Britain and Ireland Experience

All the highlights of Britain and Ireland lie ahead as your epic journey across two mystical islands kicks off in London. After checking in, spend the rest of your first day in Old Blighty exploring the sights on your own. You could delve into the history of the British Empire at one of its many museums or plant yourself outside Buckingham Palace, keeping a keen eye out for the King.

Your time is your own today so plan your exploration of Britain's capital wisely. You'll want to soak up all its pomp and pageantry as you stroll along leafy avenues lined with great monuments, museums and historic landmarks. London is intoxicating no matter your interests and you'll have a full free day to discover it your way.

This morning, meet your Travel Director and travelling companions as you set off onto your adventure. The Big Smoke's skyscrapers and boroughs give way to an idyllic countryside as you wind your way to Windsor. Arriving in Bath, you'll admire the honey-coloured Georgian architecture which gives this ancient Roman city its elegant aspect. Cross the Severn Estuary, the border between England and tiny Wales, where tonight its capital sets the stage for the rest of your memorable holiday.

This morning, enjoy an orientation of the city to see the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum.

Afterwards, join an Optional Experience to Cardiff Castle, a medieval fortress with a colourful history spanning centuries. Ancient ruins and lush countryside lie between the Welsh capital and your first stop in Pembroke. Pass through Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales and, legend has it, the birthplace of Merlin. See the 11th-century Pembroke Castle, where King Henry VII, the first of the Tudor line, was born, then board your ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland.

The delicate crystal for which Waterford is so famous takes centre stage this morning during a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom. Leave all that Viking history behind and enjoy the charming scenery en route to Blarney Castle, where a quick kiss of the Blarney Stone will grant you the 'gift of the gab'. Your scenic drive continues past the Cork and Kerry Mountains. You'll pass Killarney, where you could hop on an optional Jaunting Car ride, before continuing to Tralee, renowned for its annual Rose of Tralee International Festival.

There won't be a moment you're not glued to the window today as the Dingle Peninsula shows off. Tiny villages, colourful fishing harbours, deserted beaches and rolling green fields all make a play for your camera roll as you journey through one of Ireland's wildest corners. The Atlantic brings the drama, your Travel Director brings the stories and Ireland's most westerly point brings the “wish you were here” photo moment.

Next up is Adare, often called one of Ireland's prettiest villages, where thatched cottages and medieval ruins keep the charm coming thick and fast. Later, roll on to Shannon where dinner is waiting at your hotel.

This morning join an Optional Experience to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park delving into what Ireland was like in the 19th-century. After a chinwag with the 'locals', drive through the wild landscapes of County Clare bound for Galway, the 'place of foreigners'. See its modern cathedral before heading to the whimsical Irish capital.

This evening, an optional dinner and Irish show will have your toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee.

You're in good hands this morning as your Local Guide shares their insights into this charismatic capital with a small-town feel. See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Dublin Castle — a 13th-century Norman fortress turned museum.

This afternoon, explore Dublin at your leisure or join an optional visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient stories of Glendalough to life and guide you through the stunning landscapes of the Garden of Ireland.

Say a fond slán go fóill to the 'Emerald Isle', crossing the Irish Sea bound for Holyhead on the Welsh Island of Anglesey. Get ready for a tongue twister you could only capture in a panoramic shot. View the station boasting one of the longest names in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, then head through the north coast of Wales to Liverpool where the musical 'Fab Four' had their start.

This evening we head to Haydock in St. Helen's.

After a busy week of sightseeing, you deserve an idyllic stop in 'the loveliest spot' that has inspired poetry and prose. Board an exclusive and optional cruise on Lake Windermere, skimming the northern coastline, deserted islands and Wray Castle. See the Lake District landscapes that William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter so admired before crossing the Scottish border bound for Gretna Green. Here you'll learn how eloping couples would tie the knot over the legendary anvil against their parents' wishes.

Tonight, an Optional Experience could see you join your travel companions for a delicious traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

Discover Edinburgh's mystical allure which has captivated writers, poets, politicians and royalty. Your Local Guide takes you past the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. You'll explore the medieval Royal Mile and cross the City to the grand Georgian boulevards of New Town.

The rest of the day is free to explore Edinburgh on your terms. Consider joining one of two special Optional Experiences, visiting the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle.

This evening is your chance to enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. Time your visit to coincide with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and you'll get tickets included on certain departures!

Swap Scotland's capital for England's north today, crossing the border to Alnwick where castle drama comes with a mighty sidekick, the towering Tenantry Column. Take a Choice Experience and bring even more wow to your day as you explore Alnwick Castle and Gardens, a grand old scene-stealer with centuries of stories behind its stone walls. Next, roll on to Heddon for a look at Hadrian's Wall, the Roman show-off that once guarded the edge of an empire, before you continue to Barnsley for the night.

Head to York, a city that knows how to serve up history with a side of proper character. Join your Travel Director for an orientation through its cobbled streets, spotting the wonky charm of the Shambles, the mighty city walls and showstopping York Minster. Then make the day your own with two Choice Experiences.

Tonight, come together for dinner in York and raise a glass to your journey through Britain and Ireland.

Stratford-upon-Avon knows how to keep a good story going. Wander the historic streets and squares of Shakespeare's hometown, where timber-framed buildings, market town charm and bard-worthy tales are all part of the scene. This is the place where England's famous playwright was born and buried, so take time to soak it all up your way.

Later, continue to London where it's time to bid your Travel Director and new friends a fond farewell.

It's time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across Britain and Ireland. You'll say farewell to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home.