13 nights. Ireland, United Kingdom

Day 1

amsterdam, holland

Departure: 17:00

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that never fails to delight visitors with its charming canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. This beautiful city offers something for everyone, from art lovers and history buffs to foodies and party-goers. One of the most iconic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat tour or stroll along the canals to admire the picturesque bridges and colorful houseboats that line the waterways. The city is also home to many world-renowned museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which houses a vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts. For those looking to indulge in some shopping, Amsterdam has plenty of options. The city's main shopping district is centered around Dam Square, where you'll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques. And when it comes to dining, Amsterdam is a food lover's paradise. From traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from all corners of the globe, there's something to suit every taste. When the sun goes down, Amsterdam comes alive with a buzzing nightlife scene. Head to the famous Red Light District for a taste of the city's more risqué offerings, or hit up one of the many bars and clubs that dot the city's streets. No matter what your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Day 3

cork, ireland

Arrival: 09:00 - Departure: 18:00

Cork is Ireland’s second city, but for some people it is the country’s number-one Gaelic city and the real capital of Ireland. Cork is hospitable, cosmopolitan and energetic. The River Lee flows through the city and joins one of the world’s largest natural harbours, and it takes some 29 bridges to connect its most distinctive features together. Cork is an important cultural and artistic hub which has important film, jazz, and poetry festivals such as the Cork Midsummer Festival. Cork was named European Capital of Culture in 2005. South of the River Lee, towering over the rest of the city is St Finbarr 's Cathedral, a lush limestone building equipped with three impressive spires dedicated to the founder and patron of the city. Visit St. Anne’s church in Shandon district for the view from the tower and the 200-year-old bells. Shandon neighbourhood has retained its authenticity and is brimming with narrow streets and colourful shops. St Patrick's Street, a covered canal, is the main artery of the city and is known for the architecture of its buildings. Between St Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade rises The English Market, a covered fruit and vegetable market, recently restored, which has been operating since 1610, although the present building dates from 1786. Rebellious and nationalistic, Cork smells of sea breeze and has managed to retain its authenticity. The oceanic vivacity and a carefree joie de vivre are Cork’s most cherished characteristics.

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Day 4

dun laoghaire - ireland

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 22:00

Dublin has been the setting for many novels and it’s no wonder since its written tradition goes back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city is the birthplace for many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name a few. The city’s Georgian elegance blends perfectly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its distinctive personality. One can’t deny that Dublin is a cultural city; the UNESCO designated Ireland’s capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin containing the lecturn that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to absorb. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its glorious riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a couple of pints of Guinness. In its more than 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be mandatory for tourists to spend some time in a pub since it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is as well a young city, it has one of the youngest population in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is overflowing with funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicenter being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city’s live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this nowadays multicultural city, but beware, Dublin, as its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.

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Day 6

liverpool, england

Arrival: 04:30 - Departure: 19:00

Difficult to mention Liverpool without thinking about the Beatles. This band is still a matter of pride for the Liverpudlians, but that should not overshadow other attractions in this city on the west coast of England. Its undeniable cultural dynamism today materializes in the rehabilitation and reuse of its industrial heritage, the conversion of the Albert Dock as a cultural and leisure centre, the opening of the Tate Gallery or the creation of the Garden Festival have made Liverpool one of the most vibrant cities in the country. Without a doubt, Albert Dock is the most important sight of Liverpool. A succession of solid brick warehouses surround a pond. A World Heritage site, the Albert Dock houses the award-winning Tate Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum and the stunning International Slavery Museum. With so much to see and do, rest weary feet in one of the many bars, cafes and restaurants situated around the dock. And then there's the Beatles. There are many places around the city that cherish this legendary band, museums, bars, shops, hotels and cafeterias themed around the band’s history attract many musical pilgrims. All this Beatles sites share the spotlight with another symbol of the city: The Metropolitan Cathedral, the biggest cathedral in the UK, also attracts many tourists due to its unusual architecture. Of course, it's impossible to talk about Liverpool without mentioning football. Here, on Anfield stadium, home of Liverpool F.C, visitors will learn all there is to learn about this great club. Around the stadium there are a few pubs for pre-match drinking and meet first-hand the team’s passionate fan base. Now, that is the real Liverpool experience.

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Day 7

belfast, northern ireland

Arrival: 07:30 - Departure: 18:30

Belfast, the once battle-scarred city, has regained its true condition, as the hidden treasure of Ireland. With all its attractions and its newfound fame as nocturnal city, it has become a vibrant destination. Belfast City Hall is a must-see when visiting the city. Located at Donegall square, the heart of the city, this Renaissance building has on the inside beautiful stained glass windows and murals that depicts Belfast history. On the docks of the river you can see the curious statue of a huge fish. Behind it the Titanic Belfast rises. The Titanic Belfast is an interactive attraction opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the vessel. It is located in the modern Titanic Quarter, Europe's largest waterfront development, is a futuristic mix of residential, commercial, tourism, education and retail space that has provided Belfast with a new urban quarter. One of the undeniable attractions of the city are its political murals on Shankill Road, there are over 700 and they reflect the city’s painful past. But Belfast definitely is looking at the future. Stylish bars and restaurants abound in the city and its warm and friendly people will make you fall in love with Belfast.

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Day 8

glasgow (greenock), scotland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 18:00

Greenock is a historic industrial town by the Firth of Clyde, 25 miles west of Glasgow. Greenock grew from a fishing community to become the site of the first dock on the Clyde in 1711. The town’s maritime history is celebrated at the Custom House Museum. Much of the west end of Greenock retains its impressive Victorian buildings, not least the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete. Other attractions include McLean Museum and Art Gallery and the Old West Kirk, which dates from 1591 and features stained glass by artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

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Day 10

lerwick/shetland, scotland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 18:00

Lerwick is the main town and port of the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Shetland's only burgh, Lerwick had a population of about 7,000 residents in 2010. Centred 123 miles (200 km) off the north coast of the Scottish mainland and on the east coast of the Shetland Mainland, Lerwick lies 211 miles (340 km) north-by-northeast of Aberdeen; 222 miles (357 km) west of the similarly sheltered port of Bergen in Norway; and 228 miles (367 km) south east of Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. It is both the most northerly and the most easterly town in Scotland.[citation needed] One of the UK's coastal weather stations is situated there. Significant buildings in Lerwick include Fort Charlotte, Lerwick Town Hall, the Böd of Gremista, Shetland Museum and Archives and Clickimin Broch. Because of the historic nature of the area, some scenes from BBC's Shetland were filmed in Lerwick.

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Day 11

inverness/loch ness scotland

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

Inverness is the nerve centre and tourist capital of the Highlands. A bustling port city located on the picturesque banks of the Ness River is a fantastic base to explore this Scottish region that contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Britain. But this city is worth a visit in its own right. Inverness is an interesting and attractive city with a rich variety of places to visit and things to do; from ancient castles to restaurants to a cruise on Loch Ness or a stroll along the river. The city itself is small, compact and easy to get around. The castle in town, perched picturesquely above the river, dominates the horizon. The castle’s present day structure is a 19th century imposing Neo-Norman red stone fortress still surrounded by part of its original bastion wall. Below the castle, the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery gives a good general overview of the development of the Highlands while medieval Church Street is home to the town’s oldest-surviving buildings. Contrary to the lore, Inverness castle is not where Macbeth murdered King Duncan; the actual site is a moat-and-drawbridge dream, Cawdor Castle, located just east of Inverness. The beautiful gothic construction is well worth a visit if only for its dazzling gardens. The ruins of Urquhart Castle, a local and national icon and one of the most photographed sites of the region, are on the north side of the Loch. This is where most sightings of the famous monster have occurred. Nowadays, Inverness is a modern city, with all the modern accommodations and amenities one could expect from a major city. There are many lovely riverside restaurants and bustling pavement cafes as well as a wide range of specialist retailers in the historic Old Town and Victorian Market. Whether it’s roaming the streets of the city itself or heading out into the Highlands of Scotland for a day trip, Inverness definitely stands as one of those ultimately must-see destinations in the United Kingdom.

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Day 12

kirkwall, scotland

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 18:00

Kirkwall is the largest town in Orkney, an archipelago to the north of mainland Scotland. The name Kirkwall comes from the Norse name Kirkjuvágr (Church Bay), which later changed to Kirkvoe, Kirkwaa and Kirkwall. Kirkwall was formerly the site of an ancient Norse town founded approximately 1000 years ago. Today, it is a transport hub with ferries to many locations. The Orkney Library and Archive is in Kirkwall. Kirkwall also has the most northerly of the world's Carnegie libraries, which was opened by Andrew Carnegie and his wife in 1909. The building survives, although the library has since moved to a larger building on Junction Road. The town has two museums, the larger being Tankerness House Museum, which contains items of local historical interest within one of Scotland's best-preserved 16th-century town-houses. It is a Category A listed building Scotland. The prehistoric, Pictish and Viking collections are of international importance. The other museum is the Orkney Wireless Museum, dealing with the history of radio and recorded sound. One of the major annual events in the town is the Ba Game, held each Christmas Day and New Year's Day between the Uppies and the Doonies, each team representing one half of the town.

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Day 14

amsterdam, holland

Arrival: 06:00

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that never fails to delight visitors with its charming canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. This beautiful city offers something for everyone, from art lovers and history buffs to foodies and party-goers. One of the most iconic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat tour or stroll along the canals to admire the picturesque bridges and colorful houseboats that line the waterways. The city is also home to many world-renowned museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which houses a vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts. For those looking to indulge in some shopping, Amsterdam has plenty of options. The city's main shopping district is centered around Dam Square, where you'll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques. And when it comes to dining, Amsterdam is a food lover's paradise. From traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from all corners of the globe, there's something to suit every taste. When the sun goes down, Amsterdam comes alive with a buzzing nightlife scene. Head to the famous Red Light District for a taste of the city's more risqué offerings, or hit up one of the many bars and clubs that dot the city's streets. No matter what your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

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