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British Isles Spring Time 16 Days

England - Wales - Ireland - Northern Ireland - Scotland

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Honolulu Departure.

Our journey begins this morning with a departure for the west coast where we make a comfortable connection to Europe. Once the preliminary flight schedule is ready it will be displayed online.

Day 2 To London, England.

To cut down on flying time we make a connection on the west coast and fly non-stop to London and arrive in the afternoon. After clearing arrival formalities, we are met and transfer to the Hilton London Metropole. Tonight celebrate the start of our journey with a traditional London pub experience and a relaxed, night-time River Thames cruise, viewing some of the capital's most beautiful illuminated sights. (D)

Day 3 Discovering London.

On our morning tour all the "pomp and circumstance" of the British capital come alive for us. This tour includes most of the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, and Piccadilly Circus. Today's highlights are an inside visit to St. Paul's Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, if held. Alex will be happy to take anyone interested to Harrods for shopping and/or have suggestions for our free afternoon. Perhaps an excursion to the Tower of London? (B)

Day 4 Via Bath to Newport, Wales.

We depart London early for a memorable day of sightseeing. Our first stop is at Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace, where we admire the breathtaking Ornamental Gardens. Next we try to figure out the ancient riddle of massive Stonehenge. In the elegant Georgian city of Bath we explore the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths. We end our day with a crossing of the River Severn for a late-afternoon arrival in Wales. We join our specially chosen tour director for a welcome dinner at our hotel. Hilton Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 5 By Ferry to Waterford, Ireland.

This morning an orientation in Cardiff, Wales' capital, introduces us to some of Wales' major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings. Later we drive along the South Wales coast to Fishguard, where our ferry is waiting to take us across St. George's Channel to Rosslare. From there we proceed by coach to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853 and Ireland's oldest city. After dinner, enjoy an Irish Coffee demonstration. Granville Hotel. (B), (D)

Day 6 Via Blarney to Killarney.

First of the day's highlights is a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal. Then continue via the port city of Cork to Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone. After lunch there is time to walk up to the castle and shop for traditional Irish handicrafts. Later we travel to Killarney, often called the Home of Beauty, for our two-night stay. Tonight we might wish to join an entertaining evening in Tralee with dinner followed by tickets for Siamsa Tire National Folk Theatre. Killarney Towers. (B)

Day 7 Ring of Kerry Excursion.

Today we follow the road known as the Ring of Kerry, a spectacular 100-mile panoramic drive around the island's southwestern tip. Admire vistas of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. This afternoon enjoy a fun-filled horse-drawn jaunting car ride along Killarney National Park, Deer Park and on to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Lein. Listen to our "jarvey" as they regale us with stories, anecdotes and local gossip. (B)

Day 8 Via Kildare to Dublin.

This morning we pass through charming Adare with its colorful thatched cottages and on to the Rock of Cashel, where Saint Patrick preached. Next we stop for an interesting visit to the Irish National Stud at Kildare, where some of the world's finest horses are bred. We arrive in Dublin, Ireland's capital, in the late afternoon. This evening why not join the optional dinner and cabaret show. Royal Marine Hotel at Dun Loaghaire. (B)

Day 9 Exploring Dublin.

Receive an overview of Eire's capital during our drive this morning. Highlights include statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Oscar Wilde's Trinity College, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. The afternoon is free to further explore this Irish capital. Tonight we can choose to join our tour director for dinner and an evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

Day 10 Via Malahide to Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Set in 250 acres of park land, and formerly both the fortress and private home of the Talbot family for nearly 800 years, our first visit is at Malahide Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle with its interesting mix of architectural styles, then stroll through the extensive gardens. On our way to Northern Ireland, we cross the Boyne River and drive on to Belfast for a visit of the fascinating Titanic Exhibition, where we learn all about the building of the largest passenger steam ship, its maiden voyage, and the tragic night of April 14, 1912. Later savor a cup of tea and a Tray Bake at Bistro 401. Europa Hotel. (B)

Day 11 Via the Lake District to Edinburgh, Scotland.

First thing this morning, listen to our local guide about the troubles in Northern Ireland on our "Living History" tour. Along the way view all the famous landmarks of Belfast including the Parliament House at Stormont, City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queens University. Next, board our ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland's southwest coast and continue through the scenic Scottish border country to Edinburgh. Tonight, enjoy our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. Hilton Grosvenor. (B)

Day 12 Experience Edinburgh.

Morning city sightseeing with our local guide introduces us to the 200-year-old "New Town" and its famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. As we drive up the narrow Royal Mile we begin our visit of the "Old Town." En route we hear delightful stories about some truly unique characters. History comes alive as we tour the impressive Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. Then explore Holyrood Palace (if open), the Queen's official Scottish residence. The afternoon is free to relax or explore Scotland's elegant capital city. Perhaps board the former Royal Yacht Britannia to see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board? (B)

Day 13 Via Alnwick, England To York.

Relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the North Sea coastline as we drive via Berwick-upon-Tweed to Alnwick, voted the "best place to live in Britain" in a national survey. In York, England's most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster. Northern Europe's largest gothic cathedral is well noted for its magnificent stained-glass windows. Our tour director will lead us on a stroll through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Holiday Inn. (B), (D)

Day 14 Via Coventry to Stratford-upon-Avon.

Skirt Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest on the way to Coventry, where we view the splendid modern cathedral that rose from the rubble of severe World War II bombings. Stop for pictures in front of Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Then we continue to the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where we visit the birthplace of the great poet and playwright William Shakespeare. Holiday Inn. (B), (D)

Day 15 To London.

Today's spectacular highlight is a guided tour of magnificent Blenheim Palace, home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. During our visit savor a glass of Champagne while enjoying the view of the Water Terraces. Later make our way back to London. How about celebrating the success of our vacation by taking in one of the great West End shows? Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. (B)

Day 16 To Honolulu.

Vivid memories of a historic and picturesque experience are with us as we head home. (B)