Day 1: Depart the USA:
Depart the USA on your overnight
flight to Edinburgh, Scotland, where centuries of history meet a
vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
Day 2: Edinburgh, Scotland:
Day 3: Edinburgh:
The day begins with an included tour of
this capital city. See the delightful contrast of the city between
the 18th-century Georgian “New Town” and the medieval “Old
Town”. The famed Royal Mile, backbone of the Old Quarter,
runs from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle.
See the iconic sites of St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square
and John Knox House. During the visit of Edinburgh Castle
see the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The
balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, join your
Tour Manager and traveling companions for an evening of
entertainment with an included dinner and show. Meals: B, D
Day 4: Edinburgh - Chester, England via the Lake District:
Today 's adventure begins with the motorcoach journey through
the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside en-route to England.
Enjoy the scenic wonders of northern England with a visit to the
Lake District. In the picture-postcard village of Grasmere, see
some historical sites of Woodsworth, and learn about the history
of the famed Grasmere Gingerbread. The journey continues as
you travel through the British countryside arriving in Chester this
evening. Meal: B
Day 5: Chester:
A walking tour of this picturesque city with
its Tudor-style buildings, ancient ruins and a complete city
wall starts your day. Discover the history of the city 's former
occupations by the Romans, Vikings, Danes, Saxons, Scots
and Normans, while viewing the medieval half-timbered houses
(some dating back to the 13th century), the Eastgate Clock
(the 2nd most photographed clock in the UK, behind Big Ben),
the Chester Cathedral and the 'Rows ' - the highlight of the city
center. The remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure to
experience the charms of Chester. Meal: B
Day 6: Stratford-upon-Avon - Cotswolds - Cardiff, Wales:
Departing Chester, continue to another capital city, Cardiff,
Wales. En-route, a stop is made in the traditional English town
of Stratford-upon-Avon with its typical oak-beamed, gable-roofed
houses. Visit the most famous house in town, the birthplace and
childhood home of the Bard himself, William Shakespeare. You 'll
also see the school where he received his education, and the
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, erected in his memory. Continuing
on, experience the beauty of the Cotswolds - rolling hills
(“wolds”), river valleys, and sleepy villages where houses made
from the Cotswold Stone and cozy shops line the meandering
streets. Experience the British tradition of 'tea and scones ' at a
local village in the Cotswolds before arriving in Cardiff early this
evening for an included dinner. Meals: B, D
Day 7: Cardiff:
The day begins with a guided tour of Cardiff, the
largest city in Wales. During the panoramic portion, your local
guide will point out architectural sites that range from historic to
modern, as well as provide history of the city. On the included
visit to Cardiff Castle, whose walls conceal 2,000 years of history,
you 'll discover stories from the times of the Romans, Normans,
Vikings, Victorian Era and even WWII. After the excursion, return
to the hotel where the rest of the day is free of planned activities
for your independent exploration of this capital city. Meal: B
Day 8: Cardiff - Waterford, Ireland:
A late morning departure
from the hotel takes you to the port for embarkation of the ferry
and the journey across the Irish Sea to Rosslare, Ireland. Upon
arrival, continue by coach to the Waterford area for two nights '
accommodation. Meal: B
Day 9: Waterford / Blarney:
Today 's excursion discovers the
sites of Waterford and Blarney. On a visit to the House of
Waterford Crystal, witness the master craftsmen at work as
you watch the process of transforming a ball of red-hot molten
crystal into an elegantly crafted piece of art. Continue on to
Blarney where there is time for lunch on your own before visiting
the famed Castle known the world over as home to the “Stone of
Eloquence” or the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, if you climb to
the top of the castle and kiss the stone, you will never be lost for
words and will receive the “gift of gab”. The grounds of the castle are a curious place of ancient trees
and stones, by legend a garden of Druid origin. The park has
an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch 's
Kitchen, Druid 's Cave and many other delights, telling a story
of centuries past. Return to Waterford for an included dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Waterford - Dublin:
Leaving Waterford, travel to Dublin,
the last capital city to be experienced on your journey through
the British Isles. On the guided panoramic tour of this historic
city, travel along O 'Connell Street with its monument to Daniel
O 'Connell and other figures from Irish History. See the General
Post Office, one of Ireland 's most famous buildings, that was the
rebel headquarters in the 1916 Easter Rising. Cross over the River
Liffey which flows through the center of the city and catch a glimpse
of the Temple Bar area. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of
Kells, the famous 8th-century hand-illuminated gospel manuscript.
See Grafton Street, one of the main pedestrian-zoned shopping
streets and drive through Georgian Dublin, with the beautiful
18th-century houses and squares. Pass the National Museum,
Parliament Building, St. Stephen 's Green and visit St. Patrick 's
Cathedral before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
A special treat is in store tonight with an included dinner and
evening entertainment. Music, song, and traditional Irish dancers
take the stage during a show you 're sure to enjoy! Meals: B, D
Day 11: Dublin:
Your final day is left free of planned activities to
enjoy as you please…continue sightseeing, finish any last-minute
shopping, or just relax at a pub and mingle with the locals. Meal: B
Day 12: Dublin / USA:
It 's time to bid “cheerio” to the British Isles
as you depart for the Dublin Airport with warm memories of the
castles, countryside, and capital cities of your journey through
these amazing countries. Meal: B
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