La Sorellanza - UK and Ireland Tour

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Friday June 23: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States. (B)

Day 2, Saturday June 24: Galway

Céad Míle Fáilte! Arrive on the Emerald Isle today and meet your Encore Tour Manager at Dublin airport. Travel West with an en route stop in the town of Kilkenny, to explore this pretty town and take a self-guided tour of the Castle. Continue to

Day 3, Sunday June 25: Galway

This morning after breakfast depart for a full day tour of the circuit of Connemara, experiencing the mixed landscape of rivers, lakes, woodlands, rich meadowlands, rugged hills, dramatic mountains and as you near the coast you’ll stumble across a stunning unpolluted coastline of sandy beaches and blue waters. The next stop is the tiny farming town of Glengowla, home to a working sheep farm where the Geoghegan family have farmed for generations; you'll experience how man and dog work together in a fascinating sheep dog display. Continue to visit Kylemore Abbey and the Victorian Walled Garden, home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who came here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I. Return to Galway to prepare for your first concert shared with a local choir and ensemble in the church of St Nicholas or similar in the city. (B)

Day 4, Monday June 26: Dublin

After breakfast check out, and first take a tour of one of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences: the Cliffs of Moher tower over the rugged west Clare coast. Walk the safe, paved pathways and view the incredible Cliffs that sit on Europe’s most westerly tip and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Aran Islands. Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit. Continue to Dublin to check into your centrally located hotel. Tonight you'll experience the 'craic' of Irish entertainment in a dinner show with traditional entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy (B,D)

Day 5, Tuesday June 27: Dublin

This morning join your local guide for a panoramic sightseeing tour of Dublin including O’Connell Street, Phoenix Park, Leinster House, Ha'penny Bridge, Georgean Houses and Dublin Doors. Your performance today could be in Christ Church Cathedral istelf (choirs only), as part of the regular recital series in this iconic place of worship in the heart of the city. Tonight after an independent dinner, we'll arrange for a social evening in a traditional Irish pub with a local ukelele ensemble (B)

Day 6, Wednesday June 28: Belfast

Check out of the hotel this morning and board your bus to make the journey north into Northern Ireland and to its capital, Belfast. This afternoon you'll visit the Titanic Museum to learn all about the famous last voyage of the ill-fated vessel. After exploring the city with your tour manager, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner together. (B,D)

Day 7, Thursday June 29: Glasgow

After breakfast check out of your hotel and make the short journey to Cairnryan Port, where you'll board the ferry for the crossing to Scotland. On arrival continue driving to Scotland’s largest city of Glasgow, where you'll check into your next hotel before a welcome dinner together tonight (B,D)

Day 8, Friday June 30: Glasgow

Today depart to spend the whole day in Edinburgh, where first a local guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Edinburgh. You will see Princes Street, Charlotte Square, Holyrood Palace, the famous Royal Mile and finally visit the Edinburgh Castle. Later transfer to St Giles' Cathedral for your concert performance in the afternoon. After the performance, dinner is independent before returning to Glasgow (B)

Day 9, Saturday July 1: London

After breakfast check out of your hotel and transfer to Glasgow's Central Station. Board your train which will speed you to London in just over 4 1/2 hours (your luggage will be transferred separately and will meet you at your hotel later this evening). On arrival at London's Euston Station, board your buses and transfer to the Victoria and Albert Museum for a visit of this iconic museum in the heart of the Kensington district of London. After transferring to your hotel in London's fashionable Chelsea district, the evening is yours to enjoy an independent dinner. (B)

Day 10, Sunday July 2: London

Today you will split into two groups: Group 1 will visit Highclere, famous as the main location for the Downton Abbey series (subject strictly to ticket lottery!) followed by a traditional English afternoon tea in a nearby town. Group 2 will enjoy a guided visit of Windsor Castle, the main residence of the Royal Family outside the city of London. Later back in the city of London dinner is independent tonight (B)

Day 11, Monday July 3: London

Today sees the reverse of yesterday, with Group 1 visiting Windsor Castle, and Group 2 enjoying Highclere and afternoon tea! Dinner tonight is independent back in London (B)

Day 12, Tuesday July 4: London

This morning is at leisure to further explore London: explore the Regent Street and Picadilly Circus area, or spend time enjoying the street theater performers in Covent Garden. Later come together to perform your final concert in the Holy Trinity Church in Sloane Square, a wonderful church with an excellent acoustic and audience base. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in a city restaurant (B,D)

Day 13, Wednesday July 5: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)