Day 1 : DAY 1: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff
Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, travel to the mysterious Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Next stop is the beautiful, historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous Roman baths. Heading into nearby Wales, arrive in the capital, Cardiff, and enjoy a driving tour around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.
Day 2 : DAY 2: Stratford-upon-Avon - Liverpool
After breakfast, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; William Shakespeare’s hometown, which offers more than 800 years of history. Delve deeper into Shakespeare’s life on an optional excursion to his childhood home before indulging in an afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre! Next up is Liverpool; this port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will delight in being in the home of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will love being in the home of the Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour* of the city. The evening is free to explore. Why not head to Matthew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where the Beatles first made their mark on modern music?
*Please note the second half of the Liverpool driving tour will take place on the morning of Day 3.
Day 3 : DAY 3: Liverpool - Dublin
See more of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour this morning before catching the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before reaching the ferry, make stops in Conwy to see the gorgeous castle and at the village with the longest name in Europe; Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Then, it’s onto Dublin. Enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city this evening; discover more about the city’s Viking past, its Medieval castles and its cathedrals. Explore its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent episodes. Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all!
Day 4 : DAY 4: Dublin: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! The Whiskey & Guinness optional excursion includes a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse to see how this famous dark beer is made. Due to popularity, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - contact us to book now! Take a trip back in time as you discover the most famous people and events in Irish history during the “Ireland’s Identity” optional excursion. Or, explore the city yourself. Tonight, there’s also the option to enjoy a taste of traditional Irish music! Look forward to an evening of fine Irish food, music and dance.
Day 5 : DAY 5: Waterford - Blarney Castle - Killarney area
Leaving Dublin behind, travel onwards to Waterford; the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by Vikings in 914 AD, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition, and is also famous for its cut crystal glass. Next up, it’s time to travel to the famous Blarney Castle for an included visit, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. Depart Blarney and leave County Cork behind. Next, enter County Kerry and travel towards the hotel for this evening. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Day 6 : DAY 6: Ring of Kerry: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. The best way to see it all is on the Ring of Kerry day trip! Join the optional excursion that travels along the famous circular tourist route in country Kerry. It is home to the most breathtaking coastal views and emerald-green pastures. Enjoy visits to charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village, and explore the shops and cafés in the area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park during a jaunting (carriage) ride. Then, end the day with some free time in Killarney town. Experience this iconic route to the fullest on this excursion!
Day 7 : DAY 7: Adare - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today is another day for epic Irish scenery! Travelling along the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, the first stop is Adare; often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Next, it’s time to travel on through the county of Limerick to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the frothing ocean below, and the views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking. Next stop, Galway! This is a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, live music venues, cafés, weekend parties and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during free time, and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer before travelling north to the hotel for the night.
Day 8 : DAY 8: Derry/Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast
After breakfast this morning, journey onwards to Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry/Londonderry. Northern Ireland’s second-largest city has a lot to offer from culture to art and historic city walls. Next stop is Northern Ireland’s top tourist attraction; the Giant’s Causeway. The final stop on the Irish leg of our adventure is Belfast; the capital of Northern Ireland. Join a local guide for a combined driving and walking tour, showcasing some of the city’s most famous attractions, and sharing insight on the city’s past. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Day 9 : DAY 9: Belfast - Scottish Highlands
Enjoy free time in Belfast this morning with the chance to learn all about the Titanic, and its ill-fated voyage, on the optional Titanic Belfast Experience. Next up is Scotland! Hop on board and sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky, haggis and tartan! Arrive in Scotland, and once back on dry land, drive to the Scottish town of Ayr for a photo stop. Afterwards, it’s time to head to tonight’s accommodation, which is in the picturesque Highlands! Enjoy an included dinner with the group this evening.
Day 10 : DAY 10: Loch Ness - Edinburgh
Journey into the Highlands and further explore this famous region of Scotland. Stop for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glen Coe before visiting the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster! Join an optional cruise on the Loch and see the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Leaving the Highlands, drive to Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital followed by dinner. Apart from being home to Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans of the series might find the city strangely familiar! Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Day 11 : DAY 11: Edinburgh: Free Day
Today is yours to spend as you like – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or delve into the history, culture and interesting spots of the city on a Conquer the Capital optional excursion with your tour leader. This includes time to explore the incredible Edinburgh Castle. Today also offers the opportunity to visit Stirling with an optional half-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy an orientation tour, take a trip to the top of Wallace Monument, see the Kelpies, Stirling Castle and more! Tonight, choose to enjoy the optional traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with a chance to taste a famous (or infamous!) traditional Scottish food; haggis!
Day 12 : DAY 12: Alnwick Castle - York - Yorkshire
Say goodbye to Scotland, and cross the border into England. Enjoy the opportunity to visit the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland. This castle has also featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, and many more! Next, we travel into Yorkshire, and to the county capital; York. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets and medieval architecture. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader, and see its most famous sights, before heading to tonight’s accommodation in Yorkshire. Enjoy one last dinner with the group tonight!
Day 13 : DAY 13: Cambridge - London
It’s the last day of your UK & Ireland tour, and it finishes off with a real treat! Travel to the historic university town of Cambridge. Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed through the city’s famous university including Charles Darwin and David Attenborough. Enjoy a traditional punting trip along the River Cam. Afterwards, it’s time to return to London where the tour concludes. Make sure you have exchanged contact details with your new-found travel friends to keep in touch, and share your amazing tour memories with us online using the hashtags #ExpatExplore and #TravelMadePossible.