Deluxe & Superior First Class Hotels - 9 Day Coach Tour
See the best of both British Islands, in just 9 days, with accomodation in deluxe and superior first class hotels. Tour the capital cities London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Visit the university town of Cambridge, the medieval city center of York and the Northern Irish city of Derry.
Day 1: London Arrival & Tour
Start your trip at Heathrow Airport with an independent transfer to your hotel. At 2:30 pm take a panoramic tour of central London to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column and lions of Trafalgar Square, Big Ben towering over the Houses of Parliament and Hyde Park. In the evening meet your tour director for a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Tower of London & City Sights
Today you are free to schedule your London sightseeing as you wish when you take an open-top bus tour around the many famous landmarks. There are a number of different bus routes so that you can choose the part of London that you'd like to focus on. Your voucher also includes a walking tour and a cruise on the River Thames. Visit the Tower of London to view the magnificent Crown Jewels, guarded by Beefeaters in distinctive Tudor uniforms and the many towers of this huge fortress. You are free to choose a restaurant to dine independently. (B)
Day 3: Cambridge & York Walking Tour
Visit Cambridge to see some of the famous university colleges, including King's College, and the Mathematical Bridge over the River Cam. Head north to York for a walking tour to appreciate narrow streets and medieval houses, which contain centuries of history. The stately York Minster, with towers and stained glass, is the highlight of the walk. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. (B, D)
Day 4: Abbotsford House & Cabaret Evening
Pass Heddon-on-the-Wall to view a portion of Hadrian's Wall and travel through the scenic Northumberland National Park. Cross into Scotland at Carter Bar. Drive through the scenic Borders to visit Abbotsford House, Sir Walter Scott's home. View an impressive collection of memorabilia and a library with over 9,000 rare volumes, where he wrote most of his novels. Drive to Edinburgh in time for dinner at the Edinburgh Nights Cabaret where you will experience lively Scottish entertainment. (B, D)
Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour
This morning explore Edinburgh on a sightseeing tour. Compare and contrast the wide streets and elegant mansions of the Georgian 200-year-old “New Town” with the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the oldest part of the city. See Princes Street, the main shopping thoroughfare that separates the two areas. Learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers. Finish your tour at the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you can see historic buildings and enjoy splendid views of Edinburgh. The balance of the day is free for independent exploring, shopping and dining. On August 5 to 19 departures, experience the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)
Day 6: Giant's Causeway & Derry
This morning will be an early start as you drive to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Larne. Travel along the “Nine Glens of Antrim” with views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Visit the Giant's Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. The enormous rocks have spawned legends about the mythical giant, Finn McCool. Continue to Derry for your overnight stay. (B, D)
Day 7: Ulster Folk Park & Dublin
This morning join a local guide for a short walking tour around Derry, surrounded by medieval city walls. Near Omagh visit the Ulster American Folk Park to see many cottages and traditional crafts. The Park traces the story of Ulster emigrants and shows rural lifestyles in both Ireland and America in Colonial times. Travel south to Dun Laoghaire, where your Victorian hotel is located on Dublin Bay, a few miles from the city. (B)
Day 8: Book of Kells & Taylor's Three Rock Pub
Take a tour around central Dublin, with spacious Georgian squares and streets, landmark public buildings and graceful townhouses. Visit Trinity College to see the campus and view the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or shopping. Enjoy dinner at Taylor's Three Rock Pub followed by an upbeat show with Irish music and dance. (B, D)
Day 9 - Homeward bound from Dublin Airport
Take a group transfers to Dublin Airport to check in for return flights. (B)
B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, D=Dinner
Hotels on this tour
- Park Plaza County Hotel, London (2 nights)
- Marriott Hotel, York (1 night)
- Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights)
- Everglades Hotel, Derry (1 night)
- Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (2 nights)
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