Wonders of Britain and Ireland

Europe United Kingdom
OVERVIEW
All the highlights and some special travel surprises feature on this in-depth journey around the UK and Ireland. Feel the pride of the Welsh people, see the seat where Irish kings once ruled and sample a pint of the favourite local brew during a tour of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
EXPERIENCES
Alnwick: See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county town.

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.

Blarney: 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.

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

Cashel: See the Rock of Cashel where St. Patrick preached.

Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.

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.

Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.

Ring of Kerry: Admire Ireland's enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

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.

York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
15/06/2025 26/06/2025 £2,932 Book
22/06/2025 03/07/2025 £3,450 Book
06/07/2025 17/07/2025 £2,953 Book
29/07/2025 09/08/2025 £3,166 Book
05/08/2025 16/08/2025 £3,725 Book
10/08/2025 21/08/2025 £3,166 Book
17/08/2025 28/08/2025 £3,038 Book
26/08/2025 06/09/2025 £2,932 Book
09/09/2025 20/09/2025 £3,102 Book
14/09/2025 25/09/2025 £3,102 Book
16/09/2025 27/09/2025 £3,750 Book
21/09/2025 02/10/2025 £3,102 Book
28/09/2025 09/10/2025 £2,970 Book
07/10/2025 18/10/2025 £3,250 Book
05/04/2026 16/04/2026 £3,195 Book
12/04/2026 23/04/2026 £3,195 Book
19/04/2026 30/04/2026 £3,195 Book
26/04/2026 07/05/2026 £3,262 Book
03/05/2026 14/05/2026 £3,262 Book
10/05/2026 21/05/2026 £3,262 Book
17/05/2026 28/05/2026 £3,262 Book
24/05/2026 04/06/2026 £3,325 Book
31/05/2026 11/06/2026 £3,325 Book
07/06/2026 18/06/2026 £3,325 Book
14/06/2026 25/06/2026 £3,325 Book
21/06/2026 02/07/2026 £3,325 Book
28/06/2026 09/07/2026 £3,375 Book
05/07/2026 16/07/2026 £3,375 Book
12/07/2026 23/07/2026 £3,375 Book
19/07/2026 30/07/2026 £3,375 Book
26/07/2026 06/08/2026 £3,595 Book
02/08/2026 13/08/2026 £3,595 Book
09/08/2026 20/08/2026 £3,595 Book
16/08/2026 27/08/2026 £3,465 Book
23/08/2026 03/09/2026 £3,465 Book
30/08/2026 10/09/2026 £3,325 Book
06/09/2026 17/09/2026 £3,325 Book
13/09/2026 24/09/2026 £3,325 Book
20/09/2026 01/10/2026 £3,325 Book
27/09/2026 08/10/2026 £3,195 Book
06/10/2026 17/10/2026 £3,145 Book
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Leonardo Cardiff - Meals: Dinner
DAY 10: Novotel Centre - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel and Spa, Stratford Manor - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 2: Waterford Marina, Fitzwilton - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Killarney - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Killarney - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Apex City - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Apex City - Meals: Breakfast
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
  • London: Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
  • 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
  • Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
ITINERARY

Ponder the mysteries of the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge, before driving west to Bath to visit the Roman Baths. Cross the Severn Estuary to Cardiff, then view the Wales Millennium Centre and the National Assembly at Cardiff Bay. Later, enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh pub fare and drinks at a rousing dinner.

This morning, view the Principality Stadium during your 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. Cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the 'Emerald Isle' and travel to historic Waterford, where you'll dine in your 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 travelling to the picturesque town of Killarney.

Today, 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 your 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, meet the O'Sullivan family at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, sharing a memorable Be My Guest experience.

Celtic art and history take centre stage this morning as you 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. Arrive this afternoon in Dublin, where you will join your 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 cosy atmosphere of the Irish capital. Ramble through the buzzing streets of Temple Bar or visit Grafton Street, famous for its colourful 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. Arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining your companions for a tasty dinner.

The beautiful landscape, which for centuries inspired the Romantic poets, provides a mesmerising backdrop for your scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Skirt the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, as you travel through countryside made famous by poet William Wordsworth. Cross the Scottish border and visit the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green. This evening, you arrive in beguiling Edinburgh, where you'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 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

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.

Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. This evening,  join your fellow travellers for 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, you'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). Return to London this afternoon and bid a fond farewell to your Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of a wonderful holiday.
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