Overview
Itinerary
Experience first-hand what's 'great' about Great Britain on this mesmerizing sojourn past the peaks of Wales and the rolling hills and lush farmlands of England to Wales, the land of Castles. We kick-start our adventure in the cosmopolitan capital of London, heading west to visit Stonehenge's stone monoliths, whose centuries-old myths have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes center stage during our visit to this famous spa town. Visit the Roman Baths for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Here, we'll see the Abbey before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff.
Tonight, we celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain at a Welcome Dinner. (D) Stay: Park Inn by Radisson City Center
Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city to see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. The half-timbered Tudor houses of Ludlow feature today on our exploration of this market town with its medieval walls and historic castle.
We journey north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to the bold British city of Liverpool, hometown of the 'Fab Four'. Saunter through its edgy 'Scouse' streets and perhaps visit The Cavern Club, where the Beatles once played, during your evening at leisure. (B) Stay: Mercure Atlantic Tower, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our drive north to Scotland. Skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy views that inspired literary greats like William Wordsworth. We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where 'Blacksmith Priests' would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil.
Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh – our home for the next two nights. (B) Stay: Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerizing medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour. Stroll through the Old Town and view Arthur's Seat and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, for centuries the seat of the kings and queens of the Scots. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Auld Reekie's medieval relics and elegant Georgian and Gothic façades on your own, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to visit Rosslyn Chapel. (B) Stay: Jurys Inn
Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to the ancient cathedral city of York, whose origins hark back to Roman times. Walk along the famous Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.
This evening we Connect With Locals, joining a family at their stately home in York for a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner and some hearty British hospitality. (B/D) Stay: Novotel Center, Holiday Inn
Delve into the fascinating story of Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. We return to London this evening where our memorable encounter with Britain's icons comes to an end. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
- Discover Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool and York
- Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
- View Bath Abbey, Cardiff Castle, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster, and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage
- See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
- Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
Be My Guest
- York: Enjoy a traditional British Be My Guest dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of either their elegant town house in the city or in their impressive country house overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.
Iconic Experience
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
Make Travel Matter®
- Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
- All transport and transfers shown
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- London: Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 5 Breakfast (B)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Reviews (6) Most Recent 'Real Britain (Winter)' Reviews
One complaint was the last day, being put on the sidewalk outside the hotel after having everything ...read more done done for you previously wasn't very nice. Also Kate organised the rooms the hotel gave us but on that last day this was not so and I received a room next to the elevators and was no bigger than a matchbox, so this put a dampener on the holiday.
Brochure
Trafalgar UK & Ireland (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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