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Britain and Ireland Highlights
8 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Harrogate, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Lake District National Park, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBIHZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes and rich histories of Britain and Ireland with the "Britain and Ireland Highlights" tour. This adventure takes you from the bustling streets of London to the enchanting cities of Edinburgh, Belfast, and Dublin. Discover the cultural treasures of York, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Bath, and visit iconic landmarks such as Shakespeare's Birthplace, Edinburgh Castle, and the Roman Baths. Experience the charm of the Irish National Stud and the craftsmanship of Waterford Crystal. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, with ferry crossings across the Irish Sea, and enjoy stays in carefully selected hotels. Delight in local dining experiences, including a sustainable meal at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant and a warm Welsh welcome at a family vineyard in Cardiff. This tour promises a perfect blend of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to explore the best of these storied lands.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Stratford-Upon-Avon, York And On To Harrogate
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Harrogate
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as you visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Centre, then continue north to the Viking city of York, where you'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 dinner in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.
Day 2: Through The Scenic Lake District To Glasgow
Location: Yorkshire Dales National Park, Lake District National Park, Gretna Green, Glasgow
Accommodation: Novotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on your journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which you’ll pass as you continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. Drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow where your orientation will take you past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
Day 3: Explore Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh, Glasgow
Accommodation: Novotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh with its exquisite medieval façades. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town, see the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile with a Local Specialist on a memorable sightseeing tour. Afterwards enjoy an included visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Later, wander through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening for a delicious locally-sourced meal at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Day 4: Cross The Irish Sea To Belfast And Dublin
Location: Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Hotel Connolly
Accommodation Name: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
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. You’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where you'll spend the next two nights.
Day 5: Discover Diverse Dublin Dive Into Culture
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Hotel Connolly
Accommodation Name: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture and discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. 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 Dive Into Culture
Location: Kilkenny, Waterford
Accommodation: Marina
Accommodation Name: Waterford Marina, Fitzwilton
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. The next stop sees you Dive Into Culture to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. Watch master crafters at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.
Day 7: Ferry Across To Cultural Cardiff Connect With Locals
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Accommodation Name: Park Inn by Radisson City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early start to your sightseeing today sees you cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue your 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, join a local family for a Be My Guest experience in the idyllic Welsh countryside,. 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, arrive in the glorious UNESCO listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious megalithic 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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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Trafalgar Local Host in London
The services of a Trafalgar Local Host are available when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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Pick-up and Drop-off in London
Pick-up and drop-off services are provided when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Must-see Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Air-conditioned Coach
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Ferry Crossings
Ferry crossings across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland and from Ireland to South Wales are included.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Optional Experiences
Costs of optional experiences are not included.
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Incidentals
Incidental expenses, such as room service, laundry, phone calls, and internet access, are not included.
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Additional Meals
Meals, other than those included in the itinerary, are not covered.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses, such as souvenirs and tips, are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, enjoy ferry crossings across the Irish Sea, and benefit from pick-up and drop-off services at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as the Crowne Plaza in Harrogate, Novotel in Glasgow, Clayton Ballsbridge in Dublin, and Park Inn by Radisson City Centre in Cardiff, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
- Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Dive into Culture
- Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
- Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, and includes ferry crossings across the Irish Sea. There are also pick-up and drop-off services at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels such as the Crowne Plaza in Harrogate, Novotel in Glasgow, Clayton Ballsbridge in Dublin, and Park Inn by Radisson City Centre in Cardiff, ensuring comfort and quality throughout your journey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there are specific dining experiences such as a locally-sourced meal at Mharsanta restaurant in Glasgow and a homemade meal at a vineyard in Wales.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, exploring the Irish National Stud and Japanese Garden near Kildare, and witnessing the craft of Waterford Crystal. You will also have a 'Be My Guest' experience at a vineyard in Wales.
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What cultural sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour visits several cultural sites including Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh Castle, the Roman Baths in Bath, and the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge. You will also explore the historic streets of York and view landmarks such as York Minster and Glasgow Cathedral.
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Is there any focus on sustainability during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Mharsanta restaurant in Glasgow, which focuses on sustainability by sourcing ingredients locally and reducing their carbon footprint. The Roman Baths in Bath also support educational investments for the community.
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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
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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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