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Britain and Ireland Explorer 2013

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StonehengeHoly Trinity ChurchRing of KerrySt Andrews Golf Course
Stonehenge
Holy Trinity Church
Ring of Kerry
St Andrews Golf Course
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    LONDON - STRATFORD - LEEDS

    Welcome to London! Your tour starts with visit of Stratford-upon-Avon, where you have time to see the sights and shop for souvenirs. In your free time, why not visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor's Centre for an in-depth look at the great man's life. Later arrive at your hotel in Leeds where you dine tonight.


    Meal(s): (Dinner)

    Hotel: Bewleys Hotel (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 2

    LEEDS - YORK - NEAR EDINBURGH (AIRTH) (2 NIGHTS)

    See the sights of York, including the Minster and picturesque 'Shambles'. Head north, stopping to view Hadrian's Wall and the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, to your hotel in Airth.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Airth Castle (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 3

    EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    This morning's sightseeing tour with your Local Guide includes views of the Georgian New Town, Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Tonight, why not attend a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes?


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 4

    EDINBURGH - SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS (2 NIGHTS)

    Crossing into the ancient Kingdom of Fife, we head for the coastal town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Later, we stop in the town of Pitlochry before heading to your Highland hotel for a two night stay.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Aviemore Inn (F)/Academy (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 5

    SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS EXCURSION

    Today is dedicated to the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Visit Loch Ness, and keep a look out for the famous monster. Visit Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Later visit the battlefield of Culloden where Bonnie Prince Charlie fought the English. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

  • Day 6

    SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - GLASGOW

    Drive in the shadow of Ben Nevis to Fort William then follow the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe – the Glen of the Weeping. Travel along the 'banks and braes of Loch Lomond' before continuing your journey to Glasgow. View Glasgow Cathedral and George square during your orientation tour.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Campanile Glasgow (MF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 7

    GLASGOW - GRETNA GREEN - HAYDOCK (NEAR LIVERPOOL) (2 NIGHTS)

    Visit Gretna Green, where eloping lovers famously went to marry. Continue south through breath-taking scenery in the English Lake District to Lancashire.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Holiday Inn Haydock (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 8

    CHESTER - NORTH WALES AND LIVERPOOL EXCURSION

    See some of the most spectacular views in Wales as you travel the Horseshoe Pass to visit the town of Llangollen, home of the Music Eisteddfod. On arrival in Chester, view the medieval city walls and the half-timbered buildings known as the 'Rows'. This afternoon, enjoy exploring the lively city of Liverpool.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 9

    HAYDOCK (NEAR LIVERPOOL) - DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)

    See the pretty Welsh coast as you drive via Colwyn Bay and Caernarvon, for views of the castle, before boarding your ferry for Ireland. Arrive later in the Irish capital, Dublin.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Jurys Inn Parnell St (MF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 10

    DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING

    Your Local Guide shows you the sights of this historic city, with views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the city.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 11

    DUBLIN - BOYLE - KNOCK - SLIGO (2 NIGHTS)

    View the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey at Boyle, dating back to the 12th century. Visit the pilgrimage town of Knock in County Mayo and drive through lush countryside to Sligo and your hotel where you dine tonight.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Sligo Southern (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 12

    COUNTY DONEGAL EXCURSION

    Travel through the beautiful County Donegal. See the harbour town of Mullaghmore before heading to the town of Donegal where you view the 15th century castle. Visit the Belleek Pottery centre before stopping at Drumcliffe to view the grave of renowned Irish author, W.B. Yeats.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 13

    SLIGO - CONNEMARA - GALWAY - LIMERICK (2 NIGHTS)

    This morning, travel the beautiful region of Connemara to Galway on the banks of the Corrib River. View the Cathedral and stroll around Eyre Square before continuing on to Limerick. Here your orientation tour includes views of St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Jurys Inn Limerick (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 14

    CLIFFS OF MOHER EXCURSION

    This morning drive to the western coast and the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Bring the history of the cliffs to life with a visit to the 'Atlantic Edge' exhibition. Return to Limerick for free time exploring on your own or perhaps join your Travel Director for an optional excursion to Bunratty Folk Park.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 15

    LIMERICK - DINGLE PENINSULA - TRALEE

    This morning, enjoy a scenic drive along the Dingle Peninsula. See the unspoilt and colourful villages and fishing harbours of Europe's most westerly point. Later, arrive in the town of Tralee, famed for its annual 'Rose of Tralee' festival and beauty pageant.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Manor West (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 16

    TRALEE - WATERFORD

    Explore Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'! Continue through Cork and along the coast to Waterford, famous for its crystal-ware. Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Treacys Hotel (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 17

    WATERFORD - CARDIFF (2 NIGHTS)

    Travel from Waterford to Rosslare where you board a ferry to Wales. Arrive in Fishguard and drive on to Cardiff, where you stay for the next two nights.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Copthorne Cardiff (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 18

    CARDIFF SIGHTSEEING AND SOUTH WALES EXCURSION

    See the sights of Cardiff this morning before leaving the city and travelling through the heartland of South Wales to visit the National Coal Museum for an insight into what life was like for the miners in days gone by. Return to the Welsh capital through the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

  • Day 19

    CARDIFF - BATH - STONEHENGE - LONDON

    Cross the Severn Estuary to Georgian Bath. Admire the Georgian architecture and enjoy free time to shop or visit the Roman Baths. See mysterious Stonehenge en route to London where your amazing holiday comes to an end.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Stratford-upon-AvonVisit the town of Shakespeare's Birth.
  • YorkView York Minster and stroll along the Shambles.
  • Hadrian's WallView the remains of the Roman wall.
  • JedburghView the Jedburgh Abbey ruins.
  • EdinburghSightseeing with your Local Guide includes Princes Street, the Royal Mile and views of the castle.
  • St AndrewsView the 18th hole on the Old Course.
  • Loch NessView the most famous loch of them all.
  • CullodenVisit the famous battlefield.
  • InvernessVisit the capital of the Scottish Highlands.
  • GlencoeSee Glencoe, also known as the Glen of the Weeping.
  • GlasgowView Glasgow Cathedral and George Square on your orientation tour.
  • Gretna GreenVisit this town, popular with eloping couples since 1754.
  • ChesterView the timbered buildings known as the 'Rows'.
  • LiverpoolVisit the home of the Beatles.
  • North WalesView Caernarvon Castle.
  • DublinSightseeing with a Local Guide. See St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park, the glorious Georgian Squares, and Trinity College.
  • BoyleView the Cistercian Abbey.
  • County DonegalVisit this picturesque area.
  • GalwayView Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square.
  • Cliffs of MoherView the stunning seascape from the cliffs and visit the Atlantic Edge exhibition in the eco-friendly Visitor Centre.
  • AdareVisit the prettiest village in Ireland.
  • LimerickView St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle.
  • Dingle PeninsulaEnjoy the beautiful countryside along the Dingle peninsula.
  • BlarneyKiss the Blarney Stone during your visit of Blarney Castle.
  • WaterfordVisit the Waterford Crystal Showroom.
  • CardiffSee the Millennium Stadium and view Cardiff Castle.
  • The Welsh ValleysVisit the Welsh Valleys and the National Coal Museum.
  • BathVisit the Georgian spa town.
  • StonehengeView the ancient stone circle.

Dining

  • 18 full breakfasts

  • 8 three course dinners

Travel Highlights

  • Pick-up and drop-off if you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel booked through Trafalgar or from the London Reception Centre.
  • First Class, Moderate First Class and Superior Tourist Class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom.
  • Return ferry across the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland.
  • The services of a professional Travel Director throughout your journey.
  • A stylish wallet, travel documents and map.
  • London airport transfers are available to purchase. Conditions apply.
  • Audio HeadsetsProvided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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