Real Britain
Real Britain
Victoria Embankment with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, UK
Big Ben, London
Buckingham Palace
Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon in Bath, UK
Gretna Green Village, UK
Palace of Holyroodhouse
View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Sign post with landmarks in the city of York, with view of York Minster in the background, UK
Mile Castle 39 (Castle Nick), Hadrian's Wall, UK
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
$2775
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Real Britain" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of England and the United Kingdom. This journey takes you through iconic cities like London and Edinburgh, where you'll explore landmarks such as Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, and Edinburgh Castle. Discover the historic charm of Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool, and York, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall. Experience the cultural heritage of Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and enjoy a traditional British dinner with a local family in York. Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach, stay in cherry-picked hotels, and enjoy the expertise of a Travel Director and Local Host. Optional experiences and free time allow for personal exploration, and if your tour coincides with performance dates, you'll attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
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.
Day 2: Explore the Sights of London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3: Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff
Location: Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff
Accommodation Name: Clayton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain over dinner.
Day 4: Through the Scenic Countryside to Liverpool
Location: Liverpool, England
Accommodation Name: Mercure Atlantic Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Edinburgh
Location: Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn
Meals Included: 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. This evening, consider attending a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Day 6: Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn
Meals Included: 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.
Day 7: Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York Connect with Locals
Location: Hadrian's Wall, York
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 8: Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9: Cheerio London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say farewell to your fellow travelers and Travel Director as you return home with magical memories.
What's Included
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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An 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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London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host
The services of a Trafalgar Local Host are included when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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London: Pick-up and drop-off
Pick-up and drop-off services are included when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included in the tour.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are included in the itinerary.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy all transport and transfers as shown, including pick-up and drop-off at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Hilton Kensington, Clayton, Mercure Atlantic Tower, and Holiday Inn, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience, with occasional alternatives of similar standard and location.
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 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.
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and includes all transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary, including pick-up and drop-off at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Additionally, there is a special 'Be My Guest' dinner experience with a local family in York.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels such as Hilton Kensington, Clayton, Mercure Atlantic Tower, and Holiday Inn, all selected for comfort and convenience. Occasionally, hotels of similar standard and location may be used as alternatives.
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Is there a local guide available during the tour?
Yes, an expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour. Additionally, the services of a Trafalgar Local Host are available when staying at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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Will I have free time to explore on my own during the tour?
Yes, the itinerary includes optional experiences and free time for you to explore on your own.
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Are tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo included?
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
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What sightseeing opportunities are included in the tour?
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, such as visits to iconic sites like Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, and Edinburgh Castle, as well as scenic locations like the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall.
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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
Reviews of this operator
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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
Real Britain
9 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool, England, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, Hadrian's Wall, York, Stratford-upon-Avon ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIBTZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
