Britain and Ireland Grandeur (20 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an extraordinary 20-day journey through the United Kingdom and Ireland, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking you from the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge to the vibrant streets of Dublin, and from the serene beauty of the Lake District to the historic charm of Edinburgh. Along the way, explore iconic landmarks, indulge in local traditions, and savor the rich tapestry of cultures that define these remarkable regions. With comfortable accommodations and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery and delight.
Included
8 Dinner (D)
19 Breakfast (B)
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Copthorne
Park Inn by Radisson City Centre, Radisson Blu
Fitzwilton
Killarney
Connacht
Central
Stormont, AC by Marriott
The Address Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center
Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
North Lakes, Castle Green
Novotel, Hilton Garden Inn City Centre
Dunollie, Kings Arms
Highlander
Holiday Inn , Novotel Centre
Novotel Centre
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
York: Enjoy a traditional British dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of their historical country home overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.
Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
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.
Falkirk: Visit Falkirk Wheel to learn about Scotland's canal system at the world's only rotating boat lift.
Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Cornwall: See Plymouth's famed landmarks and explore typical seaside villages during an orientation of the Cornish peninsula.
Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
Blarney: It is said that those who kiss the Blarney Stone are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. But to do so, you must dangle from the ramparts! Visit Blarney Castle and see the famous Stone of Eloquence.
Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Lahinch: Help preserve the Cliffs of Moher for generations to come and learn about its extraordinary geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
Limerick: See Limerick's iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director.
Sligo Bay: Explore this scenic town during an orientation with your Travel Director.
Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
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.
Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
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.
York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
Alnwick: See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county town.
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.
Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore this iconic natural landmark. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Explore Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh
Discover Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York
Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Falkirk Wheel in Falkirk, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, King John's Castle in Limerick, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and York Minster in York
See Galway Cathedral
Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
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
Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: London to Plymouth
- London
- Plymouth - Arrival day
- More
Begin your adventure by heading west from London to the enigmatic Stonehenge, where ancient mysteries await. Continue your journey through the picturesque landscapes of Devon, arriving in the historic naval city of Plymouth, your base for the next two nights.
Day 2 – Day 2: Plymouth and Cornish Villages
- Plymouth
- More
Embark on a guided tour of Plymouth, taking in the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Then, venture into the Cornish peninsula to explore the charming seaside villages of Looe and Polperro, where coastal beauty and quaint charm await.
Day 3 – Day 3: Bath to Cardiff
- Plymouth
- Bath
- Cardiff
- More
Travel to the elegant city of Bath, renowned for its Georgian architecture and the ancient Roman Baths. Continue to Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, where you can enjoy an evening exploring the city's rich heritage and modern attractions.
Day 4 – Day 4: Cardiff to Waterford
- Cardiff
- Waterford
- More
Discover Cardiff's iconic landmarks, including the Principality Stadium, Millennium Centre, and the Victorian fantasy castle. Then, cross the Irish Sea to Waterford, renowned for its exquisite crystal craftsmanship. Enjoy a delightful dinner at your hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Waterford to Killarney
- Waterford
- Blarney
- Killarney
- More
- Blarney Stone
- House of Waterford Crystal
- More
Begin your day with a cultural immersion at the House of Waterford Crystal, witnessing master craftsmen at work. Journey to Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, then continue to the picturesque town of Killarney for an enchanting evening.
Day 6 – Day 6: Ring of Kerry
- Killarney
- More
- Blennerville Windmill
- Waterville Golf Links
- Kingdom Falconry
- More
Embark on a leisurely drive around the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, where Ireland's natural beauty unfolds at every turn. Pass through the fishing village of Waterville, admire the views from Moll's Gap, and explore the remote Black Valley, a place untouched by modernity.
Day 7 – Day 7: Killarney to Galway
- Killarney
- Limerick
- Galway
- More
- Cliffs of Moher
- Treaty Stone
- King John's Castle
- Saint Mary's Cathedral
- More
Visit Limerick to see St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone, and King John's Castle. Experience the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic. Conclude your day in Galway, a cultural hub known for its vibrant arts scene.
Day 8 – Day 8: Galway to Donegal
- Galway
- Donegal
- Sligo
- More
- Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, Galway
- Eyre Square
- Donegal Castle
- More
Explore Galway's highlights, including the impressive Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square. Journey through Sligo and arrive in Donegal to visit its 15th-century castle. Enjoy a leisurely evening in Donegal, with dinner at your hotel.
Day 9 – Day 9: Donegal to Belfast
- Donegal
- Belfast
- More
- Beltany Stone Circle
- Sand Dunes at Lagg
- Greencastle Golf Cub
- More
Cross into Northern Ireland and join a local expert in Londonderry to explore its 17th-century city walls and the evocative Bogside murals. Visit the legendary Giant's Causeway before arriving in Belfast, where you can explore the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Day 10 – Day 10: Belfast to Dublin
- Edinburgh
- Alnwick
- York
- Dublin
- More
Experience Belfast's recent history with a local 'Cabbie' guide. Travel south to Dublin, where you'll visit St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic landmarks. Consider an optional evening of traditional Irish music and dance.
Day 11 – Day 11: Explore Dublin
- Dublin
- More
- Guinness Storehouse
- Greenan Maze
- People's Park
- St Mary's Abbey
- More
Dive into Dublin's culture with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where you can enjoy a pint with panoramic views of the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Dublin's vibrant streets, including Grafton Street, Temple Bar, and St. Stephen's Green.
Day 12 – Day 12: Dublin to Liverpool
- Dublin
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Liverpool
- More
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the historic town of Chester, where you'll see its Roman walls and Tudor Rows. Later, arrive in Liverpool, the city synonymous with The Beatles, where you'll spend the night.
Day 13 – Day 13: Liverpool to Lake District
- Liverpool
- More
Travel north to the serene Lake District, a region that has inspired poets and writers for centuries. Admire the stunning landscapes surrounding Lake Windermere, where nature's beauty is on full display.
Day 14 – Day 14: Lake District to Glasgow
- Glasgow
- More
Visit the romantic Gretna Green, famous for runaway weddings. Continue to Glasgow for a city tour, including views of the Cathedral and George Square. Experience the innovative Falkirk Wheel, a marvel of engineering.
Day 15 – Day 15: Glasgow to Isle of Skye
- Glasgow
- More
Journey through the hauntingly beautiful Glencoe and view Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis. Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle before reaching the enchanting Isle of Skye, where rugged landscapes and rich history await.
Day 16 – Day 16: Isle of Skye to Loch Ness
Day 16: Isle of Skye to Loch Ness
Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands, passing Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the legendary Nessie. Visit the site of the Battle of Culloden, where history comes alive.
Day 17 – Day 17: Loch Ness to Edinburgh
- Belfast
- Dublin
- More
Continue south, stopping in the charming town of Pitlochry before traveling to St. Andrews, home to the world's oldest golf course. Cross the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Day 18 – Day 18: Explore Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- More
Join a local expert for a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, including a visit to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Stroll along the Royal Mile, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and admire the modern Scottish Parliament building.
Day 19 – Day 19: Edinburgh to York
- Pitlochry
- St Andrews
- Edinburgh
- More
Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before arriving in York, where you'll explore the picturesque Shambles and visit the magnificent York Minster. Enjoy a special dinner with local hosts, experiencing Yorkshire's traditional hospitality.
Day 20 – Day 20: York to London
- York
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- London - Departure day
- More
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace. Conclude your journey by returning to London, where your unforgettable multi-day tour comes to an end.
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