Britain and Ireland Grandeur
Experience Overview
Go behind the scenes on a grand exploration of Britain and Ireland – one that will see you circle islands, scale highlands and cross the seas. No corner of the British Isles will remain unexplored, from London and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast with a visit to Giants Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the ever-elusive ‘Nessie’ all in between.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 22 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Somerset: Ian and Ann Dyer are your hosts at Blackmore Farm, 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
- Falkirk: Visit Falkirk Wheel to learn about Scotland's canal system at the world's only rotating boat lift.
- 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.
- Belfast: Experience Belfast from the comfort of your dedicated Black Cab with expert 'Cabbie' commentary.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Iconic Experience
- London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist.
- 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.
- Alnwick: See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county town.
- 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.
- 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.
- Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Center, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- Glencoe: Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- 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.
- Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore this iconic natural landmark.
- Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- 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.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- 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.
- 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 bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Cornwall: See Plymouth's famed landmarks and explore typical seaside villages during an orientation of the Cornish peninsula.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry with a Local Specialist
- Discover York, Glasgow, Chester, Galway, Limerick, Cardiff, Bath, Plymouth and Salisbury
- Visit Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, medieval Alnwick, Edinburgh Castle, Isle of Skye, Falkirk Wheel, Guinness Storehouse, the Giants Causeway, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle to kiss the stone, Waterford Crystal Showroom, the Roman Baths in Bath and the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge
- View York Minster, Culloden Battlefield, Eilean Donan Castle, the 18th hole at St. Andrews and the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth
- Scenic Drive around the Ring of Kerry and on a Cornish Excursion
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Trip Details
Product Code: 35299
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 697.2100A
Starts: London, United Kingdom
Finishes: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 23 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)
- Ferry across the Irish Sea from Ireland to South Wales
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9,945 ($432 /day)
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.
Accommodation: The Tower
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 terms - shop for the best of British on Carnaby Street, admire the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus or visit 'The City' with Christopher Wren's great St. Paul's Cathedral.
Accommodation: The Tower
Meals: Breakfast
The 'Bard of Avon' and his legacy take center stage as you travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's picturesque thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before heading to York, where you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your Travel Director and travel companions.
Accommodation: Novotel Center
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Venture north to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits imposingly overlooking the town’s beautiful gardens. Enjoy a scenic drive north to the enchanting capital of Edinburgh.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see the quaint Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building. Enjoy free time before a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Continue north to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. View the famous 18th green which the golfing greats have clamoured to play on for centuries, before heading to picturesque Pitlochry and our overnight stop in the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodation: Highlander
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Then meander through the scenic Scottish Highlands along the banks of Loch Ness in search of Nessie. You’ll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle where three lochs meet before traveling to the Isle of Skye where you dine in your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Dunollie
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the ‘Glen of Weeping' before heading to the Scottish cultural capital, Glasgow, where your orientation tour includes views of the Cathedral and the magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain's most celebrated sons.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Falkirk Wheel where you'll Dive Into Culture learning about the legacy of Scotland's canals and experience the world's only rotating boat lift. The runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green is your next stop today. See where eloping couples would make their vows over the Marriage Anvil before crossing the border and arriving in Grasmere, where famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth wrote his famous ‘Daffodils' poem. See Lake Windermere, England's largest lake, before arriving at your hotel.
Accommodation: Lancaster House
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the bold British city of Liverpool, hometown of the 'Fab Four'. Saunter through its edgy Scouse streets during your evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Leonardo Liverpool, Mercure Atlantic Tower
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to the ancient town of Chester where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous Tudor 'Rows'. Continue along the scenic North Wales Coast to the island of Anglesey en route to Holyhead. Cross the Irish Sea to Dublin, the charismatic Irish capital.
Accommodation: Clayton Cardiff Lane
Meals: Breakfast
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. Later, join a Local Specialist to see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colorful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through Phoenix Park, Dublin's playground.
Accommodation: Clayton Cardiff Lane
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, cross the border to Northern Ireland. Meet your Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Spend the rest of the day at leisure perhaps exploring the Titanic Quarter to learn more about this ill-fated ship.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, visit Giant's Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking ballast columns, a UNESCO World Heritage site in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United Kingdom. In Londonderry, walk along the 17th-century walls with your Local Specialist and see the streets and murals of the Bogside. Known as the People's Gallery, the murals depict the history of the 'troubles'. Later view the Donegal castle that was once the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan before continuing to your hotel where you will enjoy a dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Central
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, stop in Galway to see the stone Cathedral that was built on the site of an old prison, and stroll around Eyre Square with its tribute to John F. Kennedy.
Accommodation: Connacht
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way, where you’ll stop for an experience you’ll never forget. Your visit helps preserve the untouched beauty of this UNESCO-listed natural treasure and you’ll feel like you’ve been swept back to an ancient time with none of the distractions of the modern day. Visit the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and watch enchanted how the extraordinary natural phenomena of this rare and stunning place comes to life in an interactive way you wouldn’t ordinarily get to see. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the cliffs, soaring above and around them, the quirky looking colonies of Atlantic Puffin that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies, and explore beneath the pounding Atlantic waves revealing the layers and layers of rock that have formed over 300 million years. Then continue to Limerick to view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle, the tallest spire in Ireland. Your drive continues through picturesque Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages, before arriving in Killarney, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: The Rose Hotel Tralee
Meals: Breakfast
Today, you'll stop in Killarney on your way to the enchanting Ring of Kerry where Ireland's enduring natural beauty is your welcome companion as you circle past the fishing village of Waterville, Black Valley and Moll's Gap.
Accommodation: The Rose Hotel Tralee
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In pursuit of the 'gift of the gab', kiss the Blarney Stone, before continuing to the House of Waterford Crystal where you will enjoy a fascinating Dive Into Culture demonstration with a master crafter.
Accommodation: Fitzwilton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue your journey through beautiful countryside to arrive in its capital. Explore Cardiff’s iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Center and Victorian fantasy Cardiff Castle at its heart.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn City Center
Meals: Breakfast
Arriving in Bath, admire the city’s elegant Georgian façades and ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. This afternoon head to Somerset for a Be My Guest experience with Ian & Ann Dyer on their modern-day dairy farm. Later continue to Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Copthorne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps, where brave pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage to the New World centuries ago. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.
Accommodation: Copthorne
Meals: Breakfast
The mystical ancient megaliths at Stonehenge are your first stop. Ponder their myths that remain largely unsolved before traveling to London.
Accommodation: The Tower
Meals: Breakfast
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers as you leave London and return home with special memories.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
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
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2023
An amazing way to see Britain Ireland Wales and Scotland Brilliant. Everything was taken care of for us. We had an amazing time, *Personal information removed by Feefo* our TD , *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* our drivers, were all brilliant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2024
Elaine Lloyd - Traveled, September 2023
The tour guide was exceptional, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was so knowledgeable and committed to make out tour memorable and informed. The optional activities made the trip!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Fantastic trip, can't wait for my next one. A well organized tour done by a great team. A great selection of stops and extras. Plenty to keep you busy and not too long on each driving stretch. Had an absolutely amazing trip. So beautiful even at the beginning of spring. Our TD *Personal information removed by Feefo* squeezed a heap of extra quick stops in and gave us great tips on what to try and places to see at each stop. Our coach driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* kept us safe on the road through some very tight and narrow turns. Can't wait for my next trip with Trafalgar.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Top Notch. Our guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was excellent, he made sure everything went perfect . The whole trip was exciting thanks to *Personal information removed by Feefo* and his history about the complete trip. Jon made sure everyone was involved And enjoying the beauty of everything. The trip was so great, however for an older couple the paste is pretty rapid. Not complaining as I know now we were putting on a lot of miles. One of the things we noticed is when there was a stop other busses had the same idea, we think it would be great to space things out. The highlight to us was Scotland highlands, *Personal information removed by Feefo* our tour guide and definitely our driver *Personal information removed by Feefo*, he was most professional driver I have ever been with. However it was a wonderful trip and we would recommend it for all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2024
Marion MacKinnon - Traveled, March 2025
Amazing service from Kevin and Wayne, interesting, caring, kind and helpful. The service was amazing! *Personal information removed by Feefo* the TD was so interesting and easy to listen to (Liverpool accent was great!), full of history, stories, folklore and knowledge. Well- planned and executed. Nothing was too much trouble. Also provided little extra treats and curiosity stops ad hoc. Great sense of humor and full of kindness. *Personal information removed by Feefo* the driver was so experienced, couldn't believe how he could drive that sized coach on some streets and parking! A real gentleman, helped us all out of the coach each time, always cheery and good spirited - and loved a good joke! Coach was super clean every day. Both guys brought everyone on the bus together, felt like a great team from day one, lots of positivity, tolerance and fun. No judgements on others, very accepting of diversity and personality types. World class trip, totally recommend it! 11/10 Itinerary was very comprehensive, took in the best of each country within 20 days, we got to experience the culture, people and sights as much as possible within the time limits, plenty of free time as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2025
Lana Clough - Traveled, April 2025
Exceptional! Amazing! Fast Paced! Memorable Trafalgar. offered unprecedented quality and service. The support team were helpful on the one occasion. I did contact them prior to the tour. The Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo* and Coach Driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* exceptional, if they are representative of the quality of employee Trafalgar have, you cannot go wrong booking with Trafalgar. Fabulous experience, fast paced with so much packed in. So much to see! *Personal information removed by Feefo* the Tour Director and *Personal information removed by Feefo* the Coach Driver made the experience exceptional with their combined knowledge, skill and humor. Highly recommend the tour if you want to see all the highlights the UK has to offer. Well worth the money, the itinerary was comprehensive and very entertaining.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2025
Michelle Moulds - Traveled, April 2025
Amazing, fantastic trip of a lifetime. Perfect in every way. From the introductory emails, tour directory and drivers. Very professional and dedicated to making the most of our travels fantastic. We saw places and things you would not usually see if you did it on your own. Our TD *Personal information removed by Feefo* was amazing. He such a wealth of knowledge and very funny too. Coach driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, absolutely the best driver ever. The itinerary is full of wonderful places to see and do. Highly recommended. Thanks to the Trafalgar team for making our trip memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Trafalgar's service was great from booking to the the end of the trip. They kept us informed and answered questions promptly. The service on the trip was excellent. The itinerary was outstanding, extensive and I loved the places that we visited. Our tour director, *************** was excellent. He was well prepared and always concerned about each traveler and their needs. He was personable and had a good sense of humor. Kevin shared a lot of history and other tidbits of information (videos on board the bus, local secrets and much more) that enhanced our tour experience. We were treated to numerous hidden gems that were not part of the itinerary that made our trip more memorable. Our bus driver, Wayne was impressive-maneuvering the city streets, country roads and tight spaces with ease. He was so pleasant and always keeping us safe on and off the bus. Kevin and Wayne were a great team and definitely spoiled us on this great trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2025
Greg Edwards - Traveled, April 2025
We had an excellent tour director and bus drivers, most professional. We felt the tour got a little grueling in the 3rd week consequently people were getting ill and worked its way through the bus. Possibly a two night stay in the 3rd week may allow people to take a breath and recuperate. We had a logistical problem on the day to visit St Andrews Golf Course culminating in a half hour stop. This was most disappointing for me as this was going to be a highlight. Most stops were minimum 1 hour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
Christine Dykes - Traveled, April 2025
The Perfect Tour. This was the perfect tour to see the UK and Ireland, we got to see a lot of out of the way places that we would not have seen driving ourselves. Perfect for seeing all of the UK, without driving and getting lost.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/08/2025
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