Day 1 : Arrive in London, England

Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital.

Day 2 : London

Explore on your own. You may choose to join a Local Guide for an optional morning sightseeing tour of the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. A highlight is the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard (if held). Later on, maybe visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels, and later in the evening, a leisurely cruise on the Thames River.

Day 3 : London–Stamford–York–Leeds

Depart in the morning for a day of northbound travel. Take a break in the market town of Stamford and in York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster. Through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night in Leeds.

Day 4 : Leeds–Jedburgh, Scotland–Melrose–Edinburgh

See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, pass through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival in Edinburgh. Tonight plan a Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.

Day 5 : Edinburgh

A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing of the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Later, enjoy a unique experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which for the Queen was once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board.

Day 6 : Edinburgh–Gretna Green–Lake District, England–Chester–Wrexham, Wales

South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Wordsworth’s Grasmere, then follow the shores of Lake Windermere. In Chester, the historic county town on the Dee River, walking tours cover the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” Overnight in Wrexham.

Day 7 : Wrexham–Stratford-upon-Avon, England–Broadway–Cardiff, Wales

Back in England, tour fascinating Stratford-upon-Avon, a living monument to William Shakespeare, before visiting the scenic Cotswold Hills with a stop for photos in picture-book Broadway. Overnight in Cardiff, where you can enjoy the capital’s major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings.

Day 8 : Cardiff–Bath, England–Stonehenge–London

A day of memorable highlights with a stop first in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before visiting STONEHENGE, still an intriguing mystery. Explore the stunning new visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument from up close. After returning to London in the evening, enjoy a night out in the town.

Day 9 : London

After breakfast proceed to your next destination.

25 Day Tour from London to London

Day 1 : Arrive in London, England

Welcome to London. Check into your hotel. Day free to settle in and explore city on your own.

Day 2 : London

Morning sightseeing includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the Thames River, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held.

Day 3 : London–Canterbury–Brighton

Depart London in the morning through the orchards of Kent to visit CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, where you hear about the Black Prince and Thomas à Becket. Then, in the Regency seaside resort of Brighton, tour the exotic ROYAL PAVILION, built for the Prince Regent in the early 1800s.

Day 4 : Brighton–Stonehenge–Plymouth

This morning, visit prehistoric STONEHENGE and its brand-new visitor center before traveling through Salisbury Plain and along the Dartmoor National Park to Plymouth. Upon arrival, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. This evening, enjoy excursion into Dartmoor National Park for an evening of storytelling at a local pub. (Optional)

Day 5 : Plymouth. Cornwall Excursion

A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall, where you can enjoy a Local Favorite CORNISH PASTY. After viewing St. Michael’s Mount, rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land’s End before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives.

Day 6 : Plymouth–Glastonbury–Bath–Newport, Wales

At Glastonbury, hear about King Arthur, and in Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS. Overnight is in Newport.

Day 7 : Newport–Brecon–Carmarthen–Waterford, Ireland

Your journey through Wales takes you north along the Taff Valley and through Brecon, a historical market town in the Brecon Beacons National Park, to Carmarthen and then to Fishguard. Cross St. George’s Channel to Rosslare in Ireland and proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. After dinner, you may enjoy Local Favorite IRISH COFFEE DEMONSTRATION.

Day 8 : Waterford–Blarney–Killarney

In Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone, there is time to walk up to the castle and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts before continuing to the popular resort town of Killarney, your County Kerry base for the next three nights.

Day 9 : At Leisure in Killarney

A full day to relax or join an optional excursion that includes a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle, and a boat ride to Innisfallen Abbey and across the lakes to Muckross House. After lunch on your own, the excursion continues with a visit to the house and gardens, returning to your hotel mid-afternoon.

Day 10 : Killarney. Ring of Kerry Excursion

Start a scenic day with a drive to Killorglin on Dingle Bay, and join the spectacular RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. Take your photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View.

Day 11 : Killarney–Dingle Penninsula–Adare–Limerick

Breathtaking scenery on Dingle Peninsula. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, learn about the way of life on the remote islands evacuated by its inhabitants in 1953. Via quaint Adare, head for the city of Limerick.

Day 12 : Limerick–Cliffs of Moher–Galway-Knock–Sligo

Proceed to the spectacular CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic. Via the limestone plateau of The Burren and Galway—a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with cobblestone streets, colorful shops, and a busy café and bar culture—reach Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Then, spend the night in Sligo.

Day 13 : Sligo–Drumcliff–Belleek, Northern Ireland–Derry-Giant's Causeway–Belfast

A fascinating day today: the grave of native son and poet W.B. Yeats in Drumcliff; BELLEEK POTTERY, renowned for its exquisite Parian china; Derry, one of the finest examples of a walled city; and awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, composed of thousands of strangely symmetrical basalt columns jutting out to sea. Overnight in the vibrant city of Belfast.

Day 14 : Belfast–Downpatrick–Dublin, Ireland

This morning’s highlights are a visit to the fascinating TITANIC EXHIBITION. Learn all about the building of the largest passenger steamship, its maiden voyage, and the tragic night of April 14, 1912. Travel to Downpatrick and visit the inspiring SAINT PATRICK CENTRE before you drive back again into the Republic. You may enjoy a cabaret evening with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter.

Day 15 : Dublin

Drive of the “Fair City” includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian Squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Oscar Wilde’s Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 16 : Dublin–North Wales–Liverpool, England

Back across the Irish Sea for a photo stop at tongue-twisting Llanfair on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey, a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, over spectacular Llanberis Pass, and via pretty Betws-y-Coed to Liverpool.

Day 17 : Liverpool–Grasmere–Gretna Green, Scotland–Glasgow

Start the day with a visit to the award-winning BEATLES STORY, an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture, and music of the “Fab Four.” Enter the tranquil Lake District, and in Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth, try Local Favorite GRASMERE GINGERBREAD. Then, head north for the Scottish border and to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Overnight is in Glasgow. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 18Glasgow–Fort William–Isle of Skye–Inverness

Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, then proceed via Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, and Fort William, and follow the “Road to the Isles” to Mallaig, where you board your FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye. Visit the MUSEUM OF THE ISLES, then return to the mainland and trace the shores of Loch Ness on the way to Inverness. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 19Inverness. Highlands Excursion

Fascinating visits on today’s excursion. At CULLODEN VISITOR CENTRE the story unfolds of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans. Then, call at CAWDOR CASTLE, set in stunning grounds with beautiful gardens, and home to the Thanes of Cawdor since 1370. Back in Inverness, the rest of the day is at leisure. Our recommendation would be to join the Loch Ness optional excursion, which includes a cruise on the loch. (Breakfast) DAY 20Inverness–Braemar–St. Andrews–Edinburgh

Main features today: Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games;
St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; and the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Tonight, an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis.

Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” as well as the “Old Town.” Drive up the narrow Royal Mile to visit EDINBURGH CASTLE, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, once the perfect residence for the Queen’s glittering state visits and family vacations, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast) DAY 22Edinburgh–Jedburgh–York, England

This morning, visit FLOORS CASTLE, the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe’s family home and largest inhabited castle in Scotland. Later, pass the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, and in York, England’s most complete medieval city, follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (Breakfast, Dinner) DAY 23York–Coventry–Stratford-Upon-Avon

In Coventry, view the splendid modern cathedral, which rose from the rubble of severe World War II bombings, and in Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. (Breakfast, Dinner) DAY 24Stratford-Upon-Avon–London

A final highlight: enjoy a guided tour of magnificent BLENHEIM PALACE, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and there is also time to explore the landscaped parkland. Return to London around 3:30 pm. How about celebrating the success of your vacation by taking in a West End show? (Breakfast) DAY 25London

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)