The Grand Tour of Britain and Ireland

Day 1: Arrive London

Arrive in London and attend your evening welcome drinks and dinner.

Day 2: London

See the British capital’s best-loved sights as well as its hidden attractions, including Westminster Abbey; Eleanor Cross, a memorial to Queen Eleanor of Castile and an early example of medieval commemorative architecture; Sir John Soane’s Museum; and Horse Guards Parade. Enjoy a welcome lunch at Simpson’s in the Stand one of London’s oldest and best-loved restaurants; and visit Ye Olde Mitre, one of the city’s oldest, most traditional pubs.

Day 3: Salisbury - Stonehenge - Bath

Travel to the gothic Salisbury Cathedral, crowned by the UK’s tallest church spire. Inside, see one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta. Continue to Old Sarum – the ruins of an ancient hillfort – followed by Stonehenge and its prehistoric ring of standing stones. Arrive in Bath for an evening to explore its elegant Georgian streets.

Day 4: Cotswolds - Ludlow - Chester

Journey into the Cotswolds, a region of hills and honey-hued settlements. Proceed to the market town of Ludlow to visit its castle, and north to Chester, famed for its Roman walls and Tudor buildings.

Day 5: Conwy, Wales - Snowdonia - Chester

Cross into Wales, to the pretty waterfront town of Conwy, visiting the medieval castle; and Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) to admire its lakes and mountains – among the tallest in Britain.

Day 6: Lake District

Continue north to the Lake District, a national park whose beauty has inspired poets and authors. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore this landscape of fells, pastures and glacial waters.

Day 7: Northumberland - Edinburgh, Scotland

Walk a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, the ancient Roman boundary between England and Scotland. Continue on to Bamburgh Castle, whose medieval character and impressive position has earnt it many an on-screen cameo. Cross into Scotland and transfer to your hotel in Edinburgh.

Day 8: Edinburgh

Explore Scotland’s capital, starting at Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the city from its lofty volcanic rock and contains both the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Stroll the Royal Mile to St Giles’ – one of three cathedrals in the city – and on to Greyfriars Kirk, a beautiful gothic building with some of Scotland’s oldest stained glass. Finish the day with a whisky tasting experience.

Day 9: Edinburgh

Call in at the moored royal yacht, Britannia, which once carried Queen Elizabeth II and family on 968 state visits before becoming one of the Scottish capita’s leading attractions. Later visit the Scottish Tartan Experience for insight into the evolution of these textiles, from an early signifier of clan membership into an international symbol of Caledonian identity.

Day 10: Dublin, Ireland

Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Dublin; check into your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Day 11: Dublin

Discover Dublin on a panoramic city tour, visiting the landmarks and grand Georgian streets on the north and south side of the River Liffey. Enter Trinity College and see The Book of Kells – a ninth-century illuminated manuscript – then visit St Patrick’s Cathedral. End at Marsh’s Library, Ireland’s oldest public library.

Day 12: Boyne Valley

Escape the city into the Boyne Valley, whose grassy hills are strewn with neolithic sites, and tour the prehistoric complex of Newgrange. After, explore the medieval ruins of Trim Castle.

Day 13: Depart Dublin

Your tour concludes in Dublin.