WALES AND IRELAND

Bristol, Tramore, Killarney, Ennis, Dublin, Wrexham

ITINERARY:

1 LONDON - STONEHENGE - SALISBURY - BATH - BRISTOL.
Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and depart at 8 a.m. from your London joining hotel (see your travel documents)for a memorable day's sightseeing: Stonehenge, one of England's most intriguing mysteries; Salisbury with its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture; and the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics. Overnight in Bristol, from where John Cabot sailed in 1497 to discover America. (D)

2 BRISTOL - CARDIFF, WALES - TRAMORE, IRELAND.
Cross the River Severn to the Welsh capital. An orientation drive here introduces you to the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Vistas of rich dairy farmland on the way to the departure point for the ferry across St. George's Channel to Ireland, arriving at Rosslare in just under four hours. Overnight is in the seaside resort of Tramore. (B,D)

3 TRAMORE - CORK - BLARNEY - KILLARNEY.
Discover why Ireland is called the "Emerald Isle." Dungarvan, Youghal, and Cork, the country's second-largest city, are milestones on the way to Blarney, renowned for its Stone of Eloquence. Time at your leisure to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch head through the Cork and Kerry mountains for the resort town of Killarney. (B,D)

4 KILLARNEY - RING OF KERRY - LIMERICK - ENNIS.
This morning take a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive known as the "Ring of Kerry" - sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly coloured farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Drive via Adare, a village well known throughout Ireland for its prize-winning thatched cottages, to Limerick. An orientation drive here features King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone of 1691. Tonight, an optional banquet at Knappogue Castle is recommended. (B)

5 ENNIS - DUBLIN.
Head east for the Irish capital via Kildare and horse-racing country. Your afternoon in the "Fair City" starts off with an orientation drive along statue-lined O'Connell Street. Then, admire elegant Georgian squares and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Later, time to browse and shop; take your Tour Director's dining recommendation for this evening. (B)

6 DUBLIN - BETWS-Y-COED, WALES - WREXHAM.
Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Enjoy the best of North Wales on a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, including spectacular Llanberis Pass and pretty Betws-y-Coed, before arriving in Wrexham. This evening, why not join an optional excursion by barge along the Llangollen Canal? (B,D).

7 WREXHAM - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON, ENGLAND - LONDON.
First stop this morning at Ironbridge, "Cradle of the Industrial Revolution." More scenic highlights on the last leg of your journey. In Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Return to London around 4 pm, where your holiday ends. (B)