22 Day Britain & Ireland Discovery

Itinerary

Britain and Ireland tours compared

Day By Day

Insight Vacations Guided Tour starting in London and finishing in London

A well paced tour with a blend of two-night stays in key cities plus the change of pace with two different Irish ferry crossings and pleasant driving days with frequent stops. Hotels are mainly modern in the major cities. While the Highland hotels are mainly traditional and much simpler in style, although typical of the region.

Day 1 From London To Oxford, Cotswolds And On To Stratford

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, settle into your luxury coach and head westwards through the green Chiltern Hills. Stop in Oxford, the 'City of Dreaming Spires', home to the world's most famous university with its colleges dating back to the 13th century. With time at leisure, why not enjoy a visit to the world famous Ashmolean Museum or just browse through the local indoor market, before continuing via pretty Cotswolds villages to Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit the half-timbered house where the bard was born, now a museum full of memorabilia relating to his life. Later, join your Tour Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Reception, with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. (WR/D) Stay: Alveston Manor, Stratford

Day 2 Head To Medieval York

After breakfast, a leisurely drive brings you to the historic city of York, its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. Inside the ancient city walls, see the Minster, largest medieval church in northern Europe, then go exploring through the maze of narrow streets to the topsy-turvy 'Shambles', where warped, over hanging timber-framed houses lean so far that they almost touch! Now you are at leisure. (BB/D) Stay: Marriott, York

Day 3 Journey Through The English Lakes To Edinburgh

This morning, travel across the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines to the picturesque English Lake District. Here a scenic wonderland awaits - rugged mountains and tranquil waters, inspiration to a host of English poets including Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson and Shelley. After a visit to Wordsworth's grave in the village of Grasmere, cross into Scotland and stop briefly at Gretna Green. This is the famous spot where runaway lovers were married over the anvil at the Blacksmith's Shop. Then it's on to the majestic Scottish capital. Tonight, selected departures attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. (FB) Stay: Crowne Plaza - The Roxburghe/Crowne Plaza Royal Terrace, Edinburgh

Day 4 Edinburgh, Athens Of The North

After a restful night's sleep, join a local expert to see the highlights of the 'Athens of the North'. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott. Then tour the elegant 18th century New Town with its classical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and Scotland's glittering crown jewels. At the bottom of the Royal Mile, stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps research your family tartan in the Tartan Centre or visit the art treasures in the National Gallery. (FB) Stay: Crowne Plaza - The Roxburghe(Sun/Tue)/Crowne Plaza Royal Terrace(Fri), Edinburgh.

Day 5 To St. Andrews And On To The Highland Capital Of Inverness

Cross the Firth of Forth into Fife and make your way to St. Andrews, the home of golf. After some time to explore, cross the Tay and drive to the charming Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap. Continue via Blair Atholl and over the Grampian Mountains to the sparkling Spey Valley. The Scottish Border Collie is world renowned for its herding abilities. Visit a working Highland farm for a personal insight into the daily life of a shepherd and his dogs. Continue to stately Inverness, where your centrally located hotel looks over the River Ness and up to Inverness Castle. (BB/D) Stay: The Columba Hotel, Inverness

Day 6 Along The Shores Of Loch Ness To Culloden And Wick

Travel to Culloden Moor this morning, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was finally crushed in 1746. Visit the Culloden Visitor Centre before continuing along the shores of Loch Ness. Keep your eyes peeled for the monster. Now follow the rugged coast north to the fishing port of Wick. Pause at the Old Pulteney Distillery to taste a wee dram of whisky and learn about the production of the national drink. Don't blink as you drive on to your hotel - you pass Ebenezer Place, which at 2.06m, is the world's shortest street! (BB/D) Stay: Norseman Hotel, Wick

Day 7 Orkney Islands Experience

On the following morning, drive to the most northerly town on the British mainland, John O'Groats. Board the ferry to the beautiful Orkney Islands - where the hardy locals live 'below the wind and above the water'. Sightseeing includes visits to the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mysterious Ring of Brodgar, Kirkwall and the small chapel built by Italian prisoners of war during WWII. Return to your hotel for dinner this evening. (BB/D) Stay: Norseman Hotel, Wick

Day 8 Drive To Ullapool And Over The Sea To Skye

Relax and enjoy the pristine landscapes of lochs and mountains on your way to the fishing town of Ullapool. Then drive alongside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron before crossing to the magical Isle of Skye, the largest and most beautiful island of the Inner Hebrides. Hear the story of the song 'Over the Sea to Skye', which tells of young Flora MacDonald and how she helped to rescue Bonnie Prince Charlie, who fled in disguise after his defeat at Culloden. Admire the scenic splendour on the way to your hotel in Broadford. (BB/CD) Stay: Dunollie, Broadford

Day 9 From Skye, Along The Banks Of Loch Lomond To Glasgow

Return to the mainland to see remote Eilean Donan Castle, which under a clear sky offers a perfect reflection in its loch. Move on to the WWII Commando Memorial where there are views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Continue on through the pleasant highland town of Fort William to the Valley of Glencoe, its dramatic peaks still echoing with the ghastly cries of massacred clansmen. Stop on the 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond, the 'Queen of Scottish lakes' according to Sir Walter Scott, before arriving in Glasgow. (FB) Stay: Marriott Glasgow

Day 10 Walk In The Giant's Steps On The Way To Derry

Cross the Irish Sea, enjoying views of the Island of Arran on the way. Now prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty! The road clings to the coastline at the mouth of the famous 'nine glens of Antrim', alongside sandy beaches beneath towering basalt cliffs. Stop at the Giant's Causeway, and hear the legends which surround this geological masterpiece, created by the cooling of lava which burst through the Earth's crust millions of years ago. Continue to the ancient walled city of 'Derry'. (BB/D) Stay: Ramada Da Vincis Hotel Derry, Londonderry

Day 11 Drive To Belleek And On To Sligo Bay

Sightseeing with a local guide takes you inside Derry's well preserved walls, still topped with cannons, and down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall. Cross the border to see O'Donnell's Castle in Donegal. Drive south to visit the Belleek Pottery Centre, nestled on the banks of the River Erne. Meet some of the specialist crafts people and see artisan techniques in action during your visit. Continue to the churchyard at Drumcliff, the last resting place of Irish poet WB Yeats. Then it's on to your country retreat, set on the scenic shores of Sligo Bay. (BB/D) Stay: Radisson Blu, Sligo

Day 12 Through Connemara And Galway To Limerick

Experience the beautiful rugged landscape of Connemara, a wonderland of rivers, lakes and silent hills. Tour the workshop of the famous marble factory then continue to Galway. See St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy. Move on to your hotel in Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and Georgian houses. (FB) Stay: George Boutique Hotel, Limerick

Day 13 Bunratty Folk Park Then On To Killarney

An orientation tour shows you King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral and the treaty stone. Now experience the lifestyle of rural Ireland over the centuries at Bunratty Folk Park! Continue through the land of song and legend via the picturesque thatched village of Adare, into County Kerry and your Killarney hotel. (FB) Stay: Killarney Towers, Killarney

Day 14 Ring Of Kerry Experience

In the morning, enjoy a trip around the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's greatest scenic journeys! See towering cliffs, lush lakelands, remote villages, Ireland's highest mountain range and the three peaceful Lakes of Killarney. With time at leisure, perhaps hire a bicycle and take advantage of the many cycle trails that Killarney has to offer, around the lake or through the National Park. Tonight your Dine-Around evening offers you authentic and intimate dining at a selection of local restaurants, ranging in style and ambience. (BB/DA) Stay: Killarney Towers, Killarney

Day 15 Journey To Blarney Castle And Waterford

Cross the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains this morning and head for Blarney. Visit the ruined castle, the home of the famous Stone of Eloquence, once kissed - never forgotten! Continue on to Cork, Ireland's second most populous city, built on the River Lee. See the City Hall and St. Finbarr's Cathedral, before a delightful coastal drive brings you to historic Waterford, with its 9C Reginald's Tower and remains of the old city walls. (FB) Stay: Dooleys Hotel, Waterford

Day 16 Waterford Crystal, Then On To Kilkenny And Dublin

First admire the sparkling display of crystal on your guided visit to the world famous crystal factory and meet a master craftsman. Then drive to Kilkenny where you will experience first hand the ancient Celtic game of Hurling. Hear all about the world's oldest and fastest field game and learn first hand from a true craftsman, the art of making the Hurley. Continue to Ireland's lively capital, Dublin, and spend a leisurely evening relaxing, exploring or perhaps taking in a famous Irish Cabaret show? (FB) Stay: Doubletree by Hilton - Burlington Road, Dublin

Day 17 In Dublin's Fair City

Next morning, see the elegant Georgian squares, Irish President's home, O'Connell Street and The Customs House with a local expert. Then experience Ireland's National and world famous drink with a guided visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Learn how to pour the perfect pint and gain a fascinating insight into the history and traditions behind its production. This afternoon is at leisure. (FB) Stay: Doubletree by Hilton Dublin - Burlington Road

Day 18 Across The Irish Sea Via Caernarfon To Chester

Bid farewell to Ireland this morning as you board the ferry to Wales. Cross the Isle of Anglesey (via the village bearing Britain's longest name!), then continue over the Menai Straits to Caernarfon for a stop in the shadow of the mighty castle. Now follow the north coast of Wales, to re-enter England at Chester. This fine town still boasts relics of its history as a Roman fortress, as well as the unique 'black and white' shopping arcades known as the 'Rows'. Your sightseeing shows you the well preserved city walls, Jubilee Clock and impressive cathedral. (BB/D) Stay: Best Western Premier Queen Hotel, Chester

Day 19 Drive Through The Welsh Marches To Cardiff

Follow the Welsh border today to ancient Ludlow. Today's bustling town is still dominated by the massive castle, built to resist the frequent Welsh raids, while the medieval timber framed buildings and Georgian mansions reflect a later time of peace and prosperity. Continue through the countryside to the Welsh capital and see the Millennium Stadium and civic buildings before checking in. (FB) Stay: Thistle Cardiff City Centre/Mercure Cardiff Holland House

Day 20 On To Roman Bath And Exeter

Cross the soaring Severn Bridge to reach the elegant Georgian city of Bath, built amphitheatre-style on the surrounding hills. An orientation tour shows you the impressive Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge, both built in mellow local stone. See the angels climbing Jacob's Ladder on Bath Abbey before visiting the Pump Room and ancient Roman Baths. Stay tonight in the Cornish Countryside. (FB) Stay: St Mellion International Resort, Saltash

Day 21 Plymouth And The Cornish Coast Experience

In the morning, cross the rugged moorlands of Dartmoor, home to 'wild' ponies, on your way to maritime Plymouth. Numerous famous voyagers have set off from this ancient port and you see the 'Mayflower Steps', from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America. Cross the River Tamar to enter Cornwall, the land of legend and of smugglers' coves. Visit the picturesque fishing village of Looe, where contraband was once landed in the dead of night! Experiences shared lead to lasting friendships. Back in Saltash, enjoy a glass of wine with your new found friends at tonight's delectable Celebration Dinner and toast to an inspiring journey of discovery. Cheers! (BB/CD) Stay: St Mellion International Resort, Saltash

Day 22 Head For Glastonbury And Ancient Stonehenge To London

Leave for Glastonbury this morning, reputedly the resting place of the legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail. After some time to explore, continue across Salisbury Plain to visit pre-historic Stonehenge, whose strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Your trip concludes back at London's Thistle Marble Arch Hotel. (FB)