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.
Cost: £2,003 onwards
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