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 : Tower of London & City Sights
Today you may schedule your London sightseeing when you take an open-top bus tour around the many famous landmarks. There are a number of different bus routes as well as 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 or Kensington Palace, birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to Princess Diana. You are free to choose a restaurant to dine independently.
(B)
Day 3 : Cambridge & York Walking Tours
Visit Cambridge for a stroll around 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 : Alnwick Castle & Edinburgh Evening
View a portion of Hadrian’s Wall and head north to visit Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England. View the lavish State Rooms with a stunning array of art, portraits and furniture. The Alnwick Garden is beautifully landscaped and enhanced with architectural and water features. Travel through the scenic Northumberland National Park and make a brief stop in Melrose. Drive to Edinburgh and enjoy dinner at a fun Scottish evening with bagpipes, dancing and song.
(B, D)
Day 5 : 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 view 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 4 to 18 departures, experience the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
(B)
Day 6 : Titanic Belfast & Ballygally Castle Stay
This morning will be an early start as you drive to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Belfast. Take a panoramic tour to see the highlights, including Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about this ill-fated famous liner through state-of-the-art displays. Continue to historic Ballygally Castle Hotel in time for dinner and your overnight stay.
(B, D)
Day 7 : Giant’s Causeway & Derry Walk
Travel along the scenic coastal route of the “Nine Glens of Antrim” and 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 a walking tour around the medieval city walls with a local guide. Drive south to your Victorian hotel located on Dublin Bay, a few miles from the city and dine on your own this evening.
(B)
Day 8 : Dublin Tour & Book of Kells
This morning tour 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 in the evening enjoy dinner at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub followed by an upbeat show with Irish music and dance.
(B, D)
Day 9 : Tour Ends Dublin Airport
Take a group transfer to Dublin Airport to check in for your flight home.
(B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner