21 Day Britain & Ireland In-Depth

Itinerary

21 Day Guided Tour from London to London with APT

Highlights include Stratford-upon-Avon, York, The Lakes District, Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Dublin and much more.

Day By Day

Day 1 Arrive London
Welcome to London. We'll meet you on arrival and transfer to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, we have arranged a welcome reception at your hotel, which provides a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and expert APT tour director. Stay: London, The May Fair Hotel

Day 2 London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon
Steeped in history, call in at Oxford, one of the world's most famous university cities before continuing to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the town, and see Hall's Croft and Shakespeare's childhood home. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your boutique hotel. Stay: Stratford-upon-Avon, The Arden Hotel

(B/D)

Day 3 Stratford-upon-Avon, York
Travel to the Peak District National Park and visit Chatsworth House, a magnificent home that boasts an impressive art collection. This estate has featured in many films, including the acclaimed Pride and Prejudice. Your journey then continues to York. Stay Two Nights: York, The Grand Hotel & Spa

(B/D)

Day 4 York
Enjoy a walking exploration of York this morning.
Freedom of Choice:
Visit York Minster, the biggest medieval cathedral in England. Or you can learn about the city's Viking heritage at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Another option is to travel back in time for a spine-tingling experience as you learn of Victorian tragedies and true accounts of York's ghostly history.

(B)

Day 5 York, Edinburgh
Set out across the English countryside to Edinburgh. Continue through Northumberland National Park to Jedburgh, before crossing the Scottish border to arrive in Edinburgh. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Stay Two Nights: Edinburgh, G and V Royal Mile Hotel

(B/D)

Day 6 Edinburgh
After a city tour, you'll enjoy your selected activity. On select departures, you will also see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Freedom of Choice:
Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia as you embark the British royal family's floating home. Alternatively, gain a behind-the-scenes look into the Palace of Holyroodhouse.Signature Experiences:Today you'll be shown around Edinburgh Castle before it is open to the public, followed by a city discovery.

(B)

Day 7 Edinburgh, Inverness
Continue through the Highlands and visit one of the most awarded whiskey distilleries in the world, Glenfiddich. During your tour, enjoy a tasting. Arrive in Inverness and enjoy an orientation tour. Stay: Inverness, Kingsmills Hotel

(B/D)

Day 8 Inverness, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond
Take a scenic drive along the shores of Loch Ness and see Urquhart Castle along the way. Later, admire Glencoe, considered one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland and the site of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. Afterwards, visit Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park - Scotland's first national park. Settle in to Cameron House, a five-star Scottish baronial mansion perfectly positioned on the banks of Loch Lomond, before enjoying dinner at your hotel. Stay: Loch Lomond, Cameron House, in a Loch View Room

(B/D)

Day 9 Loch Lomond
Discover the beauty of the region on your selected activity today.
Freedom of Choice:
Perhaps enjoy a guided walk through Loch Lomond's stunning scenery, relax as you enjoy a peaceful cruise on the loch or enjoy some of the finest greens with a round of golf. Alternatively, perhaps indulge in a soothing spa experience.

(B)

Day 10 Loch Lomond, Lake District
Today, uncover the most spectacular emerald and cerulean landscapes of the Lake District. Later, arrive at your designer hotel, Laura Ashley, The Belsfield Hotel, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner this evening. Stay: Lake District, Laura Ashley, The Belsfield Hotel
Freedom of Choice:
Take a cruise on Windermere or a stroll through the quaint villages.

(B/D)

Day 11 Lake District, Chester
Continue to Chester and on arrival, join a walking tour. See its Roman ruins and the medieval shopping arcades called the ‘Rows'. See the Eastgate Clock, housed within a turret above the ancient walls of Chester. Stay: The Chester Grosvenor

(B/D)

Day 12 Chester, Dublin
Enjoy a stop in Conwy, a town that is teeming with rich history. In the heart lies its 13th-century castle within the medieval town. Admire the liush surrounding Welsh countryside before taking the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. This evening you will have choice of dining. Stay Two Nights: Conrad Dublin
Freedom of Choice:
Go traditional at an Irish pub with a pint of Guinness and live music, or dine at your hotel.

(B/D)

Day 13 Dublin
Your local expert will show you the best of the Irish capital. As you explore Dublin's Georgian architecture, you'll see Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Castle, St Stephen's Green and Temple Bar. Then, see a different side to Ireland with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, where leaders of the rebellions were detained and executed. Later this afternoon, choose your activity.
Freedom of Choice:
Enjoy a tour of Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Otherwise, you may wish to visit the Guinness Storehouse, home of the dark stout since 1759. Or experience the funnier side of Irish culture at a fast-paced comedy show.

(B)

Day 14 Dublin, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Tully, Galway
Cross over Sally's Gap to Wicklow Mountains National Park, which offers Ireland's most beautiful landscapes interrupted only by forestry plantations and winding mountain roads. Stop in Glendalough, known for its early Monastic settlement, then visit the Irish National Stud for a guided tour. Here, perhaps you'd like to offer a carrot to these four-legged legends and then visit its Japanese Garden. Later, arrive in Galway. Stay: Galway, The G Hotel and Spa

(B/D)

Day 15 Galway, Adare, Killarney
At a local farm, learn about traditional Irish farming practices, as well as a fun scone making tutorial. Afterwards, stop in Adare on your way to Killarney, considered one of the most stunning villages in Ireland. Arrive at your luxurious property, The Europe Hotel and Resort, where you'll enjoy dinner overlooking the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Stay Two Nights: Killarney, The Europe Hotel and Resort

(B/D)

Day 16 Killarney, Dingle Peninsula
Follow the south shore of the Dingle Peninsula. Visit the town of Dingle then drive to the Gaelic-speaking region of Slea Head for exceptional views.
Freedom of Choice:
Perhaps enjoy horse riding, a pony and trap ride or relax at the hotel's spa.
Signature Experiences:
Enjoy dinner accompanied by a musical performance at Ballyseede Castle.

(B/D)

Day 17 Killarney, Waterford
Travel to Moll's Gap along the Ring of Kerry, where you will stop to capture some of the most stunning scenes. Continue to Waterford, where you have the choice of sightseeing. Stay: Waterford, Dunbrody House Hotel
Freedom of Choice:Visit the House of Waterford Crystal or embark on a guided walking tour.

(B/D)

Day 18 Waterford, Bath
Today, take a ferry across the Irish Sea to the British mainland, then travel through Pembrokeshire, before arriving in Bath. Stay Two Nights: The Gainsborough Bath Spa

(B/D)

Day 19 Bath, Bristol
Explore the city of Bath before visiting the Roman Baths. Later in Bristol, visit the SS Great Britain and hear the stories of its early years.

(B)

Day 20 Bath, London
Discover Stonehenge, where the site you will see today was completed about 3,500 years ago. Afterwards, continue to Hampshire for a traditional farewell afternoon tea at the grand Tylney Hall. Step back to an age of elegance at this Victorian era mansion while you savour tasty treats. Later, return to London. Stay: London, The May Fair Hotel

(B/L)

Day 21 Depart London
Transfer to the airport.

(B)