Best Of Uk & Ireland

Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, travel to the mysterious Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Next stop is the beautiful, historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous Roman baths. Heading into nearby Wales, arrive in the capital, Cardiff, and enjoy a driving tour around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.

Orientation tour of Bath: Join your tour leader and enjoy an orientation tour through this beautiful town; famous for its sandstone Georgian architecture and Roman Bathhouse.

Visit Cardiff: Continue on to the Welsh capital where your tour leader will take you on a drive through the city, showing you the sights, before checking-in to the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, travel to Stratford-upon-Avon; William Shakespeare’s hometown, which offers more than 800 years of history. Delve deeper into Shakespeare’s life on an optional excursion to his childhood home before indulging in an afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre! Next up is Liverpool; this port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will delight in being in the home of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will love being in the home of the Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour* of the city. The evening is free to explore. Why not head to Matthew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where the Beatles first made their mark on modern music?

*Please note the second half of the Liverpool driving tour will take place on the morning of Day 3.

Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy free time to wander the city, and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century house where he grew up.

Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour to see some of the city's highlights including the Albert Dock, and a variety of locations connected to the Beatles.

See more of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour this morning before catching the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before reaching the ferry, make stops in Conwy to see the gorgeous castle and at the village with the longest name in Europe; Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Then, it’s onto Dublin. Enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city this evening; discover more about the city’s Viking past, its Medieval castles and its cathedrals. Explore its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent episodes. Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all!

Visit Conwy: Enjoy a comfort stop and lunch in the charming Welsh town of Conwy - a walled, market town famous for its 13th century castle.

See Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch: Make a photo stop at the village with the longest place name in Europe - try to capture the whole name in a photo and pronounce it correctly on your first go!

Visit Waterford: Spend some time in the oldest city in Ireland. Founded over 1,000 years ago, remnants of the city’s Viking origins can be seen in ruins of ancient fortified walls. Waterford’s history is far-reaching and colourful. Here, feel the atmosphere of medieval Ireland like nowhere else!

Visit Blarney Castle: Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold located just outside Cork, and it has an interesting claim to fame - it is home to the Blarney Stone! Legend says that if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone you might ­­­­­­gain the ‘gift of the gab'!

Visit Adare: Take a few photos in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly preserved thatch-roofed cottages that house craft shops and restaurants today.

Visit Limerick: Pay a visit to the Treaty Stone; legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed here, which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange, and concluded the Siege of Limerick. Snap some great photos of the 13th century King John’s Castle from across the river.

Experience the views at the Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves! The Cliffs of Moher are truly breathtaking and certainly one of the top Ireland travel highlights.

Visit Derry: Still fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer, including a beautiful waterfront and well-preserved city walls.

Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway: This natural wonder is surrounded by myth and legend. Did a giant build this sight, or was it an ancient volcanic activity that formed the 40,000 basalt columns? Clamber over the rocks, experience it up close and decide for yourself!

Guided tour of Belfast: A local guide will introduce some of the city's highlights, including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican communities respectively and are separated by peace walls. Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles and gaining a reputation as an exciting city which blends traditions with modernity.

Photo stop at Glen Coe: Enjoy a photo stop at one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands, and infamous for the tragic events of the Massacre of Glencoe that happened here in 1692.

Visit Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be her home? You’ll have free time to explore or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot the mythical creature from the water.

Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh. Highlights of Scotland’s captivating capital city include the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Old Town and Arthur’s Seat. See more on your free day tomorrow.

Today is yours to spend as you like – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or delve into the history, culture and interesting spots of the city on a Conquer the Capital optional excursion with your tour leader. This includes time to explore the incredible Edinburgh Castle. Today also offers the opportunity to visit Stirling with an optional half-day sightseeing tour. Enjoy an orientation tour, take a trip to the top of Wallace Monument, see the Kelpies, Stirling Castle and more! Tonight, choose to enjoy the optional traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with a chance to taste a famous (or infamous!) traditional Scottish food; haggis!