The Northern Route, London to Dublin—9 day tour
From the grand capitals of London and Dublin to the coastal splendour and mountains of North Wales, this tour showcases the diversity of landscapes in England, Wales and Ireland.
Included Highlights
- London
- Westminster Abbey
- West End Theatre
- Oxford
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Roman Chester
- Snowdon Mountain Railway
- Caernarfon Castle
- Dublin City Tour
- Irish Entertainment Night
Hotel Nights
- London 2
- Stratford-upon-Avon 2
- Llandudno 2
- Dublin 2
Day 1 London
Arrival at one of London's airports. Meet and greet by a professional London guide who will accompany us by motor coach on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London. The tour will pass iconic landmarks including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
Overnight London
Day 2 London
Our guide takes us on an in-depth tour of London today. Highlights include a 'flight' on the London Eye, a tour of Westminster Abbey, a cruise on the River Thames, a pub lunch and admission to the Tower of London. We may also want to experience a journey on the tube, a ride on a Red Double Decker Bus or a visit to one of the city's museums, many of which are free to enter. Tonight a pre-theatre dinner and tickets to a top West End performance, with private transfers, are included.
Overnight London
Day 3 Oxford – Blenheim Palace
Leaving London our first stop is the university city of Oxford. A local guide takes us on a walking tour, which will include a visit to one of the historic colleges. There are many famous people associated with Oxford, such as Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis or even Lyra and Will for fans of Philip Pullman. Afternoon visit to the World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Continue to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon
Day 4 Stratford-upon-Avon – Warwick Castle
This morning we discover the story of William Shakespeare's early years with a stroll around the house where he was born and a visit to the famous Anne Hathaway's cottage. Afternoon excursion to the dramatic Warwick Castle, one of Britain's greatest medieval experiences. Transfers and tickets to a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company can be arranged for this evening.
Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon
Day 5 Chester – Pontcysyllte – Llandudno
Travel west to the England/Wales border, also known as The Marches. We continue to the Roman city of Chester where a local guide shows us the ancient city walls and the historic black and white timber-framed 'Rows' that date from the Middle Ages. On to North Wales where we pause to admire the canal aqueduct of Pontcysyllte, a masterpiece of Georgian engineering. Afternoon arrival in the lovely Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno.
Overnight Llandudno
Day 6 Conwy Castle – Snowdonia National Park
Our first visit is to Conwy Castle, thought by many to be the finest medieval fortress in Europe. Travelling into the mountains of Snowdonia National Park we reach Llanberis where, weather permitting, we take a train journey to the summit of Mount Snowdon. At 1085 metres this is the highest point in Wales and the recently modernised Snowdon Mountain Railway has been taking visitors to the top since Victorian times. Wales is world renowned for its near perfect slates and this afternoon we experience this industry firsthand with a journey deep inside a slate mine.
Overnight Llandudno
Day 7 Caernarfon Castle – Dublin
This morning visit Caernarfon Castle, one of the most famous Welsh castles, due to its sheer scale and commanding position. Crossing the Menai Strait to the Isle of Anglesey we stop at the place in Britain with the longest name, often shortened to 'Llanfair PG', from its full and original 'Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch'. Late afternoon we board the fast ferry for the crossing to Dublin, Ireland's capital city.
Overnight Dublin
Day 8 Dublin
A local guide takes us on a morning tour of this lively city. Visits are included to St Patrick's Cathedral as well as Trinity College where we see the famed illustrated medieval manuscript known as The Book of Kells. See O'Connell and Grafton Streets and stroll along the banks of the River Liffey. The afternoon is free to explore some of the city's other attractions such as The Jameson's Whiskey Centre or The Guinness Storehouse. Tonight enjoy an evening of traditional Irish food and musical entertainment.
Overnight Dublin
Day 9 Dublin
Group transfer included to Dublin airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.