8 Day Britain & Ireland Highlights

Itinerary

Trafalgar Guided Tour starting in London and finishing in London

Engineering, invention and Romantic Poets, the epic diversity squeezed into a remarkably tiny region is explored through the towns, cities and countryside of Britain and Ireland.

Day By Day

Day 1 London - Stratford-upon-avon - 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. In the Viking city of York enjoy a walk along its historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. Later, enjoy a Welcome Reception in a traditional pub. (WR) Stay: Holiday Inn

Day 2 Harrogate - Lake District - Gretna Green - 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. Cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. This afternoon your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, the magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. (FB/RM) Stay: Radisson Blu/Jurys Inn/Apex

Day 3 Edinburgh Excursion

Today visit Edinburgh. 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 elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. Later enjoy free time to explore at leisure. This evening enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant in Glasgow. (FB)

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 Specialist. Later arrive in Dublin, your home for the next two nights. (FB) Stay: Mespil

Day 5 Dublin Sightseeing And Free Time

See Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the stately Georgian Squares with your Local Specialist. Then your choice of sightseeing gives you the opportunity to visit the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and tasting technique demonstration or the Little Museum of Dublin. 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 Optional Experience to an Irish cabaret. (FB)

Day 6 Dublin - Kildare - Kilkenny - Waterford

This morning gain a Cultural Insight into rearing world-class thoroughbreds when visiting the Irish National Stud Farm established in 1946. After a guided walk through the farm, take some time to stroll through the tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. In Kilkenny, see the imposing medieval castle and enjoy free time for lunch. This afternoon enjoy a Cultural Insight when you 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. (FB) Stay: Marina

Day 7 Waterford - Cardiff

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry, 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. (FB/BMGFD) Stay: Park Inn City Centre

Day 8 Cardiff - Bath - Stonehenge - London

Travel 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. (FB)