Real Britain
Experience Overview
Medieval castles and the inspiring beauty of the Lake District are highlights on this exciting journey through England, Scotland and Wales. Learn about the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green and Tudor history in Ludlow before you ascend to lofty Castle Rock for spellbinding views of Edinburgh.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- York: Enjoy a traditional British dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of their historical country home overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.
Iconic Experience
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- 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.
- 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.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore London and Edinburgh
- Discover Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool and York
- Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
- View Cardiff Castle, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster in York, and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon
- See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Trip Details
Product Code: 22171
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 131.1282B
Starts: London, United Kingdom
Finishes: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- All transport and transfers shown
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- London: Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- 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 $3,195 ($355 /day)
Itinerary
Brightly colored Union Jacks pave your way to an unforgettable journey through Britain, which kicks off in London. Visit 'The City' and see the imposing dome of Christopher Wren's St. Paul's and the Tower of London, or admire the pageantry of royal palaces, cathedrals and parks, exploring the city on your own terms.
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
Join a Local Specialist today for a grand exploration of the vibrant British capital, including such sights as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames, then Buckingham Palace, the official UK residence of British sovereigns since 1837. Spend the rest of the day on your own, exploring the centuries-old heritage and modern sophistication of London.
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on a mesmerizing sojourn past rolling hills and farmlands of England. Head west to Stonehenge's megaliths, whose centuries-old mysteries have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes center stage during your visit to this famous spa town. See the Abbey and visit the Roman Baths, before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain over dinner.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city. Journey to Ludlow to see its half-timbered Tudor houses, medieval walls and historic castle. Continue north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to Liverpool, hometown of the Fab Four, for an opportunity to visit The Cavern Club, where The Beatles once played.
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Meals: Breakfast
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our drive north to Scotland. Skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy views that inspired literary greats like William Wordsworth. We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where 'Blacksmith Priests' would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil. Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh – our home for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Meals: Breakfast
Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerizing medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour. See the Old Town and view Arthur's Seat and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, for centuries the seat of the kings and queens of the Scots. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Auld Reekie's medieval relics and elegant Georgian and Gothic façades on your own, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to visit Rosslyn Chapel.
Accommodation: Jurys Inn
Meals: Breakfast
Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to York. Walk along The Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening join a family at their stately home in York for a Be My Guest experience and some hearty British home-cooked hospitality.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Learn about Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage before returning to London.
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
Meals: Breakfast
Say farewell to your fellow travelers and Travel Director as you return home with magical memories.
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
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
Nicole Smith - Traveled, April 2024
The service was great. The call center folks were always helpful. And *Personal information removed by Feefo*, the Tour Director was incredible. She was helpful with the big stuff (she helped me arrange an evening side trip to see the village outside of Cardiff where my Grandmother was born) and the small stuff (she would always tell me how long our driving times were, because I told her it helped with my anxiety to know). The tour was busy, but so worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
There’s more to this place than meets eye. Just ask you your director. I can’t imagine it being any better. My first time and I was impressed. Our guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was awesome. She was everything you’d expect a professional guide to be. She was definitely well trained but also has many intangible people skills that is just part of who she is. One of the main reasons someone would want a bus tour over doing it on your own is knowledge. You will definitely learn more details and interesting tidbits often not included in write ups. It’s my first trip overseas and also first guided bus tour. I’m not an expert by any means. There is so much I liked about the trip, the itinerary especially considering it was a shorter tour one they called a flyer. We packed a lot in, saw a lot of key historical and high interest places, castles, and churches. Everyone seemed to like when we stayed in Edinburgh for two nights so we didn’t have to pack up our suitcases. It was nice to stay put. When you do longer tours it doesn’t seem to as hurried which is something to keep in mind.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/24/2024
Gigi Peralta - Traveled, May 2024
Best short trip of EU. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was great! Driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* was awesome. This is my 9th tour with Trafalgar and use them yearly I tell anyone who wants to travel to check them out. Fast pace but very good. Would have loved a more extensive of London and some point of interest but overall it was a great tour. The be my guest was excellent. Love the food and area.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
Great way to see England and Edinburgh.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
Nicole Smith - Traveled, May 2024
The service was great. The call center folks were always helpful. And *Personal information removed by Feefo*, the Tour Director was incredible. She was helpful with the big stuff (she helped me arrange an evening side trip to see the village outside of Cardiff where my Grandmother was born) and the small stuff (she would always tell me how long our driving times were, because I told her it helped with my anxiety to know). The tour was busy, but so worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, May 2024
Great Trip with Trafalgar! The service was excellent. My husband and I were looked after very well. Our bus driver was expert at maneuvering through the narrow roads with ease. We always felt very safe on the bus. Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a wealth of information explaining the history and culture of the countries we visited. She was always available to answer questions and share her knowledge with the group. The itinerary of this trip was very good in that a lot of great sites were visited. This was my first trip of this kind. In hindsight a longer bus tour where there would be more opportunities to stay more than one night at each destination would be better for me next time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Real Britain. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were fabulous. Imparted lots of historical info along with other bits of information as well. Running commentary was wonderful. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a gentleman, everyday no matter how mischievous we traveler's got. A bit too fast, last two days felt we spent on the bus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2024
Elizabeth Barca - Traveled, April 2024
The best trip ever! Saw so much more than I ever thought! Your guide *personal info removed by Feefo* was the absolute best! So informative, so knowledgeable, great fun to be around!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2024
Neo - Traveled, April 2024
It was an eye opener as it was my first UK trip with Trafalgar. Trafalgar made my UK travel experience unique and unforgettable. For example, we were hosted to a wonderful 3 course home cook dinner under “Be My Guest Farewell” segment was amazing, unforgettable and extremely impressive. The fantastic singing by service crew at Historic Torphichen Inn left me emotional, promising myself to visit them again. Oh!! Their Shepherd's pie ?? was nothing but fantastic!! Cruising at Lake Windermere and a visit to Johnny Walker’s HQ was unforgettable! Overall, this Trafalgar itinerary is highly recommended for visitors whom want to maximize their visit in UK. Though it was tiring changing hotels almost every single day, the tour was very much compensated by amazing and friendly touring mates from all over the world, experience, patient and gentle Travel Director (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) and finally a music load of FUN in the coach with driver (*Personal information removed by Feefo*)!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Good tour, for *Personal information removed by Feefo* our bus driver, he was formidable, very professional and very helpful. I will not go into detail about tour director suffice for me to say, some loved her, some had different opinions. Was a great trip, could have been better if we had more information on the various places we passed through. The places visited were amazing .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/25/2024
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