Britain and Ireland Grandeur

23 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
95%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
preferred

USTOA

Group Tour
There's more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you'll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher, smell the mossy walls of medieval castles and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • ORIENTATION of Salisbury Plain, Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Chester, Glasgow and York
    • VISIT the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, Giant's Causeway, the Falkirk Wheel, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
    • VIEW the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster
    • SCENIC DRIVE on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry

What's this trip about?

    There's more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you'll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher, smell the mossy walls of medieval castles and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Ireland

Attractions

  • Bath
  • Belfast
  • Cardiff
  • Dublin
  • Edinburgh
  • Galway
  • Lake District
  • Liverpool
  • London
  • Scottish Highlands
  • York

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive London (2 Nights)

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.

Day 2: London Sightseeing and Free Time

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 t...

Day 3: London – Stonehenge – Plymouth (2 Nights)

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 monoliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.

Day 4: Plymouth Orientation and Cornish Excursion

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.

Day 5: Plymouth – Bath – Cardiff

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

Day 6: Cardiff – Waterford

This morning, we explore Cardiff's iconic sights - the Principality Stadium, Millennium Centre and Victorian fantasy castle before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening we dine in our hotel.

Day 7: Waterford – Blarney – Killarney (2 Nights)

Our first stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where we 'Dive Into Culture', watching a demonstration with master craftsmen. In pursuit of the 'gift of the gab', we journey to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.

Day 8: Ring of Kerry Excursion

Ireland's enduring natural beauty accompanies our leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. We 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.

Day 9: Killarney – Limerick – Cliffs of Moher – Galway

We stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. Our next stop is the magnificent Cliffs of Moher which plunge into the Atlantic, before arriving in Galway, where we'll spend the night.

Day 10: Galway – Sligo – Co. 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. Travel via Sligo to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and enjoy time at leisure before dining at your hotel.

Day 11: Co. Donegal – Londonderry – Giant’s Causeway – Belfast Orientation

We cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a 'Local Specialist' in 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. Our visit to the h...

Day 12: Belfast – Dublin (2 Nights)

We spend the morning with a 'Local Specialist' 'Cabbie' who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin later, we see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a 'Local Specialist'. Ton...

Day 13: Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time

Beat the crowds and gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse before general admission. Here you'll 'Dive Into Culture' and embark on a tour and tasting technique demonstration. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colourful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through Phoenix Park, Dublin's playground.

Day 14: Dublin – 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, we head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where we'll spend the night.

Day 15: Liverpool – 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.

Day 16: Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow

The runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green is our first stop today, where we'll tread in the footsteps of eloping couples who would take their vows over the Marriage Anvil. We arrive in Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent ...

Day 17: Glasgow – Glencoe – Isle of Skye

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the 'Glen of the Weeping' and see Britain's highest mountain - Ben Nevis. We'll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye.

Day 18: Isle of Skye – Loch Ness – 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.

Day 19: Scottish Highlands – Pitlochry – St. Andrews – Edinburgh (2 Nights)

We continue south and stop in Pitlochry before travelling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to one of the oldest golf courses in the world. We cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights.

Day 20: Edinburgh Sightseeing

Join a 'Local Specialist' for a sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building.

Day 21: Edinburgh – Alnwick – York

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where we'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 a 'Be My Guest' dinner at a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavours and hospitality.

Day 22: York – Stratford-upon-Avon – London

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

Day 23: Depart London

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

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,795
Price per day$208
Last Updated: 8/26/2020

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
21,274
Great
6,540
Average
1,873
Disappointing
579
Terrible
375
Write a Review

Other Trafalgar Reviews

S

Stephen Polizio

Mar 2024

Written on

Iceland including the Blue Lagoon

Great time and great tour guide.

S

Scott Barnett

Mar 2024

Written on

European Highlights End Paris

The trip went quickly. This was perfect itinerary for an introduction to Europe. ...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2024

Written on

Italy Bellissimo

Lots to see. So much was left out. Needed more time.

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Trafalgar

preferred
View Profile

At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

 longdesc=

About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

Associations

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Hilton Kensington/DoubleTree by Hilton Islington,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 22 breakfasts
  • 10 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing Daily breakfast and up to half your evening meals Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) The services of a Trafalgar Local Host at your London hotel Use of Trafalgar's London Reception Centre offering a range of services including tickets for day trips and local attractions Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted Optional Experiences and free time All porterage and restaurant gratuities Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras An expert Travel Director and professional Driver All hotel tips, charges and local taxes London airport transfer service is available to purchase. Conditions apply. See airport transfer page for details Handcrafted Highlights VIP entry to many sights
Trip ID
trafalgar-BIGTN15

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >