Majestic Britain & Ireland

Start your journey in the heart of Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, with a two-night stay in a luxurious hotel. Set on the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin was founded by the Vikings who named the city Dubh Linn, which means ‘Black Pool’ after the tidal pool that formed where the River Poddle met the Liffey. The city is magnificent with Georgian architecture, grand squares and historic monuments, and is steeped in culture and oozes charisma with a touch of hedonism. 

This morning your local guide will help you discover the history and charm of Dublin on a walking tour. See The Mansion House, the official residence of Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Dublin Castle, which was constructed in the 13th century on the site of a Viking Settlement, and the old Post Office, the heart of Dublin’s history and culture for more than 800 years. You will also see 19th century Fitzwilliam Square, St. Stephen’s Green Park, the Molly Malone statue, the old Parliament House and City Hall.  Freechoice: Choose how you want to conclude your morning exploration with Scenic Freechoice: Historical Ireland: Discover Dublin’s fascinating past on a guided tour: learn about the Irish Revolution, ‘the Irish War of Independence’, a decade long conflict between the British state and Irish republican guerrillas and visit the EPIC – The Irish Emigration Museum to gain a deep understanding of what it means to be Irish. Guinness Storehouse: Visit the Guinness Storehouse and factory to learn how this famous brew is made. After your guided tour, learn how to pull the perfect pint and enjoy a tasting from the 7th floor, which has a spectacular vantage point overlooking the city of Dublin. 

Today you will travel to Killarney, stopping along the way to visit the 600-year-old Blarney Castle. Explore the castle ruins and see the legendary ‘Stone of Eloquence’, more commonly known as the Blarney Stone. Legend says if you kiss it, you will receive the ‘gift of the gab’. Over the years, famous people such as Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Raegan and Mick Jagger have puckered up to the ancient stone.    Afterwards, continue to Killarney for a two-night stay, a charming town nestled in a valley surrounded by Ireland’s highest mountain range, the McGillycuddy Reeks.

Today you will experience the gob-smacking scenery of the Ring of Kerry, renowned as one of the most picturesque landscapes in Ireland. Here, the Iveragh Mountains dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean, where rolling green hills dotted with cows and sheep, are punctuated by sparkling lakes, grand houses and ancient castles. Watch as tiny fishing villages and off-shore islands come in and out of view as you wind along this 100-kilometre route, which will captivate you at every bend.

Today, you will drive along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher, a wind-whipped geological wonder that stretch for eight kilometres and soar to 214 metres above the crashing sea below.    Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway for an overnight stay. The only city along the entire 2,500-kilometre Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a remote, bohemian city that is rich in creative culture. Its cobbled streets are lined with candy-coloured shopfronts, cafes and bars, which serve exceptional Irish food and are alive with traditional music.

Today you will be making your way to Northern Ireland, stopping enroute to visit the Monastery of Clonmacnoise. Founded in the 6th century, it was a university of its time with students travelling here from all over Europe. The ruins offer a rare insight into the monastic life of this period. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs. Continue to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, where you will stay for two nights. Set on the shores of the Belfast Lough and overlooked by rugged Cave Hill, this lively city is the gateway to the dramatic Causeway Coastal Route, is where the Titanic was built and more recently has served as several filming locations for Game of Thrones. 

Belfast is a port city with a fascinating history. Learn about its troubled past during a guided tour. Afterwards discover the story of Titanic, from its design and build to its fateful ending. You will have the opportunity to hear some fascinating facts about the great ship and learn about the architectural design from the spot where the ship was launched. 

This morning, cross the Irish Sea by ferry to Scotland, where you will travel to Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s best-known lakes (loch means lake in Scotland) and the largest in Great Britain by surface area. This evening, check into your historic hotel for a two-night stay. 

Loch Lomond may be known for its breathtaking waterway, but Stirling Castle is one of the region’s most iconic castles. Home to multiple generations of Scottish royalty, including the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, you will walk through the ancient halls of this castle, which possesses a rich storied history. You will see the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, and the elaborate Royal Chapel.

Journey to Loch Ness, a corner of the Scottish Highlands that is known for its dramatic scenery and the fabled Loch Ness monster. Keep an eye out for this elusive creature, also known as ‘Nessie’, a large prehistoric reptile believed to be living in the loch. There have been thousands of alleged sightings since the 1930s, including photographs emerging all the time, though there is no scientific evidence that Nessie exists. Nonetheless, the great folklore of the Loch Ness continues to draw in visitors far and wide.

Known as Scotland’s Highland Capital, Inverness sits where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, an inlet of the North Sea. Its history dates to the early Middle Ages when it was inhabited by the ancient Picts tribe. Their name is thought to mean ‘the painted ones’, and there is suggestion that they decorated themselves with tattoos and dyed their skin blue.   Today you will visit the Battle of Culloden Visitors Centre, where you will learn about the 1745 Jacobite rising and hear tales of the battle that is often described as one of the most brutal in Scottish history. Then you will discover 14th century Cawdor Castle, which is still inhabited by the Cawdor family and comprises a moat, drawbridge, turrets and turnpike stairs.

This morning you will depart the Highlands bound for Edinburgh. On the way, you will enjoy a Scenic Enrich experience at Scone Palace. Enrich Falconry Display: Travel to Scone Palace, the capital of the Pict kingdom, the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of Scottish kings including Macbeth. In the palace grounds you will be treated to a delicious morning tea accompanied by an impressive demonstration of Falconry. Known as the sport of Kings this ancient art has a history that dates back almost 4,000 years. Afterwards, continue to Edinburgh, on arrival visit a local distillery to learn how famous Scottish Whiskey is produced. One of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world, Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century.

Explore Edinburgh’s ancient, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval and classical architecture today during a guided tour. This historic city was founded upon volcanic Castle Rock, where Edinburgh Castle – one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe – sits today. You will visit this impressive castle, as well as Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II.   Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps, wander down the city’s Royal Mile, which is buzzing with stores, cafes, bars, and often street performers. This road connects the two royal residences, stretching from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle.  

Travel to the English city of York today on a First Class train journey. This fascinating medieval city is nestled within ancient city walls and has Roman and Viking roots.  

This morning you will meet a local guide who will escort you through this delightful city seeing all the Roman and Viking heritage that is on offer. Walk along The Shambles, the narrow medieval street lined with half-timbered houses and traditional shop fronts and see the impressive York Minster, said to be one of the most beautiful gothic churches in the world.

Enroute to the Roman city of Bath, you will stop in the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy an orientation tour to see where the famous Bard was born, learn about his life and see his final resting place. This afternoon you’ll arrive in Bath and check into your hotel?for a two-night stay. The city of Bath has been a spa town since Roman times thanks to the mineral waters with restorative properties that bubble beneath its surface. It was also the home of Jane Austen and was frequented by Charles Dickens.

Discover beautiful Bath on a guided walking tour. The UK’s only city designated as a World Heritage-listed Site, the town is resplendent in honey-coloured Georgian architecture, stately Palladian townhouses and the renowned Roman Baths, constructed in 70AD.   This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps you would like to pack your swimsuit and make your way to the contemporary Thermae Bath Spa, to experience the therapeutic waters that make this city world-famous, or climb the 212 steps to the top of Abbey Tower for a panoramic view over the ancient city and surrounding countryside.

On your way to London, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the mythical wonders of Stonehenge, perhaps the worlds most famous prehistoric monument. It is estimated that this World Heritage Site is around 5,000 years old. See the Stone Circle, neolithic villages and learn more at the exhibition.  Afterwards, you will continue to the English capital, London. This inimitable city needs little introduction, being home to some of the most recognisable historic landmarks in the world, including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Among the city’s 2,000-year history, you’ll find bustling pubs, the charismatic West End theatre district, world-class museums, and the glorious River Thames that snakes through its centre.

Today you will explore London with a local guide, seeing highlights such as Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, the King’s official London residence and where the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. You’ll also visit the Tower of London, a fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1070, which has been used as a prison, a palace, and is now the home of the Crown Jewels, the nation’s most precious treasure, which we most recently saw at the coronation of King Charles III.  This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Perhaps you’d like to take a cruise along the River Thames, make a visit to one of the city’s world-class art galleries, relax in Hyde Park, or step inside Westminster Abbey, where some of the most important events in Royal history have occurred.  

Farewell London and transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking with you memories of a remarkable journey.  This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.