This Country Explorer trip uncovers Stonehenge, Bath, the Lake District and Scottish Highlands.
Explore the Best of Britain on this incredible trip across England and Scotland, and travel over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Imagine life as a Benedictine monk at Buckfast Abbey, feel the hope of brave pilgrims in Plymouth and be inspired by the beauty of Lake Windermere.
The rolling green and golden landscapes of rural Wiltshire provide a stunning backdrop for our scenic drive to Salisbury Plain this morning. We tread in the footsteps of druids and pagans at Stonehenge before travelling to UNESCO listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the centuries-old Roman Baths. Our home for the next two nights is the historic cathedral city of Exeter where we will enjoy a memorable Welcome Reception this evening at our hotel.
Exeter – Excursion to Plymouth, Polperro, Dartmoor and Buckfast Abbey
Our first stop today is in the ancient port city of Plymouth, where we'll delve into the history of the brave Pilgrim Fathers who set sail for an unknown New World from its shores. See the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound and consider an optional cruise around the dramatic coastline. We take a step back in time at our next stop, the fishing village and artists' retreat of Polperro. Continuing along the brooding moorland of Dartmoor, we arrive at Buckfast Abbey, where we'll 'Dive Into Culture' and gain insights into how Benedictine monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
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 Price: £38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Plymouth Harbour Cruise
Relax on a boat trip round the harbour of one of England’s most famous seaports. As 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 Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Exeter – Glastonbury – Cardiff
Enjoy a scenic drive through the pretty Devon and Somerset countryside to mystical Glastonbury, where we'll visit the ruined Abbey, said to be the final resting place of King Arthur. Later, we 'Connect With Locals', joining the Dyer family on their 15th-century dairy farm in Somerset for a 'Be My Guest' lunch. We journey to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, where we'll explore the proud heritage of the Welsh and modern icons, including the Principality Stadium during an orientation tour.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Park Inn City Centre
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Cardiff Castle Tour
You’ll explore this unique castle on a private tour 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 1,000-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Adult Price: £21.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Welsh Evening
Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is a stunningly-renovated 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 Price: £55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
Cardiff – Ludlow – Chester – Liverpool
Tudor history is explored this morning as we visit the historic towns of Ludlow and Chester with their characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings. Join your Travel Director for an orientation walk past these famous Tudor Rows and enjoy views of Chester's medieval city walls and red sandstone Cathedral. The haunt of the 'Fab Four' is our final stop today. Join a 'Local Specialist' to gain insight into Liverpool's Beatles' history and enjoy a free evening in one of Britain's edgiest cities.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Jurys Inn
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Liverpool – Lake District – Glasgow
Rolling Lancashire pastures give way to the soul-stirring Lake District, whose beautiful scenery has inspired poets and writers for centuries. We travel along the shores of Lake Windermere, through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Stop in Gretna Green, where many an eloping couple have tied the knot. We arrive in Glasgow later for an orientation tour, including views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the Clyde River, the former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening, enjoy during a Regional Dinner in a local restaurant.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Crowne Plaza/Holiday Inn City Centre Theatreland
Enjoy an exclusive cruise on a private boat on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the northern coastline, beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see deserted islands, boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult Price: £18.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Windermere Cruise And Steam Train Ride
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Glasgow – Glencoe – Fort William – Scottish Highlands (2 Nights)
Journey along Loch Lomond, whose bonnie banks were immortalised in the well-known Scottish song. We arrive in Glencoe and remember the MacDonald clansmen who died tragically in the 1692 massacre which led this place to be called the 'Glen of Weeping'. At the World War II Commando Memorial near Fort William, we admire views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Our day in beautiful surrounds comes to an end with a cosy dinner at our hotel located within the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands.
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 Price: £15.00
Optional Experience
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 Price: £15.00
Day 7
Isle of Skye Sightseeing and Scenic Highland Excursion
We travel to the coast this morning to the Isle of Skye where a 'Local Specialist' will take us on a journey to view the remarkable Cuillin Mountains. Against the backdrop of heather-clad mountains, we stop at the ancient settlement of Kyleakin. Later, we cross back to view scenic Eilean Donan Castle on the mainland. Travel through the Scottish Highlands past its picturesque lochs and glens, keeping your camera at the ready to capture 'Nessie' if you can.
Heading back to the lowlands of Scotland, we stop in Pitlochry before heading to the historic home of golf, St. Andrews. Here, the first games were played during the 1400s. See its famous 18th hole before crossing the Firth of Forth to Scotland's enchanting capital, Edinburgh.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Marriott/Jurys Inn
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Local Dinner Evening
Join us and your travelling companions for a delicious traditional dinner and drink at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: £40.00
Optional Experience
Edinburgh by Night and Dinner
We'll drive into the old city of Edinburgh to see the city at night with photo opportunities of the Castle and the Grassmarket, famous for historic executions and when possible visit one of the most haunted graveyards and see the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous Skye Terrier. Then, we'll make our way to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner and drink.
Adult Price: £42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
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 Price: £20.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Edinburgh Sightseeing and Free Time
Ramble up the Royal Mile today and see the iconic sights of one of Britain's most enchanting cities. The elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the Scottish Parliament feature on your sightseeing tour with a 'Local Specialist'. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the hidden passages of the Old Town before enjoying an evening at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen
Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Hospitaller. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our convivial host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £48.00
Optional Experience
Rosslyn Chapel
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where you’ll hear the inside story on the famous Rosslyn Chapel. 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 Price: £21.00
Optional Experience
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy Scottish food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £60.00
Day 10
Edinburgh – Alnwick – York
We travel to the medieval market town of Alnwick this morning, where we'll see the impressive castle home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town. Journey through Northumberland to the cathedral city of York. We'll embark an orientation walk past its cobblestone Shambles and see the inspiring Minster with its 'heart of Yorkshire' before joining our newfound friends for a Farewell Dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Centre
Shakespeare's legacy and life are celebrated in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, which we will have an opportunity to visit today on our return to London. See Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre. Later, we travel back to London where our amazing holiday comes to an end.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
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 Price: £38.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Plymouth Harbour Cruise
Relax on a boat trip round the harbour of one of England’s most famous seaports. As 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 Price: £15.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Cardiff Castle Tour
You’ll explore this unique castle on a private tour 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 1,000-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Adult Price: £21.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 3
Welsh Evening
Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is a stunningly-renovated 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 Price: £55.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Private Cruise On Lake Windermere
Enjoy an exclusive cruise on a private boat on England's most beautiful and largest lake, taking in the northern coastline, beautiful houses, gardens and Wray Castle. You’ll see deserted islands, boats and birdlife as you explore the area loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
Adult Price: £18.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Windermere Cruise And Steam Train Ride
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the Lake District as we cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
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 Price: £15.00
Available on day 6
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 Price: £15.00
Available on day 8
Local Dinner Evening
Join us and your travelling companions for a delicious traditional dinner and drink at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: £40.00
Available on day 8
Edinburgh by Night and Dinner
We'll drive into the old city of Edinburgh to see the city at night with photo opportunities of the Castle and the Grassmarket, famous for historic executions and when possible visit one of the most haunted graveyards and see the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous Skye Terrier. Then, we'll make our way to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner and drink.
Adult Price: £42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
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 Price: £20.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen
Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Hospitaller. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our convivial host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £48.00
Available on day 9
Rosslyn Chapel
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where you’ll hear the inside story on the famous Rosslyn Chapel. 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 Price: £21.00
Available on day 9
Scottish Show With Dinner
Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy Scottish food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.
Adult Price: £60.00
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch (including Be My Guest), 5 dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Enjoy a 'Be My Guest' lunch with the Dyer family on their 15th-century dairy farm in Somerset complete with home-made ice-cream. (Day 3)
Dive into Culture
Visit Buckfast Abbey, a Benedictine monastery built on the site where monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years. (Day 2)
Local Specialist
For included sightseeing in Liverpool and Edinburgh
Sightseeing highlights
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SIGHTSEEING TOUR with Local Specialist in Barcelona
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ORIENTATION of Bath, Plymouth, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow and York
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VISIT the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Polperro, Buckfast Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey, the town of Ludlow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VIEW Eilean Donan Castle, Alnwick Castle used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, York Minster and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Use of Trafalgar's London Reception Centre offering a range of services including tickets for day trips and local attractions
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Handcrafted Highlights
Experience Tick Thin Icon
VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Best of Britain Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Amazing, dream come true
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5
It covers everything and gives you an idea of what to see and where to go on another trip
this trip was a dream come true. We saw so much and did everything on the wish list. The little extras and excersions were amazing and I would recommend them to everyone. Our travel director was Selena, she went above and beyond to make this trip an educational, wonderful and organized , happy experience. She was a gem She organized local experts for us , who gave us great local insight and spilled alittle secret info! She directed us to cute little areas in each town or stop(pubs) which gave us a chance to leave the hub bub of tourist crowds and explore on our own. Our coach driver was Steve . He was wonderful, helpful and fun(great sense of humour under that big guy exterior).Can't wait to see you both on our next trip. Italy or Ireland anyone!!
Trafalgar far exceeded my expectations I am beyond happy and am going to book another as soon as I can. The driver and tour coordinator were amazing; full of knowledge and made sure we all had an amazing tour. The hotels and service were 5 star plus and the bus was always clean, comfortable and well provisioned. Thank you for making my first experience with you the best.
Best of Britain really does give you a taste of the best Britain has to offer. With Autumn you get the stunning colours of what nature has to offer as well as the beautiful decorations only a European Christmas can give.
The itinerary covered all of the iconic sites we wished to see in Britain. The only downside is that such an itinerary makes for a very busy 10 days however we did know this would be the case.
Tour Director gave an excellent rundown on the history behind the sites we visited and the British Isles in general. My only disappointments with the trip were; the quality of food provided which was below expectations, and the fact that Trafalgar changed the starting hotel at the last minute and left my wife and in the original hotel on the other side of London!
Overall, our tour was an enjoyable experience. Our tour guide and driver went out of their way to make sure our needs were met. Our guide made sure that we understood the history behind the areas we visited. We understood that this was an overview of Britain and that we would not be spending much time in many places we visited. When we visited small towns for lunch we were given a set time to find a place to eat and look around. However, by the time we had walked up and down the street, looking at each restaurant, there was only time to eat, not enjoy some of the lovely villages. We do quite a few bus tours and the least stressful ones are those that arrange lunch spots for us. We did stop at one pub where everything was arranged for us and everyone loved it. It is fine to drop people of to shop, I can assure you that 80% of the people did not do much shopping. We enjoyed learning about the places we visited. There was one place we were let off and there was a church that cost something to visit. Of course, many would not go there on their own because of this. But those that went there were most impressed. The rest of us just wandered. If it had been included that would have meant something to us.
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Trip Notes
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In 2021, the following departures will include tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: 31 July, 04 August, 07 August, 11 August, 14 August and 21 August
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Your London Hotel: This trip departs from our London Reception Centre or the Park Plaza Riverbank/Park Plaza County Hall hotels providing that you have reserved your accommodation at this hotel through Trafalgar.
Hotels in the Scottish Highlands are generally simpler establishments typical of the region.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
