Day 3: Liverpool - Dublin

Today, we catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before we reach the ferry we will make a stop at the village with the longest name in Europe (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). Then it’s on to Dublin, once we arrive from the ferry we take a driving tour of the city and spot a few of the city’s more famous highlights. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in this 1,000 year old city. From the city’s Viking past, its medieval castles and its cathedrals. Explore its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent episodes, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get across town in no time at all.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Dublin (Free day)

Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! The Discover Dublin optional excursion includes a visit to the iconic Guinness Storehouse to see how this famous dark beer is made! This excursion will take you back in time as you discover the most famous people and events in Irish history. Or maybe explore the city yourself and visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall and visit the city’s most famous park, St Stephen’s Green. Be sure to try out the many pubs and eateries. Tonight, there’s also the option to visit the Merry Ploughboy Music Pub for a taste of traditional Irish music! Definitely not to be missed, check our Optional Excursions list for more information.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Waterford - Blarney Castle - Killarney area

Leaving Dublin behind us, we travel onward to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by Vikings in 914, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition and is also famous for its cut crystal glass. Following our stop here, we’ll travel to the famous Blarney Castle for an included visit, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most famous attractions. As we depart Blarney, we leave County Cork behind us and enter into County Kerry, and make our way towards our hotel for this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Kerry Region (Free day)

Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join our optional excursion as we drive along the incredible Ring of Kerry. This famous circular tourist route is also known as Iveragh Peninsula. It is home to the most breathtaking coastal views and emerald green pastures. Enjoy visits to charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village. Take the opportunity to explore the shops and cute cafés in the area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park from a jaunting (carriage) ride. Then end the day with some free time in Killarney town. Experience this iconic route to the fullest on this excursion!

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Adare - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Ballina 

Today is another day for some epic Irish scenery! Making our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, our first stop is Adare, often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Then, travel on through the county of Limerick and make our way to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the frothing ocean below, and the views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking. Next stop, Galway, a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, its live music venues, cafes, weekend parties and contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during your free time and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer before we travel north to our hotel where we spend the night.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Derry/Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast

Leaving Galway behind, we journey onto Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry/Londonderry. Voted UK’s City of Culture in 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer. Next stop is Northern Ireland’s number 1 tourist attraction, Giant’s Causeway. The final stop on the Irish leg of our adventure, is Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. A local guide will take you on a combined driving and walking tour, showing you some of the city’s most famous attractions and learning more about the city’s past. Having pulled off quite a transformation in recent years, Belfast is shaking off its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Whisky Distillery - Scottish Highlands

Scotland here we come! Boarding a ferry, we sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky! Once back on dry land, drive to the Scottish town of Ayr for a photo stop. Then, we’re off into the Scottish Highlands where we stop off at a local whisky distillery. Learn more about how Scotch whisky is made and try some of the different varieties produced here. Admire the scenery as we travel on to our accommodation in the picturesque Highlands this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Loch Ness - Edinburgh

Today, we set off into the Highlands to further explore this famous region of Scotland. We’ll be stopping for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glencoe. Enjoy a stop at the famous Loch Ness, reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster! Join an optional cruise on the Loch and see the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Leaving the Highlands, drive through the Cairngorms National Park until arriving in Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital followed by dinner. Apart from Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, keep in mind that this is the city where JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans might find the city strangely familiar!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Edinburgh (Free day)

Your time is yours to spend as you like today, revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, or discover the city for yourself. Most travellers decide to join their tour leader and driver on our Conquer the Capital optional excursion which is a full tour of the city, with time to explore Edinburgh Castle in full, and a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal residence of the Queen and the royal family. If the weather allows, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below. Tonight we offer a traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with the famous traditional haggis! Check our optional excursions for more information.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Alnwick Castle - York - Yorkshire

Saying goodbye to Scotland, we make for the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of Northumberland. This castle has also featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, The Black Adder, Star Trek and many more! Visiting the castle is an optional excursion, details of which are available in our Optional Excursions documentation. Next, we travel into Yorkshire, and to the county capital, York. Home to the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets. We’ll take you on an orientation tour of the city to see its most famous sites, before heading to our accommodation in Yorkshire.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Cambridge - London

It’s the last day of your UK and Ireland tour, but we're finishing off with a real treat! Today we make our way to the historic university town of Cambridge! Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed through the city’s famous university: John Milton, Charles Darwin, David Attenborough, Siegfried Sassoon, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, William Wordsworth, Rachel Weisz and countless others. We’ll do the traditional thing and go punting along the River Cam before we return to London where our tour concludes. Be sure to share your details with your fellow travellers to keep in touch after your journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Escorted Tour Package Includes:

• 12 nights' accommodation in twin rooms with private en-suite facilities
• 12 Breakfasts (Vegetarian options available for all meals on request)
• 6 Dinners (Vegetarian options available for all meals on request)
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
• Any public transport used as part of the tour (except on free days)
• Tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip
• All taxes and fees
• Free tour souvenir 

Not Included:

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Tips and extras in general
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Everything which is not clearly specified under "package includes"

Hotels (or similar):

• Cardiff: Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre / Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
• Liverpool: Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel
• Dublin: Lucan Spa Hotel Dublin
• Kerry Region: Manor West Hotel & Leisure Club / Earl of Desmond Hotel Tralee / Holiday Inn Kallirney
• Belfast: Holiday Inn Express Antrim
• Yorkshire: Cedar Court Wakefield
• Galway: Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club / Park Hotel Kiltimagh
• Highlands: Loch Long Hotel
• Edinburgh: Holiday Inn West / Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel

Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (ex)