|
|
15 DAYS FROM $2,699 US Details below or click here for more information INQUIRY FORM Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640 Fax: (425) 984-7676 From the fashionable
streets of London to the magical Blarney Stone, this great adventure
takes you over rolling farmland and across the Irish Sea, through
England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Marvel at the mystery of
Stonehenge. Celebrate Irish humor, music and dance in Dublin. Visit
William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Visit the
English Lake District, Ireland’s Ring of Kerry and the valleys and
mountains of North Wales. Tour the regal city of Edinburgh.Day 1: Overnight Flight
A quick hop across the pond brings you ever closer to the history, culture and scenic wonders of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Day 2: London, England - Tour Begins Your tour begins in the magnificent capital city of London. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner. Day 3: London During a locally guided tour, see London's many unique landmarks - Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the changing of the guard (if held). Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore the historic sites of London or alternatively, pre-purchase the Complete London Experience option which includes a traditional English tea, a Thames River cruise and entrance to the Tower of London. Day 4: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff Your day begins with a visit to Stonehenge of Celtic and Druid lore. This mysterious formation dates back to the Stone Age. Next, journey to the elegant Georgian town of Bath for a visit to the Roman Bath Museum. See the elaborate spas, which are nearly 2,000 years old. Continue on to the Welsh capital city of Cardiff for an overnight stay. Day 5: Cardiff - Ferry to Ireland - Waterford Take in the beautiful countryside of South Wales en route to the coastal village of Fishguard where you board a ferry for a cruise on the Irish Sea across St. George’s Channel to Rosslare, Ireland. Begin your exploration of southeast Ireland in Waterford, founded by the Vikings! ![]() Day 6: Waterford - Blarney - Killarney During a tour through the world-famous Waterford Crystal facility** you will see a demonstration of how cherished crystal treasures are created and you’ll have the opportunity to shop for your own heirlooms. Next, journey through County Cork to the historic Blarney Castle. Wind your way up to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it those who kiss the stone are blessed with the gift of telling captivating stories. Your day ends in beautiful Killarney where you will find enchanting lakes and deep green valleys, and you’ll meet people with sparkling Irish eyes. Day 7: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney A scenic drive brings you to the Ring of Kerry where you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical scenery. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Marvel at the stunning vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, still lakes and picturesque villages. Return to Killarney after a truly enchanting day. Day 8: Killarney - Rock of Cashel - Dublin The Irish are known for their wit, humility and most of all, their humor. Today, you will have a chance to talk and laugh with a local family when you visit the Molanna Dairy Farm and meet its owners. After your visit and a relaxing spot of tea, you’ll journey through the picturesque “Golden Vale” en route to the Rock of Cashel for a visit to the historic spot where St. Patrick preached and, as legend has it, rid the Emerald Isle of snakes. Your day ends in the "Fair City" of Dublin. Day 9: Dublin Enjoy a locally guided tour of Dublin. Dubliners are very proud to show off their city on the river Liffey and tell you why it has earned the title as the best city in Europe in which to live. See the Bank of Ireland, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park. A visit is included to the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city your way - visit a museum, stroll in a park or stop by a pub and chat the afternoon away. Tonight, partake in a fun-filled Irish House Party where everyone has the opportunity to join in song and dance. Day 10: Dublin - Ferry Crossing - Wales A ferry ride across the Irish Sea transports you to Holyhead in northern Wales where you'll pass Llanfairpwll-gwyn-gyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the town with the longest name in the world. Perhaps you’ll even learn how to pronounce it! Visit the majestic Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales. Then, travel through the Welsh countryside where you will discover some of the most fantastic scenery in all of Britain. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Welsh dinner and an introduction to Welsh Gaelic. Day 11: Wales - Lake District - Gretna Green - Edinburgh, Scotland Travel north into England’s scenic Lake District to see charming Lake Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Crossing into Scotland, you will stop in the border town of Gretna Green where generations of runaway couples came to be married. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s charming capital city. Day 12: Edinburgh This morning, a locally guided tour of the regal city of Edinburgh includes entrance to the famous Edinburgh Castle, the city's most prominent landmark and home of the Scottish crown jewels. Also enjoy a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse*, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The rest of the day is free so that you can listen to the lilt of the Scottish brogue while you shop, explore a museum, or enjoy a tasty afternoon snack. Day 13: Edinburgh - York, England Today, a ride through the Cheviot Hills returns you to England. Stretching over the open moorland you will find Hadrian’s Wall, which once marked the northern border of the Roman Empire. Stop to see this ancient fortification that was built in AD 121 in response to repeated barbarian invasions against the Romans. This afternoon, visit the historic city of York. Explore its quaint streets, including the famous “Shambles,” which, most agree, is like traveling back in time to the Elizabethan period. In some places the street is so narrow that you can almost touch both sides with outstretched arms. A visit is included to the magnificent 13th-century Minster Cathedral. Day 14: York - Coventry - Stratford-Upon-Avon Journey to Coventry and visit its famous modern Cathedral, completely rebuilt after the bombing during World War II. Next, venture off to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway's thatch-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the author's wife. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate your new memories and friends. Day 15: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Tour Ends Your journey through Britain and Ireland ends in Stratford-upon-Avon today. INCLUSIONS,
HIGHLIGHTS &
EXPERIENCES
15 Days, 22 Meals London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Waterford Crystal**, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Farm Visit, Dublin, Wales, Lake District, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-Upon-Avon Ponder the mysteries of mankind at the famous monument of Stonehenge. Overnight in the capital cities of London, Cardiff, Dublin and Edinburgh. Visit historic Blarney Castle where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone. See majestic Caernarfon Castle, where the future King of England was crowned Prince of Wales. Join in the festivities as a guest at a traditional Irish House Party. HOTELS Park Plaza Riverbank United Kingdom Barcelo Angel Hotel, Cardiff 4 Granville Hotel Ireland Granville Hotel, Waterford 5 , 6 O'Donoghue Ring Hotels Ireland O'Donoghue Ring Hotels, Killarney 7 , 8 Burlington Hotel Dublin Ireland The Burlington, Dublin 9 Devere St Davids Park Hotel United Kingdom Devere St. Davids Park Hotel, Wales 10 , 11 Mount Royal Jarvis Ramada Hotel United Kingdom Ramada Mount Royal Hotel, Edinburgh 12 Marriott York United Kingdom York Marriott, York 13 Mercure Shakespeare Hotel United Kingdom Mercure Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon On some dates alternative hotels may be used. Optional Excursions for Exploring Britain & IrelandPlan Ahead, Reserve Now! Add a touch of personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched list of options. While the Tour Operator is known for their many inclusions, we also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in advance of your tour! Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Kilmainham Jail and Guinness Storehouse with Pub Lunch $75 City: Dublin Enjoy a traditional pub lunch at the Brazenhead Pub, Ireland’s oldest pub, established in 1198, where you will soak up the atmosphere of days gone by. After lunch, continue on to the nearby Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s top international visitor attraction. Learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage and discover the technique needed to pour the perfect pint! Classic Guinness ads and memorabilia create a nostalgic ambiance as you indulge in a complimentary pint. Next, explore a sobering and moving aspect of the quest for Irish Independence when you visit the fabled Kilmainham Jail. Now a museum, this former prison once held individuals involved in the repeated Irish rebellions. The leaders of the famous Easter Rising were executed here. It was also from Kilmainham that Irish convicts were deported to the Australian penal colonies. Famous inmates included Charles Stewart Parnell and Éamon de Valera, who was elected president of the Republic of Ireland i Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 5 hour(s). The London Experience City: London Discover the history and magic of one of the world’s greatest cities – London. Start off your tour with a River cruise along the Thames to the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic symbol of the city has served as a fortress, a treasury, a prison and a zoo. See the Traitors’ Gate, where prisoners once entered the tower. Anne Boleyn and Saint Thomas More both passed through this archway on their way to doom. See the Bloody Tower, and learn the sad story that earned the tower its name. View the Block where two of Henry the VIII’s wives - Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard - lost their heads. See the ancient White Tower, built by Normans in the 11th century. Then, behold the famed and elegant Crown Jewels. Conclude your tour by partaking in a very British custom - an elegant afternoon tea with all the traditional British fare! Please Note: This optional tour must be pre-purchased prior to tour departure. Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 16 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 5 hour(s). Essential Edinburgh $95 City: Edinburgh Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the world’s most famous royal ships, that has served the Royal Family in Britain for over 40 years and has traveled over one-million miles during its service. The Royal Yacht Britannia has embarked on 968 official voyages, taking the Royal Family to some of the most remote areas of the world. See family pictures hanging on the walls, artifacts collected from all over the world and the very staterooms where Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent their honeymoon. End your tour of Essential Edinburgh with dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring local cuisine. Your transportation is included. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 4 hour(s). Irish Cuisine and Cooking Lesson $75 City: Killarney Partake of this great opportunity to participate in a cooking lesson from a wonderful, experienced Irish chef in her own restaurant! Receive instruction on Irish cuisine and learn how to cook Irish favorites such as bacon and cabbage, Irish stew or homemade scones and traditional soda bread. Learn to make your own authentic Irish Coffee. Enjoy dinner following your instruction and find out the secrets of the Irish kitchen. Experience both behind the scenes experiences of this restaurant and also dine as a guest when you choose from an authentic 3-course Irish menu. This is an experience to remember. Transportation is not included. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Duration: approximately 4 hour(s). Departure Dates: March - October Prices: From approx $2,699 US per person double occupancy |A-Z TRAVEL MALL -Home| A-Z TOURS -Home| A-Z Tours International - Company Profile Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640 Fax: (425) 984-7676 tours@a-ztravel.com |
|