Exploring Britain & Ireland
England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales
Marvel at some of the world’s most magnificent cities on this comprehensive adventure through the pageantry, imperialism and history of England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. Begin with an exclusive city tour of London, featuring the historic sites of this regal city. Experience the Welsh capital of Cardiff and travel along the beautiful countryside of Wales. Prepare to walk in the footsteps of John, Paul, Ringo, and George in Liverpool, then overnight in one of the best-preserved walled cities in England, Chester. From pop culture to sociology and governance, discover the small Celtic Island of Ireland while reveling in the vast history and tradition of the Irish. Take in historical Dublin before traveling north to the natural and man-made wonders of Belfast; then conclude this rich journey with the traditions of the Scots and their impressive lands, uniquely dotted with moors, lochs, glens, and castles.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Itinerary
Sun, Oct. 22: Fly overnight from Indianapolis to London, England.
Mon, Oct. 23: Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and meet your honorary Blue Badged Tour guide for an unveiling of royal grandeur and historical significance of this regal city, starting with an in-depth exploration of the Tower of London. Following the tour, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, rejoin the group for a traditional 3-course Welcome Dinner. (Meals: Welcome Dinner)
Tue, Oct. 24: Discover the pageantry of London with a more formal introduction to the city’s iconic sites. Experience the time-honored symbol of British monarchy with the Changing of the Guard. Tour Westminster Abbey, a place of worship, celebration, ceremony, and the nation’s coronation church for nearly 1000 years. See the city from a different perspective with a relaxing city cruise from Westminster Pier to the Tower of London, then close the day with dinner and a London Theatre performance. (B, D)
Wed, Oct. 25: Travel to the Welsh capital of Cardiff, the primary film location of BBC TV’s, Doctor Who. Join an expert-led tour of Cardiff Castle, revealing 2000 years of history in the heart of Wales. Indulge in the rich flavor of a Welsh lunch before taking a step back in time as you visit the home of homes and living museum, St. Fagan’s National Museum of History. Overnight in Cardiff. (B,L)
Thu, Oct. 26: Today, experience pop culture and posh history with visits to both Liverpool and Chester, England. Walk in the footsteps of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. Witness how they revolutionized music at The Beatles Story Exhibit in Liverpool. Then, take a short jaunt to Chester, one of the best-preserved walled cities in Britain and discover her quaint charm from the River Dee aboard a ChesterBoat Cruise before overnighting in this often-overlooked village. (B,D)
Fri, Oct. 27: This morning traverses the Irish Sea by ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. Upon arrival, meet up with a local guide for an immersive Dublin City Tour. Discover the Heart & Soul of the world’s most iconic brewed beer as you explore all seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse. Then come together for the perfect pint at the glass walled, top floor, Gravity Bar as you drink in the intoxicating view! Spend the next two nights in Dublin. (B,D)
Sat, Oct. 28: Today will be one of self-exploration following a half day Dublin city tour featuring Trinity College and the ninth century, Book of Kells, the most famous of all illuminated manuscripts commemorating the story of Jesus Christ as depicted in the four Gospels. The remainder of the day is yours to discover the friendliest city in the world, your own way! (B)
Sun, Oct. 29: Travel north to beautiful Belfast for both a fascinating and solemn day of discovery at the award-winning Titanic Experience Museum. Titanic Belfast is more than a visitor attraction; it is a memorial to Belfast’s maritime heritage on the very site of the former shipyard responsible for building the “unsinkable” ship; which unfortunately, proved to be sinkable in 1912. Check into your hotel in Belfast for a two-night stay. (B,D)
Mon, Oct. 30: Today is welcomed with a visit to one of the most amazing places on the planet, the Giant’s Causeway; a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the unique hexagonal shape of a basalt column that forms what looks like steppingstones leading from the foot of the cliff into the sea. All the while you explore the 40,000 interlocking columns, you’ll be audience to the infamous folklore surrounding the mysterious formation of the causeway stones; was it geological manifestation or could it be the act of a giant names Fin McCool? You be the judge! (B)
Tue, Oct. 31: Another ferry ride across the Irish Sea finds the rugged beauty of Scotland. In journey to Glasgow, pause to revel in the lush forestry of Trossach’s National Park, celebrated for its scenic quality of landscape offering a striking contrast where the lowlands and highlands converge. Nestled in the heart of Trossach’s National Park is Loch Lomond where a mesmerizing cruise awaits. Our time in the region would be incomplete without a visit to Glengoyne Distillery, voted one of the best whisky distilleries in the world and home to the slowest distillation process in Scotland. Enjoy dinner with the group and overnight in Glasgow. (B,D)
Wed, Nov. 1: Depart Glasgow for Stirling City where history revolves around Stirling Castle and the William Wallace era. As one of the largest castles in Scotland, Stirling Castle holds both historical and architectural significance. Learn why, at one time, it was believed that whoever controlled Stirling controlled Scotland. Next, visit the town that gave the world their beloved game of Golf, St. Andrews. Discover how it all began at the World of Golf Museum, a must see for golf fans, yet enthralling to all! (B,D)
Thu, Nov. 2: Today, see for yourself why Edinburgh is voted “one of the best places to live in Europe”, second only to London. This, our final city, is steeped in history and heritage while featuring a lovable cityscape and a noteworthy “throne of stone”. Relive the conquests and traditions of Edinburgh Castle with an expert led tour showcasing a plethora of relics on display, including the Scottish Crown Jewels. End with a historic stroll down the Royal Mile, then take advantage of more free time for personal discovery. This evening, come together one last time to indulge in a Farewell Dinner Experience consumed with Scottish warmth, tradition and smashing Scottish Entertainment as we bid farewell with grateful hearts. (B, Farewell Dinner)
Fri, Nov. 3: Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure home. (B)
Hotel
Bailey’s Hotel, London. A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of fashionable Kensington. Feel at home with the Victorian grandeur in this traditional 1876 Victoria Hotel. Highlights: Complimentary WiFi • restaurant • currency exchange • laundry service • dry cleaning• business center. In-room: air conditioning • room service • refrigerator• wake up service / alarm clock • safe • iron.
Radisson Blu, Cardiff. This 4-star hotel in Cardiff allows for dazzling views of the capital in this stylish, contemporary & upscale property in the heart of Cardiff’s City Centre. Highlights: Complimentary WiFi • restaurant • bar • laundry service/dry cleaning • business center •fitness center. In-room: air conditioning • room service • refrigerator • coffee maker • wake up service / alarm clock • safe • iron
The Queen at Chester Hotel, Chester, England. A hotel with an illustrious past, the first skyscraper of its time, since its opening, it has welcomed such guests as Charles Dickens! With a unique concept, each floor of this hotel is dedicated to a country and every suite is named after a king of that nation. Highlights: Complimentary WiFi • currency exchange • restaurant • laundry service • business center • fitness center. In-room: air conditioning • room service • refrigerator • coffee maker • safe • iron
Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge. One of the finest 4-star hotels in South Dublin on a prestigious location and exquisitely manicured grounds. This beautifully restored 19th century Masonic Orphan’s school. It is the perfect location for any traveler looking to explore Dublin’s top visitor attractions. Highlights: Complimentary Wi-Fi • restaurant • sound proof • full service laundry • business center • fitness center. In-room: air conditioning • room service • refrigerator • coffee maker • iron
Europa Hotel, Belfast. A world-famous hotel in the heart of Belfast, often referred to as the heartbeat of the city. It is conveniently located in the city’s retail and entertainment districts. It is the perfect base for visiting Titanic Belfast and the Game of Throne attractions. Highlights: Complimentary WiFi • restaurant • smoke free property • full-service laundry • business center • fitness center. In-room: air conditioning • room service • flat-screen TV • refrigerator • tea & coffee maker • iron
Radisson Blu, Glasgow. Dive into Glasgow’s culture-rich heart from the stylish surroundings of this contemporary city-centered, iconic hotel. Highlights: Complimentary WiFi • restaurant • smoke free property • full service laundry • business center. In-room: air conditioning • room service • flat-screen TV • refrigerator • iron
Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh. Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, adjacent to the Scottish Parliament, Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is one of the city’s leading hotels. This historic 4-star property is the perfect stay for those who wish to experience Edinburgh to the fullest, located within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. Highlights: Complimentary WiFi • bar/lounge • laundry/dry cleaning service • business center •pool • fitness center. In-room: room service • flat-screen TV • refrigerator • tea & coffee maker • iron
PRICING
* Subject to change due to fuel surcharge
Documents Required: Valid Passport