Britain and Ireland Grandeur

The cosmopolitan capital that is London is yours to explore today - the perfect launch pad to discover what's great about Great Britain. Spend the day relaxing in the Royal Parks, amble along the Thames or visit one of the many museums showcasing the art, culture and antiquities of what was once the British Empire. Stay: Hilton London Kensington

Join a Local Specialist today for a memorable encounter with London's most iconic sights. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey where Britain's kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. Spend the rest of the day exploring London on your terms - shop for the best of British on Carnaby Street, admire the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus or visit 'The City' with Christopher Wren's great St. Pauls Cathedral. (B)

Meet your Travel Director today before journeying west to the Wiltshire landscapes of Salisbury Plain where you'll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical megaliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights. (B/D) Stay: Copthorne Hotel Plymouth

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro. (B)

Arriving in Bath, we admire the city's stylish Georgian façades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. We continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where we'll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage. (B) Stay: Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Center, Radisson Blu

This morning, see Cardiff's iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Center and Victorian fantasy castle before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over.

This evening, dine in your hotel. (B/D) Stay: The Fitzwilton Hotel, Waterford

First stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where you will Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with a master crafter. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab', journey to Blarney Castle where you'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney. (B) Stay: Hotel Killarney

Ireland's enduring natural beauty accompanies your leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. Pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks. (B/D)

Stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries.

You'll visit the Visitor Center, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland's most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird's eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Your next overnight stop in Galway is a real treat for culture buffs. Ireland's capital of music, song and dance and it's the perfect place to dig deep into Ireland's vibrant traditional arts scene first-hand. (B) Stay: The Connacht Hotel Galway

This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the town your way before dining at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Central Hotel Conference and Leisure Center Donegal

Cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant's Causeway. Your visit to the haunt of Finn McCool will help to conserve this iconic natural landmark. The final stop today is in Belfast, where you'll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city's sights. (B) Stay: AC by Marriott, Belfast, Stormont Hotel Belfast

Spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin later, see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist.

Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance. (B) Stay: The Address Hotel Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center

Today you'll gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse. Here you'll Dive Into Culture and embark on a self-guided tour finishing at the Gravity Bar where you can sip on a pint of the black stuff while overlooking Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colorful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through St. Stephen's Green. (B)

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows.

Later, head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where you'll spend the night. (B) Stay: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool

Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere. (B/D) Stay: North Lakes Hotel and Spa Penrith, Castle Green Hotel Kendal

Cross into Scotland and visit Gretna Green, where you'll see the original Marriage Anvil that made this village famous for runaway weddings. Continue to Falkirk for a Dive into Culture at The Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures that honor the powerful draught horses once vital to Scotland's canals and industry. Arrive in Glasgow for an orientation tour with your Travel Director. Take in the city's highlights including the 12th-century cathedral and George Square, surrounded by grand architecture and monuments to some of Scotland's notable figures. (B) Stay: Novotel Glasgow Center, Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Center

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the 'Glen of the Weeping' and see Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. We'll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye. (B/D) Stay: Kings Arms, The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as 'Nessie'. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746. (B/D) Stay: The Highlander

Continue south and stop in Pitlochry before traveling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. Cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn , Novotel Edinburgh Center

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour; see the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building. Enjoy some free time before an included visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates. (B)

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where you'll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.

This evening, Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavors and hospitality. (B/D) Stay: Novotel Center

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before returning to London this afternoon for your last evening at leisure. (B) Stay: Hilton London Kensington, The Tower

Leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland. (B)