Day 1 | USA - London, England
Our Britain and Ireland vacation begins as we board our flight bound for London, the capital city of English.
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Day 2 | Arrive in London L
Upon arrival, our sightseeing tour starts with a visit to Windsor Castle*, one of the oldest continuously inhabited royal residence in the world and the weekend home of Queen Elizabeth. Later, transfer into London, the rest of the day is free at leisure.
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Day 3 | London B,L
This morning we visit the Tower of London*. Founded nearly a millennium ago and expanded upon over the centuries since, Tower of London has been a fortress, a royal residence and state prison. Later on, a panoramic drive shows us the city including the Parliament Building, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square. To top off our day, enjoy photo stops at two of London's most recognized monuments – Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Then the rest of the day is at leisure. Time to shop or visit the spectacular British Museum, which boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection of the world.
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Day 4 | London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff, Wales B,D
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to the mighty ancient monoliths of Stonehenge*. Then we continue on to Bath, an ancient town famous for its hot springs. In our orientation tour of Bath, we'll view the Georgian Architecture, the Abby, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Crescent, Queen Square, and visit the amazing Roman Baths*. We stay overnight and dinner at the Welsh capital, Cardiff.
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Day 5 | Cardiff - Fishguard - Rosslare, Ireland - Waterford B,DH
After city tour of Cardiff viewing the Cardiff Castle*, we travel to Fishguard for a ferry* across the St. George's Channel to Rosslare in Ireland. Travelers may have lunch at Fishguard Port or onboard the ferry. Landing in Ireland, we drive to Waterford for overnight accommodation and dinner.
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Day 6 | Waterford - Killarney B,DH
After an orientation tour of Waterford, motor coach drives us to Killarney. Beautifully set on the world famous lakes of Killarney, Killarney is designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and Killarney National Park* definitely is the highlight of today's sightseeing. The exciting jaunting car ride* will take us to explore the park. Finally check in to our hotel located by the Lough Leane Lake.
Optional Tour: Waterford Crystal Factory,
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Day 7 | Killarney - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Athlone B,DH
Depart hotel to Limerick. Upon arrival, a walking tour shows us the King John's Castle, St Mary's Cathedral, and the River Shannon. We then drive to view the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher* towering above the Atlantic. Later a scenic drive leads us to Athlone for dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 8 | Athlone - Dublin B,DH
After breakfast, we depart Athlone to Dublin. One of the literary capitals of the world and designated UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, Dublin's literary tradition dates back over a thousand years when monks would transcribe the bible into beautiful manuscripts. The best surviving example of which, The Book of Kells dating from 800 AD, is on show at Trinity College*. Fortunately we will have an opportunity to view the priceless book. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at hotel.
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Day 9 | Dublin - Londonderry, Northern Ireland - Giant's Causeway - Belfast B,D
After breakfast at hotel we depart Dublin for Giant's Causeway* via Londonderry, the second largest city in Northern Ireland. After city tour and lunch at Londonderry, we continue on for a visit to the Giant Causeway, giant basalt columns rising from the sea, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, we drive to Belfast, the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland.
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Day 10 | Belfast -Cairnryan, Scotland -Edinburgh B,D
Today our journey starts with a half day city tour of Belfast, then check-in at Belfast port for ferry* crossing to Scotland. Lunch is under your own arrangement onboard ferry. Upon arrival at Cairnryan, a small Scottish village notable for its two modern ferry terminals connecting Scotland to Northern Ireland, we immediately transfer to Scotland's elegant and beautiful capital city, Edinburgh, with a stop at the National Monument of Scotland.
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Day 11 | Edinburgh - Lake District, England B,DH
This morning we visit Edinburgh Castle* and see historical sites along the Princes Street on our sightseeing tour. Afterwards we continue into the Lake District of England. Breathtaking scenery enthralls us as we have a boat trip* on the lake. Overnight stay at Lake District and enjoy dinner at hotel.
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Day 12 | Lake District - York - Stratford-upon-Avon B,D
Depart Lake District to the ancient walled city, York, for city orientation. We walk through narrow medieval streets and view wealth of historic attractions inside the city walls, of which York Minster* is the most prominent. Our last stop today is Stratford-upon-Avon, where we stay for overnight accommodation.
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Day 13 | Stratford-upon-Avon - Oxford - London B,D
Our sightseeing tour of Stratford-upon-Avon this morning features visits to Shakespeare's Birthplace* and Ann Hathaway's Cottage*. Then we depart to Oxford, home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. A walking tour to show us the city and colleges begins upon our arrival. Dinner in Oxford and then travel back to London.
Optional Tour: Blenheim Palace – Churchill's Birth Place (PUI),
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Day 14 | London - USA B
Bid farewell to Britain as we transfer to airport for the international homebound flight to America.
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