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Britain and Ireland Highlights 2013

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    LONDON - STRATFORD - YORK - HARROGATE

    A scenic drive through beautiful countryside brings you to Stratford-upon-Avon. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor Centre and see Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Later, in the Viking town of York, enjoy a walk along historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening, get to know your companions and your Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical British pub meal and drinks.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Holiday Inn (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

    HARROGATE - LAKE DISTRICT - GLASGOW (2 NIGHTS)

    From quaint villages around the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the scenic glory of the Lake District, your journey north is impressive. Travelling along the shores of England’s largest lake, Windermere, and through countryside that inspired the Romantic poets, you reach Grasmere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried at St. Oswald’s Church. We cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would say their vows over the anvil. This afternoon, your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views the Cathedral, the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Marks Hotel/Radisson Blu (SF)

    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 EXCURSION

    Today, visit Edinburgh. Your Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Holyrood House in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. En route back to Glasgow this afternoon, visit the Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre to see this modern technological marvel in action. This evening you will enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Glasgow.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

  • Day 4

    GLASGOW - BELFAST - DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)

    Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland, to board the ferry to Northern Ireland. View City Hall, Queen’s University and the dock where the Titanic was built with your Local Guide. Travel further south and cross the River Boyne at Drogheda to enter the Irish capital, Dublin.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Mespil (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

    DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    See Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian Squares with your Local Guide. Enjoy an included visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration. Spend the rest of the day as you please, why not explore Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its street performers. This evening consider joining an excursion to an Irish cabaret.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

  • Day 6

    DUBLIN - KILDARE - KILKENNY - WATERFORD

    Visit the Irish National Stud Farm dedicated to rearing world-class thoroughbreds since 1946. After a guided walk through the farm, take some time to stroll through the tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe, or visit the Horse Museum. In Kilkenny, see the imposing medieval castle and enjoy free time for lunch. This afternoon, visit the House of Waterford Crystal. Watch the master craftsmen at work during your tour of the workshop, and see the exquisite completed pieces in the showroom.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

    Hotel: Waterford Marina (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 7

    WATERFORD - CARDIFF

    Cross the Irish Sea to Wales, and continue your journey to Cardiff Bay to view the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly. View the historic Cardiff Castle and see the Millennium Stadium before arriving at your hotel. Tonight, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Be My Guest Farewell Dinner.


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

    Hotel: Park Inn (SF)

    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

    CARDIFF - BATH - STONEHENGE - LONDON

    Cross the Severn Estuary into England and the glorious city of Bath. See splendid Georgian architecture during your orientation. Enjoy an included visit to the Roman Baths from which the city derives its name. In Wiltshire, visit the mysterious monolithic stone circle at Stonehenge. Later, return to London where your holiday in Britain and Ireland comes to an end.


    Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Local Speciality Visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a workshop tour and showroom visit.
  • Be My Guest Enjoy a warm welcome from the owners of this pretty smallholding just outside Cardiff.Meet all the animals and later enjoy typical Welsh dishes prepared with fresh ingredients grown on the farm and cooked by your hostess. The family and their friends will entertain you with their various talents so you will soon get to know the charm and warmth of the Welsh people!
  • Local Guide in Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin.
  • Unique Insight  Enjoy a visit to the Guinness Brewery for a storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration.
  • Unique Insight Visit the Irish National Stud, home to some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Stratford-upon-AvonVisit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Visitor Centre and see Anne Hathaway’s cottage.
  • YorkView York Minster and stroll along the Shambles.
  • Gretna GreenVisit this historic destination, popular with eloping couples since 1754.
  • GlasgowView Glasgow Cathedral and George Square.
  • EdinburghSightseeing with your Local Guide includes the famous Princes Street, the Royal Mile and views of the new Parliament Building. Visit the iconic castle.
  • FalkirkVisit the Falkirk Wheel Visitors Centre.
  • BelfastSee the City Hall and Queen’s University with a Local Guide.
  • DublinSee St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park, the glorious Georgian Squares, and see Trinity College with a Local Guide.
  • KildareVisit the Irish National Stud Farm and Japanese Garden.
  • KilkennyView Kilkenny Castle and gardens.
  • WaterfordVisit the Waterford Crystal showroom.
  • CardiffSee the Millennium Stadium and view Cardiff Castle
  • BathVisit the Roman Baths in this Georgian spa town.
  • StonehengeVisit the ancient stone circle.

Dining

  • 7 full breakfasts.

  • 3 evening meals including:
  • Welcome Pub Reception in Harrogate, which includes a traditional British pub meal and welcome drinks.
  • Be My Guest Farewell Dinner in Cardiff.
  • Highlight Dinner with wine in Glasgow.

Travel Highlights

  • Ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland.
  • Ferry across the Irish Sea from Ireland to South Wales.
  • First Class hotel accommodation featuring two-bedded rooms and private facilities
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
  • Travel by luxury, air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom
  • The services of a professional Travel Director
  • The services of a Trafalgar Local Host at your Trafalgar London hotel
  • Use of Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre offering a range of services including tickets for day trips and local attractions
  • Audio headsets to clearly hear your guide’s commentary on all included sightseeing
  • A travel wallet with your documentation
  • Complimentary keepsake photo and map
  • London airport transfers are available to purchase. Conditions apply.

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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