Exploring Britain and Ireland (15 Days starting from $2,549)

Exploring Britain and Ireland

A 15-Day tour starting from $2,549

Length:	15 Days
Type:	First Class Tour
Category:	Europe Tour
Operator:	Collette
Tour Code:	3371

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About This Tour

Join us on an unparalleled journey through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. From the glitz and glamour of London to the charm of Killarney, you'll relive the magic and merriment of the middle ages on this great adventure. Your 2-night stay in London includes a sightseeing tour viewing its famous landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower of London with time to explore on your own. Experience the grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral before marveling at the mysterious rock formations of Stonehenge. A visit to Bath and its Roman Baths Museum is where you’ll see 1st century spas. Then it's on to Wales and its capital Cardiff before boarding your ferry for a delightful cruise to Ireland. Here you'll have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone; witness stunning vistas along the Ring of Kerry; visit a dairy farm; and enjoy a guided tour to the Rock of Cashel. Other highlights in Ireland include tours of the Waterford Crystal Factory, dinner at an Irish cabaret, and a tour of the "Fair City" of Dublin. A ferry ride across the Irish Sea brings you back to Wales where you'll see beautiful Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales, before traveling north to England's scenic Lake District. Crossing into Scotland and its capital Edinburgh, you'll tour the famous Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels, and enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner with entertainment. This tour concludes with a visit to the city of York, where you'll enjoy a walking tour through its quaint streets before venturing onto Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare.

What's Included
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Sightseeing
Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
13 Breakfast(s), 9 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

LONDONCopthorne Tara Hotel
CARDIFFParamount Angel Hotel
KILLARNEYKillarney Avenue or Killarney Plaza<
DUBLINCamden Court Hotel
NORTH WALESDeVere St, David's Park Hotel
EDINBURGHThe Menzies Bradford
YORKYork Marriott
STRATFORD-UPON-AVONAlveston Manor or Swan's Nest Hotel
br>On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach

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 Factory 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 en route 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 and wits to match.

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 Mollana 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. Tonight, partake in a fun-filled Irish House Party where everyone has the opportunity to join in song and dance.

Day 9
Dublin
Enjoy a locally guided tour of Dublin the “Fair City.” 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.

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.

To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301. Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
4/6/2008 - 4/20/2008	$2,549	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/25/2008 - 5/9/2008	$2,549	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/27/2008 - 5/11/2008	$2,549	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/11/2008 - 7/25/2008	$2,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
7/27/2008 - 8/10/2008	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
8/15/2008 - 8/29/2008	$2,999	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/5/2008 - 9/19/2008	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/14/2008 - 9/28/2008	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/19/2008 - 10/3/2008	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
9/26/2008 - 10/10/2008	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
10/5/2008 - 10/19/2008	$3,099	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
2/27/2009 - 3/13/2009	$2,799	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
3/13/2009 - 3/27/2009	$2,799	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/17/2009 - 5/1/2009	$2,899	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/19/2009 - 5/3/2009	$2,899	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us
4/26/2009 - 5/10/2009	$2,899	Call Us	Call Us	Call Us

Package Notes: *The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions. Passengers arriving into Edinburgh between August 1-23, 2008 will be provided with tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show. On day 15, due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel. Return flights should not be booked prior to 11:30 AM. Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis. If you have not purchased air through Collette and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times. Collette air passengers will arrive and depart from London airport. On day 15, all Collette transfers will depart from Stratford-Upon-Avon for the London airport.

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.

Enjoy an evening of traditional cuisine and Irish entertainment in Dublin.

See majestic Caernarfon Castle, where the future King of England was crowned Prince of Wales.
Journey to Bath and visit a Roman Bath Museum.
Visit to Molanna Dairy Farm

Package Notes:
*The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions.
Passengers arriving into Edinburgh between August 1-23, 2008 will be provided with tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Show.
On day 15, due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel. Return flights should not be booked prior to 11:30 AM.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis.
If you have not purchased air through Collette and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
Collette air passengers will arrive and depart from London airport. On day 15, all Collette transfers will depart from Stratford-Upon-Avon for the London airport.

Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.