Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to London.
Day 2
Welcome to London
London bids you a warm welcome to its regal traditions and fascinating heritage. Ramble through its picturesque Royal Parks, relaxing after your journey, or take to its streets to admire centuries-old façades merged with the modern verve of a global capital that marches to its own multicultural tune.
Day 3
London - Stratford-upon-Avon - York - Harrogate
Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as we visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and Visitor Center before embarking on a scenic drive north to the Viking city of York where we'll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the quaint cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening we indulge in traditional pub grub at a memorable Welcome Reception in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, our home for tonight.
Meal(s): Full breakfast, Welcome reception
Day 4
Harrogate - Lake District - Gretna Green - Glasgow
Stunning landscapes dotted with quaint stone villages offer a picturesque backdrop for our drive around the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on our journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which we’ll pass as we continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. We'll cross the border to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green, where eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. We drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience to Braveheart Country for a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences:
- A Stirling Evening (44 GBP): See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. A truly local experience, you'll be piped in to your evening meal in the historic Scottish city and enjoy an evening of Scottish delights.
- Private Cruise on Lake Windermere (18 GBP): Enjoy an exclusive cruise on a private boat on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the northern coastline, beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You'll see deserted islands, boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
- Windermere Cruise & Steam Train Ride (21 GBP): A chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England's largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
Meal(s): Full breakfast
Day 5
Edinburgh Excursion
From the cultural capital of Glasgow to beguiling Edinburgh with its exquisite medieval façades, our encounter with Scotland will see us join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. We'll see the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before we return to Glasgow this evening for a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences:
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Royal Yacht Britannia (23 GBP): You'll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences - the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Meal(s): Full breakfast and Regional dinner
Day 6
Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping-stone from Ireland to Scotland, to board the ferry to Northern Ireland. Join a Local Specialist and explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in its capital, Belfast, where we'll view City Hall, Queen's University and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening we arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where we'll spend the next two nights.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences:
- Dinner in Dublin City (49 GBP): Come to one of Dublin's most locally loved restaurant-pubs. You'll enjoy dinner and charming hospitality that this part of the world is renowned for.
Meal(s): Full breakfast
Day 7
Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
Gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of Guinness brewing and enjoy a Storehouse tour and tasting technique demonstration. Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland, before spending the rest of the day exploring at leisure. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences:
- Dublin Dinner & Cabaret (72 GBP): Enjoy an evening of fine food and nonstop fun as Ireland’s history unfolds in a cabaret of comedy, song and dance. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
- Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough (25 GBP): Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County
Meal(s): Full breakfast
Day 8
Dublin - Kildare - Kilkenny - Waterford
We Dive Into Culture this morning and gain insights into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm. Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time for lunch. Our next stop sees us Dive Into Culture yet again to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. We’ll watch master craftsmen at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.
Optional Activities ($):
Optional Experiences:
- Irish Folk Fun (27 GBP): During this evening of entertainment, you'll get the chance to experience Irish hospitality in the best folk tradition. Enjoy a drink while locals sing and play music for you.
- Explore Waterford's History & Local Pub (24 GBP): Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever". Afterwards, we stop off for a drink in one of the area's oldest pubs for a pint or drink of your choice.
Meal(s): Full breakfast
Day 9
Waterford - Cardiff
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue your journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Millennium Center, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. This evening join a local Welsh family in the idyllic Welsh countryside for a memorable Be My Guest Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s): Full breakfast and Be My Guest farewell dinner
Day 10
Cardiff - Bath - Stonehenge - London
Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and world-famous Roman Baths from which the city derives its name. Journeying across the picture-perfect landscapes of Wiltshire, we visit the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge, whose myths and mysteries have yet to be fully revealed, returning to London later.
Meal(s): Full breakfast
Day 11
London - Return to Canada
Say a fond farewell to London and your newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey.
Meal(s): Full breakfast
