Friday 23rd August – Monday 2nd September 2024
Arriving in Ireland today, a private transfer will pick you up from the airport and whisk you to your boutique hotel in the city centre. Choose to put the feet up and relax after your flight, or head out and explore the array of iconic sights and attractions Dublin has to offer. From the historic Trinity College, home to the ancient Book of Kells, to the imposing Dublin Castle, steeped in centuries of history. Wander through the vibrant streets of Temple Bar, filled with colourful pubs, lively street performers, and eclectic galleries, offering a taste of Dublin’s renowned cultural scene. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping and entertainment district.
Overnight: Dublin | The Address Connolly
Room Type: Club King Room
Meals Included: None
Today promises to be an unforgettable experience as you enjoy the lively football game against the iconic backdrop of the Aviva Stadium, right in Dublin city centre. On your last night in Dublin, we recommend dining in one of the city’s many award winning restaurants.
Overnight: Dublin | The Address Connolly
Room Type: Club King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, pick up your rental car as it’s time to leave the east coast behind and head west to Co.Clare! En route, stop off in the colourful Galway city, with its cobbled pavement and street performers, Galway is the west coast’s most vibrant urban centre and a great place to visit. Spend some time wandering down Shop Street, stop for a coffee at the Spanish Arch or head out to Salthill and enjoy the view over Galway Bay – there is plenty to do on this afternoon stop! Afterwards, make your way south to your 18th century manor house and home for the next three nights, Gregan’s Castle, which has long been a source of inspiration for its visitors. Guests have included J.R.R Tolkien, who’s said to have been influenced by the Burren when writing The Lord of the Rings, as well as other revered artists and writers such as Seamus Heaney and Sean Scully.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Be sure not to fill up too much at breakfast today, as your first activity today involves meeting with local farmers on a tour of the craggy, alien landscapes of The Burren, a place said to be J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings. End the tour with a picnic sampling of the farm’s delicacies as your guides regale you with stories and lessons taken from the unique methods of farming demanded by The Burren’s unique landscape.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your day off at Ireland’s most-famous cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher, before the crowds arrive, enjoying a walk along the dramatic cliff edge on a background of coastal panoramas. The area is teeming with wildlife and 20 different species of birds, including puffins, make this area their home. We recommend heading into Doolin for a fish n’ chips lunch in a historic stone cottage before returning to Gregans’ Castle via Black Head, a mesmerising stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. For your final night in Ireland, we’ll recommend a cosy restaurant, located right on the pier of a nearby village for dinner.
Overnight: The Burren | Gregan's Castle
Room Type: Classic Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, make your way to Shannon airport for your flight to London. On arrival, meet your private transfer to take you to the city centre, where you’ll meet your local expert guide. Start your London adventure by stepping into the Tower of London, where centuries of history unfold before your eyes as you explore its ancient walls. Witness the Crown Jewels gleaming in their splendour, and hear tales of royal intrigue echoing through its halls.
Later this afternoon, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.
Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your driver will meet you at your hotel to tour the city in a classic Mini Cooper, a symbol of British heritage. Your expert driver-guide becomes your storyteller, weaving tales of London’s transformations over the past few decades. Listen intently as your guide shares captivating stories about the city’s changing skyline, from the revitalisation of the East End to the evolution of London’s iconic landmarks like the Shard and the Gherkin. This immersive experience not only offers a thrilling ride but also provides a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic narrative of London’s recent history, making your journey through the city’s streets truly unforgettable.
Spend the afternoon getting to know the real London as you discover the city at your own leisure.
Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast
As you continue your exploration of London, meet your expert local guide and start the morning with a trip to the enchanting Kew Palace and Royal Botanical Gardens. Cruise down the Thames, through a number Boroughs for a scenic sail past river round islands and stately homes before your arrival. Step back in time as you wander through the palace halls, once a beloved retreat for King George III and his family. Then, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Royal Botanical Gardens, where lush greenery and vibrant blooms paint a picture of natural beauty. In the early evening, board your traditional Thames boat for the return journey where your guide will leave you at the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Soho Square | Hazlitt's Hotel
Room Type: Club Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, your private transfer will collect you from the hotel and transfer you to Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires. Here you’ll enjoy exploring the city at your leisure.
This afternoon, embark on a picturesque journey from Oxford, winding through lush countryside and charming villages until you reach your hotel retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds. As you traverse rolling hills and meandering streams, quintessential Cotswold stone cottages and historic market towns gradually reveal themselves, offering glimpses into a timeless landscape of beauty and tranquility. Take some time settling into your peaceful hotel.
Overnight: Broadway | The Fish Hotel
Room Type: Medium Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend today enjoy the facilities at your countryside retreat and delve into timeless allure of this enchanting region.
Perhaps, head to the thriving historic market towns of Moreton-in-Marsh or Chipping Campden and take the opportunity to enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the old eateries dating back to the 1600’s, savouring locally sourced ingredients and hearty Cotswold specialties. There’s plenty to see as the day unfolds and ends with a quintessential English countryside at sunset.
Overnight: Broadway | The Fish Hotel
Room Type: Medium Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, your private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport in London to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.
Friday 23rd August – Monday 2nd September 2024