Britain and Ireland Grandeur

Britain and Ireland Grandeur 

A treasure trove of historic sites, rolling countryside and cultural jewels are yours to explore on this fascinating holiday. Breathe in fresh air as you explore the best that Britain and Ireland have to offer, from Roman ruins and stunning Cornish coastlines to Shakespeare’s birthplace. Sights include vibrant London and mystic Stonehenge in addition to the charming streets of Edinburgh and the ancient Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.

20 Day guided holiday includes:
• 19 nights First Class accommodation
• Breakfast daily, 11 evening meals and lunch in privately-owned castle in Scotland
• A range of great sightseeing tours as per the itinerary below
• Transportation by luxury air conditioned coach and services of a Travel Director
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes

From: $3850 per person twin share

Price is per person twin share and land only.
Seasonal surcharges apply
Single supplement is available.

Itinerary

Day 1 – LONDON – STONEHENGE – PLYMOUTH (2 NIGHTS)

Leaving the sights of London behind, travel to rural Wiltshire and visit the mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Drive west through Thomas Hardy country to the historic naval port of Plymouth. This evening, get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical British pub meal and drinks.

Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)
Hotel: Copthorne

Day 2 – CORNISH EXCURSION

Your orientation of Plymouth includes the Mayflower steps and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Cross the River Tamar and follow the Cornish peninsula to St. Ives, the renowned artists’ colony. Photograph St. Michael’s Mount near Penzance. Relax and enjoy the stunning Cornish scenery!

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 3 – PLYMOUTH – GLASTONBURY – BATH – CARDIFF

Visit the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and see the legendary burial site of King Arthur. On arrival in the city of Bath, admire the Georgian buildings and visit the Roman Baths after which the city is named. Spend some time exploring the city before making your way to the Welsh capital Cardiff.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: The Parc

Day 4 – CARDIFF – WATERFORD

See the sights of Cardiff including the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay. View the historic Cardiff Castle and see the Millennium Stadium.Enjoy the scenic drive through Pembrokshire and cross the Irish Sea to Rosslare. Enjoy dinner tonight at your hotel in Waterford.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Waterford Marina

Day 5 – WATERFORD – BLARNEY – KENMARE (2 NIGHTS)

Visit the renowned House of Waterford Crystal for a Local Speciality demonstration. Watch the master craftsmen at work during your tour of the workshop. At Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Kenmare, your home for the next two nights. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Kenmare Bay

Day 6 – RING OF KERRY EXCURSION

Follow the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula, characterised by plunging cliffs, shimmering lakes, granite mountains and rugged coastlines. See castles, forts and monasteries as you wind your way through Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll’s Gap in the Black Mountains.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 7 – KENMARE – LIMERICK – CLIFFS OF MOHER – GALWAY

Drive through Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, en route to Limerick on the banks of the River Shannon. View King John’s Castle, St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Visit the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. In Galway, view the Cathedral and stroll around Eyre Square. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Carlton

Day 8 – GALWAY – KNOCK – DONEGAL – LETTERKENNY

Visit the Shrine of Knock, a popular place of pilgrimage. Stop in Drumcliffe to see the grave of W.B. Yeats. See the fishing village of Mullaghmore where Lord Mountbatten once lived. Visit Donegal and see the 15th century castle before heading to Letterkenny. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Radisson Blu

Day 9 – LETTERKENNY – LONDONDERRY – GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – BELFAST

Cross the border to Londonderry in Northern Ireland. Walk along the 17th century city walls with your Local Guide and see the street murals of the Bogside. Visit the Giant’s Causeway a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic natural wonders in Britain. Finish the day with a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast Road through Ballycastle to Belfast where you dine tonight.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Stormont/Europa

Day 10 – BELFAST SIGHTSEEING – DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)

This morning, meet your Local Expert ‘Cabbie’ for a trip through the famous city sights in a Black Cab.Rejoin your Travel Director and continue south. Cross the River Boyne at Drogheda to enter the Irish capital of Dublin, your home for the next two nights.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Trinity Capital/Camden Court

Day 11 – DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

See Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian Squares with your Local Guide. Enjoy an included visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration. Spend the rest of the day as you please, why not explore Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its street performers This evening consider joining an excursion to an Irish cabaret.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 12 – DUBLIN – CHESTER – LIVERPOOL

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to Chester. Your orientation walk here includes the Roman walls and the famous Tudor ‘Rows’. Enjoy a Unique Insight into the life of the local Town Crier – an esteemed position which dates back to medieval times. Arrive later in historic Liverpool, hometown of the legendary Beatles. This evening, join your companions for a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 13 – LIVERPOOL – CROSBY BEACH – LAKE DISTRICT

Visit Crosby Beach this morning for a Unique Insight into the work of renowned British artist Antony Gormley. Make your way north to the idyllic Lake District. Travel along the shores of England’s largest lake, Windermere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried in the village of Grasmere.Dine tonight at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: North Lakes/Castle Green

Day 14 – LAKE DISTRICT – GLASGOW

Cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would say their vows over the anvil. This afternoon, your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Hotel: Marks

Day 15 – GLASGOW – GLENCOE – ISLE OF SKYE

Travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond towards the site of the 1692 massacre, Glencoe ? ‘Glen of the Weeping’. At Mallaig, take the ferry ’over the sea to Skye’. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Kings Arms/Dunollie

Day 16 – ISLE OF SKYE – LOCH NESS – SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Enjoy a scenic drive back to the mainland via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the elusive monster! Visit Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the redcoats. Enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch in a beautiful Highland Castle. Dine tonight at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest / Dinner)
Hotel: Four Seasons /Highlands

Day 17 – SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS – PITLOCHRY – ST. ANDREWS – EDINBURGH (2 NIGHTS)

Heading south, we stop in the picturesque village of Pitlochry before heading to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Cross the Firth of Forth to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo are included.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Marriott/Cardrona

Day 18 – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

This morning, your Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city. See the Royal Mile, Holyrood House and the new Scottish Parliament building. Tonight, why not enjoy an optional night out including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare?

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 19 – EDINBURGH – ALNWICK – YORK

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick. See the impressive castle and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Marvel at the magnificent scenery en route to York where your walking orientation includes the medieval walls, the Shambles and the awe-inspiring Minster. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel 53

Day 20 – YORK – STRATFORD-UPON-AVON – LONDON

View Anne Hathaway’s picturesque thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor’s Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Spend some time exploring the town before heading back to London this afternoon, where your amazing holiday comes to an end.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Insider Experiences 

• Local Speciality Visit the House of Waterford Crystal showroom and workshop.
• Local Guide in Londonderry/Derry, Dublin and Edinburgh.
• Be My Guest Visit one of the most beautiful privately-owned castles in Scotland and meet the family whose ancestors have resided in it since the 16th century. After a tour around the castle with your hosts, enjoy a specially prepared buffet lunch.
• Unique Insight Enjoy a visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pintpulling demonstration.
• Unique Insight Visit the fascinating ‘Another Place’ by British artist Antony Gormley at Crosby Beach near Liverpool.
• Unique Insight Meet the official Town Crier of Chester and hear about the history of this traditional role which dates from medieval times.
• Local Expert Experience Belfast from the comfort of your dedicated Black Cab with expert ‘Cabbie’ commentary.
• Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.

Sightseeing Highlights

• Stonehenge Visit the ancient stone circle.
• Plymouth See the Mayflower steps.
• Cornish Highlights Excursion to see St. Michael’s Mount and St. Ives.
• Glastonbury Visit the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey.
• BathVisit the Roman Baths.
• Cardiff See the Millennium Stadium and view Cardiff Castle.
• Blarney Kiss the Blarney Stone.
• Ring of Kerry Enjoy a scenic drive.
• Limerick View St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle.
• Cliffs of Moher View the stunning seascape from the cliffs.
• Galway View Galway Cathedral.
• Donegal View the 15th century castle.
• Londonderry/Derry Walk the city walls and see St. Columb’s Cathedral.
• Giant’s Causeway Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Belfast See the City Hall and Queen’s University.
• Dublin See St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, the glorious Georgian Squares, and Trinity College.
• Conwy View the Castle..
• Chester View the Tudor architecture and the timbered buildings.
• Gretna Green Visit this historic destination.
• Glasgow View Glasgow Cathedral and George Square.
• Glencoe See Glencoe, also known as the Glen of the Weeping.
• Isle of Skye Visit the beautiful Isle of Skye.
• Culloden Visit the famous battlefield.
• St. Andrews View the 18th hole on the Old Course.
• Edinburgh Sightseeing includes the Royal Mile and a visit to the iconic castle.
• Alnwick Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick.
• York View York Minster and stroll along the Shambles.
• Stratford-upon-Avon Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Visitors Centre.

Dining

• 19 full breakfasts.
• Be My Guest Lunch in the Scottish Highlands.
• 11 evening meals including:
• Welcome Pub Reception, including a traditional British pub meal and welcome drinks.
• 8 three-course dinners.
• Highlight Dinner with wine in Liverpool.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in York.

Travel Highlights

• Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland.
• First Class hotel accommodation featuring two-bedded rooms and private facilities
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
• Travel by luxury, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom
• The services of a professional Travel Director
• The services of a Trafalgar Local Host at your Trafalgar London hotel
• Use of Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre offering a range of services including tickets for day trips and local attractions
• Audio headsets to clearly hear your guide’s commentary on all included sightseeing
• A travel wallet with your documentation
• Complimentary keepsake photo and map
• Airport transfers are included on the arrival and departure days of your trip.

Contact us for more information or a quote.
We are also able to quote for different accommodation, dates, or No. of people.