Simple and Straight Forward: Travel Deal

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Simple and Straight Forward: Save 10% on Escorted Tours and Chauffeur Drives 7 nights or longer to Ireland, Italy or the UK with coupon code STRAIGHT10.

For those that want to travel independently use coupon code STRAIGHT5 for a 5% discount on any Self-Drive or Independent stay that is 6 nts or longer. Start Saving!

Here are just a few of the tours you can save on!

Celtic Dream - 11 Night - Ireland - Escorted Motorcoach Tour: Our most popular tour returns for 2014 with a fresh itinerary - with 2 nts in Dublin, 1 nt in Belfast, 2 nts in Donegal, 2 nts in Galway, 1 nt in Limerick, 2 nts in Killarney and 1 Waterford. An exciting itinerary with no hidden extras! Land from $2379 pps - Use coupon code STRAIGHT10 to save an additional 10% on land! Check it out!
Sicilian Sun - 7 Night - Italy - Escorted Motorcoach Tour: A fabulous 7 night tour in the land of sun; Sicily. Enjoy overnights in Catania, Ragusa, Agrigento, Palermo and Taormina...dinner is included each evening too! Land from $2029 pps - Use coupon code STRAIGHT10 to save an additional 10% on land! Check it out!
West Coast Explorer - 9 Night - Scotland - Escorted Motorcoach Tour: Immerse yourself on the world famous isle of Islay, a whisky connoisseurs dream, before enjoying a four island fest including the rolling mountains of gentle Mull, the spiritual and ever peaceful island of Iona, the extraordinary and inspiring island of Staffa and the dramatics and majesty of the island of Skye! Land from $2259 pps - Use coupon code STRAIGHT10 to save an additional 10% on land! Check it out!
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**Straight10 and Straight5 Coupon codes cannot be combined with any other sales, discounts, incentives or promotions. Valid on new bookings only and must be on deposit before April 30, 2014. Subject to availability at time of booking.

Where to Stay in Wales

Around every corner in Wales, experience the unexpected. You’ll stumble across restaurants, rustic fishing villages, mountain vistas and cliff-top trails. Discover little gems in the coziest of places, stay in cute little cottages, majestic manor homes or luxury hotels. Here are just a sampling of hotels you can stay in Wales.


Ty Mawr Mansion, Mid Wales
Crowning the Aeron Valley, that sweeps towards Wales' Heritage Coastline four miles away, Ty Mawr Mansion holds national awards for its outstanding restaurant and exquisite accommodation

The imposing exterior of the Grade II listed building reveals a beautifully restored interior, offering a unique fusion of Georgian splendour with contemporary facilities

Falcondale, Mid Wales
The Falcondale hotel and 2AA rosette restaurant (awarded for 6 consecutive years) located near the University town of Lampeter, now known as Univeristy of Wales Trinity Saint David. Only 30 minutes from the coastal villages of Cardigan Bay and hilly, marshy regions of the Cambrian Mountains. A wealth of walking, cycling, fishing in the Teifi River, and open gardens are within easy reach of this central location in Mid Wales.

Lake Country House, Mid Wales
This award winning Luxury Spa Hotel in the Heart of Mid Wales is the perfect destination for a luxury hotel break or romantic getaway. See our hotel vouchers for the perfect gift. The Kingfisher Spa offers a range of Health and Beauty treatments and is equipped with an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi overlooking the lake. Fly Fishing on the river Irfon, golf and various walks are available on site and there is a good range of other golf courses and open gardens in the area. Horse riding, the Elan Valley and of course the Brecon Beacons are all nearby.

Caerwylan Hotel, North Wales
The Caerwylan is a landmark Victorian building which faces south with stunning views over the main beach, Tremadog Bay and towards the ruins of Criccieth Castle. From our vantage spot we probably enjoy some of the best seaside views in North Wales.

Since we bought The Caerwylan at the end of 2007 we have rebuilt the entire building to create 24 comfortable, individually designed en-suite bedrooms and a fine dining restaurant, Tonnau Restaurant.

St. George's Hotel, Llandudno, North Wales
Occupying a prime position on the Promenade, overlooking the beautiful Bay of Llandudno, St Georges Hotel offers some of the best views of any hotel in North Wales.

Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, North Wales
Bodysgallen Hall & Spa lies at the end of a winding drive in 200 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal walled gardens. Magnificent views encompass the sweep of the Snowdonia range of mountains and the hotel looks down on the imposing medieval castle at Conwy.




Wolfscastle Country Hotel
 Popular with business and holiday travellers alike, we're within easy reach of the county's main towns, and in a great location for exploring the St. Davids Peninsula, Preseli Mountains and attractions of South Pembrokeshire. Hotel reception is always happy to offer travel and holiday advice.



These are a just a few of the beautiful hotels and accommodations we have in Wales. For more information on traveling to Wales, visit our website www.celtictours.com/visitwales

Let There Be Light - Lighthouses in Wales

Or let there be lighthouses, to be more precise.

Wales  looks to the sea and with 750 miles of coastline, you are rarely that far from the water. Wales’ seaside resorts, like Mumbles, Tenby and Llandudno have character and style and are popular with holiday makers. Our big cities are on the coast too. Cardiff with its vibrant Bay area and Swansea with its Maritime Quarter, all have connections with the sea. And where there is sea, there are lighthouses. Here are just a few of the stunning lighthouses you can see in Wales.

South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack is set in a spectacular location to the north-west of Holyhead. The lighthouse acts as a waymark for coastal traffic and a landmark and orientation light for vessels crossing the Irish Sea to and from the ports of Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire.

Caldey Lighthouse
Caldey Lighthouse is located on the south end of Caldey Island, three miles off the south Pembrokeshire, Wales coastline, a small island inhabited by a Cistercian monastery

Mumbles Lighthouse
For over 200 years the Mumbles Lighthouse has guided vessels along the coast and into Swansea Bay, past the hazards of the Mixon Shoal ½ mile to the South. This unmanned lighthouse is built on the outer of two islands, known as Mumbles Head, lying about 500 yards to the E.S.E. of the mainland known as Mumbles, Swansea. The station is accessible by foot at certain states of the tide or by boat at high water.

Trwyn Du Lighthouse
Trwyn Du Lighthouse is a lighthouse between Dinmor Point near Penmon and Ynys Seriol, or Puffin Island, south east Anglesey, at the north entrance to the Menai Strait and marking the passage between the two islands.

Flatholm Lighthouse
The lighthouse on the windswept Flatholm Island in the Bristol Channel.

These are just a few of the Lighthouses to see in Wales. Interested in traveling to Wales? Travel with Celtic Tours World Vacations

South Wales and England - Self-Drive Vacations

Experience the best of South Wales and England. This 6 night independent vacation pairs 3 nights in Cardiff, Wales with your choice of 3 nights in England. Choose from The Cotswolds, Bath, the Lake District or Oxford & Cambridge. This package comes complete with entrances to some of the best sightseeing attractions in the UK and breakfast daily.

Your South Wales & England Tour Highlights:

• 3 Nights in South Wales 
• Breakfast daily 
•  Entrances to: Cardiff Castle, National Museum of Cardiff, National Coal Mining Museum, Cosmeston Village, Rhossili Visitor Centre, and the Aberdulais Falls
•  3 Nights in England area of choice: The Cotswolds, Bath, the Lake District or Oxford & Cambridge.
•  England Entrances based on England Package chosen.
•  6 Day Car Rental based on Ford KA manual car with CDW. (Upgraded car available).

Travel to South Wales and England on this self-drive vacation package

Harlech Castle, Wales

Constructed atop a spur of rock, close to the Irish sea, in the seaside resort in Gwynedd, Wales lies Harlech Castle.

Having stood the test of time, UNESCO considers Harlech Castle to be of  "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe." Harlech Castle was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars.

The fortification was built of local stone and is concentric in design, featuring a massive gatehouse that probably once provided high-status accommodation for the castle constable and visiting dignitaries.

Access via the stairway to the sea and crucial supplies kept the castle’s besieged inhabitants fed and watered. When it was first built, a channel would have connected the castle and the sea. You could have sailed a boat up to the moat. Seven hundred years later, the sea has receded and you could say the castle appears almost stranded, waiting for the tide to turn once more.

Learn more about Wales Travel with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Top 4 - Must See North Wales

North Wales - Pristine and unspoiled landscape, punctuated by Wales' tallest mountain, Mount Snowdon.

Top 4 Must See in North Wales

1. Climb Mount Snowdon, some say the final resting place of King Arthur.

2. Visit the Isle of Anglesey, home of HRH Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton. The Isle of Anglesey is also the last outpost of the Druid culture.

3. Visit the UK town with the longest place name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwymdrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

4. Visit the Victorian resort town of Llandudno and see where Alice in Wonderland spent her summer vacations.

Learn more about Wales travel

North Wales & Snowdonia

The further you get to North Wales, the more you hear the locals speaking the ancient language of Welsh. North Wales is considered the most traditional part of the country in terms of langiage, legends and lifestyle. The Druids themselves made their last stand against the Romans here, on the windswept island of Angelesey and the whole of the north feels as if it is still under their spell.

North Wales' pristine and unspoiled landscape is punctuated by Wales' tallest mountain, Mount Snowdon. Railway lovers will find paradise aboard the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. North Wales is also home to HRH Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton. The Prince lives on Anglesey, a sea-girt island at the edge of Wales' northwest border.

Four Welsh castles collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage site: Harlech, Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon. Edwardian invaders left these imposing fortresses, still some of the world's most striking examples of medieval architechture. Follow in royal footsteps at Caernarfon Castle where Prince Charles was invested as the Prince of Wales in 1969. Or stay the night at Ruthin Castle, once owned by King Henry VIII and later by Queen Elizabeth I. Nearby, wander the atmospheric ruins of Denigh Castle and the town's ancient walls.

Learn More About Wales: http://www.celtictours.com/visitwales

Visit Wales

Around every corner, experience the unexpected. You'll stumble across cozy inns and restaurants, rustic fishing villages, mountain vistas and cliff-top trails.

Wales in home to 641 castles, more than any other country in Europe. You're encouraged to visit them: climb towers, walk ancient walls and explore dungeons. This is the land of magic, myth and dragons.

Wales is home to HRH Prince William of Wales. Royal connections abound, and everyone can be spoiled by staying in hotels formerly owned by kings and queens. Across the country, the art of old-fashioned hospitality is thriving, albeit with modern amenities and a contemporary Welsh style.

Escape to a country full of breathtaking views, quaint towns, Celtic heritage and endless culture.

Visit our website to learn more about Wales. http://www.celtictours.com/visitwales

Heart of England - Devon and Cornwall

Heart of England - Devon and Cornwall

An opportunity to join us on a Devon and Cornwall Tour, to discover miles of dramatic Atlantic Coastline with clean sandy beaches, hidden coves, pretty fishing villages, wooded river valleys and bustling market towns in Devon and Cornwall.


Your Heart of England - Devon and Cornwall Tour Highlights:

• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
• Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Four Nights Accommodation in your choice of B&B or Hotel
• Breakfast on Days 02 through 05
• Services of professional driver/guide
• Touring per your itinerary
• Five Days of Touring as per itinerary
• Local taxes
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal


Tour the Heart of England with Celtic Tours World Vacations

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Discover King Arthur's Excalibur

Travel into the heart of Arthurian legend country in Cornwall. Discover the mythical tale of King Arthur's sword Excalibur in Dozmary pool, the legendary resting place. Few legends have won the literary heart of the world as the tale of King Arthur. You will find him in a plethora of ancient and contemporary text from Disney's animated film adaptation "The Sword in the Stone" to Robert de Boron's "Merlin".

King Arthur is a legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries, who, according to Medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and his historical existence is debated and disputed by modern historians. The legendary Arthur developed as a figure of international interest largely through the popularity of Geoffrey of Monmouth's fanciful and imaginative 12th-century "History of the Kings of Britain". Some Welsh and Breton tales and poems relating the story of Arthur date from earlier than this work; in these works, Arthur appears either as a great warrior defending Britain from human and supernatural enemies, such as Morgan Le Faye, or as a magical figure of folklore.

Stories of King Arthur usually make reference to the mythical wizard Merlin, who was invented by Geoffrey of Monmouth, Guinevere, his legendary wife and Excalibur, his sword. Excalibur is the legendary sword of King Arthur, sometimes attributed with magical powers or associated with the rightful sovereignty of Great Britain. Sometimes Excalibur and the Sword in the Stone (the proof of Arthur's lineage) are said to be the same weapon, but in most versions they are considered separate. The name Excalibur apparently derives from the Welsh Caledfwlch which combines the elements caled ("battle, hard"), and bwlch ("breach, gap, notch").

In Arthurian romance, a number of explanations are given for Arthur's possession of Excalibur. One tale is that he was given the sword by the Lady of the Lake who occupied Dozmary Pool, a small lake in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall.

Travel into the heart of Arthurian legend country on your next tour of England with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

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Orknery Explorer

A tour to treasure for a lifetime. Highlights of the tour are the magical beauty and prehistoric history of the Orkney archipelago, the rugged extremes of Scotland's northern coastline, Loch Ness and the Caledonian forests of the Cairngorm National Park.

Your Orkney Explorer Tour Highlights:

• GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
• Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes mini coaches
• Four nights accommodations at your choice of B&B or Hotel
• Breakfast daily, except on day of arrival
• Services of professional driver/guide
• Touring per your itinerary
• All ferry and bridge crossings
• Discount card to restaurants, attractions and shopping
• Tips to your driver are not included, as they are considered personal

 Take the Orkney Explorer Tour with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

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Best of Britain

Best of Britain
Your Best of Britain Tour Includes:

• 9 Nights Accommodations
• Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
• Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*

Your Best of Britain Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival at own discretion in London. Collect your hire car and make the short trip to Cambridge. There should be some time to this charming University town with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture and medieval streets. Overnight in the Cambridge area.

Day 2 You might want to spend some more time in the morning discovering Cambridge. Late morning though it is time to depart and head for the north of England. On your way to the North of England we suggest a stop in the Peak District. The Peak District's natural beauty and sheep-grazed crags contrast with the factories of nearby valley towns. Visit Chatsworth House and Gardens, one of Britain's most impressive stately homes. The house has beautiful gardens, landsaped in the 1760s by Capability Brown and developed by the head gardener, Joseph Paxton , in the mid-19th century. Overnight in York/Harrogate area

Day 3 In the morning we will have time to explore York, the quaint town in the North of England. The city of York has retained so much of its medieval structure that walking into its centre is like entering a living museum. Walking through the town you will see the famous York Minster, the largest Gothic church north of the Alps. After exploring York your journey will take you to Edinburgh via Jedburgh and Melrose. Stop at picturesque Jedburgh Abbey to learn about the Augustinian monks who once lived here and Melrose Abbey, once one of the richest abbeys in Scotland. It is here that Robert the Bruce's heart is said to be buried. Overnight in Edinburgh, where you will be staying for 2 nights. 

Day 4 Spend the morning discovering Edinburgh with all its nooks and crannies. Scotland's capital city is really made up of 2 smaller “towns”. Edinburgh's medieval origins were in the narrow cobbled streets around the Royal Mile - a long road linking the 2 ancient royal residences. The city has been the home of great politicians, religious leaders and inventors throughout the centuries. Nearby are the university and the new Scottish Parliament while the city skyline is dominated by the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Later, in contrast, admire the elegant tree-lined crescents of the 18th century “New Town” - built by Robert Adam in the classical style of that era and representing the largest area of conserved Georgian architecture in Europe. Overnight in Edinburgh again.

Day 5 It is time to depart from Edinburgh this morning. You will be crossing the Forth Road Bridge, which offers excellent views over the famous Forth Rail Bridge, dating back to 1890. You will be heading through the ancient Kingdom of Fife on your way north. Make sure to make a stop in the charming market town of Dunkeld with its beautiful old cathedral. From here the scenery becomes more and more rugged as you enter the Highlands. Later that day you reach Aviemore, which lies in the Cairngorm National Park. Overnight in the Aviemore area.

Day 6 From Aviemore this morning, the drive to Inverness and on to Loch Ness will not be long. See if you will be able to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster or if in doubt visit the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition in Drumnadrochit. Follow the loch south passing the town of Fort William which lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis - Britain's highest mountain at 1344 metres. From here take the direct route past Loch Lomond on to Glasgow for overnight.

Day 7 Depart from Glasgow, travelling south over the natural border to England's beautiful Lake District - Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England and the spectacular scenery in the surrounding areas inspired the writer and poet William Wordsworth who lived in the region. Lake Windermere will invite to a boat trip and also Sizergh Castle & Gardens is worth a visit. Originally built in the Middle Ages by the Strickland family, who still live here, this imposing house has an exceptional series of oak-panelled rooms culminating in the Inlaid Chamber. The garden includes two lakes and a superb rock garden. All this is set in a 638ha estate crossed by public footpaths, providing short walks from the castle to dramatic viewpoints over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District. Head south to Liverpool area for overnight.

Day 8 After breakfast travel via Stratford upon Avon towards London. Situated on the west bank of the River Avon, in the heart of the Midlands, is one of the most famous towns in England. Stratford-upon-Avon dates back to at least Roman times but its appearance today is that of a small Tudor market town, with mellow, half-timbered architecture and tranquil walks beside the tree-fringed Avon. This image belies its popularity as the most visited tourist attraction outside London, with eager hordes flocking to see buildings connected to William Shakespeare or his descendants. We will visit Shakespeare's Birthplace, which was almost entirely reconstructed in the 19th century, but in the style of the Tudor original. Overnight in the Bath area.

Day 9 After breakfast we will explore Bath. Bath owes its magnificent Georgian townscape to the bubbling pool of water at the heart of the Roman Baths. The Romans transformed Bath into England's first spa resort and it regained fame as a spa town in the 18th century. At this time the two brilliant John Woods, both architects, designed the city's fine Palladian-style buildings. Many houses bear plaques recording the numerous famous people who have resided here. In the afternoon you can travel to Stonehenge for an unforgettable visit. Stonehenge built in several stages from about 3000BC, is Europe's most famous prehistoric monument. We can guess at the rituals that took place here, but the alignment of the stones leaves little doubt that the circle is connected with the sun and the passing of the seasons. Overnight again in the Bath area.


Day 10 Departure day. Travel to London and the airport for departure. Please note that travelling time from Bath to London Heathrow will be at least two hours.


*Upgrades to automatic and larger cars available for a supplement.

Wonderful Devon and Cornwall Independent Vacation

Wonderful Devon and Cornwall

An opportunity to join us on a Devon & Cornwall Tour, to discover miles of dramatic Atlantic Coastline with clean sandy beaches, hidden coves, pretty fishing villages, wooded river valleys and bustling market towns in Devon and Cornwall.




Your Wonderful Devon and Cornwall Tour Includes:

* 5 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*


*Upgrades to automatic and larger cars available for a supplement.

Winchester Cathedral

One of the largest cathedrals in England, Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire, England is a beautiful Gothic cathedral dating back to 1097. Most tourists visit for the buried remains of author Jane Austen, but the soaring Perpendicular Gothic nave of Winchester Cathedral, the longest in England, is the highlight of the building.

For over a thousand years, people have come to seek inspiration in this magnificent Cathedral. Today, over 300,000 visitors a year come to the Winchester Cathedral to worship, explore the heritage and attend events.

Things to do at the Winchester Cathedral

See the crypt
Step down into the crypt where you’ll find Antony Gormley’s famous sculpture Sound II. This mysterious life-size statue of a man contemplating the water held in his cupped hands is the work of the celebrated British sculptor Antony Gormley. You can find Sound II, fashioned from lead out of a plaster cast of the artist’s own body, in the Cathedral crypt, which floods during rainy months.


Tour the Tower
Climb the 213 steps to the top of the tower and experience magnificent views across Winchester and the county. You will see the ringing chamber, the great Cathedral bells and walk the full length of the nave roof with its huge wood beams.

See the Winchester Bible
The Winchester Bible is the largest and finest of all surviving 12th-century English bibles. A single scribe wrote out its text in Latin, while artists worked its exquisitely illuminated capital letters. Their glowing colors, including gold and lapis lazuli, are as intense today as 800 years ago.

Marvel at the Great Screen
The ornate, soaring 15th-century stone screen behind the high altar is one of the most important monuments of the period. The original painted statues that once adorned its carved niches are gone, destroyed in the Reformation, but you can see a few glorious survivals in the Triforium Gallery, including a magnificent head of God the Father.

Find Jane Austen
Read the ledgerstone at the grave of Jane Austen, the great English novelist who lived and wrote in Hampshire.


Travel on Celtic Tours Wonderful Devon and Cornwall self-drive tour of England for a chance to visit this amazing cathedral.

Discover the Tale Behind Edinburgh's Famous Wizard

Around Edinburgh, especially its Old Town, a lot of mysterious stories are to be found. For example Major Weir, a wizard who lived near the Grassmarket. He used to send his walking stick on errands! Some say he was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Discover the story and mystery behind the famous wizard on your Tales and Mysteries Tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours.

Weir was a Scottish Covenanter who professed a particularly strict form of Presbyterianism, and whose spoken prayers were popular and attracted visitors to his home in Edinburgh. He lived on West Bow with his sister Jean, who is also known as Grizel. There are many stories on how his secret life of witchcraft and sorcery got out. One story is that he took ill and spilled the story on his sick bed. He was convicted in a hugely talked-about trial in April of 1670, and sentenced to be strangled then burned at the stake. Weir was burned to death at Gallowlee. He was the last man to be burned for witchcraft in Scotland.

Weir's staff was said to have a life of its own, carrying out Weir's evil orders as well as his errands. Made of black thornwood and carved with satyr heads, Weir's staff was said to be the source of his powers.


Discover the story and mystery behind the famous wizard on your Tales and Mysteries Tour of Scotland with Celtic Tours.

Glimpse of Scotland Tour

Glimpse of Scotland

Experience the Highlights of Scotland on this leisurely 5-day tour, which includes a comfortable stay by the banks of Loch Ness, a woodland walk, time to explore awe-inspiring Glen Coe.

Your Glimpse of Scotland Tour Includes:

* 4 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Glimpse of Scotland Tour Road Book with full itinerary and additional Scotland/sightseeing information
* Car Rental: Group C Standard Shift Car*
* Carbon offsetting contribution donated to the National Trust for Scotland

Visit Scotland with Celtic Tours on this wonderful self-drive tour. 

Brigadoon

“The mornin' dew is blinkin' yonder. There's lazy music in the rill,

And all I want to do is wander through the heather on the hill.”

The famous Lerner and Loewe whimsical musical fantasy is about two American tourists, Tommy and Jeff, who wander upon a mysterious Scottish village that materializes from the Highland mists once every hundred years, only to disappear the next day. To the villagers, the passing of each century seems no longer than one night. They feel that the enchantment is more of a blessing than a curse, as it saved the village from destruction. According to their covenant, no one from Brigadoon may ever leave, or the enchantment will be broken and the site and all its inhabitants will disappear into the mist forever.

Tommy inevitably falls in love with one of the villagers, Fiona, presenting the main conflict of the musical. The problem is that if Tommy stays in the town for more than a day, he can never return home to New York. Not trusting him emotions, Tommy returns home to his fiancée , Jane Ashton, whom he really does not want to marry. In the end, at the last minute, Tommy cancels his wedding and returns to Scotland. In another miracle, because Tommy's love for Fiona is so great, Brigadoon returns for another brief moment to allow Tommy to enter and never return to the outside world.

Allegedly, the name Brigadoon was inspired by a late medieval bridge called Brig o’ Doon, located near Alloway in South Ayreshire, crossing the River Doon. The famous bridge is also the settings for the final verse of Robert Burn’s poem Tamo’Shanter.

Discover the magic and mystery of the Scottish Highlands, and maybe sneak a peek at the famed village of Brigadoon, on your next Celtic Tours Scotland Vacation.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano: a small, walled hill town with 14 towers rising from the Elsa Valley, in the province of Siena, Tuscany. Known for its famous medieval architecture, long-standing towers and some of the best wine in Italy, San Gimignano is well worth a visit!

The town was founded in the 3^rd Century by Etruscans. As a stop along the Catholic Pilgrimage route, the town grew in importance and wealth up until the mid-1300’s when the population was seriously decreased by the Black Death Plague.

In the following centuries San Gimignano overcame its decline and isolation when its beauty and cultural importance together with its agricultural heritage were rediscovered. Known primarily for its towers that date back to the 11th and 13th centuries, the architecture of the city was influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence.

The town also is known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, grown in the area. Since the Renaissance it has been considered one of Italy's finest white wines.

Beautiful San Gimignano is an optional tour on Celtic Tours Tuscan Experience.

The Tower of London

Visit the Tower of London, the ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and ravens strut the grounds. Despite a grim reputation as a place of torture and death, this powerful and enduring fortress has been enjoyed as a royal palace, served as an armory and for a number of years even housed a zoo!

In the early 1080s, William the Conqueror began to build a massive stone tower at the centre of his London fortress. Nothing like it had ever been seen before. Immense, the Tower of London dominated the skyline for miles around. The Tower was protected by Roman walls on two sides, ditches to the north and west up to 25 ft wide and 11 ft deep and an earthwork topped by a wooden palisade. Although many later kings and queens stayed at the Tower, it was never intended as the main royal residence nor was it meant as the first line of defense against invading armies. The Tower’s primary function was as a fortress-stronghold, a role that remained unchanged right up until the late 19th century.

The Tower of London holds some of the most remarkable stories from across the centuries. Gaze up at the massive White Tower, tiptoe through a kings' medieval bedchamber and marvel at the priceless Crown Jewels. The famous Yeoman Warders have bloody tales to tell; stand where heads rolled and prisoners wept. The Tower held many famous prisoners, from the highest levels of society; some in astonishing comfort and others less so… Visit the places of their confinement and read the graffiti left by prisoners from over 500 years ago.

Visit the Tower of London with Celtic Tours on our newest tour of London: the London Program.

London Program: Our Newest Tour of London

London Program

Explore London with Celtic Tours London Program. Visit the most famous attractions in London including the Tower of London , the Roman Baths and Stonehenge!

Your London Program Includes:

* 4 Nights Accommodations
* Breakfast daily, except day of arrival
* Private transfer from Heathrow airport to hotel and back for 4 people
* Half-day private English speaking guide for walking tour of London on Day 2
* Entrance to Tower of London (independent -day 3)
* Full day private touring on mini coach with English speaking guide on Day 4
* Entrance to Roman Baths and Museum of Bath on Day 4
* Entrance to Stonehenge on Day 4
* Service and VAT

Take a vacation in London with Celtic Tours. Learn more about our new London Program.