UK & Ireland Christmas & New Year

Hotel

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.

Hotel

This morning, take a driving tour of Liverpool’s most famous sights, including Albert Dock, Penny Lane and John Lennon’s house. Stop at Strawberry Field, the inspiration for The Beatles' single Strawberry Fields Forever. Then, travel back to Wales for a visit to Conwy, a walled market town known for its impressive 13th century castle. Next, enjoy a photo stop in the town that boasts the longest place name in Europe - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch! Then, board a ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland! Arrive in Dublin, the bustling capital city, and enjoy a free evening. Why not soak up the Christmas Eve atmosphere at one the many pubs in the iconic Temple Bar neighbourhood?

Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour to see some of the city's highlights including the Albert Dock, and various locations connected to The Beatles and some of their most beloved songs.

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!

Hotel

Hotel

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'!

Hotel

Hotel

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.

Hotel

Today, the journey continues to Northern Ireland. First stop is Derry/Londonderry a city famous for the 17th century Derry Walls, which remain intact to this day. Next up is the Giant’s Causeway; an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon brimming with myths and legends.Today’s final stop is Belfast. Embark on a driving and walking tour with a local guide who will highlight some of the city’s most famous attractions and explain its history. Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles and has transformed into a modern city with a rich cultural heritage. Fans of Game of Thrones will be pleased to know that a large portion of the series was filmed here!

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.

Hotel

Explore more of Belfast with some free time this morning. Later, travel across the Sea of Moyle via ferry to a brand new country - Scotland! Scotland is rich in history, from famous battles and towering castles to Celtic legends. It is also known and beloved for its unique and distinct culture. Admire the scenery as the tour travels on to the accommodation for the evening in the picturesque Highlands. On the way, look forward to visiting one of Scotland’s oldest licensed distilleries. Sample some authentic Scottish whisky during a tasting experience!

Hotel

While exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands landscape, visit the famous Loch Ness! To get a better look at the home of the mythical Loch Ness monster, join an optional cruise on the loch. See the Urquhart Castle ruins from the water and try to spot “Nessie”! Admire the last of the Highland views en route to Edinburgh, Scotland’s magical capital city. This evening, celebrate Hogmanay (what the Scots call the last day of the year) and ring in the New Year, Edinburgh style! This tour includes a ticket to the official Hogmanay celebration, described as ‘the ultimate party’. Marvel at the fireworks at midnight which light up the sky with Edinburgh Castle as an epic backdrop!

Scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands: Take in the spectacular scenery while driving through the majestic Scottish Highlands. Stop in quaint villages and, if the weather is clear, catch a glimpse of the grand Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

See Glen Coe: Admire this spectacular glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands). This is where the Massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692, one of the most fascinating yet tragic stories in Scotland’s history.

Visit Loch Ness: Try to spot the legendary Loch Ness monster with a visit to the place said to be her home! Enjoy free time to explore or take an optional cruise along the water.

Visit Edinburgh: Spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Scotland’s vibrant and historic capital city! Tomorrow offers a full free day to explore or to join the Conquer the Capital optional excursion which provides a unique insight into what makes this city so special.

Experience Hogmanay: Ring in the New Year with an included ticket to Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations! Be entertained by street performers, DJs, artists, bands and many other forms of entertainment. The celebrations conclude with an epic firework show over Edinburgh Castle!

Hotel

Hotel

Stop at Scott’s View: Before crossing the border into England, visit Scott’s View -  a magnificent viewpoint in the Scottish Borders. Overlooking the River Tweed, this was said to be one of famed Scottish poet and novelist Sir Walter Scott’s favourite views!

Photo stop at Angel of the North: Marvel at this impressive steel artwork believed to be the largest sculpture of an angel in the world! Snap a few pictures with this icon of Northern England en route to Yorkshire.

Orientation tour of York: Join your Expat Explore tour leader on a walking tour of the beautiful city of York. See top attractions including York Minster (the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe), the medieval city walls, Clifford’s Tower and The Shambles.

Hotel