll down the Royal Mile.
- Visit the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse and the modern Scottish Parliament. Admire the Georgian architecture of the New Town and discover the hidden lanes of Auld Reekie.
- Return to Glasgow for a dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the local cuisine.
Day 4: Cross the Irish Sea to Belfast and Dublin
- Travel along the rugged Ayrshire coast, passing the island of Ailsa Craig, before boarding the ferry to Northern Ireland.
- Upon arrival in Belfast, a Local Specialist will guide you through the city’s British and Irish cultural intersections, including City Hall and the Titanic dock.
- Arrive in Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 5: Discover Diverse Dublin
- Immerse yourself in Dublin’s culture with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Enjoy the 250-year-old story of Guinness and take in the panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar.
- Explore Dublin with a Local Specialist, viewing the Georgian Squares, Trinity College, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s tallest church. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own.
- Stroll through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, renowned for its lively street performers. Consider an Optional Experience featuring an Irish cabaret performance.
Day 6: Journey to Kilkenny and Waterford
- Begin with a cultural visit to the Irish National Stud, where you’ll learn about world-class thoroughbred breeding. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm and its serene Japanese Gardens, noted for their beauty.
- Explore Kilkenny Castle and have some free time for lunch.
- Continue to Waterford to witness the intricate craftsmanship of Waterford Crystal. Tour the workshop, observe skilled artisans, and view the exquisite pieces in the showroom.
Day 7: Ferry Across to Cultural Cardiff
- Start early and cross the Irish Sea by ferry to Wales. Explore Cardiff, the Welsh capital, visiting the Wales Millennium Centre, the National Assembly, and historic Cardiff Castle.
- Enjoy a Farewell Dinner Be My Guest experience in the Welsh countryside. Visit Wales’ oldest and largest vineyard, learn about sustainable farming practices from the Norris family, and enjoy a homemade meal with stories of rural life and Welsh hospitality.
Day 8: Soak up Bath and Stonehenge, then Off to London
- Enter England and visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, renowned for its Georgian architecture and the Roman Baths for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
- Traverse Wiltshire’s scenic landscapes to see the iconic stone circle at Stonehenge.
- Return to London, concluding your memorable exploration of Britain and Ireland.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- Enjoy your stay at carefully selected premium hotels that have been thoroughly vetted by us.
- Travel comfortably in luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi.
- Our Travel Directors play a crucial role in curating unforgettable experiences for the guests. These seasoned explorers, and culture enthusiasts share local insights from the start, offering a personalized, insider’s perspective of each destination.
- While visiting iconic sites is a travel highlight, doing so independently can be challenging. Our experts provide seamless access – from exclusive visits – to expert-led tours. Combined with the intimate revelations of their local specialists, these experiences transform you into an insider, not just a tourist.
- Through our extensive global network, you gain local access to communities worldwide. Our 100+ signature Be My Guest experiences, we invite you into locals’ homes, offering cultural insights and personal stories.
Interested to plan your trip? Click on the Get Quote button and share your details for us to get in touch with you.
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