Britain and Ireland Explorer Fly from $899* Return

• DAY 1

  STRATFORD AND MEDIEVAL YORK.

  At 07:15, meet your Travel Director at The Grosvenor Hotel in London and journey to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue on to York where you walk within the old city walls to the crooked houses of the Shambles and see York Minster, England’s largest medieval cathedral. Join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

  Hotel: Hilton York.

  Meals: Dinner with Wine

• DAY 2 - RELAXED START

  DURHAM, HADRIAN'S WALL AND EDINBURGH.

  Stop in Durham to see the castle and Romanesque cathedral. Then view part of Hadrian's Wall, Britain's most impressive Roman monument once spanning 80 miles from coast-to-coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Cross the Scottish border to reach the elegant Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - Royal Terrace.

  Meals: Breakfast

• DAY 3

  SCOTLAND’S CAPITAL OF CULTURE.

  Journey down the Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - official Scottish residence of Her Majesty, the Queen - before crossing over to New Town. Next, walk with your Local Expert inside Edinburgh Castle for spectacular views of the town and to see Scotland's Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg. The afternoon is free to shop on Princes Street. In the evening, select departures will enjoy the spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo – a colourful mixture of historic battles and military manoeuvres with pipes and drums.

  Hotel: Crowne Plaza Edinburgh - Royal Terrace.

  Meals: Breakfast

• DAY 4

  ST. ANDREWS AND INVERNESS.

  Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, passing the Old Course as you arrive where golf was born in the 15th century. Enjoy free time to explore, perhaps stroll to West Sands Beach where the famous 'Chariots of Fire' scene was filmed. Your travels continue as you cross the Tay and journey to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon run. Travel via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.

  Hotel: Columba Hotel, Inverness.

  Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

• DAY 5

  LOCH NESS AND GLENCOE.

  In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. Continue your journey through some of the most stunning scenery in all of Scotland found in the region of Glencoe. Reach the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond and absorb the incredible scenery as you cruise what is arguably one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs, while enjoying a light lunch. Cross the English border and pass the village of Grasmere, where the poet William Wordsworth is buried, before arriving at your lakeside hotel.

  Hotel: Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, Bowness-on-Windermere.

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• DAY 6 - RELAXED START

  THE ENGLISH LAKES TO CHESTER.

  In the morning, discover the beauty of the Lake District, its fells, lakes and valleys combine to make it one of England’s best loved regions. Perhaps take a lake cruise on the tranquil waters of Windermere? Later, step back into Roman times in Chester where you see the city’s ancient encircling walls and remarkable 13th century black and white Rows.

  Hotel: Hallmark Hotel The Queen, Chester.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• DAY 7 - RELAXED START

  NORTH WALES AND OVER TO DUBLIN.

  Continue through Wales, passing the massive Conwy Castle before crossing over to the Isle of Anglesey. The village with the longest name in Europe will be visible - see if you are able to read it aloud! From the port of Holyhead, set sail for Dublin in Ireland.

  Hotel: Trinity City Hotel/Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin.

  Meals: Breakfast

• DAY 8

  IN DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY.

  Before it opens to the public, experience Ireland's national and world-famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production and enjoy a private masterclass where you will learn to pour the perfect pint. Later, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during sightseeing with a Local Expert. See famous O’Connell Street, the Custom House and Dublin Castle. For the rest of the afternoon, you are free to soak up the Irish atmosphere or browse the shops along Grafton Street.

  Hotel: Trinity City Hotel/Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin.

  Meals: Breakfast

• DAY 9

  FROM DUBLIN TO KILLARNEY.

  Travel to Ireland's premier thoroughbred horse breeding region for a fascinating, behind-the-scenes visit of the National Stud with an equine professional. You then visit the acclaimed 100-year-old Japanese Gardens where you can 'journey through life'. Continue to view the Rock of Cashel, crowned with the noblest group of medieval monuments in Ireland. Cross the rolling pastures that encircle Tipperary before reaching Killarney. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.

  Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa/Killarney Avenue Hotel.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

• DAY 10 - RELAXED START

  RING OF KERRY EXPERIENCE.

  In the morning, join a delightful trip around the Ring of Kerry, a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and remote villages. Get a sense of the unhurried pace of Irish life as you pass through Ireland’s highest mountain range and make your way to the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. In the afternoon, perhaps take an optional ride with the locals on one of Killarney’s jaunting cars?

  Hotel: Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa/Killarney Avenue Hotel.

  Meals: Breakfast

• DAY 11

  BLARNEY CASTLE AND WATERFORD.

  Start the day visiting Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Travel on through the scenic port of Dungarvan to the historic walled city of Waterford, with its 11th century Reginald Tower. Enjoy a guided visit of the world-famous crystal factory and to meet a master craftsman. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your Celebration Dinner. Toast to your newfound friends - Sláinte!

  Hotel: Dooley's Hotel Waterford.

  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

• DAY 12

  ACROSS THE IRISH SEA TO CARDIFF.

  From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive will then take you into the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff, famous for its imposing castle and brilliant Principality Stadium.

  Hotel: Clayton Hotel Cardiff.

  Meals: Breakfast

• DAY 13

  ROMAN BATHS AND STONEHENGE.

  Cross the Severn Bridge to reach the City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Georgian streets and crescents. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room built above Britain’s only hot, mineral springs. See the incredibly well-preserved remains of one of the greatest spas of the ancient world, still flowing with the natural hot water from the springs below. Your journey continues across Salisbury Plain for a visit to mysterious Stonehenge - no-one can be sure why they were built, or even how prehistoric man could move such huge blocks of stone. Your exploration of Britain and Ireland draws to a close upon your return to The Grosvenor Hotel in London.

  Meals: Breakfast

From $6,111 is per person, twin share, air inclusive and valid until 15 December 2018. Only valid on select departures, 14 May June 2019 through to the 23 June 2019.

Other air inclusive departure dates available however prices will vary.

12 Nights in handpicked and centrally located accomodation.