The Great Britain tour will take you away to a whirlwind of sightseeing, medieval history and culture where you'll hit the highlights of England, Scotland and Wales. Practice your Liverpudlian accent because you're going to the birthplace of rock and roll's original Fab Four - The Beatles! Then go highbrow as you visit the University town of Oxford. You don't need a crown to stroll Edinburgh's Royal Mile but you may need binoculars to search for the elusive Loch Ness monster. Add to that drinking Guinness, kissing the Blarney Stone, sampling Irish whisky, castles, cathedrals and craic, and you've got an all encompassing Great Britain and Ireland experience!
| Length: | 17 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | England, Scotland, Wales, Southern Ireland |
| Transportation: | Coach, Ferry |
London to OxfordA warm welcome from your Contiki crew as we begin with a city tour of London. See Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey before heading west to the Royal town of Windsor. A chance to view the famous castle before continuing to the university town of Oxford.
Oxford to YorkWe journey north past the Peak District to the historic city of York. See Roman, Viking and medieval history in this famous walled city. An included walking tour by day and a chance to go ghost hunting at night after our pub dinner.
York to EdinburghToday we take a trip to the foot of the Pennine Mountains to view Hadrian's Wall. North into Bonnie Scotland for a scenic drive to the vibrant city of Edinburgh. Enjoy a first glimpse of the city on our including sightseeing tour this evening.
EdinburghToday a chance to explore the city sights such as the Castle and Holyrood Palace, or perhaps walk the Royal Mile and shop for tartan and shortbread along Princes Street. Tonight why not try some haggis and experience the sound of bagpipes at a local Scottish Evening?
Edinburgh to Scottish HighlandsToday we head north for the Dee Valley in the Grampian Mountains, close to Balmoral Castle. Enjoy the spectacular drive along the Whisky Trail to our home tonight in the beautiful Highlands.
Scottish Highlands to GlasgowFirst stop this morning is the famous Loch Ness. We continue south past Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, and through Glencoe before stopping on the shores of Loch Lomond. A chance to cruise on the lake before heading to Glasgow, situated on the banks of the river Clyde.
Glasgow to LiverpoolHeading south, we pause at Gretna Green before leaving Scotland behind and travelling to Liverpool. This afternoon, enjoy our included Magical Mystery Tour of memorable Beatles sights with a local guide. Tonight, why not join us for dinner in town?
Liverpool to DublinWe head to Chester to enjoy this Roman town and its Tudor architecture. We cross the border to Wales and stop for lunch at a seaside town on the North coast before taking our ferry to Dublin.
Dublin to GalwayWe'll start the day with an included visit to Kilmainham Gaol, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern country. Then maybe visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the "black stuff" is made and sample a pint or two at the Gravity Bar. Later, we head for the lively sea-side town of Galway.
GalwayA full day to spend relaxing in a picture-perfect and quintessentially Irish town.
Galway to KillarneyThis morning we make a stop at the awesome 210m (700 ft) sheer cliffs of Moher before continuing to the quaint town of Killarney. Take the opportunity to ride in a jaunting car through Killarney National Park and up to Muckross House. Then perhaps enjoy some Celtic music at a local pub after dinner.
Killarney to CorkEnjoy a scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry this morning before a chance to get the gift of the gab at Blarney Castle. This afternoon enjoy time to explore the cosmopolitan city of Cork.
Cork to KilkennyOur first stop today is Cobh, the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. We stop at Midleton, for a guided tour of the Jamesons Whiskey distillery before driving past the Rock of Cashel. Arriving at Kilkenny, why not take a guided tour of the medieval town including Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral.
Kilkenny to DublinArriving into Dublin around lunchtime, you have the chance to take a guided tour of Trinity College during which you will see the Book of Kells. Enjoy free time this afternoon to soak up Dublin's unique atmosphere before revving things up tonight with an opportunity to sample a traditional Irish meal and Irish dancing at one of Dublin's best pubs.
Dublin to LondonLeaving Ireland, we travel across the Irish Sea by ferry to Wales, arriving into London at approximately 8.00pm where your tour ends.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!