The day has arrived and we depart Cleveland on an overnight journey to Ireland. Dinner will be served in flight.

This morning, we arrive in Dublin. After clearing passport control we will be greeted by our Tour Manager. We explore Ireland’s capital, beginning with St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Founded in 1191, this is the largest church in Ireland and, according to tradition, was built beside the sacred well where Saint Patrick baptized converts in the 5th century. As we tour the Gothic interior, we note the graves of historical figures like Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels, who was Dean here) and learn how this cathedral has been a center of Irish Christian life for over 800 years. Continue with a visit to Dublin Castle, the historic heart of the city and former seat of British rule in Ireland. Originally built on the site of a Viking settlement and later developed into a 13th-century fortress, the castle has played a central role in the country’s political history. During our visit you’ll have time to explore the elegant State Apartments, admire the beautiful Chapel Royal and stroll through the lovely gardens. This evening, the group enjoys a welcome dinner together at a restaurant near the hotel. Overnight Dublin. The Conrad or similar. D.

After breakfast, we depart for a morning walking tour of historic Dublin. We will visit the iconic Trinity College Dublin, and view the Book of Kells, a renowned 9th-century illuminated Gospel manuscript created by Celtic monks.* In Trinity’s Old Library, students will see two impeccably decorated pages of this masterpiece on display, learning about its intricate artwork and how it survived from around 800 AD. We continue with a visit to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin’s oldest cathedral and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Founded in the 11th century on the site of an earlier Viking church, it is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture, vaulted nave and fascinating crypt, one of the largest in Ireland. Along the way, we pass the famous Molly Malone Statue, a beloved symbol of the city inspired by the traditional folk song, and Dublin City Hall, an elegant 18th-century building known for its impressive Georgian architecture. We conclude our walking tour with a visit of Dublinia Museum, a fascinating interactive museum that brings Viking and medieval Dublin to life. After lunch (not included), we enjoy free time to explore the Temple Bar district and Grafton Street for shopping. Overnight Dublin. The Conrad or similar. B, D.

* Note: Our visit to Trinity College Dublin and our viewing of the Book of Kells may be affected by planned renovations.

Today we drive towards Northern Ireland. En route, we stop at Monasterboice, an early Christian monastic site founded in the 5th century. Here you’ll have the chance to admire its remarkably well-preserved round tower and the famous High Crosses, including Muiredach’s High Cross, considered one of the finest examples of early medieval stone carving in Ireland. On arrival in Belfast, we have lunch (not included), then a sightseeing tour of the city highlights before attending Choral Evensong at St. Anne’s Cathedral Belfast. Afterwards, we discover the historic Titanic Quarter and visit Titanic Experience Belfast, the award-winning ultra-modern museum built on the site of the Harland & Wolff shipyard where the RMS Titanic was designed and launched in 1911. Through interactive galleries, we will learn about the construction of Titanic, from the drawing offices and gigantic slipways to the lavish interiors, as well as stories of Belfast’s ship workers. Exhibits also cover the Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage and legacy. Overnight Belfast. The Grand Central Hotel or similar. B, D.

This morning, we explore the heritage of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, with a visit of the St. Patrick’s Visitor Centre, an award-winning interactive museum that tells the story of his life and legacy through engaging exhibitions, audio-visual displays and artifacts. Afterwards, we will see Down Cathedral and the nearby grave traditionally believed to be the final resting place of St. Patrick. Afterwards, we head to Belfast Airport for our flight to Edinburgh. Overnight Edinburgh. The Glasshouse or similar. B, L, D.

Meet your local guide for today’s excursion to the Ancient Kingdom of Fife, beginning with a visit to Dunfermline, Scotland’s historic former capital. We explore Dunfermline Abbey, a magnificent medieval church founded in the 12th century and the burial place of several Scottish monarchs, including King Robert the Bruce. We then continue to the coastal town of St. Andrews, renowned for its championship golf course, where we visit the impressive ruins of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, once the largest and most important church in Scotland. This afternoon, we venture into Tayside and continue to Perth to visit Scone Palace, a historic stately home set within beautiful gardens and parkland. Famous as the crowning place of Scottish kings, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce, the palace also houses an impressive collection of art, antiques, and regal treasures, offering a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s royal heritage. On the way back to Edinburgh, we will stop at the historic Church of the Holy Rude, which was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I as the parish Church of Stirling, and which takes its name from the medieval term for the Cross of Christ’s crucifixion, the Holy Rude. Overnight Edinburgh. The Glasshouse or similar. B, D.

We begin the day with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Explore the historic state apartments, the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful palace gardens, while learning about the palace’s rich history and its connections to Scottish royalty, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Then we’ll walk up the famous Royal Mile to visit John Knox House, which dates to 1470, making it one of the oldest, original medieval buildings surviving on the Royal Mile. The house is associated with the Scottish Reformation, a dramatic, turbulent time in Scottish history, which resulted in the outbreak of civil war and the abdication of Mary Queen of Scots. Afterwards, enjoy a visit of St. Giles’ Cathedral (High Kirk of Edinburgh). In this imposing 14th century church, distinguished by its crown-shaped steeple, we discuss the Scottish Reformation. It was here that John Knox, the fiery reformer, preached in 1560 and led Scotland’s break from Catholicism. St. Giles is often called the ‘Mother Church of Presbyterianism’ for its role in the Reformation. We see Knox’s memorial in the pavement outside and the ornate Thistle Chapel inside (home to Scotland’s chivalric order). After free time for lunch (not included), we take a stroll to Greyfriars Kirkyard, one of the world’s most famous graveyards, where you will also find Greyfriars Kirk, founded in 1620, and the first church to be built in post-Reformation Edinburgh. To end the day, we visit Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city skyline from its perch on Castle Rock. We’ll explore the walls, medieval St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the Crown Jewels of Scotland displayed in the Royal Palace. Overnight Edinburgh. The Glasshouse or similar. B, D.

We depart early from Edinburgh and travel south to cross the border into England, arriving in Durham around midday. We visit Durham Cathedral, where St. Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, is buried. We will have lunch (included) at Durham Cathedral. Afterwards, we continue to the historic city of York, for a walking tour through the narrow medieval streets of The Shambles, where you will also have some free time to browse the small shops for souvenirs. Our tour ends at York Minster, where we will attend Choral Evensong (at 17:30). Overnight York. The Grand York or similar. B, L, D.

visit the magnificent Althorp Estate, the ancestral home of the Spencer family for over 500 years. Set amidst 550 acres of beautiful parkland, the estate features stunning formal gardens, tranquil lakes, and grand historic interiors, as well as remarkable art, furniture, and memorabilia that reflect the estate’s rich history. Enjoy lunch (not included) at the Café, located within the Stables Courtyard. This afternoon, we continue to nearby St. Albans to visit the splendid St. Albans Cathedral, one of England’s oldest and most historic churches. Founded in 1077 on the site of a Roman basilica, the cathedral is renowned for its stunning Norman and Gothic architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and the shrine of St. Alban, Britain’s first saint. Overnight London. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill or similar. B, D.

This morning we visit Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, a magnificent royal residence that continues to serve as an official home to His Majesty the King. Explore its stunning State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the castle grounds, and discover centuries of British history and royal tradition. Enjoy lunch (not included) in Windsor, before continuing to Oxford, known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. We visit Christ Church College and see sites connected to the Oxford martyrs, including the Martyrs’ Memorial. Overnight London. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill or similar. B, D.

This morning we travel through the beautiful North Wessex Downs to Stonehenge, the world-famous prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain. Learn about this mysterious monument through exhibits in the Visitor Centre, then visit the site itself. After lunch (not included), we continue to Bath for a walking tour including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, and the Roman Baths. Overnight London. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill or similar. B, D.

This morning we visit the British Museum, one of the world’s greatest cultural institutions, with artifacts spanning 2 million years of human history. Afterwards, enjoy a short visit to the British Library, where you’ll see treasures such as Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio, and original Beatles lyrics. After lunch (not included), we visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, where we admire the dome, mosaics, and crypt. Overnight London. Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill or similar. B, D.

We make our way to the airport and begin our journey home. If time permits, breakfast is included today.