Wonders of Britain and Ireland
15 Day Britain & Ireland Tour to York & Dublin | Operated by Trafalgar
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15 Days
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4 Countries
England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland -
19 Cities
London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cashel, Dublin, Chester, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, Alnwick, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford -
19 Meals
14 Breakfasts, 5 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
The cosmopolitan capital of London rolls out its red carpet with all the pomp and pageantry you're unlikely to encounter anywhere else in the world. Spend the day ambling along its grand boulevards and past iconic sights as you familiarise yourself with the city's bustling atmosphere.
Join a Local Specialist today to explore the city's favorite landmarks. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, before spending the rest of the day at leisure to delve into the city's history, culture, art and architecture.
Meet your Travel Director this morning and stop to ponder the mysteries of the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge, before driving west to Bath. Cross the Severn Estuary to Cardiff, then view the Wales Millennium Center and the National Assembly at Cardiff Bay. Later, enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh pub fare and drinks at a rousing Welcome Dinner.
This morning, we view the Principality Stadium during our orientation of Cardiff. Enjoy some leisure time in this modern capital. Perhaps visit the Victorian Gothic fantasy of Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. We cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the 'Emerald Isle' and travel to historic Waterford, where we'll dine in our hotel tonight.
Dive Into Culture and watch the master crafters of the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Then, kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab', before traveling to the picturesque town of Killarney.
Today we experience the enduring beauty of Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula – the emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide an exquisite backdrop for our leisurely drive around what has become known as the Ring of Kerry. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirsiveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with its panoramic views. Later, we Connect With Locals at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, sharing a memorable Be My Guest experience with the O'Sullivan family and their Kerry cows.
Celtic art and history take center stage this morning as we visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, the seat of Irish kings for centuries. Perched atop a limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the historic ruins house one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe. We arrive this afternoon in Dublin, where we will join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds of an Irish cabaret.
Dive Into Culture to discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Then, top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the cozy atmosphere of the Irish capital. Ramble through the buzzing streets of Temple Bar or visit Grafton Street, famous for its colorful street performers.
Board the ferry to Wales. Admire the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park as you travel to the ancient city of Chester, with its characteristic Tudor Rows and medieval walls. We arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining our companions for a tasty dinner.
The beautiful landscape, which for centuries inspired the Romantic poets, provides a mesmerizing backdrop for our scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Skirt the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, as we travel through countryside made famous by poet William Wordsworth. We cross the Scottish border and visit the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green. This evening, we arrive in beguiling Edinburgh, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a memorable sightseeing tour of this captivating capital, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock. See Auld Reekie's Royal Mile and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and admire the Georgian façades in Edinburgh's New Town. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
We journey south to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland and the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where you’ll walk through the charming Shambles, see the medieval walls and York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.
We visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. This evening we join our fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Journey to the Cotswolds this morning and the little churchyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is buried. Arriving in Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city to view the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library and visit one of the university's famous colleges (when open). We return to London this afternoon.
For now, it's time to say farewell to our travel companions at the end of a memorable holiday as we prepare to return home with treasured memories.
Price Includes
What's Included- - 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)
- - 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.
- - 14 Breakfasts (B)
- - 5 Dinners (D)
- 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.
- 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.
- Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
- A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.
- See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
- 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.
- See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county town.
- 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.
- See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.
- 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.
- Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- 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.
- Tales of potent poitin and rural Ireland are shared over a delicious Be My Guest dinner of Irish Stew at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year old cottage with the O'Sullivan family and their Kerry cows.
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 Explore Waterford's History (Available on Day 3)Join us in Waterford, where the history dates back as far as the Vikings. Your Local Specialist will bring the historic area to life through stories and anecdotes; one guest even described the trip as the "best history lesson ever".
Adult Price: €22 Irish Ceilidh Evening (Available on Day 3)The Irish Ceilidh epitomises how music and dance were enjoyed in rural Ireland, especially on festive occasions. The craic - welcoming, jolly, fun and informal - is accompanied with plenty of food and drink. There's no more enjoyable way to understand Irish culture.
Adult Price: €81 Celtic Steps (Available on Day 3)Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond.
Adult Price: €43 Experience a Jaunting Cart Ride (Available on Day 4)Enjoy a traditional pony and trap ride through the beautiful Bourn-Vincent National Park. During your journey, your Local Specialist will share fascinating anecdotes about the area and Ireland.
Adult Price: €28 Dublin Dinner and Cabaret (Available on Day 5)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 Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough (Available on Day 6)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 Dinner in Dublin City (Available on Day 6)Famous for its heritage buildings and authentic local culture, Dublin is a charm-filled city for travelers to explore – and what better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Irish capital than with an evening in one of the most locally loved restaurant-pubs? You'll enjoy dinner and experience the charming hospitality for which this part of the world is known.
Adult Price: €65 Famous Sights and the Fab Four (Available on Day 7)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 Johnnie Walker’s ‘Journey of Flavor’ Tour & Dinner on the Royal Mile (Available on Day 8)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.
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 8)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 Rosslyn Chapel (Available on Day 9)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 9)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 9)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 Ghost Walk and Dinner (Available on Day 10)The 2000-year-old Roman city of York abounds with tales of murder and mystery, some of which you'll discover as you take a stroll with the local ghost hunter. You’ll finish with a drink and delicious meal in a local restaurant. Without the walk - meal and drinks only - £38.
Adult Price: £49 Shakespeare's Schoolhouse Experience (Available on Day 11)Today we'll visit Stratford's medieval guildhall and attend a lesson at Shakespeare's schoolhouse, in the very room where he sat as a pupil in the 1570's, before enjoying scones with cream and a glass of bubbly.
Adult Price: £37