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Day 1: Arriva London
Upon arrival in London, take an independent coach transfer to your hotel, located near the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Coaches operate frequently. Relax in your hotel or take an independent open-top bus tour to reach places that appeal to you. The bus stops near your hotel and you may stay on the bus for the entire route or get on and off. In the evening meet your guide and fellow travellers over a welcome drink to discuss your vacation before dining together in your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Hampton Court Palace & Gardens
This morning tour Hampton Court Palace, which is set in handsome gardens and parkland close to the River Thames. See the Tudor Kitchens, the great gatehouse, the orangery, the Hampton Court Vine and the maze. Return to London where the afternoon and evening are at leisure for independent activities. If you did not use your independent bus tour pass (valid for 24 hours) on the previous day, you may use it to explore this vibrant capital. (CB)
Day 3: Cambridge & York Walking Tour
Drive north to visit the university town of Cambridge. See some of the famous colleges, including King’s College, and the Mathematical Bridge over the River Cam. Head north to York for a walking tour to appreciate narrow streets and medieval houses, which contain centuries of history. The stately York Minster, with towers and stained glass, is the highlight of the walk. Check in to your hotel in York, located in a quiet area yet within walking distance of the historic centre. (CB,D)
Day 4: Borders Country & Abbotsford House
Drive north and view a portion of Hadrian’s Wall before crossing the Scottish border at Carter Bar, where you have sweeping views of the Cheviot Hills. Stop in Jedburgh, a charming Borders town with romantic abbey ruins. In Melrose visit Abbotsford House, Sir Walter Scott’s home until his death in 1832, where he wrote most of his novels. View impressive collection of historic relics and a library with over 9,000 rare volumes. Drive to Edinburgh and experience lively Scottish entertainment as you dine at a traditional cabaret. (B,D).
Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour
Discover Scotland’s capital on a tour around the city centre. See Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare which divides the elegant Georgian “New Town” from the compact medieval city. Tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. Also enjoy splendid views of central Edinburgh. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or shopping. On departures on August 08 and 22, experience the colourful Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)
Day 6: Giant’s Causeway & Derry
This morning will be an early start as you depart Edinburgh and drive Cairnryan to take a short ferry ride to Larne in Northern Ireland. Drive along the “Nine Glens of Antrim,” with views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. The enormous rocks have spawned legends about the mythical giant, Finn McCool. Continue to Derry for your overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 7: Ulster Folk Park & Dublin
This morning join a local guide for a short walking tour around the ancient city of Derry, surrounded by the medieval city walls. Near Omagh visit the Ulster American Folk Park to see many cottages and traditional skills. The Park traces the story of Ulster emigrants and shows how rural lifestyles in both Ireland and America in Colonial times. Travel south to Dublin where the evening is free. (B)
Day 8: Book of Kells & Taylor’s Three Rock Pub
Take a morning tour around central Dublin, with spacious Georgian squares and streets, landmark public buildings and graceful townhouses. Tour Trinity College to see the campus and view the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The afternoon is free and you may take an open-top bus tour with a Guinness or Jameson visit. Enjoy dinner at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub followed by an upbeat show with Irish music and dance. (B,D)
Day 9: Rock of Cashel & Killarney
Depart Dublin and drive south through pleasant farming country. Visit the Rock of Cashel, where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century highly-decorated Cormac’s Chapel, the large cruciform cathedral and a round tower. Continue to the famous town of Killarney and check into your lovely centrally-located hotel with state-of-the-art pool and spa facilities. (B,D)
Day 10: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience
Embark on the Ring of Kerry tour for constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. As you travel, enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty. View the Essence of Kerry audio visual show near the Gap of Dunloe. Visit the Skellig Experience to learn about early Christian monks who created a community on the rocky offshore islands and about the prolific bird life today. Stop at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views before returning to Killarney. (B,D)
Day 11: Blarney Castle & “Titanic” Walk
Visit the famous Blarney Castle this morning and climb to the ramparts to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” Travel through the outskirts of Cork city to Cobh, the port town which was the last scheduled stopping place for the “Titanic.” Take a brief walk with a local guide to see places associated with that fateful journey. Drive along the south coast via Youghal to Wexford for dinner and overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 12: Ferry to South Wales & Bath
It’s an early start today as you depart Wexford for a short drive to Rosslare to catch the ferry to South Wales. Journey through pleasant farming country and along the southern part of Wales, passing former coal mining valleys and the built-up areas around Cardiff. Drive across the River Severn Bridge into England to Bristol. Check into your hotel, located in the heart of the city and relax before dinner. (B,D)
Day 13: Roman Baths & Stonehenge
This morning explore Bath, popular for its natural hot springs with the Romans 2,000 years ago and again in fashion in the 18th century Regency period. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room, wonderfully preserved after two millennia and drive around the stately mansions of the Royal Crescent and Queen’s Square. Drive to Salisbury Plain to view the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths at Stonehenge. Continue into London and check in to your hotel once again. (B)
Day 14: Depart London
As today is departure day, travel to Heathrow Airport by group coach transfer and allow plenty of time for check in formalities. Transfers to and from Gatwick Airport can be arranged at additional cost. (CB)
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