Britain and Ireland Highlights
from $3385
Duration: 8 Days
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.
Day 1
Stratford-upon-Avon, York and on to Harrogate
After leaving your London hotel 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 Center, 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 Dinner at our hotel in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, our home for tonight.
Day 2
Through the Scenic Lake District to Glasgow
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 where our orientation will take us past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
Day 3
Explore Enchanting Edinburgh
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 for a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Day 4
Cross the Irish Sea to Belfast and Dublin
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 Dive Into Culture
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 colorful 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
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 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
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 Center, 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. 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
Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and visit the 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.
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • Cardiff: Enjoy a hearty Be My Guest Welsh dinner with a farming family and their animals in the beautiful award-winning vineyards of Wales.
  • 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.
  • York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
  • Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
  • Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
  • Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
  • Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
  • Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
  • Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
  • Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
  • : Explore Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover York, Glasgow, Cardiff and Bath
  • : Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, Guinness Storehouse, the Irish National Stud and Japanese Garden, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, the Roman Baths in Bath and the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge
  • : View York Minster, Glasgow Cathedral and George Square, City Hall in Belfast, Kilkenny Castle and Gardens
  • : See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff
  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • London: Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
  • : 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 and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland
  • : Ferry across the Irish Sea from Ireland to South Wales
  • : Optional Experiences and free time
Start Date: 2023-09-30
End Date: 2023-10-07
twin
Adult Price: $3450
Child Price: $3130
twinShare
Adult Price: $3450
Child Price: $2740
triple
Adult Price: $3440
Child Price: $3120
single
Adult Price: $4220
Start Date: 2023-10-03
End Date: 2023-10-10
twin
Adult Price: $3450
Child Price: $3130
twinShare
Adult Price: $3450
Child Price: $2740
triple
Adult Price: $3440
Child Price: $3120
single
Adult Price: $4220
Start Date: 2023-10-07
End Date: 2023-10-14
twin
Adult Price: $3395
Child Price: $3075
twinShare
Adult Price: $3395
triple
Adult Price: $3385
Child Price: $3065
single
Adult Price: $4165
Start Date: 2023-10-14
End Date: 2023-10-21
twin
Adult Price: $3395
Child Price: $3075
twinShare
Adult Price: $3395
triple
Adult Price: $3385
Child Price: $3065
single
Adult Price: $4165
Start Date: 2023-10-21
End Date: 2023-10-28
twin
Adult Price: $3395
Child Price: $3075
twinShare
Adult Price: $3395
triple
Adult Price: $3385
Child Price: $3065
single
Adult Price: $4165

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