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Castles and Kilts

Operated by: Trafalgar

10 Days from $2,475 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Piper and kilt from the waist down, Scotland

Countries Visited

England ...more England

Locations Visited

London, Oxford, Lacock, Bath, Llangollen, Ruthin, Chester, Tatton Park, Lancaster, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh ...more London, Oxford, Lacock, Bath, Llangollen, Ruthin, Chester, Tatton Park, Lancaster, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh
  1. Day 1 Welcome to London

    Delight in the magic and mystery of an ancient land of kings and queens, knights and magical creatures. Your springboard to an unforgettable Family Experience through Britain is the lively capital of London, which you will have an opportunity to explore with your clan before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a memorable Kickoff bash.

    meals Kickoff Party
    hotel Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
  2. Day 2 Discover the Sights of London Family Fun

    March down the grand boulevards and secret lanes of London, exploring the city's iconic sights with a Local Specialist. Practice your royal wave at Buckingham Palace, snap a selfie in front of Big Ben and see where Britain's royalty has been crowned since the 11th century. Enjoy some Family Fun and head to platform 9¾ to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express. Then shrug off your Muggle mantle and see the red telephone box where Harry Potter and Mr. Weasley descended into the secret Ministry of Magic in 'Order of the Phoenix'. Admire the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to the event taking place), before enjoying free time for a leisurely lunch at St. Katherine's Dock near Tower Bridge. Our last stop today is the brooding Tower of London where we'll rub shoulders with the Beefeaters and see the Crown Jewels.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
  3. Day 3 London Your Way

    Soak up the buzzing multicultural atmosphere of London on this full day at leisure. Explore the wonders of science and centuries of natural history at the city's fascinating museums, delve into the dark depths of the London Dungeon or take a spin on the London Eye. Wander through the colourful array of toys at Hamleys on Regent Street or take a day trip to 11th-century Windsor Castle – the choice is yours.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
  4. Day 4 Journey to Oxford and on to Elegant Bath Family Fun

    Imagine yourself as an Oxford scholar as you enjoy a quick visit (as long as students are not sitting exams) to the imposing historic hall of one of Oxford's Divinity Schools. This was used as the film location for the Hogwarts hospital wing. Later, we continue to the pretty Wiltshire village of Lacock for some Family Fun to see Harry Potter's house. Perhaps visit the 13th-century Lacock Abbey, or devour a traditional afternoon tea and cake in one of the local tea rooms before arriving in Bath for your overnight stay.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton
  5. Day 5 Onwards to Historic Wales and Ruthin Castle Stays With Stories Make Travel Matter

    Gain insights into the elegant city of Bath during Roman times, enjoying an orientation that will include beautiful Pulteney bridge. Admire the honey-hued Georgian architecture of Bath and view such highlights as the 15th-century Bath Abbey before crossing the border into Wales. We stop in the historic town of Llangollen, famous for its annual Eisteddfod, and then cross the Horseshoe Pass to a medieval castle and one of Trafalgar’s Stays With Stories, where we'll spend the next two nights. Dine like lords and ladies this evening enjoying a delicious Welsh dinner with your new travel friends.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Ruthin Castle
  6. Day 6 Enjoy a Day in Chester Connect with Locals

    Go back in time today during your visit to Chester, whose medieval city walls and famous red cathedral will give you a sense of what it must have been like to live in the Middle Ages. You’ll take to its ancient walls with a Roman centurion Local Specialist, learning all there is to know about 2,000-year-old Deva, Britain’s biggest Roman fortress on which modern-day Chester was built. The highlight of today will undoubtedly be the opportunity to Connect With Locals at an exclusive Be My Guest experience featuring an English cream tea. We return to our regal home-away-from-home this afternoon for free time to relax, or ramble along its ancient walls and through the beautiful castle grounds.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Ruthin Castle
  7. Day 7 Explore a Manor House and Continue to Lancaster Dive Into Culture

    Discover centuries of history at Tatton Park, set within a 1,000 acre (400 ha) deer park. We'll join the butler and housekeeper of this elegant medieval manor house and Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into the day-to-day of English aristocrats once upon a time. We continue north to the Lake District, whose enchanting landscapes have inspired poets and writers for centuries. Consider boarding a steam train for a brief journey, then cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere before arriving at your hotel, where you'll dine tonight.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Lancaster House
  8. Day 8 Admire Hadrian’s Wall and on to Edinburgh Family Fun

    Start today with some Family Fun to experience life as a brave Roman soldier on Emperor Hadrian's northern frontier, exploring the treasures of the Roman Army Museum and Hadrian's Wall. We cross into 'Bonnie Scotland' and arrive in the charismatic capital of Edinburgh where we'll have an opportunity to explore tonight at leisure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Marriott
  9. Day 9 Uncover Edinburgh’s Treasures

    Delve into the magic of Edinburgh's iconic sights and stunning landscapes as you join a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Ramble up the Royal Mile and see the tall spires of the Scott Monument, visit Edinburgh Castle, where you will hear tales of bravery, treason and intrigue. Get lost in 'Auld Reekie', strolling through its secret lanes and past medieval façades or join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience. Our epic family adventure is almost at its end. Celebrate a memorable holiday with new friends and your Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Marriott
  10. Day 10 Journey Home

    It's time to say bye for now, but not goodbye forever, as the curtain falls on an unforgettable Family Experience through Britain. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Castles Kilts Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • 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

Dining Summary

  • 1 Kickoff Party (KP)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • Chester: Enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest English cream tea.

Dive Into Culture

  • Knutsford: Enjoy a butler and housekeeper tour at the stately 18th-century National Trust property, Tatton Park Mansion house.

Family Fun

  • London: Let your inner magician loose as you visit Harry Potter highlights such as Platform 9 ¾ and the red telephone box gateway to the Ministry of Magic.
  • Lacock: Visit the charming Lacock Village, where famous scenes of Harry Potter were filmed and explore Lacock Abbey where you’ll recognise some of the corridors and classrooms of Hogwarts.
  • Hexham: Experience life as a brave Roman soldier on Emperor Hadrian's northern frontier, exploring the treasures of the Roman Army Museum and Hadrian's Wall.

Iconic Experience

  • London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist.
  • Oxford: See an imposing and historic hall of one of Oxford's Schools.
  • Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
  • Chester: Explore Chester and its ancient city walls with a Local Specialist.
  • Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
  • 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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Bath: 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 programme 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.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore London, Chester and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Oxford and Bath
  • : Visit the Tower of London, Divinity School in Oxford, Lacock village, Llangollen, Tatton Park to meet the butler and housekeeper, the Lake District, the Roman Army Museum, Hadrian's Wall and Edinburgh Castle
  • : View the scenic Lake District
  • : Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

Trafalgar Difference

  • Ruthin: Stay in the 13th-century Ruthin Castle in North Wales with its original moat and acres of parkland.

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • : 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

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

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June 2023
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Jun 22 Thu
Jul 1 Sat
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,750 $2,475 Save $275
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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.

London

Available on Day 3

London Eye and Thames Cruise

There's no better way to experience London than from a cruise along the Thames. You’ll also experience incredible views of London from the world-famous London Eye, open from 10am - 6pm.
Adult Price: £ 45

Available on Day 3

Windsor Visit Including Castle Tour

We’ll take a short drive to Windsor where you'll enjoy a tour of Windsor Castle, with entrance to the State Apartments included. Inside the apartments you’ll also have the use of an individual audio guide.
Adult Price: £ 41
Note: On Sundays, St George's Chapel is closed to the public.

Liverpool

Available on Day 6

Famous Sights and the Fab Four

Come along with our Local Specialist for a guided tour of Liverpool. From its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present, you’ll discover the two magnificently different cathedrals, see Mathew Street, birthplace of The Beatles, and enjoy the Mersey beat.
Adult Price: £ 19

Windermere

Available on Day 7

Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride

Step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Haverthwaite to Lakeside. Then a chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England's largest lake.
Adult Price: £ 27
Note: Occasionally this experience will operate in reverse.

Edinburgh

Available on Day 8

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 8

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

Available on Day 9

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

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Wayne Castro
Review date: Saturday, August 25, 2018
Service
The reservations for flights and hotels were wonderful, 5 stars. I especially enjoyed the stay at Ruthin Castle. the Military Tatoo was an uplifting and inspirational experience, 5 stars. The trip to Oxford was rushed and disappointing. I would have liked to spend more time in Oxford, and the Harry Potter connection was minimal, at best. I would definitely recommend the tour. My wife and I are planning follow-on tours.
Vacation
I felt the experience was well worth the price. The trip through Wales was very minimal. I would have preferred to spend a day in Cardiff and explored Caraphilly Castle. All in all, a wonderful and memorable experience.
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Terms & Conditions
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