DAY 1: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff

Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, we make our way to Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Next stop is the beautiful and historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous Roman baths built here during the reign of the Empire. Heading into nearby Wales we arrive in the capital, Cardiff, where we’ll have a drive around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.

Experiences Bath: Orientation tour through this beautiful town, famous for its sandstone Georgian architecture and Roman Bathhouse. Visit Cardiff - we continue on to the Welsh capital where your tour leader will take you on a drive through the city, showing you the sights, before checking-in to your hotel for the night.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre Cardiff North Hotel by Accor

Optional Excursions

Roman Baths i €20

Stonehenge i £19

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 2: Stratford-upon-Avon - Liverpool

After breakfast, we make for Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown of William Shakespeare! A market town with more than 800 years of history. Then we’re off North, to Liverpool! This famous British port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will be delighted to be in the home city of Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will be enthralled to be in the home of The Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour of the city, and explore the city yourself during your free time this evening. Why not head to Mathew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music?

Experiences Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You will have free time to wander the city and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century house where he grew up. Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour and see some of the city's highlights including the Albert Dock and a variety of locations connected to The Beatles.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel

Optional Excursions

Shakespeare's House i £17

The Beatles Story & Museum i £17.50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

DAY 3: Liverpool - Dublin

Today, we catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before we reach the ferry we’ll make a stop at the village with the longest name in Europe (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). Then it’s onto Dublin - once we arrive from the ferry we’ll 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.

Experiences Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch: Photo stop at the village with the longest name in Europe - see if you can capture the whole name in a photo! Dublin driving tour: Enjoy a driving tour of this vibrant capital city. Tomorrow you will have a full free day, so keep a note of all the sights that you want to explore further, such as St Patrick’s Cathedral, the General Post Office building and the many bridges over the River Liffey.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Lucan Spa Hotel Dublin

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, 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.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Lucan Spa Hotel Dublin

Optional Excursions

Irish Music Evening i €55

Discover Dublin i €50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

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.

Experiences Waterford: The oldest city in Ireland, you’ll feel the atmosphere of medieval Ireland here like nowhere else! Blarney Castle: Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and you might ­­­­­­gain the ‘gift of the gab'!

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Manor West Hotel & Leisure Club Earl Of Desmond Hotel Tralee Holiday Inn Killarney

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!

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Manor West Hotel & Leisure Club Earl Of Desmond Hotel Tralee Holiday Inn Killarney

Optional Excursions

Ring of Kerry day trip i €40

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

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

Today’s another day for epic Irish scenery! Making our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. 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.

Experiences Adare: Take a few photos as we stop in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly preserved thatch-roofed cottages that are being used as craft shops and restaurants. Limerick: We’ll stop at the Treaty Stone, where legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed, which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange and concluded the Siege of Limerick. You can also take great photos of King John’s Castle from across the river. Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for these awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves. Galway: Experience the bohemian vibe of Galway, visit a local pub for a pint of Murphy’s and traditional Irish music, or walk along the medieval city walls. Be sure to enjoy some of Galway’s famous shellfish. A popular dish is the Dublin Lawyer - lobster cooked in whiskey and cream. Yum!

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club Park Hotel Kiltimagh

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

Leaving Galway behind, we journey on to 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.

Experiences Derry: Fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer, including a beautiful waterfront and well-preserved city walls. Giant’s Causeway: This natural wonder is surrounded by myth and legend. Did a giant build this sight or was it an ancient volcanic activity that formed the 40,000 columns? As you clamber over the rocks and experience it up close you can decide for yourself! Belfast: Belfast driving tour. A local guide will introduce you to some of the city's highlights, including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican communities respectively and are separated by peace walls.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Holiday Inn Express Antrim

DAY 9: Whisky Distillery - Scottish Highlands

Scotland here we come! Boarding a ferry, we’ll sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky! Once back on dry land we'll 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.

Experiences Ayr photo stop Whisky distillery: Whiskey tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Founded in 1833, this distillery is unique in producing single malt Highland whisky that is matured in the Lowlands. Located on the Highlands Line which divides the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne's stills are on the Highlands side of this road, and the maturing casks rest just a few metres away on the Lowlands side.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner:

Optional Excursions

Titanic Belfast VIP tour i €25

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

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!

Experiences Scenic drive: Cross your fingers and hope the weather's clear so that we catch a sight of the grandeur of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Glencoe: A spectacular Glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands) and where the massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692, one of the most fascinating yet tragic stories in Scotland’s history. Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be his home? You’ll have free time to explore, or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot her from the water. Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Holiday Inn West Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel

Optional Excursions

Loch Ness Cruise i £15

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

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.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Holiday Inn West Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel

Optional Excursions

Spirit of Scotland Show i £65

Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital i £50

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

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.

Experiences Visit Alnwick Castle: This impressive building is the home of the Duke of Northumberland and is the second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle. Many will recognise it from popular films and TV shows including the Harry Potter series, Downton Abbey and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.

Included Meals Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner: Accommodation i Cedar Court Wakefield

Optional Excursions

Alnwick Castle i £13-24

* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

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.

Experiences Cambridge: We visit Cambridge, a historic city and home of the prestigious Cambridge University. You’ll have free time to wander the historic streets, and then enjoy a traditional punt along the river in flat-bottomed wooden boats. An experienced punter will propel the punt by pushing against the river bed with a pole, while introducing you to the city’s history and telling you some of its most famous tales.