DAY 1

Journey to Stonehenge and on to Plymouth
Journey west where you’ll ponder the myths of the ancient mystical monoliths at Stonehenge which remain largely unsolved to to this day. Continuing through Devon, arrive in the historic naval port of Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.
Hotel: Copthorne
Meal: Welcome Reception

DAY 2

Discover the Cornish Peninsula
Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3

Soak up Bath and off to Cardiff
Arriving in Bath, we admire the city’s stylish Georgian façades and visit the ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. We continue to the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, where we’ll have a free evening to enjoy this modern city’s proud heritage.
Hotel: Park Inn by Radisson City Centre/Holiday Inn
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4

Cross the Irish Sea to Waterford
This morning, we explore Cardiff’s iconic sights – the Principality Stadium, Millennium Centre and Victorian fantasy castle before crossing the Irish Sea to Waterford, most famous for the delicate crystal that graces elegant homes the world over. This evening we dine in our hotel.
Hotel: Fitzwilton
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 5

Onwards to Blarney and Killarney
Our first stop today is at the House of Waterford Crystal where we Dive Into Culture, watching a demonstration with master craftsmen. In pursuit of the ‘gift of the gab’, we journey to Blarney Castle where you’ll have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone, before arriving later in picturesque Killarney.
Hotel: Killarney/Innisfallen/Manor West
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6

A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Ireland’s enduring natural beauty accompanies our leisurely drive circling the enchanting Ring of Kerry. We pass the fishing village of Waterville, Moll’s Gap and the Black Valley – renowned for being the last place in Ireland without power and telephone networks.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 7

Off to Limerick, the Majestic Cliffs of Moher and Galway
We stop in Limerick and view St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John’s Castle. Next up is an unforgettable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries. You’ll visit the Visitor Centre, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Your next overnight stop in Galway is a real treat for culture buffs. You’ll overnight in Ireland’s capital of music, song and dance and it’s the perfect place to dig deep into Ireland’s vibrant traditional arts scene first-hand.
Hotel: Connacht
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 8

Venture into County Donegal
This morning see the great stone Galway Cathedral and stroll through Eyre Square, a tribute to former US president John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway in 1963. Enjoy an orientation of Sligo on your way to Donegal to see its 15th-century castle and explore the city your way before dining at your hotel.
Hotel: Central
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 9

Explore Londonderry, the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast
We cross the Irish border into Northern Ireland, joining a Local Specialist in Londonderry to stroll along its 17th-century city walls. See the street murals of the Bogside before continuing to the mythical stepping stones of the Giant’s Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Our visit to the haunt of Finn McCool will help to conserve this iconic natural landmark. Our final stop today is in Belfast, where we’ll enjoy an orientation, followed by free time to explore the capital city’s sights.
Hotel: Park Inn by Radisson/Stormont
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 10

On the road to Dublin
We spend the morning with a Local Specialist ‘Cabbie’ who will take us on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Heading south to Dublin later, we see St. Patrick’s Cathedral and other iconic sights in the company of a Local Specialist. Tonight, consider an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds and warm hospitality of a traditional Irish Cabaret performance.
Hotel: Mespil Clayton Cardiff Lane
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 11

See the Sights of Dublin
Beat the crowds and gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse before general admission. Here you’ll Dive Into Culture and embark on a tour and tasting technique demonstration. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colourful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through Phoenix Park, Dublin’s playground.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 12

Ferry across to Historic Chester and Liverpool
Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue to the ancient town of Chester, where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous half-timbered Tudor Rows. Later, we head to the haunt of the ‘Fab Four’, edgy Liverpool, where we’ll spend the night.
Hotel: Mercure Atlantic Tower
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 13

Continue to the Beautiful Lake District
Head north to the idyllic Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries, and admire the spectacular surrounds of Lake Windermere.
Hotel: North Lakes / Castle Green
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 14

Journey North to Glasgow
The runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green is our first stop today, where we’ll tread in the footsteps of eloping couples who would take their vows over the Marriage Anvil. We arrive in Glasgow for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral and magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain’s most celebrated sons. We visit Falkirk Wheel where you’ll Dive into Culture learning about the legacy of Scotland’s canals and experience the world’s only rotating boat lift.
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn City Centre
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 15

Over the Sea to Skye
Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the ‘Glen of the Weeping’ and see Britain’s highest mountain – Ben Nevis. We’ll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, before visiting the Isle of Skye.
Hotel: Dunollie
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 16

The Sights of Loch Ness and Culloden in the Scottish Highlands
Travel through the scenic Scottish Highlands via Glen Shiel and along the banks of Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster affectionately known as ‘Nessie’. View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746.
Hotel: Highlander
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner

DAY 17

Onwards to Edinburgh
We continue south and stop in Pitlochry before travelling to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. We cross the Firth of Forth to the enchanting Scottish capital, Edinburgh, our home for the next two nights. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Hotel: Holiday Inn
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 18

Explore Edinburgh Castle
Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. See the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 19

Uncover York’s Treasures
Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick before stopping in York where we’ll embark on an orientation walk along the picturesque Shambles and to York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening Connect With Locals over dinner at a Be My Guest experience, a grand private home of a Yorkshire family enjoying traditional flavours and hospitality.
Hotel: Novotel Centre
Meal: Breakfast,Be My Guest

DAY 20

Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and on to London
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor Centre before returning to London.
Meal: Breakfast

Sightseeing Highlights

• Explore Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
• Discover Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York
• Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, Guinness Storehouse, Falkirk Wheel, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
• View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, St. Mary’s Cathedral and King John’s Castle in Limerick, the scenic Lake District, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster
• See Galway Cathedral
• Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry
• Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
• Connect With Locals 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.
• Dive into Culture Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
• Dive Into Culture Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
• Dive Into Culture Visit Falkirk Wheel to learn about Scotland’s canal system at the world’s only rotating boat lift.
• MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Help preserve the Cliffs of Moher for generations to come and learn about its extraordinary geology, history and the species that find sanctuary in its nooks and crannies.
• MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® In Northern Ireland you’ll discover the legend of the Giant’s Causeway as you explore with an expert, who’ll explain how your visit helps conserve this iconic natural landmark.

Dining Highlights

• 1 Be My Guest
• 1 Welcome Reception
• 19 Breakfast
• 6 Dinner

First class travel Highlights

• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Optional Experiences and free time
• Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
• Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
• The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar’s recommended London hotel.