Tour: GT - 2012 (GT) - 2012 / 2013

Questions? 866.755.8581


Tower of London on a sunny day
Tower of London on a sunny day
Buckingham Palace in London

Itinerary

DAY 1Arrive in London, England

Uniformed Globus hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

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DAY 2London

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Visit ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL and see the Changing of the Guard, if held. (Breakfast)

Overlooking The Houses of Parliament along the north bank of the Thames River Westminster Abbey – the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs 
Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard


"Changing the Guard dates to Henry VII (reigned 1485-1509) and was designed to show military discipline as well as ceremony. The tall bearskin hats were introduced in the 18th century to make the soldiers look taller and thus more frightening, and they were adopted for ceremonial use in 1832. The ceremony we know today started in the late 1800s and involves real soldiers who fulfill all military duties, guarding the Queen being just part of their service."
Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament


"Big Ben may be the most famous feature of the Houses of Parliament, but equally impressive is the hammerbeam ceiling of Westminster Hall. The Hall dates back to 1097 and, at that time, the roof was supported by pillars. During the reign of King Richard II (14th century), however, it was replaced by the hammerbeam roof seen today. This roof – its beauty and sustainability – is even more impressive when you know its history. It was built with beams made from trees that were ancient at the time, reputedly acorns, dating back to the 6th century (or earlier). If only these walls (beams, rather) could talk!"
Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace


"Amid the splendor of modern cities it’s hard to imagine what places looked like before they became what we know today. In a previous incarnation, the ground where Buckingham Palace now stands was a mulberry garden cultivated by King James I as food for silkworms. The silk industry he hoped to nurture never materialized, and eventually a roadhouse was built there, followed in due course by the Blake House, Goring House and Arlington House.Originally known as the Buckingham House, built as a townhouse by the Duke of Buckingham in 1709, the estate was acquired by King George III in 1762."
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DAY 3London-Canterbury-Brighton

Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart London at 8 am. Visit CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, and in Brighton, tour the exotic ROYAL PAVILION. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel London’s Tower Bridge over the River Thames Pomp-and-ceremony in London The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is the former residence for the Royal family 
Canterbury Cathedral and The Black Prince

Canterbury Cathedral and The Black Prince


"Prince Edward, who would have become King Edward IV had he outlived his father, wanted to be buried in the crypt at Canterbury Cathedral, but he was so beloved for his prowess in battle that he was placed near the high altar to be closer to Thomas à Becket, the figure who is known for the Canterbury Pilgrimage that inspired the world-famous Canterbury Tales. In history, Prince Edward will be remembered as the Black Prince although the origins of this nickname are disputed, given the fact that the nickname originated after Edward’s death. Many historians believe “The Black Prince” refers to the black armor Edward’s father dressed him in as he descended into battle at age 16. And, the French refer to Prince Edward as “Le Noir” thanks to his conquests against them and cruelty in battle he became known for – another possible source of the nickname. "
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DAY 4Brighton-Stonehenge-Salisbury-Plymouth

This morning, visit prehistoric STONEHENGE before taking a stroll in Salisbury with its vast cathedral. Continue on to Widecombe-in-the-Moor in Dartmoor National Park. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (Breakfast)

The Salisbury Cathedral in England 
Stonehenge

Stonehenge


"Built in several stages starting around 3,000 BC, Stonehenge remains one of humankind’s biggest mysteries. While science is still trying to determine the purpose behind this famous prehistoric monument, it is generally assumed to be some sort of astronomical observatory that reflects the changing trajectory of the sun through the sky and the seasons"
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DAY 5Plymouth. Cornwall Excursion

Head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall to St. Michael’s Mount, rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land’s End, then explore the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. (B, D)

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DAY 6Plymouth-Bath-Newport, Wales

At Glastonbury, hear about King Arthur, and in Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS. Overnight is in Newport. Why not join tonight’s optional to Cardiff Castle for an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner? (Breakfast)

Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ leading attractions The Roman Baths once served as a complex for public bathing 
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DAY 7Newport-Cardiff-Waterford, Ireland

A morning orientation drive in Cardiff features the castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings. Then, cross St. George’s Channel to Rosslare in Ireland and proceed to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 8Waterford-Blarney-Killarney

In Blarney, renowned for its magical Kissing Stone, there is time to walk up to the castle and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts before continuing to Killarney, your Kerry base for the next three nights. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Blarney Castle and the Stone of Eloquence Take in the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park 
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DAY 9At Leisure in Killarney

A full day to relax or join our optional excursion that includes a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle, a boat ride to Innisfallen Abbey and across the lakes for a visit to Muckross House, returning to your hotel mid-afternoon. (Breakfast)

Ross Castle, located in Killarney National Park Take in the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park 
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DAY 10Killarney. Ring of Kerry Excursion

Follow the road known as the RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile panoramic drive. Take your photos of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Later, join an entertaining optional evening in Tralee with dinner and tickets for the National Folk Theatre. (Breakfast)

Take in the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park View the Ring of Kerry in southwest Ireland Enjoy the beautiful views along the Ring of Kerry in Ireland The Ring of Kerry is located in County Kerry, Ireland 
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DAY 11Killarney-Dingle Peninsula-Adare-Limerick

Breathtaking scenery on Dingle Peninsula. At the BLASKET ISLANDS CENTRE, learn about the way of life on the remote islands evacuated by its inhabitants in 1953. Via quaint Adare, head for the city of Limerick. Tonight’s optional recommendation: a medieval banquet. (Breakfast)

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DAY 12Limerick-Cliffs of Moher-Sligo

Motor to the spectacular CLIFFS OF MOHER, rising 668 feet above the Atlantic. Via the limestone plateau of The Burren and Galway, reach Knock, a village that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Then, spend the night in Sligo. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Cliffs of Moher Cliffs of Moher Visit the Cliffs of Moher and see some of Ireland’s most spectacular views 
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DAY 13Sligo-Belleek, Northern Ireland-Giant's Causeway-Belfast

A fascinating day: the grave of W.B. Yeats in Drumcliff; BELLEEK POTTERY; Derry, one of the finest examples of a walled city; then awe-inspiring GIANT’S CAUSEWAY. Overnight in Belfast. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Giants Causeway Giants Causeway Giants Causeway Giants Causeway 
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DAY 14Belfast-Downpatrick-Dublin, Ireland

This morning’s highlights are a “living history” orientation drive with a Local Guide and a visit to the fascinating, brand-new TITANIC EXHIBITION. Learn all about the building of the largest passenger steamship, its maiden voyage, and the tragic night of April 14, 1912. Then, travel to Downpatrick and visit the inspiring SAINT PATRICK CENTRE before you drive back again into the Republic. Why not join an optional cabaret evening with dinner, followed by dance, song, and laughter. (Breakfast)

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DAY 15Dublin

Your orientation drive includes statue-lined O’Connell Street and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Then, visit TRINITY COLLEGE with the famous Book of Kells. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (Breakfast)

Enjoy the beautiful campus of the renowned Trinity College 
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DAY 16Dublin-Liverpool, England

Back across the Irish Sea and a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, over spectacular Llanberis Pass, and via pretty Betws-y-Coed to Liverpool. (Breakfast)

Enjoy the historic architecture of downtown Liverpool Flags along the windy streets of Liverpool 
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DAY 17Liverpool-Lake District-Glasgow, Scotland

Start the day with a guided tour of the award-winning BEATLES STORY, an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture, and music of the “Fab Four.” Overnight is near Glasgow. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Glasgow, Scotland Glasgow, Scotland 
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DAY 18Glasgow-Fort William-Isle of Skye-INverness

Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, and at Mallaig, board your FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye. Visit the MUSEUM OF THE ISLES, then return to the mainland and trace the shores of Loch Ness on the way to Inverness. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Loch Lomond Loch Lomond Enjoy the panoramic views of Scotland from the Isle of Skye 
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DAY 19Inverness. Highlands Excursion

Further into the remote Highlands for a day of spectacular Scottish scenery. Trace the shores of Loch Maree to fascinating INVEREWE GARDEN, with its subtropical plants encouraged by the warm Gulf Stream. Then, drive back to Inverness along Loch Glascarnoch. (Breakfast)

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DAY 20Inverness-Braemar-St. Andrews-Edinburgh

Main features today: the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Braemar, St. Andrews, and the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. For July 15 through August 5 departures, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO. (Breakfast)

Culloden Moor View over Auld Reekie in Edinburgh, Scotland Enjoy the sounds of bagpipes and drums at the Military Tattoo performance 
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DAY 21Edinburgh

Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” as well as the “Old Town.” Visit EDINBURGH CASTLE and then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast)

For over forty years, the Royal Yacht served the British Royal Family.  Britannia is now a unique five-star visitor experience; come and tour five decks of this historic ship. Atop the famous Edinburgh rock, the Edinburgh Castle provides panoramic views The Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh serves as the offical residence of the Queen The Edinburgh Castle dominating the skyline of Edinburgh, Scotland 
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DAY 22Edinburgh-York, England

This morning, visit FLOORS CASTLE, and later, pass the house of Mary, Queen of Scots. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, and in York, England’s most complete medieval city, follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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DAY 23York-Coventry-Stratford-Upon-Avon

In Coventry, view the splendid modern cathedral, and in Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Shakespeares Birthplace 
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DAY 24Stratford-Upon-Avon-London

A final highlight: enjoy a guided tour of magnificent BLENHEIM PALACE, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, then explore the landscaped parkland. Return to London around 3:30 pm. (Breakfast)

London’s Tower Bridge over the River Thames Marvel at the architecture on Londons infamous Big Ben The Blenheim Palace in England The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel 
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DAY 25London

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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