Founded by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, Chester is one of the best-preserved walled cities in Britain — and one of the most charming stops on the whole tour. You'll have free time to explore its famous black-and-white timbered Rows (two-tiered covered galleries of shops unique to Chester), walk a stretch of the nearly-complete Roman and medieval city walls, or just wander the cobbled streets with a coffee in hand. A perfect, gentle start to a very big day.

Our coach boards the Irish Ferries vessel right along with us — you can leave everything on board and simply walk off the coach and up onto the ship. From there, the whole ferry is yours to explore for the crossing: cafés, restaurants, comfortable lounge seating, even a shop for tax-free goods. It's less "ferry crossing" and more "mini cruise."

There is genuinely no better place to have your very first meal in Ireland than Temple Bar — Dublin's cobbled, colourful cultural quarter, alive with music spilling out of every doorway. We're dining at Merchant's Arch, right at the entrance to Temple Bar by the Ha'penny Bridge, with live traditional music, warm hospitality, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you understand immediately why people fall in love with this city.