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Britain and Ireland Grandeur - England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland

23 daysEngland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales

There's more to Britain and Ireland than the postcard sights. Stand on the hushed battlefield of Culloden, wind along a rugged Cornish coastline and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher. End the day swept up in a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song.

Length
23 days
Starts and ends
London
Meals
22 breakfasts, 8 dinners
Style
Regional Explorer
Group size
48

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Highlights

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Explore London, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh
  • Discover Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York
  • View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, King John's Castle in Limerick, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and York Minster in York
  • See Galway Cathedral
  • Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry
  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
  • Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, The Kelpies, Alnwick, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Deluxe coach travel
  • Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
  • Standard regional accommodation

Itinerary

  1. LondonDays 1–2
  2. PlymouthDay 3
  3. PolperroDay 4
  4. CardiffDay 5
  5. WaterfordDay 6
  6. KillarneyDay 7
  7. Ring of KerryDay 8
  8. GalwayDay 9
  9. County DonegalDay 10
  10. BelfastDay 11
  11. DublinDays 12–13
  12. LiverpoolDay 14
  13. Lake DistrictDay 15
  14. GlasgowDay 16
  15. Isle of SkyeDay 17
  16. Scottish HighlandsDay 18
  17. EdinburghDays 19–20
  18. YorkDay 21
  19. LondonDays 22–23
Day 1Welcome to LondonLondon

The cosmopolitan capital that is London is yours to explore today - the perfect launch pad to discover what's great about Great Britain. Spend the day relaxing in the Royal Parks, amble along the Thames or visit one of the many museums showcasing the art, culture and antiquities of what was once the British Empire.

Stay: Hilton London Kensington, London

Day 2Explore the Sights of LondonLondon

Join a Local Specialist today for a memorable encounter with London's most iconic sights. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey where Britain's kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. Spend the rest of the day exploring London on your terms - shop for the best of British on Carnaby Street, admire the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus or visit 'The City' with Christopher Wren's great St. Pauls Cathedral.

  • London City Tour with a Local Specialist

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hilton London Kensington, London

Day 3Journey to Stonehenge and on to PlymouthLondon · Stonehenge · Plymouth

Meet your Travel Director today before journeying west to the Wiltshire landscapes of Salisbury Plain where you'll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical megaliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.

  • Visit Stonehenge

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Copthorne Hotel Plymouth, Plymouth

Day 4Discover the Cornish PeninsulaPlymouth · Looe · Polperro

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.

  • Discover Plymouth and the Cornish Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Copthorne Hotel Plymouth, Plymouth

Day 5Soak up Bath and off to CardiffPlymouth · Bath · Cardiff

Arriving in Bath, admire the city's stylish Georgian facades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. Continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where you’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage.

  • Bath Orientation
  • Visit the Roman Baths

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Cardiff Holland House by Sunday, Cardiff

Day 6Cross the Irish Sea to WaterfordCardiff · Waterford

This morning, see Cardiff’s iconic sights – the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum – before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening, dine in your hotel.

  • Cardiff Orientation

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Fitzwilton Hotel, Waterford

Cardiff city hall in Wales
Day 7Onwards to Blarney and KillarneyWaterford · Blarney · Killarney

First stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where you will Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with a master crafter. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab', journey to Blarney Castle where you'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.

  • Tour the House of Waterford Crystal Workshop
  • Visit Blarney Castle

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

An upward view of Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland
Day 8A Day on the Ring of KerryKillarney · Ring of Kerry

Ireland's enduring natural beauty accompanies your leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. Pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks.

  • See the Ring of Kerry

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

Wild Atlantic Way coastline with pink sea thrift flowers
Day 9Off to Limerick, the Majestic Cliffs of Moher and GalwayKillarney · Limerick · Cliffs of Moher · Galway

Stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries. You’ll visit the Visitor Center, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Your next overnight stop in Galway is a real treat for culture buffs. Ireland’s capital of music, song and dance and it’s the perfect place to dig deep into Ireland’s vibrant traditional arts scene first-hand.

  • Cliffs of Moher Visit
  • Limerick Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: The Connacht Hotel Galway, Galway

Cliffs of Moher with Atlantic Ocean view and grassy edge at sunset
Day 10Venture into County DonegalGalway · Sligo · County Donegal

This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the town your way before dining at your hotel.

  • Sligo Bay Orientation

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Central Hotel Donegal, Donegal

Galway Cathedral with green dome, ivy-covered bridge and River Corrib
Day 11Explore Derry/Londonderry, the Giant’s Causeway and BelfastCounty Donegal · Derry/Londonderry · Giant's Causeway · Belfast

Cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Derry/Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant's Causeway. The final stop today is in Belfast, where you'll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city's sights.

  • Visit Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
  • Londonderry City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, Belfast

Giant’s Causeway basalt columns with two figures standing at sunset
Day 12On the road to DublinBelfast · Dublin

Spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin, you'll gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a self-guided tour finishing at the Gravity Bar where you can sip on a pint of the black stuff while overlooking Dublin. Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance.

  • Belfast City Tour
  • Discover how the world's most famous stout is created at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: The Address Hotel Connolly, Dublin

St. Patrick's Park in Dublin, Ireland
Day 13See the Sights of DublinDublin

Today see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colorful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through St. Stephen's Green.

  • Dublin City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: The Address Hotel Connolly, Dublin

Visitors with Guinness pints at Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin cityscape
Day 14Ferry across to Historic Chester and LiverpoolDublin · Chester · Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows. Later, head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where you'll spend the night.

  • Chester Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Liverpool

Chester Walls Clock in England
Day 15Continue to the Beautiful Lake DistrictLiverpool · Lake District

Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.

  • Scenic Drive Through the Lake District

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: North Lakes Hotel and Spa Penrith, Penrith

Swans on Lake Windermere in the Lake District of England
Day 16Journey North to GlasgowLake District · Gretna Green · Glasgow

Cross into Scotland and visit Gretna Green, where you’ll discover the village’s romantic legacy of runaway weddings at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and visitor center. Continue to Falkirk, and Dive into Culture at The Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures that honor the powerful draught horses once vital to Scotland’s canals and industry. Arrive in Glasgow for an orientation tour with your Travel Director. Take in the city’s highlights including the 12th-century cathedral and George Square, surrounded by grand architecture.

  • Visit the Kelpies in Falkirk
  • Glasgow Orientation
  • Visit Gretna Green

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow

Kelvin Bridge over River Kelvin on Great Western Road, Glasgow
Day 17Over the Sea to SkyeGlasgow · Glencoe · Isle of Skye

Travel North from Glasgow to Loch Lomond, where wooded islands, gentle hills and the Trossachs frame the view. Perhaps choose an Optional Experience of a scenic boat trip around the loch and hear of the folklore woven through its waters. Continue through Glencoe, known as the ‘Glen of the Weeping’, and pass the site of the tragic 1692 massacre. Journey on to Fort William and view Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before pausing to admire 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Head to your hotel on the Isle of Skye for an afternoon at leisure.

  • See Glencoe
  • See Eilean Donan Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: The Dunollie Hotel Broadford, Skye

Colourful waterfront houses in Portree on Isle of Skye overlooking harbour
Day 18The Sights of Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish HighlandsIsle of Skye · Culloden · Scottish Highlands

Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as 'Nessie'. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746.

  • Scenic Drive Through the Scottish Highlands
  • Highlands Culloden Visitor Center

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: The Highlander Hotel Newtonmore, Newtonmore

Highland cow standing in grassy field on Isle of Mull
Day 19Onwards to EdinburghScottish Highlands · Pitlochry · St. Andrews · Edinburgh

Continue south and stop in Pitlochry before traveling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. Cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.

  • Visit the University Town of St. Andrews

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Holiday Inn Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Day 20Explore Edinburgh CastleEdinburgh

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour; see the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building. Enjoy some free time before an included visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

  • Edinburgh City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Holiday Inn Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Day 21Uncover York’s TreasuresEdinburgh · Alnwick · York

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where you'll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavors and hospitality.

  • Dine with a Local Family in the Vale of York
  • York Orientation
  • Alnwick Visit

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Novotel York Centre Hotel, York

Day 22Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to LondonYork · Stratford-upon-Avon · London

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before returning to London this afternoon for your last evening at leisure.

  • Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hilton London Kensington, London

Day 23Farewell LondonLondon

Leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

London, England

3 nights

Hilton London Kensington

Hotel

Plymouth, England

2 nights

Copthorne Hotel Plymouth

Hotel

Cardiff, Wales

1 night

Cardiff Holland House by Sunday

Hotel

Waterford, Ireland

1 night

Fitzwilton Hotel

Hotel

Killarney, Ireland

2 nights

Hotel Killarney

Hotel

Galway, Ireland

1 night

The Connacht Hotel Galway

Hotel

Donegal, Ireland

1 night

Central Hotel Donegal

Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland

1 night

AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast

Dublin, Ireland

2 nights

The Address Hotel Connolly

Hotel

Liverpool, England

1 night

Leonardo Hotel Liverpool

Hotel

Penrith, England

1 night

North Lakes Hotel and Spa Penrith

Hotel

Kendal, England

Castle Green Hotel Kendal

Hotel

Glasgow, Scotland

1 night

Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre

Hotel

Skye, Scotland

1 night

The Dunollie Hotel Broadford

Hotel

Newtonmore, Scotland

1 night

The Highlander Hotel Newtonmore

Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland

2 nights

Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Hotel

York, England

1 night

Novotel York Centre Hotel

Hotel

London, England

The Tower Hotel by Thistle

Hotel

What’s included

Optional experiences
  • Plymouth Harbor Cruise

    1 hour · Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Plymouth Harbor Extended Cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Dartmoor Excursion And Dinner

    Paid on tour

  • Plymouth Gin Tasting and Dinner

    3 hours

    Paid on tour

  • Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner

    Paid on tour

  • Welsh Evening

    3 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Cardiff Castle Tour

    75 minutes · Local Guide, Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Explore Waterford's History

    Paid on tour

  • Gaelic Roots

    2 hours · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Celtic Steps

    150 minutes · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Jaunting Car Ride

    1 hour · Jaunt with a local jarvey

    Paid on tour

  • Enjoy Dinner and Drinks in Belfast

    Paid on tour

  • Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips

    3 hours · Walking tour, Food and Drink

    Paid on tour

  • Dublin Dinner and Cabaret

    150 minutes · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough

    3 hours · Local Guide, Stop for the perfect photo opportunity, Scenic drive

    Paid on tour

  • Dinner in Dublin City

    150 minutes · Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • Famous Sights and the Fab Four

    90 minutes · Local Guide

    Paid on tour

  • Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere

    1 hour · Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise

    1 hour · Boat cruise, Transportation by train, Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Glasgow City Evening

    3 hours · Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • A Stirling Evening

    4 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment, Gratuities for local staff

    Paid on tour

  • Loch Lomond Boat Trip

    1 hour · Local Guide, Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Isle of Skye Drive

    Paid on tour

  • Highland Farm Experience

    1 hour · Local Guide, A sheep herding demonstration, A chance to feed the lambs

    Paid on tour

  • Blair Castle Visit

    90 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Edinburgh by Night and Dinner

    4 hours · Scenic drive, Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • Rosslyn Chapel

    150 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen

    4 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu

    3 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$7,196

Choose a departure