Britain and Ireland Grandeur
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Experience Overview
There's more to Britain and Ireland than the postcard sights. Stand on the hushed battlefield of Culloden, wind along a rugged Cornish coastline and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher. End the day swept up in a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 22 Breakfast (B)
- 8 Dinner (D)
Must-see Highlights
- Explore London, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh
- Discover Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York
- 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
- Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, The Kelpies, Alnwick, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
How You'll Travel
- Deluxe coach travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
Iconic Experience
- London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths 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 facades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Bath: Visit the Roman Baths in the heart of Bath, where one of Britain’s best-preserved ancient sites reveals the city’s Roman past. As you explore the temple remains, bathing complex and steaming spring, you’ll see how this historic spa city first grew around its natural waters.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- 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.
- 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.
- Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. You’ll explore iconic sights like the Big Fish at Donegall Quay, the Titanic Quarter, and the famous Samson and Goliath cranes. Along the way, you’ll also visit Belfast City Hall and see murals in various locations that reflect the political sentiments of the local residents.
- 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.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, the cathedral, the city walls and the famous black-and-white Rows.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- Falkirk: Stand in the shadow of the Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures rising 30 m (98 ft) above the Forth and Clyde Canal in Falkirk with your Travel Director. Learn how these striking steel structures celebrate Scotland’s horse-powered industrial past and local legend.
- 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 Glencoe, a Highland valley known for steep mountains, open moorland and clan history. Your Travel Director shares context on the area’s past as you follow the road through one of Scotland’s best-known landscapes, with views that show the scale and character of the Highlands.
- Eilean Donan: See one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, set where three lochs meet. Framed by rugged mountains and often shrouded in mist, it’s a favorite film location and one of the country’s most photographed landmarks.
- Scottish Highlands: Take in the beauty of the Highlands on a scenic drive past glens, lochs and dramatic peaks. Watch the landscape shift as you travel deeper into one of Scotland’s most striking regions.
- 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.
- 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.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Isle of Skye: Join local distillers at Broadford Distillery for a guided tasting of around 12 small-batch spirits crafted on the Isle of Skye. As you meet the makers and learn about every stage of production, you’ll uncover how the island’s landscape, history, language and local ingredients, including seaweed and heather, shape each pour. See the copper stills, gain insight into sustainable small-scale production and enjoy Gaelic storytelling and place-name pronunciation throughout the experience. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Be My Guest
- York: Savor a delicious, home-cooked dinner in a historic country home within the rolling Vale of York. You'll experience warm hospitality served alongside sweeping countryside views.
Trip Details
Product Code: 35299
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
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
- 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)
- 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 utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9562 ($416 /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: Hilton Kensington
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. Pauls Cathedral.
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
Meals: Breakfast
Meet your Travel Director today before journeying west to the Wiltshire landscapes of Salisbury Plain where you'll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical megaliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Copthorne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.
Accommodation: Copthorne
Meals: Breakfast
Arriving in Bath, admire the city's stylish Georgian facades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. Continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where you’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, see Cardiff’s iconic sights – the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum – before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening, dine in your hotel.
Accommodation: Fitzwilton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
First stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where you will Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with a master crafter. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab', journey to Blarney Castle where you'll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.
Accommodation: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast
Ireland's enduring natural beauty accompanies your leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. Pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll's Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks.
Accommodation: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop in Limerick and view St. Mary's Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries. You’ll visit the Visitor Center, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Your next overnight stop in Galway is a real treat for culture buffs. Ireland’s capital of music, song and dance and it’s the perfect place to dig deep into Ireland’s vibrant traditional arts scene first-hand.
Accommodation: The Connacht
Meals: Breakfast
This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the town your way before dining at your hotel.
Accommodation: Central
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant's Causeway. The final stop today is in Belfast, where you'll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city's sights.
Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast
Meals: Breakfast
Spend the morning with a Local Specialist 'Cabbie' on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin, you'll gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a self-guided tour finishing at the Gravity Bar where you can sip on a pint of the black stuff while overlooking Dublin. Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance.
Accommodation: The Address Connolly
Meals: Breakfast
Today see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. 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 St. Stephen's Green.
Accommodation: The Address Connolly
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows. Later, head to the haunt of the 'Fab Four', edgy Liverpool, where you'll spend the night.
Accommodation: Leonardo Liverpool
Meals: Breakfast
Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.
Accommodation: North Lakes, Castle Green
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross into Scotland and visit Gretna Green, where you’ll discover the village’s romantic legacy of runaway weddings at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop and visitor center. Continue to Falkirk, and Dive into Culture at The Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures that honor the powerful draught horses once vital to Scotland’s canals and industry. Arrive in Glasgow for an orientation tour with your Travel Director. Take in the city’s highlights including the 12th-century cathedral and George Square, surrounded by grand architecture.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Meals: Breakfast
Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the 'Glen of the Weeping' and see Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. View the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye. This afternoon, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Broadford Distillery, where local makers reveal the connection between Skye’s craft, culture and Gaelic heritage through a tasting of small-batch spirits.
Accommodation: The Dunollie Hotel Broadford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as 'Nessie'. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746.
Accommodation: The Highlander Hotel Newtonmore
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue south and stop in Pitlochry before traveling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. Cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour; see the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building. Enjoy some free time before an included 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
Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where you'll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavors and hospitality.
Accommodation: Novotel Center
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before returning to London this afternoon for your last evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington, The Tower
Meals: Breakfast
Leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.
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 2024
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
