YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®

Maritime Jewels of the British Isles & 2022

Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22)

Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,

At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. New! Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, Wales, & itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:

When I think of the British Isles, I imagine dramatic cliffs and lush greenery, lively music echoing from a local pub, and legendary tales of folk heroes. I also love to see how the people live, work, and play in rural communities like the Orkney Islands, a remote community off the northeaster coast of Scotland. You’ll experience A Day in the Life of a working sheep farm. You’ll meet the farm owner and his wife before feeding the sheep and witnessing a demonstration of the whistle commands uses by farmers to train sheepdogs to herd flock. Then, you’ll enjoy a farm-fresh lunch with the farmer and his wife.

But nothing compares with the stories I hear directly from the local people. You’ll hear their dramatic personal experiences when you explore via black cab, driven by locals who lived through ; and you’ll have a rare opportunity to meet an ex-British soldier and two ex-political prisoners—a Republican who fought for Irish independence and a loyalist who fought with the Ulster Volunteer Force—to learn about the dark shadow cast by this conflict and their shared hopes for a better future.

The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 20-25 travelers (average 22) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.

To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.

So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your New! Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.

Love and peace,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.

USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler

2 CONTENTS

A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6 Grand Circle Foundation...... 8 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 9

MARITIME JEWELS OF THE BRITISH ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: ISLES: ENGLAND, WALES, NORTHERN CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE IRELAND & SCOTLAND Culture of the British Isles ...... 65 Your Adventure at a Glance: Language in Ireland ...... 67 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, in Brief...... 71 and What’s Included ...... 10 in Brief ...... 72 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 12 Dublin in Brief...... 74 Pre-Trip Extension ...... 23 Edinburgh in Brief ...... 73 Post-Trip Extension ...... 29 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Deck Plans ...... 34 Shipping & More ...... 75 Dates & Prices ...... 36 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 37 United Kingdom in Brief...... 77 No Visas Required ...... 37 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 77 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 39 England ...... 77 Ocean Cruise vs. River Cruise ...... 40 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 77 Vaccines Required ...... 40 England: A Brief History ...... 78 Money Matters: Local Currency & Wales...... 79 Tipping Guidelines...... 43 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 79 Top Three Tips ...... 43 Wales: A Brief History ...... 80 How to Exchange Money ...... 44 Scotland...... 80 Tipping Guidelines...... 47 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 80 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 48 Scotland: A Brief History ...... 81 Optional Tours ...... 49 Isle of Man ...... 82 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 50 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 82 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 51 Northern Ireland ...... 83 Your Luggage...... 52 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 83 Clothing Suggestions ...... 52 Northern Ireland: A Brief History ...... 83 Suggested Packing Lists ...... 53 Ireland ...... 84 Electricity Abroad ...... 55 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 84 Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 57 Ireland: A Brief History ...... 85 Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Dining & Services on Board ...... 61 RESOURCES M/V Corinthian & M/V Clio...... 61 Suggested Reading ...... 87 Ship Specifications ...... 64 Suggested Film & Video ...... 89

O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 94 Notes...... 95 Map ...... 99 3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Europe

This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled.

SMALL GROUPS: 20-25 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 22)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 25 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ by our team in . studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.

Witness the thatched cottages of Gaerannan Blackhouse Experience the hospitality of locals over a Home-Hosted meal Village on the

4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY En riching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Maritime Jewels of the British Isles adventure.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT divisions still split Belfast today, and how GCF was established in 1992 to help change they are now committed to a shared vision of people’s lives in the world where we live, reconciliation. work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or A DAY IN THE LIFE donated $200 million worldwide. Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like By investing in the places we explore— to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s including local schools, cooperatives, or arts find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an centers—we hope to give locals the skills and exclusive, immersive experience that places confidence they need to become leaders of you in the heart of a community where you’ll their generation and preserve their heritage meet various people where they live, work, for many years to come. We’re proud to play and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a a part in preserving precious locales like the hand with daily chores; and break with Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living our hosts. example of the glory days of the Hanseatic Meet a Scottish farmer during A Day in the League, and supporting villages like Harmi in Life of a working sheep farm in Stromness Estonia, whose once-struggling school is now where we’ll witness a demonstration of the a center of community life. whistle commands used by farmers to train CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS the sheepdogs to herd the flock, followed by Every culture has its joys and achievements, lunch with the farmer and his family. and we celebrate them all. But every place HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES also has its challenges, and to gloss over them Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds would not do justice to those whose stories engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who things that can happen across a kitchen table, deserves more than a sugar-coated version of so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will family in their home for a snack or a meal. lead frank discussions on controversial issues, This is a rare opportunity to witness family and introduce you to people whose stories will life, learn local customs, and taste some expand your understanding. home-cooked fare. For example, we will experience an eye- On this adventure, a local Welsh family opening view of the Troubles when we meet will invite us into their home for a with three men who fought on opposing sides traditional Home-Hosted Lunch. Expect during this period of turmoil. We’ll hear their simple, hearty fare as you enjoy this unique firsthand accounts of the brutal experiences opportunity to experience a slice of everyday they had, and the dark deeds they committed Welsh life. during the fighting, about how sectarian

5 You're in control with THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Exclusively with O.A.T. Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.

It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.

PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily , and optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers. Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience Leader 1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often who leads your main trip, enjoying more of in an even smaller group than your main his or her insider expertise—and more time adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a to bond with the group. dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take advantage of your included airfare.

Optional Extensions offered with your Europe adventure

Ireland’s Ancient East: Dublin, Wexford Scotland & England: St. Andrews, & Kinsale Edinburgh & York 7 nights pre-trip from $1895 7 nights post-trip from $1895

Kinsale, Ireland Edinburgh, Scotland

6 ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER the tours you take, activities you plan, and Extending your time abroad—with us or restaurants you visit. If you’d like ideas about on your own—is the best way to broaden how to spend this time and what to see and do, your experience. It’s also a practical way to our Regional Adventure Counselors can provide maximize the value of the international airfare recommendations when helping you plan covered in your main itinerary. this option.

Expand Your Discoveries Before COMBINE ADVENTURES or After Your Adventure You’re already overseas. Why not see more and maximize your value by avoiding the cost and Arrive early in the first destination on your length of another international flight? Here’s pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers combined two or later in the last city on your main adventure or more adventures in 2019: post-trip extension. By coming early, you can rest after your flight and adjust—with time to • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when explore. By staying later, you have extra time you combine two adventures compared to the to relax, pack, or continue exploring. cost of taking each trip separately.

This option lets you take advantage of our • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit lower group rates, with prices from $75 per you earn on your first trip to your second trip. person per night—including accommodations, • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an private airport transfer, and daily breakfast. extra $250-$350 per person when booking multiple trips in a calendar year. • Arrive early in Oxford for your main trip for $200 per person, per night • Our Regional Adventure Counselors make all the arrangements for a seamless experience. • Arrive early in Dublin on your Ireland’s Ancient East pre-trip extension for $175 per Combine this trip with our Ireland in Depth person, per night adventure—for a total cost of $10,090-$13,890 per person—and save $800-$1200 per person • Conclude your main trip with more time versus taking each trip separately. in Aberdeen for just $75 per person, per night • Remain in Manchester after your Scotland AIR PREFERENCES & England post-trip extension for $75 per 54% of our travelers customize their air person, per night itineraries: Accommodations are at the same hotels where • Choose your departure city and airline you begin or end the main trip and optional • Depart from one city and return to another extensions, so transitions will be seamless. • Upgrade to Premium Economy or NEW! Stopover in any major international city Business Class Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the FREEDOM OF CHOICE DURING YOUR opportunity to stopover in popular cities en ADVENTURE route to your main adventure. Speak with one Our itineraries provide a balance of included of our Regional Adventure Counselors to learn activities and free time so you always have more about your options and to arrange your the flexibility to participate in included international airfare. activities, go off on your own entirely, or do a You are free to choose however you’d like to mix of both. spend this additional time exploring, including

7 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time

ON THIS ADVENTURE … Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family than $200 million to projects around the Foundation, as a means to give back to world. Here are just a few of the ways we have the world that had already given us so partnered with the communities on this trip. much. We’ve pledged or donated more H a v e n H o r i z o n s than $200 million worldwide to support Haven Horizons—a new partner of Grand Circle the education of young people and the Foundation—is dedicated to preventing domestic preservation of international treasures abuse and helping survivors develop the skills and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and needed to lead fulfilling, independent lives. In the conservation of natural resources for addition to community outreach and emotional future generations. support, the organization offers adult education courses and works with the community, police, Of course, none of this would be possible public agencies, and other institutions to promote without your help. A portion of the prevention policies. proceeds of every adventure is donated to Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your St. Oliver’s National School life will be enriched by the discoveries Total Donations: $8,198 you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also Located in Killarney, this Catholic primary school help to enrich the lives of the people serves a diverse population of nearly 750 students you’ll meet along the way. Thank you from a variety of faiths, nationalities, and abilities. for traveling with us, and for helping to The school has the highest number of pupils with low change people’s lives. incidence Special Education Needs in Ireland and has received awards for Cultural Diversity and Environ- Love and peace, mental Awareness. With GCF funding, the school ob- tained furnishings and play therapy for 40 students.

Harriet R. Lewis Chair, Grand Circle Foundation

SCAN ME See how Grand Circle Foundation is giving back in this video Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you directly to the video.

www.grandcirclefoundation.org

8 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in Europe—and Around the World

ON THIS ADVENTURE … FREE or low-cost Single Supplements: We The leader in solo-friendly have a limited number of FREE or low-cost travel for Americans—by single supplements on this adventure and the numbers FREE Single Supplements optional trip extensions. But single spaces fill quickly, so More than 50% of all O.A.T. early reservations are advised. travelers are women who travel solo

One of our most popular trips for solo travelers. More than 585 solo travelers joined In 2022, we’re offering 30,000 us on this adventure in the past three years— singles spaces across all O.A.T. either independently or sharing a room with a adventures. That’s 86% more than mother, daughter, sister, or friend. offered in 2019

High ratings: More than 93% of these solo travelers rated their adventure excellent. 92% of our 30,000 single spaces have FREE Single Supplements. The Since you will be joined by others traveling remaining 8% have the lowest single independently in your group, it’s easy to forge supplements in the industry. special bonds as you experience unforgettable moments together. In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive women’s departures on some of our You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your most popular itineraries dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a resident of Europe), and the expertise of our regional office team in London. NEW! 101+ SCAN ME Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have 23% Tips for Solo more single spaces than in 2019, with up to 9 Women Travelers single spaces per departure. See available FREE This complimentary, 96-page single space at www.oattravel.com/cre2022. booklet is a comprehensive collection of savvy tips specifically for seasoned women travelers going solo. Learn about safety for solos, packing like a pro, the best travel apps, self-care on the road, and more. Scan this code to view an online copy or to request one by mail.

9 Explore aboard our privately owned 98-passenger M/V Corinthian New! Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland Small Ship Adventure England̆zƗĕŋũù̇ũĢŭŶŋķ̇dÖĴā'ĢŭŶũĢóŶ̳Ά̳Wales̆DĢŭĞėŽÖũù̳Ά̳Isle of Man̳Ά̳Northern Ireland̆āķĕÖŭŶ̳Ά̳Scotland: Islay, Isle of Mull, Isle of Lewis, Orkney Isles, Aberdeen

Countries: 4Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆10Ά10 Nights Aboard Our Privately Owned 98-Passenger M/V Corinthian

Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 22)

Services of our local Trip Experience 35 meals: 13 , 10 lunches, 12 FROM PER DAY DAYS • • Leader with your group of 20-25 dinners—including 1 Home-Hosted $ $ 8095 540 15 (average of 22) throughout Lunch—plus all onboard house beer, your adventure wine, and soft drinks Including international airfare • International airfare, airport transfers, • 20 guided tours and cultural government taxes, fees, and airline fuel experiences Single Supplement: $ 1395 surcharges, unless you choose to make Gratuities for local guides and your own air arrangements • motorcoach drivers Accommodations for 2 nights in Maximize Your • All port charges Oxford, 10 nights aboard our privately • Discoveries & Value owned small ship, and 1 night • handling for 1 piece of luggage in Aberdeen per person, including tips Optional extension s : • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward Ireland’s Ancient East: Dublin, your next trip Wexford & Kinsale SCAN ME 7 nights pre-trip from $1895 Watch our #1 most popular video Travel from only $271 per night for this adventure Scotland & England: St. Andrews, Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover Edinburgh & York the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will 7 nights post-trip from $1895 take you directly to the video. Travel from only $271 per night

Stromness harbor, Scotland

Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland

10 Itinerary Summary

Pre-trip extension: 7 nights in Ireland’s Ancient East: Dublin, Wexford & Kinsale

DAYS DESTINATION

1 Depart U.S.

2-3 Oxford, England

4 • Embark ship

5 Wales

6 Isle of Man

7 Lake District

8 Northern Ireland

What to Expect 9-13 Coastal Scotland

14 Aberdeen • Disembark ship

Pacing: 14 days, with 10 nights aboard the M/V Corinthian, one two-night hotel stay in 15 Return to U.S. Oxford, and one overnight hotel stay in Aberdeen Post-trip extension: 7 nights in Scotland Physical Requirements: Walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 2 hours of & England: St. Andrews, Edinburgh & York physical activities each day, including the boarding of Zodiacs or tenders and possible rough seas Flight time: Travel time will be 6-18 hours and most likely won’t have connections

View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/cre2022 Arrive Early, Stay Later Prices below include accommodations, daily breakfast, and private airport The British Isles & Ireland: The O.A.T. Difference transfer. • Arrive early in Oxford for your main trip Unbeatable Value: Travel at the lowest price and per diems in the industry. Plus, all for $200 per person, per night port charges included—a value of up to $725 per person. • Arrive early in Dublin on your Ireland's Ancient East pre-trip extension A Day in the Life People-to-People Experiences: Meet a Scottish farmer during of a for $175 per person, per night working sheep farm in Stromness where we’ll witness a demonstration of the whistle • Conclude your main trip with more time commands used by farmers to train the sheepdogs to herd the flock, followed by in Aberdeen for just $75 per person, lunch with the farmer and his family. Plus, meet with a relative of a prisoner of war per night (POW) at Stromness’ World War II Italian Chapel to hear their story. • Remain in Manchester after your O.A.T. Exclusives: Join conversations about Controversial Topics and confront Scotland & England post-trip exten- uncomfortable truths facing the region: Explore Belfast via black cab, driven by locals sion for $75 per person, per night who lived through The Troubles; then meet an ex-British soldier and ex-political prisoners who fought on opposite sides of the fighting to learn about the dark shadow cast by this conflict, and their shared hopes for the future.

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/cre2022

11 Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 7 nights in Ireland’s Celtic Coast: Dublin, Wexford &

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 5 Explore Kilkenny • Visit a farm Day 2 Arrive Dublin, Ireland Day 6 Wexford • Visit Waterford Crystal factory • Cork Day 3 Explore Dublin • Community-Hosted Lunch Day 7 Cork • Visit Castle Day 4 Dublin • Visit Glendalough • Avoca Day 8 Cork • Fly to London • Oxford Handweavers • Wexford Day 9 Oxford • Join main trip

Day 1 Depart U.S. room assignments and settle in. Depending on which hotel you stay in, it may feature an Evening: You depart today on your overnight on-site restaurant and bar. Typical rooms flight from the U.S. to London, England. are all fully equipped with wireless Internet, TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, Day 2 London, England • and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. Overland to Oxford Throughout the day, our Trip Experience • Destination: Oxford Leader will lead travelers on orientation walks of the neighborhood surrounding our hotel as • Accommodations: Hotel in Oxford or similar they arrive. Morning: You’ll arrive in London in the morning or afternoon, depending on your Lunch: On your own. Your Trip Experience specific flight arrangements, where an O.A.T. Leader will be happy to provide you with representative will meet you at the airport and recommendations. assist with your 50-minute transfer by private Afternoon: The remainder of the day is free motorcoach to your hotel in Oxford. to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll At our hotel, we’ll meet our Trip Experience stroll the cobbled streets of this historic city Leader, as well as travelers who took our or rub elbows with some of its residents at a optional Ireland’s Ancient East: Dublin, Wexford local pub. & Kinsale pre-trip extension, then receive our

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

12 Dinner: On your own—perhaps you’ll try one of Afternoon: Free for your own Britain’s signature savory pies, such as a classic discoveries—ask your Trip Experience Leader sherpherd’s pie or a hearty venison and wild for recommendations. Perhaps you’ll stroll mushroom pie. along the river, or explore more architectural wonders, such as the domed Radcliffe Camera. Evening: You’re free to relax at the hotel after your flight or explore the area we’re staying in. Our small group will reconvene with our Trip Experience Leader around 5:30pm for Day 3 Explore Oxford a 30-minute welcome briefing. During this briefing, we will review our itinerary in more • Destination: Oxford detail (including any changes that may need • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner to occur). • Accommodations: Hotel in Oxford or similar Dinner: Around 6pm, we’ll walk around 10 Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am minutes to enjoy a meal of regional specialties featuring British and American options. at a local restaurant. Morning: Around 9am, we’ll embark on a Evening: We’ll walk back to our hotel, arriving 3-hour walking tour of the famous university around 8pm, where you have the remainder of town dominated by Oxford University and its the evening to continue making independent more than 38 colleges and buildings spread discoveries. Perhaps you’ll retire to your room throughout the city with our Trip Experience or grab a drink at a local pub. Leader. The legendary colleges have been seats of learning for a long line of notable figures, including Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift. Day 4 Overland to Bristol • Cotswold And more recently, several buildings served village • Embark ship as settings for the Harry Potter films and the • Destination: Bristol Inspector Morse television series. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Corinthian Alongside your Trip Experience Leader, we’ll • Accommodations: M/V transport ourselves into the medieval splendor Breakfast: Served at the hotel from of Oxford, strolling its cobbled streets and 7am-8:30am featuring British and marveling at the golden-hued ensemble of American options. colleges and Gothic chapels. Around noon, Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll out of you’ll have the remainder of the afternoon free our hotel and board our motorcoach to begin for your own discoveries. the drive to meet our ship. Around 9:30am, Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience we’ll stop to visit a picturesque Cotswold Leader for suggestions. Perhaps you’ll get village. Here, you’ll have about two hours to cozy in an old pub where you may strike up a explore on your own. As you wander through conversation with local university students or the village, you may feel like you’ve stepped professors. into a storybook fairytale. Many of these villages have quaint, honey-colored cottages lining their narrow lanes and verdant rolling hills that breathe charm and beauty into these remote destinations.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

13 Around 11:30am, we’ll board our motorcoach Day 5 Explore Fishguard, Wales • and drive about 1-hour to Bristol, where we’ll Home-Hosted Lunch • St. Davids embark the 98-passenger M/V Corinthian, our • Destination: Fishguard privately-owned small ship which will be your home for the duration of your British Isles • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner cruise. The Corinthian is staffed by a friendly, • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian English-speaking crew who will welcome you Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: This afternoon, a aboard and show you to your room. Each of local Welsh family will invite us into their home the ship’s outside-facing cabins features a for a traditional Home-Hosted Lunch. Expect queen-sized bed convertible into twin beds, simple, hearty fare as you enjoy this unique flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and its own opportunity to experience a slice of everyday private bath. Welsh life.

Lunch: Included onboard in the ship’s dining Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room room beginning around 12:30pm. beginning around 6am.

Afternoon: After lunch, you’ll have a few hours Morning: Around 9:15am, we’ll drive about 10 to settle in, unpack, and acquaint yourself with minutes to begin our discoveries in Fishguard the ship’s amenities, or you may head out to see at a local church where the parishioners will the sights of Bristol. share a piece of their culture with you during a performance. Then, visit the Town Hall where Around 6pm, your ship sets sail for Fishguard, you’ll view a 100-foot tapestry that depicts Wales. As you sail, join your fellow travelers, an incursion in 1797 that lasted only two days. captain, and crew for a ship safety briefing, The tale of the short-lived occupation is told then get to know your new shipmates a little on the tapestry that was created for the 200th better over a short Captain’s Welcome Party. anniversary by a team of 77 local women, who Then, join your small group in the lounge for used 97 colors and sewed for two years to create the first in a series of nightly Port Talks. These the piece. informative conversations, led by your Trip Experience Leader, will give you an overview of Your discoveries in town will conclude around the following day’s itinerary and prepare you 10:30am, and then you have about an hour for the destination ahead. Tonight, you’ll learn to explore the town on your own—ask your about Fishguard, where you’ll dock tomorrow. Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Around 11:30am, we’ll break into even Dinner: Enjoy a Captain’s Welcome smaller groups and drive about 10 minutes by Dinner onboard in the ship’s dining room motorcoach to the home of a local family. around 7:15pm. Lunch: Join a local family in their home for Evening: You have the freedom to spend the a Home-Hosted Lunch. Savor a traditional rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps meal and discuss daily life in Fishguard with you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in your hosts. the lounge. Afternoon: We’ll say goodbye to our gracious hosts and return to our ship around 2pm. Around 2:30pm, we’ll depart by private motorcoach for a 15-minute drive to Wales’s

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

14 ecclesiastical capital, St. David’s. Here, you’ll Primeval politics aren’t the only holdover from visit the medieval cathedral named after the the island’s past: Evidence of the Isle of Man’s country’s patron saint with a local guide before earliest inhabitants is peppered throughout. making your own independent discoveries. You’ll witness a number of them this morning, Saint David, a Welsh bishop, established a beginning with a visit to a dry-stone waller, monastery in the sixth century on the site of where you’ll get a glimpse into the architectural today’s cathedral. Churches at the time were features that characterize many of the British one of the wealthier institutions in the British Isles’ iconic structures of centuries past. Then, Isles, making them more susceptible to attacks. you’ll stop at a factory to learn about a As Viking invaders flooded the region, the traditional British way to prepare fish, followed cathedral fell prey to attacks from the seventh by a scenic drive around the island. century until the eleventh century. It wasn’t Afterwards, we’ll board a steam train around until 1181 when construction of the current 12:30pm for a 1.5-hour ride where we’ll be cathedral began. Around 5:30pm, we’ll drive joined by a local expert who will provide more about 30 minutes back to our ship. insight into the history and culture of the Isle of Around 7pm, our small group will enjoy a Port Man as we journey towards Douglas, the capital Talk led by your Trip Experience Leader about of the Isle of Man. tomorrow’s destination, the Isle of Man. Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the steam train, Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room featuring local specialties. around 7:15pm. Afternoon: Around 3pm, we’ll meet our ship Evening: We set sail for the Isle of Man this in Douglas, where you can enjoy free time to evening, and you have the freedom to spend make your own discoveries—ask your Trip the rest of your night as you wish. Perhaps Experience Leader for recommendations. you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in Perhaps you’ll soak up the sites and sounds the lounge. of Douglas at Marine Drive where you may spot seals lounging on the rocks and dolphins Day 6 Explore the Isle of Man swimming in the water. Or you may discover the Tower of Refuge, a stone structure evocative • Destination: Isle of Man of a castle from the Middle Ages. Located on • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner a submerged reef, this site was erected in the • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian early 19th century and was used by sailors Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room whose ships had been damaged or sunk. beginning around 6am. Then, your Trip Experience Leader will lead a Morning: Around 9am, we’ll depart on a tour Port Talk about the Lake District. of the Isle of Man. While officially a British Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room protectorate, this tiny island between Ireland around 7:15pm. and England is not legally part of the United Kingdom. In fact, the island’s independent Evening: You have the freedom to spend the parliamentary government has been operating rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps uninterrupted since AD 979, making it you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the oldest continuously governing body in the lounge. the world.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

15 Day 7 Lake District • Visit sheep farm Day 8 Explore Belfast, Northern Ireland • Controversial Topic: • Destination: Lake District The violence of the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Troubles with Seamus, Lee & Robert, who • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian fought on opposite sides • Black cab ride with local drivers Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room beginning around 6am. • Destination: Belfast • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Morning: Around 8am, we’ll board our • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian motorcoach and begin a 2-hour scenic drive Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today we will of the Lake District, a region prized for its experience an eye-opening view of a mountain, lakeside scenery, and traditional Controversial Topic when we meet with three sheep farming. At the end of your scenic drive, men who fought on opposing sides during the you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore amidst period of turmoil known as The Troubles. We’ll the hodgepodge of traditional white-washed hear their firsthand accounts of the brutal country cottages in one of the Lake District’s experiences they had, and the dark deeds they picturesque villages. Then, we’ll reconvene committed during the fighting, about how with our small group to walk to a local pub. sectarian divisions still split Belfast today, Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a traditional pub around and how they are now committed to a shared noon, where you’ll savor local specialties. vision of reconciliation. Read more about this exclusive activity below. Afternoon: Following lunch around 1:30pm, we’ll board our motorcoach and drive about Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room 30 minutes to a local sheep farm. We’ll spend beginning around 6am. about an hour exploring the farm and learning Morning: We’ll dock this morning in Belfast, about the hardy Herdwick sheep that have the capital of Northern Ireland. Despite being a called the Lake District fells their home for center of conflict during the Troubles, Belfast generations. After our discoveries, we’ll head has a long history and lasting legacies. The back to the ship via motorcoach, arriving countryside surrounding the city inspired around 3:30pm. stories like the Chronicles of Narnia and Gulliver’s Later this afternoon, your Trip Experience Travels. The city itself, as an industrial center Leader will lead a Port Talk about tomorrow’s in the 19th century, was a hub of Ireland’s destination, Belfast. booming industry and is the birthplace of the Titanic—which was designed, built, and Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room launched in Belfast. around 7:15pm. Today, beginning around 9am, we’ll get to Evening: You have the freedom to spend the explore the city like a local: in Belfast’s famous rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps black cabs. During the height of The Troubles you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in in the 1970s, public buses stopped serving West the lounge. Belfast’s Catholic neighborhoods, and these iconic cabs stepped up to offer their services.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

16 Today’s black cabs are driven by Catholics You’ll also have the opportunity to make your and Protestants alike, and in groups of 3-5 mark on a peace wall—one of the still-standing per car, we’ll get a very personal view of barricades that physically separates the city, the city through our drivers’ eyes. They’ll now adorned with messages of hope and peace share their perspectives on the city’s historic from locals and visitors alike. political turmoil and religious divides, as well Because your driver grew up in Belfast, they will as their views on how old controversies cast be able to offer a deeply personal perspective on a shadow over Belfast today. As long-term the murals you will see—depending on whether residents of the neighborhoods you’ll be they are Catholic or Protestant, they will have exploring, your driver will be able to offer a their own recollection of Belfast’s history, so personal perspective of this dangerous period be sure to ask questions, and to compare your of Belfast’s history, when a wrong turn might experience with your fellow travelers once you have taken you across the dividing line between have a chance to rejoin your group. the Catholic and Protestant section of the city, putting drivers and passengers at risk of Following our enlightening discoveries, we’ll physical abuse or even death. arrive back to the ship around noon.

As we ride through the city, we’ll hear firsthand Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. accounts about how the Belfast of the 1970s was a warzone. Fighters belonging to the Afternoon: Following lunch onboard, you militant faction of Irish Republican Army (IRA) have the remainder of the afternoon to explore committed bombings, shootings, and other acts Belfast on your own. You may choose to visit of terror to pressure the British government Titanic Belfast, a memorial to the famed ship into recognizing Irish sovereignty over the and museum chronicling Belfast’s maritime north. In response, extremists sympathetic to heritage, or pay a visit to the Crumlin Road Jail. the crown formed paramilitary groups like the Maybe you’ll stroll through the regal campus at Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), clashing with IRA Queen’s University. Or, you could always choose rebels and unleashing their own acts of terror to enjoy a pint of the famous in one on Belfast’s Catholic population, while armed of the city’s pubs, mingling with locals and British soldiers patrolled the streets, fingers listening to traditional music. resting lightly on the trigger. The Troubles Later onboard around 6pm, we will have a rocked Northern Ireland for three decades, chance to hear about a Controversial Topic and when the dust settled, more than 3,500 during a 1-hour-long conversation with three people—civilians and combatants alike—were individuals who fought in The Troubles—on killed, and more than 47,000 wounded. opposing sides. We’ll meet two ex-political Our black cab drivers will take us by the prisoners—Seamus, a Republican who fought boundary between West Belfast’s Protestant for Irish independence, and Robert, a loyalist and Catholic neighborhoods, where murals on who fought with the UVF—as well as Lee, each side depict contrasting sentiments about an ex-British army serviceman. During the the deep-rooted conflict. We’ll stop to see violence of The Troubles it would have been famous murals—such as the inconceivable to gather men such as these in Mural, the Tribute to Frederick Douglass, and the same room; today, they have put aside their the Mandela Mural—and our driver differences and will share their stories about will help to explain each one’s significance.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

17 the dark deeds they took part in during the Day 9 Islay • distillery visit and fighting; their experiences while incarcerated; tasting • Conversation with two local and their shared hopes for a better future. whisky distillers While the violence may be over, modern • Destination: Islay Belfast is still a divided city, and the road to • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner harmony is a long one. Belfast’s religious • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian population is roughly equally split, with 48% Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room hailing from a Protestant background, and 45% beginning around 6am. raised Catholic. To this day, the two factions live in entirely segregated neighborhoods, Morning: Your ship docks in Islay (pronounced divided physically by “peace lines”—walled ‘Eye-la’), the most southerly of Scotland’s barriers that separate the two sections of the Inner islands, is renowned for its city which are sealed off by locked gates each birdlife and Gaelic culture—but mostly for night. While the brightly colored murals along its peaty single . Around 9am, the walls illustrate the city’s hope for peace we’ll board a motorocoach for an island tour, and reconciliation, the fact that the walls still featuring a visit to a local distillery. Here, stand demonstrate the progress that still needs we’ll tour the distillery grounds and have the to be made. opportunity to taste some of whisky varieties.

This conversation will offer a perspective of Following your discoveries, we’ll board our Northern Ireland made possible only by the motorcoach and drive about 15 minutes back to local connections facilitated by O.A.T.—we our ship. will confront harsh and uncomfortable truths, including tales of violence, death, and Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room. deeply-rooted prejudices that still linger over Afternoon: Following lunch, the remainder of Belfast today. While this controversial topic the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. may be emotionally challenging, it’s necessary Perhaps you’ll walk along the shore to Carraig to understand the real Northern Ireland, and Fhada Lighthouse, where you can admire the travelers often find it rewarding. After our craggy coastline and scenic views of the harbor. discussion around 7pm, you’ll enjoy a Port Talk with your Trip Experience Leader about Islay. Return to the ship around 4pm to learn more about whisky production in one of Scotland’s Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room largest whisky regions. You’ll learn if flavor around 7:30pm. and yield are mutually exclusive terms in the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the malt whisky business when two distillers with rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps opposing viewpoints join us—one who uses you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the natural ingredients grown on Islay, another lounge with fellow travelers to discuss today’s who imports ingredients to produce a greater discoveries. yield. You’ll delve into both production methods and gain a deeper understanding of the benefits and limitations of both. Our discussion will conclude around 5pm, where

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

18 you’ll about one hour of free time before your Then, you’re free to discover more of Trip Experience Leader joins you for a Port Talk Tobermory on your own. You may want to on the Isle of Mull. explore the Mull Museum, which documents many parts of the island’s life and its history. Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room Or, you can mingle with some of the locals as around 6:30pm. you enjoy a pint at one of the traditional pubs Evening: Following dinner, you may join your that line the main street. Trip Experience Leader to a local pub to see We’ll then enjoy our evening Port Talk about how the locals feel about the subtleties of malt the Isle of Lewis before dinner. whisky production, or retire to your room to recharge for tomorrow’s discoveries. Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room around 6:30pm.

Day 10 Isle of Mull • Croft visit • Hike in Evening: After dinner onboard, a Gaelic choir Tobermory • Gaelic choir performance will join us on the ship to perform some • Destination: Isle of Mull traditional Gaelic songs around 8pm. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian Day 11 Explore the Isle of Lewis •

Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room Conversation with a Syrian refugee from 6am-9am. family on a proposed mosque on the predominantly Christian island Morning: Today we’ll depart around 9am to • Destination: Isle of Lewis discover Tobermory, the capital of the Isle • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner of Mull in the Scottish . This picturesque fishing port features brightly • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian painted houses surrounding its quiet harbor. Activity Note: If this itinerary day falls on a Sunday, you’ll visit the , which is During our first stop, we’ll learn about crofting, located in the Inner Hebrides. the system of small-scale land tenure unique to the and these islands. You’ll Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room have coffee with a local crofter and his family from 6am-8:30am. and learn about crofting’s origins—a practice some call “a piece of land fenced around by Morning: We’ll arrive in Stornoway on the regulations.” Then, you’ll meet with some shop Isle of Lewis, first settled by the Vikings as a owners specializing in food items produced on sea trade port. With its lighthouse and fishing the island and try a few samples. harbor, Stornoway has kept its maritime character ever since. Around 9am, we’ll set We’ll return to our ship in time for lunch. off on a 1-hour walking tour of this port town. Then, we’ll discover the island’s rich past with Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room a visit to the 5,000 year-old Callanish Stones, around 12:30pm. an ancient standing stone circle roughly shaped Afternoon: This afternoon, you can join your like a Celtic Cross. Trip Experience Leader for a 1-hour nature hike around 2pm.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

19 Our discoveries continue in Gaerannan Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Blackhouse Village, which showcases the rest of your evening as you wish as we set off traditional thatched houses found on the for the Orkney Isles. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a Isle of Lewis. Originally built in 1880, these nightcap at the bar or relax in the lounge. houses have since been refurbished to preserve the island’s heritage and way of life for its Day 12 Explore the Orkney Isles • Visit residents. During our visit, we’ll also have a Skara Brae, West Mainland Orkney conversation about the history of crofting on • Destination: Orkney Isles the island, a system in which a person occupies a piece of land that they tend to, normally for • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner food production. • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room Then, we’ll meet a Syrian refugee family to from 6:30am-8:30am. discuss an issue that is dividing the island—a proposal to build a mosque on this island, Morning: Arrive in the Orkneys, an archipelago whose residents are predominantly members in northern Scotland. After an onboard of the Church of Scotland, a Presbyterian breakfast, go ashore in Stromness for an sect. We’ll hear their perspective as refugees included tour around 9am. We’ll begin the day’s seeking a place to worship and learn about discoveries at the World War II Italian Chapel, the conflicts that have arisen as a result of the where we’ll learn about the humbling story proposed mosque. of how the structure came to be. Here, enjoy a special opportunity to speak with the relative of Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room a POW to hear their story. around 1pm. We’ll then drive across the Churchill Barriers, Afternoon: You’ll have some free time this manmade causeways created during World War afternoon, or perhaps you’ll choose to join your II to protect the British Navy’s fleet at Scapa Trip Experience Leader for a 2-hour discovery Flow. As we cross them, we’ll learn more about walk of Stornoway. their history and construction. Around 5:30pm, we’ll be treated to a We’ll continue our explorations in the town of performance onboard by a group of Highland Kirkwall. The capital of Orkney, this ancient city Scottish Dancers, who will be joined by their dates back to the eleventh century when the families. Once the performance has ended, we Norse first christened it Kirkjuvagr, meaning will have a chance to interact with the dancers “The Church of the Bay.” Today, it’s a vibrant and their families and ask any questions we port with the charm of a small town and the may have. abundant shopping and restaurant options of We’ll then enjoy our evening Port Talk on the a city. During our tour, we’ll visit St Magnus Orkney Isles around 6:45pm. Cathedral, which began construction in 1137, and was added to over the next 300 years. Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room around 7pm. Our tour of Stromness will conclude at the Scapa distillery where we’ll uncover the secrets of making their signature single malt artisanal whisky at one of the last remaining manually-operated distilleries. We’ll hear

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

20 how five artisans and one Distiller use Morning: After breakfast around 9am, we’ll traditional methods to make this iconic Scottish drive about 30 minutes via motorcoach to drink before heading back to our ship. experience everyday life in the remote Orkney Islands during NEW A Day in the Life of a Lunch: Onboard in the ship’s dining room working sheep farm. Upon arrival, we’ll meet around 1pm. the farm owner and his wife and begin our Afternoon: We’ll depart to West Mainland discoveries by helping feed the sheep. Then, Orkney around 2:15pm via private motorcoach, we’ll enjoy a demonstration on the whistle including the many Neolithic sites for which commands used by farmers to train the the area is famous. Okrney’s west mainland sheepdogs to herd the flock, and perhaps you’ll is home to a large collection of archaeological try your own hand at this technique. You can sites, including the standing stones of Stenness also take a walk around the land to observe and the Ring of Brodgar. We’ll discover both the grazing sheep. Following our discoveries of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites before outside, we’ll head into the farmer’s home and continuing on a 15-minute drive to Skara Brae help his wife prepare lunch. around 3:30pm. The most well-preserved Lunch: Enjoy a lunch of regional specialties Neolithic village in northern Europe, Skara Brae with the farmer and his family. We’ll have the was established around 3000 BC—but then was opportunity to get to know our gracious hosts literally lost to the sands of time. Uncovered more intimately and learn about what life is like in 1850 when a historic storm scoured away for a farmer in Scotland’s remote Hebrides. the sand, Skara Brae was revealed, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site today provides Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll drive about 30 glimpses of the stone beds and seats that were minutes back to our ship, where you’ll have the part of life 5,000 years ago. We’ll return to the remainder of the afternoon free for your own our ship around 5:30pm and enjoy some free discoveries—ask your Trip Experience Leader time before dinner. for recommendations. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a round of golf at Stromness Golf Club or a visit to Dinner: Onboard in the ship’s dining room the Stromness Museum, where you can explore around 7:15pm. artifacts from World War I and learn about the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the area’s connection to Canada. rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps Our small group will reconvene in the ship’s you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in lounge around 6:30pm where your Trip the lounge. Experience Leader will lead a Port Talk on Aberdeen. Day 13 Orkney Isles • A Day in the Life of an Orkney sheep farm Dinner: Enjoy a Farewell Dinner onboard in the ship’s dining room around 7:15pm. • Destination: Orkney Isles • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Accommodations: M/V Corinthian rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in Breakfast: Onboard in the ship’s dining room the lounge. beginning around 6am.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

21 Day 14 Disembark ship • Explore Aberdeen to speak with the residents and ask questions about this unique spot in the city before making • Destination: Aberdeen our way back to Aberdeen. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Hotel in Aberdeen Lunch: On your own in Aberdeen—ask your or similar Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

Breakfast: Breakfast onboard from 7am-9am, Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy some time on with Scottish and American options available. your own to explore Aberdeen. Perhaps you’ll choose to join your Trip Experience Leader for a Morning: This morning, we’ll bid farewell to 2-hour discovery walk around this seaside city. the M/V Corinthian and set off for a 2-hour tour of Aberdeen, Scotland’s “Silver City,” so Dinner: We’ll gather for a Farewell Dinner at named for the local granite used in many of its the hotel this evening around 5:30pm. 19th-century buildings around 9am. The stone comes from the nearby Rubislaw Quarry, once Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Europe’s largest granite quarry, abandoned in rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip the 1970s. Experience Leader for recommendations.

Then, we’ll continue to the village of Footdee Day 15 Aberdeen • Return to the U.S. (pronounced locally as “fittie”). Tucked • Included Meals: Breakfast between the city’s harbor and the waterfront, this quaint village is made up of traditional Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning cottages and quirky, colorful garden sheds. at 7am, featuring traditional hot and cold It was built in the 19th century to house breakfast items. Aberdeen’s fishermen. Although the village is Morning: Transfer to the airport for right off of the main road, it’s an easy spot to your flight home. Or begin your post-trip miss if you aren’t looking for it—making it a extension to Scotland & England: St. Andrews, true hidden gem. As we walk around Footdee Edinburgh & York. with our local guide, we’ll stop along the way

END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 7 nights in Scotland & England: St. Andrews, Edinburgh & York

Day 1 Visit St. Andrews • Edinburgh Day 5 Explore York • Visit York Minster Day 2 Explore Edinburgh • Day 6 Excursion to Whitby • Visit Castle Edinburgh Castle Howard and gardens Day 3 Edinburgh • Hike to Arthur’s Seat Day 7 Sculpture Park • Overland to Manchester Day 4 Edinburgh • Train journey to York, England Day 8 Return to the U.S.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

22 PRE-TRIP Ireland’s Celtic Coast: Dublin, Wexford & Cork

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 2 nights in Dublin, 2 » Services of our local Trip Experience Leader nights in Wexford, 2 nights in Cork at the » Gratuities for local guides and Clayton Hotel, and 1 night in Oxford motorcoach drivers » 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, » All transfers and 3 dinners

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Journey deep into Ireland’s ancient past beginning in Dublin, the cozy capital of the Emerald Isle whose cobblestone streets are awash with the legends of . You’ll stroll through elegant Georgian garden squares and rub elbows with the locals in Dublin’s oldest working-class neighborhood before heading to seaside Wexford. Wander the winding medieval streets of this charming seaside town that was home to Ireland’s earliest settlers. Then, explore medieval Kilkenny Castle and Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, en route to colorful Cork, a bustling port city along Ireland’s southeastern coast. You’ll have a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone before a flight to London and a visit to Windsor castle along the way to Oxford, where you’ll enjoy a final night before your main adventure.

Day 1 Depart U.S. At our hotel, we’ll meet our Trip Experience Leader, then receive our room assignments and Afternoon/Evening: Depart the U.S. today settle in. Depending on which hotel you stay on your flight to Dublin. Please refer to your in, it may feature an on-site restaurant and individual air itinerary for exact departure and bar. Typical rooms are all fully equipped with arrival times. wireless Internet, TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, an in-room safe, iron and ironing Day 2 Arrive Dublin, Ireland board, and a private, en suite bathroom with • Destination: Dublin hair dryer.

• Included Meals: Dinner Lunch: On your own. Your Trip Experience • Accommodations: Hotel in Dublin Leader will be happy to provide you with Morning: Depending on your flight schedule, recommendations. arrive in Dublin, Ireland where a representative Afternoon: Throughout the day, our Trip will meet you at the airport and assist with Experience Leader will lead travelers on your 1-hour private motorcoach transfer to orientation walks of the neighborhood your hotel. surrounding our hotel as they arrive.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

23 Dinner: Around 6pm, we’ll walk to a local hub for the city, where museums, theaters, and restaurant for a Welcome Dinner, featuring a restaurants outline passageways in use since selection of local and international dishes. Medieval times.

Evening: The remainder of your evening is free. Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience You may like to take a nighttime stroll, or retire Leader can recommend their favorite local early to your room. restaurant. Explore Dublin’s thriving culinary scene and try a hearty, traditional meal at a Day 3 Explore Dublin • local restaurant, such as Irish shepherd’s pie. Community-Hosted Lunch Evening: Free to do as you wish. You may • Destination: Dublin choose to stroll through Dublin to see the city • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch lit up at night, mingle with the outgoing locals • Accommodations: Hotel in Dublin in a bar where you might be able to listen to live music, or have a nightcap with your fellow Breakfast: Served at the hotel, featuring Irish travelers at one of Dublin’s many pubs. and American options, beginning at 7am.

Morning: Around 9am, we’ll meet with a Day 4 Dublin • Visit Glendalough • Avoca local guide at the hotel who will talk about Handweavers • Wexford today’s Ireland—and how it has shaken its • Destination: Wexford conservative roots to embrace diversity in • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner recent years. Our 3-hour walking tour will take • Accommodations: Hotel in Wexford us through Merrion Square Park with its lovely or similar Georgian gardens, and St. Stephen’s Green, a Victorian-era public park filled with sculptures. Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, Our walk concludes at the Docklands area that featuring a selection of traditional hot dishes has emerged as a global center of hi tech. and continental breakfast.

Then we’ll meet a local Dubliner around Morning: Around 9am, we’ll board our private noon who will lead us on a 30-minute stroll motorcoach and depart for a 1-hour drive to through The Liberties, one of Dublin’s oldest Glendalough. We’ll arrive at around 10am, and working-class neighborhoods, ending at our enjoy an included 1.5-hour tour of this scenic lunch spot around 12:30pm. locale with our Trip Experience Leader. Here in a tranquil valley of the Wicklow mountains Lunch: Around 12:30pm, we’ll enjoy lunch with rests an ancient Christian monastery, founded members of the local community. in the sixth century by St. Kevin. Afternoon: After 2pm, the remainder of the day Among the monks’ great achievements was is yours to explore the city on your own.Perhaps manuscript writing and copying, including you’ll visit the Dublin Writer’s Museum, where the creation of the spectacular Book of you’ll discover the work of masters from Swift Glendalough around 1131. Now at the Bodleian to Beckett, including not only their books and Library at Oxford, the book—containing plays but personal notes and journals. Or stroll historical chronicles, genealogies, and the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, a cultural religious poems—is one of the most important and beautiful Irish manuscripts from the pre-Norman period.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

24 Our tour concludes at 11:30am, then we’ll Day 5 Explore Kilkenny • Visit a fish farm drive 15 minutes down the road to the river • Destination: Wexford town of Avoca, made famous by the Avoca • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Handweavers. This clothing manufacturer is Ireland’s oldest line of business, active since • Accommodations: Hotel in Wexford the early 1700s. Here, we’ll meet with some or similar of the handweavers at Avoca’s mill, which Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at happens to be the oldest of its class in all 7:30am, featuring a selection of traditional hot of Ireland. dishes and continental breakfast.

Lunch: On your own in Avoca—ask your Morning: Today, we’ll depart around 9am Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant by private motorcoach for a 1.5-hour drive recommendations. to medieval Kilkenny Here, we’ll discover Kilkenny Castle, an 800-year-old stronghold Afternoon: We’ll depart around 1:30pm and that lords over the city center, and its gardens continue our journey to Wexford, arriving during a 1-hour tour, followed by free time to around 3pm. We’ll check in to our hotel and explore independently. you’ll have some free time to settle in. The hotel may feature an on-site restaurant and Around 1pm, we’ll drive about 20 minutes bar. Typical rooms are equipped with wireless to a family-owned fish farm specializing in Internet, TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, rainbow . and a private bathroom with a hair dryer. Lunch: Around 1:20pm, we’ll share a meal with We’ll gather around 4pm for a 1-hour the owners of the fish farm at their homestead. orientation walk around through the town of Wexford led by our Trip Experience Leader. Afternoon: After lunch, the owners of the During our walk, we’ll acquaint ourselves with fish farm will lead us on a tour of the property the area, while our Trip Experience Leader where we’ll learn about their daily lives in points out restaurant recommendations, ATMs, the fishing industry and the changes they’ve and suggestions for free time activities. implemented due to new EU regulations.

Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6:30pm. We’ll begin our 1-hour drive back to Wexford We’ll have the opportunity to savor a around 3pm, followed by free time upon arrival traditional meal of tonight. back at the hotel.

Evening: You are free to explore more of this Dinner: On your own. Ask your Trip Experience energetic city, return to your room to rest Leader for recommendations near the hotel. before your explorations tomorrow, or join You may sample some of the country’s famous fellow travelers in the main hotel area for a mashed potatoes alongside a hearty roast. nightcap to discuss the day’s activities. Evening: The rest of your evening yours to do as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

25 Day 6 Wexford • Visit Waterford Crystal We’ll continue our overland journey around factory • Cork 3pm, arriving in Cork about an hour later. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel. Depending on • Destination: Cork where we stay, our hotel amenities may include • Included Meals: Breakfast an on-site restaurant and lounge. Typical • Accommodations: Clayton Hotel Cork City rooms feature a TV, coffee- and tea-making or similar facilities, wireless Internet, and a hair dryer. Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at After a short orientation walk with our Trip 7:30am, featuring a selection of local and Experience Leader at around 5pm, the rest of international dishes. the evening is free for independent exploration. Morning: Today, we’ll travel from Wexford As Ireland’s second-largest city, Cork has a to Cork with stops along the way, departing lot to boast, from live-music sessions echoing our hotel around 9am. Around 10am, we’ll from traditional pubs to a lively, liberal make our first stop at the Waterford Crystal cosmopolitan scene. Colorful pubs, shops, and factory, prized around the world as the cafés are stacked along narrow lanes, while standard for the highest quality lead-cut grand Georgian architecture outlines the city crystal. Founded in 1783 by George and William centre’s main sprawling avenue. You can walk Penrose, the Waterford branch of the company along the River Lee, slip into a pub for a pint is now part of a worldwide operation that of Murphy’s Irish Stout—brewed locally in includes such notable brands as Wedgwood Cork—or visit the many shops and restaurants and Royal Doulton. Here, we’ll learn about lining Oliver Plunkett Street. the organization’s history, and witness a Dinner: On your own—your Trip glassblowing demonstration before free time to Experience Leader will be happy to provide explore further or shop their fine products. a recommendation. Consider seeking out Around 11am, we’ll discover more of what traditional , such as stew, Ireland’s oldest city has to offer during a with cabbage (also known as boiled dinner), 1-hour walking tour of the city with our Trip lamb, , or one of the many Experience Leader. During our tour, we’ll hearty dishes made of potatoes, like fadge, witness highlights such as the Waterford traditional . Museum of Treasures and Reginald’s Tower, an Evening: You have the freedom to explore on ancient tower that has been in continuous use your own this evening. Perhaps you’ll stroll for over 800 years. past the town’s shops or take advantage of the After our tour, you’ll have free time to explore hotel’s amenities. and get lunch on your own in Waterford.

Lunch: On your own in Waterford—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

Afternoon: Around 1pm, we’ll embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Middleton where we’ll witness the Kindred Spirits monument, a tribute to the Choctaw Nation for their generosity towards the during the Great Famine.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

26 Day 7 Cork • Visit Lunch: On your own in Cork. Perhaps you’ll venture into a snug pub to enjoy a hearty meal • Destination: Cork and a live-music session. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Clayton Hotel Cork City Afternoon: We’ll have free time for the or similar remainder of the afternoon to explore this city on your own. Perhaps you’ll stroll along Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at the riverfront, or wander the winding lanes, 7:30am, featuring a selection of local and flanked by gaily-painted shops, galleries, and international dishes. pubs. Or you may choose to take advantage of Morning: This morning, we’ll depart around the hotel’s amenities. 9am for a 45-minute drive by private Dinner: Around 6pm at a local restaurant motorcoach to Blarney Castle for a 1-hour tour, serving local cuisine. followed by an hour of free time to explore the gardens. Built in the tenth century by the Evening: You have the freedom to spend the first Cormac MacCarthy, one of the mightiest rest of your evening as you wish. You may of Ireland’s chieftains, it was a mere hunting choose to join your fellow travelers for a drink lodge, that was then expanded into a full and reminisce about your discoveries thus stone castle two hundred years later. Further far. Or, you may retire to your room to get fortifications ended in the 15th century, and the some sleep. structure that greeted Oliver Cromwell is the one you’ll see today. Ready yourself for a climb Day 8 Cork • Fly to London • Oxford up the spiral stone staircase for not only the • Destination: Oxford best vantage point for miles but for a chance to lean backward (not quite upside down!) to • Included Meals: Breakfast “kiss” the so-called Blarney Stone, which is • Accommodations: Hotel in Oxford or similar said to make you eloquent, if not especially Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at trustworthy. The castle’s grounds also include 6:30am, featuring a selection of local and caves, dungeons, and a rock garden of ancient international dishes. trees and weathered stones. Morning: This morning, we’ll bid farewell to We’ll depart Blarney Castle around 11:45am Ireland and make our way to Oxford, England. for a 15-minute drive to the Ringfinnan We’ll depart the hotel around 7:30am for the Garden of Remembrance, situated on a hill on 25-minute drive by private motorcoach to Cork the outskirts of Kinsale. This memorial was Airport, where we’ll fly to London around 9am. established by an Irish woman who worked as a nurse in New York City for over 30 years Upon arrival in London around 10:30am, we’ll in honor of the 343 firemen who died on continue by private motorcoach to Windsor, September 11, 2001. arriving around noon. You’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time in Windsor to explore on your Around 12:15pm, we’ll return to Cork by own and have lunch. private motorcoach, arriving back at our hotel around 12:45pm. Lunch: On your own in Windsor. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a seafood chowder with fresh catch of the day.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

27 Afternoon: We’re reconvene as a group around Morning: Enjoy a day at leisure in Oxford 1:30pm for a 1.5-hour tour of Windsor Castle, before joining your fellow travelers arriving for home to such famous monarchs as Henry VIII your Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, and Elizabeth I. We’ll witness some of the Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland Small Ship castle’s most impressive features, including Adventure. Perhaps you’ll join your Trip ornate state apartments, St. George’s Chapel, Experience Leader for a discovery walk through and the iconic Round Tower. the local gardens.

We’ll embark on the last part of journey around 3pm, arriving about one hour later in Oxford, whose historic university has educated some of the world’s most prominent scholars and statesmen.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in to our hotel, which may feature an on-site restaurant and bar depending on where you stay. Typical rooms include wireless Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bath with a hairdryer.

You’ll have free time for the remainder of the afternoon to explore on your own and discover why Oxford was aptly named the “City of Dreaming Spires” by the English poet, Matthew Arnold.

We’ll gather around 5pm for an orientation walk with our Trip Experience Leader around the area surrounding the hotel.

Dinner: On your own this evening. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for their suggestions.

Evening: You can get some sleep back at the hotel before our explorations tomorrow, or perhaps you’ll enjoy an evening stroll around the city.

Day 9 Oxford • Join main trip • Destination: Oxford • Included Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, featuring a selection of traditional hot dishes and continental breakfast.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

28 POST-TRIP Scotland & England: St. Andrews, Edinburgh & York

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 3 nights in Edinburgh, » Services of our local Trip Experience Leader 3 nights in York, and 1 night in Manchester » Gratuities for local guides and » 12 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, motorcoach drivers and 4 dinners » All transfers » Guided tours with personal headsets: Edinburgh Castle • St. Andrews

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Delve into Scotland’s rich history in St. Andrews, the ecclesiastical capital where the Protestant Reformation changed the religious landscape of the country and the beloved sport of golf originated, en route to Scotland’s capital city. Like Rome, Edinburgh sits on seven hills and has been called the “Athens of the North” for its architectural gems and scholarly traditions—but it is a city with a spirit all its own. Explore the city that has been home to such luminaries as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Louis Stevenson, and discover its cobbled streets, world-famous museums, and, of course, iconic Edinburgh Castle. Then, journey south to York to discover the best-preserved medieval town center in England and witness the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, the city’s famous York Minster.

Day 1 Visit St. Andrews • Edinburgh in the English-speaking world, dating to 1413. Its other claim to fame is less academic and • Destination: Edinburgh more physical: St. Andrews has been nicknamed • Included Meals: Dinner the “Home of Golf,” as the site of seven golf • Accommodations: Hotel in Edinburgh courses, including several of the world’s oldest or similar clubs and Old Course, the most well-known golf Morning: This morning, we’ll begin our 8-hour club on Earth. journey by private motorcoach to Edinburgh Lunch: On your own in St. Andrews—your around 9am, including stops along the way. Trip Experience Leader will be happy to make Around 10:30am, we’ll make our first stop in recommendations. coastal St. Andrews where we’ll enjoy a coffee, followed by a 1.5-hour walking tour beginning Afternoon: You’ll have free time in St. Andrews around 11am. to explore independently this afternoon before continuing our overland journey to Edinburgh This small town of fewer than 20,000 around 3:30pm. nonetheless plays a big part in Scottish culture and is home to St. Andrew’s University, Scotland’s first university and the third oldest

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

29 We’ll check in to our hotel around 5pm. residency for Scottish monarchs, a fortress for Depending on where we stay, our hotel may armies, and a prison for pirates and POWs, the feature a restaurant and lounge, and rooms castle now serves as one of Edinburgh’s leading typically include wireless Internet access and attractions. a private bathroom. Enjoy an hour of free Lunch: On your own around 1pm—ask your time this afternoon to get settled in or start Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant exploring on your own before we meet our recommendations. Trip Experience Leader at 6pm for a vicinity walk around the area to locate ATMs and Afternoon: The rest of the day is free for you to convenience stores, and get suggestions for free relax or explore more of the city on your own. time activities. Our walk will conclude at a local You can visit Roslyn Chapel, a 15th-century restaurant. church known for its impressive stone carvings. Or, you may choose to visit Scottish Parliament Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6:30pm, where you can get a glimpse into the local body featuring traditional Scottish fare. of government. Evening: On your own with the freedom to Dinner: On your own—perhaps you’ll find a make your own discoveries, or you can retire to restaurant that serves traditional dishes like your room to get some sleep. with neeps and tatties, or turnips and potatoes. Day 2 Explore Edinburgh • Edinburgh Castle Evening: You are free to spend the evening as you wish. You may join your fellow travelers for • Destination: Edinburgh a nightcap at the hotel bar, or you can retire to • Included Meals: Breakfast your room to get some sleep. • Accommodations: Hotel in Edinburgh or similar Day 3 Edinburgh • Hike to Arthur’s Seat Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at • Destination: Edinburgh 7am, featuring traditional . • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Morning: We’ll kick off our discoveries in • Accommodations: Hotel in Edinburgh Scotland’s capital around 9am when we set or similar off on a 2-hour walking tour of Edinburgh’s Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, labyrinthine Old Town led by a local guide. with Scottish and American options available. We’ll be transported back into Edinburgh’s history as we stroll the winding cobbled streets Morning: This morning, we’ll set off around and down the Royal Mile, a stretch of the city 9am for a 2-hour roundtrip hike to Arthur’s that extends from Holyrood Road to Edinburgh seat, which is situated in Holyrood Park and Castle—our next destination. offers views overlooking Edinburgh. After a 30-drive by private motorcoach, we’ll begin Our walk concludes around 11am at Edinburgh our ascent to the peak of this extinct volcano, Castle. We’ll have a short break, then we’ll sitting at about 825 feet above sea level. enjoy a 1.5-hour guided tour beginning around 11:30am. The castle, perched atop Castle Rock—an extinct volcano—is a mighty presence in the city. Once used as the royal

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

30 After our hike concludes, we’ll return to our Afternoon: We’ll arrive to York Station around hotel where the remainder of the day is free to 12:30pm where we’ll be met by a private explore on your own. motorcoach to make the 30-minute drive to our hotel. Lunch: On your own around noon. You may seek out a traditional restaurant that serves Depending on where we stay, our hotel may regional dishes like hotch-potch, a beef-stock feature a restaurant and lounge. Typically each soup made with a variety of diced vegetables. room includes wireless Internet access and a private bathroom. Afternoon: You’ll have a free afternoon to take in the sights of Edinburgh. Perhaps you’ll Once we’ve checked in, we’ll meet our Trip explore more of the city’s New Town, a UNESCO Experience Leader at 1pm for a 1-hour vicinity World Heritage Site. walk around the area to locate ATMs and convenience stores, and get suggestions for Dinner: Around 6:00pm in a local pub, free time activities. Then, we’ll enjoy some free featuring Scottish classics. time this afternoon to get settled in or start Evening: You are free to relax at the hotel exploring on your own. and get some rest before our journey to York Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience tomorrow, or you may head back out to find a Leader will be happy to provide you with pub where you can enjoy live music—perhaps recommendations. you’ll raise your glasses and say slàinte mhath, pronounced “slange var,” which is a traditional Evening: You can get some sleep back at the that translates to “good health.” hotel before our explorations tomorrow, or perhaps you’ll enjoy an evening stroll Day 4 Edinburgh • Train journey to around the city. York, England Day 5 Explore York • Visit York Minster • Destination: York • Included Meals: Breakfast • Destination: York • Accommodations: Hotel in York or similar • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Hotel in York or similar Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, with Scottish and American options available. Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at 7am, featuring traditional hot and cold Morning: We’ll check out of our hotel breakfast items. around 9am and transfer about 15 minutes to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station for a scenic Morning: This morning around 9am, 2.5-hour train ride along the Northumberland we’ll set off for a 1.5-hour walking tour of Coast to York, departing at 10am. Take in views the city with our Trip Experience Leader, of serene seascapes and witness fishing villages where centuries-old city walls enclose the nestled along Britain’s eastern coast. best-preserved medieval town center in England. York’s history stretches back into Lunch: On your own—you may choose to ancient Roman times, when it was called purchase something to eat onboard the train, Eboracum and served as the military capital of or your Trip Experience Leader can make recommendations for a late lunch in York.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

31 northern Britannia. Traces of Roman garrisons Day 6 Excursion to Whitby • Visit Castle built before the fifth century are sprinkled Howard and gardens throughout the city. • Destination: York By the ninth century, Vikings—from what • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch is now Denmark—had succeeded the • Accommodations: Hotel in York or similar Romans, calling the town Jorvik and leaving Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning one legacy we’ll still see today: the suffix at 7am, featuring traditional hot and cold “-gate”—meaning “street” in the old Viking breakfast items. language—in many street names. Morning: Around 8:30am, we’ll depart Our walking tour will conclude at York Minster by private motorcoach for the 1-hour and where we’ll enjoy a 1-hour tour with a local 15-minute drive to Whitby. After crossing guide, who will highlight the history of the the heather-clad North York Moors National cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral north of Park, we’ll arrive in Whitby, a key setting for the Alps. The stained glass here is magnificent. Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Here, we’ll embark on The cathedral’s Great East Window—created a walking tour and witness some of the town’s by John Thornton of Coventry and completed highlights, such as Whitby Abbey, where, on a in 1408—is the largest expanse of medieval clear day, there are spectacular views over the stained glass in the world. It is 76 feet tall and city and the North Sea. comprises 1,680 square feet of glass. It was from this town that the explorer James Lunch: On your own—your Trip Cook first set out to sea, and during the 19th Experience Leader will be happy to make century, Whitby was renowned for creating jet recommendations. jewelry that was a favorite of Queen Victoria’s Afternoon: You’ll have free time for the after the death of Prince Albert. remainder of the afternoon. Perhaps you’ll Lunch: Around noon at a local restaurant, take in the Shambles—originally the where we’ll savor one of Britain’s most famous meat-butchering area of York. The cramped, dishes—fish and chips. ancient street now houses a variety of shops, and in some areas it is possible for upstairs Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll depart around residents to stretch out and shake hands across 1:30pm for the 45-minute drive to Castle the street. Howard, one of England’s finest stately homes, still lived in by the Howard family and where Or pay a visit the National Railway Museum, much of the filming for Brideshead Revisited was one of the world’s best museums devoted done. We’ll enjoy about 1-hour and 45-minutes to the legacy of steam engines and railway here to explore the castle and its grounds. memorabilia. Although construction on this Baroque Dinner: Around 6pm, we’ll visit a historic pub masterpiece began in 1699, it took 100 years in York for dinner. to complete. Admire its lavish, treasure-filled Evening: After dinner, you’ll have free time rooms—including paintings by Rubens and for the rest of the evening to make your own Gainsborough—and perhaps enjoy a stroll in its discoveries in York. famed Rose Gardens.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

32 We’ll depart around 4:30pm for the 1-hour bar. Typical rooms include wireless Internet drive back to our hotel, where the remainder of access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, the day is free. and a private bath with a hairdryer. Our Trip Experience Leader will lead a short discovery Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience walk as soon as we arrive, including options for Leader will be happy to suggest a restaurant lunch on your own. featuring cuisine to suit your appetite. Lunch: On your own in Manchester. Your Trip Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Experience Leader will be happy to provide you rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip with recommendations. Experience Leader for recommendations. Afternoon: The rest of your afternoon is free to Day 7 Yorkshire Sculpture Park • Overland make your own discoveries. to Manchester Dinner: We’ll gather as a group around 5:30pm • Destination: Manchester for dinner at a local restaurant. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Evening: You’re free to relax at the hotel after • Accommodations: Hotel in Manchester your flight or explore the area we’re staying in. or similar Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning Day 8 Return to the U.S. at 7am, featuring traditional hot and cold • Included Meals: Breakfast breakfast items. Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at Morning: This morning, we’ll check out of our 6:30am, featuring traditional hot and cold hotel around 8:30am to make the 1-hour drive breakfast items. drive by private motorcoach to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Britain’s first open-air museum Morning: Transfer about 30 minutes by private founded in 1977 on the grounds of a 500-acre, motorcoach to the airport in Manchester for 18th-century estate. The organization also your flight home. offers a learning program which supports around 45,000 aspiring artists each year.

Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the current exhibitions, featuring a rotating display of approximately 80 sculptures and installations from local and international artists. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is the largest of its kind in Europe, featuring works by internationally renowned British artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, who was known for his work with bronze.

Around 11:30am, we’ll continue our 1.5-hour journey towards Manchester and check into our hotel around 1pm. Depending on where we stay, the hotel may feature an on-site restaurant and

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

33 YOUR M/V CORINTHIAN SMALL SHIP Explore aboard our privately owned, 98-passenger small ship

Discover the coastal wonders of the world aboard the M/V Corinthian. This ocean cruising vessel— which 95% of travelers rated excellent—was acquired in 2014 and refurbished in 2015 with your tastes in mind. The ship holds four groups of 20-25 travelers (with an average of 22), each with its own local Trip Experience Leader, and charts courses throughout Europe—including the British Isles, Spain, Portugal, and France—and Antarctica.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES • Restaurant with single, open seating: • Outdoor common areas: Relish coastal Savor regionally inspired dishes or views from your seat in the outdoor café, American favorites during all buffets and Sun Deck, or hot tub. table-service meals. • English-speaking crew: Enjoy dedicated • Two lounges: Relax with old friends and attention from our international staff new, and participate in onboard discussions throughout your voyage. Plus, all shipboard and lectures. announcements are made in English for • Complimentary beverages: Enjoy house your convenience. beer and house wine—as well as soft • Zodiac crafts: These onboard crafts are drinks—at any time of day while onboard. available to take you to shore in the most • Complimentary wireless Internet access: remote ports. Connect online in cabins and common areas. • Elevator service: An elevator serves all five Please note: Connectivity may be limited at passenger decks. certain points throughout your cruise.

34 M/V CORINTHIAN

CABIN CATEGORIES

Penthouse cabin with 603 601 PHS private balcony – 260 sq. ft. Sun Elevator Deck Cabin with private balcony – VS 245 sq. ft. 604 602 Hot Tub Cabin with forward AA windows – 285 sq. ft. Phoebe Deck Cabin with window – A 235 sq. ft. 519 517 515 Cabin with window – Massage 511 509 507 505 B 225 sq. ft. Sun Outdoor Elevator Deck Cafe Cabin with porthole – 518 516 514 512 510 508 506 C 285 sq. ft. Cabin with window – D 215 sq. ft. Cleo Deck Cabin with window E (partially obstructed) – 215 sq. ft. 433 431 429 427 425 423 421

Bar Lounge Elevator Bridge 430 428 426 424 422 420 Registry: Malta Length: 290 ft. Leto Deck Beam: 50 ft.

Shop Reception 345 343 341 339 337 335 Draft: 12 ft. Discovery Lounge & Library Elevator Cabin Size: 215 sq ft. minimum 344 342 340 338 336 334 Number of Cabins: 50 Ariadne Deck Passenger Capacity: 98 Entered Service: 1990 Restaurant 251 249 247

Elevator Refurbished in: 2015

Infirmary 250 248 246 International crew: 55-65

Athena Deck Passenger Decks: 5 Group Size: 25 travelers, maximum, with 1 Trip This ship complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology. It has retractable Experience Leader fin stabilizers to help reduce discomfort during rough seas. Elevator service to all passenger decks

CABIN FEATURES

• Each of the ship’s 49 cabins is at least 215 sq. ft. • All outside-facing with portholes, a window (some with partially obstructed views), or a balcony • Queen-size bed (convertible to two twins) • Complimentary wireless Internet access, sitting area, closet, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD player, telephone, mini-refrigerator, safe • Private bath with shower, hair dryer, and Cabin on the Ariadne deck toiletries

35 Maritime Jewels of the OUR SMALL SHIPS COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY To ensure the safety of all of our travelers, we are requiring that all travelers British Isles: England, Wales, joining us aboard our small ships must be fully vaccinated against COVID- 19 at least 14 days prior to departure of their adventure—and provide Northern Ireland & Scotland proof of their vaccination upon boarding the ship. For more details, please visit www.oattravel.com/covid-update. 2022 Dates & Prices To calculate your trip price with airfare, add deck price to air add-ons below.

CABIN CATEGORY JULY; AUG 8, 19 AUG 28 SEPTEMBER

PHS Phoebe Deck (Penthouse cabins with private balcony) $9095 $8995 $8895

VS Cleo Deck (Cabins with private balcony) $8695 $8595 $8495

AA Cleo Deck (Cabins with forward windows) $8395 $8295 $8195

A Leto Deck (Cabins with window) $8295 $8195 $8095

B Ariadne Deck (Cabins with window) $8095 $7995 $7895

C Athena Deck (Cabins with porthole) $7695 $7595 $7495 D Ariadne/Leto Deck (Cabins with window)

E Ariadne/Leto Deck (Cabins with partially obstructed view, window) $7295 $7195 $7095

Air Add-Ons JULY-AUGUST SEPTEMBER New York, Newark $1200 $1000 Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, , Orlando, Washington, DC $1300 $1100 Chicago, San Francisco $1400 $1200 Denver, Miami, Philadelphia, Portland, Seattle, Tampa $1500 $1300 Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Diego $1600 $1400

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details. CRE2022

Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH and airline fuel surcharges. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the for any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. See details at right to correct errors. www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/cre2022pricing

SAVE UP TO 10% WITH OUR LOW-COST SINGLE SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL GOOD BUY PLAN SUPPLEMENT New travelers you refer will instantly The earlier you reserve your departure Once single rooms are sold out, double save $100, and you’ll earn increasing and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up rooms at a low cost are available. When rewards—up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. filled, call us about our Roommate For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd Matching Program.

Publication Date: 7/8/21

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/cre2022

36 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this adventure.

• Main trip only: You will need 2 blank passport pages.

• Optional Ireland extension: You will need an additional page, for a total of 3.

• Optional Scotland & England extension: You will not need any additional passport pages.

No Visas Required Travelers with a U.S. passport do not need any visas for this adventure, including the optional trip extensions.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

37 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

38 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

GROUP SIZE • This adventure has a group size of 20-25 travelers (average of 22) with a local Trip Experience Leader exclusive to O.A.T.

PACING • 14 days, with 10 nights aboard the M/V Corinthian, one two-night hotel stay in Oxford, and one overnight hotel stay in Aberdeen

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 2 hours of physical activities each day

• Good agility, balance, and strength are required for boarding Zodiacs or tenders and possible rough seas

• Travelers using mobility aids or with medical conditions that might require immediate attention will not be able to board the Corinthian

• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Uneven surfaces, including unpaved paths, steep hills, stairs, and cobblestones

• Gangway incline can be steep when docked at a pier

• Travel by 98-passenger small ship, 33- to 45-seat coach, Zodiac, and local tenders

• In several ports along the Scottish Islands, it will be necessary to use local tenders or Zodiacs

• You must be cleared by a country’s local port authorities before disembarking

• Weather conditions and tides may require adjustments to your itinerary

CLIMATE • Daytime temperatures range from 60-74°F during cruising season

39 Ocean Cruise vs. River Cruise Your experiences on our ocean cruise ship may differ from any past river cruises. In order to set the right expectations, we’d like to take a moment to compare the two:

• The pace is faster on ocean cruises than on a river cruise, with more emphasis on the ports of call and less on scenic cruising.

• Compared to a river cruise, the motion of the ship is more noticeable and can be significant. Rough seas are a possibility at any time of year, and some travelers may feel queasy or experience passing seasickness. Our experienced travelers recommend that travelers who are prone to motion sickness should bring medication, because of the possibility of high waves.

• Based on weather and sea conditions, we may need to revise the itinerary, which could include changing ports of call.

• Getting ashore from an ocean ship requires balance and agility, and possibly the use of a small shuttle boat. Also, there may be formalities in port before you can leave the ship.

• The groups are smaller than most river cruises (25 travelers maximum) so any “stragglers” will have a bigger impact on the group.

Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:

• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.

• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)

Vaccines Required

COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

Medicine Recommendation We recommend if you are susceptible to motion sickness, you bring motion sickness medication for this trip.

40 Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to .

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Water • Tap water is safe to drink on this trip; however, it may be processed differently than your tap water at home, so you might not like the taste or it may feel “heavy” in your stomach.

41 • Bottled water is widely available for sale. Another option is for you to bring a reusable water bottle and fill up on board the ship.

42 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

• Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and the commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It’s more practical to view them as a last resort in the event of a special situation.

• It may be helpful to get some British pounds before your trip, especially if you are arriving during the weekend or on a bank holiday. However, you may want to avoid bringing 50 pound notes as these are not always accepted at smaller restaurants, cafes or shops.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

United Kingdom The official currency of the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (GBP). One pound (£1) is divided into 100 pence (100p). This legal tender is used throughout Scotland, England, and Wales. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, and 50 pounds

• Coins: 1 and 2 pence (copper); 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence (silver); 1 and 2 pounds (silver/gold)

You may want to avoid 50 pound notes as these are not always accepted at smaller restaurants, cafes or shops.

Scotland Please note that although the British pound is the official currency in Scotland, Scottish banknotes are different in appearance than those used elsewhere in the UK. That’s because the three main Scottish retail banks (the Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland) all issue their own notes with their own designs. They are all legal tender and are accepted everywhere in Scotland. They may also be accepted in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, though technically, shops in those countries are not required to accept them.

Isle of Man The official currency of the Isle of Man is the Isle of Man Pound (IMP), sometimes referred to as the Manx pound. One pound (£1) is divided into 100 pence (100p). Because the Isle of Man is a British territory, the British Pound is legal tender. However, the Manx pound is only accepted on the Isle of Man. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

43 • Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, and 50 pounds

• Coins: 1 and 2 pence (copper); 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence (silver); 1 and 2 pounds (silver/gold)

You may want to avoid 50 pound notes as these are not always accepted at smaller restaurants, cafes or shops.

Northern Ireland As part of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland’s official currency is the pound sterling (GBP). As a reminder, banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, and 50 pounds

• Coins: 1 and 2 pence (copper); 5, 10, 20, and 50 pence (silver); 1 and 2 pounds (silver/gold)

Tip: In Northern Ireland, you may find bank notes in circulation that were issued by the Bank of Northern Ireland, Bank of England, Bank of Scotland, or the Bank of Wales. These notes are typically accepted throughout Northern Ireland. However, only bank notes issued by the Bank of England are accepted in England.

Republic of Ireland Ireland (the ) is a member of the European Union and as such, the official of currency is the euro. Euro banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes:5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros

• Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros

How to Exchange Money If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets. Or you can wait and change money on the trip instead—but it might be helpful to arrive with some local currency in case you run into a bank holiday or an “out of order” ATM.

On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.

You can also exchange cash at some hotels, large post offices, and money exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best.

Please note that many banks in Europe will only exchange money for their own customers. Never exchange money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.

44 ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

United Kingdom: ATMs are common throughout the United Kingdom so ATM cards will give you a reliable payment method and ready access to local currency.

Scotland: ATMS are common throughout Scotland so ATM cards will give you a reliable payment method and ready access to local currency.

Isle of Man: ATMs are common on the Isle of Man. It is important to note that most ATMs will dispense the Manx Pound, which are not accepted outside of the Isle of Man. ATMs at the Sea Terminal and the airport will dispense British Pounds.

Northern Ireland: ATMS are common throughout Northern Ireland so ATM cards will give you a reliable payment method and ready access to local currency.

Ireland: ATMs are common throughout Ireland so ATM cards will give you a reliable payment method and ready access to local currency.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

United Kingdom: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are readily accepted (American Express is not commonly honored), but you should always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase.

Scotland: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are readily accepted, but you should always inquire if your credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase.

Isle of Man: Major credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express) are widely accepted on the Isle of Man.

Northern Ireland: Credit cards are readily accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but you should always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase.

45 Ireland: Visa and MasterCard credit cards are readily accepted (and American Express to a lesser extent), but you should always inquire if your type of credit card is accepted before deciding on your purchase.

Chip Cards Many countries have adopted a new type of credit card that has an embedded computer chip. These cards are inserted into the reader instead of swiped. The card owner then authorizes the purchase using a PIN instead of signing.

This new technology is only now gaining traction in the U.S., so occasionally there are machines in other countries that can’t read U.S. cards. Or the machine can read the card, but asks for a PIN. This doesn’t happen often, and is nothing to worry about. You can usually resolve the situation by asking the cashier to let you sign. (If you don’t speak the language, just mime signing on your hand.) If you are not able to sign for a purchase, such as at an automated ticket booth, you can use another form of payment, such as a debit card that has a PIN.

Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

On Board Ship: Two Separate Bills Will be Issued • Shipboard account: This bill is for any on board purchases (drinks, souvenirs, etc.). You can pay this bill by cash or credit/debit card only. For cash, we accept U.S. dollars or Euros (on itineraries in Europe). For credit/debit cards, we accept MasterCard and Visa. Other forms of payment, such as checks, Discover, or American Express are not accepted.

• Optional tour account: This bill is for any optional tours taken during the trip and is calculated in U.S. dollars. You can pay for this bill by credit/debit card only; other forms of payments such as cash and checks are not accepted. For more information on optional tours—including which cards we accept for payment—see the “Preparing for Your Trip” chapter.

Please note: Payments made by credit card may take up to three months to process. We ask that you use a credit card that will not expire until three months after your trip ends. Because our headquarters are in Boston, the charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as “OPT Boston” (depending on your credit card company).

46 Exchange Services Due to international banking laws, we are not able to exchange money onboard the ship. If you need to obtain local currency, please see the “How to Exchange Money” section for helpful tips and information.

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

• O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $8-$12 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Shipboard: We recommend a flat tip of $16-$18 per traveler, per day. You’ll give this tip once—at the end of you cruise—and it will be pooled among the entire crew. Crew tips can only be in the form of cash.

• Housekeeping Staff at Hotels: We recommend $1 per traveler, per day. (This is for hotels only; on the ship Housekeeping are part of crew, so you don’t need to tip them separately.)

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

47 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions

• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with us, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know.

• U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have an O.A.T. representative assist you at the U.S. airport with the check-in of your flight. Unless there are extenuating circumstances beyond our control, the representative will be at the check-in counter three hours before your departure time. If you are flying domestically before your international flight, the representative will be stationed at the check-in counter for your departing international flight, not at the domestic arrival gate.

48 • Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear customs. An O.A.T. representative will meet you outside of customs and assist you with your transfer to the hotel or ship. Important note on porters: Airport porters are NOT allowed in the baggage claim area. On arrival, you must take your luggage off the baggage carousel and load it onto a cart, which you will then move through customs. When you exit customs, you’ll handle your cart until reaching your transfer vehicle. Your driver will load your luggage into the transfer vehicle.

• U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more travelers who return to the same U.S. gateway city, an O.A.T. representative will meet you as you exit Customs and help you find taxis, buses, hotel accommodations, or connecting flights. Again, it is our goal to have our representative waiting to assist your group. In rare instances, unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service.

• Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to your flights, please be sure that both you and your companion tell us that you still want to fly together.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

• Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).

49 Communicating with Home from Abroad

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can accept a local SIM card. If your cell is “unlocked” then you will be able to purchase a local SIM for it and then buy minutes with “Pay as You Go” cards, so that you have a local contact number for your friends and family.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards & 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

Internet Access Wifi is as readily available in the UK as is in the United States.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

United Kingdom: +44 Northern Ireland: +44

Scotland: +44 Ireland: +353

Isle of Man: +44

50 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person.

Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50lbs for checked and 15 lbs for carry-on bags.

Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches.

Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

Same as the main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person.

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

51 • It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

Your Luggage • Checked Luggage: Consider a or soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to space limitations on our motorcoaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags.

• Carry-on Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during your daily activities.

• Locks: For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips • Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. Eliminate all but the essentials and start packing a few days before you leave. That way, you’ll have time to think—not fret—about what you might be forgetting. We recommend you pick pack color-coordinated separates that can be mixed to create different outfits.

• Pack casual clothes: Comfortable, informal apparel is perfectly acceptable at each of your destinations. Men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. You may want one or two “smart casual” outfits for the Welcome Reception or Farewell Dinner, but it’s completely up to you. You would only need nicer dress if you plan to dine at a deluxe city restaurant on your own.

• Warm clothes are needed year-round: Regardless of your travel season, bring a warm layer of clothing, such as a heavy sweatshirt, fleece top, or light sweater. During fall and spring, a jacket is recommended for the colder night temperatures. If you’re traveling in the summer, be prepared for warm temperatures, though cool days are still possible. Bring a sweater (or a fleece top), as well as some summery attire and a windbreaker for “in-between” days.

• Good walking shoes are essential: For your comfort, you’ll need supportive walking shoes that offer good traction. Water-resistant shoes can be handy in case of a heavy downpour.

• Rain gear: Regardless of your month of travel, rainfall is certainly a possibility. We suggest you bring a folding umbrella and waterproof shell—preferably one that is knee length.

52 Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Recommended Clothing ‰Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts to layer ‰Trousers, , or skirts ‰Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes ‰Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood ‰Sleepwear ‰Socks and undergarments ‰A jacket or sweater, depending on the time of year

Essential Items ‰Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, sunscreen, etc.

‰Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription ‰Sunglasses with a neck strap ‰Travel or money belt ‰Swimsuit if your hotel has a pool ‰Compact umbrella ‰Wide-brim sun hat (seasonal, June-August) ‰-size tissues ‰Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial “waterless” hand cleanser ‰Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards (and originals!)

53 ‰Written prescriptions for your medicines ‰Washcloth (not a standard amenity in English hotels) ‰Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards ‰Electrical transformer & plug adapters— see “Regional Electricity” for details

Medicines ‰Your own prescription medicines ‰Vitamins ‰Cold remedies: Sudafed/ Dristan ‰Pain relief: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin ‰Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax ‰Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta ‰Anti-diarrheal: Imodium ‰Band-Aids ‰Moleskin foot pads ‰Antibiotics: Neosporin/Bacitracin ‰Motion sickness medicine, such as Dramamine

Optional Gear ‰Compact binoculars ‰Hand-wash laundry soap ‰Collapsible walking staff ‰Travel journal/note pad ‰Addresses for postcards ‰Reading materials ‰Phrase book

54 ‰Reusable water bottle ‰For hotel stays: Many hotels will provide hair dryers, but not all. If a hair dryer is essential to you consider a travel-size version. Hair dryers are provided on your ship.

Home-Hosted Visits It is customary, though not necessary, to return your hosts’ generosity with a small gift. If you do bring a gift, we recommend that you bring something the whole family can enjoy, or something that represents your region, state, or hometown. Get creative and keep it small—peach jelly from Georgia, maple sugar candy from New England, orange blossom soap from California; something that can be used or used up is best. When choosing a gift, be certain to consider the local culture as well. For example, we do not recommend alcohol in Muslim countries because it is forbidden in Islam, and your hosts may be religious. Not all of our adventures include a home-hosted visit; please check your final itinerary before you depart.

Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Electricity in the United Kingdom and Ireland is 220-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers— can run off both 110 and 220-240. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Aboard the ship, cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets. In your bathroom you will find a dual 110/220-volt outlet; this outlet is only for low-voltage appliances, like electric shavers. (Your bathroom also comes equipped with a hair dryer).

Plugs Aboard ship, the plugs are standard American plugs.

In hotels, the shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Even though you’ll only need one adapter on this trip, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/ converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

55 Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

United Kingdom: G

Scotland: G

Northern Ireland: G

Ireland: G

Type G

56 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

England: The weather across England can be unreliable and unpredictable, with lovely sun- drenched mornings regularly turning into damp, overcast afternoons—and vice versa. Still, legends about incessant rain in England are exaggerated. Oxford has weather similar in nature of that of London, with an inch or two of rain spread out over multiple days each month. A city with a maritime temperate climate, Oxford summers tend to be moderately warm, with few days having temperatures above 75° F; winters as well tend to be moderately cold, with few days dropping below 30° F. Spring and autumn are generally comfortable, with little more than a sweater or light overcoat required.

Isle of Man: The island’s position—which is roughly hallway between the UK and Ireland— results in a climate that is very similar to Wales. On average, temperatures stay in the range of 40-60 degrees F, and rainfall is common, especially in the fall and winter.

Northern Ireland: With the Atlantic front sweeping over Northern Ireland, weather in the region tends to be unstable, with frequent winds and near constant clouds. A completely clear sky is a rarity, a grey sky a more common sight. Winters are cold and rainy, with an average of mid 40s during the day and a chance of a wind storm. Snow is rare. Summers are cool and rainy, with an average of mid 60s during the season. The mild weather and frequent rain has led to Northern Ireland’s picturesque green scenery.

Stromness, Scotland (Orkney Islands): The Orkneys have a temperate and wet climate that is heavily influenced by the Gulf Stream. This warm ocean current from the Gulf of Mexico brings humid air that takes the edge off what would normally be a much colder climate. However, with the humidity comes fog and damp—both of which can happen at any time of year, although fog is more common in the summer and damp is more common in the winter. The other aspect of the Orkney climate that everyone comments on is the wind. It is very windy here, especially in the fall and winter, when sudden gusts can become gale-force winds. We strongly recommend bringing a jacket, fleece, windbreaker, or similar all year.

Scotland: The variable climate of Scotland is infamous for its consistent ability to change from day to day. Cool, mild weather, accompanied by frequent cloud cover and rain, is the norm. But on occasion, and at any time of year, a stint of foul weather can settle in. In Scotland’s lowlands (the Edinburgh region), temperatures average in the low 50s during spring and fall, and in the low 60s during summer. At any time, temperatures could drop and the weather become chilly.

Ireland: Irish weather is traditionally fickle, even in summer—when temperatures usually range from the low 50s to the upper 60s, though over the last decade, the spring and summer seasons were often glorious with many sunny days in the 70s. Nonetheless, chilly east winds may blow through, so come prepared for anything. Except for a strip along the east coast, the country receives some rain at least 200 days a year. This wet climate is responsible for Ireland’s verdant beauty.

57 Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH OXFORD, ENGLAND ISLE OF MAN

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # Days of Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # Days Humidity (am-pm) Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 46 to 35 89 12 47 to 39 83 to 80 26 FEB 47 to 34 83 9 46 to 38 84 to 78 23 MAR 52 to 36 82 10 49 to 40 85 to 76 26 APR 56 to 39 82 9 52 to 42 86 to 72 21 MAY 62 to 44 76 10 57 to 46 86 to 71 21 JUN 68 to 49 83 8 61 to 50 86 to 72 20 JUL 72 to 53 80 8 65 to 54 88 to 74 22 AUG 71 to 53 78 8 65 to 54 90 to 76 22 SEP 66 to 48 78 9 61 to 52 88 to 76 24 OCT 59 to 44 80 11 57 to 48 85 to 77 26 NOV 51 to 38 81 11 52 to 43 83 to 78 26 DEC 46 to 35 89 11 48 to 40 83 to 81 26

58 MONTH BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND STROMNESS, SCOTLAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Avg. # of Day with Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (avg) Rain JAN 46 to 36 84 14.7 46 to 38 76 29 FEB 47 to 36 81 11.4 44 to 36 76 28 MAR 50 to 38 78 13.8 46 to 30 82 30 APR 54 to 41 75 11.4 47 to 42 80 17 MAY 60 to 44 73 11.8 49 to 43 75 25 JUN 64 to 50 74 11.2 52 to 46 87 25 JUL 68 to 53 76 12.1 55 to 49 90 25 AUG 67 to 53 77 13.4 57 to 49 86 26 SEP 63 to 49 79 12.3 53 to 47 83 26 OCT 57 to 45 82 14.4 51 to 44 77 28 NOV 51 to 40 84 14.5 46 to 40 80 28 DEC 47 to 36 86 14.4 47 to 39 78 30

MONTH ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # Days of Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 42 to 32 85 to 81 22 44 to 34 86 to 80 14 FEB 43 to 33 86 to 77 20 45 to 34 86 to 75 10 MAR 46 to 35 86 to 72 23 48 to 37 86 to 68 12 APR 50 to 37 87 to 70 25 53 to 39 87 to 65 10 MAY 55 50 42 88 to 71 19 58 to 44 87 to 65 11 JUN 60 to 47 87 to 72 23 63 to 48 86 to 64 10 JUL 64 to 51 88 to 72 24 67 to 52 88 to 66 10 AUG 64 to 50 90 to 72 22 66 to 51 90 to 66 11 SEP 59 to 46 88 to 73 23 62 to 49 89 to 69 10 OCT 53 to 42 88 to 78 24 55 to 43 88 to 74 13 NOV 47 to 37 86 to 80 24 49 to 39 87 to 79 13 DEC 44 to 35 85 to 82 26 44 to 34 87 to 82 13

59 MONTH DUBLIN, IRELAND

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 47 to 36 87 to 81 2.5 FEB 47 to 36 87 to 76 1.9 MAR 50 to 38 84 to 71 2.1 APR 54 to 40 80 to 68 2.1 MAY 59 to 44 77 to 68 2.3 JUN 64 to 49 77 to 68 2.6 JUL 67 to 53 79 to 69 2.2 AUG 67 to 53 81 to 69 2.9 SEP 63 to 50 83 to 72 2.3 OCT 57 to 45 86 to 75 3.1 NOV 51 to 40 89 to 80 2.9 DEC 47 to 37 88 to 83 2.9

60 ABOARD YOUR SHIP: CABIN FEATURES, DINING & SERVICES ON BOARD

M/V Corinthian & M/V Clio

Cabin Amenities Your cabin amenities include a private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, TV, in room heating, internal telephones and a mini-refrigerator. Each cabin is appointed with a sitting area, plus the decks and dining rooms are spacious and attractively decorated, providing welcoming locations for relaxing with your traveling companions.

Cabin Assignments You will receive confirmation of your deck and/or cabin category upfront in writing; it will be on your invoice and online in My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount. However, your cabin number may not be assigned until you arrive onboard the ship. (This is normal procedure for many small ships.) If there’s no cabin number on your invoice or online, you can presume it will be assigned later and communicated to you when you board.

Dining All meals are taken in the onboard restaurant, which acts as the ship’s dining room. Meals will be a mix of regional specialties and familiar American standards, and will feature a variety of entrée options including vegetarian. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. A selection of fine wines is also available for purchase, starting at approximately $20-30 per bottle (prices vary according to vintage). Travelers may also bring a bottle of their own favorite wine to dinner to enjoy at their table. Should you care to avail yourself of this service, there will be a corkage fee of approximately $10 per bottle, charged to your cabin account.

If you require a special diet, please request this in advance, you may do so by contacting one of our Travel Counselors. Dining times will vary according to the scheduled daily activities. In keeping with regional custom, dinner may be served at a later hour (around 7:00 pm) than Americans may be accustomed to.

Electricity Cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets that are designed to fit American plugs. In your bathroom you will find a dual 110/220-volt outlet, for use with electric shavers. While your bathroom does come equipped with a hairdryer, please do not use any other appliances that heat up, such as hair irons or curlers—they tend to short out.

Getting Ashore Getting from ship to shore during an ocean-going voyage is not the same experience as on a river cruise—it requires more balance and agility, plus there are more formalities.

61 • Balance and agility are needed: You’ll either walk down a gangway—which can be steep, wet, and slippery—or be shuttled to land in a small boat (a process known as “tendering”). We’ll use the gangway most of the time, but tenders will be used when the ship cannot dock closely enough for the gangway to reach the shore. Tenders can differ in size, and some of them maybe open with no covering. From time to time we will use the ship’s own fleet of Zodiacs—which are small but study open-air boats holding 8-10 people each—as tenders. To get into one of the Zodiacs, you’ll need to go down a steep staircase, and then crew members will assist you as you step from the M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio into the Zodiac.

• Clothing note: Since tenders in general (and the Zodiacs in particular) are small open-air boats, they are more susceptible to being splashed by water. You might want to bring a rain jacket or waterproof cover (like a poncho) to protect your clothing while transferring from ship to shore.

• Expect formalities on arrival in port: When the M/V Corinthian or M/V Clio arrives in a new port, she’ll need to be cleared by the local port authorities before you can leave the ship. In some cases, the wait will be as short as 30 minutes, but other times it may take up to 2 hours. Your crew will do all they can to make the wait as short as possible and to minimize the inconvenience to you. (For example, you will be asked to leave your passport with the front desk when you first embark on the ship. That way, it is on hand if the port authorities ask to see it.) However, the procedure can be complex and may take a while to complete. Typically the authorities work directly with the crew, but they do retain the right to speak with you as well.

Headsets On European cruises, complimentary headsets (often called “whisper receivers”) will be provided on most included and optional tours, so that you can hear better over ambient noise. If you use a hearing aid or have a strong preference for a particular type of headphones, we highly encourage you to bring your own headphones/ear buds with you. The plug size is usually the same as that used by iPods, computer jacks, etc. Headsets will also be available during the pre- and post-trip extensions in Europe, but not on the transfer day to/from the main trip. On cruises to the Middle East, South America, or Antarctica whispers may not be available or may only be available in certain locations—your Trip Experience Leader will let you know onsite.

Internet Access and Email Limited wireless Internet service (WiFi) is available for free onboard. If you want to use it, you’ll need to bring your own device—a laptop, , MP3 player, smart phone, etc.—because the ship does not rent or loan these devices. Instructions on how to connect will be available at Reception. Please keep in mind that our WiFi access onboard is subject to the challenges of travel: ship location, signal availability, and usage volume onboard will affect connectivity and speed. You should expect that there will be times when the Internet is either slow or not available, and that these disruptions can be brief or longer lasting.

62 Laundry Services There is laundry service available on board, but no dry cleaning. Prices are per piece of clothing and will be provided to you on board.

Medical Services There is always a doctor onboard, as well as all of the basic First Aid supplies. All physician’s fees will be payable directly to . All specific medicines are the responsibility of each traveler.

Recreational Facilities Our ship features a library, a lounge with a bar, a dining room, and a sun deck. The bar is open from approximately 11 am to 11 pm, and features both complimentary drinks (soft drinks, house beer, house wine, and non-alcoholic cocktails/beer) and drinks for purchase (spirits, alcoholic cocktails, bottled beers, and a selection of wines).

Bicycles We’re pleased to offer complimentary bicycle rentals onboard your ship for use during free time, including all of the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet, brightly-colored safety vest, and a lock. Because there is a limited supply of bicycles available, they will be offered on a first-come first-served basis. For more information or if you are interested in using one of the bicycles, please speak to the Front Desk staff or Hotel Manager onboard your ship.

Shipboard Payments Payment for shipboard expenses can be made by cash or credit/debit card only. For cash, we accept U.S. dollars or Euros (on itineraries in Europe). For credit/debit cards, we accept MasterCard and Visa. Other forms of payment, such as checks, Discover, or American Express are not accepted.

Ship-to-Shore Communications The ship has satellite telephone connections which allows you to call anywhere in accordance with the current local tariffs. You can purchase phone cards at the reception desk for $10, which will give you 15-30 minutes’ worth call time to the U.S. (depending on which state you are calling).

Smoking Policy is prohibited on board, with the exception of a designated outdoor deck area reserved for smokers.

Wheelchairs The ship is not built to accommodate wheelchairs.

63 Lost & Found Any lost or forgotten items found on board the ship will be held for 90 days from disembarkation. After 90 days, all unclaimed items will be discarded or donated.

Ship Specifications

M/V Corinthian • History: Built in 1990; purchased in 2014

• Size: 290x50 ft

• Capacity: 98 passengers, 56 crew members

• Layout: 49 cabins, 5 decks; Elevator-yes

M/V Clio • History: Built in 1998; purchased in 2015

• Size: 328x46 ft

• Capacity: 89 passengers, 60 crew members

• Layout: 45 cabins, 5 decks; Elevator-yes

64 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Culture of the British Isles England has been a very homogenous country, but as their empire expanded around the globe, they have experienced some social and cultural diversification from Afro-Caribbeans, Asians, Muslims, and other immigrant groups.

The British class system has historically been a powerful point of stratification in the social, economic and political spheres of life. Differentiations between the working class and middle class were once largely defined by one’s occupation. Today, class differences have more to do with schooling, social orientations, and upbringing. Though British society has progressively become less class conscious, the class system remains integral and continues to shape the people’s sense of belonging. Despite social stratifications, there is a strong egalitarian belief that everyone should have equal opportunity to better their circumstances regardless of their background.

From Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare to Lewis Carroll and J.K. Rowling, in its literature, England arguably has attained its most influential cultural expression. For more than a millennium, each stage in the development of the English language has produced masterworks.

Just like their neighbors to the north, the Welsh are fiercely proud of their rich and vibrant culture and heritage. In recent years, great efforts have been made to revive traditional customs, especially those relating to language, literature, and music. After centuries of dueling with the English, Wales now has its own National Assembly and is home to progressive, cosmopolitan hubs such as Cardiff, while also retaining its rich diversity. Spoken and written Welsh is again on the rise with around three-quarters of a million people speaking it today.

Beyond the mountain passes, river valleys, and the storied stones of castles at every turn, it’s the interactions with Welsh people that will remain in your memory the longest. If you pass a Caernarfon café, you may hear locals chatter in the ancient British tongue, or if you sit down in the pub, you’ll witness a -shirted mob screaming along to the rugby game. In Wales, you’ll regularly hear the word “hiraeth,” referring to a sense of longing for the green, green grass of home. Even long after your visit, a feeling of hiraeth may well hit you.

65 While you may hear England refer to it as odd, the Isle of Man’s (Ellan Vannin in the local lingo, Manx) reputation for oddity is entirely a result of the island’s insistence to do its own thing. The island is a self-governing British crown dependency with the oldest, continuous parliament in the world, Tynwald—dating back over 1000 years. Although not widely spoken today, the island has its own language, Manx Gaelic, which contributes to the distinct speech patterns of the locals.

The island has historically been reliant on mining, fishing, farming and tourism, but in recent times the Isle of Man’s independent status has allowed it to build a thriving offshore banking and financial sector. Another major success came after the movie industry started to use its beauty as a backdrop for film sets.

Despite the religious upheavals and charged politics, the people of Northern Ireland are warm and friendly. Their culture is intertwined with England, Scotland, and Ireland, yet the people of Northern Ireland, for the most part, do not consider themselves of these regions. With different cultural influences, there is a rich lineup of festivals throughout the year, including St. Patrick’s Day—a fervent celebration passed on from the Republic of Ireland—and controversial celebrations like Orangefest—commemorating the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over Catholic King James II.

Comfortably residing beside Northern Ireland’s natural beauty are remnants of the island’s long history—haunting ruins left to in the middle of a field or by the roadside. From tumbled-down stone structures left behind by the Vikings to traces of medieval culture found in countryside castles, Northern Ireland’s history is always on display. Some of the country’s more tragic history has also left its mark in the resilient character of its people, such as the Troubles of the 20th century—a period that rocked Northern Ireland for three decades, and when the dust settled, more than 3,500 people were killed, and more than 47,000 wounded.

As beautiful as Northern Ireland is to behold, it is its people that give the country its heart and soul. From cities to small towns, a strong sense of camaraderie connects every community. Yet, each community follows the contour of political and sectarian differences. There is a shared participation in global culture, such as Hollywood movies, football, and popular music; however, the nationalist and unionist communities maintain their own cultural practices. Irish music and dance as well as Gaelic football and hurling form a cultural focus in the nationalist communities, while unionist communities are heavily influenced by trends of the U.K. But, no matter the community, locals gather together at the pub to exchange stories, join in a song, or listen to music. And when you’re in Northern Ireland, you will more likely than not find yourself warmly welcomed by the locals, but make sure you call them just that “locals.” Especially in the southern border towns, they do not consider themselves neither Irish nor British.

Scots are known to be outgoing, steadfast, practical, and full of humor. They are also fiercely proud of their culture—in part, perhaps, because it has taken a lot for them to retain it. Scotland has endured centuries of attempted repression by the English—not to mention other invaders like the Romans, Vikings, and Normans.

66 is still an official language, and even though very few Scots speak it, many signs are translated into Gaelic and Gaelic words have infiltrated the larger culture. Many Scots identify with their ancient clans, and proudly wear their clan for weddings, holidays and special occasions. Though these were originally part of Highland dress, they are now the national dress of the whole country.

Within Scotland, there is an imaginary line that runs roughly from Aberdeen to Glasgow that separates the Highlands in the north and west, from the Lowlands in the south and east. Generally speaking, Highland culture is more Gaelic and rural; whereas Lowland culture is more hybrid and urban. Scottish folklore is rich and widely loved. You’ll hear tales of kelpies (shape-shifting water spirits), wulvers (werewolves, but kind ones), selkies (seals who can take human form), and all manner of mythical beasts—Nessie the Loch Ness monster being the most famous. Some of that folklore has inspired Scotland’s rich literary tradition, which gave us greats like Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, Arthur Conan Doyle, J.M. Barrie, and the most revered Scottish poet of all, Robert Burns. Today, you can experience some of the most exciting contemporary art, music, theater and more at cultural festivals like the Edinburgh International, the Fringe, Up Helly Aa (Shetland fire festivals), Aye Write! (the Glasgow book fair), and more.

That’s quite a lot to celebrate, and Scots love to do just that the local pub, another cultural icon. Wander in and share a beer or a whisky, and pretty soon you’ll be having a blether (conversation) with your bar mate. Just don’t call what you’re drinking a Scotch (it’s called whisky here), and don’t call your new friend that, either. It’s considered antiquated and offensive. They are Scots or Scottish—and fiercely proud of it.

Accommodations In general the British climate does not necessitate air conditioning. As result, many hotels in Great Britain do not feature air conditioning.

Language in Ireland English is the official language in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and is spoken by nearly everyone. Additionally, in parts of Northern Ireland, Ulster Scots, a dialect of Scots, is sometimes spoken as a second language. In Ireland, a second official language is Irish or Gaelige. It is a Gaelic language but is separate and distinct from Scots Gaelic. Though most people know some Irish phrases and some signs are translated into this ancient tongue, it is very rarely spoken conversationally.

Useful Phrases Since everyone speaks English you should have no trouble communicating with your Irish hosts. And in a land where the spoken word is so highly valued, there is a rich and colorful catalog of vernacular and slang phrases. Here are few to help you get started:

• Craic is a catch-all word that means any manner of fun. It is social in nature something you’d enjoy at parties, in the pubs and anywhere people gather together.

67 • When something is on the tip of your tongue but you can’t quite muster the actual word you need, yoke is a common Irish substitute (like thingamajig in English). “Would you hand me that yoke over there?”

• You may know it as the restroom or toilet, but in Ireland the bathroom facilities are called “the jacks”. If you need to use one, as someone “Where are the jacks?” and they’ll point you in the right direction.

• The official name for the police is the Gardai, and an individual police officer is a Gard. But most often they are referred to as the “guards,” as in “Slow down your driving, or the guards will be on us.”

• “Aw, sure look it” is very widely used, with different connotations. It can be an answer to a rhetorical question, as in “Isn’t it a rotten day out there? Ah, sure, look it.” It is also used to tack onto the end of a sentence for emphasis, or in response to something when you don’t know what to say.

• “Was it any use?” is an inquiry that means, “was it any good?”

• The national drink, Guinness, is sometimes called “the black ” or “a pint of Gat.”

• If you are out and about exploring, you may be walking along a footpath (sidewalk), and you may be wearing runners (sneakers). If it’s cool, you may be wearing a jumper (sweater). You might also be carrying your belongings in a bum bag. Do not call it by its American name, , because here, “fanny” is something altogether different (and crude).

English Cuisine The French used to have a joke about their English neighbors that went something like “other countries know how to cook while the English know how to boil”. Even the Brits themselves would joke about their standard “meat, potatoes, and two veg” meals. But starting in the 90s there was a revival of British classics using fresh ingredients, flavor-boosting “low and slow” methods, and sometimes borrowing elements from other cuisines. As a result, modern British cooking now has many admirers (see the devoted fans of Great British Bake Off or the cookbooks of Jamie Oliver, , and as proof). Add to this the fact that the UK has a diverse choice of restaurants—Indian, Thai, Italian, French, and Chinese to name a few—and we can say that the English eat very well.

That’s not to say that you can’t find the old classics; just that they are better than ever. For example, beef stew, bangers and mash ( and mashed potatoes), and (a potato and cabbage/brussel sprout dish) are still on many menus. Fish and chips is another well-known meal and is usually bought from special shops (chippies) where the cooked food is wrapped and sprinkled with salt and vinegar. There are lots of traditional regional specialties, including (made with flour and water), ( in Yorkshire pudding), cream served with jam and clotted cream, and London’s pie and mash (eel in parsley sauce with mashed potato). And although not originally from Britain, Indian curry has become so ubiquitous that “going for a curry” is a weekend staple.

68 Welsh Cuisine Just like their language and ancient customs, the people of Wales have proudly preserved their traditional cuisine—much of which was borne out of poverty. Traditional Welsh cooking is linked to the diets of fishermen, farmers, and men who worked in the mines. Lamb, beef, freshly caught fish, and vegetables from the garden figure prominently in Welsh cooking, Outside of Wales, cawl is the classic dish of Welsh lamb with leeks and root vegetables, but inside of Wales, cawl is just the humble leek and potato soup—no meat, no bones, more of a poor man’s broth. Other Welsh favorites include Glamorgan sausages, which are really not sausages at all, but vegetarian sausage-shaped dish made with Caerphilly cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. And bara brith (literally, speckled bread), which is considered Wales’ national fruitcake and starts out by soaking dried fruit in strong black tea overnight.

Welsh rarebit, the comforting snack of melted cheese on toasted bread, probably originated in the 17th century as a way to accentuate the local wheat bread and savory cheddar or Caerphilly cheese made in Wales. Some say that the English first called the dish Welsh “rabbit” because they looked down on the less wealthy Welsh and implied that they couldn’t even catch a rabbit and had to eat cheese instead for dinner. No matter what they say, it’s still delicious.

Passages from the 1939 novel How Green Was My Valley may provide you with a more accurate portrayal of Welsh cuisine: “When we sat down, with me in Mama’s lap, my father would ladle out of the cauldron thin leek soup with a big lump of ham in it … There was everything in it that was good … and the smell alone was enough to make you feel so warm and comfortable ...”

Scottish Cuisine Scotland has some of the most creative chefs in the United Kingdom, and considering the fantastic pantry they have to work with—with world-class seafood, game and produce—it’s no wonder that the country boasts ten Michelin-starred restaurants. Twelve products of Scottish origin qualify for the European Union’s PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) designation, including Shetland lamb, Orkney Island Scottish cheddar, Scottish salmon, and Scottish whisky.

You can enjoy these delicacies all over the country, not just in the foodie capital of Edinburgh. But when you’re in the capital, do visit one of its famous chippies. These fish and chip shops dish up the crispiest fare, served with something unique to Edinburgh: “salt ‘n sauce.” This is a tangy, brown condiment that’s a cross between malt vinegar, brown gravy, and .

Cullen Skink may sound like the name of a Harry Potter villain, but it’s a of smoked , potatoes and leeks. Traditionally, it’s made from , a cold-smoked haddock from Aberdeen; or , a hot-smoked haddock. Scottish salmon is widely considered the best in the world. Some say the same about Scottish from Loch Ryan.

For meat lovers, your roast, stew, or steak will taste best if it’s made with rich, marbled Angus Aberdeen beef. Another favorite of Scottish carnivores is . It’s a sausage made from congealed pig’s blood mixed with oats, fat, and seasonings. It may not sound appetizing, but because it’s loaded with protein, potassium, calcium and iron, it’s considered a “superfood.”

69 In Scotland, your bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) might include something besides pork, such as venison or apples. Bangers are a breakfast staple, as are , which are square and made with beef. You’ll get both of those if you order a full Scottish, a heaping breakfast plate that also includes fried eggs, tomatoes, baked beans, ham or bacon, , scones, bread, and sometimes even haggis.

And oops, there you go, we’ve mentioned the unmentionable: haggis. Scotland’s national dish, it’s made from minced sheep’s liver, lungs, and heart; mixed with spices and ; and served inside the stomach lining. It is usually served with neets and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes.) If you get invited to a traditional Robbie , haggis will be the main dish, ushered to the table by a bagpiper, and praised by a reading of the revered poet’s Address to the Haggis. Otherwise, haggis is widely available, and many people say it’s delicious. Go ahead, try it. This may be your only chance, because haggis has been banned by the USDA since 1971.

For dessert you might try traditional ; tablet, a fudge-like confection (minus the chocolate); or the “king of Scottish desserts,” , a rich parfait of cream, raspberries and oats. Cholesterol not high enough? Try a battered Mars Bar. Scots love to dip this American candy in a sweet batter, then deep fry it. And here’s a secret: You can also get a deep-fried Snickers or Three Musketeers bar, whatever your sweet tooth desires.

Whatever your meal includes, you can toast it with a wee dram of Scottish whisky. If you order it in a pub, please don’t call it “Scotch.” If you ask for it on the rocks, you may get a pitying look along with your ice. To impress your bartender, order a single malt and specify one of the six official Scottish whisky regions: Lowlands, Speyside, Highlands, Campbeltown, Islay and Islands. Then raise your glass and say slainte-mhath (pronounced “slange var”)—to your health!

Irish Cuisine If you come to Ireland expecting mostly mundane meat and potatoes, you will be surprised. Talented chefs have inspired a burgeoning food culture that continues to reinvent itself all over the island, fed by a steady supply of local ingredients fresh from the farms, fields and sea. There are also plenty of options for international fare, thanks to the growing immigrant population. But if it is traditional you’re after, look for these dishes:

Start your day right with an Irish breakfast. Hearty doesn’t begin to describe it, a plateful of some or all of the following: baked beans, broiled tomatoes, eggs, bacon, sausages, , toast (made with and butter and ), a potato dish, and tea. The sausages will include black and , which aren’t puddings in the American sense but casings filled with a mixture of pork, oats, seasonings and pig’s blood. They are then sliced and fried—and said to be very tasty. (The white pudding omits the blood.) In Northern Ireland, this breakfast banquet goes by the name of an “Ulster fry.”

The Irish have many inventive dishes based on potatoes. Try , a mix of mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale, butter, and scallions. Its Northern Ireland variant is called , and is made with just scallions and creamy potatoes. is a type of potato , and bubble and squeak is a fritter of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and beef.

70 Irish cows must be very happy with all those rolling green pastures and family-run farms. They produce some of the finest milk in the world, not to mention the richest butter and a variety of fine cheeses such as Dubliner cheddar, Beara bleu cheese, and Wicklow (a type of brie). The goats must be happy, too, given the deliciousness of goat milk cheeses such as St. Tola Ash Log (rolled in food-grade ash) and Knockdrinna Farmhouse, a nutty, semi-hard cheese.

Irish stew is comfort food at its best. Inexpensive ingredients such as mutton, potatoes, and carrots are slow-cooked with herbs such as bay, parsley and thyme. Nowadays, you are more likely to have your stew made with lamb or even beef. Carnivores might also try Dexter beef, which is native to the island and known for its sweet, nutty flavor.

Fish and abound, especially in the west where you will find superb oysters. Those from Clarinbridge, County Galway are known for their superior quality. Connemara is known for clams. And though cockles and are a Dublin specialty (immortalized in the song Molly Malone), you can enjoy them all over the island. Try also smoked Irish salmon, seafood chowder, butter- poached and the staple, fish and chips.

A popular bread for or breakfast is , a soft, puffy roll that is a specialty of Waterford. Authentic Irish soda can be sweet or savory. Soda fari is a type of quick flat bread from Ulster. There is also a special bread called barmbrack that is made with raisins and candied peel (often steeped in tea and whiskey). At , a charm hidden in your bread will foretell your future. And if your sweet tooth craves more at the end of your meal, try Irish , a layered dessert of cream, , fruits, jam and sponge soaked in juice or sherry.

Oxford in Brief

City Layout and Details Oxford is a city of Anglo-Saxon design, resting northwest of London and south of Birmingham. Called the “City of Dreaming Spires” by the Victorian poet Matthew Arnold for its stunning Gothic tower skyline, Oxford is a small, easily navigated city. While Oxford revolves around its universities, Carfax Tower serves as the city center, a crossroad between the four major streets. To the east, the High, a street with multiple university and college buildings, such as University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Brasenose College, and the Queen’s College. St. Aldates in the south, leads to the Oxford Town Hall and the Thames River, one of the two rivers cradling the city. Queen Street to the west and Cornmarket to the north are the two main shopping streets of Oxford.

Oxford’s crowning jewels are its colleges and universities, which have housed and taught such notable scholars as C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, and Lewis Carrell. The most known is the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world, home to the second largest library in the United Kingdom, the Bodleian Library. With the University of Oxford spanning a quarter of the city, it is an impossible site to miss.

71 Local Transportation Bus: Bus transportation is available in and around Oxford, with the city’s main station being Glouchester Green station. The buses run frequently during the day, but there are no night services. The buses run often, with the average wait time being fifteen minutes. Should it be needed, printed schedules with routes can be found on the bus near the driver once you board.

Taxicabs: You may opt to take a cab once or twice. Metered cabs may be hailed on the street (when the “for hire” sign is lit), ordered by phone, or found waiting for riders at Glouchester Green station. A 10% to 15% tip is usual for a cab ride. Expect an additional charge for travel after 8 pm, and on weekends.

Cycling: With its beautiful scenery and flat geography, Oxford has the second highest population of cycling commuters. For visiting travelers who want to experience Oxford like the locals, short- or long-term bike rentals are available in multiple locations in the city. Average cost for a single day rental is £15.

On Foot: Due to the small size of Oxford, walking is one of the best ways to fully explore the historical city. Don’t forget that cars drive on the left and to look both ways before stepping off the curb.

Aberdeen in Brief

City Layout and Details Aberdeen was once two separate burghs (Scottish autonomous towns), each with an extensive battleground history. It was only in 1891 that Old Aberdeen was incorporated into “New” Aberdeen. Old Aberdeen, to the north of the Aberdeen city center, bordered River Don and was known for its settlement of monks, scholars, and traders who traveled to see the St. Machar’s Cathedral and the King’s College. King’s College is now part of the University of Aberdeen, whose main campus makes up most of Old Aberdeen. “New” Aberdeen is the part of Aberdeen known as the “Silver City with the Golden Sands” for its granite buildings that sparkle in the sunlight and its picturesque beaches. To the east, Footdee sits, an old at the harbor, near identical to how it looked during its height in the early 19th century.

Aberdeen is third most populated city in Scotland. Once a trading hub for granite, fish, and shipbuilding, since the 1970s, Aberdeen has been the offshore oil capital of Europe. With the economic incline, Aberdeen became the educational center of northeast Scotland.

Local Transportation Bus: Aberdeen has an extensive bus route set up in and around the city, with most routes starting in one suburb, going through the city center on Union Street, then exiting to another suburb. These buses require exact change for fare, as they do not carry change. It is recommended to either purchase a ticket in advance or invest in a Grasshopper card, which allows for access to all bus on a daily or weekly pass.

72 Taxicabs: You may opt to take a cab once or twice. Metered cabs may be hailed on the street (when the “for hire” sign is lit), ordered by phone, or booked online. A 10% to 15% tip is usual for a cab ride. Expect an additional charge for travel after 8 pm, and on weekends. As it can get busy on Friday and Saturday nights, it would be best to book a cab in advance if needed.

On Foot: Aberdeen’s city center is small enough to walk, with most sites of interest being a maximum of a twenty to thirty-minute walk.

Edinburgh in Brief

City Layout and Details Edinburgh consists of a New Town, dating from the 18th century, and an Old Town dating back to the city’s origin in medieval times. The spine of the Old Town is the famous Royal Mile, comprised of the four linked streets of Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket, and Castlehill. Holyrood Palace sits at the end of Canongate, next to a hilly park of the same name, while Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline from the Castlehill end of the Royal Mile.

Below and to the north of the Old Town lies the New Town, built in the Georgian era between 1766 and 1840. This area is laid out in a neat grid, with George Street running through the middle between the charming parks of Charlotte Square and St. Andrew Square. Paralleling George Street to its south is Princes Street, which has an elegant shopping district and offers fine views of the Old City from the adjoining Princes Street Gardens. Between Princes and George Streets, Rose Street boasts a dense concentration of shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Festivals The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Commonly referred to as “The Tattoo,” Edinburgh plays host to hundreds of musicians, pipers and drummers, singers and dancers at the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival, including the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands. The festival takes place for three weeks, typically during the month of August, with a different line up of entertainment and performers each year. From traditional Scottish costumes and bagpipes to theatrical performances and fireworks displays, this festival has become an international sensation.

Because this festival attracts international attention with over 200,000 visitors, we strongly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance if you are interested in experiencing this unique performance at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. To purchase tickets, please visit www. edintattoo.co.uk/tickets. You will have the option to purchase tickets online for a specific date and time, as there are many performances over the course of the three week festival.

More information about The Tattoo is available at www.edintattoo.co.uk.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe

73 The Fringe is the largest arts and culture festival around the globe, featuring thousands of performances in theater, comedy, dance, opera, circus, music, and more. Lasting for 3-4 weeks and usually held during the month of August, the events range from free performances and exhibits to ticketed events. To find out more about the specific events and buy tickets for performances, visit their website at www.edfringe.com.

Dublin in Brief

City Layout and Details Compared to other European capitals, Dublin is a relatively small metropolis and easily traversed. The city center -- identified in Irish on bus destination signs as AN LAR -- is bisected by the River Liffey flowing west to east into Dublin Bay. Canals ring the city center: The Royal Canal forms a skirt through the north half, and the Grand Canal the south half. True Dubliners, it is said, live between the two canals.

The focal point of Dublin is the River Liffey, with 17 bridges connecting its north and south banks. The most famous of these is the O’Connell Bridge. The Millennium Bridge is a footbridge erected in 1999 to link Temple Bar with the Northside. The newest bridge, the Samuel Beckett Bridge, opened in December 2009.

On the north side of the river, the main thoroughfare is O’Connell Street, a wide, two-way avenue that starts at the riverside quays and runs north to Parnell Square. On the south side of the Liffey, Grafton Street is Dublin’s main shopping street. It is home to Ireland’s most exclusive department store, Brown Thomas. Restricted to pedestrians, Grafton Street is the center of Dublin’s up market shopping area, surrounded by a maze of small streets and lanes that boast a terrific variety of shops, restaurants, and hotels. At the south end of Grafton Street is St. Stephen’s Green, the city’s most beloved park and an urban oasis ringed by rows of historic Georgian town houses, fine hotels, and restaurants.

At the north end of Grafton Street, Nassau Street rims the south side of Trinity College. The street is noted for its fine shops and because it leads to Merrion Square, another fashionable Georgian park surrounded by historic brick-front town houses. Merrion Square is also adjacent to Leinster House, the Irish House of Parliament, the National Gallery, and the National Museum.

Local Transportation Bus: Dublin Bus offers public transportation services within the Dublin city limits, as well as in the surrounding area. Several routes are available throughout the city. Daily, weekly, monthly and annual passes are available for purchase. Service generally runs from 6am to 11:30 pm (10 pm on Sundays) and later on weekends.

Tram: The LUAS is a tram system with two main lines in Dublin, referred to as the Green Line and the Red Line. The LUAS runs from approximately 5:45am-midnight. Weekly or daily passes are available, or you can purchase a single fare based on the length of your ride. A single fare ranges from 2.10-3.20 euros or a round trip fare costs 3.70-5.50 euros.

74 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

England Different parts of the United Kingdom (UK) are known for different specialties. Even if your trip only takes you to one part of the country, you’ll find these items for sale throughout. Popular items include Liberty , umbrellas, Crunchie candy bars, Derby-style hats and fascinators, Paddington toy bears, Wedgwood china, orange marmalade, Woods of Windsor soaps and lotions, football team shirts, Wellington boots, Burberry trench coats and accessories, books by British authors, Earl Grey tea, Beatles memorabilia and so much more. You can find all kinds of items emblazoned with Union Jacks, London Underground (Tube) imagery, and images of the royal family.

Wales Popular Welsh souvenirs to bring home are Welsh cheese, Welsh love spoons, Welsh slate (as a coaster, cheese board, or even an engraved decoration), laverbread, Welsh cakes, or traditional blankets.

Scotland Scotland has many fine local products to choose from, including shortbread, handmade soaps, Celtic jewelry, and bagpipes. There are plenty of items emblazoned with the Scottish flag, Nessie the Loch Ness monster, and golf imagery (since the game was invented here.) If there’s a dog lover on your gift list, consider a memento of Greyfriar’s Bobby. He was a 19th-century Skye Terrier who supposedly stood by his master’s grave in Edinburgh’s Greyfriar’s churchyard— every day for 14 years.

Many of the best souvenirs are wearable, like Scottish cashmere, Harris , quality woolens, Balmoral caps, tams, and tartans (which found on everything from umbrellas to scarves and pajamas.) While the kilt is the quintessential Scottish garment, there are also special accessories

75 that complete the look: a sporran (pouch), sgian-dubh (a small ceremonial knife—which might be hard to get back to the U.S. in your luggage), and jaunty knee-high socks. Although women don’t wear kilts, they do wear skirts and special shoes known as ghillie boots.

And of course, there’s whisky (without an “e”), which is so synonymous with Scotland that many Americans call it “Scotch.” Not a whisky fan? Scotland is also known for high-quality gin.

Ireland One of the most popular Irish souvenirs is the highly prized white wool Aran sweaters and hats. Other commonly sought items include hand-woven , knitwear, linen, earthenware and pottery, porcelain, glass and handmade jewelry (often in Celtic motifs), pearly Belleek china, luminous Waterford crystal, and Irish .

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

76 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

United Kingdom in Brief

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 94,525 square miles

• Capital: London, with a separate parliament in Edinburgh for Scotland, a National Assembly in Cardiff for Wales, and a National Assembly for Northern Ireland in Belfast.

• Government: Constitutional monarchy

• Languages: English, Welsh, Gaelic

• Location: Situated off the northwest coast of Europe, the island of Britain is occupied by England, Wales, and Scotland—collectively called Great Britain. Together with Northern Ireland, Great Britain makes up the nation officially called the United Kingdom (UK). England, in the southern part of Britain, is separated from Scotland on the north by the granite Cheviot Hills. To the west along the border of Wales—a land of steep hills and valleys—are the Cambrian Mountains. To the south of England is the English Channel and to the east is the North Sea, which also washes the eastern coast of Scotland. To the west of England is the Irish Sea, mixed to the north with the Atlantic Ocean.

• Population: Entire UK 65,105,246 (estimate): England - 55,268,100, Scotland - 5,404,700, Wales - 3,113,200, Northern Ireland - 1,862,100

• Religions: Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, unspecified 7.2%, none 25.7%

• Time zone: Great Britain is five hours ahead of Eastern Time: when it is 6 am in New York, it is 11 am in Wales, England, and Scotland.

National Holidays: United Kingdom

National holidays can vary depending on follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To which part of the country you’re in; please find out if you will be traveling during these refer to the section for the specific area that holidays, please visit www.timeanddate. you’ll be visiting. The United Kingdom also com/holidays. celebrates a number of national holidays that England

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 50,346 square miles

• Capital: London

77 • Location: Consists of 48 counties, occupying the southern part of Great Britain

• Languages: English

• Population: 55,268,100

• Religions: Christianity 59.4%, Non-religious 24.7%, Unknown 7.2%, Muslim 5.0%, Hindu 1.5%, Sikh 0.8%, Jewish 0.5%, Buddhist 0.5%

• Time Zone: Same as the rest of the United Kingdom, five hours ahead of Eastern Time

National Holidays: England

In addition to the holidays listed below, 1st Monday in May Early May Bank Holiday England celebrates a number of national Last Monday in May Spring Bank Holiday holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To find out if you will be traveling Last Monday in August Summer Bank Holiday during these holidays, please visit www. timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/25 Christmas Day

01/01 New Year´s Day 12/26 Boxing Day

England: A Brief History Prehistoric England was home to Celtic and other tribal peoples, then was ruled by the Roman Empire from about AD 43 to AD 410. After Rome fell, , Angles, and Saxons established small kingdoms and fiefdoms. When the Viking marauders hit England’s shores in the 9th century, many of those small kingdoms were unified by King Alfred the Great of Wessex. Strength in numbers.

Some of England’s medieval monarchs stand out for their lasting impacts on history. William the Conqueror brought Norman rule to England in 1066. Richard the Lionheart embarked on the Third Crusade in 1189. King John was compelled to sign the Magna Carta in 1215, laying the foundation for constitutional monarchy.

English King Edward I conquered Wales in 1283 and sought to rule Scotland as well. Those imperial ambitions were not limited to the island of Great Britain—England under Edward III fought the Hundred Years’ War with France between 1337 and 1453, ultimately losing all its possessions on the French side of the Channel. Then, between 1455 and 1485, the York and Lancaster families battled for the crown in the Wars of the Roses. The victor, Henry Tudor, who was a Lancaster but through illegitimate descent. He married a York, and their offspring, Henry VIII, became the third Tudor king in 1509.

Henry VIII is best known for his six marriages, the first of which, to Catherine of Aragon, he sought to end through annulment. When the Pope forbade it, Henry separated the Church of England from papal authority and made himself its head. His daughter, Elizabeth I, became queen in 1558 and ruled for 44 years—a golden age of cultural flowering, and the expansion of England’s naval prowess.

78 England fell into civil war between 1642 and 1649, when Oliver Cromwell executed King Charles I and briefly replaced the monarchy with a republic. The monarchy was restored in 1660 with the enthronement of Charles II, though royal power was restored with limitations.

The United Kingdom came into being with the 1707 Act of Union between the parliaments of England and Scotland. Then, by 1714, the first of four King Georges ascended the throne, beginning the Georgian era, a time when England laid the groundwork for Empire. It reached its fruition in the 19th century during the Victorian era, when the British Empire straddled the globe.

During the 19th century, the entire island of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, having been incorporated into the UK in 1801. The Irish however, sought independence, and in 1921, all but the six northern counties of Ulster became the Republic of Ireland—leaving the UK in its present form. But the United Kingdom was still able to call on its crown colonies, protectorates and Commonwealth when it declared war on Germany in 1939. The Battle of Britain and the destructive air attacks known as the Blitz besieged England from July 1940 to June 1941. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, one of England’s most influential statesmen, led the country to victory.

As a popular song of the war years put it, “There’ll Always Be an England.” But what of the United Kingdom? In recent years, the desires of the Scots and Welsh for greater autonomy have led to the process called “devolution.” In 1999, Scotland regained its own Parliament, and Wales established its own National Assembly. In 2014, a referendum was held in Scotland to vote on independence from the United Kingdom, but was defeated.

In 2016, a United Kingdom referendum passed with 51.9% in favor of leaving the European Union. Brexit went into effect on January 31, 2020, with an 11-month transition period, during which the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson must negotiate a new EU trade deal. Failure to do so will be a major hit on the UK economy. Plus, with both Scotland and Northern Ireland solidly opposed to Brexit, there is talk that the prospect of them rejoining the European Union might resurrect the call for independence.

Wales

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 8,006 square miles

• Capital: Cardiff (regional); Wales is part of the United Kingdom, whose national capital is London

• Location: Consists of 8 counties, occupying the southwestern part of Great Britain

• Languages: English, Welsh

• Population: 3,113,200

• Religions: Christian 57.6%, None 32.1%, Unknown 7.6%, Muslim 1.5%, Other 1.2%

• Time Zone: Same as the rest of the United Kingdom, five hours ahead of Eastern Time

79 National Holidays: Wales

Wales typically celebrates the same holidays such as Easter. To find out if you will be as England, in addition to a number of traveling during these holidays, please visit national holidays that follow a lunar calendar, www.timeanddate.com/holidays.

Wales: A Brief History One of the oldest regions in the world, the area of land occupied by Wales is thought to have been inhabited since about 250,000 BC. Celts began arriving on Britain’s shores in about 600 BC. The Romans came in 55 BC, but didn’t fully occupy present-day Wales and England until about 60 AD. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century, various independent kingdoms sprouted across Britain and were under constant threat by Anglo-Saxon invaders—a period that some say gave rise to the exploits of King Arthur who engaged in battles against them. When the Anglo-Saxons eventually gained control of much of present-day England, remote regions such as Wales clung to their language and customs. And by the sixth century, Wales had developed a unique identity that set it apart from the rest of Britain.

While the Kingdom of England was formed in 927 AD, internecine struggles among various Welsh kingdoms prevented Wales from uniting under a single ruler for very long. After the Norman conquest of England, the Welsh kingdoms gradually came under the sway of the English crown. Then, in the late 13th century, King Edward I conquered Wales and claimed it as a territory of England—and the successors to the English monarch would begin holding the title of the “Prince of Wales” to signify their control of the region.

After a smattering of revolts against English rule were launched by the Welsh in the 15th and 16th centuries, Henry VIII passed laws aimed at incorporating Wales into the Kingdom of England. In 1707 Wales became part of the Kingdom of Great Britain and about a century later (in 1801) was folded into the United Kingdom.

While the British Empire rose and flourished in the 19th century, Wales embraced changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, and saw its population rise dramatically. But with the breakup of the British Empire after the Second World War, the industries of Wales also went into a steep decline, eventually giving rise to nationalist sentiments and possible paths to independence.

Scotland

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 30,918 square miles

• Capital: Edinburgh (regional); Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, whose national capital is London

• Location: Consists of 32 council areas, occupying the northern part of Great Britain and islands

• Languages: English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic

80 • Population: 5,404,700

• Religions: None 49.4%, Church of Scotland 24.1%, Roman Catholic 14.5%, other Christian 7.8%, Other 2.3%, Muslim 1.6%, Unknown 0.3%

• Time Zone: Same as the rest of the United Kingdom, five hours ahead of Eastern Time

National Holidays: Scotland

In addition to the holidays listed below, 1st Monday in May Early May Bank Holiday Scotland celebrates a number of national Last Monday in May Spring Bank Holiday holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. To find out if you will be traveling First Monday in August Summer Bank Holiday during these holidays, please visit www. timeanddate.com/holidays. 11/30 St. Andrew’s Day

01/01 New Year’s Day 12/25 Christmas Day

01/02 2nd January Holiday 12/26 Boxing Day

Scotland: A Brief History We know that various hunter-gatherer tribes inhabited Scotland as far back as 9,600 BC. By 3,000 BC, they used tools, established farming and scattered standing stones all over. You can see some of these Neolithic monoliths on the Isle of Lewis, Shetland, Orkney, and beyond.

The Romans arrived in Great Britain 43 AD, but when they attempted to occupy Scotland, they met fierce resistance from the native tribes, who they referred to as Caledonians. The Romans built several fortifications, including Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall. But they were never able to conquer the Caledonians and by 212 AD, they left.

In the wake of the Romans, Scotland was divided into four main kingdoms. The Picts held the northeast, the Scots (from Ireland) established Dal Riata in the west, the Britons occupied the southwest, and the Angles had Bernicia, which eventually morphed into Northumbria and stretched into England. Their rivalries were set aside in the face of a new threat: by 793 AD, Viking marauders arrived, ferociously attacking the monasteries at Iona and Lindisfarne, taking over villages and establishing trading posts. In 843 AD, the various kingdoms united under Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Alba. Eventually, his domain became known as Scotland. A nation was born.

When the Normans took over England in 1066, many Anglo-Saxons moved north into the Scottish Lowlands. This is when the Scots began adopting English cultural ways. But when a succession dispute arose, the English King Edward I seized the opportunity to invade and name himself king. This led to the first War of Scottish Independence in which William Wallace, of Braveheart fame, routed the English at Stirling Bridge in 1297. The victory was short lived, as the English returned in 1298, captured Wallace and executed him in 1305. But Robert the Bruce picked up the baton (and the crown), and defeated the English at Bannockburn in 1314. Scotland’s independence was assured, but peace was not.

81 Centuries of conflict with England ensued, often fueled by religion and marked not just by physical violence, but by various English attempts to suppress Scottish culture. The connections between clans were broken, and the chieftains became feudal lords whose rapacity often forced their own people off lands in evictions known as “clearances.” In 1707, the two nations signed onto the Act of Union, which united England and Scotland under the same flag and Parliament, but allowed Scotland to keep its own church and legal system. The United Kingdom was born, but again, the bloodshed did not die as years of rebellion continued. The last one, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, culminated with the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

Despite tensions, Scotland’s economy was supercharged by the Industrial Revolution. The 18th century saw the Scottish Enlightenment, and Glasgow became a great trading port. Scotland’s educational system flourished, and its inventors exported their genius around the world. During World Wars I and II, the Scots’ warrior legacy made huge contributions to the Allied War effort.

Following deindustrialization in the 20th century, the Scottish economy hit a wall. Tensions with England continue, manifesting as periodic calls for independence. In 2014, voters rejected a referendum for independence by a slim margin. They may well be reconsidering that decision: only 38% of Scots were in favor of Brexit, and a 2020 poll showed that 52% of voters support leaving the UK, post-Brexit.

Isle of Man

Facts, Figures & National Holidays The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown dependency. This means the island is British—and shares much of its history with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland— but unlike those nations, it is not an official part of the United Kingdom nor it is a part of the European Union.

• Area: 221 square miles

• Capital: Douglas

• Languages: English, Manx Gaelic

• Location: The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea, about hallway between the eastern coast of Ireland and the western coast of Great Britain.

• Population: 87,545 (estimate)

• Religions: Protestant (Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Society of Friends), Roman Catholic

• Time zone: The Isle of Man is on the same time zone as Ireland, which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time: when it is 6 am in New York, it is 11 am in the Isle of Man.

82 National Holidays: United Kingdom

In addition to the holidays listed below, the 01/01 New Year´s Day Isle of Man celebrates a number of national 07/05 Tynwald Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and the Spring and Summer Bank 12/25 Christmas Day holidays. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www. 12/26 Boxing Day timeanddate.com/holidays. Northern Ireland

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 5,450 square miles

• Capital: Belfast (regional); Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, whose national capital is London

• Location: Consists of the six counties of Ulster, occupying the northeastern corner of the island of Ireland.

• Languages: English

• Population: 1,862,100

• Religions: Roman Catholic 40.8%, Presbyterian 19.1%, Church of Ireland 13.7%, Methodist 3%, none or unknown 23.5%

• Time Zone: Same as the rest of Ireland, five hours ahead of Eastern Time

National Holidays: Northern Ireland

In addition to the holidays listed below, 01/01 New Year´s Day Northern Ireland celebrates a number of 03/17 St. Patrick’s Day national holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and the Spring and Summer 07/12 Battle of the Boyne Bank holidays. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please visit 12/25 Christmas Day www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/26 Boxing Day

Northern Ireland: A Brief History The arc of history followed a similar curve in Northern Ireland as it did in the southern island until the 20th century. In the 1600s, northern Ireland (which lies in the province of Ulster) was a bastion of resistance against the forces of King Henry VII, who was instituting widespread programs of colonization by taking Irish lands and giving them to English and Scottish Protestant settlers. Key leaders of the anti-British forces were from the Ulster county of Tyrone, but many of them fled to Europe after being defeated at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601.

83 The Protestant colonization program, called the “Ulster Plantation,” continued until another rebellion broke out in 1641. Many Protestant settlers were massacred, but when the New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell arrived from England in 1649, four years of bloody anti-Catholic reprisals followed and land ownership reverted to the Protestants. Over the next several hundred years, there were Irish revolts, but the Protestant population grew into a majority.

Fast forward to 1921, after the island had been ripped by three years of guerilla warfare. A truce was reached between Irish republican and British forces, which resulted in the Anglo-Irish Treaty creating the . Under its terms Northern Ireland would be part of the Free State unless its parliament opted out. The parliament was controlled by the (Protestant) Ulster Unionist party and as expected, it chose to remain as part of the United Kingdom.

For the next 50 years, Northern Ireland enjoyed limited self-government within the UK. But since its parliament was controlled by the Ulster Unionist Party, the large Catholic minority had little participation in the government, which at times openly encouraged discrimination against Catholics. This led to large civil rights protests in the 1960s, which the government brutally suppressed, most notably on “Bloody Sunday.” During this time the paramilitary Provisional IRA, who favored the reunification of Ireland, began its campaign against what it called the British occupation of the six counties. Other splinter groups began to participate in the violence.

The Northern Irish government’s inability to manage the conflict prompted the British government to suspended home rule in 1972 and impose direct rule. The British tried to portray themselves as neutral peacekeepers, but British officers often colluded with illegal loyalist paramilitaries, were involved in murders, and obstructed justice when their crimes were investigated. Irish nationalist and republican groups further fragmented and also committed violence against civilians, as the so-called “Troubles” rolled on for 30 years.

In 1998, following a Provisional IRA cease-fire, the Good Friday Agreement restored self- government to Northern Ireland on the basis of power sharing between the two communities. Violence greatly decreased since the signing of the accord. In 2001, the police force in Northern Ireland, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, was replaced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland. On July 28, 2005, the Provisional IRA (PIRA) announced the end of its armed campaign and that September, international weapons inspectors supervised the full disarmament of the PIRA.

The elections of 2017 marked the first time since partition that the Unionists did not win a majority of seats. The opposing Sinn Féin party has stated its main goal is the reunification of Ireland. After three years of political deadlock, a power-sharing deal was reached in 2020. Considering shifting demographics and the fact that the majority of voters in Northern Ireland were opposed to Brexit and wanted to remain within the European Union, maybe reunification with the Republic of Ireland (which is an EU member state) is not a far-off dream.

Ireland

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 27,136 square miles

84 • Capital: Dublin

• Location: Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Half the size of Arkansas, it occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland.

• Geography: The ocean is responsible for the rugged western coastline, along which are many islands, peninsulas, and headlands. The main geographical features of Ireland are low central plains surrounded by a ring of coastal mountains. The highest peak is Carrauntuohill (Irish: Corrán Tuathail), which is 1041 m (3414 ft). There are a number of sizable lakes along Ireland’s rivers, with Lough Neagh the largest in Ireland and Great Britain. The island is bisected by the River Shannon, at 259 km (161 miles) with a 113 km (70 miles) estuary the longest river in Ireland (and the longest in the British Isles if the estuary is included), which flows south from County Cavan in the north to meet the Atlantic just south of Limerick.

• Languages: English, Irish Gaelic

• Population: 5,068,050

• Religions: Roman Catholicism 78.3%, Church of Ireland 2.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Orthodox 1.3%, Muslim 1.3%, other 2.4%, none 9.8%, unspecified 2.6%

• Time zone: Ireland is five hours ahead of Eastern Time: when it is 6 am in New York, it is 11 am in Ireland.

National Holidays: Ireland

In addition to the holidays listed below, 01/01 New Year’s Day Ireland celebrates a number of national 03/17 St. Patrick’s Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter and the June, August, and October 05/01 May Day Bank holidays. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please visit 12/25 Christmas Day www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/26 St. Stephen’s Day

Ireland: A Brief History Human history in Ireland dates back 10,500 years, but the first identifiable people to settle here were the Celts, who came in waves between the 8th and 1st centuries BC. They were organized in various groups, the last of which, the Gaels, conquered the island and divided it into five tribes. The language they spoke, Q-Celtic, was the precursor of the Irish language, Gaelige.

Contrary to popular belief, St. Patrick did not introduce Christianity to Ireland’s pagan people. The religion was already present here. But Patrick and other priests spread the faith even beyond Ireland’s shores, and built great monasteries that became bastions of Latin learning. The monks created illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, and were engaged in sculpture and metalwork. This heritage has led to Ireland being called the “island of scholars and saints.”

85 By the 8th century AD, Vikings began raiding Irish settlements. Though often depicted as violent marauders, in some cases the Vikings arrived as traders and intermingled with the Irish. They established many towns, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. By 1014, Viking power was in decline when the Irish king Brian Bóru defeated the Vikings at the .

New raiders came in 1172 with the Norman King Henry II of England. This began England’s 800- year struggle to dominate Ireland. English law was introduced, but the Irish did not accept it. The Normans were able to control four “obedient shires,” including the area around Dublin known as the Pale. Anything “beyond the Pale” was said to be savage and lawless. The Tudors brought systematic repression, encouraging Scottish Protestant colonization, and taking farms from Irish landowners and giving them to English nobles. In 1649 Oliver Cromwell launched a violent anti-Catholic campaign that bordered on genocide. By 1801 the Act of Union merged Ireland with Britain as the United Kingdom, with direct rule by Parliament in London.

What Cromwell was unable to accomplish, the Great Famine of 1845-49 nearly did. A blight infecting Ireland’s potato crops caused starvation and reduced the population by a third. The term “famine” is a misnomer: There was plenty of food, but it was exported by the English or used by Irish tenants to pay exorbitant rents to British landlords. Failure to pay meant eviction, and eviction meant death. The population further declined with mass emigration.

The late 19th and early 20th century saw vigorous but doomed campaigns for Irish home rule. After many brutal repressions, their moderate nationalism became militant separatism. In 1922, following the Irish Rising of 1916 and the bloody Anglo-Irish War, twenty-six counties of Ireland won freedom from the United Kingdom as the Irish Free State. The remaining six, in the province of Ulster, remained within the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland. The struggle continued throughout the 1990s with “the Troubles” of Northern Ireland, where those who favored a united Ireland fought with unionists who wanted to stay within the United Kingdom.

For Ireland, the 1990’s ushered in an era of prosperity known as the “.” By the early 2000’s, Ireland was one of the richest countries in the EU, moving from being a recipient to being a net contributor. Ireland rode the Celtic Tiger until the worldwide recession of 2008. In 2010 Ireland’s banks required bailouts from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Since then, Ireland has repaid its IMF loan ahead of schedule, in 2017.

The country’s difficult history proves that there is no such thing as “the of the Irish.” But there is pluck, endurance, and hope.

86 RESOURCES

Suggested Reading

England Persuasion by Jane Austen (1818, Fiction) Social conventions derail the courtship of Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth. But the two are thrown together again in the social whirlwind of early nineteenth-century Bath.

Windsor Castle: A Thousand Years of a Royal Palace (2018, History) This authoritative history, the first to be published in 100 years, explores Windsor Castle and its immediate environs from around AD 700 to the present day, and examines the social, political and cultural events in the lives of the royals who lived there. Includes many illustrations, photos and 3D reconstructions.

London by Edward Rutherfurd (1998, Fiction) A very ambitious historical novel of London’s past, which sweeps from Roman times through the medieval, Elizabethan, Victorian, and Edwardian eras on up to the present.

A Traveller’s History of England by Christopher Daniell (2005, History)An entertaining refresher course in English history, from hunter-gatherers to Margaret Thatcher’s resignation. Written by a noted British historian and archaeologist.

All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot (1998, Memoir) A heart-warming book, in which a veterinarian in Yorkshire shares amusing anecdotes about his dealings with animals and their owners.

Bath by Edith Sitwell (1932, History) Sitwell, the famed Bloomsbury writer, provides a fine portrait of Beau Nash, the 18th-century “Master of Ceremonies” who put the city Bath on the Georgian social map. Insightful commentary on the fashions of the day, the development of the city, and the colorful array of politicians, peers, matchmakers, gamblers, artists and con artists who flocked here to “take the waters.”

Wales The Ladies of Llangollen: A Study in Romantic Friendship by Elizabeth Mavor (2011, Non-Fiction) A beautifully written account of two 18th-century women who abandoned their aristocratic lives in Ireland to settle in Llangollen, Wales. Wanting to keep their lives private and away from the glare of society, their achievements, intelligence, and wit would instead make them local legends.

The Matter of Wales: Epic Views of a Small Country by Jan Morris (2000, Travel Writing) One of the world’s leading travel writers celebrates her native country in this deeply personal study of the architecture, landscapes, and national character of Wales.

Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman (1985, Historical Fiction). This is the first book in a highly praised trilogy that follows the decline of Welsh kings. Penman skillfully melds history and fiction and brings 13th-century Wales vividly to life.

87 Scotland The Scottish World: History and by Harold Orel, et al (1981, Culture) Ten essays seek to show that Scottish culture is distinctly different from English in its art, architecture, literature, music, and history.

The Crow Road by Iain Banks (1992, Fiction) Set in the west Highlands (in a town reminiscent of Oban), this darkly comic tale from one of Scotland’s most acclaimed writers touches on themes of love, death, sex, addiction, family and the power of the Scottish landscape. In it, Prentice, a bumbling student, attempts to unravel the disappearance of his Uncle Rory, just one of the eccentric characters in the sprawling McHoan family. The Crow Road is a real road in Glasgow, but the expression “to take the crow road” means you are dead.

Corrag by Susan Fletcher (2010, Historical Fiction) In Glencoe in 1692, 38 members of the Macdonald clan are killed by the redcoats of William III—after they’d enjoyed the family’s hospitality for a week. This real-life incident is told from the perspective of Corrag, a young woman who is accused of witchcraft after the event, and imprisoned in Inverary.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (1961, Fiction) In 1930s Edinburgh, six 10-year-old girls are chosen as the favorites of their teacher, the unconventional, complicated and exuberant Miss Brodie. We follow all their lives through petty jealousies, the emergence of fascism in Europe, misguided affairs, World War II, religious awakening—and a searing betrayal. The film version won an Oscar for star Maggie Smith as Miss Jean.

44 Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith (Fiction) Alexander McCall Smith, also known for the bestselling No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, depicts the lives of colorful residents in an Edinburgh apartment building.

Complete Poems and Songs of Robert Burnsby Robert Burns (2012, Poetry) A collection by the famous Scottish poet who is known for writing in the Scots language, including the famous Auld Lang Syne.

Northern Ireland Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe (2019, Nonfiction) In 1972, 38-year old Jean McConville, a widowed mother of eight, was abducted from her Belfast home and murdered. What would otherwise be a gripping true crime story is revealed to be part of a web of other stories, which altogether provide an epic portrait of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Ireland Malachy McCourt’s by Malachy McCourt (2008, History) If you like your history with a dose of wry humor, this New York Times best seller may be for you. It is more a series of biographical vignettes than an academic history, but it weaves together myth, folklore, culture, music, cuisine and more from the country’s past and present.

88 The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan (2012, Fiction) Long-listed for the Booker Prize, this story is told by 21 diverse narrators, each one describing their version of life in a rural Irish village that has been knocked hard by the economic crisis of 2008.

The Great Hunger by Cecil Woodham-Smith (1962, History) The authoritative book on Ireland’s potato famine during 1845-1849.

Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018, Fiction) This popular best seller (long-listed for the Man Booker Prize) explores the intense love between two west Ireland teens who end up at college in Dublin, and move on to navigate adulthood. It’s a witty look at contemporary Irish life, and a love that is muddled by secrecy, social class, and the characters’ own complicated personalities.

Irish Sagas and Folk Tales by Eileen O’Faolain (1954, Folk Tales) The most comprehensive one- volume collection of .

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt (1996, Autobiography) This Pulitzer Prize-winning book recounts the author’s youth in Depression-era Limerick. Through harrowing poverty, punishing schools, his father’s alcoholism, searing loss, and the casual cruelty of friends and relatives, the author still manages to retain his love for storytelling, for humor, for the mother who could not protect him, and for life itself.

TransAtlantic by Colum McCann (2014, Historical Fiction) Three iconic crossings between Ireland and New World are retold—the 1845 visit to Ireland by Frederick Douglass; the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919; and a senator’s involvement in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchley (1990, Fiction) A coming-of-age novel set in 1950s rural Ireland. Most of the book centers on the lives of three friends—gentle Benny, bravely honest Eve, and class-conscious Nan—as they grow up and enter college. The book was made into a film starring Chris O’Donnell and Minnie Driver.

Suggested Film & Video

England Atonement (2007, Drama) On the eve of World War II, a 13-year old girl irrevocably changes the lives of three people when she mistakenly accuses her sister’s lover of a crime. The depiction of the manors and manners of the British gentry is at once searing and beautifully evocative. And the war scenes—notably the famous tracking shot on the beaches of Dunkirk—are harrowing. This Oscar winner stars Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and a young Saoirse Ronan.

Mrs. Brown (1997, Drama) After the death of her husband, Queen Victoria plunged herself into an intense grief that only lightened with the help and support of one of her favorite servants, the highlander John Brown. But a friendship between queen and servant is simply “not done”, and the scandal threatens the Queen’s popularity and position. Consider watching this along with Young Victoria (2009) starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend, for a Victoria double feature.

89 All Is True (2019, Drama) After the Globe Theater is burned in a fire, William Shakespeare (Sir Kenneth Branagh) returns to Stratford-Upon-Avon and his stoic wife, Anne Hathaway (Dame ). Fame is trailing him, as are the of his past, and the genius for wit and wordplay that he can no longer summon. Also starring Sir Ian McKellen.

Gosford Park (2001, Drama) “Upstairs, Downstairs” meets Agatha Christie in this whodunit set in an English country estate in 1932. The powerhouse ensemble cast includes Helen Mirren, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Kelly MacDonald and Clive Owen.

British TV Known for their dry humor and intriguing mysteries, and well-produced period adaptations, British T.V. shows are a fun way to see the Brits as they see themselves. Most shows are available on DVD, BBC America, PBS, or .

• The Crown (Historical Drama) A Netflix original drama following Queen Elizabeth II in the mid-20th century as she assumes the throne and the events that follow.

• The Great British Baking Show (Reality Cooking Series) Sometimes known as The Great British Bake Off, this competition features 12 aspiring bakers from Britain as they take on challenges to create everything from traditional British treats to twists on the classics with their “showstopper” dishes before facing the judges.

• Masterpiece Classic (Period/Adaptations) A PBS series that showcases adaptations of literary works, many of which are produced by the BBC. Classic novels by Dickens (Little Dorrit, Bleak House), the Brontes (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Height), and P.G. Wodehouse (Jeeves and Wooster) are well-represented. They also showcase original shows set in bygone eras, like the Edwardian drama Upstairs, Downstairs and Downton Abbey, which takes the concept into a countryside estate.

• Prime Suspect (Mystery) This gritty modern crime drama introduced Helen Mirren to wider audiences as the no-nonsense detective Jane Tennison. The show deals with some dark subject matter, such as crime and alcoholism.

• Inspector Morse (Mystery) Moody and brilliant, Morse solves complicated murders in Oxford with the help of his more-grounded partner Sergeant Lewis. In recent years, Sergeant Lewis got a promotion and his own series: Lewis. And PBS has done a flashback series to Morse’s early days on the force in the 1960s called Endeavour.

• Monty Python’s Flying Circus (Comedy) By turns wacky, witty, and surreal, this classic sketch show from the 1970s continues to have a devoted following.

Wales The Englishman Who Went up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain (1995). Scored with a Welsh choir, this heartwarming tale recounts the experiences of two cartographers who arrive in a Welsh village in 1917. Loosely based on actual events, the film reveals how the Welsh are very different from the English.

90 How Green Was My Valley (1941). Grab a hankie for director John Ford’s Academy Award winning film that chronicles the lives of a 19th-century Welsh coal-mining family.

Scotland Mary Queen of Scots (2018, Historical Drama) History has cast Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) and her cousin Mary (Saoirse Ronan) as enemies. This film imagines them as both power brokers and pawns whose mutual admiration is crushed by the misogyny, nationalism and treachery of their courts.

Local Hero (1983, Comedy) Oil exec Burt Lancaster sends young hotshot Mac to coastal Ferness, Scotland, to buy the entire village to make way for an oil refinery. The quirky locals are eager to make money, but others are not so keen, including an eccentric beach bum and a researcher who may (or may not) be a real mermaid. Spectacular Scottish locations, magical starry skies, subtle humor and genuine affection make this the perfect pre-trip pic.

Macbeth (2015, Drama) Evocative Scottish settings, outstanding production values and the timeless themes of Shakespeare’s tragedy make this a must-see. Stars Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard bring intensity and depth as Scotland’s most famous power couple.

Trainspotting (1997, Dark Comedy/Drama) Danny Boyle’s electrifying breakthrough film follows a young heroin addict (Ewan MacGregor) and his outrageous friends as they struggle to score in the underside of Edinburgh. Plenty of black humor and provocative social commentary.

Braveheart (1995, Drama) The 13th century rebel William Wallace teams up with Robert the Bruce to lead the First War of Scottish Independence against England. The historical accuracy of Mel Gibson’s opus has been critiqued, but none can deny the thrill of its battles, epic scenery and engrossing storyline.

Scottish TV Shows Outlander (2014–present, Drama) Based on the novels of Diana Gabaldon, this wildly popular, historical time-travel series begins when a WWII nurse visits Inverness, Scotland, where she is mysteriously carried from the standing stones at Craigh na Dun back in time to 1743. She falls in love with a rebel Highlander, whose Jacobite cause, she knows, is doomed.

Shetland (2013–present, Mystery) Small town life is more complicated than it seems in this acclaimed BBC series. Follow detective Jimmy Pérez as he investigates crime amidst the elemental landscapes of the Shetlands.

Northern Ireland ‘71 (2014, Drama) During the height of The Troubles, a British soldier becomes separated from his unit after a riot breaks out in a mixed Belfast neighborhood. Suspense and compassion mix as the film explores the humanity of all the characters, regardless of their sectarian roles.

91 Girls (2018, TV Show). This acclaimed sitcom follows the lives of high school girls in Northern Ireland during the end of the Troubles in the 1990s. Enjoy the dark humor, raw writing and irrepressible cast.

In the Name of the Father (1994, Biopic) The true-life story of Gerry Conlon, one of the “Guildford Four”—four Irish youths who were falsely convicted of blowing up an English pub in the 1970s. Although only partly set in Northern Ireland (the trial and jail time are in England), the film does a good job at exploring the tensions between the Catholics and Protestants at the time.

Ireland The Commitments (1991, Comedy/Drama) Based on a novel by Roddy Doyle, this musical follows the travails of working-class youth in 1980s Dublin, who think their ticket to fame lies in forming a band dedicated to American soul music. A cast of young, inexperienced actors play the musicians with heart and passion (and offer up a truly knockout version of Mustang Sally).

Philomena (2013, Drama) Based on the true story of Philomena Lee, who became pregnant out of wedlock in 1950 and was sent to an abbey in Roscrea to give birth. She spent three years there with her son Michael, who was then taken from her and sold to an American couple (as were many other children). Fifty years alter, journalist helped uncover the scandal, and helped Philomena learn the fate of her son.

Ryan’s Daughter (1970, Drama) Imagine Madame Bovary—set against the sweeping beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. This David Lean epic tells the story of an young, unfulfilled married woman’s affair with a traumatized British officer during World War I. The all-star cast includes Sarah Miles, John Miles, Robert Mitchum, Trevor Howard, and Leo McKern.

Michael Collins (1996, Drama) Directed by Neil Jordan, this fine biopic stars Liam Neeson as the hero of the Irish Civil War, who helped negotiate the creation of the Irish Free State.

Brooklyn (2015, Drama) is a touching drama about a young Irish woman who emigrates to New York in the 1950s. Though much of it takes place in Brooklyn, the heroine Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) returns to Ireland to make an important choice. Nominated for three Academy Awards in 2016.

Waking Ned Devine (1998, Comedy). Set in a rural Irish town, this is the tale of lottery winner Ned Devine—who is found dead, with a winning ticket in his hand. The townsfolk try to fool the authorities into thinking Ned is still alive so they can cash the ticket in and share the prize.

92 Useful Websites

Overseas Adventure Travel World Weather www.oattravel.com www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.wunderground.com www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) Overseas Adventure Travel Frequently www.travlang.com/languages Asked Questions www.oattravel.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov

Foreign Exchange Rates National Passport Information Center www.xe.com/currencyconverter www.travel.state.gov www.oanda.com/converter/classic Holidays Worldwide ATM Locators www.timeanddate.com/holidays www.mastercard.com/atm www.visa.com/atmlocator

93 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Land Tours

The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a non- ADVENTURES contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against • All meals are served by the dining staff— COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure buffets are no longer available. and provide proof of vaccination upon VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND boarding the ship. If you are unable to UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS provide proof of vaccination upon arrival at FOR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES ON LAND your destination, you will have to return • All travelers must be fully vaccinated against home at your own expense. COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. If To meet this requirement, please bring your you are unable to provide proof of vaccination original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon arrival at your destination, you will with you on your trip. The white card must have to return home at your own expense. display your name, type of vaccine, and the To meet this requirement, please bring your date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for you on your trip. The white card must display your records as a backup. your name, type of vaccine, and the date(s) • All local Trip Experience Leaders, the vaccine was administered. We also suggest ship staff, and crew will be fully taking a picture of this card to keep for your vaccinated against COVID-19. records as a backup. • All coach drivers will be fully • All local Trip Experience Leaders will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. vaccinated against COVID-19. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated all ships are equipped with High Efficiency against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters.

Help us ensure travelers’ safety and health while on our trips. Please follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness—wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update

94 Notes

95 Notes

96 Notes

97 Notes

98 NETH. h BELGIUM rt Arrival/ Air Route Departure Sea North No Cruise Route Motor Route FRANCE

Optional Extension

l e

London

n

n a

Oxford h

Stromness (Orkney Islands)

C

h

Lake District

Bristol ENGLAND

Barrow-in-Furnace s

i

l

g n

E

Aberdeen SCOTLAND WALES

Belfast

Isle of Man

Fishguard Sea Celtic

Stornoway

(Islay) N. IRELAND

(Isle of Lewis) IRELAND

PortP Ellen

Tobermorry To

(Isle of Mull) (Isl

l e

Sea n

North

London n

a

h

C

O

h

ENGLAND s

Sea

i North l

York g Oxford Andrews

. n i

Aberdeen E St ENGLAND Dublin l PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Kinsale Sea Celtic Atlantic Ocean A POST-TRIP EXTENSION POST-TRIP Manchester Wexford Edinburgh Cork SCOTLAND IRELAND

99 YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER

Your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader is an insider who lives in the destinations you are exploring. They are not just knowledgeable, but personable and personal—eager to understand your own interests, and happy to share their own. This makes all the diff erence between just visiting a place, and experiencing its true spirit.

For your Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland adventure, your Trip Experience Leaders have earned an overall “Excellence” rating of 89% in post-trip surveys completed by our travelers.

The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled

CONNECT WITH US: 1-800-955-1925 | www.oattravel.com

Please recycle and give back 42 Traveler 09/2021 to the world100 we travel.