Capitals and Countryside of the United Kingdom and Ireland
Topic: European ToursSample Itinerary
DAY 1 - DEPARTURE
The big day has arrived at last! Check in at your airport for the transatlantic flight to London.
DAY 2 - LONDON, WARWICK, KENILWORTH
After arriving in London, you'll be met by your tour manager and then transfer to the waiting motorcoach. The first drive of the tour takes you northward to Warwick. Here you'll tour Warwick Castle. After this visit, travel on to nearby Kenilworth, your home for the night.
DAY 3 - COVENTRY, YORK
The first stop this morning will be in Coventry where you'll see the remains of the historic cathedral, along with the new cathedral, which took its place. After this visit, travel northward to York. Upon your early afternoon arrival, you'll enjoy a city sightseeing tour, which will include the Gothic Cathedral of York, the nearby Treasurer's House. After that you'll have time to explore the "Shambles," one of the most delightful shopping precincts of York. In the late afternoon you'll transfer to the hotel for check-in.
DAY 4 - DURHAM, JEDBURGH, EDINBURGH
This morning travel by way of Darlington to Durham where you'll visit the Cathedral Church of Christ and Blessed Mary the Virgin. Next you'll drive into Scotland and on to the historic royal burgh of Jedburgh where you will visit one of the famous Border abbeys. After this visit, continue on to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital. Upon arrival check in at the hotel for a two-night stay.
DAY 5 - ST. ANDREWS, EDINBURGH
This morning you're off for a guided city tour, which will include a drive along Princes Street to Charlotte Square. Then along the Royal Mile where you will see the Palace of Holyrood, and St. Giles' Cathedral. Nearby is the John Knox House, which you will visit. Your final stop on this morning's tour will be at Edinburgh Castle. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping and independent exploration. For golfers in the group, an excursion to St. Andrews will be offered.
DAY 6 - CARLISLE, AMBLESIDE, WINDERMERE, CHESTER
This morning you'll travel to Carlisle. As you drive through town, you'll see the castle, the very small red-stone cathedral, and the Carlisle Cross. Next, travel via Penrith to Ambleside where you will visit Rydal Mount. Then it's on to Bowness-on-Windermere and via Kendal to Chester for the overnight accommodations. After dinner, a walking tour of Chester will be offered.
DAY 7 - CONWY, HOLYHEAD, DUN LAOGHAIRE, DUBLIN
A short drive this morning and you're in Wales. Travel via Colwyn Bay to Conwy with its Conwy Castle. You'll also see the 13th-century town walls, thirty-five feet high and six feet thick, which girdle the town on three sides. After this visit, travel via Bangor to Holyhead where you'll board the ferry for the crossing of the Irish Sea to Dun Laoghaire. Upon arrival, it's on to the Dublin hotel.
DAY 8 - DUBLIN, LIMERICK
Spend the morning touring "Dublin's fair city." On your city tour, you'll see the delicate iron-work tracery of Halfpenny Bridge and the tulip domes of the Guinness Brewery. On the river's north bank is the elegant Custom's House. South of the Liffey is College Green where you'll stop to visit Trinity College. You tour concludes with a drive past Dublin Castle. After time for independent lunch, you'll board the coach for the drive across Ireland to Limerick. Upon arrival check in at the hotel for the overnight accommodations. This evening you'll attend a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.
DAY 9 - LIMERICK, KILLARNEY
This morning you'll have a guided tour of Limerick with visits to English Town, Georgian Limerick and Irish Town. Here you will also visit the Limerick Museum. This afternoon you're off to Killarney for a two-night stay.
DAY 10 - RING OF KERRY, KILLARNEY
Today's plans call for an excursion through the marvelously scenic Ring of Kerry. Among the sights are Carrantuohill; remote little towns such as Glenbeigh, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Sneem, and Kenmare; miles of beaches; vistas of rugged beauty dotted with rustic thatched cottages; and ancient stone forts and monuments. At day's end you'll visit Muckross House and then "double back" to the hotel in Killarney.
DAY 11 - BLARNEY CASTLE, CORK, WEXFORD, ROSSLARE
You'll travel eastward to Blarney Castle for a visit this morning. Next it's on to Cork for a sightseeing tour which will include views of the Lee River, the cathedral and the Elizabethan Fort. Time permitting, you'll stop at the Cork Public Museum. Then travel via Waterford to Rosslare, your home for the night.
DAY 12 - FISHGUARD, CARDIFF
After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the harbor where you will board the ferry for the crossing back to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival, you'll board the coach for the scenic drive to Cardiff, the Welsh capital. A panoramic tour of the city center is followed by hotel check-in.
DAY 13 - BATH, SALISBURY, WINDSOR, LONDON
This morning you'll re-enter England to visit Bath. Your tour will include a visit to the Roman Baths and views of Pulteney Bridge, The Circus and the Royal Crescent. This afternoon, travel to Stonehenge. Your next stop will be in nearby Salisbury, where a visit is made to the famous cathedral. After this visit, continue to Windsor. Even though you will arrive to late for a visit, you'll be able to see the outside of the castle and we can explore the network of old cobbled streets which contain a number of 16th- to 18th-century timber-framed houses. The final drive of the day will take you to London for a two-night stay.
DAY 14 - LONDON
Your sightseeing tour with local guide will take you past Kensington Gardens with its Albert Memorial. Across the street you'll be able to see the Royal Albert Hall. Then drive along Hyde Park to Grosvenor Place which runs behind Buckingham Palace Gardens. Continue past Victoria Station and on to the rambling complex of towers, turrets and spires which comprises the Houses of Parliament and the clock tower known as Big Ben. Across the street is Westminster Abbey, which you will visit, Then reboard the coach and travel to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard. After the ceremony, the bus will drop you off at Harrods. Here you'll have time for independent lunch and shopping. In the afternoon, transfer to the Tower of London. After a visit, travel to Covent Garden. Following some time to explore this area, you'll return to our hotel for the farewell dinner.
DAY 15 - RETURN
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S.
