20 day Highlights of United Kingdom and Ireland

Day 1 - DEPART HOME

This afternoon, we will depart for our flight with the final destination being Dublin (Ireland) with Emirates Airways. On the way to Dublin there will be a stopover in Dubai.

Included meals - As per flight

Day 2 - DUBAI/DUBLIN

Your flight lands into Dublin, the capital city of Ireland in the afternoon today. Upon arrival, your trustly tour manager will be on hand to welcome you. After such a long flight, we will head to our hotel for check in and in the evening, we’ll gather for a warm welcome dinner, where you can meet fellow travelers and share your excitement for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation - The Address Connolly hotel or similar

Included meals - As per flight / Dinner

Day 3 - DUBLIN

Kickstart your adventure with a guided tour of Dublin, which showcases the city's rich history and culture. Marvel at significant landmarks such as Phoenix Park, where you may catch a glimpse of deer roaming freely, and the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral, a testament to the city’s extensive religious history and also Merrion Square, St Stephens Green and more. After lunch, we head over to the Guinness Storehouse. Here, you’ll experience the brewing process and learn about the adventures of the famous stout, culminating in breathtaking views from the Gravity Bar overlooking the city.

Accommodation - The Address Connolly hotel or similar

Included meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 4 - DUBLIN/BELFAST

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Belfast, the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland. Once there, you’ll join an orientation tour where you'll see key attractions such as City Hall, Queen’s University, Stormont Castle, St. Anne’s Cathedral and Peace Wall. Later on, we will also visit the iconic Harland and Wolff shipyards, where the famous Titanic was built. This immersive tour will provide you with a rich overview of Belfast's history and vibrant culture.

Accommodation - Crowne Plaza Belfast or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5 - BELFAST/BUSHMILLS/BELFAST

Today, take a scenic drive to Bushmills, known for its renowned distillery and majestic coastal views. Visit the Giant's Causeway Visitors Centre, where you’ll learn about the striking geological formations and the legends associated with them. Stroll amongst the unique hexagonal basalt columns that rise from the sea—a sight that captivates visitors from around the world. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a charming local restaurant, sampling the regional cuisine before making your way back to Belfast.

Accommodation - Crowne Plaza Belfast or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6 - BELFAST/CAIRNRYAN/GLASCOW

Begin your journey by boarding a ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. After this scenic crossing, you’ll travel to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Begin your orientation tour, with photostops at George Square with its impressive monuments and Glasgow Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture and finally River Clyde. Experience the vibrant culture of the city as your guide shares stories and insights.

Accommodation - Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7 - GLASCOW/STIRLING/GLENCOE/FORT WILLIAM

Today after breakfast, we travel to Stirling to delve into Scotland’s rich history at Stirling Castle. This historic fortress played a pivotal role in Scotland’s past and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. After your visit, head to Luss, where a picturesque village by the shores of Loch Lomond invites you to explore its serene beauty and stroll through the quiant streets of Village of Luss. Enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst these captivating surroundings, taking in the fresh Highland air. Continue your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Glencoe, stopping for stunning photo opportunities of mountain peaks of The Three Sisteres before arriving at Fort William, where a cozy dinner awaits you at your hotel.

Accommodation - Moorings Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8 -FORT WILLIAM/PORTREE/KYLE OF LOCHLASH/INVERNESS

After breakfast, we board the scenic Jacobite Train journey from Fort William to Mallaig, renowned for its breathtaking Highland views and Harry Potter connections. Upon arrival in Mallaig, board a ferry to Armadale, enjoying coastal scenery along the way. From Armadale, travel by coach to Portree, the charming capital of the Isle of Skye, where you'll take a brief orientation to explore its colourful harbor, local shops, and picturesque surroundings. Next, continue to Kyle of Lochalsh, making a photo stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle overlooking Loch Duich, one of Scotland’s most famous castles set in stunning natural surroundings. Afterward, proceed onwards to Inverness, where you will check into your hotel and relax after a full day of travel and sightseeing before enjoying your evening meal.

Accommodation - Leonardo Hotel Inverness or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Own Lunch / Dinner

Day 9 - INVERNESS/FORT AUGUSTUS/INVERNESS

Today, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes around Loch Ness. Embark on a scenic cruise on the loch, keeping an eye out for its infamous inhabitant, Nessie! After a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, visit the remarkable Urquhart Castle, where you can explore ancient ruins and learn about the castle's storied past. As the sun sets, return to your hotel for a delightful dinner, reflecting on the day’s incredible experiences.

Accommodation - Leonardo Hotel Inverness or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10 - INVERNESS/PITLOCHRY/EDINBURGH

After breakfast, we explore the city of Inverness with a stroll along the River Ness, enjoying the serene waters and picturesque surroundings, and catch a view of the historic Inverness Castle that overlooks the city. Wander through the Old Town, steeped in local history and culture, and make a photo stop at the impressive St. Andrew's Cathedral, an architectural gem. After lunch, we will depart Inverness and journey south to Pitlochry, a charming town renowned for its scenic beauty. Here, you will visit the Blair Athol Distillery, where you have the chance to learn about the whisky-making process and enjoy a tasting of their 12-year-old single malt, complete with a commemorative glass to take home. Finally, continue your journey to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital.

Accommodation - Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11 - EDINBURGH

Your full day in Edinburgh offers a wonderful opportunity to dive deep into the city's culture. With a guided tour, visit the historic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, and discover its treasures and history. Stroll along the Royal Mile, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers that embody the city's vibrant spirit. After lunch enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or an afternoon coffee before we head back to our hotel.

Accommodation - Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12 - EDINBURGH/WINDERMERE/MANCHESTER

Depart Edinburgh and travel to Bowness-on-Windermere, where we will have an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful Lake cruise. After lunch, spend some time appreciating the picturesque Lake Windermere, perhaps enjoying a leisurely walk or taking photos. Continue on to Manchester, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner, reflecting on the day’s charming moments.

Accommodation - Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 13 - MANCHESTER/STRATFORD UPON AVON/BATH

Today after breakfast, we will enjoy visit to the Manchester United FC Museum (timing is subject to availability), a must for sports enthusiasts.Afterwards, we commence our drive to Stratford upon Avon, the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare (3 hour journey). Take a guided tour of Shakespeare's Birthplace and explore the charming streets surrounding it. Visit Burford, known for its striking Cotswold stone buildings, and then head to Bibury, often described as the most beautiful village in England. This afternoon we arrive into Bath - a historic city in southwest England known for its Roman and Georgian architecture.

Accommodation - The Lansdown Grove Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14 - BATH/CARDIFF/BATH

Today, travel to Cardiff to discover the capital of Wales, beginning with a three-hour guided tour. Visit Cardiff Castle, where you can delve into the rich history that surrounds it. After a hearty lunch, return to Bath for a short city tour highlighting its stunning Georgian architecture and famous sights, including Bath Abbey.

Accommodation - The Lansdown Grove Hotel or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 15 - BATH/SALISBURY/OXFORD

This morning after breakfast, depart from Bath and travel to Salisbury, where you will visit the world-famous Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument is one of the most iconic and mysterious archaeological sites in the world, consisting of towering standing stones arranged in a circular formation whose origins and purpose continue to captivate historians and visitors alike. Following lunch, the journey continues to Oxford, a city renowned for its prestigious university and stunning architecture. In Oxford, you will have a brief orientation tour to familiarize yourself with the city’s key landmarks and then we settle into our hotel for the night.

Accommodation - Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 16 - OXFORD/BICESTER/OXFORD

Explore the stunning sights of Oxford on a guided tour, including photostops at iconic locations like the Oxford Castle, The Church of St Mary, Bodleian Library and Christ Church College. After lunch, we drive to Bicester Village for some retail therapy, where you can find designer brands at great discounts. Return to Oxford for dinner, capping off an exciting day of culture and shopping.

Accommodation - Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 17 - OXFORD/WINDSOR/LONDON

Travel after breakfast we travel to Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, one of the Queen's official residences, and explore its grounds and State Apartments. After an enjoyable lunch, make your way to London and after check in at our hotel, hopefully you will get a chance to enjoy some free time before our group dinner tonight.

Accommodation - Doubletree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 18 - LONDON CITY TOUR

Our tour wouldn’t be complete without a full day in the vibrant city of London! Today's itinerary is packed with iconic sights, beginning with photo stops at Trafalgar Square, where you can admire Nelson's Column and the surrounding art galleries, as well as St. Paul's Cathedral, known for its stunning dome and rich history. We’ll also have the opportunity to view other iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the historic Tower of London, each offering a glimpse into the city's fascinating heritage. Another highlight of the day is our stop at Buckingham Palace, where you might be fortunate enough to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessential part of British culture. After immersing yourself in these captivating sights, you'll enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure, allowing you to explore, shop, or relax as you please before we regroup later for a delightful dinner together, celebrating the end of an unforgettable day.

Accommodation - Doubletree by Hilton London Docklands Riverside or similar

Included Meals - Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 19 - DEPART LONDON

This morning, a bit of free time after breakfast before we head to the airport to begin our homeward journey with Emirates. We will have a short transit in Dubai before reboarding our flight for home.

Included Meals - Breakfast / As per flight

Day 20 - ARRIVE HOME

Today, your journey comes to a close as you arrive back home safely, enriched with fond memories from this incredible adventure that spanned several unique countries. We are grateful that you chose to travel with Friendly Travel, and we hope you carry the joy of these experiences with you. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to welcoming you again on your next adventure!

Included Meals - As per flight