9 Day British
& Irish Delight Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : London Arrival & Tour
Start your trip at Heathrow Airport with an
independent transfer to your hotel. At 2:30 pm take a panoramic tour of central
London to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column and
lions of Trafalgar Square, Big Ben towering over the Houses of Parliament and
Hyde Park. In the evening meet your tour director for a welcome drink before
dinner in your hotel. (D)
Day 2 : Independent London Tour & Tower of London
Today you are free to schedule your London
sightseeing as you wish when you take an open-top bus tour around the many
famous landmarks. There are a number of different bus routes so that you can
choose the part of London that you'd like to focus on. Your voucher also
includes a walking tour and a cruise on the River Thames. Visit the Tower of
London to view the magnificent Crown Jewels, guarded by Beefeaters in
distinctive Tudor uniforms and the many towers of this huge fortress. You are
free to choose a restaurant to dine independently. (B)
Day 3 : 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 and relax before
dinner. (B, D)
Day 4 : Floors Castle & Cabaret Evening
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. Drive through the scenic Borders to Kelso to visit
Floors Castle, built in 1721 and home to the 10th Duke of Roxburghe, to see
stunning interiors with tapestries, silver and family portraits. Drive to
Edinburgh and experience lively entertainment at a Scottish cabaret. (B, D)
Day 5 : Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour
This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing
tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian
200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the
Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. See Princes Street, the main shopping
thoroughfare that separates the two areas. Learn about many prominent Scottish
inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh
Castle where you can see historic buildings and enjoy splendid views of
Edinburgh. The balance of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping
and dining. On August 5 to 19 departures, experience the Edinburgh Military
Tattoo. (B)
Day 6 : Giant's Causeway & Derry
This morning will be an early start as you drive
to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Larne. 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 7 : Ulster Folk Park & Taylor's Three Rock
Pub
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 Dun Laoghaire, where your
Victorian hotel is located on Dublin Bay, a few miles from the city. Enjoy
dinner at Taylor's Three Rock Pub followed by an upbeat show with Irish music
and dance. (B, D)
Day 8 : Dublin Tour & Leisure
Time
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 and evening are at leisure for an
independent sightseeing and dining. (B)
Day 9 : Tour Ends Dublin Airport
Take a group transfer to Dublin Airport to check
in for return flights. (B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner