Majestic Britain & Ireland including Edinburgh Military Tattoo: 20 days Dublin to London

Start your journey in the heart of Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, with a two night Scenic Special Stay at The Shelbourne Hotel.

Set on the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin was founded by the Vikings who named the city Dubh Linn, which means ‘Black Pool’ after the tidal pool that formed where the River Poddle met the Liffey. The city is magnificent with Georgian architecture, grand squares and historic monuments, and is steeped in culture and oozes charisma with a touch of hedonism.

This morning your local guide will help you discover the history and charm of Dublin on a walking tour. See The Mansion House, the official residence of Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Dublin Castle, which was constructed in the 13th century on the site of a Viking settlement, and the old Post Office, the heart of Dublin’s history and culture for more than 800 years. You will also see 19th century Fitzwilliam Square, St. Stephen’s Green Park, the Molly Malone statue, the Old Parliament House and City Hall.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from these captivating Scenic Freechoice activities:

Guinness Storehouse: Visit the Guinness Storehouse and factory to learn how this famous brew is made. After your guided tour, learn how to pull the perfect pint and enjoy a tasting from the seventh floor, which has a spectacular vantage point overlooking the city of Dublin.

Tour of Kilmainham Gaol: Journey through some of Ireland’s most fascinating history at Kilmainham Gaol Museum. Your local guide will regale you with tales from the gaol’s nearly 200-year history, including those who were held here while fighting for Irish independence.

Tonight, enjoy dinner and a show in a local restaurant with traditional Irish songs, music and dancing.

Today, you’ll visit the 600-year-old Blarney Castle. Explore the historic location and see the legendary ‘Stone of Eloquence’, more commonly known as the Blarney Stone. Legend says if you kiss it, you will receive the ‘gift of the gab’. Over the years, famous people such as Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan and Mick Jagger have puckered up to the ancient stone.

Afterwards, continue to Killarney, a charming town nestled in a valley surrounded by Ireland’s highest mountain range, the McGillycuddy Reeks.

Today you will experience the breathtaking scenery of the Ring of Kerry, renowned as one of the most picturesque landscapes in Ireland. Here, the Iveragh Mountains dramatically drop into the Atlantic Ocean, where rolling green hills dotted with cows and sheep are punctuated by sparkling lakes, grand houses and ancient castles. Watch as tiny fishing villages and off shore islands come in and out of view as you wind along this 100-kilometre route, which will captivate you at every bend.

Today, you will drive along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way to the Cliffs of Moher, a wind-whipped geological wonder that stretches for eight kilometres and soars to 214 metres above the crashing sea below.

Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway. The only city along the entire 2,500-kilometre Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a remote, bohemian city that is rich in creative culture. Join an orientation tour of the city to take in its cobbled streets lined with candy-coloured shopfronts, cafes and bars, which serve exceptional Irish food and comes alive with traditional music.

Today you will be making your way to Northern Ireland, stopping enroute to visit the Monastery of Clonmacnoise. Dating to the 6th century, the relics offer a rare insight into life in this period. The site includes the remnants of a cathedral and one of the largest collections of early Christian graves.

Continue to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Set on the shores of the Belfast Lough and overlooked by rugged Cave Hill, this lively city is the gateway to the dramatic Causeway Coastal Route and is where the Titanic was built.

Belfast is a port city with a fascinating history. Learn about its troubled past during a guided tour. Afterwards, discover the story of Titanic, from its design and build to its fateful ending, at the exceptional Titanic Museum. You will have the opportunity to hear some fascinating facts about the great ship and learn about its architectural design from the very spot where the ship was launched.

This morning, cross the Irish Sea by ferry to Scotland, where you will travel to Loch Lomond. One of Scotland’s best-known lakes (loch means lake in Scottish Gaelic) and the largest in Great Britain by surface area. This evening, check into your hotel for a two-night Scenic Special Stay at Cameron House.

Enjoy a relaxed morning today. You may like to explore the facilities of the hotel or take a stroll along the shores of the loch.

Loch Lomond may be known for its breathtaking waterway, but Stirling Castle is one of the region’s most iconic sites. Home to multiple generations of Scottish royalty, including the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, it’s the ancient chambers of this castle which possesses a rich storied history. You will see the Great Hall, the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland, and the elaborate Royal Chapel.

After the castle tour, travel by coach to Glasgow for a short orientation tour followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Scottish whisky is famous around the world and has been produced in the Highlands for more than 500 years. This morning, visit a local distillery to see the production process and sample some of this legendary ‘water of life’.

Later, journey to Loch Ness, a corner of the Scottish Highlands that is known for its dramatic scenery and the fabled Loch Ness monster. Keep an eye out for this elusive creature, also known as ‘Nessie’, a large prehistoric reptile believed to be living in the loch. There have been thousands of alleged sightings since the 1930s, including a number of blurry photographs, though there is no scientific evidence that Nessie exists. Nonetheless, the great folklore of the Loch Ness continues to draw in visitors far and wide.

Tonight, you’ll enjoy the first of a two-night stay at the Kingsmills Hotel or similar in Inverness. 

Known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness sits where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, an inlet of the North Sea.

Today discover the history of the highlands including a visit to the Battle of Culloden Visitors Centre, where you will learn about the 1745 Jacobite rising and hear tales of the battle that is often described as one of the most brutal in Scottish history.

This morning you will depart the Highlands bound for Edinburgh via Scone Palace. The palace is the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth, and the capital of the Pict Kingdom. Their name is thought to mean ‘the painted ones’, and there is suggestion that they decorated themselves with tattoos and dyed their skin blue.  

Scenic Enrich
Falconry Display: In the palace grounds you will be treated to a delicious morning tea accompanied by an impressive demonstration of Falconry. Known as the 'Sport of Kings' this ancient art has a history that dates back almost 4,000 years.

Afterwards, continue to Edinburgh, one of the most architecturally beautiful cities in the world, Edinburgh has been Scotland’s capital since the 15th century. On arrival, check in for your two-night stay at the Intercontinental Edinburgh the George or similar. 

Explore Edinburgh’s ancient, cobbled streets and well-preserved medieval and classical architecture today during a guided tour. This historic city was founded upon volcanic Castle Rock, where Edinburgh Castle – one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe – sits today. You will visit this impressive estate, as well as Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps, wander down the city’s Royal Mile, which is buzzing with stores, cafes, bars, and often street performers. This road connects the two royal residences, stretching from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle.

Tonight, you will have the pleasure of witnessing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This annual event is celebrated at Edinburgh Castle and is an artistic performance by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands.

This morning you’ll depart Edinburgh on a picturesque drive to Alnwick Castle. There, you’ll discover an incredible history that dates back over 950 years to the Norman period. Learn about the family that has resided in the castle for over 700 years and hear about the movies that have used Alnwick as a filming location, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.

Arrive in York this afternoon. This fascinating medieval city is nestled within ancient city walls and has Roman and Viking roots. Tonight, check in for a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel & Spa or similar.

This morning you will meet a local guide who will escort you through this delightful city, taking in all the Roman and Viking heritage that is on offer. Walk along The Shambles, the narrow medieval street lined with half-timbered houses and traditional shop fronts and see the impressive York Minster, said to be one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the world.

This afternoon is at leisure, with free time to explore the city on your own.

Enroute to the Roman city of Bath, you will stop in the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy an orientation tour to see where the famous Bard was born, learn about his life and see his final resting place.

This afternoon you’ll arrive in Bath and check into your hotel, the Gainsborough Bath Spa or similar. The city of Bath has been a spa town since Roman times thanks to the mineral waters with restorative properties that bubble beneath its surface. It was also the home of Jane Austen and was frequented by Charles Dickens.

Discover beautiful Bath on a guided walking tour. The UK’s only World Heritage-listed city, the town is resplendent in honey-coloured Georgian architecture, stately Palladian townhouses and the renowned Roman Baths, constructed in 70AD.

Later, indulge in the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea, a delightful experience of freshly brewed tea, delicate finger sandwiches, and an array of elegant pastries and cakes.

Enjoy some free time explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps you would like to pack your swimsuit and make your way to the contemporary Thermae Bath Spa to experience the therapeutic waters that make this city world famous, or climb the 212 steps to the top of Abbey Tower for a panoramic view over the ancient city and surrounding countryside.

On your way to London, you’ll discover the mystical wonders of Stonehenge. It is estimated that this World Heritage site is around 5,000 years old and is considered the most architecturally sophisticated stone circle in the world. Walk around the stones, see the Neolithic villages and learn more at the exhibition.

Afterwards, you’ll make a short stop in Salisbury for an orientation tour, before continuing on to the English capital, London, for a two-night stay at The Great Scotland Yard or similar. The city features some of the most recognisable historic landmarks in the world, including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Among London’s 2,000-year history, you’ll find bustling pubs, the West End theatre district and the glorious River Thames at its heart.

Today, explore London with a local guide, seeing highlights such as Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, the King’s official London residence. You’ll also visit the Westminster Abbey. With more than 1,000 years of history, the abbey has been the site of countless royal weddings, coronations and state ceremonies.

This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps take a cruise along the River Thames, visit one of the city’s art galleries or step inside the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels.

London is famous for its pubs, so tonight enjoy dinner in a modern upscale pub near your hotel.

Farewell London and transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking with you memories of a remarkable journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions. Hotels are indicative and subject to change.