Britain and Ireland Highlights
10 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, York, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBIHZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
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 and enjoy scenic ferry rides across the Irish Sea. Stay in carefully selected hotels, savor local cuisine, and connect with locals for a truly immersive experience. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, ensuring a memorable exploration of these remarkable regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank, Park Plaza County Hall
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Riverbank
London bids you a warm welcome to its regal traditions and centuries-old heritage. Stroll through its Royal Parks to relax after your journey, or take to its streets to admire elegant façades merged with the modern verve of a global capital that marches to its own multi-cultural tune.
Day 2: Stratford-Upon-Avon, York And On To Harrogate
Location: York
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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 Center, before embarking on your drive 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 3: Through The Scenic Lake District To Glasgow
Location: 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 4: Explore Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Novotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh, with its exquisite medieval façades, your encounter with Scotland will see you join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour. 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 locally-sourced meal at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Day 5: Cross The Irish Sea To Belfast And Dublin
Location: Belfast
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 6: 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 colorful street performers. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.
Day 7: Journey To Kilkenny And On To Waterford Dive Into Culture
Location: Waterford
Accommodation: Waterford Marina Hotel
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 8: Ferry Across To Cultural Cardiff Connect With Locals
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Accommodation Name: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
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 Center, 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 9: Soak Up Bath And Stonehenge Then Off To London
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Park Plaza County Hall, Park Plaza Riverbank
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Riverbank
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.
Day 10: Farewell London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say farewell to your traveling companions at the end of your vacation, as you prepare to travel home with wonderful memories.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host
Enjoy the services of a Trafalgar Local Host when staying at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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London: Pick-up and drop-off
Pick-up and drop-off services are provided when staying at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar.
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Cherry-picked hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted for comfort and convenience.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras to enhance your experience.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing during the tour.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi for a comfortable journey.
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Ferry across the Irish Sea
Enjoy ferry rides across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland and from Ireland to South Wales.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included in the tour price.
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Visas
Visas are not included and may be required for travel.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for coverage against potential risks.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across the UK and Ireland. Enjoy scenic ferry rides across the Irish Sea, enhancing your travel experience with breathtaking views and seamless connectivity between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Park Plaza Riverbank in London, Crowne Plaza in Harrogate, and Novotel in Glasgow, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Enjoy the hospitality of Clayton Ballsbridge in Dublin and Waterford Marina Hotel, among others, for a memorable stay.
Dining Summary
9 Breakfast (B)3 Dinner (D)
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 equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across the UK and Ireland. Additionally, scenic ferry rides across the Irish Sea are included, enhancing the travel experience with breathtaking views and seamless connectivity between destinations.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Park Plaza Riverbank in London, Crowne Plaza in Harrogate, and Novotel in Glasgow, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey. The tour also includes stays at Clayton Ballsbridge in Dublin and Waterford Marina Hotel, among others, for a memorable experience.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there are opportunities to enjoy locally-sourced meals, such as a delicious dining experience at Mharsanta restaurant in Glasgow and a homemade meal with the Norris family at their vineyard in Wales.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several 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 with the Norris family at their 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, view Glasgow Cathedral, and see the City Hall in Belfast.
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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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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD 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 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions