NACTA Ciaras Group
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Day 2: LONDON ARRIVAL
After landing at London Airport complete customs and immigration formalities before meeting your CIE Tours guide who will welcome you to England. Next set off on a guided tour to see some of Londons best-known landmarks. View the West End Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square and much more. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see the many fortresses Beefeaters ravens and the priceless Crown Jewels. Then stop for photos of the Buckingham Palace the official London residence of Britains sovereigns since 1837. Today it is the Queens official residence. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and settle into you room. Tonight explore the Wallace Collection Museum that houses many famous paintings sculptures and armor. Also have dinner at the while on site with your group.
Day 3: WINDSOR HIGHLIGHTS
Set off on a guided tour of Windsor before visiting Windsor Castle the official residence of The Queen. Covering thirteen acres this is the largest inhabited castle in the world. See the Upper and Middle Wards the Round Tower and the Lower Ward where St. Georges Chapel is situated. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Eton before heading back to London for a free evening.
Day 4: LONDON AT LEISURE
Today is completely at leisure for independent sightseeing or shopping. Art lovers can view some of the worlds finest art collections in Londons galleries such as the National Gallery and Albert Museum. If shopping appeals to you London offers a huge array of shops and designer boutiques. Try the popular stores along Oxford Street the special boutiques of Bond and Jermyn Streets or the famous Harrods in Knightsbridge. In the evening take advantage of Londons worldwide reputation for its entertainment ranging from the theater musicals opera and ballet to rock concerts and nightclubs. Or choose from the many restaurants of all types scattered throughout the city. Please Note: No driver or tour director will be available today
Day 5: STONEHENGE & ROMAN BATHS
Travel west to visit Stonehenge one of Britains most celebrated monuments. Set on Salisbury Plain Stonehenge is comprised of the remains of a double circle of monoliths which dates from approximately 3000 BC. It is believed to have been used by the ancient Druids for sun worship or as a burial ground. Continue on to visit the Roman Baths which are over 2000 years old and one of the best-preserved Roman sites north of the Alps. Also visit the Pump Room which dates from 1795 and is one of the most famous buildings in the country. After your visit take a leisurely tour of Bath before driving to Cardiff. Once you have checked into your hotel and settled into your room have dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Day 6: CARDIFF SIGHTSEEING
Spend the morning free in Cardiff to sightsee in shop. In the afternoon take a guided tour of Cardiff Waless capital city. See such sites as Millennium Stadium the Senedd and Cardiff Bay. Then take a guided tour around Cardiff Castle. This castle dates from the 11th century but was extensively rebuilt in the 1860s with elaborate decorations throughout. Afterwards join in the fun and feasting at the castle. Your night consist of a medieval-style banquet with live entertainment preformed in both Welsh and English.
Day 7: BIG PIT NATIONAL COAL MUSEUM
This morning visit Penderyn Distillery for a tour and tasting of this finished product. Next tour the Brecon Beacons National Park which covers 519 square miles over and half of the park is over 1000 ft. above sea level. Continue to just outside of Blaenavon to visit the Big Pit National Coal Museum. Learn what coal mining was like during the height of the industry before visiting a once active coal mine. Stop to visit the partly ruined Llanthony Priory before heading back to Cardiff where have some time to relax before joining your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 8: SHREWSBURY WALK & CHESTER
After a panoramic drive through Shrewsbury see the town by foot in a guided walking tour. Shrewsbury was once known for its key role in the Welsh wool trade with England. During your tour see St. Marys Church Quarry Park Shrewsbury Castle and may other key locations within the town. Also view Shrewsbury Abbey before heading to Chester where you will check in for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 9: CHESTER WALK
Today embark on a leisurely walking tour around the charming town of Chester which was founded by the Romans some 2000 years ago. View Chester Cathedral Chester Canal the Eastgate Clock the citys Medieval walls Chester walls and much more. Continue on so you can visit Conwy Castle a magnificent fortress built in the years between 1283 and 1287 by King Edward I. Then embark on a walking tour to hear tales of intrigue which can end in murder and destruction. You can also admire the views and take a photo outside the smallest house in Great Britain. Afterwards head to Llandudno for a panoramic tour before returning to Chester for a free evening.
Day 10: CHESTER FREE DAY
Spend the entire day at leisure in Chester. You may like to visit Chester Zoo or have afternoon tea Booth Mansion. The Cheshire Military Museum Grosvenor Museum and the Roman gardens are also other enjoyable places to visit. There is also a falconry education center at Chester Cathedral which will also for hands-on experiences with birds of prey. Tonight join your group for a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant. Please Note: No driver or tour director will be available today.
Day 11: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
Transfer to Manchester Airport to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before flying back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Hilton Hotel, London - 3 nights
Hilton Hotel, Cardiff- 3 nights
Doubletree by Hilton, Chester- 3 nights
TOUR INCLUDES
Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver & tour director
Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport
Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed for 9 nights
Full breakfasts (9)
Dinners (5):
Guided tour of London
Guided walking tours of Bath, Shrewsbury, Chester & Conwy
Visits and admission fees to:
Tower of London
Wallace Collection
Windsor Castle
Stonehenge
Roman Baths
Cardiff Castle
Penderyn Distillery
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Llanthony Priory
Shrewsbury Abbey
Conwy Castle
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap