Orchard View Travelers presents Best of Britain and Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales For Reservations Call

Transcription

1 Orchard View Travelers presents Best of Britain and Ireland featuring England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales For Reservations Call Highlights... London Rail Journey Edinburgh Scottish Cooking Demo Whisky Distillery Dunrobin Castle Belfast Giant s Causeway Belleek Pottery Galway Killarney Blarney Castle Waterford Crystal Kilkenny Irish & Welsh Castle Stays Bath Stonehenge Stratford-upon-Avon 24 Days 32 Meals: 22 Breakfasts 10 Dinners COLLETTE EXPERIENCES Take a scenic train through England s countryside to York. Overnight in castles in the Irish and Welsh countryside. Explore the mythical heritage of Stonehenge. Day 1: Overnight Flight Discover the true cultural treasures of Britain and Ireland on a comprehensive journey featuring England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales. Day 2: London, England - Tour Begins Your tour opens in England s cosmopolitan capital of London. Old-world traditions meet modern charm in this capital of culture and commerce. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be Day 3: London Discover the pageantry of London as you join a local guide for a panoramic city tour. See Big Ben, Westminster, Whitehall, Hyde Park and the Changing of the Guard* (if held) at Buckingham Palace. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore this iconic city or perhaps partake in an optional excursion to Kensington Palace. Today breakfast will be Day 4: London - Rail Journey - York - Choice on Tour Your day begins at King s Cross Station where you ll board a train to the medieval city of York. After traveling through England s scenic countryside, arrive in York and choose how you d like to spend the afternoon. Perhaps you ll join a local expert for a leisurely walking tour seeing the Roman walls and the historic Shambles, an area that appears today almost as it did during the Middle Ages. Or, perhaps you ll visit York s famous Minister, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure. Today breakfast will be Day 5: York - Borders Region, Scotland - Edinburgh Head north through rolling fields on your way to bonnie Scotland. Stretching across the country you will find

2 Hadrian s Wall, which once marked the northern border of the vast Roman Empire. Stop to see this ancient fortification that was begun in A.D. 122 to protect Roman Britain from the tribes of Scotland. Next, drive through Scotland s Borders region before arriving in Edinburgh, the "Athens of the North." Discover Scotland's exciting capital city rich in beauty and culture. This evening, give traditional Scottish ingredients a modern twist during a private cooking experience at one of Scotland s premier culinary institutions. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 6: Edinburgh - Choice on Tour Today it s your choice! Perhaps you ll get acquainted with this regal city on a locally guided panoramic city tour by coach. Or, for a different perspective, you may opt to join a local expert and explore the city on foot. Both tours include a visit to Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels; and the Palace of Holyroodhouse,** the Queen s official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city independently. Today breakfast will be Day 7: Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Pitlochry - Eastern Highlands Travel to St. Andrews, the beautiful town in the Kingdom of Fife that gave the world the game of golf. See the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse and the famous Old Course. Next, stop at Pitlochry, a vibrant Victorian town. Discover its old-world appeal as you explore this popular resort town on your own. Spend time at one of Scotland s renowned whisky distilleries. Taste and see for yourself why Highland malt whisky is considered the world s finest. Continue to Scotland s Eastern Highlands for a relaxing 2-night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 8: Eastern Highlands - Culloden - Dunrobin Castle - Eastern Highlands Your day begins at Culloden Battlefield. On this spot in April 1746, a half-hour battle between loyalist and Jacobite forces changed the course of history. Next, tour the majestic Dunrobin Castle.*** Dating back to the 1330s, its 189 rooms make it the largest house in the Northern Highlands. Experience a fascinating falconry display in the formal gardens overlooking the North Sea. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 9: Eastern Highlands - Loch Ness - Urquhart Castle - Glasgow Enjoy stunning and unspoiled landscapes as you journey further into the Highlands. Take a cruise of famed Loch Ness, one of Britain s most scenic bodies of water. Keep your eyes open - you never know when Nessie will appear! Soak up the awe-inspiring view at the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle before disembarking and exploring this historic stronghold for yourself. Continue through Scotland s stunning Great Glen before arriving at your hotel in the bustling Victorian city of Glasgow. Today breakfast will be Day 10: Glasgow - Ferry Crossing - Belfast, Northern Ireland Say goodbye to Scotland to cross the Irish Sea and arrive in Belfast, the cosmopolitan capital of Northern Ireland. Join a local expert for an informative city tour and learn about the struggles in this great city s history as you pass through its distinctive neighborhoods. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 11: Belfast - Antrim Coast - Belfast This morning, lose yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Glens of Antrim. Marvel at the majesty and mystery of the Giant s Causeway, Northern Ireland s only UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to Belfast for an evening at leisure. Today breakfast will be Day 12: Belfast - Enniskillen - Sligo, Ireland Depart Belfast for Ireland s stunning west coast. En route, stop in the historic town of Enniskillen before stepping into the world of Irish craftsmanship with a visit to Belleek Pottery. Tour this impressive facility and learn how traditional methods have been passed down from generation to generation. Continue to County Sligo and stop to view W.B. Yeats grave in Drumcliffe Churchyard. In the shadow of Benbulben, take a moment to reflect upon the profound natural beauty that was so often Yeats inspiration. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 13: Sligo - Galway - Ennis This morning, travel to what is often called Ireland s most Irish city, coastal Galway. Enjoy time on your own to meander its cobblestone streets, relax in Erye Square, or visit its stunning cathedral. This afternoon, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family with a visit to a working farm. Your day ends in the charming market town of Ennis. Today breakfast will be Day 14: Ennis - Cliffs of Moher - Killarney Your day begins at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland s most incredible attractions. Enjoy free time to walk along their rambling edge, soaking up unparalleled views and snapping incredible photos. Ferry across the mighty Shannon into County Kerry. Arrive in Killarney where a time-honored jaunting car ride**** will take you through stunning Killarney National Park. Rugged mountains, serene lakes, and lush forests come together to create an unparalleled landscape that harkens back to ancient myths. Today breakfast and dinner will be

3 Day 15: Killarney - Choice on Tour Today is yours to choose how you d like to explore County Kerry. Perhaps you ll join a local expert on a walk through history at the impressive Muckross Estate and Gardens; stroll along the lakeshores of Killarney National Park before arriving at the majestic Torc Waterfall. Or, perhaps you will choose to travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry; soak up the pristine ocean scenery, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney along the way. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Ireland culture. Today breakfast will be Day 16: Killarney - Blarney - Waterford - Kilkenny Journey to historic Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of the gab. Then it s on to the House of Waterford Crystal. Enjoy a fascinating factory tour followed by time to browse the retail store housing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world. Continue on to the charming Norman city of Kilkenny. Today breakfast will be Day 17: Kilkenny - Choice on Tour Today it s your choice! Perhaps you ll stay in town and join a local expert on a walking tour of medieval Kilkenny; meander through historic streets unveiling the rich history of this Norman stronghold. Or, maybe you d prefer to delve into Ireland s monastic past with a visit to the stirring ruins of Kells Priory, one of the largest and most impressive medieval monuments in the country; then you ll visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship and gain insight to the emigrant experience following Ireland s devastating potato famine. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently. Today breakfast will be Day 18: Kilkenny - Dublin - Castle Stay This morning we make our way to Dublin, the Fair City. Join a local guide for a tour of the city. Take in O Connell Street, Grafton Street and the city's magnificent rows of stately Georgian townhomes. Tour Kilmainham Gaol, the historic prison that held some of Ireland s most famous political and military leaders including Charles Stewart Parnell and Eamon de Valera. Next, enjoy some leisure time to discover the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. Perhaps you ll choose an optional tour of the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the brewing process that creates this beloved beverage before pouring and enjoying the perfect pint. Top your day off with an overnight on the regal grounds of a 13th-century Irish castle. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 19: Dublin - Ferry Crossing - North Wales, UK Ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. Pause in the medieval walled town of Conwy for a tour of its 13thcentury castle. Perhaps you ll follow in the footsteps of guardians of old with a walk along the historic fortress walls. Continue on to your castle hotel by way of Snowdonia National Park, a stunningly wild landscape that is home to ancient woodlands and snowcapped mountains. Settle in to your Welsh castle for a relaxing 2- night stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 20: North Wales - Choice on Tour Today it s your choice! Perhaps you will choose to relax on the regal grounds of Ruthin Castle and enjoy a day at leisure. Or, maybe you d enjoy a visit to the great port city of Liverpool; a tour reveals the 800-year history of this fascinating city; afterwards, spend time on your own at the restored Albert Dock complex where you could explore one of the many museums such as the Tate Liverpool Gallery, Maritime Museum, or the award-winning Beatles Story. Today breakfast will be Day 21: North Wales - Ludlow - Cardiff, Wales Bid your castle farewell and travel south through the English-Welsh borderlands, an area of unforgettable and varied natural beauty. Stop in the medieval market town of Ludlow, one of finest historic towns in England with a wealth of stunning period buildings. Continue south to the stirring ruins of Tintern Abbey, surrendered to Henry VIII in Despite the shell s grand structure being open to the skies, its mystery and appeal remain as enduring as ever. End your day in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Today breakfast will be Day 22: Cardiff - Bath - Stonehenge - Frimley This morning s journey takes you to the elegant Georgian town of Bath. Visit the Roman Bath Museum s 2,000-year-old spas and enjoy time to stroll through its cobblestone streets and soak in its old-world atmosphere. Continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge, the mysterious formation that dates back to the Stone Age. Explore various theories on how the colossal stones arrived at the location and their purpose. Today breakfast will be Day 23: Frimley - Stratford-upon-Avon - Frimley Venture to charming Stratford-upon-Avon. Step back in time as you visit William Shakespeare s birthplace. Afterward, it s your choice: you may tour Anne Hathaway s thatched-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the author s wife; or, perhaps you d prefer a leisurely cruise along the Avon River. Return to your hotel, traveling through some of England s most beautiful countryside. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner and toast the end of a wonderful journey. Today breakfast and dinner will be Day 24: Frimley - Tour Ends Depart today with many cherished memories of Britain and Ireland. Today breakfast will be

4 Experience It! Stonehenge Walk in the footsteps of so many before you when visiting prehistoric Stonehenge. This mysterious rock formation dates back to the Stone Age and remains one of the world s most famous sites. Standing in the middle of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, Stonehenge is perhaps the most important prehistoric monument in England. Enhance your overall experience and understanding of Stonehenge at the state-of-the-art visitor s center. Explore fascinating exhibitions, featuring nearly 300 archaeological treasures. The outdoor gallery includes three Neolithic houses. These houses offer visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the people who built Stonehenge. The experience of seeing this timeless monument is not to be missed it will surely be a highlight of your tour. YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE Day 1 Overnight Flight Days 2, 3 Grange Tower Bridge Hotel Day 4 Hotel 53 Days 5, 6 Novotel City Centre Days 7, 8 Kingsmills Hotel, Eastern Highlands or Grant Arms Hotel, Eastern Highlands Day 9 Hilton Glasgow Days 10, 11 Europa Hotel Day 12 Sligo Park Hotel Day 13 The Old Ground Hotel Days 14, 15 Killarney Avenue Hotel or Killarney Plaza Hotel or Killarney Towers Hotel Days 16, 17 The Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel Day 18 Barberstown Castle, Co. Kildare Days 19, 20 Ruthin Castle Hotel Day 21 Radisson Blu Days 22, 23 MacDonald Frimley Hall Hotel On some dates alternate hotels may be used. Please Note: Economy air rate and schedule are applicable for groups of 10 or more traveling on the same flights and dates. To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at prescheduled times. *The changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is not held every day. When it is not available, a stop will still be made at the palace. **The Palace of Holyroodhouse may occasionally be closed when the Queen is in residence or for official state functions. ***Dunrobin Castle is open from April to October. When it is closed you will visit Fort George or similar. ****Jaunting car ride is included, weather permitting. Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Air passengers will arrive and depart from London airports. On day 24, all transfers will depart from Frimley for London airports. Distance to London Heathrow Airport from Frimley is approximately 1 hour. Please be advised many airlines do not provide advance seat assignments until check-in at the airport. Advance seating will be subject to the airline's terms and conditions. This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. IDENTIFICATION IMPORTANT RESERVATION INFORMATION

5 Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity from date of return home. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements. IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact. *Airfare: For your convenience, we offer airfare for purchase with all vacation packages. If you purchase an air inclusive program, your airfare will be quoted inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Your rates are subject to change until paid in full. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight or departure date. Checked Baggage Charges: Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline s checked baggage policies. Cancellation Charges for this tour: After your seat reduction date has passed, a non-refundable deposit will be retained. For Cancellation between days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 30% of total price. For cancellation between 15-1 days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 50% of total price. For cancellation on the day of departure and after: 100% of total price. For Ocean Cruises: For cancellation between days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 35% of total price. For cancellation between days prior to departure: 60% of total price. 30 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of total price. For River Cruises: including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China, days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 50% of total price. For cancellation between days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 85% of total price. For cancellation 30 or fewer days prior to departure: cancellation fee of 100% of total price. For Galapagos and Antarctica: A cancellation fee of 60% will apply for cancellation between days prior to departure; A cancellation charge of 100% will apply for cancellation less than 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation protection is highly recommended and must be purchased at time of deposit. Air rates are subject to change until tour is paid in full. If Travel Protection Plan has not been purchased and a reservation is cancelled for any reason prior to departure - Air is 100% nonrefundable once paid in full. Cancellation charges also apply to reservations made for "pre" and "post" night accommodations. Payment of a Per Person Travel Protection Plan Fee guarantees a full refund of all payments (including deposit), except the Travel Protection Plan Fee itself, made to Collette for travel arrangements in case of cancellation of your travel plans for any reason prior to the day of departure. The Travel Protection Plan Fee with Air only covers airline tickets you have purchased from Collette. Exception: If you originally purchased nonrefundable airline tickets, the Travel Protection Plan does not provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes or fees, in the event of cancellation. This air ticket is covered by Collette's travel protection plan under Part B, if you cancel your trip for covered reasons (see Part B for more details). The Travel Protection Plan Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise from an individual s traveling companion electing to cancel for any reason prior to departure. However, the Part B travel insurance includes a single supplement benefit of $1,000 for certain covered reasons as detailed in Part B. In this case, the single supplement will be deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this charge between the two passengers involved is solely their responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of the single supplement. Cancellation waiver protects you from penalties in the event you have a need to cancel your entire inclusive tour package up to the day prior to departure. Cancellation waiver does not indemnify you from penalties if you chose to cancel partial tour components or air. If you chose to partially cancel your vacation, you will be responsible for a revision fee as well as any penalties that are incurred at the time of the cancellation. Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services where you, the customer, are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of the terms and conditions above, you will be refunded 100%. Please see your sales agent for more information, or review our brochure for details. Responsibilities: Neither Collette Travel Services, Inc., its affiliated entities and its and their employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (collectively "Collette"), own or operate any person or entity which is to or does provide goods or services for these trips. Because Collette does not maintain control or operate the personnel, equipment, or operations of the suppliers it uses and as such Collette assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage or other loss accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the suppliers or other employees or agents; (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, or instrument owned, operated or otherwise used by any of these suppliers; or (3) any wrongful, willful or negligent act of or omission on the part of any other party not under the supervision and control of Collette. Additionally, Collette waives any and all liability for losses or expenses due to sickness, lack of appropriate medical facilities or practitioners, weather, strikes, theft or other criminal acts, war, terrorism, computer problems, acts of God, or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws of the country in which they are provided. Collette reserves the right to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in their sole judgment, conditions warrant, or if Collette deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or the safety of the tour. Collette reserves the right to withdraw any tour at any time. Collette reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by the tour manager to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. Collette does not accept liability for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable airline or other ticket to the tour departure city and return or otherwise. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the passenger at all times. Passengers may be photographed for the promotional purposes of Collette. Payment of the deposit to Collette constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. I agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to this contract, the brochure or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association in the State of Rhode Island. Such proceedings will be governed by and in accordance with substantive Rhode Island law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Explorations is a brand of Collette Travel Services Inc., a Rhode Island based corporation. Consumer Protection Plans: Collette Travel Service holds membership in the following highly reputable industry organizations: the United States Tour Operators Association and the American Society of Travel Agents. Each association operates a consumer protection plan to cover deposits made by travelers. Full details are available from the organizations or Collette Travel Service. Collette is pleased to give this additional protection to our clients. Our California Sellers of Travel registration number is Our State of Washington Unified Business Number is Our Nevada Sellers of Travel registration number is CST# UBN# Nevada Sellers of Travel Registration No