Heart of the British Isles

Refer to the “Arrival instructions” for directions on where and when to meet your Tour Manager. During the motor coach transfer to your hotel in Warwickshire, make a brief stop in Oxford where Henry II established the first university of Britain in 1167. Tonight, at your hotel, get acquainted with your fellow travelers during the “Welcome Dinner.”

Views of the unspoiled countryside known as the Cotswolds clearly confirm you have arrived in England. Gentle hillsides, peaceful meadows, and charming villages with old stone buildings characterize this region. The first destination today is Stow-on-the-Wold, offering antique shops and an opportunity to take a souvenir photo with your hands in the village’s authentic stocks. Then it’s on to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where half-timbered houses with thatched roofs create a truly English setting. Orientation includes a visit to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Following your visit, enjoy free time in Stratford-Upon-Avon or join the optional Warwick Castle excursion showcasing 1,000 years of history. Return to your Warwickshire hotel for dinner.

Drive north through the Nottingham area to the historic city of York. Arriving around lunch time, spend the afternoon exploring the popular sights. “The Shambles” is one of the most picturesque streets in Britain with unique shops, cafés and restaurants. York also boasts the most complete set of medieval city walls still standing in England today. Walk along them for exceptional views. Be sure to take a look inside York Minster Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in England. In the late afternoon, travel through North Yorkshire to County Durham for hotel check-in and dinner.

A morning drive takes you to Hadrian’s Wall, a fascinating Roman monument nearly 2,000 years old. Stop at Chester’s Roman Fort to study a section of the 70-plus mile structure up close. Shortly after crossing the border into Scotland, arrive in Jedburgh where you will be treated to Afternoon Tea with cakes and finger sandwiches. Following tea, use your free time in Jedburgh to tour the Mary, Queen of Scots House, see Jedburgh Abbey, or do some shopping at the Woollen Mill. A late afternoon arrival at your Edinburgh hotel provides time to freshen up and relax before stepping out for an independent dinner. [Afternoon Tea is the included lunch]

Start the day with a guided tour of Edinburgh. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s Old Town, is a wonderful place to spend your afternoon free time. As you walk past the classic old houses, you may wish to visit one of the unique attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Writer’s Museum, Gladstone’s Land (the oldest standing house in Edinburgh), Museum of Childhood, or the high-tech Our Dynamic Earth Museum. Edinburgh offers a variety of options for tonight’s independent dinner.
[During the first two weeks of August, Image Tours includes attendance to the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular show by military bands, performed outside the castle]

The morning stop will be at the Old Blacksmith’s Shop in the border town of Gretna Green, which became well known for “run-away weddings” officiated by the blacksmith (known as the anvil priest). Starting in 1754, English couples would cross the border to be married under the liberal terms of the Scottish laws. Continuing south, travel back into England and on to Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles. A 4:00 p.m. arrival at your Liverpool hotel provides time to explore and shop. Your Tour Manager will offer an optional Magical Mystery Tour excursion highlighting landmarks made famous by the Beatles. Dinner is independent tonight so that you may choose to dine at the hotel or at one of the pubs, restaurants or live music venues along Mathew Street. Here you will find the replicated Cavern Club, where the Beatles were discovered.

This day is devoted to the sweeping landscape of Northern Wales. After a morning stop in Betws-y-Coed, continue through the thick pine forest into Snowdonia National Park: a mountainous region with rough but beautiful terrain. At Caernarfon, admire one of the castles built by King Edward I. A quick independent lunch will allow time to climb the castle’s tower (admission fee). After the motor coach crosses the Menai Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey, pause to take a picture of the town with the longest name (58 letters), which we abbreviate here as Llanfair P.G. For your independent dinner, you have the choice of dining while you ferry from Wales to the Republic of Ireland or at a pub upon arrival in Dublin.

The capital city of the Republic of Ireland offers much to keep you busy and entertained. A local guide joins you this morning to provide insight into the city’s history and to point out the popular landmarks including Dublin Castle, Trinity College and the Guinness Brewery. Entrance into St. Patrick’s Cathedral is included. Following the city tour, the after noon is free for individual pursuits. A popular attraction is the “Book of Kells Experience” at the Trinity College Library (admission fee). Here you will view the Book of Kells, an ornately decorated and meticulously scribed edition of the Gospels from 800 A.D. Equally popular is a tour of the Guinness Brewery (admission fee). Tonight’s dinner is independent, or join the optional Irish Dinner Show excursion.

The area west of Dublin has become known as the center of the Irish horse breeding and training industry. Tour the Kildare National Stud Farm, followed by a visit to the Japanese Gardens of Tully House. As you continue toward western Ireland, relax and enjoy the scenes of meadows, glens and crystal clear rivers. One of the friendly country villages along the way will provide a pleasant spot for an independent lunch. Bakeries will offer you tea sandwiches, and family-owned pubs will serve up hearty Irish dishes. Then it’s on to your County Kerry hotel, hosting you for dinner this evening and a two-night stay.

Travel to the Iveragh Peninsula, also known as “The Ring of Kerry,” for a day of spectacular coastal landscapes. Along the way, make several photo stops. Lunch at one of the seaside villages is included. At one of the farms en route from the coast to Killarney, observe a sheep herding demonstration. For tonight’s independent dinner, Killarney offers everything from excellent restaurants to friendly local pubs. After dinner, return to your County Kerry hotel.

The morning visit to Blarney Castle is sure to be a tour highlight. Capture enchanting photos and impressive views as you walk the grounds and study this 17th-century fortification with walls that are 18 feet thick at the base. Learn of the magical tales associated with the castle, the most famous involving the Blarney Stone. Enjoy an independent lunch at one of the charming restaurants in the village of Blarney. An early afternoon arrival in Waterford allows for time to explore the town on foot or to participate in the optional Waterford Crystal Experience excursion. Dinner is included at your hotel.

An early morning departure is necessary to reach the ferry in Rosslare for your crossing from Ireland to Wales. You will have time for an independent lunch while on the ferry. Arriving in Wales, view the scenery along the coastal road between Pembrokeshire National Park and the Wye Valley. By mid-afternoon, arrive in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Take a stroll through the 56-acre Bute Park, relax over afternoon tea at a café or participate in the optional Cardiff Castle excursion. Continue to your hotel for check-in and dinner.

Crossing the mouth of the River Severn, return to England for a tour of Bath: the elegant spa town where the Romans harnessed the natural hot springs 2,000 years ago. An included visit to the Roman Baths Museum reveals the advanced engineering developed by the Romans. Then, it is on to mysterious Stonehenge. Dating back to about 1500 B.C., one can only speculate how the stones reached the site and how they were moved into place — some weighing 45 tons! Upon arrival in London, check in and enjoy a relaxing “Farewell Dinner” at the hotel. Tomorrow, the entire day will be devoted to sightseeing in the British capital.

Today begins with a guided bus tour of London’s famous landmarks such as the Royal Parks, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Following the city tour, you will have a few hours to pursue your personal interests. If you have a specific destination in mind, the Tube system (Underground) is easy, fast and economical. Your Tour Manager will also provide suggestions for some of the most popular attractions. Spend lunch time amid the bustling shops and street performers of Covent Garden. Or, study works of art by da Vinci, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Picasso at The National Gallery. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the London Eye Ferris wheel provides unique views of the city. In the evening, London offers numerous options for independent dining and entertainment. Or, join your Tour Manager for the optional London Dinner & Theatre excursion.

Transfer to the London airport for your return flight home.