• 16 Days, 4 Countries and 28 Cities
• 15 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinners
• All transport and transfers shown
• The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar’s recommended London hotel
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Itinerary

Day 1 | Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to York

Venture through lush green Warwickshire bound for Stratford-upon-Avon to delve into the lyrical legacy of one of the world’s favourite writers. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor Centre, and see Anne Hathaway’s cottage, before arriving in York. Wander along its cobbled Shambles and see the magnificent York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening, we join our Travel Director and travel companions for a delicious Yorkshire dinner in our hotel.
Accommodation Leonardo Hotel Leeds Included Meals Welcome Reception

Day 2 | Continue through Northumberland to Edinburgh

Journeying through Northumberland National Park’s dramatic landscapes, we arrive at the remarkably intact ruins of the 12 -century Jedburgh Abbey en route to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Holiday Inn OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Johnnie Walker’s ‘Journey of Flavour’ Tour & Dinner on the Royal Mile – Take part in a 90-minute immersive tour, led by Johnnie Walker Experts. This sensory experience includes live performances, light shows, and delicious whiskey cocktails (& mocktails)! After discovering your flavour profile, enjoy a meal in the cosy Tolbooth Tavern on the Royal Mile. Adult: 74.00 GBP

Day 3 | Discover Enchanting Edinburgh

Join your Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour through Auld Reekie’s elegant New Town, Princes Street and the Royal Mile, enjoying views of the exquisite Palace of Holyroodhouse and Arthur’s Seat. Embark on a guided visit of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Later, consider a traditional Scottish night out this evening, savouring up the flavours of haggis and exhilarating sounds of bagpipes which fill the air. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Holiday Inn

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Rosslyn Chapel – We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. One of Scotland’s most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Adult: 27.00 GBP
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability: Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen – Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Templar. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment. Adult: 69.00 GBP
Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu – Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we’ll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can’t miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience.  Adult: 79.00 GBP

Day 4 | Venture into the Scottish Highlands

Today, we travel across the Firth of Forth to St. Andrews to view its celebrated ancient university and explore centuries of golf heritage. Our next stop is Pitlochry on the banks of the Tummel River. You could choose to join an Optional Experience to visit Blair Castle, the ancestral home to the Dukes of Atholl. We continue to the Scottish Highlands, our home for two nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Laggan

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Pitlochry, Visit of Blair Castle – Set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery, we’ll discover the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, home to Europe’s last remaining private army. Unique amongst Scottish castles, Blair has hosted royalty from Mary, Queen of Scots, to Queen Victoria. Adult: 28.00 GBP Highland Farm Experience – Visit a real Highland sheep farm and meet Neil the Shepherd and his border collies. He’ll show you how he uses different whistles to command each dog to carry out different tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting. Adult: 22.00 GBP

Day 5 | Explore the Isle of Skye

Drive to the rugged coast of Scotland this morning, passing scenic Eilean Donan Castle. We cross to the Isle of Skye, admire the spectacular scenery before enjoying free time for lunch. A Local Specialist will take us on a journey to admire the remarkable Cuillin Mountain. Cross back to the mainland and continue past the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Laggan

Day 6 | Onwards to Loch Lomond and Glasgow’s Rich Legacy

Our first stop today is the World War II Commando Memorial, near Fort William, for views of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Continue south through the ‘Glen of Weeping’, paying tribute to the MacDonald clansmen who were massacred for failing to pledge allegiance to Scotland’s new monarchs. Arriving in Glasgow, we enjoy an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square. We’ll also visit the Necropolis where we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into one of Europe’s most important 19 – century burial grounds.
Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Crowne Plaza
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Loch Lomond Boat Trip – Discover the wild beauty of the ‘Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy’s cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery. Adult: 20.00 GBP
Music City Tour and Meal – Join us tonight for a chance to explore more of Glasgow, get beneath its skin and learn about its music scene and folk culture. After a guided walking tour, we’ll enjoy a two-course dinner with live music from the city’s up-and-coming folk performers. Afterwards, an informal trad folk session will see us through the night. Adult: 70.00 GBP

Day 7 | Through the Lake District to Liverpool

Cross the border into England and Connect With Locals, joining Christine on her Cumbrian working farm for a Be My Guest experience. Learn about traditional farming methods and enjoy lunch before continuing your journey through the beautiful Lake District and its landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. See Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, before travelling to Liverpool, the haunt of Britain’s ‘Fab Four’. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Hotel: Mercure Atlantic Tower

Day 8 | Across the Irish Sea to Dublin

The half-timbered Tudor Rows in Chester are our first stop today as we travel to Holyhead in North Wales to catch our ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge

Day 9 | Admire Dublin’s Iconic Sights

Dive Into Culture and visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about Ireland’s famous brew, before delving into Dublin’s iconic sights with a Local Specialist. See Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or consider a trip to Glendalough. This evening you could choose to join an Optional Experience at an Irish Cabaret. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton Ballsbridge

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough – Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland. Adult: 33.00 EUR
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret – Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner. Adult: 88.00 EUR

Day 10 | On to Galway and Limerick

Journey to the West Coast and the vibrant cultural centre of Galway, where you will have an opportunity to see Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square, with its tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, before travelling to Limerick. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Greenhills

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Bunratty Castle And Folk Park – Come on a visit to the 15th-century Bunratty Castle and admire its fine furnishings, antiques and paintings. With your Local Specialist, you’ll experience an Ireland of the past, as you wander through the folk park with its thatched cottages and smoky turf fires. In the village, we’ll have free time to explore the quaint shops and relax in the local tea room. Adult: 27.00 EUR Irish Ceilidh Evening – Come along and experience the craic at a special ceilidh evening. Enjoy a drink
and some local specialities, watch some traditional Irish dancing, and sing along to some familiar Irish melodies. Adult: 72.00 EUR

Day 11 | Circle the Ring of Kerry and on to Cork

Admire Ireland’s enduring scenic beauty on one of the most beautiful drives in the world, circling the spectacular Ring of Kerry. Later, we check into our Stays With Stories hotel, the historic Maldron Shandon. Originally Cork’s first general hospital opened in 1720, the building has a colourful history that has seen it survive wars, political upheaval, fire and calls for it to be demolished before it opened its doors as a grand hotel. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Vienna Woods Hotel

Day 12 | The Sights of Blarney, Waterford and Wexford

In the pursuit of acquiring the ‘gift of the gab’, we visit Blarney Castle where you might kiss the famous Blarney Stone, before stopping in Cobh for a walking tour with a Local Specialist. This seaside city was the final port of call for the tragic Titanic on its fateful voyage. This afternoon, we Dive Into Culture during a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal and witness talented master craftsmen at work. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Maldron

Day 13 | Ferry across to Cardiff

We cross the Irish Sea to Wales and its capital, Cardiff, where we will see the Principality Stadium and view the Millennium Centre, National Assembly and Cardiff Castle. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: Cardiff Castle Tour – On a private tour, you’ll explore this unique castle and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tales and even Aesop’s fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 900-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff. Adult: 24.00 GBP
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability: Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner – Join us for a traditional Welsh country dinner. We’ll take you to a 14th century thatched inn called The Blue Anchor. While you’re eating and enjoying your drink, you’ll be entertained with a performance from a Welsh harpist. Adult: 58.00 GBP
Welsh Evening – Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is a stunninglyrenovated deconsecrated church. After a warm reception, we’ll enjoy a first-class meal of seasonal Welsh specialities, sourced and produced locally. Quality wine or soft drinks are included and the meal will be accompanied by our enchanting Welsh harpist. You’ll then be entertained by the finest local singers presenting the beautiful music of Wales. Adult: 78.00 GBP

Day 14 | Enjoy Bath, Glastonbury and Plymouth

Cross the Severn Estuary to Bath, so named for the ancient Roman Baths that have made the city a popular retreat for centuries. Admire the elegant Georgian façades and visit the Roman Baths, before some free time to explore on your own. We wind our way to mystical Glastonbury to visit the 7 -century Abbey where King Arthur is believed to be buried. Later, we arrive in the city of Plymouth, our home for two nights. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Copthorne/Mercure Rougemont

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability: Dartmoor Excursion And Dinner – A scenic drive across the mysterious moors takes us to the capital of the area, Princetown. Here we’ll see the infamous Dartmoor prison, before driving to a lovely old Inn for a drink and supper.
Later, a Local Specialist will regale us with stories and legends about the area. Adult: 60.00 GBP
Devonshire Village And Dinner – We’ll drive to a beautiful village in Devon, where you’ll see cob walled houses with thatched roofs and the parish church, which dates back over 700 years. You’ll also savour a tasty pub dinner and meet the locals, in a 700-year-old village pub. Adult: 43.00 GBP

Day 15 | A Day Exploring Coastal Villages

The springboard to a ‘New World’ takes centre stage as we start our day with an orientation of Plymouth. View the Mayflower Steps, where brave pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage to America, and see the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Visit the fishing village of Polperro with its narrow streets and picturesque harbour, before
enjoying a scenic drive through the brooding landscapes of Dartmoor, keeping a keen eye out for the area’s wild ponies. Our epic adventure through Britain and Ireland almost at its end, we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Copthorne/Mercure Rougemont

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability: Plymouth Harbour Cruise – Relax on a boat trip around the harbour of one of England’s most famous seaports. As the commentary unfolds, we’ll see the Mayflower steps monument, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America. We’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe before entering the Royal Navy Dockyard, where we’ll see modern vessels of the Royal Navy. Adult: 20.00 GBP
Plymouth Harbour Extended Cruise – An hour-long extended private cruise across Plymouth Harbour will give us a comprehensive tour of the history from the Mayflower Steps all the way to the engineering marvel of IK Brunel’s bridge. You’ll also enjoy complimentary tea or coffee. Adult: 22.00 GBP

Day 16 | Journey to Prehistoric Stonehenge and return to London

Our return journey to London will see us cross the Salisbury Plain and visit the ancient mystical monoliths of Stonehenge, whose myths have yet to be fully revealed. This afternoon we close the curtain on a memorable journey with new friends. Meals: Breakfast