British & Irish Classic

Meet your Tour Manager at the airport to begin this memorable journey through England and North Wales. Today, we travel to Cambridge – our first of 6 Heritage Cities, to learn about the history, culture and the world-changing discoveries that makes Cambridge home to more Nobel Prize winners than any other city. Enjoy a ‘Punt’ along the River Cam, a long, wooden boat which glides through water, steered by a metal pole. Punting dates back as far as medieval times – these days they’re just for fun in Cambridge. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Dinner/Overnight – Clayton Hotel, Cambridge (or similar)

Leaving Cambridge we head north to another Heritage city, York. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful & historic walled city. Look up and be awestruck by the ‘Heart of Yorkshire’, York Minster Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture. Meander through the cobbled streets and overhanging buildings that frame York Shambles, one of England's most iconic shopping destinations. You will then have free time to discover all the city has to offer, including dungeons, Viking museums and artisan shops & markets. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Dinner/Overnight – The Grand Hotel, York (or similar)

The North York Moors is a special place, forged by nature, shaped over generations – where peace and beauty rub shoulders with a rich history and a warm welcome. We travel to the coastal town of Whitby where we enjoy lunch today at one of the 'must" have fish & chip spots in the North of England.  Afterwards, we board the infamous North York Moor Rail and experience the age of steam as we sit back and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the North York Moors National Park.  Tonight is a free evening to explore the bars and restaurants in the city.

Overnight – The Grand Hotel, York (or similar)

This morning, we head west to Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music. We meet our local guide, who will show us the origins of the greatest band in the world and the legacy the Beatles left behind in Liverpool. See iconic locations from the band’s story including Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. Next we visit the historic Royal Albert Dock, where we have an included entrance to The Beatles Story Museum. We then make our way to Chester, where we spend the next 3 nights. 

Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Chester* (or similar)

Today we cross the border into beautiful North Wales. Our day starts at the Victorian seaside town, Llandudno, renowned for its sweeping bay and Victorian era architecture. Here you will have free time to enjoy the quirky shops or perhaps stroll along the seafront promenade. Next, we make our way to the picturesque Llangollen Wharf, where we board our canal boat, the Thomas Telford. Enjoy peaceful cruising through the stunning Dee Valley, which has rightfully been awarded World Heritage Status, whilst live commentary from your skipper gives you the history, local knowledge and up to date gossip along the way. During our cruise we are served a delicious Afternoon Tea. This evening is at leisure. 

Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Chester* (or similar)

Snowdonia is home to breathtaking peaks, spectacular lakes, rich history and a vibrant and unique culture. We have a leisurely day meandering through the scenic area and small villages that make this part of Wales a must see for all visitors. We will travel through Snowdonia National Park, seeing Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, and visiting quaint villages along the way. After dinner we will travel by coach to a very special Male Choir Rehearsal – this will be a most memorable evening.

Dinner/Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Chester* (or similar)

This morning, we travel south to Warwickshire, and the historic city of Stratford Upon Avon. We start with a walking tour which introduces us to more than 800 years of history, seeing many buildings that have stood the test of time and would have been familiar to Shakespeare himself. We visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, where we are immersed into 16th century Stratford and sit in the very room that he sat as a pupil in the 1570’s. Then we enjoy an informative session at Judith's Gin, where we learn and sample the award-winning Shakespeare Distillery spirits.  Tonight, we dine at our hotel.

Dinner/ Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Stratford Upon Avon (or similar)

Our day is spent in the county of Somerset, with a visit to the beautiful city of Bath. Here we have a panoramic tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the Roman Baths dating back to 43AD, the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge.  Afterwards, enjoy a tour of Bath Abbey, with magnificent stained-glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone and some of the finest fan vaulting in the world.  This all creates an extraordinary experience of light and space.  Tonight, Stratford is yours to explore at leisure.

Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Stratford Upon Avon (or similar)

Making our way through the Cotswolds, we will stop in one of the quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone, before reaching the lovely city of Oxford. The City of Dreaming Spires, here you will have free time to explore the city on your own. You may want to visit the University and the Bodleian Library or look for that perfect keepsake in one of the many independent shops. Later we arrive in the nation’s capital, London. Here we spend our final 2 nights. Tonight is at leisure.

Overnight – Riu Plaza, London (or similar)

The full day is yours to explore all London has to offer using your Hop On/Hop Off pass. Check out the famous streets, squares, magnificent buildings, beautiful parks & great shopping. Tonight, there will be a farewell dinner at a local London Pub.

Dinner/Overnight – Riu Plaza, London (or similar)

Today we bid farewell to England and fly to Dublin for the Ireland portion of your journey.  This evening you will meet some new travelling companions at the welcome reception followed by dinner.

Dinner/Overnight—Grand Hotel, Dublin

Head north through the majestic Mountains of Mourne to visit the grave of Ireland's Patron Saint. We arrive in Belfast late afternoon.  Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Dinner/Overnight—Europa Hotel, Belfast

A guided tour of Belfast City Hall is first on the agenda this morning. In the afternoon, visit the shipyard where the Titanic was built in 1909, followed by a tour at the Titanic Experience. This evening you are free to explore the Northern capital on your own.

Overnight—Europa Hotel, Belfast

This morning we drive north along the Antrim Coast. We visit the Giant’s Causeway and then Dunluce Castle enroute to Derry. A local guide will tell the “Story of Derry” on a walking tour of this historic walled city. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Dinner/Overnight—Kee’s Hotel, Co. Donegal

We travel south thru' Donegal and on to Belleek to visit the world-famous porcelain factory.  We then continue to Westport on Clew Bay. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Dinner/Overnight—Westport Coast Hotel, Westport

Enjoy a visit to Kylemore Abbey on the shores of Kylemore Lough and cross picturesque Maam Valley. This afternoon there will be free time to explore Westport.

Overnight—Westport Coast Hotel, Westport

Time in Galway before driving along the southern shores of Galway Bay, traversing the Burren region, and viewing the mighty Cliffs of Moher. An optional medieval banquet is on offer tonight.

Overnight—Radisson Blu, Limerick

Your tour ends today after a hearty Irish breakfast.  Please inquire about group transfers available.