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Britain and Ireland Panorama
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Britain and Ireland Panorama
Operated by: Trafalgar
19 Days from $3,974 per person
Locations Visited
London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Liverpool, Chester, Holyhead, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Ring of Kerry, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Wexford, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Polperro, Stonehenge ...more London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Liverpool, Chester, Holyhead, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Ring of Kerry, Cork, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Wexford, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Polperro, StonehengeBOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
✓ Lock in this trip with $250 deposit
✓ Refund Guarantee within 30 days of booking
✓ Flexible changes up to 60 days before your tour departs
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Day 1
Arrive London
Welcome to the multicultural melting pot that is London – its culture and heritage shaped by the nations that once contributed to its great empire are found around every turn. Spend your day easing into the energy of a cosmopolitan city that effortlessly blends old and new and is the perfect springboard to a grand adventure through Britain and Ireland.
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Day 2
Discover Historic London
Join your Local Specialist today to see the iconic sights, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, meandering through the picturesque Royal Parks, shopping for the best of British wares on Carnaby Street or delving into natural history and royal heritage at one of the many fascinating museums.
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Day 3
Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to York
Meet your Travel Director this morning and travel to Stratford-upon-Avon. Venture through the lush green countryside of Warwickshire to Stratford-upon-Avon to delve into the lyrical legacy of one of the world's favourite writers. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre and see Anne Hathaway's cottage, before arriving in York. Wander along its cobbled Shambles and ancient city walls, and see the magnificent York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, we join our Travel Director and travel companions for a delicious Yorkshire dinner in our hotel.
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Day 4
Continue through Northumberland to Edinburgh
Journeying through Northumberland National Park’s dramatic landscapes, we arrive at the remarkably intact ruins of the 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey en route to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
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Day 5
Discover Enchanting Edinburgh
Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour through Auld Reekie's elegant New Town, Princes Street and the Royal Mile, enjoying views of the exquisite Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur's Seat. Embark on a guided visit of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Later, consider a traditional Scottish night out this evening, savouring up the flavours of haggis and exhilarating sounds of bagpipes which fill the air.
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Day 6
Venture into the Scottish Highlands
Today, we travel across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews to view its celebrated ancient university and explore centuries of golf heritage. Our next stop is Pitlochry on the banks of the Tummel River. You could choose to join an Optional Experience to visit Blair Castle, the ancestral home to the Dukes of Atholl. We continue to the Scottish Highlands, our home for two nights.
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Day 7
Explore the Isle of Skye
Drive to the rugged coast of Scotland this morning, passing scenic Eilean Donan Castle. We cross to the Isle of Skye, admire the spectacular scenery before enjoying free time for lunch. A Local Specialist will take us on a journey to admire the remarkable Cuillin Mountain. Cross back to the mainland and continue past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands.
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Day 8
Onwards to Loch Lomond and Glasgow’s Rich Legacy Dive Into Culture
Our first stop today is the World War II Commando Memorial, near Fort William, for views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Continue south through the 'Glen of Weeping', paying tribute to the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred for failing to pledge allegiance to Scotland's new monarchs. Arriving in Glasgow, we enjoy an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square. We'll also visit the Necropolis where we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into one of Europe's most important 19th-century burial grounds.
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Day 9
Through the Lake District to Liverpool Connect with Locals
Cross the border into England and Connect With Locals, joining Christine on her Cumbrian working farm for a Be My Guest experience. Learn about traditional farming methods and enjoy lunch before continuing your journey through the beautiful Lake District and its landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. See Lake Windermere, England's largest lake, before travelling to Liverpool, the haunt of Britain's ‘Fab Four'.
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Day 10
Across the Irish Sea to Dublin
The half-timbered Tudor Rows in Chester are our first stop today as we travel to Holyhead in North Wales to catch our ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Soak up Irish hospitality and delicious local flavours during a Regional Dinner at EPIC - the Irish Emigration Museum.
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Day 11
Admire Dublin’s Iconic Sights Dive Into Culture
Dive Into Culture and visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland's famous brew, before delving into Dublin’s iconic sights with a Local Specialist. See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or consider a trip to Glendalough. This evening you could choose to join an Optional Experience at an Irish Cabaret.
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Day 12
On to Galway and Limerick
Journey to the West Coast and the vibrant cultural centre of Galway, where you will have an opportunity to see Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square, with its tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, before travelling to Limerick.
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Day 13
Circle the Ring of Kerry and on to Cork Stays With Stories
Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world, circling the spectacular Ring of Kerry. Later, we check into our Stays With Stories hotel, the historic Maldron Shandon. Originally Cork’s first general hospital opened in 1720, the building has a colourful history that has seen it survive wars, political upheaval, fire and calls for it to be demolished before it opened its doors as a grand hotel.
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Day 14
The Sights of Blarney, Waterford and Wexford Dive Into Culture
In the pursuit of acquiring the 'gift of the gab', we visit Blarney Castle where you might kiss the famous Blarney Stone, before stopping in Cobh for a walking tour with a Local Specialist. This seaside city was the final port of call for the tragic Titanic on its fateful voyage. This afternoon, we Dive Into Culture during a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master craftsmen at work.
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Day 15
Ferry across to Cardiff
We cross the Irish Sea to Wales and its capital, Cardiff, where we will see the Principality Stadium and view the Millennium Centre, National Assembly and Cardiff Castle.
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Day 16
Enjoy Bath, Glastonbury and Plymouth
Cross the Severn Estuary to Bath, so named for the ancient Roman Baths that have made the city a popular retreat for centuries. Admire the elegant Georgian façades and visit the Roman Baths, before some free time to explore on your own. We wind our way to mystical Glastonbury to visit the 7th-century Abbey where King Arthur is believed to be buried. Later, we arrive in the city of Plymouth, our home for two nights.
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Day 17
A Day Exploring Coastal Villages
The springboard to a 'New World' takes centre stage as we start our day with an orientation of Plymouth. View the Mayflower Steps, where brave pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage to America, and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Visit the fishing village of Polperro with its narrow streets and picturesque harbour, before enjoying a scenic drive through the brooding landscapes of Dartmoor, keeping a keen eye out for the area’s wild ponies. Our epic adventure through Britain and Ireland almost at its end, we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner.
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Day 18
Journey to Prehistoric Stonehenge and return to London
Meander across the Salisbury Plain and visit the mystical ancient monoliths of Stonehenge, whose myths have yet to be fully revealed. We journey back to London this afternoon where we spend our final evening at leisure.
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Day 19
Cheerio London
Say a fond farewell to Britain and Ireland as you prepare to return home with treasured memories of your trip.
Price Includes
Whats Included
- All transport and transfers shown
- London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- 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)
- Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
- Optional Experiences and free time
Dining Summary
- 18 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
- Hesket Newmarket: Meet Christine and enjoy a few hours of Cumbria farm-life with a traditional Be My Guest lunch and some Highland cow company thrown in for good measure.
Dive Into Culture
- Glasgow: Visit the Necropolis in Glasgow, one of Europe's most significant burial grounds.
- 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.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Iconic Experience
- 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.
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the centre of town.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pitlochry: Visit Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap.
- Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- Isle of Skye: View the Cuillin Mountains on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist.
- Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Galway: Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- 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.
- Cobh: Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour through the historic port city of Cobh.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Glastonbury: Visit the historic Glastonbury Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, its ruins are now registered as a Grade I listed building.
- Plymouth: During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps.
- Polperro: Visit the picturesque harbour of Polperro's Heritage Coastline.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Must-see Highlights
- : Explore London, Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, Dublin and Cobh with a Local Specialist
- : Discover York, Glasgow, Chester, Galway, Cork, Cardiff, Bath and Plymouth
- : Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh Castle, Isle of Skye, the Necropolis in Glasgow, the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, Blarney Castle, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, the Roman Baths in Bath, Glastonbury Abbey, the fishing village of Polperro and Stonehenge
- : View Eilean Donan Castle, Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage, York Minster and the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth
- : See Galway Cathedral and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff
- : Scenic Drive around the Ring of Kerry
- : Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Trafalgar Difference
- Cork: Discover centuries of tumultuous history staying at the Maldron Shandon hotel, a building that has survived wars, fires and threats of demolition to become the grand hotel it is today.
Whats Included
- : All transport and transfers shown
- London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- 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)
- : Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
- : Optional Experiences and free time
Dates & Prices
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Online Booking Process
Financing from $/month
Optional Add-Ons
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Edinburgh
Available on Day 2
Edinburgh by Night and Dinner
We'll drive into the old city of Edinburgh to see the city at night with photo opportunities of the Castle and the Grassmarket, famous for historic executions and when possible visit one of the most haunted graveyards and see the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous Skye Terrier. Then, we'll make our way to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner and drink.
Adult Price: £ 45
Available on Day 3
Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen
Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Templar. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £ 56
Available on Day 3
Rosslyn Chapel
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.
Adult Price: £ 22
Available on Day 3
Scottish Show with Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. You’ll enjoy Scottish food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £ 72
Scottish Highlands
Available on Day 4
Highland Farm Experience
Visit a real Highland sheep farm and meet Neil the Shepherd and his border collies. He’ll show you how he uses different whistles to command each dog to carry out different tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.
Adult Price: £ 19
Available on Day 4
Pitlochry, Visit of Blair Castle
Set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery, we'll discover the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, home to Europe's last remaining private army. Unique amongst Scottish castles, Blair has hosted royalty from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Queen Victoria.
Adult Price: £ 25
Glasgow
Available on Day 6
Music City Tour and Meal
Join us tonight for a chance to explore more of Glasgow, get beneath its skin and learn about its music scene and folk culture. After a guided walking tour, we'll enjoy a two-course dinner with live music from the city's up-and-coming folk performers. Afterwards, an informal trad folk session will see us through the night.
Adult Price: £ 49
Loch Lomond
Available on Day 6
Loch Lomond Boat Trip
Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £ 17
Dublin
Available on Day 9
Dublin Dinner and Irish Show
Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: € 72
Available on Day 9
Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough
Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
Adult Price: € 27
Limerick
Available on Day 10
Bunratty Castle And Folk Park
Come on a visit to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and admire its fine furnishings, antiques and paintings. With your Local Specialist, you’ll experience an Ireland of the past, as you wander through the folk park with its thatched cottages and smoky turf fires. In the village, we'll have free time to explore the quaint shops and relax in the local tea room.
Adult Price: € 23
Available on Day 10
Irish Ceilidh Evening
Come along and experience the craic at a special ceilidh evening. Enjoy a drink and some local specialities, watch some traditional Irish dancing, and sing along to some familiar Irish melodies.
Adult Price: € 64
Cardiff
Available on Day 13
Cardiff Castle Tour
You’ll explore this unique castle on a private tour and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 900-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Adult Price: £ 21
Available on Day 13
Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner
Join us for a traditional Welsh country dinner. We'll take you to a 14th century thatched inn called The Blue Anchor. While you're eating and enjoying your drink, you'll be entertained with a performance from a Welsh harpist.
Adult Price: £ 45
Available on Day 13
Welsh Evening
Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is a stunningly-renovated deconsecrated church. After a warm reception, we'll enjoy a first-class meal of seasonal Welsh specialities, sourced and produced locally. Quality wine or soft drinks are included and the meal will be accompanied by our enchanting Welsh harpist. You'll then be entertained by the finest local singers presenting the beautiful music of Wales.
Adult Price: £ 69
Exeter
Available on Day 14
Devonshire Village And Dinner
We’ll drive to a beautiful village in Devon, where you’ll see cob walled houses with thatched roofs and the parish church, which dates back over 700 years. You’ll also savour a tasty pub dinner and meet the locals, in a 700-year-old village pub.
Adult Price: £ 39
Plymouth
Available on Day 14
Dartmoor Excursion And Dinner
A scenic drive across the mysterious moors takes us to the capital of the area, Princetown. Here we’ll see the infamous Dartmoor prison, before driving to a lovely old Inn for a drink and supper. Later, a Local Specialist will regale us with stories and legends about the area.
Adult Price: £ 41
Available on Day 15
Plymouth Harbour Cruise
Relax on a boat trip round the harbour of one of England’s most famous seaports. As the commentary unfolds, we'll see the Mayflower steps monument, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America. We'll enjoy panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe before entering the Royal Navy Dockyard, where we’ll see modern vessels of the Royal Navy.
Adult Price: £ 17
Available on Day 15
Plymouth Harbour Extended Cruise
An hour-long extended private cruise across Plymouth Harbour will give us a comprehensive tour of the history from the Mayflower Steps all the way to the engineering marvel of IK Brunel’s bridge. You'll also enjoy complementary tea or coffee.
Adult Price: £ 19
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