Britain and Ireland Grandeur
Britain and Ireland Grandeur
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
Big Ben, London
Plymouth, England
Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon in Bath, UK
Waterford, Ireland
Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Ireland
Blarney Castle
The famous "Ladies View", Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Custom House and Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Giant's Causeway
Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland
The Beatles statue, Liverpool, UK
The University of Glasgow, Scotland
Pineapple House in Falkirk, Scotland
Ben Nevis, Scotland
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle
Culloden Moor, Scotland
Scottish Highlands
Pitlochry, a walk along the River Tummel in the heart of Perthshire, Scotland
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Sign post with landmarks in the city of York, with view of York Minster in the background, UK
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
A Trafalgar Coach
$7375
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Britain and Ireland Grandeur" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of the British Isles. This extensive adventure takes you from the bustling streets of London to the historic charm of Edinburgh, exploring iconic cities like Dublin, Belfast, and Cardiff along the way. Discover the mysteries of Stonehenge, the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, and the legendary Giant's Causeway. Experience the cultural richness of Waterford Crystal and the Guinness Storehouse, and enjoy a traditional British dinner in York. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury coach, with stays in carefully selected hotels ensuring a restful retreat each night. With scenic drives, ferry crossings, and rail journeys, this tour offers a seamless exploration of England, Ireland, and Scotland, complete with expert guidance and local insights. Whether it's the vibrant arts of Galway or the serene landscapes of the Lake District, this tour promises unforgettable memories across the UK and Ireland. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
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.
Day 2: Explore the Sights of London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Journey to Stonehenge and on to Plymouth
Location: Plymouth
Accommodation: Copthorne, Mercure Rougemont
Accommodation Name: Copthorne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.
Day 4: Discover the Cornish Peninsula
Location: Cornish Peninsula
Accommodation: Copthorne, Mercure Rougemont
Accommodation Name: Copthorne
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Soak up Bath and off to Cardiff
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Accommodation Name: Park Inn by Radisson City Center, Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Cross the Irish Sea to Waterford
Location: Waterford
Accommodation: Fitzwilton
Accommodation Name: Fitzwilton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, see Cardiff's iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Center and Victorian fantasy castle 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.
Day 7: Onwards to Blarney and Killarney Dive Into Culture
Location: Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8: A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Location: Ring of Kerry
Accommodation: Hotel Killarney
Accommodation Name: Killarney
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Off to Limerick, the Majestic Cliffs of Moher and Galway Make Travel Matter
Location: Cliffs of Moher
Accommodation: Connacht
Accommodation Name: Connacht
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: Venture into County Donegal
Location: County Donegal
Accommodation: Central
Accommodation Name: Central
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 11: Explore Londonderry, the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast Make Travel Matter
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: AC by Marriott
Accommodation Name: Stormont, AC by Marriott
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit to the haunt of Finn McCool will help to conserve this iconic natural landmark. The final stop today is in Belfast, where you'll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city's sights.
Day 12: On the road to Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: The Address Hotel Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center.
Accommodation Name: The Address Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center
Meals Included: 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 later, see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance.
Day 13: See the Sights of Dublin Dive Into Culture
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: The Address Hotel Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center.
Accommodation Name: The Address Connolly, Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today 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. 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.
Day 14: Ferry across to Historic Chester and Liverpool
Location: Liverpool
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Meals Included: 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.
Day 15: Continue to the Beautiful Lake District
Location: Lake District
Accommodation: North Lakes, Castle Green
Accommodation Name: North Lakes, Castle Green
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.
Day 16: Journey North to Glasgow Dive Into Culture
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Accommodation Name: Novotel, Hilton Garden Inn City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
The runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green is your first stop today, where you'll tread in the footsteps of eloping couples who would take their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Next, visit the 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. Continue to Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain's most celebrated sons.
Day 17: Over the Sea to Skye
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation: Kings Arms
Accommodation Name: Dunollie, Kings Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 18: The Sights of Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands
Location: Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Highlander
Accommodation Name: Highlander
Meals Included: 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.
Day 19: Onwards to Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Holiday Inn
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn , Novotel Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Day 20: Explore Edinburgh Castle
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Holiday Inn
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn , Novotel Center
Meals Included: 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.
Day 21: Uncover York’s Treasures Connect with Locals
Location: York
Accommodation: Novotel Center
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 22: Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to London
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation: Hilton Kensington
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington, The Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 23: Farewell London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the bright lights of Old Blighty behind after an epic encounter with Britain and Ireland.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.
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Trafalgar Local Host in London
The services of a Trafalgar Local Host are available when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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London Hotel Transfers
Pick-up and drop-off services are provided when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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Hotel Tips and Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour experience.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Coach and Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Return Ferry Across the Irish Sea
A return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland is included.
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included.
Dining Summary
- 22 Breakfast (B)
- 8 Dinner (D)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable journey. Enjoy alternative transportation options like rail journeys and a return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland, providing a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Hilton Kensington, Copthorne, and Park Inn by Radisson City Center, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Enjoy traditional British hospitality with accommodations that are tried and trusted, ensuring a pleasant stay in each destination.
Dive into Culture
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- 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.
- Falkirk: Visit Falkirk Wheel to learn about Scotland's canal system at the world's only rotating boat lift.
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.
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian facades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- 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.
- 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. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- 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 this Highland village on Loch Leven.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries. There are also alternative transportation options like rail journeys and a return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour package.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Hilton Kensington, Copthorne, and Park Inn by Radisson City Center, which offer comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
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Is there a special cultural experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience in York, where you will enjoy a traditional British dinner hosted by a local family in their historical country home.
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Will I have the opportunity to see the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
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What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience included in the tour?
In Northern Ireland, you will visit the Giant's Causeway, and your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Britain and Ireland Grandeur
23 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, Plymouth, Cornish Peninsula, Bath, Waterford, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, County Donegal, Belfast, Dublin, Liverpool, Lake District, Glasgow, Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIGTDZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
