10 Day Itinerary Including Airfare from
USA
Day 1 - Sat: Overnight Flight to
London
Depart your North American gateway city and travel
through the night to London. Land only tour starts on day
2.
Day 2 - Sun: Traditional Open-Top Independent
Tour
Welcome to Heathrow Airport, London! Take an independent
coach transfer to your hotel, located near the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's
Globe Theatre. Coaches operate frequently. Relax in your hotel or take your
independent open-top bus tour. You may stay on the bus for the entire route or
get on and off to explore places that appeal to you. In the evening meet your
guide and fellow travelers over a welcome drink before dining in your hotel. (D)
Day 3 - Mon: Hampton Court Palace &
Gardens
Tour Hampton Court Palace, which is set in handsome
grounds close to the River Thames. See the Tudor Kitchens, the great gatehouse,
the orangery, the Hampton Court Vine and the maze. Return to London where the
afternoon and evening are at leisure for independent activities. If you did not
use your independent bus tour pass (valid for 24 hours) on day 2, you may use it
to explore today. (CB)
Day 4 -
Tue: Cambridge & York Walking Tour
Visit Cambridge to see
some of the famous university colleges, including King's College, and the
Mathematical Bridge over the River Cam. Head north to York for a walking tour to
appreciate narrow streets and medieval houses, which contain centuries of
history. The stately York Minster, with towers and stained glass, is the
highlight of the walk. Check in to your hotel, located in a quiet area and
within walking distance of the center of York. (CB, D)
Day 5 - Wed: Borders Country & Abbotsford
House
Pass Heddon-on-the-Wall to view a portion of Hadrian's
Wall and travel through the scenic Northumberland National Park. Cross into
Scotland at Carter Bar and stop in Jedburgh, a charming Borders town. In Melrose
visit Abbotsford House, Sir Walter Scott's home where he wrote most of his
novels until his death in 1832. View an impressive collection of memorabilia and
a library with over 9,000 rare volumes. Drive to Edinburgh and experience lively
Scottish entertainment as you dine at a traditional cabaret. (B,
D)
Day 6 - Thu: Edinburgh Castle
& Guided City Tour
Discover Edinburgh's highlights on a city
tour. See the elegant Georgian "New Town" with spacious streets and the compact
medieval city along the Royal Mile. Tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown
Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. Also enjoy splendid views of
central Edinburgh. The rest of the day is free for independent activities. On
August 07 and 21 departures, experience the colorful Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
(B)
Day 7 - Fri: Giant's Causeway & Derry
This morning will be an early start as you drive to Cairnryan for a short
ferry ride to Larne in Northern Ireland. Travel along the "Nine Glens of Antrim"
with views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Visit the Giant's Causeway,
hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. The
enormous rocks have spawned legends about the mythical giant, Finn McCool.
Continue to Derry for your overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 8 - Sat:
Ulster Folk Park & Dublin
This morning join a local guide
for a short walking tour around Derry, surrounded by medieval city walls. Near
Omagh visit the Ulster American Folk Park to see many cottages and traditional
crafts. The Park traces the story of Ulster emigrants and shows rural lifestyles
in both Ireland and America in Colonial times. Travel south to Dublin where the
evening is free. (B)
Day 9 - Sun: Book of Kells & Taylor's
Three Rock Pub
Take a tour around central Dublin, with spacious
Georgian squares and streets, landmark public buildings and graceful townhouses.
Visit Trinity College to see the campus and view the Book of Kells in the Old
Library. The afternoon is free and you may use your open-top bus tour vouchers
and visit Guinness or Jameson. Enjoy dinner at Taylor's Three Rock Pub followed
by an upbeat show with Irish music and dance. (B, D)
Day 10 -
Mon: Depart for Home
Complimentary group transfers to Dublin
Airport are provided to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before boarding your
flight for the journey home. (B)