Taste of Wales & Ireland

• Best Western Queen Hotel, Chester (1 night)
• Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon (2 nights)
• Fourcroft Hotel, Tenby (2 nights)
• Granville Hotel, Waterford (1 night)
• Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre, Killarney (2 nights)
• The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus - (1 night)
• Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin (2 nights) (12 day tour only)

(Please note prices are based on a 10 day tour).

Day 1: Manchester Arrival & Chester
Your trip starts at 2:00 pm whre you will meet your tour director at your Chester hotel. Chester is located approximately 30 miles from Manchester Airport so ensure that you have arranged a transfer. Today you will set out on a walking tour to see medieval streets with lovely half-timbered houses and shops. Walk along part of the city walls and view the Roman ruins. Finish at Chester Cathedral, dating back to 660 AD. Discuss your itinerary with your tour director over a welcome drink and dinner. (D)

Day 2 - North Wales & Conwy 
Today cross into Wales and drive through the scenic Horseshoe Pass. Visit a farm to watch trained dogs herding sheep and stop off for photos of 13th century St. Asaph’s Cathedral. Next drive to Conwy, a compact medieval town which is dominated by its huge castle. Take a walk around Conwy’s narrow streets lined with ancient houses and see Britain’s smallest house on the docks. Finally drive to your hotel in Caernarfon and settle in before dinner.(B, D) 

Day 3 - North Wales & Snowdonia Train
Today you will tour North Wales, starting with a train ride on a narrow-gauge steam train from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog to admire the beautiful scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. View Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, and drive by coach through more of the park. Take some time out in the village of Betws-y-Coed before heading to the National Slate Museum which relates the tough working conditions of this region’s slate industry, developed in Victorian times. (B, D)

Day 4 - Harlech Castle & Tenby
Day 4 will begin with a magnificent Welsh coastline tour as you travel south. You will see the mighty Harlech Castle, one of the “Iron Ring Castles” that were built along the coast by the English in the 13th century to control the unruly Welsh. Take a look around the attractive Georgian town of Aberaeron. Continue to the picturesque town of Tenby, featuring a little harbor, a castle and town walls. Check in to your hotel and take a ghost walk after dinner. (B, D)

Day 5 - Pembroke Castle & Lovespoon Workshop
On your fifth day, drive around scenic Pembrokehsire, a region of rolling hills and amazing coastlines. Tour Pembroke Castle which is a 12th century fortress to explore the labyrinth of passageways and towers and enjoy views from the Great Keep. Watch the ancient Welsh tradition of hand carving at the Lovespoon Workshop before returning to Tenby where the evening is free. (B)

Day 6 - St David’s & Waterford
Day 6 will begin with a journey through colourful coastal villages on the way to St David’s, the smallest city in Britain. Visit the imposing 12th century St David’s Cathedral, named for the patron saint of Wales, to view the magnificent carvings and take a look through the nearby art galleries, craft shops and tea rooms. From Fishguard take a ferry ride to Rosslare and head to your hotel in Waterford. After dinner, see the historic town on a gentle stroll with a local guide.(B, D)

Day 7 - Waterford Crystal & Killarney
A visit to the House of Waterford Crystal will be the first port of call today as you will get the chance to learn about glass blowing and cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Travel onwards to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” and shop at the nearby Blarney Woollen Mills. Then journey west through rugged countryside to Killarney and settle in to your hotel. See Killarney’s lakes in the traditional manner, by horse-drawn jaunting car with a driver who will tell you lots of stories. (B, D)

Day 9 - Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Banquet
On the ninth day take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles along the coast. Why not walk to O’Brien’s Tower at the highest point before you continue your journey through part of the Burren to your hotel on the outskirts of Limerick. In the evening head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable medieval-style feast while the lords and ladies serenade you with song and harp music, evocative of the Middle Ages. (B, D)

10 Day Tour - Depart Shannon Airport 
On day 10 you will receive a transfer to nearby Shannon Airport at either 7:30 am or 10:30 am. (B)

or 12 day tour...

B: Breakfast; D: Dinner

(Please note prices are based on a 10 day tour).