Dream Vacation
19 Days in England, Scotland, Ireland & Wales.
You will get to see the wonderful scenery and historical places through out these amazing places. You’ll get to travel through Sherwood forest, see gothic cathedrals, go seal spotting, and go wandering through some of the most rugged terrain. And that’s only the first few days. You’ll also get to see castles and battle fields, search for Loch Ness, and see the Giants Causeway.
Day 1 Monday: Depart at 7.30am from Earls Court YHA, London. Heading North from Central London with Road Trip tours on their 5 Day Northern Exposure tour, 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: 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 Jed burgh, 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 : Leaving Edinburgh at 8.30 a.m. with Wild In Scotland on their 7 Day Orkney and Skye Experience Tour, we head straight for the Highlands. First stop is Stirling and Brave heart 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: 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: 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 o 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: 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: 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
neighboring 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.
Day 8: 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: 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!
Day 10: Rejoining Road Trip and the 2nd Leg of the Northern Exposure Tour, 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.
Day 11, 12, & 13: This morning you will head out on the 3-Day South tour with Paddy Wagon Tours. You’ll visit the world famous Cliffs of Moher, Clonmacnoise and kiss the magical Blarney Stone. We stay in vibrant, musical Killarney and an action-packed night in Mediaeval
aeval, cosmopolitan Galway Ireland’s seaside Party Town! The highlights will include Rock of Cashel photo stop, Tour Cahir Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Fun-filled Killarney, Bog of Allen, Burren: Eerily haunting limestone landscape, Clonmacnoise: Ireland’s Golden Age Celtic Crosses and much, much more. On your return to Dublin you will be taken to Paddy’s palace.
Day 14: Have a day in Dublin you could catch the open top bus tour taking in the sites including the Guinness brewery, Trinity college and both of the amazing cathedrals or just chill out, it is up to you, you will spend another night in Paddy’s Palace this.
Day 15,16, & 17: This morning, again with Paddy wagon Tours you will set off on the 3 day North tour where you will be introduced to local guides and characters and customs of both the Ulster Irish and Ulster British communities. Downtown Belfast is amazing and the glorious Glens of Antrim are an absolute Irish paradise with Bonnie Scotland in full view 12 miles away. We bravely cross the famous Rope Bridge and see the eighth wonder of the world, the Giants Causeway, before storming formidable Dunluce Castle. Absolutely fantastic photography awaits you on your walking
tour of Derry, city walls and scene of ‘Bloody Sunday’ in 1972. Be seduced by the charm and atmosphere of Derry on our overnight stay! With breathtaking scenery, genuine and warm locals, unspoiled landscapes and a living history, ‘Norn Iron’ is a real travelers paradise. This evening you will catch the late flight back to Liverpool and meet the Road Trip guide at the International Hostel.
Day 18: Back on the last leg of Road Trips Northern Exposure! 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: 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.
Price list
£512 plus £262 kitty
$1126.62 plus $576.51 kitty (Canadian)
Kitty Summery
Road Trip London to Edinburgh
Nights accommodation in York and Edinburgh, Ghost tour of YorkWalking tour of EdinburghAll evening meals
All breakfasts*Paid to driver on the morning of departure from London
Sub-total: £55
Wild in Scotland - Edinburgh - Highlands - Edinburgh
5 Day Oban, Skye and Inverness Tour4 nights accommodation (Oban, Stromeferry x 2 and Inverness)All evening meals (We decide as a group on what to cook to cater for dietary preferences.)All breakfasts (continental help your self)*To be paid in cash on arrival at the Wild In Scotland Office on the morning of this legs departure
Sub-total: £60
Paddy wagon - Irish Leg
All accommodation and breakfasts are covered in the overall cost on the 3 Day South tour and the 3 day North tour + the 3 nights at Paddys Palace in Dublin before and after your tours. No Cost.
Road Trip - Liverpool - Stratford - London
Nights accommodation in Liverpool and StratfordAll evening mealsAll breakfastsWalking tour of Oxford*Paid to driver on the morning of departure from Liverpool
Sub-total:£55
19 day kitty total: £ 170 during the months October through April. £ 265 kitty during other months.
Round trip flight: Air Canada $745 (Canadian)
Arrive in London Sunday get hotel for the night. (Depart on the 19th day ) Friday evening.
4Hotel for Sunday night Hotel 41 (Red Carnation): £282.00
1 Buckingham Palace Road , London SW1W 0PS
Overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and adjacent to the Queens Gallery a short walk from Buckingham Palace, the Royal Parks, Pall Mall, Victorian theatres and elite Mayfair. '41' provides a quiet and exclusive haven for the most discriminating traveler in London's most sought after location.'41' - London's smallest, most intimate boutique hotel, a five star diamond recipient from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, provides outstanding affordable five star service.
Total Cost: $2053.8
Not including souvenirs and spending money.
Vacation information site:
http://www.ukirelandtours.com/19dui.php
The time you enjoy a European tour isn’t till about three weeks after you unpack. George Ade
