Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 1/16
Itinerary for Best of UK & Ireland Tour • Expat Explore
Start Point: End Point:
Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich
station, station,
173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10 173-185 Greenwich High Road, London, SE10
8JA 8JA
06:30 hrs 17:30 hrs – 20:30 hrs
Hotel lobby at Holiday Inn Express,
Greenwich,
85 Bugsby Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0GD
07:00 hrs
DAY 1: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff
Welcome to your tour of the UK and Ireland! Departing from London, we make our way to
Stonehenge. Here, you have the option to explore the ancient archaeological wonder that has stood
for thousands of years in the countryside of south-west England. Ponder the mysteries of this
ancient site for yourself and learn about the history of the area. Next stop is the beautiful and Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 2/16
historic city of Bath, where your tour leader will show you the main sights including the famous
Roman baths built here during the reign of the Empire. Heading into nearby Wales we arrive in the
capital, Cardiff, where we’ll have a drive around the city before heading to the hotel for the night.
Experiences
Bath: Orientation tour through this beautiful town, famous for its sandstone Georgian architecture
and Roman Bathhouse.
Visit Cardiff - we continue on to the Welsh capital where your tour leader will take you on a drive
through the city, showing you the sights, before checking-in to your hotel for the night.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
Optional Excursions
Roman Baths: € 20
Stonehenge: £ 19
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 2: Stratford-upon-Avon - Liverpool Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 3/16
After breakfast, we make for Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown of William Shakespeare! A market
town with more than 800 years of history. Then we’re off North, to Liverpool! This famous British
port city has a rich history and culture. Football fans will be delighted to be in the home city of
Liverpool and Everton football clubs, while music fans will be enthralled to be in the home of The
Beatles. Spot the famous sites with our driving tour of the city, and explore the city yourself during
your free time this evening. Why not head to Mathew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern
Club’, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music?
Experiences
Cotswolds: Enjoy the beautiful views of rolling hills and grassland, villages and stately country
manors as we drive through the Cotswolds AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The
Cotswolds are famous for the honey yellow limestone quarried here, and used from the simplest
cottages to the grandest stately homes.
Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You will have free time to
wander the city and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century
house where he grew up.
Liverpool driving tour: Take a driving tour and see some of the city's highlights including the
Albert Dock and a variety of locations connected to The Beatles.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 4/16
Optional Excursions
Shakespeare's House: £ 17
The Beatles Story & Museum: £ 17.50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 3: Liverpool - Dublin
Today, we catch the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin! Before we reach the ferry we’ll make a stop
at the village with the longest name in Europe
(Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch). Then it’s onto Dublin - once we
arrive from the ferry we’ll take a driving tour of the city, and spot a few of the city’s more famous
highlights. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in this 1,000-year-old city. From the city’s Viking past,
its medieval castles and its cathedrals. Explore its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s
more turbulent episodes, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to get
across town in no time at all.
Experiences Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 5/16
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch: Photo stop at the village with
the longest name in Europe - see if you can capture the whole name in a photo!
Dublin driving tour: Enjoy a driving tour of this vibrant capital city. Tomorrow you will have a full
free day, so keep a note of all the sights that you want to explore further, such as St Patrick’s
Cathedral, the General Post Office building and the many bridges over the River Liffey.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Lucan Spa Hotel Dublin
DAY 4: Dublin: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the city of Dublin! The Discover Dublin optional excursion includes a visit to the
iconic Guinness Storehouse to see how this famous dark beer is made! This excursion will take you
back in time as you discover the most famous people and events in Irish history. Or, explore the city
yourself and visit the National Museums of Ireland, walk along the South Wall and visit the city’s
most famous park, St Stephen’s Green. Be sure to try out the many pubs and eateries. Tonight,
there’s also the option to visit an Irish themed dinner and show for a taste of traditional Irish music!
Definitely not to be missed - check our Optional Excursions list for more information.
Included Meals Accommodation Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 6/16
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Lucan Spa Hotel Dublin
Optional Excursions
Irish Music Evening: € 55
Discover Dublin: € 50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 5: Waterford - Blarney Castle - Killarney area
Leaving Dublin behind us, we travel onward to Waterford, the oldest city in Ireland! Founded by
Vikings in 914, Waterford has a fascinating history and rich maritime tradition and is also famous for
its cut crystal glass. Following our stop here, we’ll travel to the famous Blarney Castle for an
included visit, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and hopefully gain the ‘gift of the gab.’ Built
nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s most famous chieftains, Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s
most famous attractions. As we depart Blarney, we leave County Cork behind us and enter into
County Kerry, and make our way towards our hotel for this evening.
Experiences Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 7/16
Waterford: The oldest city in Ireland, you’ll feel the atmosphere of medieval Ireland here like
nowhere else!
Blarney Castle: Kiss the famous Blarney Stone and you might gain the ‘gift of the gab'!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Manor West Hotel & Leisure Club
Earl Of Desmond Hotel Tralee
Holiday Inn Killarney
DAY 6: Kerry Region: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in the Kerry region. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf
courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join our optional excursion as we drive along
the incredible Ring of Kerry. This famous circular tourist route is also known as Iveragh Peninsula. It
is home to the most breathtaking coastal views and emerald-green pastures. Enjoy visits to
charming villages such as Kerry Bog Village. Take the opportunity to explore the shops and cute
cafés in the area. Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park from a jaunting (carriage)
ride. Then end the day with some free time in Killarney town. Experience this iconic route to the
fullest on this excursion!
Included Meals Accommodation Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 8/16
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Manor West Hotel & Leisure Club
Earl Of Desmond Hotel Tralee
Holiday Inn Killarney
Optional Excursions
Ring of Kerry day trip: € 40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 7: Adare - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Ballina
Today’s another day for epic Irish scenery! Making our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. First stop is
Adare, often called Ireland’s prettiest village. Then, travel on through the county of Limerick and
make our way to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. These incredible cliffs rise over 200 metres from the
frothing ocean below, and the views on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking. Next stop, Galway,
a bright, bohemian city renowned for its oysters, its live music venues, cafes, weekend parties and
contemporary vibe. Explore the city for yourself during your free time and experience all the charms
that Galway has to offer before we travel north to our hotel where we spend the night.
Experiences Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 9/16
Adare: Take a few photos as we stop in the “prettiest village in Ireland”. This village has perfectly
preserved thatch-roofed cottages that are being used as craft shops and restaurants.
Limerick: We’ll stop at the Treaty Stone, where legend says the Treaty of Limerick was signed,
which ended the Williamite War in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of
Orange and concluded the Siege of Limerick. You can also take great photos of King John’s Castle
from across the river.
Cliffs of Moher: Get those cameras ready for these awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and
crashing waves.
Galway: Experience the bohemian vibe of Galway, or visit a local pub for a pint of Murphy’s and
traditional Irish music. Be sure to enjoy some of Galway’s famous shellfish. A popular dish is the
Dublin Lawyer - lobster cooked in whiskey and cream. Yum!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Twin Trees Hotel & Leisure Club
Park Hotel Kiltimagh
DAY 8: Derry/Londonderry - Giant's Causeway - Belfast Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 10/16
Leaving Galway behind, we journey on to Northern Ireland, stopping first in Derry/Londonderry.
Voted UK’s City of Culture in 2013, Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer. Next stop is
Northern Ireland’s number 1 tourist attraction - Giant’s Causeway. The final stop on the Irish leg of
our adventure, is Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. A local guide will take you on a combined
driving and walking tour, showing you some of the city’s most famous attractions and learning more
about the city’s past. Having pulled off quite a transformation in recent years, Belfast is shaking off
its reputation that lingered after the times of The Troubles.
Experiences
Derry: Fresh from its makeover following its moment in the limelight as UK City of Culture 2013,
Northern Ireland’s second city has a lot to offer, including a beautiful waterfront and well-preserved
city walls.
Giant’s Causeway: This natural wonder is surrounded by myth and legend. Did a giant build this
sight or was it an ancient volcanic activity that formed the 40,000 columns? As you clamber over
the rocks and experience it up close you can decide for yourself!
Belfast: Belfast driving tour. A local guide will introduce you to some of the city's highlights,
including Shankill Road and the Falls Road. These roads are associated with loyalist and republican
communities respectively and are separated by peace walls.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Holiday Inn Express Antrim
DAY 9: Whisky Distillery - Scottish Highlands Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 11/16
Scotland here we come! Boarding a ferry, we’ll sail across the Sea of Moyle to the land of whisky!
Once back on dry land we'll drive to the Scottish town of Ayr for a photo stop. Then, we’re off into
the Scottish Highlands where we stop off at a local whisky distillery. Learn more about how Scotch
whisky is made and try some of the different varieties produced here. Admire the scenery as we
travel on to our accommodation in the picturesque Highlands this evening.
Experiences
Ayr photo stop
Whisky distillery: Whisky tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Founded in 1833, this
distillery is unique in producing single malt Highland whisky that is matured in the Lowlands.
Located on the Highlands Line which divides the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland, Glengoyne's
stills are on the Highlands side of this road, and the maturing casks rest just a few metres away on
the Lowlands side.
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:
Optional Excursions
Titanic Belfast VIP tour: € 25 Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 12/16
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 10: Loch Ness - Edinburgh
Today, we set off into the Highlands to further explore this famous region of Scotland. We’ll be
stopping for a photo in the stunningly beautiful Glencoe. Enjoy a stop at the famous Loch Ness,
reputedly the home of the Loch Ness monster. Join an optional cruise on the Loch and try to spot the
legendary beast! Leaving the Highlands, drive through the Cairngorms National Park until arriving in
Edinburgh. Once in the city, enjoy a walking tour of the Scottish capital followed by dinner. Apart
from Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, keep in mind that this is the city where
JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel. Fans might find the city strangely familiar!
Experiences
Scenic drive: Cross your fingers and hope the weather's clear so that we catch a sight of the
grandeur of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
Glencoe: A spectacular Glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands) and where the massacre of
Glencoe took place in 1692, one of the most fascinating yet tragic stories in Scotland’s history.
Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said
to be his home? You’ll have free time to explore, or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot her
from the water. Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 13/16
Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Holiday Inn West
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
Loch Ness Cruise: £ 15
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 11: Edinburgh: Free Day
Your time is yours to spend as you like today – revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s
walking tour, or discover the city for yourself. Most travellers decide to join their tour leader and
driver on our Conquer the Capital optional excursion which is a full tour of the city, with time to
explore Edinburgh Castle in full, and a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia - the former royal residence
of the Queen and the royal family. If the weather allows, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic
views of the city below. Tonight we offer a traditional Scottish dinner and show, complete with the
famous traditional haggis! Check our optional excursions for more information. Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 14/16
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Holiday Inn West
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
Spirit of Scotland Show: £ 65
Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital: £ 50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 12: Alnwick Castle - York - Yorkshire
Saying goodbye to Scotland, we make for the famous Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke of
Northumberland. This castle has also featured in many famous films and TV shows, including two
Harry Potter films, Downton Abbey, Blackadder, Star Trek and many more! Visiting the castle is an
optional excursion, details of which are available in our Optional Excursions documentation. Next,
we travel into Yorkshire, and to the county capital, York. Home to the largest gothic cathedral in Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 15/16
northern Europe (York Minster), York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets. We’ll take you on
an orientation tour of the city to see its most famous sites, before heading to our accommodation in
Yorkshire.
Experiences
Visit Alnwick Castle: This impressive building is the home of the Duke of Northumberland and is
the second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle. Many will recognise it from
popular films and TV shows including the Harry Potter series, Downton Abbey and Robin Hood:
Prince of Thieves.
Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Expat Explore
tour leader.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Cedar Court Wakefield
Optional Excursions
Alnwick Castle: £ 13-24
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 13: Cambridge - London Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 10:30:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 16/16
It’s the last day of your UK and Ireland tour, but we're finishing off with a real treat! Today we make
our way to the historic university town of Cambridge! Along with the exquisite architecture, quirky
traditions and deep history, there are a significant number of bright sparks who have passed
through the city’s famous university: John Milton, Charles Darwin, David Attenborough, Siegfried
Sassoon, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, William Wordsworth, Rachel Weisz and countless others. We’ll do
the traditional thing and go punting along the River Cam before we return to London where our tour
concludes. Be sure to share your details with your fellow travellers to keep in touch after your
journey.
Experiences
Cambridge: We visit Cambridge, a historic city and home of the prestigious Cambridge University.
You’ll have free time to wander the historic streets, and then enjoy a traditional punt along the river
in flat-bottomed wooden boats. An experienced punter will propel the punt by pushing against the
river bed with a pole, while introducing you to the city’s history and telling you some of its most
famous tales.
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: