Across the Pond Vacations

05/16/2024

What a fantastic place to visit, especially knowing it's so "green!"

Edinburgh Is Officially The Most Sustainable Destination In Europe!

A recent study concluded Edinburgh as the most sustainable destination in Europe, taking into account a variety of factors.

01/22/2024

Good advice, aye, hen?
https://www.tiktok.com//video/7325816020520783136?q=eleanor%20morton&t=1705945770524

6056 likes, 426 comments. “5 things tourists should NEVER say to Scottish People”

01/03/2024

Did you travel with us in 2022-2023? If so, see if you can find yourselves here:
https://atpvacations.com/photo-album/
We have the best clients EVER!

Our clients love sharing photos from their amazing ATP Vacations. Click to get inspired for your own vacation to the UK and Ireland.

11/09/2023

An enormous thank you to our awesome Travel Coordinator, Molly Froke, for bringing in "Biscuits with the Boss," a.k.a. Biscuits from the Rose and Crown Pub in Santa Clarita! They are AMAZINGLY delicious!

10/05/2023

It's tough being the DFP (Director of Fun & Play). It can wear a guy out!

09/10/2023

Final night festivities ♥️ (Hanging with Stephen Nase from )

09/09/2023

Enjoying San Francisco at

09/08/2023

Learning great info about all parts of England at Destination Britain North America!

09/08/2023

09/08/2023

Listening to Nick DuBois, CBE, at ... great speaker!

08/15/2023

Step into a world of enchantment and explore the timeless beauty of 5 Magnificent Castles in The United Kingdom. From the grandeur of Windsor Castle to the haunting beauty of Edinburgh Castle, each castle holds stories of kings and queens, knights and legends

08/10/2023

Sometimes, life gifts us with moments that defy description. They're the kind that leave us speechless, in awe of the beauty and wonder surrounding us. Nowhere but in locations as magical and touching such as Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales will we find such cherished memories that become etched in our hearts forever. Live for these indescribable moments, embrace them fully, and let them become the story of your extraordinary life.

08/06/2023

When in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a medieval royal mansion, is a “must see” in Scotland. This majestic palace, which serves as the official residence of British royalty in Scotland, has a fascinating history dating back to the 16th century. Holyroodhouse, with its grand architecture, intriguing state apartments, and idyllic gardens, provides tourists with a unique view of Scottish royalty and the region's rich legacy.

07/31/2023

Traveling is like a crash course in life! We're not just tourists. We’re explorers, delving into diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives. With every step taken, we gain invaluable lessons and experiences that shape us, challenge us, and open our minds to the beauty and diversity of our world.

07/28/2023

Experience the enchantment of Vandeleur Walled Garden in County Clare, Ireland. Take a moment to jump in, count the colors, and treat your senses to a delightful journey.
Step inside and follow the captivating story of one of Clare's most beautiful botanical tributes to Ireland's rich, natural history. 👪 Families and kids will also delight in the garden's mini activities, providing an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Explore, discover, and create lasting memories in this hidden Irish gem. 💎

Image Credit: https://www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie/walled-garden/garden-gallery/

07/24/2023

They’re small, they’re slimy, and they’re DELICIOUS! Join seafood fans from around the world in Galway, Ireland, at the International Oyster Festival. Taste oysters so fresh, you’ll think they jumped from the Atlantic right onto your plate. Talented chefs provide unbelievably amazing creations at multiple venues throughout the city. With live music throughout, a variety of the freshest seafood you will ever taste, oyster opening competitions, family fun and cookery demos with celebrated national and local chefs, you’ll find there is something for everyone over the course of a fabulous weekend! This year’s opening night is September 22nd, followed by the World Oyster Opening Championship and a Winners Masquerade Party on the 23rd, and Féile Bia Na Mara (Family Seafood Festival Day) on the 24th.

Learn more here: https://www.galwayoysterfestival.com/2023-festival-programme/

07/19/2023

If you're a book-loving traveler seeking new horizons, prepare to be enchanted by the fascinating worlds of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Step into the quaint house, Hill Top, where Potter's imaginative tales of Peter Rabbit came to life, and listen for the whispers of her beloved characters as you meander around the nostalgic rooms. Then, visit Wordsworth's former home, Dove Cottage, where the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District inspired some of the world’s most beautiful poetry. Allow the legacies of these literary masters pique your interest and take you on a voyage into the wonder of their creations. 📚

07/12/2023

One word... YYUUUUUUMMMMM!

Tangy, sweet, and utterly scrumptious. Check out our Scone of the Month – raspberry and ginger: https://ow.ly/jOiS50P3II7

Treat your friends to some home baking or enjoy them fresh out the oven at one of our cafés.

07/12/2023

Two nations divided by a common language, indeed! Enjoy a chuckle! (Thanks )

A Scottish air traffic controller (James McAvoy) with a heavy accent tries to guide a plane to a safe landing. to ...

07/10/2023

We have THE best clients, ever! Thank you to E. and M. for this recent review:

"Our trip to Scotland and England was intricately planned to include everything we hoped to do and more. All of the local tour guides were fantastic and customized their tours to meet our interests. We loved that we didn’t have to think about any of the logistics of the trip and just had to turn the page in our itinerary to find out what the next perfectly planned event was going to be. Every experience was fabulous and we were so impressed by Anne Marie at Across the Pond Vacations. She was so attentive to learning our interests and travel style that she truly created the trip of our dreams. Favorite parts of our trip: Private walking tours of Edinburgh and Oxford, Three Isles tour from Oban to Mull, Staffa, and Iona - especially Fingal’s Cave and the puffins, the Oban Distillery tour, the Speyside Distilleries Driving Tour from Inverness, Windsor Castle….but we also loved everything in between!"

Thank you... it's words like these that make it all worth it!

06/29/2023

Thanks, - we couldn't agree more! Let's talk about even more amazing food and drink throughout the British Isles!

SOUTH WEST, ENGLAND
England’s South West is full of surprises and little known for its exceptional vineyards and dynamic cuisine beyond the shoreline. With expanding farm-to-table restaurants demonstrating the distinct ingredients thriving in the local environment, the soils affected by the sea also shape the unique quality of the vines.
Comparatively small as a wine-growing region, the results are delicious and diverse, especially when paired with the famous scenery and celebrated seafood on a food and wine tour planned for the best time to visit England.
Learn more: https://atpvacations.com/london-england-vacation-travel-packages/

06/14/2023

Discover England like a local with a private guide by your side! Get insider knowledge about the history and culture of the places you visit, and receive personalized recommendations that fit your interests and preferences.

✔️ No more getting lost or worrying about missing out on must-see spots
✔️ Have the flexibility to create a customized itinerary that suits you
✔️ Gain access to exclusive attractions and experiences that are not always available to the public

A private guide can truly enhance your trip, making it an unforgettable and enjoyable experience!

06/12/2023

Travel has the power to transform us from passive observers to active storytellers. As we journey through new lands, we discover parts of ourselves we never knew existed and weave tales of adventure and discovery. So, pack your bags and hit the road - let the world leave you speechless and turn you into a master storyteller.

06/09/2023

Dunraven Bay is a stunning destination on the south coast of Wales. With its sweeping sandy beach, dramatic cliffs, and clear blue waters, it's no wonder that it's a popular spot for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike. The nearby gardens, which cover nine acres of land, offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gardens, taking in the breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding countryside, before settling down for a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a change of scenery, Dunraven Bay is definitely worth a visit.

06/07/2023

Venture through the enchanting Lost Garden Trail in Cornwall, UK, winding through Heligan Gardens' captivating landscape. Embrace the diverse terrain, spanning woodlands, open fields, and gardens, each flourishing with its own distinct features and blooms. Discover historical treasures nestled within the verdant landscape, from the once-thriving Melon Yard to the majestic Italian Garden, adorned with timeless sculptures and a serene pond.

Image Credit: Courtesy of Montalto Estate

06/05/2023

Nature has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being, and what better way to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature than a visit to one of Ireland's enchanting gardens. A journey through these stunning gardens promises to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

🏰 Powerscourt Gardens: Nestled in the Wicklow Mountains, this historic estate is renowned for its exquisite Italian and Japanese gardens, featuring over 200 varieties of trees, an impressive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, and the stunning Triton Lake. And when you're there, stop in at the beautiful Powerscourt Waterfall, just 3.5 miles away from the Gardens.

🌺 Muckross House and Gardens: Located in the heart of Killarney National Park, this Victorian mansion and its sprawling gardens are a testament to the romantic ideals of the era. Here you can marvel at the towering yew trees of the Yew Garden, stroll through the exotic rock garden, or admire the vibrant colors of the sunken garden's seasonal blooms.

🌸 Bantry House and Garden: Set amidst the rolling hills of West Cork, this 18th-century mansion boasts some of Ireland's most spectacular views of Bantry Bay. Its terraced gardens are a marvel of horticultural design, featuring a variety of rare plants such as the Himalayan blue poppy and the Chilean fire bush.

🌳 Mount Usher Gardens: Tucked away in the idyllic village of Ashford, County Wicklow, this romantic garden is a feast for the senses. The winding paths lead visitors through lush woodland glades, past sparkling streams and waterfalls, and under the towering canopies of ancient trees, including oak, beech, and birch.

Image Credit:
Powerscourt Gardens / Courtesy Failte Ireland
Muckross House and Gardens / Courtesy Trustees of Muckross House
Bantry House and Garden / Courtesy Brian Morrison
Mount Usher Gardens / ©Tourism Ireland