Britain and Ireland Highlights
From CAD $4,092 Was CAD $4,650
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience 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
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- Cardiff: Meet your hosts the Norris family at their award-winning vineyard in Wales. See some of the resident animals that roam the land freely before enjoying a homemade meal and warm Welsh hospitality.
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.
Iconic Experience
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- 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.
- Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- 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 center, where Romans gathered to bathe, worship and connect.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Glasgow: Indulge in a delicious dining experience at Mharsanta restaurant in Glasgow, where sustainability meets Scottish tradition. Sourcing the majority of their ingredients locally, Mharsanta is committed to reducing their carbon footprint through energy- efficient practices, waste reduction, and an ever-growing plant-rich menu. Enjoy your meal knowing you’re making a positive impact, as this experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin
- Discover York, Glasgow, Cardiff and Bath
- Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the Irish National Stud and Japanese Garden near Kildare, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, the Roman Baths in Bath and the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge
- View York Minster in York, Glasgow Cathedral and George Square, City Hall in Belfast
- See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff
Trip Details
Product Code: 19283
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 62.215A
Starts: London, United Kingdom
Finishes: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats 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
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- 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
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,092 ($409 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank
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.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Novotel
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Novotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
Meals: Breakfast
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 colorful 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.
Accommodation: Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Waterford Marina, Fitzwilton
Meals: Breakfast
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 Center, 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.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious megalithic stone circle at Stonehenge, then return to London.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Riverbank
Meals: Breakfast
Say farewell to your traveling companions at the end of your vacation, as you prepare to travel home with wonderful memories.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Robert Dowd - Traveled, April 2025
Exactly as advertised, this tour covers a lot of ground with some very fine highlights. We had the pleasure of Nicky Dvorak as our travel director, and motorcoach driver Paul Hill got us everywhere safely and on time. Five countries in eight days ... whew! We did not, but I highly recommend either arriving in London early or staying late a day or two, as this tour offers little there ... but the hotel on the Thames is so convenient that it makes walking to must-see locations pretty easy. You can hear Big Ben gong from here!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2025
Kat - Traveled, October 2024
Wonder trip! Very organized. Helpful staff. The trip was great. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was wonderful and a wealth of information. Thank you!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Myra Thiemann - Traveled, April 2025
Our TD, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was amazing, as was our driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*. The only problem on the tour was the hotel in Glasgow, the Novotel. The carpet in the hallway on the 4th floor and the carpet in our room was VERY dirty. The others hotel were first rate so this was a terrible disappointment. There were two elevators but only one was working. Really unacceptable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2025
Sharon Flores - Traveled, April 2024
It’s a whirlwind but worth it. The hotels were super. Our tour director Margot kept us laughing the whole trip. Our driver William was special to me because I needed help getting off and on and he was always there for me. The local tour guides were very informative and they all had a great sense of humor. To me no one location outshined the others.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2025
Rose Waugh - Traveled, April 2025
Mostly good! I’ve done many yours with Trafalgar and insight but I hate that we booked from the Trafalgar 24/25 brochure but Trafalgar then changed a number of days to very boring days. So not real happy. But the Britain highlights tour was ok apart from being on the coach all day on one of the days. Guide was very informative. Good tour. Some good hotels but The absolute worst hotel was in Glasgow. A pull out bed!!!!!!!!! No way!!!! Paying all that money and driving all day to sleep on a stained pull out bed. No Trafalgar. Not good enough. Very rude staff member too when we complained about it. Our tour guide sorted it out but only when I said we’re 67 years old and we’ll find another hotel. Change that hotel Trafalgar. Lots of coach travel but great guide and a good tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2025
Evelyn Kitchen - Traveled, April 2025
I would definitely recommend Trafalgar again. Tour director and bus driver *Personal information removed by Feefo* were excellent to travel with. The itinerary took in all the highlights that I was interested in. 5 countries and 15 cities. It was a busy schedule but I preferred it that way. It was nice to go to places that I would not have gone to on my own, example the horse stud farm and the Roman Baths. These were very interesting! Our tour director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was excellent at her job, keeping us all informed to what was happening and our upcoming events. I would definitely promote Trafalgar tours, and go on another one, when the time is right for me.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
Eugene Baxter Jr - Traveled, April 2025
Our incredible bucket list journey. Our tour included a wide variety of experiences: bus, steam train, boat, ferries, Shakespeare, Stonehenge, Guinness, Irish Stud Farm, castles, beautiful churches, and places we heard of, but wouldn’t have thought to include. Cultural experiences like a guide in Northern Ireland who told us about her experiences during the Troubles, a worker at the Crystal factory talking about how important that factory had been to her, her family and the town, seeing the haggis ceremony and history from a local bagpipe player, etc. We didn’t just see the sights, we experienced them. Our bucket list included go to Europe. Our travel agent suggested a Trafalgar tour to 2 countries in the UK and when we checked it out, we saw another tour with all 5 countries. We decided that was a way to make the most of our trip. We admit that we didn’t consider our age and condition in this choice, but our tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* helped us make the most of every experience. We did take a couple of breaks in activities by not adding a couple of additionally offered items, but that allowed us the rest and together time that rejuvenated us for the next leg of the tour. We did love the extra experiences that included food and entertainment in Ireland that we added. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our driver, was the most incredible, talented maneuverer of a large vehicle I’ve ever seen. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was knowledgeable, charismatic, funny and caring and we are so glad we got to know her. At the end of the trip, she stayed with us until we were comfortably settled in our last hotel. We will let everyone know they need to check out Trafalgar tours and we hope to make another one after my wife heals from knee surgery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
Good itinerary; however , be prepared for long bus rides. Our Director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was wonderful as well as our bus driver. No complaints on either. Would love to have seen more than castles. The Ancient Site of Glendalough was certainly not worth the long bus ride to the location.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Over all okay. Lots of bus time. Stays were short for each location. A lot of events were 30 to 45 minutes from the hotel. The hotels were not up to Trafalgar standards of the ones I have been on with Trafalgar in the past. A couple of hotels had very bad chocking around the tub, one hotel nothing worked so they switched rooms. One had just bath towels only. We were traveling four of us with two rooms. We asked for them to be next to each other. Sometimes same floor or different floors, not very convenient. In London we when to the front deck and asked for rooms next to each other and they provided them to us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2025
Ida Smith - Traveled, September 2024
Our itinerary was filled with expected and surprise sights and samples. *Personal information removed by Feefo* did a fantastic job with fun and historic anecdotes and let us try many local specialties.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/17/2024
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