Medieval castles and the inspiring beauty of the Lake District are highlights on this exciting England, Scotland and Wales trip. Learn about the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green and Tudor history in Ludlow before you ascend to lofty Castle Rock for spellbinding views of Edinburgh.
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Travel Style - Country Explorer
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Brightly coloured Union Jacks pave your way to an unforgettable journey through Britain, which kicks off in London. Visit 'The City' and see the imposing dome of Christopher Wren's St. Pauls and the Tower of London, or admire the pageantry of royal palaces, cathedrals and parks, exploring the city on your own terms.
Join a Local Specialist today for a grand exploration of the vibrant British capital, including such sights as Big Ben and the imposing Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames, then Buckingham Palace, the official UK residence of the UK's sovereigns since 1837. Spend the rest of the day on your own, exploring the centuries-old heritage and modern sophistication of London.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff
This morning meet your Travel Director before embarking on a journey to discover what's 'great' about Great Britain, on this mesmerising sojourn past the peaks of Wales and the rolling hills and lush farmlands of England to 'bonnie' Scotland. We kick-start our adventure in the cosmopolitan capital of London, heading west to Stonehenge's stone monoliths, whose centuries-old myths have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes centre stage during our visit to this famous spa town. Here, we'll see the Abbey and visit the Roman baths, before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. 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. Tonight, we celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Britain at a Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Mercure Holland House
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.
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
Famous Sights and the Fab Four
Come along with our Local Specialist for a guided tour of Liverpool. From its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present, you’ll discover the two magnificently different cathedrals, see Mathew Street, birthplace of The Beatles, and admire the Mersey Sound.
Adult Price: £18.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Edinburgh
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our leisurely 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. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday 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*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
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.
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. Occasionally this experience will be operated in reverse.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerising 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 the Royal Yacht Britannia. This evening, consider attending a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes.
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 Templar. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £48.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Royal Yacht Britannia
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Adult Price: £23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
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 delicious 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: £62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York
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 in York for a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner and some hearty British hospitality.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Centre
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 8
Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London
Delve into the story of Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. We return to London this afternoon.
Say farewell to your fellow travellers and Travel Director as you return home with magical memories.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 4
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 4
Famous Sights and the Fab Four
Come along with our Local Specialist for a guided tour of Liverpool. From its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present, you’ll discover the two magnificently different cathedrals, see Mathew Street, birthplace of The Beatles, and admire the Mersey Sound.
Adult Price: £18.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Local Dinner Evening
Join us and your travelling companions for a delicious traditional dinner and drink at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: £40.00*
* 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. Occasionally this experience will be operated in reverse.
Adult Price: £22.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Dinner And Drive To Historic Torphichen
Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Templar. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £48.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Royal Yacht Britannia
You’ll explore this magnificent ship, which has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. Now berthed in Leith, you’ll be welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences – the former honeymoon sanctuary for four royal couples.
Adult Price: £23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
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 delicious 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: £62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Enjoy a traditional British Be My Guest supper 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. (Day 7)
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore London and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
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Discover Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool and York
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Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
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View Bath Abbey, Cardiff Castle, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage
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See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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The services of a Trafalgar Local Host at your London hotel
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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
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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London airport transfer service is available to purchase. Conditions apply. See airport transfers page link below for details
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Handcrafted Highlights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS REVIEWS
Real 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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Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Our tour guide and drivers did an excellent job of getting us to all our places to visit, our guide was very informative and knowledgeable, he made our tour experience a very memorable one and I cant wait to take our next Trafalgar Tour.
This trip was well organized and conducted. The selected sight seeing venues and hotels were good and we experienced a lot in a short time. The staff were knowlegeable and professional.
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Dates & Prices
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Trip Notes
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Special Rate Solo Rooming: Departures 03 May and 30 August 2021 will include 20 - 100% discount on our standard single supplement. Please see trafalgar.com for pricing.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unused London Accommodation: Should you choose not to use the included nights in London, we give you the option to remove these at the time of booking and offer a reduction for this
Edinburgh Tattoo 6-28 August 2021: We've included Tattoo tickets when you're in Edinburgh to departures 07 August, 14 August and 21 August 2021.
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.
Double-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 traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be traveling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
