12 Day Wonders of Britain & Ireland

Itinerary

Britain and Ireland tours compared

Trafalgar Guided Tour starting in London and finishing in London

Churchill and Wordsworth. Castles and legends. Rugged beauty and hidden places. The icons and secrets of Britain and Ireland are explored in a cross-country itinerary over land and sea.

Day By Day

Day 1 London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff

This morning travel to rural Wiltshire and visit the mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Drive west through spectacular countryside to the beautiful city of Bath. Admire the Georgian architecture of the city and visit the Roman Baths before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff, capital of Wales. View the Millennium Centre and the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay. See the Millennium Stadium as well as the historic Cardiff Castle during your orientation of the city. This evening get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Reception, which includes a typical Welsh pub meal and drinks. (WR) Stay: Maldron

Day 2 Cardiff - Waterford

Enjoy free time this morning to relax, explore the city or take the opportunity to visit Cardiff Castle. Cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the Emerald Isle and travel to historic Waterford. Dine tonight at your hotel. (FB/D) Stay: Marina

Day 3 Waterford - Blarney - Kenmare (2 Nights)

Visit the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Watch the master craftsmen at work during your Cultural Insight demonstration in the workshop and see the exquisite completed pieces in the showroom. At Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'. Cross the Kerry Mountains to Kenmare, your home for the next two nights. This evening join your companions for a Be My Guest dinner on a traditional Irish farm in Kenmare. (FB/BMGD) Stay: Kenmare Bay

Day 4 Ring Of Kerry Excursion

Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical and varied place in the whole of Ireland and is truly a photographer's delight. We will also see Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. (FB)

Day 5 Kenmare - Cashel - Dublin (2 Nights)

This morning visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary. The spectacular group of medieval buildings perched on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale was once the seat of the Kings of Munster. It has one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture to be found anywhere in Europe. Later arrive in the lively Irish capital, Dublin. This evening consider joining an Optional Experience to an Irish cabaret. (FB) Stay: Ballsbridge

Day 6 Dublin Sightseeing And Free Time

This morning enjoy your choice of sightseeing. You might want to explore the Guinness Brewery with early entry before general admission and take a tour including a tasting technique demonstration. Or you can visit the Little Museum of Dublin, a true hidden gem of the city. Later see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian Squares with your Local Specialist. Spend the rest of the day as you please. Why not explore Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its street performers. (FB)

Day 7 Dublin - Chester - Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. Stop at the station with the longest place name in Europe, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. See the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park as you travel to Chester. Your orientation walk includes the medieval walls and the famous Tudor 'Rows'. Arrive later in historic Liverpool, hometown of the legendary Beatles. This evening join your companions for a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. (FB/RM) Stay: Jurys Inn

Day 8 Liverpool - Lake District - Gretna Green - Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Travel north through characteristically glorious scenery from Lancashire to the Lake District. 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. Then cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. Later, arrive in the Scottish capital Edinburgh - your home for the next two nights. (FB) Stay: Apex City

Day 9 Edinburgh Sightseeing And Free Time

This morning, your Local Specialist 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 Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the Georgian architecture in the New Town. During the Festival, tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included. (FB)

Day 10 Edinburgh - Alnwick - York

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick. See the impressive castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland, and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland. Cross the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where your walking orientation includes the medieval walls, the Shambles and the awe-inspiring Minster. (FB) Stay: Hotel 53

Day 11 York - Stratford-upon-avon

Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the Bard was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's picturesque thatched cottage before enjoying some free time in the quaint village. This evening join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner. (FB/FD) Stay: Mercure Shakespeare Authentic Accommodation

Day 12 Stratford-upon-avon - Bladon - Oxford - London

This morning visit the charming little churchyard at Bladon, in the picturesque Cotswolds, to view Sir Winston Churchill's grave. Arrive in Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles, here you will enjoy an orientation of the city. View the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library and walk around one of the famous colleges (when open). Return to London this evening and say farewell to your Travel Director and new-found friends at the end of a wonderful holiday. (FB)