DAY 1: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff
![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.
Experiences
Orientation tour of Bath: Join your tour leader and enjoy an orientation tour through this beautiful town; famous for its sandstone Georgian architecture and Roman Bathhouse.
Visit Cardiff: Continue on to the Welsh capital where your tour leader will take you on a drive through the city, showing you the sights, before checking-in to the hotel for the night.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 2: Stratford-upon-Avon - Liverpool
![Stratford-upon-Avon - Liverpool]()
After a hearty breakfast, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; the hometown of William Shakespeare. This market town has more than 800 years of history. Next up is Liverpool; this famous British port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will be delighted to be in the home city of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will be enthralled to be in the home of the Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour* of the city, and explore the city yourself during your free time this evening. 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.
Experiences
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy free time to wander the city, and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century house where he grew up.
Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour to see some of the city's highlights including the Albert Dock, and a variety of locations connected to the Beatles.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Shakespeare's Birthplace i £18
- The Beatles Story & Museum i £18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 3: Liverpool - Dublin
![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. Upon arrival, take a driving tour of the city, and spot a few of the city’s more famous highlights. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city; 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!
Experiences
Visit Conwy: Enjoy a comfort stop and lunch in the charming Welsh town of Conwy - a walled, market town famous for its 13th century castle.
See Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch: Make a photo stop at the village with the longest place name in Europe - try to capture the whole name in a photo and pronounce it correctly on your first go!
Dublin driving tour: Enjoy a driving tour of Ireland’s vibrant capital city. Tomorrow offers a full free day, so keep a note of all the sights to explore further, such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, the General Post Office building and the many bridges over the River Liffey.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
Ibis Dublin City Centre
DAY 4: Dublin: Free Day
![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. 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. Visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall, and visit the city’s most famous park; St Stephen’s Green. Be sure to try out the many pubs and eateries. 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. Definitely not to be missed!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
Ibis Dublin City Centre
Optional Excursions
- Irish Music Evening i TBC
- Ireland's Identity i TBC
- Whiskey & Guinness Experience i TBC
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Waterford - Blarney Castle - Killarney area
![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.
Experiences
Visit Waterford: Spend some time in the oldest city in Ireland. Founded over 1,000 years ago, remnants of the city’s Viking origins can be seen in ruins of ancient fortified walls. Waterford’s history is far-reaching and colourful. Here, feel the atmosphere of medieval Ireland like nowhere else!
Visit Blarney Castle: Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold located just outside Cork, and it has an interesting claim to fame - it is home to the Blarney Stone! Legend says that if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone you might gain the ‘gift of the gab'!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
DAY 6: Ring of Kerry: Free Day
![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!
Optional Excursions
- Ring of Kerry day trip i €50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Adare - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
![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.
Experiences
Visit Adare: Take a few photos in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly preserved thatch-roofed cottages that house craft shops and restaurants today.
Visit Limerick: Pay a visit to the Treaty Stone; legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed here, which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange, and concluded the Siege of Limerick. Snap some great photos of the 13th century King John’s Castle from across the river.
Experience the views at the Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves! The Cliffs of Moher are truly breathtaking and certainly one of the top Ireland travel highlights.
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 8: Derry/Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast
![Derry/Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast]()
Leaving Galway behind, 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.
Experiences
Visit Derry: Still fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer, including a beautiful waterfront and well-preserved city walls.
Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway: This natural wonder is surrounded by myth and legend. Did a giant build this sight, or was it an ancient volcanic activity that formed the 40,000 basalt columns? Clamber over the rocks, experience it up close and decide for yourself!
Guided tour of Belfast: A local guide will introduce some of the city's highlights, including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican communities respectively and are separated by peace walls. Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles and gaining a reputation as an exciting city which blends traditions with modernity.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
DAY 9: Belfast - Whisky Distillery - Scottish Highlands
![Belfast - Whisky Distillery - 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. Next, head to Glasgow to enjoy an authentic Scottish whisky tasting and tour of The Clydeside Distillery located on the River Clyde. 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.
Experiences
Visit a Scottish whisky distillery: Enjoy a visit, tour and whisky tasting at The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow. Look forward to becoming immersed in Glasgow’s history, learn about the “Dockside Story” and enjoy a “wee dram” of your own! There is nothing quite like authentic Scottish whisky!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Arrochar
Optional Excursions
- Titanic Belfast Experience i €25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 10: Loch Ness - Edinburgh
![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.
Experiences
Photo stop at Glen Coe: Enjoy a photo stop at one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands, and infamous for the tragic events of the Massacre of Glencoe that happened here in 1692.
Visit Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be her home? You’ll have free time to explore or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot the mythical creature from the water.
Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh. Highlights of Scotland’s captivating capital city include the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Old Town and Arthur’s Seat. See more on your free day tomorrow.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 11: Edinburgh: Free Day
![Edinburgh: Free Day]()
Today is yours to spend as you like – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or discover the city for yourself. 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 Edinburgh Castle and a visit to Falkirk. If the weather allows, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below. 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!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Spirit of Scotland Show i £75
- Conquer the Capital Edinburgh i £60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 12: Alnwick Castle - York - Yorkshire
![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!
Experiences
Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your tour leader. Stroll along the historic, cobbled streets and admire the impressive medieval gothic architecture as well as the City Walls which run along the River Ouse.
Optional Excursions
- Alnwick Castle i £19
- Alnwick Gardens i £15
- Alnwick Castle & Gardens i £33
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 13: Cambridge - London
![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.
Experiences
Go punting along the River Cam: Enjoy a traditional punt along the river and admire the views. An experienced punter will propel the punt by pushing against the river bed with a pole, while introducing you to the city’s history and telling you some of its most famous tales.