Best of Britain
Experience Overview
Explore the Best of Britain on this incredible trip across England, Scotland and Wales, and travel over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Imagine life as a Benedictine monk at Buckfast Abbey, feel the hope of brave pilgrims in Plymouth and be inspired by the beauty of Lake Windermere.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Somerset: Ian and Ann Dyer are your hosts on their modern-day dairy farm. See the ancient manor house and learn what life is like in the rural countryside over a lunch featuring family favorites.
Dive into Culture
- Buckfastleigh: Visit Buckfast Abbey, a Benedictine monastery built on the site where monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years.
Iconic Experience
- London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist.
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial 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: Explore one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman sites, a bathing and temple complex fed by natural hot springs that still flow today. Walk at your own pace through centuries of history in the heart of Bath. This was once the city’s social center, where Romans gathered to bathe, worship and connect.
- Plymouth: During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps.
- Glastonbury: Visit the historic Glastonbury Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, its ruins are now registered as a Grade I listed building.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Tudor architecture.
- Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
- Liverpool: Join a Local Specialist to gain insight into Liverpool's history.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- 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.
- Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- 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.
- Pitlochry: Visit Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap.
- 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.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Glasgow: Indulge in a delicious dining experience at Mharsanta restaurant in Glasgow, where sustainability meets Scottish tradition. Sourcing the majority of their ingredients locally, Mharsanta is committed to reducing their carbon footprint through energy- efficient practices, waste reduction, and an ever-growing plant-rich menu. Enjoy your meal knowing you’re making a positive impact, as this experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore London, Liverpool, the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh
- Discover Bath, Plymouth, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow and York
- Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Polperro, Buckfast Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey, the town of Ludlow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
- View Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle, Alnwick Castle used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, York Minster in York and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon
- See England's Dartmoor National Park and Lake District, Ben Nevis and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands and the 18th green at St. Andrews
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Trip Details
Product Code: 19089
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 4.218A
Starts: London, United Kingdom
Finishes: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- 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
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,566 ($398 /day)
Itinerary
London's vibrant city streets are your launch pad to an epic journey through the iconic sights of Britain. Embrace the pomp and ceremony of this multi-cultural capital, exploring the treasures of its former Empire in museums, rambling through its picturesque Royal Parks or admiring the ancient façades that line its grand boulevards and hidden lanes.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank
Join a Local Specialist today for a tour of the city's iconic sights. See Big Ben and the imposing Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames, then Buckingham Palace, the official UK residence of the British sovereigns since the mid-19th century. The rest of the day is yours to explore London - an effortless mix of centuries-old heritage and modern sophistication.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank
Meals: Breakfast
Meet your Travel Director and commence your journey through the rolling green and golden landscapes of rural Wiltshire to Salisbury Plain. We tread in the footsteps of druids and pagans at Stonehenge, before traveling to UNESCO-listed Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and the centuries-old Roman Baths. Your home for the next two nights is the historic cathedral city of Exeter, where you will enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.
Accommodation: Mercure Southgate
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our first stop today is in the ancient port city of Plymouth, where we’ll delve into the history of the brave Pilgrim Fathers who set sail for an unknown New World from its shores. See the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound and consider an optional cruise around the dramatic coastline. We take a step back in time at our next stop – the delightful village of Polperro. Continuing along the brooding moorland of Dartmoor, we arrive at Buckfast Abbey, where we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into how Benedictine monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years.
Accommodation: Mercure Southgate
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a scenic drive through the pretty Devon and Somerset countryside to mystical Glastonbury, where we'll visit the ruined Abbey, said to be the final resting place of King Arthur. Your journey back to a time of knights, lords and ladies is just beginning and you’ll head to Somerset for an unforgettable experience with Ian and Ann Dyer who are your warm Be My Guest hosts on their modern-day dairy farm, where guests will get to see the ancient manor which was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1085. The Dyers both hail from old farming families and you’ll learn what life is like in the rural countryside and the historical significance of their home over a lunch featuring family favorites prepared by keen cook, Ann. We journey to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, where we'll explore the proud heritage of the Welsh and modern icons, including the Principality Stadium during an orientation tour.
Accommodation: Leonardo Cardiff, Leonardo Bristol City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tudor history is explored this morning as we visit the historic towns of Ludlow and Chester with their characteristic black-and-white half-timbered buildings. Join your Travel Director for an orientation walk past these famous Tudor Rows and enjoy views of Chester's medieval city walls and red sandstone Cathedral. The haunt of the 'Fab Four' is our final stop today. Join a Local Specialist to gain insight into Liverpool's Beatles' history and enjoy a free evening in one of Britain's edgiest cities.
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly
Meals: Breakfast
Rolling Lancashire pastures give way to the soul-stirring Lake District, whose beautiful scenery has inspired poets and writers for centuries. We travel along the shores of Lake Windermere, through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Stop in Gretna Green on the Scottish border, where many eloping couples have tied the knot. We arrive in Glasgow later for an orientation tour, including views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the Clyde River, the former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening, enjoy locally-sourced flavors at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Accommodation: Novotel, Crowne Plaza
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey along Loch Lomond, whose Bonnie Banks were immortalized in the well-known Scottish song. We arrive in Glencoe and remember the MacDonald clansmen who died tragically in the 1692 massacre which led this place to be called the 'Glen of Weeping'. At the World War II Commando Memorial near Fort William, we admire views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Our day in beautiful surrounds comes to an end with a cozy dinner at our hotel located within the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodation: Laggan, Craiglynne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel to the coast this morning to the Isle of Skye where a Local Specialist will take us on a journey to view the remarkable Cuillin Mountain and the Village of Portree. Later, we cross back to the mainland to view scenic Eilean Donan Castle. Travel through the Scottish Highlands past its picturesque lochs and glens, keeping your camera at the ready to capture ‘Nessie’ if you can.
Accommodation: Laggan, Craiglynne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Heading back to the lowlands of Scotland, we stop in Pitlochry before heading to the historic home of golf, St. Andrews. Here, the first games were played during the 1400s. See its famous 18th hole before crossing the Firth of Forth to Scotland's enchanting capital, Edinburgh. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Accommodation: Delta by Marriott
Meals: Breakfast
Ramble up the Royal Mile today and see the iconic sights of one of Britain's most enchanting cities. The elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the Scottish Parliament feature on your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the hidden passages of the Old Town before enjoying an evening at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare.
Accommodation: Delta by Marriott
Meals: Breakfast
We travel to the medieval market town of Alnwick this morning, where we'll see the impressive castle home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town. Journey through Northumberland to the cathedral city of York. We’ll embark an orientation walk past its cobblestone Shambles and see the inspiring Minster with its 'heart of Yorkshire' before joining our newfound friends for dinner.
Accommodation: Novotel Center
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Shakespeare's legacy and life are celebrated in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon, which we will have an opportunity to visit today on our return to London. See Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center. Later, we travel back to London for our final night at leisure.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank
Meals: Breakfast
Say a fond farewell to London and your newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Dianne Cameron - Traveled, October 2024
Diannes view! A very well organized way to travel and see many different places and experience the local history and attractions , that you may otherwise never find accessible. The meals and hotels were generally of good quality Fabulously talented guide .. fun and knowledgeable .. thsnkyou *Personal details removed by Feefo* Fabulously talented coach driver.. chat a gentleman Stu was.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Best of Britain and Scotland! Our tour guide was helpful and considerate. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Our coach drive, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was also considerate and took care of the coach. We definitely got to see as much as possible but it was very hectic and tiring resulting in less enjoyment.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2024
Harry Macnevin - Traveled, May 2024
Great experience Best of Britain! Great service. Helpfull. Easy to contact thru chat. Response very quick to answer Questions. Coaches very well maintained and comfortable. Very informative. Excellent Tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* and Driver *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Action packed. Planned very well. Lots of Highlights. Competitive pricing. Booked thru travel agent. CAA. Chats with Trafalgar very helpfull. Tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* and Driver *Personal information removed by Feefo*. We're excellent. Very informative.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2024
Kathleen Moffat - Traveled, May 2024
Loved Best of Britain and our tour guide Sarah. Our tour guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very knowledgeable of the areas we saw. If there was any issues she was able to make the changes seamless, to the point we didn’t know about the changes until she told us about it. Very fast paced. Maybe add a day or two of relaxing time in the middle of the trip. Saw a lot of places my husband and I would not see on our own. Loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2024
Julie Risk - Traveled, April 2024
Best of Britain Beauty! Trafalgar's service was highly commendable. Professional drivers, amiable and knowledgeable tour director, interesting local specialist and excellent hotels. Well worth the money. What a wonderful tour the Best of Britain was. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was so knowledgeable and friendly, a real mother hen rounding us all up and making sure everything went according to plan. Our driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was experienced and professional. Jam packed full of fabulous places and things. Great food, interesting local specialist and lovely, sometimes charming and quaint hotels. For first time travellers like ourselves, it certainly was an excellent introduction into travel. Thanks *Personal information removed by Feefo* and Trafalgar!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Diane Rinehart - Traveled, April 2024
You won't be sorry you travelled with Trafalgar! Trafalgar is top notch. They made everything so easy. I loved that once we gave them our bags, they were delivered and picked up from our rooms. All of the hotels we stayed in were very nice, and the food was great. We certainly didn't go hungry! Our tour guide, *Personal details removed by Feefo* was exceptional. Very knowledgeable about the history of the sites we visited and countryside we traveled through. She had lots of interesting stories, facts, videos, games, and songs to keep us entertained. Combined with the expert driving of Paul and our secondary driver, *Personal details removed by Feefo* , it was a trip to be remembered. The itinerary is very full and we got to see lots of amazing sites. Some of the free time we had felt rushed with only an hour or hour and a half to explore a town we stopped in. Would have liked a couple of the stops that had better shopping to have been longer. Overall, it was a great trip and I am happy with all we did and got to see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2024
Donald Rickel - Traveled, April 2024
Go With Trafalgar! I would highly recommend Trafalgar tours! Starting from my pickup at Heathrow Airport, the hotels, itinerary, sites I have seen and visited, have all been exceptional! Our drivers *Personal details removed by Feefo* . were both very professional, safe and reliable drivers, always arriving at our destination on time. Now to commend our tour director *Personal details removed by Feefo* . . Words can not begin to describe how wonderful she was! Extremely bright, full of the wonderful history of Great Britain, providing entertainment while traveling on board the bus and her concern for each individual on the tour was outstanding! I hope to travel with Trafalgar in the future. *Personal details removed by Feefo*.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2024
Todd Detheridge - Traveled, April 2024
Best of Britain! Yes it was. Service was awesome, optional experiences were all good and never had a bad meal.Well planed. 1st off The best of Britain was awesome!Tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was great,very organized and knowledgeable throughout the entire trip.We had *Personal information removed by Feefo* driving 1st 3 days,great. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was our driver the rest of the trip,he was very entertaining and a great driver. We arrived a day early to help with jet lag.Day 1 we had to ourselves.Day 2 we had local specialist in the morning then free time rest of the day.Wasn’t until Day 3 met *Personal information removed by Feefo* and started tour,this was different from other bus trips taken.wished we had a little more time in Liverpool. Thoroughly enjoyed the Scottish Highlands,Laggan Hotel and *Personal information removed by Feefo* the shepherd and his dogs.Edinburgh dinner in Torphichen and Cellidh evening and dinner were both great optional experiences. Other travellers were all great and would highly recommend this trip to anyone who asks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
A bucket list trip that I loved! The attention to detail, coordination and timing are impressive. It is so nice to know everything is taken care of. All you do is relax and enjoy the tour. Just be on time!!!This tour was excellent. The variety of attractions, locations and experiences give you a wonderful view of Great Britain, both historically and present day. The choices of extra excursions were varied and well thought out. Local guides were very knowledgeable and quite entertaining. The hotels along the way were conveniently located with great amenities and pleasantly helpful staff. The meals included with the tour were all delicious and the atmosphere at each venue was very friendly and welcoming. By itself, it was a great tour. But, it was made SO much better by our wonderful guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Not only was her knowledge of the country, it's history and people's (esp. Vikings!!) extensive but her quirky sense of humour, entertaining stories and fascinating trivia kept everyone entertained and in good spirits while on the bus. Also, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our driver was very good natured and fun. His driving skills are outstanding! I am still amazed at how well he manoeuvered the huge bus through all those narrow streets and tight spaces. This was my first time travelling with Trafalgar but I enjoyed it so much that I am already planning my next trip with you! *Personal information removed by Feefo* had much praise for your company and now I know why. Thank-you for a wonderful holiday.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Great tour, exactly what we were hoping for. All of the hotels were first rate, Bags were always delivered to the room and picked up in the morning to be stored on the coach. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our driver and *Personal information removed by Feefo*, out TD were both wonderful and the utmost professionals. A great itenery, covers a lot of territory in the 11 day schedule. A great overall view of many of the highlights of the U.K.. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was the absolute best and added greatly to the success of the trip. I would highly recommend the trip to anyone who has an interst in the history and scenery of the British isles.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/23/2024
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