featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
London, Choice of Walking Tour or Motorcoach Tour of London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, House of Waterford Crystal, Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Jaunting Car Ride, Farm Visit, Dublin, Wales, Lake District, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon
Day 1 | Overnight Flight |
Day 2 – 3 | Park Plaza Riverbank, London |
Day 4 | Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff |
Day 5 | Granville Hotel, Waterford |
Day 6 – 7 | Brehon Hotel, Killarney |
Day 8 – 9 | Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin |
Day 10 | Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa, Chester |
Day 11 – 12 | Apex Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh |
Day 13 | Hotel 53, York |
Day 14 | Walton Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon |
This culinary and cultural adventure begins at the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. Explore the brewing process behind this beloved beverage and learn how to pour the perfect pint. At its spectacular Gravity Bar, enjoy a sweeping 360º view of Dublin as you savor a complimentary pint. Next, we step inside O’Connell’s of Donnybrook, a revered Irish establishment featuring recipes passed down from generation to generation. Here, they use only the freshest, local ingredients to create timeless Irish dishes. Your dinner explores Irish cuisine at its best as owners Tom (brother of world-renowned chef Darina Allen) and Annette O’Connell showcase a wealth of artisanal products that come together to create culinary magic. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 5 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Join us for a rollicking evening of tastes, sights and sounds that are classically Scottish. Feast on a banquet prepared from a selection of local recipes. Your taste buds will savor the true flavor and goodness of this distinctive country. Your evening will be filled with entertainment including Highland pipers and dancers, who deliver the very best in Scottish music, song and dance. A highlight of the evening is the Ceremony of the Haggis, and, of course, you may try this national dish. Be prepared for a Scottish night of food, fun and many fond memories! This option will not be offered on dates that include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Step into the formal world of the British Monarchy when you visit the stately and expansive Windsor Castle. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II uses Windsor as both a private home and as a Royal residence where formal duties of state are performed. Windsor’s 1,000 rooms comprise the largest inhabited castle in the world. It dates back to the 1070s, when William the Conqueror built the original wooden structure, now replaced by the grand stone edifices. Explore one of Britain’s most visited historic buildings, its precincts, and the State Apartments, which house a delightful collection of Royal art treasures. Enjoy time for lunch in the quaint town of Windsor before heading back to London. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the castle that houses so much British history and lore is not to be missed! Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 15 passengers is required. Transportation is included.
Surround yourself in an old-world ambiance and the fresh flavors of Yorkshire when dining in a family owned alehouse located in the center of historic York. Begin by being treated to a tasting of five Yorkshire brews that includes a selection of ciders, lagers and ales. Then, pick your favorite to enjoy with your homemade farm-to-table dinner. You’ll delight in the personal service as you are guided through the menu featuring a variety of seasonal local dishes including the region’s famous “Yorkshire pudding.” Take this opportunity to get to know Northern England’s budding farm-to-table movement showcased during this locally inspired dining experience. Duration: Approximately 3 hours. Please note a minimum of 8 passengers is required. Transportation is not included.
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.
Click here for complete details.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.
Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $280 per person.
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed.
We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them.
Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel.
Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies.
Hotel membership programs are not applicable.
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
As you prepare to explore Britain and Ireland, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.
It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes.
Both the UK and Ireland can get rainy at times; therefore, rain gear is suggested such as a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof shoes.
Packing several washcloths for your tour is recommended as hotel properties do not always offer them.
For the two ferry crossings of the Irish Sea, pack accordingly if you are prone to motion sickness.
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction.
You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at some hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. Locations in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports.
We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services.
Currency in England, Scotland and Wales is the British Pound. In the Republic of Ireland, the currency is the Euro.
Please note that many places in Europe will not accept 100 USD bills as there has been a high rate of counterfeit notes circulating.
Local currency will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. Pubs and small tea rooms, where you may have lunch, generally do not accept credit cards.
If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Any person entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more must declare it. The term "cash" includes currency notes, coins, bankers' drafts, checks and travelers' cheques.
Travelers who fail to declare any amount over €10,000 will face stiff sanctions and could face penalties of as much as €8,000.
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug.
When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 1,500 feet.
Bring a camera, memory cards, film and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage.
Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible.
Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage.
As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion.
Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original.
Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport.
Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security.
Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying.
If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and Tour Managers have not been included.
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour.
We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-on bags should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches.
If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 US dollars per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number.
We recommend labeling your luggage on both outside and inside of the bag.
Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight.
Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel.
We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Your itinerary indicates which meals are included on your tour. Please take a moment to review. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their Customer Care Agent as early as possible to ensure that the restaurants are given ample notice. Also, please advise your Tour Manager at the beginning of your tour. Your requests are important to us, and we make every effort to accommodate these requests.
Please be advised that the average price for meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) in where you are traveling is as follows: In the UK — breakfast 10 to 20 US dollars, lunch 15 to 30 US dollars and dinner 20 to 50 US dollars. In the Republic of Ireland — breakfast 7 to 15 US dollars, lunch 10 to 20 US dollars and dinner 15 to 40 US dollars.
As you prepare for your trip, reading is the perfect way to learn about the culture, people and history of your destination and know before you go. We have a list of pre selected travel guides, novels and books about history, nature and art that will enhance your travel experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/23500/r/CV/mcms.html
Our tours are non-smoking throughout.
If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking.
Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
We pride ourselves on having the best trained and most experienced Tour Managers in the industry.
Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 US dollars per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the Tour Manager. A customary amount of 3-5 US dollars per person per day is suggested for the driver.
Transfers
We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive tour.
Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients.
Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets.
On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving guests.
If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your Tour Manager at the hotel.
Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only.
Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience.
Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the Tour Manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees
Land Only Vacations:
If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate.
You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour.
Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact.
Air Inclusive Vacations
Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour.
In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial).
If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage.
Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.
Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
* Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Monroe Cty Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers
* Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $280 per person
Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates.
Triples at Walton Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon are on request only – it may be necessary to use a double/single combination.
*The changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is not held every day. When it is not available, a stop will still be made at the palace. **Jaunting car ride is included, weather permitting. ***The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions.
To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at prescheduled times.
Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
Passengers arriving into Edinburgh between August 5-27, 2016 will be provided with tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Air passengers will arrive and depart from the London airports. On day 15, all transfers will depart from Stratford-upon-Avon for London airports.
Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline's terms and conditions.
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 a.m.
This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
CST#2006766-20 UBN#601220855 Nevada Sellers of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279
Discover the true cultural treasures of Britain and Ireland on a comprehensive journey through England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Your tour opens in the regal city of London. A capital of culture and commerce, the city blends traditional with modern. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Today, see London your way! You may choose to board a coach to discover the pageantry of this grand city with a local guide. See and learn about Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Or, perhaps you’ll choose to get a different perspective during a walking tour. Begin at your hotel and take to the streets where a local guide shares stories of days gone by; stroll past Big Ben, Westminster, Whitehall and St James’s Park. Both tours see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace* (if held). Finally, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this iconic city.
This morning’s journey takes you to Stonehenge, the mysterious formation that dates back to the Stone Age. Explore various theories on how the colossal stones arrived at the location and their purpose. Continue to the elegant Georgian town of Bath to visit the Roman Bath Museum’s 2,000-year-old elaborate spas. Enjoy some time to stroll through its cobblestone streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere. Continue to the Welsh capital of Cardiff.
Join a local expert on a leisurely paced walking tour of Cardiff. Learn about the city’s deep ties to the coal industry, its connection to ancient Rome and its famous Victorian shopping arcades. Take in the beautiful countryside of Wales en route to the coastal village of Fishguard. There, we board our ferry for Ireland, crossing the Irish Sea. Upon arrival in Rosslare, travel to charming Waterford, your home for the night.
Begin your day with a tour at the new House of Waterford Crystal factory featuring a fascinating visitor’s center and a retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Next, travel to the historic Blarney Castle. Make your way to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone where, legend has it, you will be blessed with the "gift of eloquence." This evening it’s Diner’s Choice…tonight your dinner is included and you’ll choose the perfect spot from a ‘menu’ of Killarney’s great restaurants.
Behold the glorious Ring of Kerry where you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical scenery. Pause for a moment at the Gap of Dunloe to browse for traditional Irish handcrafted goods. As we continue our journey, marvel at the vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, lakes and picturesque villages. Upon returning to Killarney you will be treated to a time-honored Irish jaunting car ride.**
Today you’ll have the opportunity to talk and laugh with a local family when you visit their working farm. Later, we venture through the “Golden Vale” en route to the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. Be amazed by its imposing facade and visit the spot where St. Patrick preached. Tonight, come to know the local culture when you join in the festivities at a traditional Irish Night show.
Discover Dublin’s past and present on a locally guided tour highlighting the Bank of Ireland, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Later, experience for yourself the welcoming nature of the Irish as you set out to explore the “Fair City” on your own.
Ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. As you traverse northern Wales, pass Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the town with the longest name in the world. Make a stop at majestic Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales. Then, continue through the Welsh countryside and discover some of the most magnificent scenery in all of Britain.
Travel north into England’s scenic Lake District. Here you’ll feel the inspirational appeal of the region’s quintessential English villages, Lake Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Crossing into Scotland, stop in the town of Gretna Green where generations of runaway couples eloped. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s majestic capital city.
Delve into Edinburgh’s rich history during a guided tour of the city featuring entrance to imposing Edinburgh Castle (home of the Scottish crown jewels) and the Palace of Holyroodhouse,*** the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city in your own way.
En route to England, visit Hadrian’s Wall. Construction of this ancient structure began in A.D. 122 and since that time, it has served as the northern border of the Roman Empire. Continue to the historic city of York. Find yourself surrounded by the charms of history as you explore its quaint narrow streets. Walk on the famous “Shambles” and see the magnificent 13th-century Minster.
Journey to Coventry and visit its famous modern cathedral, completely rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II. Next, venture to charming Stratford-upon-Avon. Step back in time as we visit William Shakespeare’s birthplace. Afterward, you may choose one of the following: tour Anne Hathaway's thatch-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the author's wife; or, perhaps you’d prefer a leisurely cruise along the Avon River. This evening, we gather to say farewell to this captivating region over dinner.
Depart today with many new memories of lovely Britain and Ireland.