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THE BRITISH
ISLES IN DEPTH - 2010
25 days incl. air, or 24 days from London
to London (CO-9090)
Vacation Overview
This extensive vacation
covers the whole of the British Isles—Scotland, England, Ireland,
Northern Ireland, and Wales. No other tour is as complete. Begin your
trip with two overnights in London with time to explore on your own or to
take an optional tour. Head to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace, through
the exquisite Cotswolds, to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, and Lady
Godiva’s Coventry. Enjoy a walking tour of Oxford, where Britain’s elite
receive their education. Continue to York, England’s most complete
medieval city, for a walking tour with your Tour Director. See a section
of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding
northern tribes, and enter Scotland for two overnights in regal
Edinburgh. In Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, your tour includes a visit
to mighty Edinburgh Castle. On to St. Andrews, home of golf; Braemar,
home of the Royal Highland Games for the past 900 years; and Royal
Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. Enjoy an excursion to the
spectacular west coast of Scotland and on the way to Glasgow, drive over
to the beautiful Isle of Skye. Scenic highlights await you on the drive
to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and an orientation drive acquaints you
with Glasgow’s attractions.
Next, ferry to Belfast in
Northern Ireland and visit remarkable Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, on the way to Derry. Travel to Knock, where pilgrims flock
to the Marian Shrine, see the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and drink in
the scenery on the Dingle Peninsula and along the gorgeous “Ring of
Kerry.” Stop at Blarney’s famous castle with its Stone of Eloquence, and
visit Waterford, famous for its crystal. Visit Ireland’s oldest
handweaving mill at Avoca, and enjoy Glendalough with St. Kevin’s Irish
Christianity Centre ruins. In Dublin, Ireland’s capital, an orientation
drive shows you the sights. Then ferry back across the Irish Sea to
Holyhead and travel south through scenic Wales with stops in Wrexham,
Llangollen, and Cardiff.
Return to England and explore
elegant Georgian Bath, famous for its Roman relics. Hear about King
Arthur in Glastonbury, stop in Widecombe in the Moor, made famous in The
Hound of the Baskervilles, and see where the Pilgrims embarked on their
monumental journey in Plymouth. Also see St. Michael’s Mount and Land’s
End on the way to popular seaside St. Ives. Contemplate the mystery of
Stonehenge, take a break in beautiful Salisbury with its magnificent
cathedral, and overnight in Brighton before returning to London for the
finale of your awesome adventure. This vacation through England,
Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland is a trip of a lifetime!
Itinerary
Day
1Wed. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day
2Thu. ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Check into your hotel. In
the afternoon there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively
British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most
of your stay.
Day
3Fri. LONDON
A full day to enjoy our
exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local
Guide includes all the famous landmarks: Knightbridge with Harrods, the
Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben
beside
the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and
the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights
are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the ceremonial pageantry of the
Changing of the Guards, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit
Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels,
and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)
Day
4Sat. LONDON-OXFORD- STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-COVENTRY
Meet your Tour Director
and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of
sightseeing: a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace; Runnymede, where
King John sealed the Magna Carta; a walking tour in Oxford, one of the
country’s oldest seats of learning; and through the lovely Cotswold
Hills. At Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne
Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Finally, at
Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World
War II bombings, hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, and admire
the splendid modern cathedral. (B,D)
Day
5Sun. COVENTRY-YORK-SCOTCH CORNER
Leave the Midlands,
passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin
Hood, and head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city.
Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow
your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow
Shambles. Stop for the night near Richmond, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales,
made famous by James Herriot’s All
Creatures Great and Small. (B,D)
Day
6Mon. SCOTCH CORNER-EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
See a section of Hadrian’s
Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes,
then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish
border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary,
Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and
connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival at Edinburgh. A
suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with
Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.
(B)
Day 7Tue.
EDINBURGH
A full day to enjoy this
“Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you
to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and
novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh
Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. For
August 5, August 12, August 19 departures, tickets are included for
tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)
Day
8Wed. EDINBURGH-ST. ANDREWS-INVERNESS-STRATHPEFFER
A day of memorable
sightseeing: St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us
the rules of golfing; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over
900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. At a
whisky distillery, let your guide explain the ancient art of converting
barley, water, and yeast into a heart-warming liquor. Cross the
battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie,
then via Inverness, head for your Highland destination. (B,D)
Day 9Thu.
STRATHPEFFER. WEST COAST EXCURSION
More spectacular Scottish
scenery. The lovely Falls of Shin; Dornoch Firth and the Kyle of
Sutherland; then follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote
fishing harbor on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch.
Our recommendation for this evening would be to join the Loch Ness
Experience optional excursion including a cruise on the loch followed by
supper at a local inn. (B)
Day
10Fri. STRATHPEFFER-ISLE OF SKYE-FORT WILLIAM-GLASGOW
More heather-clad moors
as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner
Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across
the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then breathtaking scenery all the way to
Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was
treacherously massacred by the Campbells in 1692, and a drive along the
“Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to
Glasgow, Scotland’s great cultural city. (B,D)
Day
11Sat. GLASGOW-BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
On this morning’s
orientation drive through Scotland’s largest city, see the fine
12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant
Georgian Squares built by the wealthy tobacco barons. Later, stop at
Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the ferry for
the Irish Sea crossing to Belfast. Before checking into your hotel, join
the “living history” orientation drive through this fascinating city in
the company of a Local Guide. (B,D)
Day
12Sun. BELFAST-GIANT'S CAUSEWAY-DERRY-SLIGO, IRELAND
Take the scenic route
along the Antrim coast to awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, then let the
province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry, and later
Belleek Pottery factory, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian
china. At Drumcliff, see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats
before arriving in Sligo, tonight’s destination. (B,D)
Day
13Mon. SLIGO-GALWAY-CLIFFS OF MOHER-ENNIS
South to Knock, a village
that attracts pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw
apparitions, and Galway on its beautiful bay, where you hear about the
infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen
hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to
visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to
attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B)
Day
14Tue. ENNIS-DINGLE PENINSULA-KILLARNEY
Killarney National Park
Via Clonderlaw Bay to
Killimer for the ferry across the Shannon estuary. Breathtaking scenery
this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive
affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon arrival in
Killarney, your destination for the next two nights. (B,D)
Day 15Wed.
KILLARNEY, RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
At Killorglin, join the
road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive:
sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses,
winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views
of the Lakes of Killarney. A special optional adventure: take a
horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures
of Ross Castle. Later, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and
a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. (B)
Day
16Thu. KILLARNEY-BLARNEY-TRAMORE
More scenic splendor as
you head into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of
Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish
crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s
second-largest city. Finally, Dungarvan and along the Copper Coast to the
seaside resort of Tramore. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before
dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day
17Fri. TRAMORE-WATERFORD-AVOCA-DUBLIN
Dublin, the capital of Ireland
Highlights on your
northbound journey: Waterford, famed for its exquisite crystal;
Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a
visit to Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow
Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a center of Irish
Christianity founded by St. Kevin. Afternoon arrival in Dublin. Take your
Tour Director’s dining recommendation for this evening. (B)
Day
18Sat. DUBLIN
A day in the “Fair City”
starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes
statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St.
Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Dublin at
leisure. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness
Storehouse. (B)
Day
19Sun. DUBLIN-CHESTER, ENGLAND-WREXHAM, WALES
Across the Irish Sea to
Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place
names. Follow the North Wales coast route to Chester, England, the
historic county town on the River Dee. A walking tour takes you past
Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the
two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Spend the night at Wrexham
back in Wales. (B,D)
Day
20Mon. WREXHAM-LLANGOLLEN-CARDIFF
An interesting southbound
route through Wales: scenic Horseshoe Pass; Llangollen, home of an
international competition for poets and musicians; the market town of
Ludlow; Brecon Beacons National Park; and “The Valleys,” whose iron ore
and coal were the raw materials for the Industrial Revolution. In the Welsh
capital an orientation drive takes in Cathays Park with its splendid
civic buildings and Cardiff Castle. Your Tour Director will recommend
tonight’s optional Welsh evening. (B)
Day
21Tue. CARDIFF-BATH, ENGLAND-PLYMOUTH
Across the Severn Bridge
to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Into
the West Country via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur,
and wild and romantic Dartmoor with a visit to the picture-book village
of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir
Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers
embarked in 1620. (B,D)
Day
22Wed. PLYMOUTH. CORNWALL EXCURSION
A day full of West
Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall. After
viewing St. Michael’s Mount rising boldly out of the sea, take your
photos at Land’s End, then follow the Atlantic coast, strewn with its
derelict tin mines and recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. Your Tour
Director will have suggestions for this evening. (B)
Day
23Thu. PLYMOUTH-STONEHENGE-SALISBURY-BRIGHTON
An interesting day
heading into Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and views of the intriguing
prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. Take a break in Salisbury for a look
at its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture.
Stop for photos at historic Arundel, dominated by the Duke of Norfolk’s
huge castle, before continuing on to the seaside resort of Brighton for
an overnight stay. (B,D)
Day 24Fri.
BRIGHTON-TUNBRIDGE WELLS-LONDON
A leisurely last day on
the road with time this morning for a seafront promenade stroll or to
browse along The Lanes, a quaint area of narrow streets renowned for its
antique shops. Finally, take the scenic route via the pretty market town
of Lewes and pause for lunch in picturesque Royal Tunbridge Wells before
returning to London about 3 pm. How about celebrating the success of your
tour with a night out on the town? (B)
Day
25Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY
(B)
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your
international flights arrangements.
Dates
and Prices
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Departure
Details
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Departure
Date
|
Tour
Start Date
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Return
Date
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Land/Cruise
Price Only
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Status
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3/31/2010
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4/1/2010
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4/24/2010
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$2,669.00
|
Available
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4/7/2010
|
4/8/2010
|
5/1/2010
|
$2,799.00
|
Available
|
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4/14/2010
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4/15/2010
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5/8/2010
|
$2,799.00
|
Available
|
|
4/21/2010
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4/22/2010
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5/15/2010
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$2,799.00
|
Available
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4/28/2010
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4/29/2010
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5/22/2010
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$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
5/5/2010
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5/6/2010
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5/29/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
5/12/2010
|
5/13/2010
|
6/5/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
5/19/2010
|
5/20/2010
|
6/12/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
5/26/2010
|
5/27/2010
|
6/19/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
6/2/2010
|
6/3/2010
|
6/26/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
6/9/2010
|
6/10/2010
|
7/3/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
6/16/2010
|
6/17/2010
|
7/10/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
6/23/2010
|
6/24/2010
|
7/17/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
6/30/2010
|
7/1/2010
|
7/24/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
7/7/2010
|
7/8/2010
|
7/31/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
7/14/2010
|
7/15/2010
|
8/7/2010
|
$2,929.00
|
Available
|
|
7/21/2010
|
7/22/2010
|
8/14/2010
|
$2,909.00
|
Available
|
|
7/28/2010
|
7/29/2010
|
8/21/2010
|
$2,909.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
8/4/2010
|
8/5/2010
|
8/28/2010
|
$3,009.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
8/11/2010
|
8/12/2010
|
9/4/2010
|
$3,009.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
8/18/2010
|
8/19/2010
|
9/11/2010
|
$3,009.00
|
Available
|
|
8/25/2010
|
8/26/2010
|
9/18/2010
|
$2,929.00
|
Available
|
|
9/1/2010
|
9/2/2010
|
9/25/2010
|
$2,949.00
|
Available
|
|
Popular
Departure
|
9/8/2010
|
9/9/2010
|
10/2/2010
|
$2,889.00
|
Available
|
|
9/15/2010
|
9/16/2010
|
10/9/2010
|
$2,889.00
|
Available
|
|
9/22/2010
|
9/23/2010
|
10/16/2010
|
$2,849.00
|
Available
|
|
9/29/2010
|
9/30/2010
|
10/23/2010
|
$2,849.00
|
Available
|
|
10/6/2010
|
10/7/2010
|
10/30/2010
|
$2,669.00
|
Available
|
Popular Departure - due
to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out
quickly. Early booking is encouraged.
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