British Isles – Castles, Countrysides & Capitals

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland, where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin immersing yourself in the Scottish culture.

The day begins with an included tour of this capital city. See the delightful contrast of the city between the 18th-century Georgian “New Town” and the medieval “Old Town”. The famed Royal Mile, backbone of the Old Quarter, runs from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle. See the iconic sites of St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House. During the visit of Edinburgh Castle see the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, join your Tour Manager and traveling companions for an evening of entertainment with an included dinner and show. Meals: B, D

Today’s adventure begins with the motorcoach journey through the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside en-route to England. Enjoy the scenic wonders of northern England with a visit to the Lake District. In the picture-postcard village of Grasmere, see some historical sites of Woodsworth, and learn about the history of the famed Grasmere Gingerbread. The journey continues as you travel through the British countryside arriving in Chester this evening. Meal: B

A walking tour of this picturesque city with its Tudor-style buildings, ancient ruins and a complete city wall starts your day. Discover the history of the city’s former occupations by the Romans, Vikings, Danes, Saxons, Scots and Normans, while viewing the medieval half-timbered houses (some dating back to the 13th century), the Eastgate Clock (the 2nd most photographed clock in the UK, behind Big Ben), the Chester Cathedral and the ‘Rows’ – the highlight of the city center. The remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure to experience the charms of Chester. Meal: B

Departing Chester, continue to another capital city, Cardiff, Wales. En-route, a stop is made in the traditional English town of Stratford-upon-Avon with its typical oak-beamed, gable-roofed houses. Visit the most famous house in town, the birthplace and childhood home of the Bard himself, William Shakespeare. You’ll also see the school where he received his education, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, erected in his memory. Continuing on, experience the beauty of the Cotswolds – rolling hills (“wolds”), river valleys, and sleepy villages where houses made from the Cotswold Stone and cozy shops line the meandering streets. Experience the British tradition of ‘tea and scones’ at a local village in the Cotswolds before arriving in Cardiff early this evening for an included dinner. Meals: B, D

The day begins with a guided tour of Cardiff, the largest city in Wales. During the panoramic portion, your local guide will point out architectural sites that range from historic to modern, as well as provide history of the city. On the included visit to Cardiff Castle, whose walls conceal 2,000 years of history, you’ll discover stories from the times of the Romans, Normans, Vikings, Victorian Era and even WWII. After the excursion, return to the hotel where the rest of the day is free of planned activities for your independent exploration of this capital city. Meal: B

A late morning departure from the hotel takes you to the port for embarkation of the ferry and the journey across the Irish Sea to Rosslare, Ireland. Upon arrival, continue by coach to the Waterford area for two nights’ accommodation. Meal: B

Today’s excursion discovers the sites of Waterford and Blarney. On a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, witness the master craftsmen at work as you watch the process of transforming a ball of red-hot molten crystal into an elegantly crafted piece of art. Continue on to Blarney where there is time for lunch on your own before visiting the famed Castle known the world over as home to the “Stone of Eloquence” or the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, if you climb to the top of the castle and kiss the stone, you will never be lost for words and will receive the “gift of gab”.

The grounds of the castle are a curious place of ancient trees and stones, by legend a garden of Druid origin. The park has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. Return to Waterford for an included dinner. Meals: B, D

Leaving Waterford, travel to Dublin, the last capital city to be experienced on your journey through the British Isles. On the guided panoramic tour of this historic city, travel along O’Connell Street with its monument to Daniel O’Connell and other figures from Irish History. See the General Post Office, one of Ireland’s most famous buildings, that was the rebel headquarters in the 1916 Easter Rising. Cross over the River Liffey which flows through the center of the city and catch a glimpse of the Temple Bar area. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, the famous 8th-century hand-illuminated gospel manuscript. See Grafton Street, one of the main pedestrian-zoned shopping streets and drive through Georgian Dublin, with the beautiful 18th-century houses and squares. Pass the National Museum, Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Green and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. A special treat is in store tonight with an included dinner and evening entertainment. Music, song, and traditional Irish dancers take the stage during a show you’re sure to enjoy! Meals: B, D

Your final day is left free of planned activities to enjoy as you please…continue sightseeing, finish any last-minute shopping, or just relax at a pub and mingle with the locals. Meal: B

It’s time to bid “cheerio” to the British Isles as you depart for the Dublin Airport with warm memories of the castles, countryside, and capital cities of your journey through these amazing countries. Meal: B