Britain and Ireland Highlights

London bids you a warm welcome to its regal traditions and centuries-old heritage. Stroll through its Royal Parks to relax after your journey, or take to its streets to admire elegant facades merged with the modern verve of a global capital that marches to its own multi-cultural tune.

Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as you visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Center, before embarking on your drive north to the Viking city of York, where you'll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening, enjoy dinner in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.

Journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on your journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which you’ll pass as you continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. Drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow where your orientation will take you past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.

From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh with its exquisite medieval facades. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town, see the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile with a Local Specialist on a memorable sightseeing tour. Afterwards enjoy an included visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Later, wander through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening for a delicious locally-sourced meal at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast, past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Board the ferry to Northern Ireland, then join a Local Specialist to explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in Belfast. You’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where you'll spend the next two nights.

Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Spend time exploring the sights on your own—ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colorful street performers. Then, Dive Into Culture and discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.

Cross the Irish Sea by ferry from Dublin to Holyhead, then continue through the landscapes of North Wales. Stop at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, whose famously long name has made it one of Wales’ most talked-about places. Then travel on to the historic city of Chester, where black-and-white timbered buildings and Roman roots set the scene for your stay.