2019 Taste of Britain & Ireland - 14 Days/13 Nights

TASTE OF BRITAIN & IRELAND 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS / 22 MEALS

Day 1: LONDON ARRIVAL & TOUR
Tour begins 2:00 PM at your London hotel. Take a panoramic tour of central London to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Day 2: TOWER OF LONDON & CITY SIGHTS
Discover London’s attractions on your own with a Hop-Off, Hop-On bus tour. You’ll have a choice of routes, plus a choice of walking tours or a scenic River Thames cruise. You might visit the Tower of London to view the Crown Jewels, or visit Kensington Palace, former home of Princess Diana. The evening is free to explore and dine on your own.
(B)

Day 3: BEATLES’ LIVERPOOL & BRITISH MUSIC EXPERIENCE
Travel to Liverpool, stopping for lunch along the way. A local guide will show you around the city focusing on places associated with the “Fab Four.” Explore pop music history at the British Music Experience. The evening is free to explore and dine on your own. Then check out the world famous Cavern Club for an evening of live music.
(B, L)

Day 4: LAKE DISTRICT & SCOTTISH EVENING
Travel through the Lake District, a region that inspired Beatrix Potter’s children’s books. Embark on a cruise along Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. Over the Scottish border, stop at the Famous Blacksmith’s Shop in Gretna Green and learn why it’s one of the most famous wedding venues in the world. Enjoy a traditional dinner and ceilidh at your hotel in Edinburgh.
(B, D)

Day 5: EDINBURGH CASTLE & CITY TOUR
Explore central Edinburgh, including the 200-year-old “New Town” with elegant Georgian houses and the Royal Mile where medieval houses are clustered closely together. Tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. The rest of the day is free to explore and dine on your own. On August 2 – 16 departures, experience the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
(B)

Day 6: SCONE PALACE & BLAIR ATHOL DISTILLERY
At Scone Palace see outstanding antiques and the world-renowned grounds. Head to Pitlochry for a traditional pub lunch and free time to explore. Take a tour of the Blair Athol Distillery and sample a “wee dram” of their single malt. Continue to Inverness where the evening is free to check out some of the local pubs with traditional music and food.
(B, L)

Day 7: LOCH NESS & LOCH LOMOND CRUISE
Travel south through the Highlands, passing the shoreline of Loch Ness. See Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, and continue through the towering mountains around Glencoe. Explore the village of Tyndrum for lunch on your own then embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond. Enjoy a drive around Glasgow before dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 8: FERRY TO IRELAND & TITANIC BELFAST
Take a short ferry ride to Ireland. Visit Titanic Belfast and experience the history of this ocean liner through interactive displays. Stop at the Glyde Inn for a drink and dinner with entertainment.
(B, D)

Day 9: INDEPENDENT DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy your day in Dublin independently, on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. Use your voucher to visit your choice of one of Dublin’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or the General Post Office Museum. In the evening, dine at one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer.
(B)

Day 10: BLARNEY CASTLE & KILLARNEY
Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Shop for quality Irish goods at the Blarney Woollen Mills, then drive through Macroom and into the mountainous scenery of Killarney. After dinner at your hotel, find a “singing bar” for some entertainment.
(B, D)

Day 11: DINGLE PENINSULA & CRUISE
Visit the Dingle Peninsula, made famous by the movies “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away.” Take in spectacular views from Slea Head at the western tip. Take a short cruise around Dingle Harbour and relax at the famous Murphy’s Bar in Castlemaine. Head to Kate Kearney’s Cottage for an Irish night of dinner and traditional entertainment.
(B, D)

Day 12: FLYING BOAT MUSEUM & CLIFFS OF MOHER
Visit Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, which recalls the early days of air travel. The home of Irish coffee, you’ll learn how to make one and enjoy a sample. Later explore the village of Doolin for lunch on your own. Ferry across the River Shannon Estuary to view the Cliffs of Moher. Take a brief walking tour around Galway’s city center with a local guide.
(B, D)

Day 13: TULLAMORE D.E.W. DISTILLERY & FITZPATRICK CASTLE STAY
At Rathbaun Farm watch trained dogs herding sheep and enjoy tea and scones. In Tullamore, tour the site of the original Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery. Learn about the area’s history and making of the legendary Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey. Stroll around Dalkey, an elegant suburb of Dublin, where you might even run into Bono. Spend the night in an elegant castle hotel in Dublin and enjoy a special farewell dinner.
(B, D)

Day 14: TOUR ENDS IN DUBLIN
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner