Real Britain
9 Day UK Tour to Liverpool, Edinburgh & York | Operated by Trafalgar
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9 Days
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3 Countries
England, Wales, Scotland -
11 Cities
London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Ludlow, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon -
10 Meals
8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners -
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
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.
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.
This morning meet your Travel Director before embarking on a journey to discover what's 'great' about Great Britain, on this mesmerizing sojourn past the rolling hills and lush farmlands of England to Wales, the land of Castles. 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 center stage during our visit to this famous spa town. Here, we'll see the Abbey and visit the Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Tonight, we celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain at a Welcome Dinner.
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. 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.
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 see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
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. 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.
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.
Delve into the story of Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. We return to London this afternoon.
Say farewell to your fellow travelers and Travel Director as you return home with magical memories.
Price Includes
What's Included- - All transport and transfers shown
- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- - 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
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 8 Breakfasts (B)
- - 2 Dinners (D)
- 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.
- Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
- Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- 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.
- Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Cardiff Castle Tour (Available on Day 2)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 Famous Sights and the Fab Four (Available on Day 2)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: £25 Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere (Available on Day 3)Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult Price: £28 Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise (Available on Day 3)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: £33 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 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 Rosslyn Chapel (Available on Day 4)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 Johnnie Walker’s ‘Journey of Flavor’ Tour & Dinner on the Royal Mile (Available on Day 4)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.