Britain and Ireland Highlights
Britain and Ireland Highlights
Britain and Ireland Highlights
8 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Harrogate, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBIHM18
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 54
Age range:
5-99
Trip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Cruise, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Short on travel time but want to see all the Britain and Ireland highlights? This trip delivers the genius of Shakespeare, Waterford crystal creations in Ireland and a hearty Welsh dinner at a local vineyard, with a side of ancient history, in just over one week.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Stratford-Upon-Avon, York And On To Harrogate
Location: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Harrogate
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: No Meals
Delve into centuries of history today – tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as we arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Centre, before embarking on a scenic drive north to the Viking city of York, where we'll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception in our hotel in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, our home for tonight.
Day 2 : Through The Scenic Lake District To Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on our journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which we’ll pass as we continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. We'll cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. We drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience to Braveheart Country for a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
Day 3 : Explore Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Glasgow, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh, with its exquisite medieval façades, our encounter with Scotland will see us join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour. We’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, and see the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening. Enjoy views of Glasgow Cathedral and George Square before a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Day 4 : Cross The Irish Sea To Belfast And Dublin
Location: Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mespil Clayton / Ballsbridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast, past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Board the ferry to Northern Ireland, then join a Local Specialist to explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in Belfast. We’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, we arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 5 : Discover Diverse Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of Guinness brewing, and enjoy a Storehouse tour and a tasting and pouring technique demonstration. Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland, before spending the rest of the day exploring the sights alone. Ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.
Day 6 : Journey To Kilkenny And On To Waterford
Location: Kilkenny, Waterford
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Marina/Fitzwilton
Meals Included: Breakfast
We Dive Into Culture this morning and gain insights into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud established in 1946. Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time for lunch. Our next stop sees us Dive Into Culture yet again to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. We'll watch master craftsmen at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.
Day 7 : Ferry Across To Cultural Cardiff
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Park Inn by Radisson City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
An early start to our sightseeing today sees us cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue our journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Wales Millennium Centre, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. This evening, we Connect With Locals in the idyllic Welsh countryside, joining a local family for a Farewell Dinner Be My Guest experience. During your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, visit the oldest and largest vineyard in Wales, you’ll learn how the Norris family are using sustainable farming practices and get to meet some of the resident animals that roam the land freely. You’ll enjoy a homemade meal, enchanting stories of rural life in Wales and warm Welsh hospitality, leaving with the knowledge that your visit supports the family in their efforts to farm sustainably.
Day 8 : Soak Up Bath And Stonehenge Then Off To London
Location: Bath, Stonehenge, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and world-famous Roman Baths from which the city derives its name. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge, then return to London where your memorable holiday in Britain and Ireland comes to an end.
What's Included
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1 Be My Guest
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1 Regional Dinner
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1 Welcome Reception
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7 Breakfasts
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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