England and Ireland

*Fully escorted from Australia
Guaranteed SINGLE room throughout
Departing Australia 22 August, 2010

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 England and Ireland are famous for the beauty of their scenery. This tour will allow you to experience the stunning lake and mountain scenery of the Lake District, the rich green valleys and dry-stone walls of the Yorkshire Dales,  the rolling heather moorland of the North York Moors, the rocky coastlines of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, the beaches, dunes and saltings of the Norfolk coast and  the neat fields and pretty villages of the Cotswolds.  And then, when you think nothing could be more beautiful ,and that you've seen every possible shade of green,
we spend a week with Ireland 's spectacular natural beauty, rich history, unhurried pace of life and legendary hospitality. 
Join us and we guarantee you'll enjoy every moment of our leisurely paced 3 week tour and the best that these areas have to offer.

 

Day 1 22 August, 2010 Australia - Kuala Lumpur Depart from Australia with Malaysia Airlines for our flight to Kuala Lumpur. Accommodation: Pan Pacific KLIA (1 night)

Day 2 23 August, 2010 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - London (B)  After breakfast our local Malaysian guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the city for a half day sightseeing tour.  Free time for shopping or exploring on your own before transferring back to the hotel to freshen up before your overnight flight to London.

Day 3 24 August, 2010   London - Bath  (B) On arrival at Heathrow we'll meet our local guide and take a leisurely drive south-west to the cathedral city of Salisbury. Enjoy a tour of Salisbury Cathedral—a magnificent Gothic Cathedral boasting Britain’s tallest spire. Take some time to explore the beautiful houses in Cathedral Close, and then after an early lunch break, continue driving to Bath with time to explore before spending the first night of our tour.  Accommodation: Mercure Francis Hotel (or similar)  1 night.  Situated in the heart of the World Heritage City of Bath, The Francis - an elegant Georgian building,  has an unsurpassable location.  Formerly The Francis, this is one of Bath's best known hotels and is situated at its centre overlooking the lawns and trees of Queen Square. Unusually for a building of this age, the hotel is decorated in a minimalist Conran-esque style.  The Roman Baths, the Abbey, shops and other attractions are within easy walking distance.

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 Day 4  25 August, 2010 Bath - Mullion  (B) After breakfast we leave Bath we drive into Cornwall and to the pretty town of Fowey where there will be some time to explore the narrow lanes and harbour side before driving to the nearby village of Charlestown which was developed by a local landowner as a Georgian ‘new town’ during the end of the 18th century for the export of tin and copper. Although still a working port, Charlestown is also home to a number of historic ships which are often used for film projects. This pretty town has remained largely untouched and is one of the most fascinating villages in Cornwall. From Charlestown, continue your drive westward through the Cornish to Mullion where we spend the next two nights.  Accommodation:  Pollurion Hotel (or similar)   2 nights  Dramatically perched on 12 landscaped acres of cliff-top gardens on the beautiful Lizard Peninsula, and overlooking its own secluded sandy beach, the family-owned Polurrian welcomes its guests into a world of relaxation and luxury. Edwardian elegance mixes with modern comforts in the bedrooms and newly furnished leisure club. The Polurrian's grounds include indoor and outdoor pools, Purity Treatment Rooms offering a range of luxurious beauty treatments, a well-equipped gymnasium, children's games room, climbing frames and crèche. In the gardens the sun terraces and tennis court sit atop the 300 foot cliffs overlooking the bay. The beach is reached down a short footpath leading from the garden. The terrace restaurant enjoys spectacular views across the bay to Penzance.

Day 5 26 August, 2010  Cornwall  (B) A full day tour visiting the bustling town of Penzance located on Mounts Bay which is dominated by the romantic St. Michael’s Mount—a tiny, rocky island which is linked to the mainland by a causeway and which has been home to the St. Aubyn family for over 300 years. Subject to tides, there will be an opportunity to visit St. Michael’s Mount before heading via Helston to Truro, Cornwall’s only city. From Truro take the passenger ferry down the River Fal to Trelissick, one of the finest gardens in England. Time to explore before your coach picks you up to drive back towards St. Ives, allowing you time to enjoy the town which has become a haven for artists from all over the world. Explore the narrow streets, full of galleries, and perhaps have dinner in one of the town’s excellent restaurants before returning to your hotel.

Day 6 27 August, 2010 Mullion - Cotswolds (B) Leave our hotel after breakfast and drive back through Cornwall, picking up the ‘Atlantic Highway’ along the north coast. A short stop in Padstow—made famous by its association with the world famous chef, Rick Stein—and then continue via Bude, on into Devon and to Clovelly. The cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this world famous fishing village, built into a cleft in a 400' high cliff, tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port.   It is famous for its donkeys, which traditionally carry goods up the hill; sledges bring things down. There are links with Charles Kingsley, Turner, Dickens and the Spanish Armada.  Some time here for shopping and lunch before heading off to Exmoor and to the ‘twin’ villages of Lynton and Lynmouth. Lynton is a lovely village, known to the Victorians as ‘Little Switzerland’, and is linked to the small harbour of Lynmouth by an ingenious cliff railway. Drive on along the coast into Somerset—take a short stop at Watchet, a delightful, small town with an attractive marina, and then head north via the motorway, passing Bristol and continuing into the Cotswold region where you will spend the night. Accommodation: Lygon Arms, Broadway (or similar) Cotswolds region (2 nights)   The Lygon Arms Hotel, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds. This 16th century impressive hotel offers the best of modern comfort. As one of the most celebrated hotels in England The Barceló Lygon Arms (Pronounced Liggon) a Premium Hotel, has been welcoming travellers since the 16th Century and today its charm and sense of occasion are as pronounced as ever while complemented by the best of modern comfort.  Original features such as the timber & flagstone floors, wood panelling, doors, architraves, dados and all stone mullions have been retained and refurbished and dramatically lit to highlight every architectural feature.

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 Day 7 28 August, 2010 Cotswolds (B) A full day touring the lovely Cotswold region—one of the prettiest areas in the country. Visit the ‘chocolate box’ villages of Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold and Moreton in Marsh before returning to your hotel via the elegant Georgian spa town of Cheltenham.   The charming village of Broadway nestles beneath the Worcestershire hills of the Cotswolds. Today, Broadway attracts visitors from across the world – all drawn to the beauty and attractions of this quintessential English village.   Broadway is a lively and vibrant village with a superb range of unique shops and designer boutiques, restaurants and hotels but is also steeped in history with its origins dating back to Roman times. Over the centuries it has made its mark in many different ways. In the 1600s it was a major stopping place for the stage coaches that travelled between Worcester and London – with the world-renowned Lygon Arms remaining popular with travellers and visitors.

Day 8 29 August, 2010 Cotswolds - Windermere, Lakes District (B)  No journey to this part of the country would be complete without a stop at Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon we'll have time to explore before continuing on to  Barlaston to visit the world-famous Wedgwood factory, the finest china factory in England. Tour the Visitor Centre and take the opportunity to visit the factory shop which also stocks Waterford Crystal. Then we have a short drive to the historic walled city of Chester—founded by the Romans who named it Deva—and time to explore the city centre, where you can still see some Roman remains, and maybe walk the walls or spend some time shopping in what is considered one of the best shopping areas in the North West. From Chester, drive up the Wirral Peninsular to Birkenhead and then via the Mersey Tunnel into Liverpool—one of the most famous cities in the country. A brief panoramic tour of the 2008 City of Culture, which has undergone huge re-generation during the past few years, and then continue northward and into the Lake District—perhaps the most beautiful region in the country—and to your hotel. Accommodation: MacDonald Old England Hotel  (or similar)  2 nights.  Standing on the shore of Lake Windermere, England's largest lake, the historic Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa offers unrivalled views.   Set in mature gardens with lawns that run down to the lake, the hotel boasts its own private jetties and moorings. It is an ideal base for exploring Lakeland's towns and villages, rural idylls and a multitude of historic, cultural and contemporary attractions.   Step outside the hotel and enter the bustling town of Bowness-on-Windermere with its many shops and amenities. Only a short walk away you have lake cruises and the Beatrix Potter Exhibition, not to mention sailing, water sports and golf. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Windermere and its surrounding fells whilst pampering yourself with the wide selection of treatments at the Old England Spa.  Lavish facilities include a 20 metre swimming pool; a fully equipped, state-of-the-art Technogym; a thermal rock sauna; an aroma steam room; an ice room; a snail 'experience' shower; 8 spa treatment rooms and much more.

Day 9 30 August, 2010 Lakes District  (B) A full day’s touring in the Lake District. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere—the largest natural lake in England—and spend some time in Grasmere where you will visit Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth, one of the finest poets England has produced, spent 8 years. Tour the Western Lakes—an area that is less visited than Windermere and Grasmere — and Cockermouth, a beautiful Georgian town and the actual birthplace of William Wordsworth. Head south to Ravenglass and take a trip on the narrow gauge railway, the Ravenglass-Eskdale Railway, before returning to your hotel.

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Day 10 31 August, 2010 Lakes District - Edinburgh  (B) Head north across the border into Scotland; a brief stop at Gretna before continuing via Moffat, to Edinburgh, Scotland’s magnificent capital city. Balance of day free. Accommodation: Radisson Blu (or similar)  2 nights    The Radisson Blu Edinburgh is a classic Old Town building located on the Royal Mile, the oldest street in Edinburgh, Scotland.  It lies between Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace at the bottom. The Museum of Scotland and the famous shops of Princes Street are two blocks away.   The turrets of the 16th- century building housing the Radisson Blu Edinburgh conceal a modern hotel. The lobby features pillars, leather chairs and soft lighting.  The Radisson Blu Edinburgh's  air-conditioned guestrooms have complimentary wireless Internet access, satellite television, pay-per-view movies, minibars, large safes, premium bedding and tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms are decorated in a modern style, with dark wood furniture. Bathrooms feature telephones and complimentary toiletries

Day 11 01 September, 2010 Edinburgh  (B) This morning there will be a guided tour of Edinburgh which will include a visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence when in Scotland. Edinburgh is a fascinating mix with the Old and New Towns. The Old Town is dominated by the Royal Mile which stretches from the Castle, perched high above the city on its rocky crag, down to Holyroodhouse. See the narrow Wynds (alleyways) that run between the streets, imposing St. Giles Cathedral, and the new Scottish Parliament building. The New Town is a magnificent example of Georgian architecture and town planning, built on the ‘grid’ system, and is home to the city’s shopping centre. This afternoon can be spent at leisure in the city or for those that wish to drive the short distance to the port of Leith, a visit to the Royal Yacht BRITANNIA  can be organised. The Yacht was ‘home’ to the Queen on numerous overseas visits until it was de-commissioned and gives a fascinating glimpse into how the Royal Family lived whilst on board.

Day 12 02 September, 2010 Edinburgh - York   (B) Drive south from Edinburgh, back across the border into Scotland, and to Durham where there will be time to explore this historic city which is set in a bend of the River Wear. Visit Durham Cathedral—a masterpiece of Norman architecture—and see Durham Castle, which is now part of the university. From Durham, drive into Yorkshire and via the North Yorkshire Moors to the city of York—considered to be the finest mediaeval walled city in Europe—which has been the country’s Northern spiritual ‘capital’ for 2000 years. The city is dominated by magnificent York Minster, famed for its beautiful stained glass. Explore the maze of narrow streets, the Shambles, that twist through the centre of the city and where you can enjoy the fine shops and restaurants. Accommodation:  Churchill Hotel (or simlar) York (1 night) The Churchill Hotel is a luxury hotel situated in York city centre. The building is a superb example of a late Georgian mansion built around 1827. The Churchill is one of the finest hotels in York. This historic hotel, filled with original features and grandeur, offers visitors to York a unique experience combining luxury accommodation, fine dining and exceptional service. Set in its own grounds, the Churchill is one of best situated hotels in York, just a short walk from the York Minster and all of York's major attractions. 

Day 13 03 September, 2010 York - Norfolk (B) Drive from York to the attractive market town of Beverley, crossing the river Humber into Lincolnshire and to Stamford where there will be a short stop before visiting nearby Burghley, the finest Elizabethan house in the country. Built by William Cecil, Queen Elizabeth I’s trusted adviser, the house is full of magnificent treasures and is set amongst beautiful parkland and gardens. From Burghley continue eastward into Norfolk and to your hotel. Accommodation: Sprowston Marriott Hotel (or similar) 2 nights   With tall oak trees lining the drive to the stately manor house, Sprowston Manor - A Marriott Hotel & Country Club exudes a historic charm combined with modern touches. The grounds are sheltered by ancient oak trees and are the perfect place to sit and listen to the birds sing and the wildlife play. Set in the fine city of Norwich near Norman cathedrals and churches, cobbled streets and museums, yet close to rural villages and scenic coastlines, our luxury hotel in Norwich, UK provides every element for a delightful stay. Here, one of the finest Norfolk golf courses offers 18-holes of par-defying play. La Fontana is an indulgent spa that soothes and relaxes by a tropical pool. For extraordinary dining, the award-winning, the two AA Rosette THE Restaurant 1559 and THE Bar 1559 provides a treat for the palate, while the contemporary ZEST Cafe Bar & Grill offers casual fare with view of the 18th green. At day's end, retreat to an elegantly appointed guest room, with its plush new bedding.

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Day 14 04 September, 2010 Norfolk (B) A full day’s touring in Norfolk visiting Sandringham House, the favourite country residence of the Royal Family, the attractive town of Swaffham (recently used as the location for the TV series KINGDOM) and Norwich, the county town and the most complete mediaeval city in England. The cathedral boasts the largest cloisters in the country and charming Elm Hill, with its timber-framed houses, is a delight. Return to your hotel via the coastal towns of Cromer, Wells Next The Sea and Holkham.

Day 15 05 September, 2010 Norfolk - Cambridge - Dublin (B)  Drive to the university city of Cambridge where there will be the opportunity to take a walking tour around the historic colleges and visit beautiful Kings College Chapel before continuing towards London and to Heathrow for our flight to Dublin later this afternoon. Afternoon flight from London to Dublin where we will have remainder of day at leisure. Accommodation: The Morrison Hotel (or similar)  2 nights  The Morrison Hotel is probably the hippest & coolest luxury hotel in Dublin city centre. The world famous designer John Rocha is responsible for the Morrison Hotels "East Meets West" hotel theme. The inviting interior of this luxury boutique hotel is a mix of high ceilings with pale white walls, original art, stone floors & hand crafted Irish carpets. This stylish Dublin Hotel is a haven of calm & designer luxury & is renowned for its great service, easy going atmosphere & chic hotel accommodation. Located in the heart of Dublin city centre, overlooking the River Liffey the Morrison Hotel's  central location is surrounded by Ireland's premier shopping districts, a variety of popular Dublin bars, restaurants, museums, theatres, the o2 Arena and visitor attractions such as Guinness Storehouse

Day 16 06 September, 2010 Dublin (B)  After breakfast we begin our city tour of Dublin. We visit Trinity College to see the illuminated "Book of Kells" and Phoenix Park. The Park encompasses 2,000 acres in Dublin city and contains the residences of the American Ambassador and the Irish President. Visit the Guinness Storehouse in the heart of old Dublin, where you sample Ireland's most famous creamy stout in its Gravity Bar. Remainder of day is at leisure.

Day 17 07 September, 2010 Dublin - Galway (B,D) Following breakfast depart for a tour of the historic Boyne Valley with a visit to the Hill of Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland. In the afternoon head westwards across the rolling central plains to Clonmacnoise. Here we will visit the 6th century monastic settlement founded by St Ciaran which contains the remains of nine Churches and a Round Tower dating from the 10th to the 16th century. Accommodation: The Ardilaun (or similar) Galway  (2 nights)  The Ardilaun is a family owned 4* hotel situated in its own five acres of landscaped grounds, 5 minutes from Galway City Centre.  The Promenade and Blue Flag beach of Salthill are within walking distance, perfect for that relaxing evening stroll.    Situated in the leafy suburb of Taylor's Hill the hotel was built from an original 1840’s manor house and has been in the Ryan family since opening in 1962.   

Day 18 08 September, 2010 Galway - Connnemara - Galway (B,D) Enjoy a full day excursion to the natural and unspoilt environment of Connemara. Remote and isolated, this region is populated largely by sheep and will surprise you with breathtaking views of mountain and lakes between Lough Corrib and the sea. Enjoy a stroll around Clifden, the region’s main town, located against the dramatic backdrop of the Twelve Bens mountain range. Call into the workshop of Malachy Kearns in Roundstone and see how bodhrans are crafted - an 18” one sided drum made from goatskin which features prominently in many traditional music performances.

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Day 19 09 September, 2010 Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Tralee (B,D) Leaving Galway, travel to Kerry. Route via the Cliffs of Moher which are the highest sea-cliffs in Europe towering 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean; and the Burren, a strange lunar like region occupying some 100 square miles and noted for the wide and unusual variety of local flora and fauna. Take the Killimer / Tarbert car ferry over the River Shannon to arrive to Killarney. Accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel or similar (2 nights)   The 4-star Killarney Plaza Hotel reigns over Killarney town with grace and glamour, located adjacent to Killarney National Park.    Owned by O'Donoghue / Ring hotel group, the Killarney Plaza Hotel offers  stylish, air conditioned rooms, superb restaurants, bars, conference and banquet facilities and the Molton Brown Spa.   Killarney itself is a lively hub of activity, with many hotels, restaurants, pubs, discos, along with outlets for renting bikes, cars and the famous jaunting cars.  It is an ideal base for touring the Ring of Kerry, Dingle and Tralee. Within walking distance is the world famous national park which contains spectacular mountains, woodlands and lakes. It encompasses 10,000 Hectares which include the famous Lakes of Killarney and the Muckross House & Gardens, and Torc Waterfall. The combination of mountains, and valleys, lakes and islands, rivers, waterfalls, bogs and woodlands forges a distinctive and beautiful landscape.


Day 20 10 September, 2010 Ring of Kerry (B,D) Today tour the ‘Ring of Kerry’, 120 miles of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Mountains, valleys and lakes blend into a palette of scenic splendour. Drive through the villages and towns of Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Sneem and approach Killarney via Molls Gap and Ladies View – two famous viewing points over the Lakes of Killarney. Visit Muckross Traditional Farms, situated adjacent to Muckross House in Killarney National Park. These working farms recreate and portray the traditional farming methods, and way of life, of a typical local, rural community of the 1930s. Kerry faces the Atlantic Ocean and, typically for an Eastern-Atlantic coastal region, features many peninsulas and inlets: principally the Dingle Peninsula, the Iveragh Peninsula, and the Beara Peninsula, shared with neighbouring County Cork. The county is bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on the north by the River Shannon.
The Ring of Kerry on the Iveragh Peninsula is a popular route for tourists and cyclists. The pedestrian version is the scenic Kerry Way which follows ancient paths generally higher than that adopted by the Ring of Kerry. Kerry is one of the most mountainous regions of Ireland and contains two of its three highest mountains, Carrauntoohil, part of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks range and Mount Brandon, part of the Slieve Mish range

Day 21 11 September, 2010 Tralee - Blarney - Cashel - Dublin (B,D) Today, depart Co Kerry for Dublin via Limerick. Panoramic city tour of Limerick. One of Irelands top visitor attractions, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in the country. Built in 1425, it was faithfully restored in 1954 and has furnishings and tapestries which capture the mood and style of the times. The Folk Park, set in 26 acres, recreates 19th century Ireland. The Park features include a recreated village street, eight farmhouses, a watermill, blacksmiths forge, Macs pub and restaurant and a display of 19th century agricultural machinery. This afternoon continue to Dublin via the N7 and the Curragh of Kildare. Tonight we attend an farewell evening of Irish music and dance and enjoy a wholesome Irish dinner at the Merry Ploughboys Pub in the Dublin Mountains. Accommodation:   The Morrison Hotel (or similar) overnight

Day 22 12 September, 2010 Dublin - London - Australia Morning is at leisure. Transfer to the airport this afternoon for flight to London and connections through to Australia.

Day 23 13 September, 2010 En-route to Australia

Day 24 14 September, 2010 Arrive Australia  

Tour cost $AU12490 includes:

Tour cost does not include:


N.B. All prices quoted are based on 2010 estimates and subject to fluctuation and/or currency surcharges

To contact us
Destination World Travel
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South Plympton South Australia 5038
Australia

Phone: 08-8293-6988 Outside of Australia telephone 61 8 8293 6988
Fax: 08-8293-5988 Outside of Australia fax 61 8 8293 5988
Email: destinationworld@internode.on.net
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