Britain and Ireland Experience
Tour Type: Regional
Brochure Type Europe Costsaver 2026 V1
Travel through landscapes that have inspired world-famous writers and poets, from Shakespeare to Robert Burns. On this journey across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, you'll see medieval castles and cathedrals, wander past the famous Chester Rows and kiss the Blarney Stone. The idyllic settings of the Lake District, Dingle Peninsula and the Cotswolds give way to vibrant capitals and the little-known train station with the world's longest name.
Dining Summary
Brochure Type Europe Costsaver 2026 V1
Travel through landscapes that have inspired world-famous writers and poets, from Shakespeare to Robert Burns. On this journey across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, you'll see medieval castles and cathedrals, wander past the famous Chester Rows and kiss the Blarney Stone. The idyllic settings of the Lake District, Dingle Peninsula and the Cotswolds give way to vibrant capitals and the little-known train station with the world's longest name.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- Kiss the Blarney Stone
- View the Jedburgh Abbey ruins
- View York Minster and stroll along the Shambles
- View King John's Castle and see St. Mary's Cathedral
- Visit this town, popular with eloping couples since 1754
- With your Local Guide, see Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Castle
- View Sir Winston Churchill's grave
- Visit the Beatles' hometown
- View the remains of the Roman wall
- View Cardiff Castle
- Visit the town of Shakespeare and see Anne Hathaway's cottage
- Visit the Georgian spa town
- View the prettiest village in Ireland
- Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom
- Visit this picturesque region
- See Galway Cathedral
- See St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral, the Georgian Squares and Trinity College with a Local Guide
- View the timbered buildings known as the 'Rows'
- View the Royal Castle
- View the Bodleian Library
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18932695
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Duration
- 15 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | London | Arrive London: All the highlights of Britain and Ireland lie ahead as your epic journey across two mystical islands kicks off in London. After checking in, spend the rest of your first day in Old Blighty exploring the sights on your own. You could delve into the history of the British Empire at one of its many museums or plant yourself outside Buckingham Palace, keeping a keen eye out for the King. Accommodations: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock |
| Day 2 | London | London free day: Your time is your own today so plan your exploration of Britain's capital wisely. You'll want to soak up all its pomp and pageantry as you stroll along leafy avenues lined with great monuments, museums and historic landmarks. London is intoxicating no matter your interests and you'll have a full free day to discover it your way. Accommodations: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock |
| Day 3 | Cardiff | London - Windsor - Bath - Cardiff: This morning, meet your Travel Director and traveling companions as you set off onto your adventure. The Big Smoke's skyscrapers and boroughs give way to an idyllic countryside as you wind your way to Windsor. Arriving in Bath, you'll admire the honey-colored Georgian architecture which gives this ancient Roman city its elegant aspect. Cross the Severn Estuary, the border between England and tiny Wales, where tonight its capital sets the stage for the rest of your memorable holiday. Accommodations: Copthorne Cardiff-Caerdydd |
| Day 4 | Waterford | Cardiff - Waterford: Join this morning's Optional Experience to Cardiff Castle, a medieval fortress which has enjoyed a colorful history spanning centuries. Ancient ruins and lush countryside lie between the Welsh capital and your first stop in Pembroke. But first, your scenic drive will pass Carmarthen, the oldest town in Wales and, legend has it, the birthplace of Merlin. See the 11th-century Pembroke castle where King Henry VII, the first of the Tudor line, was born, then board your ferry across the Irish Sea to Ireland. Accommodations: Treacy's |
| Day 5 | Tralee | Waterford - Blarney - Tralee: The delicate crystal for which Waterford is so famous takes center stage this morning during a visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom. Leave all that Viking history behind and enjoy the charming scenery en route to Blarney Castle, where a quick kiss of the Blarney Stone will grant you the 'gift of the gab'. Your scenic drive continues past the Cork and Kerry Mountains. You'll pass Killarney, where you could hop on an optional Jaunting Car ride, before continuing to Tralee, renowned for its annual Rose of Tralee International Festival. Accommodations: Benners Hotel |
| Day 6 | Shannon | Tralee - Dingle Peninsula - Limerick - Shannon: There won't be a moment you're not fixated on this wild landscape of stone monuments, deserted beaches and verdant pastures. Today's drive through the Dingle Peninsula is one filled with tiny villages, colorful fishing harbors and landscapes that have inspired poetry. Those incredible views will linger long after you leave Ireland's most westerly point, but there's more to see as you head to the prettiest village in Ireland, Adare. Continue to Limerick to see its medieval-era St. Mary's Cathedral and view King John's Castle, before arriving at your hotel in Shannon where tonight you'll dine in your hotel. Accommodations: Treacys Oakwood |
| Day 7 | Dublin | Shannon - Galway - Dublin: This morning join an Optional Experience to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and Folk Park delving into what Ireland was like in the 19th-century. After a chinwag with the 'locals', drive through the wild landscapes of County Clare bound for Galway, the 'place of foreigners'. See its modern cathedral before heading to the whimsical Irish capital. This evening, an optional dinner and Irish show will have your toes tapping and taste buds craving another round of Irish coffee. Accommodations: Dublin One |
| Day 8 | Dublin | Dublin sightseeing and free time: You're in good hands this morning as your Local Specialist reveals all their secrets about this charismatic capital city with a small-town feel. View Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle, the 13th-century Norman fortress turned museum. This afternoon explore Dublin on your own or join an optional visit to one of the most important monastic sights in Europe. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient stories of Glendalough to life and show you around the beautiful landscapes of the garden of Ireland. Accommodations: Dublin One |
| Day 9 | Altrincham | Dublin - Chester - Altrincham: Say a fond slan go foill to the 'Emerald Isle', crossing the Irish Sea bound for Holyhead on the Welsh Island of Anglesey. Get ready for a tongue twister you could only capture in a panoramic shot. View the station boasting one of the longest names in the world, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, then head through the north coast of Wales to Chester to explore its Roman heritage. There might even be time to walk along its defensive 1st-century walls and view the famous black and white half-timbered buildings before heading to Liverpool where the musical 'Fab Four' had their start. This evening we head to Altrincham in Manchester. Accommodations: Mercure Haydock |
| Day 10 | North Queensferry | Altrincham - Lake District - Edinburgh (Queensferry): After a busy week of sightseeing, you deserve an idyllic stop in 'the loveliest spot' that has inspired poetry and prose. Board an exclusive and optional cruise on Lake Windermere, skimming the northern coastline, deserted islands and Wray Castle. See the Lake District landscapes that William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter so admired before crossing the Scottish border bound for Gretna Green. Here you'll learn how eloping couples would tie the knot over the legendary anvil against their parents' wishes. Tonight, an Optional Experience could see you join your travel companions for a delicious traditional dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing |
| Day 11 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh sightseeing and free time: Discover Edinburgh's mystical allure which has captivated writers, poets, politicians and royalty. Your Local Specialist will guide this morning's sightseeing tour past the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. You'll explore the medieval Royal Mile and cross the City to the grand Georgian boulevards of New Town. The rest of the day is free to explore Edinburgh on your terms. Consider joining one of two special Optional Experiences, visiting the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or exploring what lies behind the impenetrable walls of Edinburgh Castle. This evening is your chance to enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. Time your visit to coincide with the Edinburgh Tattoo, and you'll get tickets included on certain departures! Accommodations: Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing |
| Day 12 | Bradford | Edinburgh - York - Bradford: Your journey south ventures through what was once referred to as 'The Debatable Lands' where all that remains of Jedburgh Abbey are its 12th-century ruins. Admire the expansive Cheviot Hills at Carter Bar, snapping a selfie at the Anglo-Scottish border. Continue into Northumberland National Park to view Hadrian's Wall, the largest Roman archaeological feature anywhere in the world. Then cross the Tyne River at Newcastle and stop in York, where an orientation tour will reveal the city's medieval heritage and spiritual heart, its Gothic Minster. Wander down the narrow cobbled Shambles, before enjoying dinner in a traditional York pub. Then continue to your hotel in Bradford where you'll lay your head for the evening. Accommodations: Leonardo |
| Day 13 | Cheltenham | Bradford - Stratford-upon-Avon - Cheltenham: The streets and squares of Stratford-upon-Avon remain much as they did in the time of Shakespeare. Embark on your own exploration of the historic market town where England's famous bard was born and buried. There's time to join an Optional Experience to Warwick Castle and even see the firing of the greatest of medieval siege weapons, the Trebuchet. Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton |
| Day 14 | London | Cheltenham - Oxford - London: Take a step back in time to the Cotswolds, a glorious collection of tiny thatched villages and rolling green hills. Your scenic drive through this historic corner of Britain will bring you to Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill is buried in the unassuming churchyard at St. Martin's Church. Churchill, widely credited with delivering the British nation from the brink of defeat to victory in World War II, loved the Cotswolds and spent his retirement here. Next up is a visit to Oxford, England's oldest university city. See several of its iconic landmarks before continuing south to London, where you'll bid your Travel Director and new friends a fond farewell. Accommodations: Holiday Inn Brentford Lock |
| Day 15 | London | Depart London: It's time to close the curtain on your epic adventure across Britain and Ireland. You'll say farewell to new friends as you prepare for your return journey home. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- 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
