Essential Britain & Ireland with Romantic Rhine

Welcome to London!

Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy free time this afternoon.

Ancient Stones & Spa Days

Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart London at 8 am for a memorable day's sightseeing. Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge and explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then view the monument up close. At the elegant Georgian city of Bath, see the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths. Then, cross the Severn River for a late - afternoon arrival in Wales. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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. 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.

Welsh Dragons, Daffodils & Castles

This morning, enjoy a visit to Cardiff Castle, one of Wales' leading heritage attractions. The castle stands on the site of a Roman fort, revealing nearly 2,000 years of history. Continue along the South Wales coast to Pembroke where your ferry awaits. Cross St. George's Channel to Rosslare on the Emerald Isle, proceeding to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Explore the Welsh capital, see many historic buildings and discover its 2,000-year history of invasions, abductions, and conflicts from 1st-century AD when the Romans built the first series of forts.

Spend your day your way in Waterford

This morning, explore more of Waterford with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.

THE VIKING TRIANGLE
Join a Local Guide in Waterford for a walk through Ireland's oldest city where two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals add up to a trifecta of tales in the Viking Triangle. Hear engaging stories of extraordinary characters, delivered in witty, entertaining style by a master storyteller.

CRYSTAL CLEAR
The city of Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bears its name. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a fascinating tour featuring the molding room, and glass - blowing, cutting, and engraving departments to witness the highly skilled master craftsmen creating exquisite Waterford Crystal.

Continue to the “Marble City” of Kilkenny, one of Ireland's prettiest towns. The city's main thoroughfare is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops, and charming pubs. Continue on to Dublin, Ireland's capital city.

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.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - “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.

Irish Crossings

On your way to Northern Ireland, cross the Boyne River, then skirt the Mountains of Mourne. In Belfast, where the Titanic was built, take in the city's vibrant history and view the impressive City Hall. Board your ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland's southwest coast and continue onto Scotland's capital, Edinburgh.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Northern Ireland's capital city of Belfast has seen its share of the ‘Troubles' but its tenacity, tireless industry, and timeless traditions are easy to see. Hear how shipbuilding ruled and Irish linen was king. In the port city where the Titanic was built, a bold rebirth of arts and architecture thrives amid historic castles and churches drawing visitors from around the globe.

Drummers, Pipers & Precious Jewels

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. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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.

Augustine's Monks & Medieval Markets

This morning, drive past the abbey ruins at Jedburgh into wild Northumberland National Park. Later, see a section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman coast - to - coast defense against marauding northern tribes. In York, England's most complete medieval city, view the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director on a guided walk through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.

LOCAL FAVORITE - While strolling the cobblestones of York's Shambles, it's easy to imagine the medieval butchers' shops and boisterous crowds bartering for beef and bones outside the 14th-century timber - framed windows. The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe and said to have been the inspiration behind Harry Potter's Diagon Alley – and today is a colorful gathering place with cheerful cafés and quirky boutiques brimming with the sweet aromas of chocolate, pastries, and pies.

Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare

Stop at Stratford - upon - Avon, the fascinating Elizabethan town, to take pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace. Return to London at around 3.30 pm.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Ah, young love! Even more true as Shakespeare's fiancée was eight years his senior. See Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home where the bard's wife - to - be was born and courted by young Will. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original structure remains. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford - upon - Avon. Hear tales about his family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Welcome to Holland. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flight to Amsterdam to board your Suite Ship® and meet your Avalon Cruise Director.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam.

Join your Adventure Host for today's special activities.

• Classic: Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
• Classic: Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam's “Golden Age."

This afternoon, choose among the Guided Optional Excursions available or take some free time to explore Amsterdam's colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

• Active: Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Classic: Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne's important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
• Classic: Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.

Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

Later, local musicians will join us on board for live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO RÜDESHEIM

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country.

En route to Rüdesheim, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren's songs lured ill-fated sailors.

• Active: Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim, followed by a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee OR:
• Classic: Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
• Discovery: Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden - barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.

OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN

Castle Walls, and the World's Biggest Wine Barrel.

• Active: Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square, OR:
• Classic: Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World's Largest Wine Barrel.”

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France.

Ask about today's energizing or relaxing Adventure Host activities.

• Active: Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
• Classic: Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg's Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace's wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BREISACH

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest.

• Active: Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
• Classic: Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air - museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
• Classic: Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg's medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar, with half-timbered medieval and early renaissance buildings.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO BASEL

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

Flights should not leave Zürich airport before 10 am or Basel airport before 8 am.