Ireland - England - Scotland - Wales Tour
July 6 - 19, 2012

Day 1: Depart USA

Meet your Rupiper Tour Manager and fellow travellers for your international flight from Newark International Airport to London Heathrow.

Day 2: London

Upon arrival in London we are greeted by our local tour guide and travel by private coach to Windsor, where we visit the castle. Windsor Castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen, which has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. The castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines. No other royal residence has played such an important role in the nation's history. Free time for lunch in Windsor and arrival at the hotel in London by mid afternoon. Welcome dinner at the hotel, our home for the next two nights. (In flight meal service, D)

Day 3: London

This morning, get acquainted with the historic city of London, also known as the square mile, with a guided tour of the oldest part of London, originally founded as a Celtic fishing village which was expanded by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago into Londinium. We visit the Tower of London, a fortress dating back to the 11th century and built by William I, which has been a prison and place of execution for criminals, as well as kings and queens. Upon visiting the Jewel House, see the closely guarded Crown jewels. In the afternoon we tour London's West End. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Nelson's Column, Piccadilly, and visit the glorious Westminster Abbey, where nearly all of England's kings and queens have been crowned since William the Conqueror in 1066. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon, where we will be within walking distance of our evening dinner. (B, D)

Day 4: London / Cotswolds, Oxford / Stratford

We leave London and journey into Cotswolds, a lovely range of hills in West Central England, often referred to as the “Heart of England.” One of the cities encompassed in the Cotswolds region is Oxford, home to one of England’s great historic universities. Enjoy a walking tour of the town to see the classically beautiful colleges, some dating back to the 12th century, including a visit to the superb 16th century Christchurch College. Our next stop is Warwick Castle, often claimed to be Britain’s Greatest Medieval Experience. Warwick Castle is over one thousand years old and has been well maintained with magnificent towers and ramparts. There are many attractions at Warwick Castle, from dungeons to the Great Hall, State Rooms and the Royal Weekend Party of 1898 exhibit. We continue onwards to Stratford-upon-Avon, a pretty Tudor town and birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visit his childhood home, and see the church where he is buried. Dinner and overnight in Stratford. (B, D)

Day 5: Stratford / Coventry / Chester / Lake District / Edinburgh

Enjoy an English breakfast at our hotel before heading out to Coventry. Here, we visit their Cathedral, a monumental edifice designed by Sir Basil Spence, which symbolizes the cathedral’s message of reconciliation by being poignantly aligned with the ruins of the original cathedral that was bombed during WWII. Next we visit the medieval city of Chester. During a walking tour through the city, see a beautiful medieval cathedral and the historic sand stone walls and arcaded shopping area known as the 'Rows'. We continue our drive to the Lake District, a beautiful region of lakes and mountains, immortalized in the artistic works of famous writers and painters. William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor-Coleridge, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter drew their inspiration from this area. We visit Grasmere and continue through the wool towns of Moffat and Gretna Green to the Scottish border, and on to Scotland’s glorious capital, Edinburgh, which is now a designated World Heritage site. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Edinburgh, where we stay for two nights. (B, D)

Day 6: Edinburgh

This morning enjoy a guided tour of the city, where we see the unique old town and the Royal Mile, with its tall houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit ancient Edinburgh Castle, a natural and romantic fortress perched high above the city with views over the whole community as well as the Firth of Forth. Visit Edinburgh’s New Town, a fine Georgian architectural creation of wide streets, garden squares and sweeping crescents. This afternoon we head north of Edinburgh to the coastal town of St Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university town, and also something of a pilgrimage center for golfers from all over the world. The town, founded in the 4th century, is best absorbed on foot. Almost the entire center of the town consists of listed buildings, and we have plenty of time to discover the delights of this charming town and also visit St Andrews Cathedral. (B, D)

Day 7: Edinburgh / Glasgow / Belfast

We leave Edinburgh for a city orientation tour of Glasgow. The wealth from world-trading in the 18th century and shipbuilding in the 19th century allowed the arts to flourish and prosper in Glasgow. The pioneer modern movement led by one of Glasgow's most famous sons, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, could not have flourished in another city. Today Glasgow is an exciting and dynamic city of arts. We leave Glasgow for Stranraer to catch a ferry to Larne. Arriving in Ireland, we visit an Irish farm. Farming is an important part of the Irish economy and will provide you with that perfect mix of diversity for this Irish tour. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Belfast. (B, D)

Day 8: Belfast / Dublin

This morning we travel south from Belfast to Dublin. Originally founded as a Viking settlement, Dublin now has one of the fastest growing populations of any European capital city. Embark on a leisurely city tour of this historic and contemporary cultural center of Ireland, which is also a modern center of education, the arts, administration, economy and industry. (B, D)

Day 9: Dublin / Limerick

Today we enjoy a journey through lush rolling green countryside for a visit to one of Ireland’s most interesting farmers. This farm was a big hit on our 2011 tour. After our farm visit we’ll travel southwest to the National Stud Farm. Established in 1946, the Irish National Stud Farm combines an active role in the development and promotion o¬f Irish bloodstock with its role as one of the country's major tourist attractions. We continue to Limerick where we enjoy a city tour and evening dinner. We overnight at the hotel in Limerick. (B, D)

Day 10: Limerick / Adare / Ring of Kerry / Killarney

This morning we enjoy a scenic drive to Adare, where its multi-colored thatched roof cottages make it one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. In the afternoon we circle the Ring of Kerry, a 110-mile panorama of seacoast, mountains, and lake vistas. This was the dramatic setting for the film “Ryan’s Daughter.” We see Skellig Michael, a rocky pinnacle towering over the sea, enchanting villages like Kenmare, Waterville, Caherciveen, palm tree lined Glenbeigh, and Irish-speaking Sneem, with houses painted in vibrant shades of blue, pink, yellow, and orange. As we continue, the foliage becomes more lush, due to the warming of the Gulf Stream. Our final destination and overnight stay will be in Killarney where you will enjoy a very special Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B, D)

Day 11: Killarney / Waterford

This morning we visit the medieval Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. We also have time to visit the wonderful Blarney Woolen Mill, selling everything from beautiful Aran knit sweaters to fine pottery and glass. Pass through West Cork, which is warmed by the Gulf Stream to nurture its sub-tropical vegetation. We continue along the south coast of Ireland, stopping to visit the picturesque fishing villages of Youghal and Dungarvan. We then journey to the old Viking port city of Waterford for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 12: Waterford / Bristol

Today is an early morning departure for Rosslare, where we catch a ferry to Fishguard. We drive through Wales and into Somerset on the way to Bristol. Built around the River Avon, Bristol is the largest centre of culture, employment and education in the region. Its prosperity has been linked with the sea since its earliest days. (B, D)

Day 13: Bristol / Farm visit / Bath / Stonehenge / London

This morning we enjoy a tour to the countryside and a visit to the John Alvis family farm. The Lye Cross Farm, a brand of the Alvis family, has been dedicated to making the highest quality cheddar cheese since 1952. Recently, the Alvis Family teamed up with a major cheese distributor based in New Jersey and will source, produce and supply a range of specialty cheeses for the US market in various flavors, shapes and sizes. Here you will also have an opportunity to see growing crops as well as the dairy and cheese production facility, with time to ask questions about prices, equipment, and rural living. Following our farm visit we drive to the city of Bath, which reveals the finest Georgian architectural ensemble in the land. This area became famous in Roman times when they built elaborate Baths around a natural spa. We visit these famous Roman Baths. Also see the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge. Later we drive to Wiltshire County, where we visit Stonehenge, a mysterious megalithic stone circle which has stood as witness to 4000 years of history. Following our visit to Stonehenge, we travel to the London Heathrow area to check in to our hotel and prepare for tomorrow’s flight. Our final evening will conclude with a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 14: Departure

We transfer by private coach to the airport for our flight home, arriving early afternoon on July 19th.