Itinerary

Day 1 London

London is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. London is one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. The city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Meet your driver at Heathrow airport, and take a private transfer to your hotel.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

The London Underground, or ‘the tube’ as it is universally known to Londoners, is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting round London. Greater London is served by 12 tube lines, along with the independent (though linked) and privately owned DLR and an interconnected rail network. The first tube train operates at around 5:30am Monday to Saturday and around 7am Sunday; the last train leaves between 11:30pm and 12:30am depending on the day, the station and the line. Remember that any train heading from left to right on the map is designated as eastbound, and any train heading from top to bottom is southbound- no matter how many squiggles and turns it makes. If your two stations are not on the same line, you need to note the nearest station where the two lines intersect, and it is here that you must change trains. Step out into this fantastic city and explore with your travel card - the best way to see London!

One of the world's great cities, vibrant London manages to shine in the greyest weather and its diversity defies a simple definition. This sprawling city has drawn people for centuries, looking for something and finding the unexpected. It's one of the world's most international cities and its influences blend to create something uniquely wonderful. Let your Guide know your particular interests and he/she will help you discover the city in a new way. Learn how to take the "tube", explore the cobblestone streets, gardens, and markets, and be a Londoner for a day! Your Guide will meet you at your hotel. Please note that one should wear comfortable shoes and a hat; suitable for children. (No entrance fees included)

The Mint Hotel Westminster (4*) formerly the City Inn Westminster is ideally located in the heart of central London in Westminster. You can reach the West End, the London Eye, Tate Britain and other attractions with absolute ease.  The 460 hotel rooms and suites are styled with absolute consideration for your comfort, with multimedia Apple iMac, fresh air conditioning, floods of natural daylight and White Company luxury toiletries to make guests feel at home. Enjoy a bnite to eat in the award-winning City Café. The hotel's destination restaurant offers quality British Cuisine created by the Head Chef who combines the freshest local ingredients to create mouth-watering seasonal dishes with a modern twist.   Alternatively, relax in the sophisticated surroundings of the Millbank Lounge bar with its vibrant mix of whisky, wine and cocktails.

Overnight at The Mint Hotel Westminster (4*).

Day 2 London

A visit to the magnificent medieval Warwick Castle, most of whose amazing towers and ramparts are still intact. Warwick Castle will take you back through its 1,000 year history as you enter over the footbridge to a bygone world of banquets, battles and ceremony. Visit the Tussaud"s waxwork, or if you"re feeling brave visit the spine-chilling dungeons where prisoners were tortured. You might wish to stroll through the Castle"s delightful and lovingly tended gardens set in the peaceful surroundings of England"s finest medieval Castle. During the summer months, archery, falconry and jousting take place.

Steeped in history and heritage the area of England known as The Cotswolds is a charming blend of cottages with honey-coloured walls and thatched roofs, market towns with crooked half-timbered houses lining the High Street, and ancient stone crosses, all set in the gently rolling hills ("wolds") that are so typically English in character.

We then travel through the rolling Warwickshire hills to Stratford-upon-Avon, a market town at the edge of the Forest of Arden made famous for being the birthplace of the world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. We"ll visit the Tudor-style birthplace of William Shakespeare, gaining a fascinating insight into his childhood with its typical parlour, bedrooms, kitchen, buttery and of course the glove-maker"s workshop used by John, Shakespeare"s father.

The colleges in Oxford date back to the 13th century and among its famous students were Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein and Lewis Carroll. We take you on a fascinating walking tour through the cobbled streets of Oxford to see the Bodleian Library and the picture-perfect college courtyards, for which Oxford is justifiably famous.

Admission to Warwick Castle, Christ Church college and Shakespeare's Birthplace is included in the tour price.

Overnight at The Mint Hotel Westminster (4*).

Day 3 London

Enjoy a time at leisure. Most London museums have free entry. Spend your time hopping on and off the tube and visit a couple of my recommended highlights: The British Museum (Holburn Underground station), The National Gallery (Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross Underground station), the Victoria & Albert (South Kensington Underground station), The Wallace Collection (Bond Street station) or the London Transport Museum (Covent Garden). Or, while away your time shopping in the markets: Camden, Spittalfields, Portobello (weekends only) or the Borough Market (Thurs, Fri and Sat).

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Within walking distance to your central London hotel, enjoy a fantastic meal out at one of the best restaurants in the West End. A few suggestions: J Sheekey, an incredibly smart seafood restaurant, Lindsay House, specializing in Irish cuisine, Mildred's, London's best veggie restaurant, Sketch, the trendiest place in London, specializing in some of the best french food you'll ever taste, or for those looking for something simple and cheerful, enjoy a nice meal out at Zipangu.

Overnight at The Mint Hotel Westminster (4*).

Day 4 Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and considered one of the most charming cities on Earth. Regardless of the time of year, there is plenty to see and do. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, on multiple levels with strayed buildings in brooding grey granite. Eclectic bars, fine dining, and national art collections and museums can be found all over the city. The vast student population keeps the atmosphere upbeat and vibrant, even in the downpours that periodically soak the city.

Meet your driver at your hotel and be taken to Heathrow Airport by a private transfer.

Enjoy the train ride from London to Edinburgh. Your direct train ride is approximately 4.5 hours.

Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today.

Edinburgh is a wonderful city to explore - from its historical sights to the highstreet shopping possibilites. With your 24 HOUR hop on hop off bus ticket you can enjoy the freedom to HOP ON & HOP OFF until the same time the following day. The route goes by the following places - stop off at the ones that you are interested in and hop on the next bus once you are finished: Waverley Bridge, Princes Street, Lothian Road, Bread Street, West Port, Grassmarket, Victoria Street, George IV Bridge, Chambers Street, South Bridge, High Street, Canongate, Horse Wynd, Queens Drive, Holyrood Gait, Our Dynamic Earth turning circle, Holyrood Gait, Queens Drive, Horse Wynd, Abbeyhill, Abbeymount, Regent Road, Waterloo Place, Princes Street, South St David Street, George Street, Hanover Street, Queen Street Gardens East, Heriot Row, Queen Street Gardens West, Frederick Street, The Mound, Market Street, and Waverley Bridge. Join the Tour At: Waverley Bridge, Lothian Road, Grassmarket, Royal Mile, Princess Street, or the Princes Mall.

Situated in the Old Town neighborhood of Edinburgh, this property is near Our Dynamic Earth, Arthur's Seat, and Scottish Parliament. Other nearby points of interest include Edinburgh Castle. Guestrooms have complimentary high-speed (wired) Internet access, slippers, and air conditioning; bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. At Macdonald Holyrood Hotel recreational amenities include an indoor pool, a health club, and a sauna. The property also provides a restaurant, a business center, and a concierge desk.

Overnight at Macdonald Holyrood (4*).

Day 5 Edinburgh

Enjoy a full day excursion outside of Edinburgh. Our journey takes us North over the Forth Road Bridge to Falkland. Take a step back in time in this traditional Scottish village, look in awe at the renowned renaissance architecture of the King's Palace and relax with a coffee. Travelling east on country roads we will have lunch at St Andrews, the home of golf, Scotland's oldest university town and ecclesiastical centre. With an extended stop of two hours or more, you can explore the Old Course (Golf), the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral or the Bishop's Castle. This beautiful seaside town also holds a high reputation for arts and crafts and has excellent shopping. Our afternoon takes us into the East Neuk of Fife. This is a delightful, yet sometimes forgotten part of Scotland, where we have time to visit some of the picturesque fishing villages en route back to Edinburgh. (Tour includes transportation by deluxe minicoach, professional guide, visit Falkland village and Palace, visit St Andrews and its famous Old Course golf course, visit beautiful fishing villages of Fife). Return around 6:30 pm to Edinburgh.

Overnight at Macdonald Holyrood (4*).
    
St. Andrews Castle
St. Andrews Castle
Day 6 Edinburgh

Enjoy a private half day tour with your own vehicle and local guide to show you around the city's top sights including Edinburgh castle, St. Giles Cathedral, Holyrood palace and Scott monument. Entrance fee and guide services at Edinburgh Castle are included.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Overnight at Macdonald Holyrood (4*).

Day 7 Edinburgh

Depart Edinburgh at 9.30am, on board a top of the range minicoach as you embark on a full day's shared tour taking in many of the great sights outside of Edinburgh. You will travel over the Forth Road Bridge to the little town of Dunkeld with its ancient cathedral. From here it is a short distance to the Hermitage in Macbeths Birnam Wood for a forest walk amongst spectacular waterfalls and some of the tallest trees in the country. Then journey north for lunch in Pitlochry (not included) before travelling to the Queens View above Loch Tummel. Continue through the mountains to majestic Loch Tay and the pretty village of Kenmore in an area abundant with ancient stone circles. From here we cross the hills again to the world oldest Scotch Whisky distillery at Glenturret where you can take a tour and tasting before returning past Stirling Castle to Edinburgh.

Overnight at Macdonald Holyrood (4*).

Day 8 Dublin

The history, charming Georgian architecture and the host of more earthy entertainment on offer will all entice you to Dublin, but it is the people that will leave the biggest impression on you.

Meet your driver for your private airport transfer today.

Today you will take a short flight from Edinburgh to Dublin.  Approximate flight time is 1 hour.

After being picked up at the airport by your English speaking driver, you will be brought on at our of Dublin. Your Driver/Guide will show you Dublin's major attractions such as Trinity College and the Book of Kells, perhaps the worlds most beautifully illustrated book. In the city centre region there is also St Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch and the famous Guinness Brewery. There are a host of shopping and museums and galleries to explore in the historical Georgian district near St Stephens Green. We highly recommend the National Museum, Natural History Museum and the National Gallery to name a few.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

The Davenport (4*) is an elegant boutique hotel that is traditionally styled in keeping with the original building. Ideally located at Merrion Square in the heart of Georgian Dublin, The Davenport is within strolling distance of Trinity College, the National Art Gallery, St Stephen's Green and the shopping district of Grafton Street.

Overnight at Davenport Hotel (4*).

Day 9 Dublin

Explore Dublin as you wish with a 2 day Dublin Pass giving you fast track and free entry to over 30 of Dublin's top attractions as well as over 25 special offers in restaurants, shops, tours, theatres and other entertainment venues.

Take the morning to discover the suburbs of Dublin. In a shared tour, you will pass the famous Abbey Theatre and head out across the north of the city to the 14th century Castle at Malahide. The Castle, which is set in magnificent gardens, has some of the finest Irish period furniture and contains famous portraits from the National Art Gallery. Continue on to the award winning village of Malahide, then trace the coastline to the fishing village of Howth. Enjoy magnificent views of Dublin Bay from Howth Head. Return to Dublin along the coast, via north city villages whose lore and legend are recounted by your guide.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Davenport Hotel (4*).

Day 10 Galway

Galway, called Gailimh in Irish, with a population of over 70,000, is Ireland's fourth largest city and is a major hub for visits to West Ireland. It has long since been known as "The City of the Tribes" and this title could not be more appropriate these days, given the multicultural vibrancy of present-day Galway. Galway is a perfect base for seeing the West Ireland, but it is also worth a visit in itself. Although it has only a few typical sightseeing spots what makes it a wonderful place to stay is the atmosphere, the culture, the people, the events. The pedestrian shopping area south of Eyre Square, is a pleasant place to walk around. And if the traditional Irish rain starts, just visit the Eyre Square shopping center, where they have put a roof above parts of the old town wall and so included them into the shopping mall, a beautiful combination of old and new.

Upon arrival at Dublin train station, you will be met by your driver to transfer you to your accommodation.

Enjoy the train ride from Dublin to Galway . Train journey is approximately 2 hours 30 mins.

Enjoy your private train station transfer today.

Walk along high Street in Galway for a pleasurable way to pass an hour or two. Start at Kenny's Bookshop on High Street. The labyrinth is both an art gallery and quality bookshop with second hand and new books. All along the short cobblestoned stretch of the road, known as High street are small, interesting unique shops. Kelly's Crafts has a good range of goods, especially knits and pottery. Three Bags Full will sell you the wool to knit your own sweater or jacket. A left turn at the bottom of High Street brings you to Cross Street and The Silver Lining Gift Shop which sells glassware, China and novelty gift items. Traditions sells Aran knits, and across the road in the Curiousity Corner, the shelves are spilling over with all kinds of lovely, unusual gifts. To the right of High Street, is La Maison, a shop selling quality European made gifts. Opposite is Judy Green's Pottery Workshop selling pretty, handthrown pottery. Large items can be wrapped and posted home to you. Exclusive, very attractive designer knitwear is sold at Margaret Joyce in Quay Street directly opposite is Twice as Nice, where one can find a fine selection of vintage linen, lace and clothes. The Quay Lane Gallery is a small shop at the bottom of Quay Street which sells framed prints, as well as original work. Next door is Cobwebs, widely considered the prettiest shop in Galway with a delightful, seemingly infinite stock of pretty goods on display.

Park House Hotel Galway (4*) is conveniently located in the heart of Galway's city centre. The hotel blends the warmth and personality of a boutique hotel with the style and luxury of a contemporary 4 Star international hotel. Guest accommodation comprises of 84 rooms divided into superior & deluxe rooms, suites and serviced apartments. The award-winning Park Restaurant is a favourite with locals and guests.

Overnight at Park House (4*).

Day 11 Galway

Enjoy a seashore walk only five minutes stroll from the city centre. Cross the Wolfe Tome Bridge at the bottom of Quay Street, turn left and walk towards the ocean. You can walk along by the seashore to the end of Salthill Promenade at Blackrock, with views out to Galway bay and back to the city centre. The walk is approx. 1.5 miles/ 2 km.

Enjoy a full day shared excursion from Galway to the impressive cliffs of Moher and the Burren - a very special place of natural beauty. Taking you along Galway Bay, your first stop is at the fishing village of Kinvara to see Dungaire Castle. From here, we continue into the Burren, home to 75% of Ireland's native flora and the location of numerous ancient monuments - many of which we visit including the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort. You can also stop at Kilfenora to see the famous Celtic Crosses and then make our way to the 200 metre high and 8km's long cliffs of Moher. Enjoy stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands and take your time to soak up the natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. At the Cliffs you will have and a guided tour and 2 hours free to enjoy the site.

Overnight at Park House (4*).

Day 12 Galway

Enjoy a full day shared excursion to the wild landscape of Connemara and on to the village of Cong. The first stop is at Ross Errily Friary - a hidden but atmospheric 14th century monastery. We then head to Cong Village for a guided walking tour through Cong Woods to see Ashford Castle. Entering Connemara on the Lough Nafooey route allows you to see the stark beauty of the hidden valley of Connemara before arriving at the Atlantic Ocean. The tour then continues to Kylemore Abbey and back home to Galway via the picturesque Inagh Valley.

Overnight at Park House (4*).

Day 13 Cardiff

Europe's youngest Capital City, Cardiff, is the Capital City of Wales. Founded by the Romans, influenced by the Normans, Cardiff exploded onto the world map, earning the reputation of The Coal Exporting Capital of the World. Nowadays it is a lively and modern capital city, gaining popularity with tourists interested in its history and culture. Once overlooked, it is now one of the United Kingdom's tourism hotspots. Summer is by far the best time to visit, as many of the attractions are outdoors. Its population is roughly 325,000.

Sit back and relax on your private transfer from Galway to Dublin.

Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.

You will be met at Cardiff airport and taken to your accommodation.

You will be provided with a welcome pack upon arrival in Cardiff which will include your vouchers, and itinerary as well as additional information such as city maps  and train tickets (as relevant).

Enjoy a private walking tour today with your local guide. Your guide will pick you up at your centrally located hotel and show you the sites.

Holiday Inn Cardiff (3*) is situated between the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, perfectly located for the business or leisure traveller.  With the City Centre only minutes away, you can enjoy the Edwardian Arcades for shopping or visit the Cardiff Bay. The city offers many vibrant new restaurants and bars.  The 157 bedrooms are all fully air conditioned and offer high speed internet access and are equipped with all the required facilities. Family rooms are available as well as 4 accessible rooms, one with ceiling hoist track. The Hotel Bar offers a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere and serves refreshments and light snacks.

Overnight at Holiday Inn (3*).

Day 14 Cardiff

You will be picked up from your central Cardiff hotel and taken by private car on a journey towards the South Pembrokeshire Coast bringing us to the western tip of Carmarthenshire and the ancient town of Laugharne, with its 12th century castle once painted by Turner. You will travel the coastal road alongside Pendine Sands, a seven-mile beach famous for land speed records. Our drive to Tenby is a particularly scenic route, which hugs the South Pembrokeshire coastline, occasionally offering glimpses of this popular Victorian seaside resort and the island of Caldey. Tenby is steeped in ancient history with its high medieval walls which were strengthened by Jasper Tudor, uncle of the future king, Henry VII in the 15th century. Tenby is considered by many to be one of the UK's most attractive holiday resorts - a medieval centre, narrow cobbled streets packed tight with shops and places to eat, and three award-winning Blue Flag Beaches. We make our way towards the St. David's Peninsula, famous for the riverside castle. A scenic thirty minute drive taking in Newgale Sands and Solva, a picturesque village built around a fine natural harbour, takes us to St. David's, the smallest city in the United Kingdom. We stop in St. Non's Bay - the birth place of St. David. It is here we take a short walk on The Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which crawls around almost every part of the coast, Our final stop of the day, Traeth Mawr, is consistently rated one of Wales' very best seaside resorts.

Overnight at Holiday Inn (3*).

Day 15 Cardiff

You will be collected from your accommodation and taken to Cardiff airport in time for check in.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .

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