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Britain and Ireland Experience - 23 Apr 2027 to 24 Sep 2027
Operated by Trafalgar
Tripcode: 4BIEXM27
Overview
Destination:
England,
Ireland,
United Kingdom,
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
April 2027 - September 2027
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 admire 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.
Iconic Experience
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian facades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Cross the Irish Sea by ferry from Wales to Ireland, feeling the low thrum of the engines through the deck as the hull cuts through the water, leaving a churn of white wake behind.
- Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
- On your scenic drive through the Dingle Peninsula, green slopes climb towards weathered sandstone peaks as glimpses of the Atlantic appear between the hills.
- Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin's elegant Georgian squares, O'Connell Street and the Custom House.
- Cross the Irish Sea by ferry, watching Ireland recede as the coastline of South Wales comes into view.
- Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- 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.
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- The services of a Costsaver Local Host if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- City orientation tours
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allArrive 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.
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.
London – Windsor – Bath – Cardiff
This morning, meet your Travel Director and travelling 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-coloured 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.
Cardiff – Waterford
This morning, enjoy an orientation of the city to see the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum. Afterwards, join an Optional Experience to Cardiff Castle, a medieval fortress with a colourful history spanning centuries. Ancient ruins and lush countryside lie between the Welsh capital and your first stop in Pembroke. Pass through 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.
Waterford – Blarney – Tralee
The delicate crystal for which Waterford is so famous takes centre 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.
Tralee – Dingle Peninsula – Limerick – Shannon
There won’t be a moment you’re not glued to the window today as the Dingle Peninsula shows off. Tiny villages, colourful fishing harbours, deserted beaches and rolling green fields all make a play for your camera roll as you journey through one of Ireland’s wildest corners. The Atlantic brings the drama, your Travel Director brings the stories and Ireland’s most westerly point brings the “wish you were here” photo moment. Next up is Adare, often called one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, where thatched cottages and medieval ruins keep the charm coming thick and fast. Later, roll on to Shannon where dinner is waiting at your hotel.
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.
Dublin Sightseeing and Free Time
You’re in good hands this morning as your Local Specialist shares their insights into this charismatic capital with a small-town feel. See Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Dublin Castle — a 13th-century Norman fortress turned museum. This afternoon, explore Dublin at your leisure or join an optional visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe. Your Local Specialist will bring the ancient stories of Glendalough to life and guide you through the stunning landscapes of the Garden of Ireland.
Dublin – Liverpool – Haydock
Say a fond slán go fóill 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 Liverpool where the musical 'Fab Four' had their start. This evening we head to Haydock in St. Helen's.
Haydock – 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.
Edinburgh Sightseeing and Free Time
Discover Edinburgh’s mystical allure which has captivated writers, poets, politicians and royalty. Your Local Specialist takes you 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 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and you'll get tickets included on certain departures!
Edinburgh – Alnwick– Barnsley
Swap Scotland’s capital for England’s north today, crossing the border to Alnwick where castle drama comes with a mighty sidekick, the towering Tenantry Column. Take a Choice Experience and bring even more wow to your day as you explore Alnwick Castle and Gardens, a grand old scene-stealer with centuries of stories behind its stone walls. Next, roll on to Heddon for a look at Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman show-off that once guarded the edge of an empire, before you continue to Barnsley for the night.
Barnsley - York - Barnsley
Head to York, a city that knows how to serve up history with a side of proper character. Join your Travel Director for an orientation through its cobbled streets, spotting the wonky charm of the Shambles, the mighty city walls and showstopping York Minster. Then make the day your own with two Choice Experiences. Tonight, come together for dinner in York and raise a glass to your journey through Britain and Ireland.
Barnsley - Stratford-upon-Avon - London
Stratford-upon-Avon knows how to keep a good story going. Wander the historic streets and squares of Shakespeare’s hometown, where timber-framed buildings, market town charm and bard-worthy tales are all part of the scene. This is the place where England’s famous playwright was born and buried, so take time to soak it all up your way. Later, continue to London where it’s time to bid your Travel Director and new friends a fond farewell.
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.
Dates
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Operator
Trafalgar
The best of the world unlocked for you. Imagine unmissable experiences you’ve always dreamed of, getting to know the locals and having everything taken care of every step of the way. Here's what you'll experience: Must-sees to local secrets: Visiting bucket list sites are a highlight of travelling, however, travelling on your own can make them hard work. Don’t queue with other sightseers for hours, with Trafalgar our experts unlock doors – think exclusive access to the Vatican out of hours or a tour of Versailles and its grounds with an expert. This, coupled with the intimate glimpses and hidden gems our local specialists show you, are the life-changing experiences that make you feel like an insider, not a tourist. One-of-a-kind experiences: Thanks to our global network you’ll unlock local access to communities and people around the world. Our 100+ Be My Guest experiences are a signature Trafalgar exclusive, where you will enjoy the hospitality of locals as you are welcomed into their homes to hear their stories and learn about their cultures. In every destination, you’ll also enjoy unique “Stays with stories” accommodation: more than just a place to rest your head, they are part of the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit. Responsible travel at heart: When you choose Trafalgar, you are choosing to make your travels a force for good and support our goal to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. We recognise our responsibility to ensure we make a positive impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the rich wildlife we find. We ensure that the impacts of our business and your travels are positive in two ways: through our TreadRight Foundation, and our 5-year sustainability strategy How We Tread Right.
Important Information
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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