Day 1 – Stratford and Medieval York

Meet your Travel Director at the trip hotel in London and journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, 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 travelling companions for the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.

Day 2 – 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. This evening, consider an Optional Experience at a Scottish cultural dinner with haggis and ceilidh dancing.

Day 3 – Scotland’s Capital of Culture

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

Day 4 – St. Andrews and Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife. Make your way to St. Andrews, home to the Old Course and birthplace of golf. 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 river. Journey via Blair Atholl and past the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. Later, continue to Inverness and your hotel.

Day 5 – Loch Ness and Glencoe

In the morning, travel along Loch Ness and hear tales of the famous Nessie. Continue through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, shaped by ancient volcanic forces and remembered for the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe. Later, you’ll reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and cruise across one of Scotland’s largest and most celebrated lochs while enjoying a light lunch. Then continue to Glasgow, where this evening you’ll dine in the city.

Day 6 – Across the Border and through the Lakes to Liverpool

Travel south from Glasgow to Gretna Green, long associated with runaway marriages since the 18th century, before continuing into England’s Lake District. Admire the region’s serene waters, rolling fells and literary landscapes, immortalised by writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Later, continue to your hotel in Liverpool. This afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience for a look at the places tied to the lives and legacy of the city’s most famous band, The Beatles.

Day 7 – North Wales and over to Dublin

Today, continue through Wales and see 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.

Day 8 – In Dublin’s Fair City

Experience Ireland’s national world-famous drink with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. Later, become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during sightseeing with a Local Specialist. 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.

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.’ Cross the rolling pastures that encircle Tipperary to Brookfield Farm and join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Meet Ailbhe Gerrard, a passionate farmer and beekeper, who shares her secrets to crafting the most delicious and sustainable honey of the island over a delicious Farm-to-Table lunch.

Day 10 – 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. Explore Killarney with your choice experience. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Specialist along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren’t any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. At night, your Dine-Around Evening offers authentic and intimate dining with your friends, from a hand-picked selection of fine local restaurants.

Day 11 – Blarney Castle and Waterford

Explore Blarney with your choice experience. Choose to climb up the ramparts and see the famous Stone of Eloquence. Alternatively, visit the lush gardens of the estate with a senior gardener. 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 House of Waterford Crystal and meet a master craftsman. In the evening, after miles of fun and fascinating sights, spirits will be high during your dinner. Toast to your newfound friends — Sláinte!

Day 12 – Across the Irish Sea to Cardiff

From the port of Rosslare, board your ferry to cross the Irish Sea. A pleasant drive then takes you through the rural scenery of Pembrokeshire. Continue past the valleys of southern Wales to the capital, Cardiff. Here, see the University of Wales, the Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum.

Day 13 – Roman Baths, Stonehenge and London

Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, 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 hotel in London.