19
Day
U.K and Ireland Tour (Summer Itinerary)
Sherwood forest *
Nottingham * Yorkshire * Hadrian’s Wall
* Edinburgh * Stirling * Highlands * Isle of
Skye * Orkney * Carbisdale Castle * Loch Ness
* Edinburgh * Lake District * Liverpool *Anglesey
* Dublin * Derry * Giants Causeway * Blarney
stone * Cliffs of Moher * Snowdonia * Stratford
* Oxford
What a way to see the
best that the UK and Ireland have to offer in
just 19 days -
go on - come and have a threesome with us!
Day
1 Monday
Please be ready to depart at 7.30am from Earls
Court YHA, London. Heading North from Central
London we travel into Robin Hood's country.
The 450-acre Sherwood Forest is a dream to explore
and with a picnic lunch you will feel like one
of the Merry Men! Test your skills with our
optional activity of archery before we make
our way to Viking York! A chance to explore
the awesome gothic cathedral (England's largest),
the medieval city walls and the sights and sounds
of the lively city centre. After our authentic
Viking feast, experience a spine tingling ghost
walk followed by a rally of traditional pubs.
Day 2 Tuesday
Heading further North we stop in the cosmopolitan
city of Newcastle. Cross the River Tyne and
see the Angel of the North. From here we attack
Hadrian’s Wall then a choice to cruise
up the Northumberland coastal road or through
the Northumberland National Park. It's goodbye
to England and Scotland ahoy. A pause at either
Holy Island, with its amazing history and ancient
priory or Jedburgh, a historical border town,
once home to Mary Queen of Scots before we get
to Edinburgh. A Full walking tour & a bit
of whisky tasting awaits. Explore the Royal
Mile and Edinburgh castle. The evening is spent
enjoying a traditional Scottish meal and a fantastic
night out in Scotland's capital.
Day 3 Wednesday
Leaving Edinburgh at 8.30 a.m. we head straight
for the Highlands. First stop is Stirling and
Braveheart Country (William Wallace, King Robert
the Bruce and Rob Roy) – you’ll hear
all the history and legends, with plenty of
walks and time off the bus. Then we wind through
some of Scotland’s finest glens (stunning
mountain valleys – if you didn’t already
know!), including Glen Garry, Glen Nevis and
breathtaking Glencoe (hear about the massacre
of Clan MacDonald). Then it’s onto the
Isle of Skye, our home for 2 nights.
Day 4 Thursday
A full and active day round the Isle of Skye,
with lots of walks and time to take in the magic.
You’ll see the Cuillin mountains, climb
to the Old Man of Storr (an incredible Jurassic
pillar) where you’ll hear some amazing
legends, visit Lealt waterfalls and Kilt Rock,
and take in absolutely stunning panoramas in
the Quirang. There are stories of old to be
heard around every corner and you can’t
help but feel the magic. Perfect preparation
for a few wee drams in the local pub, to reflect
on a day of tales and legends.
Day 5 Friday
Before making our way North we will have time
to go on a seal spotting trip with a local fisherman
and hopefully try some seafood fresh from the
water! Inchnadamph lodge (nr Ullapool) is our
destination but there is much to do on the way.
Take in the magnificent Corrieshalloch Gorge
and then wind around the West Coastline stopping
at waterfalls & golden beaches with views
of the Torridon mountain range. The beautiful
mountains of Assynt surround our hostel tonight.
Day 6 Saturday
Today we wind our way along the far North Western
coast – a chance to explore the famous
Smoo caves and drive/wander through some of
the most remote and rugged landscape Europe
has to offer. Deserted beaches, towering mountains,
sparkling lochs and the wide open skies really
set the tone today before we take the evening
ferry to the awesome Orkney Islands.
Day 7 Sunday
From our base in the fishing village of St Margaret’s
Hope we spend a full and energetic day today
exploring the islands - it will be packed with
Viking ancestry and world-renowned archaeological
treasures such as Skara Brae and the Ring of
Brogar. Plus a chance to gaze in wonder at the
islands Italian Chapel, search for the coastal
Puffins (May-July) and also walk to one of the
neighbouring islands. Loads of time will be
spent off the bus and much time spent walking
especially along some of the fantastic beaches
– a day to remember (another one!)
Day 8 Monday
Another morning on Orkney witnessing locals
making Orkney Cheese/Jewellery and going for
some lovely walks in the area (experience a
"Gloup"). This afternoon we return
to the mainland visiting John O’Groats
before heading south via Wick and the atmospheric
ruins of Castle Sinclair. Finally another castle,
Carbisdale our home for the night! A unique
experience living it up in style, surrounded
by the priceless art collection.
Day 9 Tuesday
Then it is over the Moray Firth to Loch Ness
for a spot of monster hunting, before taking
an emotional visit to tragic Culloden battlefield
(Bonnie Prince Charlie’s last stand). We
recover our spirits over lunch, then really
get into the spirits at Edradour Distillery,
Scotland's smallest whisky distillery. Our final
stop is a gentle walk through the beautiful
Hermitage Forest.
Finally a short hop back to Edinburgh –a
tired and happy honorary Scot!
**October-April:
We do not travel to the Orkney islands during
the winter months. We go on a 5 day tour to
all areas covered except Days 5&6. You then
have 2 days to Explore Edinburgh. From Edinburgh
Castle that was first inhabited over a thousand
years ago to the hustle and bustle of the modern
day cosmopolitan city there is plenty to Experience.
For further info including day trips from Edinburgh
see our on-line guide: www.celticcapitals.co.uk.The
price is reflected in the shorter tour - please
see seasonal price changes below.
Day 10 Wednesday
We depart from Edinburgh to head back into England.
We have request stops for Hadrian’s Wall
and if we have time a quick call in at Gretna
Green where the Ironmonger can perform a shotgun
wedding!? From here we head for the Lake District
National Park (the largest National Park in
Great Britain) and try out some of our great
optional activities.
Have a chance to kayak, row or motor cruise
the lakes. Visit water falls, the highest pub
in the Lakes, Windermere and in the summer months,
the chance for a lakeside BBQ. Afterwards we
travel south for a rocking night in the city
of Liverpool . Get some Beatles Mania down at
the Cavern Club. Just after ten you will be
taken to Liverpool International airport to
fly to the Emerald Isle! – on arrival you
will make your own way into the city centre
via the airport bus- we will book you into a
central hostel to get a great night’s sleep!
The cost of the flight is excluded - see below.
Day 11 Thursday
Departing Dublin we make for the ‘Rock
of Dunamase’, the remains of a 12th century
haunting castle perched high on a rocky outcrop!
Then we head to Abbeyleix to visit ‘Morrisseys’,
Ireland’s third oldest pub. From there
it’s not a long way to Tipperary as we
drive through the Golden vale. Onwards to the
imposing but awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel, one
of the most spectacular archeological sites
in Ireland. Stopping over in Cork City grab
the opportunity to sample the fine Murphy’s
or Beamish Stout - both brewed locally.
Day 12 Friday
Today begins with a visit to Blarney Castle.
Climb the steps to the top and perform a strange
acrobatic ritual ‘To kiss the Blarney stone’
The grounds of Blarney Castle are fairies paradise
and if you don’t meet them here, you never
will! After this we visit Killarney National
Park and take a walk up to the stunning Torc
Waterfall. We then hop back on the bus and head
to Tarbert for our ferry ride across the mouth
of the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland.
We spend the evening in Doolin, a tiny coastal
village famous for its traditional Irish music.
Day 13 Saturday
After breakfast its off to the spectacular Cliffs
of Moher (one of the tallest in Europe), then
along the coast and onto the capital of the
West Galway stopping first at the ancient Burren.
Explore the City of Tribes before making our
way into the wilderness of Connemara, the heart
of the bogs to experience bog-hopping! Then
follow the stone walled laneways around lakes
and through rugged mountains passes for a little
visit to Leenane at Killary Harbour followed
by Westport at the foot of Croagh Patrick -
hearing tales of St Patrick and the Pirate Queen
- Grace O’Malley.
Day 14 Sunday
From Westport we leave Co. Mayo on route to
Sligo stopping for a leisurely climb up the
Hillside Tomb of Queen Maeve. Further along,
at the base of Benbulben we find the final resting
place of W.B. Years before arriving in Donegal,
with its stunning beaches and fairy bridges.
On our route into Derry we visit the impressive
fort called Griannan which overlooks Lough Foyle
and Lough Swilly.
Day 15 Monday
We start the day with a local guide to take
us walking around the old city of Derry, intriguing
us with stories of Derry past and present afterwards
it’s a stop is Dunluce Castle, built using
every inch of available space on the cliff!
From here we travel to the famed Giants Causeway
built by the legendary giant Fionn MacComhaill!
then our next stop isn’t far away, when
we dangle high above the Atlantic on a Rope
Bridge at Carrick-a-rede. Following the Glens
of Antrim hopefully get a clear view of our
celtic neighbours, Scotland ( only a spears
throw across the Irish Sea!) Tonight we explore
the nightlife in Belfast.
Day 16 Tuesday
This morning you have an opportunity to take
the famous Black Taxi Tour (seasonal and extra
cost) around Belfast where you get an insight
into the recent history of this divided land.
Making our way back to Dublin we first stop
at Monasterboice to see some of the best examples
of 10th century Celtic Crosses. After this we
pass through the town of Slane, home to Slane
Castle and the Boyne Valley - famous for the
Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Arriving back into
Dublin check into your accommodation and have
a night to explore Dublin City.
Day 17 Wednesday
Have a day in Dublin and catch the open top bus
tour taking in the sites including the Guiness
brewery, Trinity college and both of the amazing
cathedrals. Then off to the airport to catch your
return flight back to Liverpool where you will
be met by Road Trip and taken to your accommodation
for the night. Flight not included - see below.
Day 18 Thursday
After breakfast, we cross the Mersey River &
down into Wales. Visit (the longest place-name
in the world) Llanfairpwllgwngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
& get your passport stamped! We continue
south to Caernarfon to explore the castle and
town on before heading into the stunning Snowdonia
National Park - (the second largest National
Park in Great Britain) See Mt Snowdon (3560
ft) and visit a Welsh slate mine before a quick
visit to Gellert’s Grave. Then its eastwards
to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. An opportunity
to see a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare
Theatre (seasonal performances) or spend an
evening in the famous medieval town.
Day 19 Friday
The morning is spent with an optional tour of
Shakespeare's houses before we meander through
the spectacular Cotswold’s - spending some
quality time in a Cotswold’s village. Arriving
in the University City of Oxford get a full
walking tour of the city's famous University
colleges before heading back to London arriving
late afternoon.
What's Included
Kitty can vary slightly seasonally. See Please
ask for exact amount at time of booking.
The 'kitty' is a set fee taken on the morning
of departure which covers all breakfasts, evening
meals, accommodation, ferries, boat trip and
most entry fees throughout the UK. In Ireland
there is no kitty to pay, the price includes
accommodation, breakfasts and entry fees. All
of this money is spent on you - saves you loads
of time, money and hassle. It must be paid in
cash as detailed below.
