Britain and Ireland Grandeur - Signature

Britain and Ireland Grandeur - Signature


(6 reviews)

From:

CAD $8995 Was CAD $9995

23 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

There’s more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you’ll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Apr 2027

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Experience Overview

There’s more to most UK and Ireland trips than the iconic sights. On this journey, you’ll trace the footsteps of giants and feel the salty spray of the Cliffs of Moher and enjoy a toe-tapping, heart-stirring Gaelic song along the way.

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 22 Breakfast (B)
  • 8 Dinner (D)

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • London: The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host when you stay at Brendan Vacations' 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 and surprise extras
  • 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.

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore London, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York
  • Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, Guinness Storehouse, Falkirk Wheel, 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, St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle in Limerick, the scenic Lake District, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster
  • 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

Iconic Experience

  • London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist. 
  • 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.
  • 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, the famous stone of eloquence, are bestowed with the power to persuade, flatter and coax. Take your turn at giving it a peck knowing that the stone was sourced from 330-million-year-old limestone.
  • Limerick: See Limerick's iconic landmarks during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Bushmills: In Northern Ireland you'll discover the legend of the Giant's Causeway as you explore and learn about this iconic natural landmark. 
  • Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House. 
  • 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
  • Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artifacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.  
  • Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
  • Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
  • Lahinch: Towering cliffs and the dramatic sea, the Cliffs of Moher has inspired countless travelers. Visit the Exhibition Center and look out over the Wild Atlantic Way from these majestic cliffs that rise over 700 feet high. Gain insights from your Travel Director into the cliffs’ geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies. 
  • Sligo Bay: Explore this scenic town during an orientation with your Travel Director.
  • Belfast: Meet a true Belfast local on a panoramic tour where you’ll hear about the history of the city and learn why locals are proud 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.
  • Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
  • 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. 
  • Inverness: At the Culloden Visitor Center, you’ll discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.  
  • St. Andrews: Spend time in St Andrews, a coastal university town shaped by old quadrangles, sea air and open links. Walk to the stretch of West Sands Beach where Chariots of Fire filmed its iconic scene, then look across the Old Course, regarded as the birthplace of modern golf.
  • 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.

Brendan Experiences

  • Londonderry: With a Local Specialist explore inside the city walls. See the Gothic Guildhall and the Georgian houses of Shipquay Street.

Be My Guest

  • York: Enjoy a traditional British Be My Guest dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of either their elegant town house in the city or in their impressive country house overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 34622

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Deluxe

TransportTransport: Private

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: Brendan Vacations (CA)

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: 5.6A

StartStarts: London, United Kingdom

FinishFinishes: London, United Kingdom

DurationDuration: 23 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical Rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8995 ($391 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Welcome to London

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 London Kensington

2
Day 2: Explore the Sights of London

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 London Kensington
Meals: Breakfast

3
Day 3: Journey to Stonehenge and on to Plymouth

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 Hotel Plymouth
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4
Day 4: Discover the Cornish Peninsula

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 Hotel Plymouth
Meals: Breakfast

5
Day 5: Soak up Bath and off to Cardiff

Arriving in Bath, we admire the city's stylish Georgian façades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. We continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where we’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city's proud heritage.

Accommodation: Cardiff Holland House by Sunday
Meals: Breakfast

6
Day 6: Cross the Irish Sea to Waterford

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: The Fitzwilton Hotel, Waterford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

7
Day 7: Onwards to Blarney and Killarney

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: Hotel Killarney
Meals: Breakfast

8
Day 8: A Day on the Ring of Kerry

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: Hotel Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

9
Day 9: Off to Limerick, the Majestic Cliffs of Moher and Galway

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 Hotel Galway
Meals: Breakfast

10
Day 10: Venture into County Donegal

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 Hotel Conference and Leisure Center Donegal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

11
Day 11: Explore Londonderry, the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast

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 by Marriott, Belfast
Meals: Breakfast

12
Day 12: On the road to Dublin

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 Hotel Connolly
Meals: Breakfast

13
Day 13: See the Sights of Dublin

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 Hotel Connolly
Meals: Breakfast

14
Day 14: Ferry across to Historic Chester and Liverpool

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 Hotel Liverpool
Meals: Breakfast

15
Day 15: Continue to the Beautiful Lake District

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 Hotel and Spa Penrith, Castle Green Hotel Kendal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

16
Day 16: Journey North to Glasgow

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 Glasgow City Center
Meals: Breakfast

17
Day 17: Over the Sea to Skye

Travel North from Glasgow to Loch Lomond, where wooded islands, gentle hills and the Trossachs frame the view. Perhaps choose an Optional Experience of a scenic boat trip around the loch and hear of the folklore woven through its waters. Continue through Glencoe, known as the ‘Glen of the Weeping’, and pass the site of the tragic 1692 massacre. Journey on to Fort William and view Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain, before pausing to admire 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Head to your hotel on the Isle of Skye for an afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: The Dunollie Hotel, Broadford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

18
Day 18: The Sights of Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands

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
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

19
Day 19: Onwards to Edinburgh

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

20
Day 20: Explore Edinburgh Castle

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

21
Day 21: Uncover York’s Treasures

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

22
Day 22: Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to London

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 London Kensington, The Tower
Meals: Breakfast

23
Day 23: Farewell London

Leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Brendan Vacations (CA)

In Business Since 1931

Reviews

 

Robert   -  Traveled, April 2019

The hidden gems that Aryan took us to were great. We would never have known about them, let alone found them, if we had not travelled with Trafalgar. The itinerary packed in every corner of Britain and Ireland without us being rushed.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/04/2019

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, August 2018

Many Cumberland London hotel was poorly managed and below average. Very few photo stops and little very casual about photo sites only allowing only a second prep time. Not prepared for viral infection that decimated tour. Not enough time for personal shopping. Overall a big drop in quality compared with same tour 14 years ago. Doubt we will select or recommend Trafalgar.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/02/2018

 

Maureen   -  Traveled, June 2018

Some local guides were amazing like Ronin and the Belfast taxi drivers but Dee in Belfastwas very ordinary, I got very weary of all the tips that was expected of us especially for bus driver and tour director. Overall tour was amazing Ireland and Scotland so beautiful

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/23/2018

 

Jan   -  Traveled, May 2017

My UK Grandeur trip was magnificent as I knew very little of the places we visited as I had not visited . Our Tour Leader made it extra special for me because of the quality of the background knowledge he gave us on each place we visited- this included historical knowledge including knowledge of people and events, his knowledge of literature and architecture pertaining to where we were visiting, and his humorous stories. He chose extra, very personable and knowledgeable people to show us around certain towns and cities for example: Belfast where we listened to men both Protestant and Catholic involved in the ongoing religious war, and Liverpool where we saw the Cathedral and the areas important to the early days of the Beatle's lives and fame, we dined at Cardiff and Eire while listening to stories and their characteristic humour accompanied by traditional music. And he offered a few 'extra special highlights' to show us which I relished-for example, the hidden grove with an altar for saying Mass when doing so was banned for Catholics, the meal with the owners of the Manor in York. Highlights I'll enjoy forever It was a superb trip, well managed, with great accommodation and stops If I had one request it would be add a few extra days on so the latter half could be slowed down and more time spent - perhaps seeing a Shakespeare performance on the Stratford on Avon riverside, visiting Oxford with time to visit (as I did in Dublin) and a drive past either Balmoral or Windsor as they seem so close by. May I add another - a visit to a local in both Penzance (with a pirate's cove) and in Cornwall to hear an old man who speaks like we heard in the radio programme "The Archers. I'd enrol for this trip purely to see what we did which was marvellous and to see these extras The monthly timing of this trip was weather perfect - yes it was coldish up north in Skye but that surely was to be expected.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/26/2017

 

Suzanne   -  Traveled, May 2017

I have just completed a Trafalgar trip through England, Ireland and Scotland called the Grandeur Tour. I must say what we saw and did was up to expectations HOWEVER, after doing a Europe tour with Cost Savers who is their cheaper version, I would say to fellow travellers don't waste the extra money , as the tour guide andespecially the hotels were a lot worse, I paid for comfortable beds and at the Novetal in York, had to sleep on a stretcher bed, I will not be travelling with Trafalgar again

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/25/2017

 

Amy   -  Traveled, October 2019

I am on a tour right now. It is dreadful. Most of our stops are at horrible tacky tourist shops with the same junk at everyone of them. The guide drops us off with little to no info about the town if there is one. I have never been on a tour that the guide at least gives you a little orientation of the town with a few highlights. The last 3 night has virtually been the same dinner menu. I am only waiting till I get to a city that I can easily get to London and I will leave the tour. The tour started off really bad in London because you really don't have a tour guide until the 3rd day. The tour director says after we boarded the bus in London welcome to your 20 day tour.but the thing is I bought a 23 day tour. Tha'ts messed up.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/12/2019