England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland (11-Day Tour)

On this day, gather at the airport and board a luxury flight to Dublin, the capital of Ireland.

Upon arrival, begin a city tour. Visit Trinity College, one of the world’s most renowned universities, including a tour of its famous library and the “Book of Kells,” one of Europe’s earliest illuminated manuscripts. Next, view the exterior of the Irish Prime Minister’s residence. Continue to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and check in at Holiday Inn Belfast or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site composed of countless pentagonal basalt columns of varying heights. Visitors can climb atop the formations. The entire Causeway juts dramatically from the foot of the hills, and its grandeur and geometric precision make it a true natural wonder. Afterwards, explore Belfast, the political and cultural center of Northern Ireland and its largest industrial city. Highlights include the Titanic Belfast museum and the City Hall. Return to Holiday Inn Belfast or a hotel of similar standard for overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the pier and take a ferry to Scotland, enjoying the scenic views of the Irish Sea along the way. Arrive in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and stroll along the Royal Mile, the city’s most famous area, where the main attractions are connected by four streets forming the historic thoroughfare. Visit Edinburgh Castle, an important royal residence in Scotland and home to the nation’s treasure, the Stone of Destiny. Stop by the locally famous Loyal Dog Pub and the Elephant Café, where the first Harry Potter book was written. Also visit the North Bridge, Princes Street, and the Sir Walter Scott Monument, celebrating Scotland’s great literary figure. Overnight at Leonardo Hotel or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Glen Coe, famous as a filming location for the James Bond movies and one of the most stunning landscapes in the Scottish Highlands. Continue to visit Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Scotland, known for its scenic beauty. Then proceed to the world-famous Loch Ness, renowned for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Guests may choose to take an optional cruise on Loch Ness to try spotting the elusive creature. Overnight at Leonardo Hotel or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the traditional wedding town of Gretna Green in Scotland. Continue to the Lake District, known as the “Garden of England,” and explore Windermere, the largest lake in England, where scenic boat rides and steam train journeys are very popular. Proceed to Liverpool, the pilgrimage site for football fans, visiting Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool FC. Also explore The Cavern Club, the famous Beatles pub that has inspired generations of music lovers. Overnight at Mercure Liverpool or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to York to visit York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Europe. Walk along the ancient Roman city walls, stretching 2.75 miles, and explore the charming “Shambles,” voted the most quintessentially British medieval street and a filming location for the Harry Potter movies. In the evening, arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the famous playwright William Shakespeare. Overnight at Crown Plaza or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and its exhibition. Then continue to Oxford, one of the UK’s most famous university cities, known for its historic and elegant architecture. Explore the spired buildings and visit Trinity College to fully experience the scholarly atmosphere of this historic university town. Overnight at Aztec Hotel or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Bath, a city famous for its thermal spa culture. The hot springs originate from about 3,000 meters underground, with a year-round temperature of 46°C, rich in 43 types of minerals. Visit the Roman Baths Museum, which preserves exquisite Roman-era bathhouses, including the large bath 6 meters below ground, the King’s Bath, temple ruins, statues, wishing pools, and various ceremonial artifacts. Continue to the Royal Crescent and the Circus, symbolizing the moon and the sun, both elegant and magnificent. After lunch, visit the prehistoric site of Stonehenge, believed to have been built in the late Neolithic period. Return to London in the afternoon for city sightseeing, including Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London. Overnight at DoubleTree by Hilton or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the University of Cambridge. Stroll through the beautiful campus and soak in the strong academic atmosphere. Guests may choose to take an optional punt ride along the canals. Return to London afterwards to visit Westminster Abbey and enjoy views along the River Thames. Overnight at DoubleTree by Hilton or a hotel of similar standard.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by private coach to the airport for your flight back to Toronto.