Day 1 - London - Stratford - Leeds (Selby)
Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive through scenic Cotswold villages to Shakespeare's birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon. Here orientation reveals its Elizabethan charm before heading to Coventry to view the old and new Cathedrals. Then on through the Midlands into Yorkshire arriving at our hotel in Leeds. 
(Continental Breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Quality

Day 2 - Leeds (Selby - Edinburgh (Queensferry) (2 nights)
A short drive brings us to York, where an orientation stroll includes the famous Minster and picturesque 'Shambles'. From here we pass Hadrian's Wall and ruined Jedburgh Abbey as we make our way to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. (Breakfast)

Hotel: Corus Hotel Edinburgh North (2 nights)

Day 3 - Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour shows us the Royal Mile, Princes Street and views of the castle. Later with time at leisure you may wish to visit Holyrood House, where Mary Queen of Scots lived, or perhaps sample some delicious shortbread. (Breakfast)

Day 4 - Edinburgh (Queensferry) - Oban
Today we travel via Stirling, with its imposing castle. Then along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
to Glencoe, Vale of Weeping and along the coast to Oban. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Queens

Day 5 - Oban - Isle of Skye - Scottish Highlands (Laggan)
This morning we head towards Fort William and continue in the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, as we make our way towards the Kyle of Lochalsh, and cross 'over the sea to Skye'. Then on through to Invermorriston on the banks of Loch Ness, don't forget to look out for the monster as we drive along the Loch shores to our hotel in the Scottish Highlands. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel

Day 6 - Scottish Highlands (Laggan) - Glasgow
After breakfast this morning we drive southwards past Blair Atholl stopping in Pitlochry on the River Tummel. Next we continue via Perth, en route to the University town of St. Andrews. Here we will
see the famous Golf Course before making our way to Glasgow for the night. (Breakfast)

Hotel: Campanile

Day 7 - Glasgow - Chester area (Lymm) (2 nights)
Today begins with a drive through scenic countryside to Gretna Green, wedding venue for eloping lovers. From here we continue south into England towards the breathtaking mountains of the Lake District. Finally we reach our hotel at Lymm for two nights. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Lymm (2 nights)

Day 8 - Chester & North Wales Excursion
First we're off to Chester, where an orientation tour shows us the arcaded 'Rows'. Next into the hills and valleys of North Wales. Over the Horseshoe pass, we arrive in Llangollen, home of the Music Eisteddfod, before returning to Lymm. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 9 - Chester area (Lymm) - Dublin (2 nights)
We drive along the Welsh Coast via Colwyn Bay, skirting the Snowdonia National Park, to Caernarvon. Here we view the castle where the Prince of Wales was invested, before crossing to the island of Anglesey. Here we board our ferry at Holyhead to Ireland. On arrival join our coach and drive to the 'fair city' – Dublin for two nights. (Breakfast)

Hotel: Jury's Croke Park (2 nights)

Day 10 - Dublin sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing features Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, historic Phoenix Park, the Four Courts and more. The rest of your day is at leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 11 - Dublin - Sligo (2 nights)
This morning we head north-westward to follow the Royal Canal to Mullingar. Then on to Boyle to view the 12th century Cistercian Abbey ruins. Later, lush green Irish countryside rolls by on our approach to Sligo Bay where we spend the next two nights. (Breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Sligo Southern (2 nights)

Day 12 - Northern Ireland & Donegal
Today we travel along the coast to the seaside resort of Bundoran in County Donegal. Next across the border into Northern Ireland to visit the famous Beleek Pottery Centre, continuing along the shores of Lough Erne to the town of Enniskillen before returning through beautiful countryside to our hotel in Sligo. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 13 - Sligo - Ennis (2 nights)
Enjoy a morning drive through the region of Connemara, stopping at Kylemore Abbey. From here we cross County Clare to Galway Bay. Then we stop in Galway before reaching Ennis. (Breakfast / Dinner) 

Hotel: Auburn Lodge (2 nights)

Day 14 - Excursion to The Burren
After breakfast we begin our day with a drive to view the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. From O'Brien's Tower, we can see the Aran Islands, (weather permitting), at the entrance to Galway Bay. We return to Ennis for the evening. (Breakfast)

Day 15 - Ennis - Waterville
After stopping to view the thatched cottages of Adare, the prettiest village in Ireland, we head for County Kerry. There's time for a stop in Killarney before we enjoy the first half of our Ring of Kerry drive along Dingle Bay, Ryan's Daughter country, to Waterville. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Bay View

Day 16 - Waterville - Waterford
Today we complete our drive around the Ring of Kerry and we travel on to Blarney Castle, where we have a chance to acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Then we continue through Cork and along the coast to Waterford, home of the famous crystal for the night. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Bridge

Day 17 - Waterford - Cardiff (2 nights)
We travel to Rosslare this morning where we board our ferry and cruise back to Wales. We arrive at Fishguard to join our coach and drive on to Cardiff for two nights. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Quality (2 nights)

Day 18 - Valleys and Mountains of South Wales excursion
We will begin our day in the Welsh capital, Cardiff for an orientation tour and a chance to visit the castle. Then into the Rhonddha, most famous of the Welsh Valleys where old mining towns are packed into narrow cracks in the mountains. Next we head into the stark beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park before we return to our hotel in Cardiff. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 19 - Cardiff - Plymouth (2 nights)
Today we cross the Severn Bridge to Bath. Here an orientation tour reveals its Georgian architecture. Then we continue to King Arthur's Glastonbury. On past the Quantock hills and skirting Dartmoor we arrive at our hotel in Plymouth for two nights. (Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Royal Fleet Club (2 nights)

Day 20 - Cornish Excursion
From Devon we cross into the rugged beauty of Cornwall and the artists' colony of St. Ives. We continue via Penzance to view St. Michael's Mount, we return past Bodmin to our hotel. (Breakfast)

Day 21 - Plymouth - Stonehenge - London
Today we see the mysterious monoliths of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Then on to the city of Salisbury with its grand Cathedral before returning to London. (Breakfast)

Britain & Ireland Explorer Optional Excursions

GB1 - Plymouth Harbour Cruise
A boat trip around the harbour of one of England’s most famous seaports. View the Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America, and ships sailed for Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland. See panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe, site of Drake’s legendary game of bowls. Into the Royal Navy Dockyard and a chance to see some of the modern vessels of the Royal Navy. A descriptive commentary is given by the skipper.
10.00 (£)
 

GB2 - Lake Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the lake district as we cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
11.00 (£)
 

GB5 - Warwick Castle
This excursion allows you to explore the “jewel in the crown” of England’s great medieval castles. You’ll visit the Armoury, the grim Dungeon, the magnificent State Apartments and the haunted tower. The really adventurous can climb Guy’s and Caesar’s Towers for panoramic views out over the Warwickshire countryside and the River Avon far below.
14.00 (£)
 

GB20 - Glasgow Evening
Enjoy an evening of local specialities in a characteristic restaurant in the heart of this vibrant city.
24.00 (£)
 

GB21 - Edinburgh Night Out
Join us for a relaxed evening with a leisurely drive followed by dinner in a traditional Scottish pub.
24.00 (£)
 

GB22 - Edinburgh Scottish Show with Dinner
Tonight is a chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate anevening in Edinburgh.
36.50 (£)
 

GB24 - Dublin Malahide Stately Home
Malahide is both a castle and a stately home, and has been the seat of the Talbot family since the reign of Henry II. Today, it is the home of the National Portrait Gallery of Ireland as well as one of the finest collections of Georgian furniture and antiques in the country. There are fine gardens, wonderful views of Dublin Bay and even a famous miniature railway close by.
17.00 (€)
 

GB24a - Glendalough. The Glen of the Two Lakes
This is one of the most important monastic sites in Europe dating back to the 7th century. This sacred site is famous for its tranquil beauty - set amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
18.00 (€)
 

GB25 - Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Visit the 15th century Castle with its fine furnishings, antiques and paintings. Bunratty was built by the MacNamaras and became the main stronghold of the powerful O’Brien clan. Experience the Ireland of yesteryear as you wander through the folk park with its thatched cottages and smoky turf fires - a way of life that has all but gone now. In the village street there are shops, a school and a bakery - maybe treat yourself to some of the freshly baked cakes in the village tea room.
18.00 (€)
 

GB26 - Caggaunowen
Join us on a journey back to the time of St. Patrick and Ireland’s Golden Age. Located in a remote and scenic part of County Clare, Craggaunowen is a re-creation of the Celtic way of life. You will be taken to see the Dwelling houses, Furnsteads, and other features of everyday life during the Iron Age and Early Christian eras. Also see a leather craft of the type used by St.Brendan The Navigator in his legendary voyage of discovery to the New World.
18.00 (€)
 

GB27 - Shannon Castle Banquet
The banquet is held in the great hall of the Castle: we dine, we’re entertained by the court jester, the Castle musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court, in the splendour of a by-gone age. There’s fine music, singing, dancing, good food and laughter. It won’t be long before you join in with the ‘court entertainers’ taking home warm memories of this delightful evening.
58.00 (€)
 

GB28 - Irish Celi Evening
Enjoy the great atmosphere or ‘craic’ at our ceili evening. Traditional Irish music and dancing and the chance to sing along to some familiar Irish melodies. Dinner is included on this fun evening.
50.00 (€)
 

GB29 - Killarney Jaunting Car Ride
Take a traditional pony and trap ride through the streets of Killarney and into the beautiful Bourne - Vincent National Park. Your ‘Jarvey’ will tell you stories about Killarney - remember he has probably kissed the Blarney Stone once or twice!
15.00 (€)
 

GB32 - Dublin Dinner and Cabaret
Over an excellent dinner you’ll enjoy a non-stop show featuring comedy, dance, song, music and fine food. Ireland’s musical history unfolds in a cabaret that will delight you long after the night has ended. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the fun, and it’s all wrapped up in the spirit of Irish humour. We will even serve you an Irish Coffee at the end of dinner, it will put you in the mood for Ireland’s best night out.
61.00 (€)
 

GB36 - Cardiff Castle Tour
Visit this unique castle given to the city of Cardiff by the Marquis of Bute. The ornate decor within the castle will surprise and delight you.
10.00 (£)
 

GB41 - Burns Night in Braveheart Country
Join with the Scots to celebrate and commemorate their hero and national poet Robert Burns. With the bagpipes, the ceremony of the haggis and a delicious traditional meal, this is altogether an unforgettable evening.
27.00 (£)
 

GB48 - Irish Pub Experience
Why not join in the fun and laughter of one of the cosiest pubs in the country? Traditional Irish music tops the evening and before you know it you’ll be joining in the songs and laughter. (Two drinks of your choice is included).
20.00 (€)
 

GB57 - Lough Erne Cruise
A paradise for birds, wild flowers and fishermen, Lough Erne is the most uncongested waterway in Europe. The lakeside is high and rocky in some parts and is filled with 154 islands! We cruise along the lake and visit the island of Devenish with its 12th century round tower.
15.00 (€)
 

GB59 - Dublin Dinner
Join us for dinner in one of Dublin’s pub/restaurants.
38.00 (€)
 

GB61 - River Shannon Cruise
A unique opportunity to take a cruise on the majestic River Shannon through the beautiful rolling countryside of counties Leitrim and Roscommon. Famed in song and steeped in legend, the Shannon offers 258km of cruising waterway and is the longest river in the British Isles. Our cruise includes tea and coffee and homemade Irish scones on the luxurious “Moon River” Pleasure Cruiser.
18.00 (€)
 

GB63 - Guided Visit of Blair Castle
This fine castle is set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery. We will enjoy a guided visit around the castle, the home of the Duke of Atholl who is the only man in Britain to have a private army.
10.50 (£)
 

GB66 - Irish Stud & Japanese Gardens
A chance to visit the world famous Irish National Stud situated in Co. Kildare. We have a guided tour of the stable area and see their magnificent stallions. Followed by a visit to the Japanese Gardens.
17.00 (€)
 

GB85 - Dublin. Theatre & Dinner
Dublin has a great literary heritage. Join us for dinner and a performance at one of Dublin's Theatres.
75.00 (€)
 

GB91 - Highlands Sheepdog Demonstration
Visit a working sheep farm where the farmer gives a demonstration of the work and training of border Collies.
9.00 (£)
 

GB103 - Somerset Dinner
A mouth-watering meal of Somerset fayre in a charming restaurant, washed down with some of the locally produced ‘Scrumpy’ (apple-cider).
24.00 (£)