14 Day Taste Of Britain & Ireland

The Cotswolds, a quintessentially English region known for its rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and picturesque villages, offers a serene escape into the heart of the English countryside. Stretching across several counties, including Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a testament to its stunning landscapes and charming heritage. Visitors to the Cotswolds can explore timeless villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds" for its quaint bridges arching over the River Windrush, or Castle Combe, frequently cited as one of the most beautiful villages in England.

History buffs will be drawn to the Cotswolds' rich past, which is reflected in its architecture and historic sites. The region boasts splendid examples of Medieval wool churches, such as the Church of St. Mary in Fairford, which is famous for its complete set of medieval stained glass windows. Meanwhile, the charming market town of Chipping Campden is renowned for its wool merchants' houses and the elegant Market Hall, built in the 17th century. For a more immersive experience, visit Sudeley Castle, which is not only the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII, but also offers award-winning gardens and a rich collection of rare artifacts.

The Cotswolds are a paradise for those who love the outdoors, offering a range of activities such as walking, cycling, and horseback riding. The Cotswold Way, a 102-mile-long National Trail, takes walkers along scenic routes with breathtaking views of the countryside and charming villages. Alternatively, the lush landscape of the Westonbirt Arboretum, home to over 15,000 trees and shrubs from around the world, is particularly spectacular in autumn when the leaves turn to vibrant shades of red and gold. For animal lovers, the Cotswold Wildlife Park offers close encounters with giraffes, rhinos, and lemurs within its beautifully landscaped grounds.

Fun fact: The Cotswolds is famous for its wool industry, which once made it one of the wealthiest regions in England. The wealth generated from the "Cotswold Lion" sheep—a breed known for its thick, golden fleece—helped to build many of the area's stunning churches and manor houses. Today, this historical connection to sheep farming remains a charming aspect of Cotswold culture, with grazing sheep dotting the region’s idyllic hillsides.

Picturesque Glasgow will instantly charm you with its collection of stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and trendy restaurants and bars. Scotland’s vibrant and eclectic cultural center, Glasgow is an essential destination for travelers to the United Kingdom.

One highlight of this eye-catching city includes its Gothic-style architecture, which seemingly transports you to the height of the Middle Ages. Glasgow Cathedral, perhaps the city’s most famous Gothic structure, boasts vaulted ceilings and magnificent stained-glass windows. The University of Glasgow, dating back to the fifteenth century, is replete with historic buildings, including the iconic arches of the Cloisters. Nearby Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, fashioned from deep red sandstone, houses thousands of unique pieces of European art and remains one of Glasgow’s most visited tourist attractions. Other notable sites include the Victorian-era City Chambers, the sprawling Necropolis cemetery, and the lush, colorful Botanic Gardens near Kibble Palace.

Indulge in Glasgow’s culinary scene and social life! Be sure to tour one of the city’s distilleries to sample local whisky, or step inside any of the historic pubs scattered throughout the city center and buy a fresh pint of ale. Savor a full Scottish breakfast, complete with eggs, black pudding, and baked beans, or better yet, try some spicy curry, a favorite meal for many Glaswegians. Live music and nighttime bar crawls are a must in Glasgow; stop by King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, which has hosted many of today’s iconic bands, and you might just catch the next up-and-coming act.

Start your next adventure in Glasgow, Scotland!

Dublin, Ireland is an architectural, artistic, and gastronomic marvel. Immerse yourself in this cultural capital and discover a few of Ireland’s most famous landmarks!

A trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without imbibing at some of the world’s best distilleries and tasting rooms. The city is home to both the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse, where authentic Irish spirits and ales flow freely. Explore the long histories of these brewing giants in their respective factory museums and be sure to take a hearty swig of Guinness’s iconic stout. A number of local pubs line the streets of Dublin and contribute to the city’s thrilling nightlife. Head to Dublin’s city center to drop by the popular Temple Bar, whose unmistakable bright red exterior invites you to “have a gargle.”

From cathedrals to castles, Dublin boasts many striking architectural jewels that are guaranteed to astound you. Wander inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, dating back to the twelfth century, to gaze in wonder at its vaulted archways and vibrant stained-glass windows. At the heart of the city lies Dublin Castle, once the medieval stronghold of King John of England and a symbol of centuries-long British rule. This vast and historic château offers a number of exquisite interior rooms, museums, and gardens that make for a perfect tour.

Dublin is a haven for bibliophiles. Frequented in days past by literary greats like Joyce, Wilde, and Yeats, Dublin remains a city for writers and readers. Peruse the deep wooden shelves of Trinity College’s Old Library, which boasts an impressive collection of rare manuscripts and texts (including the famous Book of Kells), or take a gander inside The Winding Stair, a quaint bookshop and upscale eatery mere steps from the city’s iconic Ha’penny Bridge.

You’re bound to have a whale of a time in this delightful city! Let inviting Dublin capture your heart.

Dublin, Ireland is an architectural, artistic, and gastronomic marvel. Immerse yourself in this cultural capital and discover a few of Ireland’s most famous landmarks!

A trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without imbibing at some of the world’s best distilleries and tasting rooms. The city is home to both the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and the Guinness Storehouse, where authentic Irish spirits and ales flow freely. Explore the long histories of these brewing giants in their respective factory museums and be sure to take a hearty swig of Guinness’s iconic stout. A number of local pubs line the streets of Dublin and contribute to the city’s thrilling nightlife. Head to Dublin’s city center to drop by the popular Temple Bar, whose unmistakable bright red exterior invites you to “have a gargle.”

From cathedrals to castles, Dublin boasts many striking architectural jewels that are guaranteed to astound you. Wander inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, dating back to the twelfth century, to gaze in wonder at its vaulted archways and vibrant stained-glass windows. At the heart of the city lies Dublin Castle, once the medieval stronghold of King John of England and a symbol of centuries-long British rule. This vast and historic château offers a number of exquisite interior rooms, museums, and gardens that make for a perfect tour.

Dublin is a haven for bibliophiles. Frequented in days past by literary greats like Joyce, Wilde, and Yeats, Dublin remains a city for writers and readers. Peruse the deep wooden shelves of Trinity College’s Old Library, which boasts an impressive collection of rare manuscripts and texts (including the famous Book of Kells), or take a gander inside The Winding Stair, a quaint bookshop and upscale eatery mere steps from the city’s iconic Ha’penny Bridge.

You’re bound to have a whale of a time in this delightful city! Let inviting Dublin capture your heart.