Britain and Ireland Highlights 2011

Started From USD 1800 /Pax 

Day 1

LONDON - STRATFORD - YORK - HARROGATE

Greetings from your Tour Director this morning as you begin with a scenic drive through Oxfordshire's countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. On arrival see Anne Hathaway's cottage at Shottery and then visit the house where Shakespeare was born. This afternoon continue to Viking York where a walking tour takes you through the historic streets to the cobbled Shambles, around part of the city walls and finally to the magnificent York Minster. This evening your overnight stay is in lovely Harrogate. Enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Meal(s): (Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn (F)

 

Day 2

HARROGATE - LAKE DISTRICT - GLASGOW (2 nights)

This morning after breakfast a beautiful drive takes you through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the quaint villages and scenic glory of the Lake District. Later, cross the border into Bonnie Scotland and drive through the Southern Uplands en route to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and former centre of the shipbuilding industry. On your orientation tour see George Square and the Cathedral as well as the River Clyde.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Radisson Blu (SF)

 

Day 3

EDINBURGH EXCURSION

Your morning drive brings you to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, where a guided sightseeing tour shows you Princes Street, the Royal Mile, views of Holyrood House as well as the new Scottish Parliament. An expert guided visit to Edinburgh's imposing Castle completes your tour. After some free time leave Edinburgh and make your way through the Trossachs National Park to a very special 'Be My Guest' venue. Here you will enjoy Scottish hospitality and a traditional meal.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

 

Day 4

GLASGOW - BELFAST - DUBLIN (2 nights)

An early start today as you drive along the rugged Ayrshire coast with its many seals and wild birds. Continue past the Isle of Ailsa Craig, known as the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Pass Turnberry and its exquisite golf course. Finally in Stranraer you board the ferry to Belfast in Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast a sightseeing tour with a local expert guide shows you both sides of this fascinating city including the City Hall and Queen's University, as well as the dock where the Titanic was built. Then travel south, crossing the River Boyne at Drogheda to Dublin.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Mespil (F)

 

Day 5

DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND AT LEISURE

Your morning sightseeing tour in this 'fair city' with a local expert shows you Trinity College, the Bank of Ireland, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the Georgian Squares. The rest of your day is at leisure. You may wish to shop for Irish tweeds and linen in O'Connell or Henry Streets or perhaps take a trip to Glendalough. This evening consider joining in the excitement at an Irish cabaret.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

 

Day 6

DUBLIN - KILDARE - WATERFORD

Today after a good Irish breakfast your first stop will be at the Irish National Stud located outside the town of Kildare. Here enjoy a guided walking tour through the tranquillity of the grounds and gardens. See world-class stallions and have time to visit the glorious Japanese Garden. Then travel on Irish country roads through the 'Boreens' to medieval Kilkenny where you see the ancient Castle. Later drive to Waterford Crystal where you have an included factory tour and showroom visit. You will get to see the beautiful displays of crystal glass before continuing on to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Treacys Hotel (F)

 

Day 7

WATERFORD - CARDIFF

An early start this morning as you travel to Rosslare Harbour where you board your ferry to Pembroke in South Wales, seat of the Tudor dynasty. Drive along the heritage coast and continue on to the Welsh capital, Cardiff. Here stop to view its historic Castle and see the Millennium Stadium Cardiff Arms Park. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Park Inn City Centre (SF)

 

Day 8

CARDIFF - BATH - STONEHENGE - LONDON

This morning after crossing the Severn Bridge head back into England to the glorious city of Bath. On arrival an orientation tour shows you the graceful architecture and includes a visit to the Baths dating from Roman times. From here continue to the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then on to Salisbury with time to view its impressive Cathedral which has the tallest spire in Britain. Finally return to London where your tour of Britain and Ireland comes to an end.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

 

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• Stratford upon Avon Visit William Shakespeare's birthplace and see Anne Hathaway's cottage.
• York Walking tour including the Minster and Shambles.
• Glasgow Orientation of cathedral, George Square and the River Clyde.
• Edinburgh Visit the Castle and views of Holyrood House.
• Belfast See the City Hall and Queen's University.
• Dublin Views of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Trinity College.
• Kildare Visit Irish National Stud Farm and Japanese Garden.
• Kilkenny View its ancient castle.
• Waterford Enjoy a factory tour and showroom visit at the new Waterford Crystal facility.
• Cardiff View Cardiff Castle.
• Bath Visit the Roman Baths.
• Stonehenge Visit the ancient stone circle.
• Salisbury View the impressive Cathedral.

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Harrogate.
• 2 English, 2 Scottish and 3 Irish full breakfasts.
• 1 three-course dinner.
• 'Be My Guest' dinner experience near Stirling.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Cardiff.

First Class Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes with map.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
• The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional Tour Directors.
• The services of a Trafalgar Representative if you stay at Trafalgar’s recommended London hotel.
• A qualified local city guide in Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.
• Ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland and Ireland to South Wales.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents and Welcome on Tour book with map.

Airport Transfers

• Airport Transfers For London Airport shuttle service, conditions apply.
• To view our full list of Airport Transfer policies please click here

 

Disclaimer
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe  SF: Superior First Class  F: First Class