Britain and Ireland Grandeur Summer 2019
Overview
Highlights
- CITY TOUR in London, Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh
- 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, Giants 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
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Itinerary
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.
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...
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.
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. You will be offered one of the following two evening optional experiences depending on availability:
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. You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
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.
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. You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
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.
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.
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 to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and enjoy time at leisure before dining at your hotel.
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 hau...
We spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their Black Cab. Heading south to Dublin later, we see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. To...
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.
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'. 'Dive Into Culture' and gain insights into the life of the local Town Crier before heading to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where we'll spend the night.
Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere. You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
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 ...
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 travelling to the Isle of Skye.
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.
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. During the ...
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. Of the two following evening optional experiences, you will b...
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.
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.
We leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.
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Dates & Availability
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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
Other Trafalgar Reviews
Michael Waldo
Nov 2024
A perfect Autumn trip
Both the Tour Director and driver were first rate. The team was as knowledgeable and competent as they were friendly and seemed to work well together. Jeannine rea...
Trusted Customer
Nov 2024
European Dream
Fast paced and fun!
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Tour Operator
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.
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.
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Logistics
Accommodation
- 22 full breakfasts
- 10 dinners
- Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- The services of a Trafalgar Local Host at your London hotel
- Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Hand-picked Trip Highlights
- Optional Experiences and free time
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and a professional Driver
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- London airport transfer service is available to purchase. Conditions apply. See airport transfer page link below for details
- VIP entry to many sights
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