Britain and Ireland Highlights
Britain and Ireland Highlights
Britain and Ireland Highlights
10 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Harrogate, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge
Tour Overview
Short on travel time but want to see all the Britain and Ireland highlights? This trip delivers the genius of Shakespeare, Waterford crystal creations in Ireland and a hearty Welsh dinner at a local vineyard, with a side of ancient history, in just 10 days.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank, Park Plaza County Hall
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Riverbank
London bids you a warm welcome to its regal traditions and centuries-old heritage. Stroll through its Royal Parks to relax after your journey, or take to its streets to admire elegant façades merged with the modern verve of a global capital that marches to its own multi-cultural tune.
Day 2: Stratford-Upon-Avon, York And On To Harrogate
Location: London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Harrogate
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as you visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Center, before embarking on your drive north to the Viking city of York, where you'll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening, enjoy dinner in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.
Day 3: Through The Scenic Lake District To Glasgow
Location: Harrogate, Gretna Green, Glasgow
Accommodation: Novotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on our journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which we’ll pass as we continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. We'll cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. We drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow where our orientation will take us past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.
Day 4: Explore Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Glasgow
Accommodation: Novotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh, with its exquisite medieval façades, our encounter with Scotland will see us join a Local Specialist for a memorable sightseeing tour. We’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city, and see the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse and the new Scottish Parliament. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening for a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Cross The Irish Sea To Belfast And Dublin
Location: Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Hotel Connolly
Accommodation Name: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast, past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Board the ferry to Northern Ireland, then join a Local Specialist to explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in Belfast. We’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, we arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where we'll spend the next two nights.
Day 6: Discover Diverse Dublin Dive Into Culture
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Hotel Connolly
Accommodation Name: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture and discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland, before spending the rest of the day exploring the sights alone. Ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colorful street performers. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.
Day 7: Journey To Kilkenny And On To Waterford Dive Into Culture
Location: Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford
Accommodation: Waterford Marina Hotel
Accommodation Name: Waterford Marina, Fitzwilton
Meals Included: Breakfast
We Dive Into Culture this morning and gain insights into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud established in 1946. Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time for lunch. Our next stop sees us Dive Into Culture yet again to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. We'll watch master crafters at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.
Day 8: Ferry Across To Cultural Cardiff Connect With Locals
Location: Waterford, Cardiff
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Accommodation Name: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
An early start to our sightseeing today sees us cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue our journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Wales Millennium Center, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. This evening we joining a local family for a Farewell Dinner Be My Guest experience in the idyllic Welsh countryside,. Visit the oldest and largest vineyard in Wales, you’ll learn how the Norris family are using sustainable farming practices and get to meet some of the resident animals that roam the land freely. You’ll enjoy a homemade meal, enchanting stories of rural life in Wales and warm Welsh hospitality, leaving with the knowledge that your visit supports the family in their efforts to farm sustainably.
Day 9: Soak Up Bath And Stonehenge Then Off To London
Location: Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge, London
Accommodation: Park Plaza County Hall, Park Plaza Riverbank
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Riverbank
Meals Included: Breakfast
Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, we arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious megalithic stone circle at Stonehenge, then return to London.
Day 10: Farewell London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say farewell to your traveling companions at the end of your vacation, as you prepare to travel home with wonderful memories.
What's 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
-
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)
What's Not Included
-
Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included in the tour price
-
Visas
Visas are not included and may be required for travel
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for coverage against potential risks
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), Ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland, Ferry across the Irish Sea from Ireland to South Wales
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
Dive Into Culture
- Dublin: 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.
- Kildare: Admire Ireland's finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Friday - Sunday
Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Friday - Sunday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 04, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 02, 2025 - May 11, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
May 04, 2025 - May 13, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 09, 2025 - May 18, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
May 11, 2025 - May 20, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 16, 2025 - May 25, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Friday - Sunday
Mar 20, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026Friday - Sunday
Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 17, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Apr 19, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 24, 2026 - May 03, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Apr 26, 2026 - May 05, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 01, 2026 - May 10, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
May 03, 2026 - May 12, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 08, 2026 - May 17, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
May 10, 2026 - May 19, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 15, 2026 - May 24, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
May 17, 2026 - May 26, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 22, 2026 - May 31, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
May 24, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 29, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 09, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 05, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 16, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 23, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 19, 2026 - Jun 28, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 21, 2026 - Jun 30, 2026Monday - Wednesday
Jun 22, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 07, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 03, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 21, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 17, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 19, 2026 - Jul 28, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 24, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 04, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 31, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 18, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 23, 2026 - Sep 01, 2026Monday - Wednesday
Aug 24, 2026 - Sep 02, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 08, 2026Monday - Wednesday
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 15, 2026Monday - Wednesday
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 22, 2026Monday - Wednesday
Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Monday - Wednesday
Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 07, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 02, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 16, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions