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FROM DUBLIN TO THE THAMES

Day 1 - (Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 - Arrival in Dublin, Ireland. (Sun.) Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax in the Irish capital. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3 - Dublin. (Mon.) An orientation drive in the "Fair City" includes statue-lined O - Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Then a highlight visit to Oscar Wilde's TRINITY COLLEGE, famous for the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and the magnificent Old Library. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, take your Tour Director's dining recommendation. (B)

Day 4 - Dublin - Galway - Cliffs of Moher - Limerick. (Tue.) Head west across lush farmlands, and via Athlone before arriving in Galway, a vibrant city with a rich seafaring tradition. Hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Drive across the limestone plateau of The Burren to the 668-foot CLIFFS OF MOHER to savor the breathtaking panorama of the Clare coast. On arrival in Limerick, an orientation drive acquaints you with St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle, and the Stone where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. Tonight's recommendation: an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B)

Day 5 - Limerick - Ring of Kerry - Tralee. (Wed.) A day full of splendid scenery, heading south for a stop for photos of the pretty thatched cottages in quaint Adare. At Killorglin on Dingle Bay, join the famed RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island's southwestern tip. Plenty on which to focus a camera here: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Spend some time in the popular resort of Killarney before heading to Tralee. (B,D)

Day 6 - Tralee - Blarney - Waterford. (Thu.) Across the Kerry Mountains for a visit to Blarney, renowned for its castle and magical Stone of Eloquence. Time for lunch, to walk up to the castle, and to shop for traditional Irish handicrafts at the famous WOOLEN MILLS. In the afternoon, proceed via Cork, Youghal, and Dungarvan to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings in 853, and visit the world-famous WATERFORD CRYSTAL FACTORY. See Reginald's Tower on the way to your hotel. Before dinner you may want to join an optional pub tour. (B,D)

Day 7 - Waterford - Bristol, England. (Fri.) By FERRY from Rosslare across St. George's Channel to Pembroke and a drive through South Wales. Cross the River Severn and in Bristol your orientation focuses on Brunel's daring Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, and the historic harbor from which John Cabot sailed in 1497 to discover America. (B,D)

Day 8 - Bristol - Bath - North Wales - Chester. (Sat.) In Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS, then explore this beautiful flower-festooned city at your own pace. On your way to North Wales, stop at IRONBRIDGE, cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Later, take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, home of an annual international contest for poets and musicians. Spend the night at Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee. (B,D)

Day 9 - Chester - Lake District - Edinburgh, Scotland. (Sun.) This morning's walking tour includes the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, the cathedral, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the "Rows." Focus now on the tranquil Lake District, considered to be the finest of England's national parks. After a break in Wordsworth's beloved Grasmere, head north for the Scottish border. On the way through the history-steeped Lowland Hills, stop at GRETNA GREEN, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. In Edinburgh, don - t miss our optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

Day 10 - Edinburgh. (Mon.) A full day to enjoy this "Prince of Cities." Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old "New Town" and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the "Old Town," drive up the narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). Afternoon at leisure. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, once the perfect royal residence for the Queen's glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For tour numbers 0802 and 0816 tickets are included for tonight's performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO: a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands, which takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. (B)

Day 11 - Edinburgh - Abbotsford - York, England. (Tue.) First on today's agenda is Sir Walter Scott's ABBOTSFORD HOUSE for a fascinating guided tour. Melrose Abbey and the ruins at Jedburgh are pointed out on the way to the English border and Northumberland National Park. Later, see a section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. Afternoon arrival in York, England's most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets including the narrow Shambles. (B,D)

Day 12 - York'Stratford-upon-Avon - London. (Wed.) Skirt Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest on the way to Stratford-upon-Avon. Take your pictures of ANNE HATHAWAY'S COTTAGE, visit SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE, and enjoy lunchtime exploring this fascinating Elizabethan town at your own pace. On return to London at about 3:30 pm, why not take in a special dinner followed by a West End show" (B)

Day 13 - London. (Thu.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: Knightsbridge with Harrods, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. Free time in the afternoon for independent activities or to join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its fabulous Crown Jewels. This evening, how about celebrating a memorable travel experience with an optional dinner followed by a cruise on the River Thames" (B)

Day 14 - (Fri.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)