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Real Britain

Operated by: Trafalgar

9 Days from $2,250 per person
APR - OCT 2024
Thames River and London Eye, London, England

Countries Visited

England ...more England

Locations Visited

London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Ludlow, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon ...more London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Ludlow, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon
  1. Day 1 Welcome to London

    Brightly coloured 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.

    hotel Hilton Kensington
  2. Day 2 Explore the Sights of London

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hilton Kensington
  3. Day 3 Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff

    This morning meet your Travel Director before embarking on a journey to discover what's 'great' about Great Britain, on this mesmerising sojourn past the peaks of Wales and the rolling hills and lush farmlands of England to 'bonnie' Scotland. We kick-start our adventure in the cosmopolitan capital of London, heading west to visit Stonehenge's stone monoliths, whose centuries-old myths have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes centre stage during our visit to this famous spa town. Here, we'll see the Abbey and visit the Roman baths, before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city to see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. Tonight, we celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain at a Welcome Reception.

    meals Breakfast, Welcome Reception
    hotel Mercure Holland House
  4. Day 4 Through the Scenic Countryside to Liverpool

    The half-timbered Tudor houses of Ludlow feature today on our exploration of this market town with its medieval walls and historic castle. We journey north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to the bold British city of Liverpool, hometown of the 'Fab Four'. Saunter through its edgy 'Scouse' streets and perhaps visit The Cavern Club, where the Beatles once played, during your evening at leisure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Mercure Atlantic Tower
  5. Day 5 Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Edinburgh

    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. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Holiday Inn
  6. Day 6 Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures

    Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerising medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour. Stroll through 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. This evening, consider attending a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Holiday Inn
  7. Day 7 Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York Connect with Locals

    Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to the ancient cathedral city of York, whose origins hark back to Roman times. Walk along the famous Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening we Connect With Locals, joining a family at their stately home in York for a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner and some hearty British hospitality.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Novotel Centre
  8. Day 8 Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London

    Delve into the story of Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. We return to London this afternoon.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hilton Kensington
  9. Day 9 Cheerio London

    Say farewell to your fellow travellers and Travel Director as you return home with magical memories.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hilton Kensington
Real Britain US Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • All transport and transfers shown
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • 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)
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 1 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

  • York: Enjoy a traditional British Be My Guest dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of either their elegant town house in the city or in their impressive country house overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.

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 façades and the bimillenial 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 Georgian mansions.
  • Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised 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.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore London and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
  • : Discover Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool and York
  • : Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • : View Bath Abbey, Cardiff Castle, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster, and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage
  • : See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
  • : Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

Whats Included

  • : All transport and transfers shown
  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • 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)
  • : 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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March 2024
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Apr 7 Sun
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$2,250
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$2,250
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$2,250
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$2,375
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$2,375
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$2,395
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$2,395
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$2,450
August 2024
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$2,725
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$2,725
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$2,450
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$2,375
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$2,375
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$2,375
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Sep 28 Sat
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$2,350
October 2024
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$2,350
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$2,350
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$2,325
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.

Cardiff

Available on Day 2

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

Liverpool

Available on Day 2

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

Edinburgh

Available on Day 3

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

Windermere

Available on Day 3

Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the northern coastline, beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see deserted islands, boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult Price: £ 23

Available on Day 3

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.

Available on Day 3

Local Dinner Evening

Join us and your travelling companions for a delicious traditional dinner and drink at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: £ 40

Available on Day 4

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 4

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 4

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

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Deborah Harvey
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Service
I ask a lot of questions. I have asthma and I know real cold I cannot handle, I was told weather was ok this time of year! we got left in an open market in freezing temperature! The bus did not pick us up. Had to walk a long distance from that point. My trip was awful. I got asthma up all not did not get to finish the next trip. I was only told what they wanted to hear to get me to book, I would of done fine in warmer months, Get to Ireland and to local manger told me this is no tome to travel, TO cold not unless you like the cold and rain... I cannot not handle the cold and rain, In UK,, no support from guide - hotels rooms with no heat at all- changing hotels night to night, the UK excursion went fair but not there for the support with the hotels as we needed , one night at the High Tower no heat at all in the room . Just in the halls, I had to sleep in 2 pair of pants, 2 shirts. coat and scarf. I was still cold. the bath room was even to old to take a shower in, tried to get help from the hotel and they never came, I WILL NEVER TRAVEL WITH THIS COMPANY AGAIN. NEVER AND I HOPE NONE OF MY FRIENDS THAT TRAVEL A LOT. I was Greatly MISGUIDED! I USED MY LAST TRIP FUND FOR A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry to hear about your struggles and your decision to leave the tour early. While we have no control over the weather, it sounds as if there were some areas that we could have improved upon and for that we are truly sorry.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Vacation
Because I was misguided, It was not for the good of the group, but for the good bus driver and guide.
James Homer
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Service
This was our second tour and it won't be our last! Everything about booking is smooth and trouble free.
Response from Grand European Travel:
That's fantastic to hear! We can't wait to help you plan that next trip! Thank you so much for your comments.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Vacation
Hamish and Jeff made this trip fun, safe and a real treat! Everything went smoothly and we had a lovely, relaxing vacation.
Margarita Hampton
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Service
Just a few hold ups in the beginning of booking with incorrect information but that was taken care of as afterwards everything went smoothly. Trip was wonderful. Would book again without question through Grand European. We are already reviewing other trips, but it will be hard to top the Real Britian trip. Had an excellent tour director with Trafaglar, James Smith and the city tour guides were excellent as well. Thank you GET
Vacation
Excellent. Tour Director James Smith with Trafaglar and city guides were excellent.
Ronald Hampton
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Service
Customer service was great during the booking process but not quite as good after making the payments.
Vacation
The only thing that keeps me from marking a "5" was that I don't have experience with any other tour group to compare to.
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