British Isles – Castles, Countrysides & Capitals

Edinburgh > Dublin | Price from $4299

2025 Departure Dates: March 7; April 3; September 4, and 25

12 DAYS • 14 MEALS Discover the history and charms of the British Isles as you visit Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. See historic royal castles, the beauty of England’s Lake District and Ireland’s countryside. Watch master craftsmen create their works of art at the House of Waterford Crystal. Climb to the top of Blarney Castle and kiss the infamous stone. You’ll experience it all on this journey through these four magnificent countries.

A map of the united kingdom showing ireland wales and edinburgh

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Tour Itinerary

  • Day 1: Depart the USA

    Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland, where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.



  • Day 2: Edinburgh, Scotland

    Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin immersing yourself in the Scottish culture.

  • Day 3: Edinburgh

    The day begins with an included tour of this capital city. See the delightful contrast of the city between the 18th-century Georgian “New Town” and the medieval “Old Town”. The famed Royal Mile, backbone of the Old Quarter, runs from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle. See the iconic sites of St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House. During the visit of Edinburgh Castle see the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, join your Tour Manager and traveling companions for an evening of entertainment with an included dinner and show. Meals: B, D

  • Day 4: Edinburgh - Chester, England via the Lake Distric

    Today’s adventure begins with the motorcoach journey through the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside en-route to England. Enjoy the scenic wonders of northern England with a visit to the Lake District. In the picture-postcard village of Grasmere, see some historical sites of Woodsworth, and learn about the history of the famed Grasmere Gingerbread. The journey continues as you travel through the British countryside arriving in Chester this evening. Meal: B

  • Day 5: Chester

    A walking tour of this picturesque city with its Tudor-style buildings, ancient ruins and a complete city wall starts your day. Discover the history of the city’s former occupations by the Romans, Vikings, Danes, Saxons, Scots and Normans, while viewing the medieval half-timbered houses (some dating back to the 13th century), the Eastgate Clock (the 2nd most photographed clock in the UK, behind Big Ben), the Chester Cathedral and the ‘Rows’ – the highlight of the city center. The remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure to experience the charms of Chester. Meal: B

  • Day 6: Stratford - upon - Avon - Cotswolds - Cardiff, Wales

    Departing Chester, continue to another capital city, Cardiff, Wales. En-route, a stop is made in the traditional English town of Stratford-upon-Avon with its typical oak-beamed, gable-roofed houses. Visit the most famous house in town, the birthplace and childhood home of the Bard himself, William Shakespeare. You’ll also see the school where he received his education, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, erected in his memory. Continuing on, experience the beauty of the Cotswolds – rolling hills (“wolds”), river valleys, and sleepy villages where houses made from the Cotswold Stone and cozy shops line the meandering streets. Experience the British tradition of ‘tea and scones’ at a local village in the Cotswolds before arriving in Cardiff early this evening for an included dinner. Meals: B, D

  • Day 7: Cardiff

    The day begins with a guided tour of Cardiff, the largest city in Wales. During the panoramic portion, your local guide will point out architectural sites that range from historic to modern, as well as provide history of the city. On the included visit to Cardiff Castle, whose walls conceal 2,000 years of history, you’ll discover stories from the times of the Romans, Normans, Vikings, Victorian Era and even WWII. After the excursion, return to the hotel where the rest of the day is free of planned activities for your independent exploration of this capital city. Meal: B

  • Day 8: Cardiff - Waterford, Ireland

    A late morning departure from the hotel takes you to the port for embarkation of the ferry and the journey across the Irish Sea to Rosslare, Ireland. Upon arrival, continue by coach to the Waterford area for two nights’ accommodation. Meal: B

  • Day 9: Waterford - Dublin

    Today’s excursion discovers the sites of Waterford and Blarney. On a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, witness the master craftsmen at work as you watch the process of transforming a ball of red-hot molten crystal into an elegantly crafted piece of art. Continue on to Blarney where there is time for lunch on your own before visiting the famed Castle known the world over as home to the “Stone of Eloquence” or the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, if you climb to the top of the castle and kiss the stone, you will never be lost for words and will receive the “gift of gab”.


    The grounds of the castle are a curious place of ancient trees and stones, by legend a garden of Druid origin. The park has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. Return to Waterford for an included dinner. Meals: B, D

  • Day 10: Waterford - Dublin

    Leaving Waterford, travel to Dublin, the last capital city to be experienced on your journey through the British Isles. On the guided panoramic tour of this historic city, travel along O’Connell Street with its monument to Daniel O’Connell and other figures from Irish History. See the General Post Office, one of Ireland’s most famous buildings, that was the rebel headquarters in the 1916 Easter Rising. Cross over the River Liffey which flows through the center of the city and catch a glimpse of the Temple Bar area. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, the famous 8th-century hand-illuminated gospel manuscript. See Grafton Street, one of the main pedestrian-zoned shopping streets and drive through Georgian Dublin, with the beautiful 18th-century houses and squares. Pass the National Museum, Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Green and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. A special treat is in store tonight with an included dinner and evening entertainment. Music, song, and traditional Irish dancers take the stage during a show you’re sure to enjoy! Meals: B, D

  • Day 11: Dublin

    Your final day is left free of planned activities to enjoy as you please…continue sightseeing, finish any last-minute shopping, or just relax at a pub and mingle with the locals. Meal: B

  • Day 12: Dublin /USA

    It’s time to bid “cheerio” to the British Isles as you depart for the Dublin Airport with warm memories of the castles, countryside, and capital cities of your journey through these amazing countries. Meal: B

Itinerary is subject to change.

British Isles – Castles, Countrysides & Capitals

Tour Highlights

  • 14 Meals: 10 breakfasts and 4 dinners
  • Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
  • Included visits to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Blarney Castles
  • Discover the capital cities of Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin on included guided tours
  • Witness the beauty of England’s Lake District and learn the history of Grasmere Gingerbread
  • Tour the medieval city of Chester, England
  • Visit the childhood home of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Enjoy a scenic journey through the Cotswolds, one of England’s most picturesque areas
  • Experience the British tradition of tea and scones in a local village of the Cotswolds
  • Discover the ancient art of creating Waterford Crystal
  • Kiss the Blarney Stone during the visit to
  • Blarney Castle’s mysterious grounds
  • See the Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin
  • Experience local entertainment at dinner shows in Edinburgh and Dublin


Hotel Accommodations

Days 2 and 3 – Marriott Courtyard, Edinburgh, Scotland
Days 4 and 5 – McDonald Hotel, Chester, England
Days 6 and 7 – Parkgate Hotel or similar, Cardiff, Wales
Days 8 and 9 – Tower Hotel or similar, Waterford, Ireland
Days 10 and 11 – RIU Hotel, Dublin, Ireland

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  • March 7, 2025 | $4,469

    Per Person Twin

    $4,469


    Single Room Add

    +$2,965


    Call for air rates and schedules from your city to Edinburgh, Scotland, returning from Dublin, Ireland.

  • April 3, 2025 | $4,299

    Per Person Twin

    $4,299


    Single Room Add

    +$2,899


    Call for air rates and schedules from your city to Edinburgh, Scotland, returning from Dublin, Ireland.

  • September 4, 2025 | $4,579

    Per Person Twin

    $4,579


    Single Room Add

    +$3,089


    Call for air rates and schedules from your city to Edinburgh, Scotland, returning from Dublin, Ireland.


  • September 25, 2025 | $4,579

    Per Person Twin

    $4,579


    Single Room Add

    +$3,089


    Call for air rates and schedules from your city to Edinburgh, Scotland, returning from Dublin, Ireland.
A house with a thatched roof is surrounded by trees and bushes
A small village with a bridge over a river and houses
A fountain in a park with a castle in the background.

South Africa Itinerary

A-Rated South Africa Safari.

While wildlife safaris are reason enough to visit this exquisite country, South Africa offers, even more, to see and do. For one, the city of Cape Town is a jewel that is well worth visiting. Set against the iconic Table Mountain, C.T. offers lots to explore, including the V&A Waterfront, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Penguin Colony and several beautiful beaches – just to give you an idea. Not to mention the delicious food and fabulous shopping, which can all be enjoyed at a favorable exchange rate. One of the biggest attractions in the Western Cape is the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek.

Boasting some of the best wine tours in the world, they offer picturesque vineyards, fantastic art galleries and gourmet food. Furthermore, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous people you’ll ever encounter. You will be exposed to different cultures, languages and traditions that will certainly enhance your experience. With so much diversity, South Africa has something for everyone to enjoy! 



Day 1: Thursday - Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg 

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.


Day Itinerary

Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will clear customs. You will then be met and transferred to your hotel.


Garden Court Sandton City Hotel

With it's stylish urban design and it's fuss-free approach to accommodation - The Garden Court Sandton City is situated in the heart of Johannesburg. It is here that functional design meets smart technology, resulting in a surprisingly simple hotel that is easily able to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers. The convenient location meanwhile has plenty of advantages for all guests. Business travellers are within easy reach of the acclaimed Sandton Convention Centre along with the rest of the Sandton CBD, while leisure travellers can enjoy the world-class shopping, entertainment and sight-seeing attractions found within the area. Getting around has never been easier, thanks to the high speed Gautrain route that spans across the city. A total of 444 rooms are offered, each furnished in a modern style. Aside from basic features such as baths and separate showers, facilities in each room include invitingly comfortable double or queen beds, workstations, air-conditioning, tea and coffee stations, DSTV, plug points and porter service among others. Wheelchair-accessible and smoking rooms can also be arranged on request.



Day 2: Friday - Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg.

Day Itinerary

Today, you will be met at your hotel for your 1/2 day city tour.


Travel SA - Half Day Johannesburg Tour

Skyscrapers. Fast city life. Hundreds of restaurants, bars and shops, all with their own identity. Johannesburg is for now, Johannesburg is booming! Would you like to get to know Johannesburg better? Our Johannesburg tour is the perfect introduction!

On this half day tour we take you to the top attractions Johannesburg has to offer. Some of the areas our tour visits are Hillbrow, Constitution Hill, Central Johannesburg, Braamfontein and Newtown. We start your introduction to Jozi with a good view of the impressive 269 metre Telkom Tower, as seen on many postcards of Johannesburg. We then enter the inspiring Constitution Hill – and Court (when not in session). Political activists like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held here. During a tour inside you will learn about some of the legal histories of Johannesburg.


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure


Day 3: Saturday - Garden Court Sandton City, Johannesburg

Johannesburg Cultural Tour

Scheduled Full Day Journey to Freedom


Depart on a scheduled full day cultural experience:

Soweto is the largest township in South Africa with historical sites such as the Mandela House Museum, the house where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946 to 1962. Regina Mundi Catholic Church, which became a sanctuary for safe gathering. Baragwanath Hospital, the largest hospital in the Southern Hemisphere. Hector

Pieterson Memorial, Hector Pieterson (13 yrs. old) was one of the first students to be killed by South African police during the 1976 Student uprising. This uprising started on the 16th of June as a peaceful protest march organized by school students in Soweto. They marched against the system of Bantu Education in schools and against Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in all African schools. Soweto has become one of the leading Tourist destinations, with refreshing hangout spots, public parks, clubs and live jazz bands.

Lunch on own account (Sakazumi Restaurant)

Continue to Northern Johannesburg to visit Lilieslief farm. The farm was used secretly by the African National Congress in the 1960’s and was the location where many prominent National Congress leaders were arrested, leading to the Rivonia Trial.


Return to hotel, evening at your leisure.


Day 4: Sunday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town 

Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breath taking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit. 


Day Itinerary

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.


Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town

A total of 537 beautifully furnished rooms are offered at the hotel, catering to your needs with all the amenities expected of an establishment granted a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Tea and coffee stations, DStv, electronic safes, air-conditioning and free WiFi are par for the course, while our porter service and 24-hour room service are also on offer. In addition to double, queen and king rooms, smoking and wheelchair-accessible rooms can also be arranged at your request. 

As for the rest of the hotels guest facilities, these are sure to make you feel even more at ease. Enjoy a truly unique dining experience at Yizani Restaurant, which lives up to its isiXhosa name that translates to ‘come in… Welcome’. Stay fit with the help of our fully-equipped fitness centre, cool down at the outdoor pool, indulge in decadent cocktails and fine wines at the hotel bar or take advantage of our world-class conferencing facilities that include two fully serviced meeting rooms.


Day 5: Monday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town

Day Itinerary

Today, you will be met at your hotel for a combination 1/2 day Cape Town City Tour and 1/2 day Cape Point tour.


Activities:

Cape Town City Tour Half Day

On a clear day from the summit of Table Mountain you get spectacular views of the City, its Waterfront, Camps Bay, the majestic Hottentots Holland Mountains to the East and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula all the way down to Cape Point to the south.

The Table Mountain cableway, a must for all visitors to the Cape, boasts revolving floors, giving passengers a 360 degree view. After descending the mountain, you will depart on a tour of the “Mother City” taking in Signal Hill – where the Noon Day Gun is fired at midday, every day except Sunday – through the colourful Bo-Kaap or Cape Malay Quarter, past the Grand Parade, City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope and South African Cultural History Museum.


Cape Point Tour Half Day

Highlights of a trip down to Cape Point include; one of the world’s most spectacular drives, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, two lighthouses on the tip of Africa, Boulders Penguin Colony, Simonstown and Kalk Bay.


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure.

 


Day 6: Tuesday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town 

Scheduled Full Day Cultural Tour 

Depart on a full day cultural experience including some of Cape Town’s cultural highlights such as District 6, Gugulethu, Langa.

Robben Island. (Visit to Robben Island optional, Ferry & Entrance Fees not included (US$35.00)


Volunteering – Visit to Township School / Donations (Optional)

Return to hotel, evening at your leisure.

 

Day 7: Wednesday - Southern Sun Waterfront, Cape Town

Winelands Tour


________________________________________________________________________________

Cape Winelands Day Tour (6 hours):

From Cape Town a one hour drive out into the picturesque winelands visiting South Africa’s most famous wine regions – Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Aside from the excellent wines, the area is renowned for its food and is steeped in history such as the Taal Monument, various museums and the contribution of the

French Huguenots. There are also many attractions you wouldn’t expect to find on a wine route, from butterflies to cheetahs and pretty much everything in between.

Lunch at the Vineyard (on your account).


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure


Day 8: Thursday - Gondwana Game Reserve www.gondwanagr.co.za 

Depart Cape Town to George; driving 3.5 hours. Sightseeing tours along the Garden Route to Gondwana Game Reserve.

Safari Lodge / Bush Villas, suites, nestled in breath-taking natural surroundings with 180-degree views from expansive wooden decks. Includes: daily breakfast, dinner, afternoon tea, afternoon game drives, conservation levy, and taxes. 

Gondwana Private Game Reserve provides Safari Lodge Accommodation and an authentic African Safari Experience. Less than a four hour drive from Cape Town, along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, the 26,000 acre Private Game Park offers a distinctive and luxurious malaria-free Safari holiday destination with free roaming Big 5 Animals (lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard). Herds of wildlife including eland, giraffe, hippo, cheetah and zebra can be seen on the majestic landscape with awe-inspiring views of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains in every direction. This exclusive Safari Park offerers attentive service, wholesome African Cuisine, inspiring interiors, expert Game Rangers, and an array of activities including Big 5 Game drives, Mountain Biking, Hikes, and Africology spa treatments. Garden Route attractions on Gondwana’s doorstep, includes Championship Golf Course at Pinnacle Point, Pezula, Oubaai and Fancourt, great swimming and surfing beaches that offer a variety of activities, and the attractive coastal towns of Mossel Bay, Knysa and Plettenberg Bay, that each offers unique cultural and natural highlights, and a range of things to do.


Return to hotel, evening at our leisure


Day 9: Friday- Gondwana Game Reserve & Optional Tours

Day at your leisure.


Day 10: Saturday - Depart Gondwana to George Airport, 1- hour drive: 

SA Flight: George – JNB – JFK (TBA) 

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South Africa 10 Days/9 Nights $3699


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Tours by Ajala SOUTH AFRICA Tour

  INCLUDES:

·  Round-trip Air Non-Stop New York / Johannesburg

·  Inter-Country Flights

·  Round-trip transfers - Airport/Hotel



JOHANNESBURG (3-NIGHTS)

·  3-Nights at 4 star Hotel Superior Rooms in Sandton, daily breakfast,  and taxes

·  Johannesburg City Tour

·  Journey to Freedom Cultural Tour



CAPE TOWN (4-NIGHTS)

·  4-Nights Superior Rooms/4 star Hotel, daily breakfast, tax & service charges

·  City Tour/Cape Peninsula Tour/Table Mountain

·  Cultural Tour & Robben Island

·  Winelands Tour



GARDEN ROUTE – SAFARI (2-NIGHTS)

·  2-Nights Safari Lodge, in George, (All-Inclusive, 2 Game Drives)


Not Included: Airline Baggage Fees and Departure Tax; Gratuities; Lunch & Dinners, 1-Entrance Fee. (See Itinerary for Details).  


Airfare Subject to Change




Payment: 1st Deposit to Hold Space- $300.00 p/p: 2nd Deposit $500.00 p/p - Dec. 20, 2019. Final payment 90 days before departure.d on double occupancy, related tax and service charges; all Transfers and Tours, 1-lunch. Single Occupancy Rate is available.


Itinerary subject to change. Travel Insurance is recommended.


Rates do not include: Round-trip Air, related taxes and fees, baggage, meals (e

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TRAVEL NOTES

Travel Insurance is Recommended.

Itinerary Details are Subject to Change.

Ask about our Early Booking Discount ($50.00).

Call to Arrange Your Private Group Trip.

Golf and Fishing Excursions are available (Cuba, Jamaica and Costa Rica).

Airfares are Subject to Re-confirmation.

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