British & Irish Classic

Meet your guide at Dublin Airport before we head to our hotel in Malahide for a welcome reception followed by dinner.

Dinner/Overnight—Grand Hotel, Malahide

 

Head north through the Mountains of Mourne into Saint Patrick’s Country to visit the grave of Ireland’s Patron Saint and the Saint Patrick Centre. Afterwards we drive to Strangford, where Game of Thrones is filmed, before arriving in Belfast late afternoon.

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,  ollowed by a tour at the Titanic Experience—recently voted Europe's top visitor attraction. The evening is free to explore the Northern capital on your own.

Overnight—Europa Hotel, Belfast 

This morning we drive north via Carnlough, Glenariff and Ballycastle on the North 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.

Dinner/Overnight—Kee’s Hotel, 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.

Dinner/Overnight—Westport Coast Hotel, Westport

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

Overnight—Westport Coast Hotel, Westport

We will make our way to Galway City for some free time, before driving along the southern shores of Galway Bay, traversing the Burren region, and viewing the mighty Cliffs of Moher. An optional medieval banquet at Knappogue Castle is on offer tonight.

Overnight—Raddison Blu Limerick

Today we bid farewell to Ireland and fly to London. Upon arrival at Gatwick airport, you will be welcomed by your first class tour guide who will transfer to your luxury hotel for the first night. This afternoon you will visit Windsor Castle, a Royal Residence and the Queen’s favourite weekend retreat. In the evening you will have a welcome drink followed by welcome dinner in your hotel.

Dinner/Overnight— Castle Hotel Windsor MGallery, Windsor 

After breakfast you will drive on to the ‘city of dreaming spires’, Oxford, where you will have a walking tour of this famous university city and visit Merton College or New College. You will then drive on to Stratford upon Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Here you will visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
You will also visit the Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the thatched farmhouse where the young William Shakespeare courted his future bride Anne Hathaway at her picturesque family home.

Overnight— Doubletree by Hilton, Stratford-upon-Avon

After breakfast you will drive north to Yorkshire and on to York. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of this historic city, renowned for its exquisite architecture and tangle of quaint cobbled streets known as ‘The Shambles’. You will also visit the iconic York Minster, one of the great cathedrals of the world.

Dinner/Overnight— Indigo Hotel, York 

After breakfast you will drive to Liverpool, birthplace of The Beatles, where you will discover the greatness of this trading city on a panoramic tour. Liverpool was founded on the cotton and slave trade with highlights such as stunning Victorian architecture, the Northern Tate Modern Art Gallery, the famed ferry across the Mersey River and the restored Albert Docks. You will have some free time for lunch in Liverpool before driving on to visit historical Chester where your guide will give you a panoramic tour of this Roman city. You will then drive on to North Wales.

Dinner/Overnight—St. George's Hotel, Llandudno

Today enjoy a stunning visit to Snowdonia National Park. The Park is dominated by Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, and is characterized by rugged scenery and breathtaking views. Your tour will also include a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway, a narrow-gauge railway which takes a scenic 13.5-mile route from Porthmadog Harbour to the mountains and slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. You will also visit Conwy Castle, a gritty dark stoned fortress commanding a rock above the Conwy Estuary.

Overnight—St. George's Hotel, Llandudno

Today you will drive to South Wales and en route will have a lunch stop and free time at the historic market town of Ludlow. Perched on a cliff above the River Teme, Ludlow is surrounded by the unspoilt and beautiful hilly countryside of south Shropshire and the Welsh border country. The town came to existence when Ludlow Castle was started in 1086 and the medieval town walls were built shortly after. The town has over 450 listed buildings. You will then drive to the Welsh capital, Cardiff. In the evening you will attend the Spirit of Wales, an evening of Welsh culture and humour in the Welsh Millennium Centre, an iconic building in the fashionable Cardiff Bay area. After a welcome reception with Mead and Welsh nibbles, enjoy a first class meal with wine, including seasonable Welsh specialties.

Dinner / Entertainment / Overnight—New House Country Hotel, Cardiff

After breakfast you will drive to Bath. Here you will view the magnificent Royal Crescent, perhaps the most attractive street in the country, and visit the preserved and fascinating Roman Baths. You will then drive to London for your final night, where you can enjoy the sights in a city filled with iconic landmarks.

Overnight—Copthorne Tara Hotel, London 

Your tour ends after a hearty English breakfast with a transfer to London Gatwick Airport for those guests departing today.