Britain and Ireland Panorama
19 Day Tour of England, Scotland, Ireland | Operated by Trafalgar
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19 Days
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4 Countries
England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland -
28 Cities
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 -
23 Meals
18 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners, 1 Lunch -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
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.
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.
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 favorite writers. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center 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.
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.
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, savoring up the flavors of haggis and exhilarating sounds of bagpipes which fill the air.
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.
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.
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.
Cross the border into England and Connect With Locals, joining Christine on her Cumbrian working farm for a Be My Guest 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 traveling to Liverpool, the haunt of Britain's ‘Fab Four'.
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.
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.
Journey to the West Coast and the vibrant cultural center 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 traveling to Limerick.
Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world, circling the spectacular Ring of Kerry.
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 crafters at work.
We cross the Irish Sea to Wales and its capital, Cardiff, where we will see the Principality Stadium and view the Millennium Center, National Assembly and Cardiff Castle.
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.
The springboard to a 'New World' takes center 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 harbor, 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.
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.
Say a fond farewell to Britain and Ireland as you prepare to return home with treasured memories of your trip.
Price Includes
What's Included- - All transport and transfers shown
- - The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - 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
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 18 Breakfasts (B)
- - 4 Dinners (D)
- - 1 Lunch (L)
- 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.
- Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the center of town.
- 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.
- 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.
- Visit Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap.
- Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.
- View the Cuillin Mountains on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist.
- Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
- See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
- A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Explore the historic heart of Galway. See landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and the cathedral, or perhaps admire the distinctive Claddagh rings.
- Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- 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.
- Join a Local Specialist on a walking tour through the historic port city of Cobh.
- Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Visit the historic Glastonbury Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, its ruins are now registered as a Grade I listed building.
- During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps.
- Visit the picturesque harbor of Polperro's Heritage Coastline.
- Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Visit the Necropolis in Glasgow, one of Europe's most significant burial grounds.
- 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.
- Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- Meet Christine and enjoy a few hours of Cumbria farm-life with a traditional Be My Guest lunch and some farm animals company thrown in for good measure.
- Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
Optional Experiences
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.
Johnnie Walker’s ‘Journey of Flavor’ Tour & Dinner on the Royal Mile (Available on Day 2)Take part in a 90-minute immersive tour, led by Johnnie Walker Experts. This sensory experience includes live performances, light shows, and delicious whiskey cocktails (& mocktails)! After discovering your flavor profile, enjoy a meal on the Royal Mile.
Children over the age of 8 are welcome if accompanied by an adult 18 years+ at all times. Non-alcoholic options will be provided. Children under 8 are not permitted due to health and safety reasons.
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: £29 Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen (Available on Day 3)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: £70 Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu (Available on Day 3)Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we'll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can't miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience.
Adult Price: £85 Pitlochry, Visit of Blair Castle (Available on Day 4)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: £30 Highland Farm Experience (Available on Day 4)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: £24 Loch Lomond Boat Trip (Available on Day 6)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 savor the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £22 Music City Tour and Meal (Available on Day 6)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: £74 Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough (Available on Day 9)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: €34 Dublin Dinner and Cabaret (Available on Day 9)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 humor. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Adult Price: €89 Bunratty Castle And Folk Park (Available on Day 10)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: €29 Irish Ceilidh Evening (Available on Day 10)Come along and experience the craic at a special ceilidh evening. Enjoy a drink and some local specialties, watch some traditional Irish dancing, and sing along to some familiar Irish melodies.
Adult Price: €73 Evening of Irish Entertainment with Pub Supper (Available on Day 11)Tonight, we'll travel by coach to a local pub for an evening of Irish entertainment with local musicians/singers including a good hearty Pub Supper.
Adult Price: €60 A Tour of Cork's Inner City (Available on Day 11)Ireland's second city - "Rebel Cork" is one of Irelands Hidden Gems and dates back to the 7th century. This walking tour will encompass the development of the religious settlement of St. Finbarr, to Viking raiding & settlement, to the creation of the Norman city and Merchant Princes.
View Shandon Steeple rich in history and folklore, walk the narrow laneways towards the city center. Cross the North Channel of the river Lee. In the heart of the city surrounded by this braided river, hear the the tales and history of this port city and of it's place in the world. And enjoy hearing the lilt of the lovely Cork accent!
Adult Price: €23 Cardiff Castle Tour (Available on Day 13)On a private tour, you'll explore this unique castle and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Andersen'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: £26 Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner (Available on Day 13)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: £63 Welsh Evening (Available on Day 13)Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humor. 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 specialties, 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: £83 Dartmoor Excursion And Dinner (Available on Day 14)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: £68 Devonshire Village And Dinner (Available on Day 14)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 savor a tasty pub dinner and meet the locals, in a 700-year-old village pub.
Adult Price: £49 Plymouth Harbor Cruise (Available on Day 15)Relax on a boat trip around the harbor 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: £23 Plymouth Harbor Extended Cruise (Available on Day 15)An hour-long extended private cruise across Plymouth Harbor 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 complimentary tea or coffee.
Adult Price: £23