Join our timeless adventure through England, Scotland, and Ireland, with a stopover in dazzling Doha. A tapestry of incredible destinations and breathtaking experiences. From Westminster Abbey and the Buckingham Palace wonders - tour The King's Gallery, the Royal Mews and the State Rooms. Enjoy a West End show and the historic streets of Oxford and ancient Chester. Visit Stratford Upon Avon and Warwick Castle. Cruise Lake Windermere, and tour Liverpool and Edinburgh - with its medieval fortress. Learn the secrets of Johnnie Walker, kiss the Blarney Stone, marvel at the Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, and uncover the rich history of Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. An experience of a lifetime awaits!
TUE 02 SEP - AUCKLAND/DOHA
Depart Auckland at 3pm, and arrive in Doha at 11.15pm. Doha is the most beautiful city in Qatar, known for its modern architecture, cultural attractions, and luxury shopping malls. Stay (2 nights).
WED 03 SEP - DOHA SIGHTSEEING B,D
Morning free to relax and then an afternoon city tour of Doha.
THU 04 SEP - DOHA/LONDON B
Depart Doha at 12.40pm. Arrive London at 6pm. Stay (4 nights).
FRI 05 SEP - LONDON SIGHTSEEING B,D
This morning, enjoy a panoramic city tour. Discover the iconic landmarks, architectural and cultural diversity, and fascinating history that makes London the most visited city in the world. Your tour will take you on a non-stop precession of recognisable landmarks, including The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and Marble Arch and much more. Visit Westminster Abbey, a place that's touched the lives of kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains since 960AD. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons. A place for worship, celebration and ceremony, many of Britain’s most significant historic moments of the past one thousand years have happened here. Since 1066, the Abbey has hosted every coronation, and is the final resting place for the great kings, queens, poets, musicians, scientists and politicians of our past. Enjoy a fabulous West End matinee show this afternoon!
SAT 06 SEP - LONDON FREE DAY B
Spend the day at leisure in London. Your Kensington Hotel is very well located for a visit to the greatest food emporium in the world - at Harrods; Hyde Park, Kensington Palace and the Natural History Museum. Maybe a last minute show?
SUN 07 SEP - ROYAL LONDON B,D
Today visit Buckingham Palace You will begin your Royal Day Out at The King's Gallery, followed by the Royal Mews and then the State Rooms. Explore the exhibition Royal Portraits: A new exhibition showing the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day. Next visit the Royal Mews - one of the finest working stables in existence and responsible for all road travel arrangements for The King and members of the Royal Family. You will see historic coaches and carriages, including the Gold State Coach and the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, the newest coach at the Mews. Finally a tour through the magnificent State Rooms in Buckingham Palace which are used by The King for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. Each room is furnished with many of the treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens; sculpture by Canova; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. The day ends with a walk through the garden, with splendid views of the Palace and the famous lake. Spend the balance of the day at leisure.
MON 08 SEP - LONDON/STRATFORD UPON AVON B,D
This morning, depart London and journey to Stratford-upon-Avon via Oxford. Enjoy a walking tour of Oxford. A city that grew up around the University of Oxford - one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious seats of learning. The importance and wealth of the university is projected through the scale and grandeur of the college buildings throughout the city. Pass some of the oldest colleges such as the 13th Exeter College, the impressive Bodleian Library and Baliol College, which is something of an assembly line for British Prime Ministers. Continue to Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy a photo stop at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Step into Shakespeare's world at his Birthplace. Explore the 16th-century house where the Bard spent his childhood, furnished with period décor. Engage with guides sharing insights into his life or wander the serene gardens. Stay (1 night).
TUE 09 SEP - STRATFORD UPON AVON/LIVERPOOL B,D
Journey to Liverpool via Warwick Castle. This imposing 12th century castle has the ultimate interactive castle experience. Surrounding the building are 64 acres of landscaped gardens, designed by one Britain’s finest landscape gardeners Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Later, a walking tour of Chester, a walled, medieval city founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. The ruins of the Roman amphitheatre date back to AD70. Continue to Liverpool and check in to your hotel. Stay (2 nights).
WED 10 SEP - LIVERPOOL SIGHTSEEING B,D
This morning enjoy a panoramic tour of Liverpool. During the last two centuries, this northern port city has been a maritime powerhouse, home of The Beatles and two world-class football teams, and the European Capital of Culture. The recognisable skyline along the famous River Mersey is a great place to start a city tour. Grand old buildings showcasing Liverpool’s incredible wealth from maritime trade sit alongside architecturally progressive futuristic structures. Visit The Beatles Story. Journey through the incredible rise of the Fab Four! From their humble beginnings in Liverpool to global superstardom, explore authentic memorabilia and immerse yourself in the cultural impact of the world's greatest band. It's a must-see for Beatles fans and music enthusiasts alike! Stop at the Cavern Club on Mathew Street to explore The Beatles humble beginnings and also experience a vibrant music scene that continues to this day. Dinner at local pub or restaurant tonight.
THU 11 SEP - LIVERPOOL/LAKE DISTRICT B,D
Head towards the Lake District. Visit Levens Hall & Gardens, a beautiful privately-owned house and gardens, home to the world's oldest topiary gardens and centre of a thriving 9,500-acre agricultural estate. Then enjoy a Lake Cruise on Windermere, England’s largest lake - and its magnificent contrasting scenery of mountains, wooded shorelines and lovely tranquil, secluded bays and the many wooded islands. Drive to Grasmere to enjoy a short walk and breathtaking vistas. Stay (1 night).
FRI 12 SEP - LAKE DISTRICT/EDINBURGH B,D
Depart for Edinburgh. En route visit the Museum of the Roman Army and immerse yourself in the life of a Roman soldier. Located on the site of the Roman fortress of Magna, next to one of the most complete sections of the Hadrian's Wall. Enjoy a photo stop at Housesteads Roman Fort, to see Hadrian’s Wall. Then, visit Melrose Abbey, a magnificent ruin on a grand scale and probably the most famous ruin in Scotland - founded by David I in 1136. The abbey is thought to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, marked with a commemorative carved stone plaque within the grounds. Continue to Edinburgh and check in to your hotel. Stay (2 nights).
SAT 13 SEP - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING B,D
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland. From the historical closes of the Old Town to the larges avenues of New Town, explore an outstanding city of contrasts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Calton Hill and its National Monument, rightfully giving Edinburgh its nickname: the "Athens of the North". Visit Edinburgh Castle - a stronghold for over 3000 years. In its dominating position overlooking the capital city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Then, visit Johnnie Walker and explore the flavours of Scotland.
SUN 14 SEP - EDINBURGH/BELFAST B,D
Head to Loch Ryan port on the West coast and take a direct ferry trip across the Irish Sea to Belfast, the Capital of Northern Ireland. Belfast is a city of stories, fascinating characters, significant events and beautiful architecture. Stay (2 nights).
MON 15 SEP - BELFAST SIGHTSEEING B,D
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Belfast with a passionate local guide, then discover the political Murals with a Famous Black Cab Tour. Admire greater Belfast's historical sites, including the Political Murals and Peace Lines, Crumlin Road Jail and Court House, the City Hall, Albert Memorial Clock, Crown Liquor Saloon and Titanic.This afternoon enjoy a visit to Titanic Belfast which recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship. During this self-guided journey you will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900's, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.
TUE 16 SEP - BELFAST/DONEGAL B,D
This morning depart Belfast and journey to Donegal. En-route enjoy a photo stop at the Dunluce Castle. The roofless ruins are breath-taking in the sunshine with the white chalk cliffs of Portrush close by. It was the former home of the clans McQuillan and MacDonnell. Then visit the Giants Causeway. According to legend, Finn McCool created the Giants Causeway by building stepping stones to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner! This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. Head to wild Donegal, marked by dramatic landscapes carved out by heavy Atlantic swells and fierce winds - a place where you don't have to travel very far to be completely alone. Stay (1 night).
WED 17 SEP - DONEGAL/GALWAY B,D
Head to Galway dubbed the “Venice of the West” by Irish poet William Yeats. On the way visit the Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden - one of Irelands most loved attractions. One of its most famous features is its miniature cathedral, built in 1870 and known locally as the Gothic church. Today, the abbey is home to the Irish order of Benedictine nuns. Stroll through the Victorian Walled Garden, laid out in 1867. Stay Galway (2 nights).
THU 18 SEP - GALWAY B,D
A balmy, bohemian city with a love of traditional music – Galway is hard to resist. A walking tour in the morning and the rest of day is at leisure.
FRI 19 SEP - GALWAY/KILLARNEY B,D
Head to Killarney, one of the most scenic areas in Ireland - en route view the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, featured in many movies; and visit Limerick, an ancient and proud city on the banks of the mighty River Shannon. Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. The Vikings founded Limerick in the 9th century as a base for raiding local monasteries and Celtic settlements. Today Limerick is Ireland’s third largest city and often referred to as the sporting capital of Ireland because of its sports facilities and passionate devotion to rugby. The city has recently achieved fame as the setting for Frank McCourt’s best-selling autobiography 'Angela’s Ashes'. Stay (2 nights).
SAT 20 SEP - KILLARNEY B,D
A full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry, one of the finest scenic drives in the world - incredible landscapes, remote beaches, weather-worn cliffs, heritage sights, and charming country towns. If you’re looking for a slice of ‘real Ireland’, this is it. En route around the Ring, take in mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. The famous Ladies View viewing point gives a different perspective of this magnificent countryside, with the 3 Lakes of Killarney all surrounded by the Kerry Mountains. Ladies View received its name from Queen Victoria, who was so impressed with the view that she insisted that her ladies-in-waiting should also visit there.
SUN 21 SEP - KILLARNEY/DUBLIN B,L,D
Drive to Dublin, known for its long literary tradition, its culture, and its friendly welcome. En route visit Blarney Castle, an ancient stronghold of the Lords of Muskerry. It is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles. Built in 1446, Blarney Castle is famous for its Blarney stone, the Stone of Eloquence, which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Stay Dublin (2 nights).
MON 22 SEP - DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING B,D
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Dublin then visit Trinity College. Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st and is the oldest university in Ireland. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholic from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities. Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett. Then visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Opened in 1904, the Storehouse was an operational plant for fermenting and storing Guinness. Today it houses a very fine exhibition dedicated to the Guinness story. Once the tour has finished, you are invited to the Gravity Bar to enjoy a pint of Guinness. Tonight a special Farewell dinner at Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub, which is owned and run by musicians. The Merry Ploughboys live in concert, is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin.
TUE 23 SEP - DUBLIN/AUCKLAND B
Depart Dublin on Qatar Airways to Doha at 3pm.
THUR 25 SEP AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland 2.45am.
Deposit: $1,000pp
