Britain and Ireland Highlights – August 16 to October 18, 2025 (8 Days) - From £2,002

Europe United Kingdom
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 over one week.
EXPERIENCES
Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.

Bath: Explore one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman sites, a bathing and temple complex fed by natural hot springs that still flow today. Walk at your own pace through centuries of history in the heart of Bath. This was once the city’s social centre, where Romans gathered to bathe, worship and connect.

Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.

Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.

Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.

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.

Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.

Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.

Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
23/08/2025 30/08/2025 £2,019 Book
01/09/2025 08/09/2025 £2,275 Book
02/09/2025 09/09/2025 £2,275 Book
18/10/2025 25/10/2025 £2,225 Book
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ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Crowne Plaza - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Novotel - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Novotel - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Waterford Marina, Fitzwilton - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Park Inn by Radisson City Centre - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Ferry across the Irish Sea from Ireland to South Wales
  • Ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland
  • London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ITINERARY

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 Centre, then continue 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.

Journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on your journey is England's pretty Lake Windermere, which you’ll pass as you continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. Drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow where your orientation will take you past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.

From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh with its exquisite medieval façades. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town, see the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile with a Local Specialist on a memorable sightseeing tour. Afterwards enjoy an included visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Later, wander through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening for a delicious locally-sourced meal at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

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. You’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where you'll spend the next two nights.

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. Spend time exploring the sights on your own—ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers. Then, 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. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.

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. The next stop sees you Dive Into Culture to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. Watch master crafters at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.

An early start to your sightseeing today sees you cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue your journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Wales Millennium Centre, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. This evening, join a local family for a 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.

Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, arrive in the glorious UNESCO listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian facades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious megalithic stone circle of Stonehenge, then return to London where your memorable holiday in Britain and Ireland comes to an end.
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