On this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll see Britain and Ireland’s highlights, from the bustling cities to the small towns and from the magnificent palaces and castles to the ancient ruins. Travel through the lands of queens, kings, and leprechauns, you’ll begin and end in London and pass through Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. You’ll visit some of the splendid castles and palaces for which Britain and Ireland are famous. In Edinburgh visit Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll marvel at the Scottish Crown Jewels. In Woodstock, Oxfordshire enjoy a visit to majestic Blenheim Palace, built in the early 18th century and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.On this tour through Britain and Ireland, you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in many of the cities with Local Guides — experts from the area who will give you in-depth, insider knowledge of the cities and their attractions. In London, your sightseeing includes a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral; and in Edinburgh you will see both the “New Town” and “Old Town.” Additionally, at the National Irish Stud in Kildare, you’ll be shown some of the most magnificent horses in the British Isles, and you'll hear about Shakespeare’s life and times in Stratford-upon-Avon.You will also learn how to make a traditional Irish coffee, and ride on board a horse-drawn jaunting car to take a tour of beautiful Killarney National Park. All of this and much more, including a visit to prehistoric Stonehenge and medieval York Minster, included on this fabulous Britain and Ireland tour.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Stratford-upon-Avon so you can plan your day your way.
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing in London with visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral• Visit to Stonehenge• Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths• Globus Choice excursion in Stratford-upon-Avon – included in your tour with your choice of visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace or a visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Stratford’s Guildhall• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 1, 8 and 15 departures)• Horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park• Visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare• Orientation drive in Belfast• Visit to the Titanic Experience• Orientation drive in Dublin• Irish Coffee in Carlingford• Orientation drive in Cardiff• Guided walking tour of York, including a visit to York Minster• Visit to Blenheim Palace• Visit to Blarney village• Panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry
Notes: This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Headsets available on tour except in London.
Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy free time this afternoon
Day 2 LONDON
The Royal Treatment Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS England’s national treasure of St. Paul’s Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been served here, including Queen Victoria’s jubilee, birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher Breakfast
Day 3 LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH–BRISTOL
Mysterious Stones and Spa Days Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge and explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions. Cross Salisbury Plain and head for the elegant city of Bath to see the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths. Continue to Bristol, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
141 mi / 227 km (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS The traditions of one ancient Roman ritual are in full flow in Bath. Amid the remarkable Roman and Georgian architecture and the best-preserved Roman Baths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a good spa day is never hard to find in one of the “Best Spa Towns in Europe.” The city of Bath sits above geothermal springs that bubble up from the limestone below. Bath also turns up the heat with some of Britain's grandest Georgian buildings, a mecca for elite 18th-century society BreakfastDinner
Day 4 BRISTOL–CARDIFF, WALES–WATERFORD, IRELAND
Welsh Dragons, Daffodils & Castles An orientation drive in the Welsh capital features Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic building. Take the ferry from Pembroke across St. George’s Channel to Rosslare. Overnight in Waterford, a stronghold founded by Danish Vikings in 853.
188 mi / 303 km (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CAPITAL CITY Explore the Welsh capital, see many historic buildings and discover its 2,000-year history of invasions, abductions, and conflicts from the 1st century AD when the Romans built the first series of forts BreakfastDinner
Day 5 WATERFORD–BLARNEY–KINSALE–ROSSCARBERY
County Cork Characters Spend time in lovely village of Blarney, home to the magical Kissing Stone, walk to the castle or spend time shopping for traditional Irish handicrafts. Visit the historic town and fishing port of Kinsale, famous for its multi-hued streets. Enjoy free time on arrival in Rosscarbery.
134 mi / 215 km (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Brighten your world with a visit to Kinsale, Ireland’s vibrant town where the Wild Atlantic Way begins. Stroll the brightly painted storefronts and winding streets beside the sweeping hues of blue and green in this Irish seaside town BreakfastDinner
Day 6 ROSSCARBERY–KENMARE–KILLARNEY–LIMERICK
Irish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a drive, via Kenmare, around part of the Ring of Kerry, before stopping in Killarney. Experience a [LF] horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, before discovering more of this popular town. Continue to Limerick for your overnight stay and some free time this evening.
164 mi / 264 km (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
NATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting-car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 3,300-foot MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle Breakfast
Day 7 LIMERICK–CASHEL–KILDARE–DUBLIN
The Winner’s Circle Your first stop today is at the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached, followed by a drive across the Curragh to visit the [LF] Irish National Stud at Kildare. Afterwards, continue to the fair city of Dublin, Ireland’s capital.
155 mi / 249 km (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit, including Queen Elizabeth II. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made history since the turn of the 20th century Breakfast
Day 8 DUBLIN
Ireland’s Capital City Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty,” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College Breakfast
Day 9 DUBLIN–CARLINGFORD–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND
Coffee With Cream & Maritime Theme Head to the charming seaside town of Carlingford, situated on the Cooley Peninsula and enjoy [LF] an Irish coffee. Cross into Northern Ireland where an orientation drive of Belfast includes City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queen’s University. Complete the day with a visit to the fascinating Titanic Experience, learn about the doomed ship’s maiden voyage, and the tragic events of April 14, 1912.
122 mi / 197 km (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES It’s clear why we get a warm feeling with traditional Irish Coffee – as much a warm welcome now as it was for stranded travelers in 1943. It was a wintry night in Limerick when Foynes Port chef Joe Sheridan concocted this soothing elixir of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream to make their cancelled flight a little more palatable. Raise a toddy glass of Caife Gaelach with a hearty “slainte!” Breakfast
Day 10 BELFAST–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Strait Ahead to Scotland Enjoy a leisurely morning in Belfast, before boarding your ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland’s southwest coast. Continue onto Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
234 mi / 376 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE The North Channel (also called the Irish Channel) connects northeast Ireland to the southwestern coast of Scotland. The North Channel is part of the Ocean’s Seven, a set of seven long-distance open-water swims, although most who cross rely on the many ferries that run between Belfast and Cairnryan, the Scottish village with a proud maritime history, including its floating Mulberry Harbors built to support the D-Day invasion of Normandy Breakfast
Day 11 EDINBURGH
Crown Jewels & Castle Views Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 1, 8 and 15.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain." Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year Breakfast
Day 12 EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK
High Praise & Market Days Return to England today and a stop in the market town of Alnwick, once voted the “best place to live in Britain.” On to York, England’s most complete medieval city, where you’ll visit the inspiring York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.
220 mi / 354 km (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT York Minster is hailed as one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, and the center of Christian faith in northern England. From its exquisite, handcrafted stone to its incomparable collection of medieval stained glass, you’ll discover why York Minster has drawn visitors from around the world for over 1,000 years BreakfastDinner
Day 13 YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Spend your day your way in Stratford-upon-Avon Depart Yorkshire, setting of author James Herriot’s beloved “All Creatures Great and Small,” and head to Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore more of the town with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions
260 mi / 418 km (B,D) BreakfastDinner
Day 14 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON
Churchill’s Beginnings Today’s highlight is a visit to magnificent Blenheim Palace, the family seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Return to London around 3.30 pm.
98 mi / 159 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoys a fascinating history. Built as a gift in 1704 from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, this massive and magnificent masterpiece of English Baroque architecture is also home to exquisite artwork and gardens Breakfast
Day 15 LONDON
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
London
London
Bristol
Waterford
Rosscarbery
Limerick
Dublin
Belfast
Edinburgh
York
Stratford - upon - Avon
Park Plaza Waterloo Superior First-Class
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Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Superior First-Class
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Clayton Hotel Bristol City Superior First-Class
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Granville Hotel Superior First-Class
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Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh First-Class
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