Itinerary for the Deaf Trip to Ireland, Scotland & England:

Day 1: London Arrival & Tour

Start your trip at Heathrow Airport with an independent transfer to your hotel. Meet your interpreter before a 2:30 pm panoramic tour of central London to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column and lions of Trafalgar Square, Big Ben towering over the Houses of Parliament and Hyde Park. In the evening meet your tour director for a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Tower of London & City Sights

Today you may schedule your London sightseeing when you take an open-top bus tour around the many famous landmarks. There are a number of different bus routes as well as a walking tour and a cruise on the River Thames. Visit the Tower of London to view the magnificent Crown Jewels, guarded by Beefeaters in distinctive Tudor uniforms. You are free to choose a restaurant to dine independently. (B)

Day 3: Cambridge & York Walking Tour

Visit Cambridge to see some of the famous university colleges, including King’s College, and the Mathematical Bridge over the River Cam. Head north to York for a walking tour to appreciate narrow streets and medieval houses, which contain centuries of history. The stately York Minster, with towers and stained glass, is the highlight of the walk. Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. (B, D)

Day 4: Floors Castle & Cabaret Evening

Pass Heddon-on-the-Wall to view a portion of Hadrian’s Wall and travel through the scenic Northumberland National Park. Cross into Scotland at Carter Bar. Drive through the scenic Borders to Kelso to visit Floors Castle, built in 1721 and home to the 10th Duke of Roxburghe, to see stunning interiors with tapestries, silver and family portraits. Travel to Edinburgh and experience lively entertainment at a Scottish cabaret. (B, D)

Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour

Discover Edinburgh’s highlights on a city tour. See the elegant Georgian “New Town” with spacious streets and the compact medieval city along the Royal Mile. Tour Edinburgh Castle to view the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. Also enjoy splendid views of central Edinburgh. The rest of the day is free for independent activities. On August 5 to 19 departures, experience the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)

Day 6: Giant’s Causeway & Derry

This morning will be an early start as you drive to Cairnryan for a short ferry ride to Larne. Travel along the “Nine Glens of Antrim” with views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. The enormous rocks have spawned legends about the mythical giant, Finn McCool. Continue to Derry for your overnight stay. (B, D)

Day 7: Ulster American Folk Park & Taylor’s Three Rock Pub

This morning join a local guide for a short walking tour around Derry, surrounded by medieval city walls. Near Omagh visit the Ulster American Folk Park to see many cottages and traditional crafts. The Park traces the story of Ulster emigrants and shows rural lifestyles in both Ireland and America in Colonial times. Travel south to Dun Laoghaire, where your Victorian hotel is located on Dublin Bay, a few miles from the city. Enjoy dinner at Taylor’s Three Rock Pub followed by an upbeat show with Irish music and dance. (B, D)

Day 8: Dublin Tour & Book of Kells

Take a tour around central Dublin, with spacious Georgian squares and streets, landmark public buildings and graceful townhouses. Visit Trinity College to see the campus and view the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The afternoon and evening are free for independent sightseeing and dining. (B)

Day 9: Rock of Cashel & Killarney

Depart Dublin and drive south through pleasant farming country. Visit the Rock of Cashel, where Brian Boru was crowned King of Munster in 977. See the 12th century highly-decorated Cormac’s Chapel, the large cruciform cathedral and a round tower. Continue to the famous town of Killarney and check in to your hotel with state-of-the-art pool and spa facilities. (B, D)

Day 10: Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience

Embark on the Ring of Kerry tour for constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. There will be plenty of stops to admire the scenery. Visit the Skellig Experience to learn about early Christian monks who lived on the rocky offshore islands and about prolific bird life today. Stop at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views before returning to Killarney. (B, D)

Day 11: Blarney Castle & Waterford Crystal

Visit the famous Blarney Castle this morning to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence.” Travel through the outskirts of Cork city and along the south coast to the city of Waterford. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal to see how glass is blown and cut by master craftspeople and view a collection of amazing trophies. Check in to your hotel, located on the dockside of this port city. (B, D)

Day 12: South Wales & Cardiff Banquet

Depart Waterford early this morning to catch the ferry from Rosslare to South Wales. Journey through South Wales where coal used to be mined to Cardiff and take a brief tour of the city. Head to Cardiff Castle, developed in Roman times and transformed into an elaborate Gothic-style residence in the 19th century. A tour of the Castle is followed by a fun Welsh banquet in the undercroft. (B, D)

Day 13: Roman Baths & Stonehenge

This morning explore Bath, popular for its natural hot springs with the Romans 2,000 years ago and again in fashion in the 18th century Regency period. Tour the Roman Baths and Pump Room, wonderfully preserved after two millennia and see the stately mansions of the Royal Crescent and Queen’s Square. Drive to Salisbury Plain to view the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths at Stonehenge. Continue into London and check in to your hotel once again. (B)

Day 14: Tour Ends Heathrow Airport

Travel to Heathrow Airport by group coach transfer, to arrive by 9:00 am. Transfers to Gatwick Airport can be arranged at an additional cost. (B)

B=Breakfast
D=Dinner