Britain & Ireland Explorer 2010 - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 23
• Tour Style: Regional
• Destinations: London, Stratford, Leeds, Edinburgh, Isle of Sky, Glasgow, Scottish Highlands, Chester, North Wales, Dublin, Sligo, Galway, Donegal, Limerick, Tralee, Bath, Cardiff, South Wales, Bath

Itinerary

• Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight from USA.



• Day 2 - Arrive London (2 nights) Time to relax after checking in to your hotel.
  
  Hotel: Ibis Earls Court



• Day 3 - London at leisure Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore. (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 4 - London – Stratford – Leeds Greetings from our Tour Director as we drive through Cotswold villages to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. We head to Coventry, home of Lady Godiva, to view its cathedrals, then through the Midlands to our hotel in Leeds. (Continental breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Jurys Inn
  



• Day 5 - Leeds – Edinburgh (Falkirk) (2 nights) An orientation stroll in York shows us the Minster and picturesque ‘Shambles’. From here we drive past Hadrian’s Wall and ruined Jedburgh Abbey on to our hotel in Falkirk. (Full breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Airth Castle



• Day 6 - Edinburgh sightseeing Sightseeing shows us the Royal Mile, Princes Street and views of the castle. Then time to maybe visit Holyrood House. (Full breakfast)
  



• Day 7 - Edinburgh – Scottish Highlands (2 nights) We cross the impressive Forth Bridge to the university town of St. Andrews where Prince William studied, and stop at the famous golf course. We continue towards the Highlands via Perth and Pitlochry to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Macdonald Highland Resort
  



• Day 8 - Scottish Highlands – Isle of Skye excursion We follow the banks of beautiful Loch Ness – look out for the monster! – through the Western Highlands to the Kyle of Lochalsh. We cross over to the Isle of Skye, associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and spend some time exploring this unique Scottish island. Finally, we return to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
  



• Day 9 - Scottish Highlands – Glasgow We drive to Fort William, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, and then along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe – Vale of the Weeping. Our route takes us along the ’banks and braes of Loch Lomond’ to Glasgow. (Full breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Campanile



• Day 10 - Glasgow – Chester area (2 nights) Today begins with a visit to Gretna Green, wedding venue for eloping lovers. We continue
  south into England towards the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District. (Full breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Holiday Inn Runcorn
  



• Day 11 - Chester and North Wales Our Chester orientation shows us the arcaded Rows. Next into North Wales and over the Horseshoe Pass, we arrive in Llangollen, home of the Music Eisteddfod, and return to Runcorn. (Full breakfast)
  



• Day 12 - Chester area – Dublin (2 nights) We drive along the Welsh Coast via Colwyn Bay, skirting the Snowdonia National Park, to Caernarvon to view the castle, then across to the Island of Anglesey where we board our ferry to Ireland and on to Dublin. (Full breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Ardmore
  



• Day 13 - Dublin sightseeing Morning sightseeing with our local guide features Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, historic Phoenix Park, the Four Courts and more. (Full breakfast)
  



• Day 14 - Dublin – Sligo (2 nights) We follow the Royal Canal to Mullingar. Then on to Boyle to view the 12th century Cistercian
  abbey ruins. Then lush green Irish countryside rolls by on our way to Sligo Bay. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Sligo Southern
  



• Day 15 - Northern Ireland and Donegal We drive to the seaside resort of Bundoran and into Northern Ireland to visit the Belleek Pottery Centre. Then follow Lough Erne to Enniskillen and to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
  



• Day 16 - Sligo – Limerick (2 nights) We enjoy the scenery in Connemara, stopping at Kylemore Abbey and continuing to Galway Bay. We stop in Galway before reaching Limerick. (Full breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Jurys Inn
  



• Day 17 - Excursion to the Burren Today we see the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. From O’Brien’s Tower, we can see the Aran Islands (weather permitting) at the entrance to Galway Bay. (Full breakfast)
  



• Day 18 - Limerick – Tralee Admire the thatched cottages of Adare before heading to County Kerry, where we stop in Killarney. Then we enjoy the first half of our Ring of Kerry drive along Dingle Bay and on to Tralee. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Abbey Gate



• Day 19 - Tralee – Waterford Today we complete our drive around the Ring of Kerry and visit Blarney Castle, where we have a chance to acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Then we continue through Cork and along the coast to Waterford, home of the famous crystal, for the night. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Waterford Marina
  



• Day 20 - Waterford – Cardiff (2 nights) We travel to Rosslare to board our ferry back to Wales. We arrive at Fishguard and drive on to Cardiff for two nights. (Full breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Legacy International
  



• Day 21 - Cardiff & South Wales excursion First an orientation in the Welsh capital and a chance to visit the castle. Then into the Rhonddha, most famous of the Welsh mining valleys. Next into the stark beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park then back to our hotel in Cardiff. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
  



• Day 22 - Cardiff – Bath – London We visit Bath and see the Roman Baths and admire the architecture. We return to London via Salisbury and make a picture stop at the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge. (Full breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Ibis Earls Court
  
  
  
  



• Day 23 - London – USA This morning, after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your new friends before your return flight home to the USA. (Buffet breakfast)
  
  


Depart USAArrive London London at leisureLondon – Stratford – LeedsLeeds – Edinburgh (Falkirk) Edinburgh sightseeingEdinburgh – Scottish Highlands Scottish Highlands – Isle of Skye excursionScottish Highlands – GlasgowGlasgow – Chester area Chester and North WalesChester area – Dublin Dublin sightseeingDublin – Sligo Northern Ireland and DonegalSligo – Limerick Excursion to the BurrenLimerick – TraleeTralee – WaterfordWaterford – Cardiff Cardiff & South Wales excursionCardiff – Bath – LondonLondon – USA

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Stratford-upon-Avon: Visit the town of Shakespeare's birth.
• Coventry: See the two Cathedrals.
• York: See York Minster.
• Hadrian's Wall: See the Roman Wall.
• Jedburgh: See the Abbey ruins.
• Edinburgh: Sightseeing includes the Royal Mile, Princes Street and views of the castle.
• Glencoe: Visit the Vale of Weeping.
• Isle of Skye: Visit Bonnie Prince Charlie's beautiful Island.
• St. Andrews: See the famous golf course.
• Glasgow: See George Square.
• Gretna Green: Stop at the historic site for runaway lovers.
• Chester: See the arcaded 'Rows'.
• North Wales: Through Snowdonia and view Caernarvon Castle.
• Dublin: Sightseeing includes views of Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
• Boyle: View the Cistercian Abbey.
• Donegal: Visit the picturesque town.
• Kylemore: See the Abbey.
• Galway: Views of Galway Bay.
• Cliffs of Moher: Stunning views.
• Adare: See the prettiest village in Ireland.
• Co. Kerry: Scenic 'Ring of Kerry' drive.
• Blarney: Visit Blarney Castle.
• Cork: Orientation tour.
• Waterford: Visit the crystal showroom (when open).
• Cardiff: See the Castle.
• Brecon Beacons: Visit the National Park.
• The Valleys: Visit the heartland of South Wales.
• Bath: Admire the Georgian town.
• Stonehenge: See the stone circle.
• Salisbury: View the Cathedral.

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Dinning Highlights

• 1 continental breakfast and 2 buffet breakfasts in London
• 18 full English, Scottish or Irish breakfasts
• 10 three-course dinners
31 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

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Travel Highlights

• Accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling and hotel tips are included
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats.
• Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director.
• The services of a Trafalgar Representative at your London hotel.
• Specialised local guides in Edinburgh and Dublin.
• Ferry across the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland and return.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
• For London airport shuttle service, conditions apply

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Edinburgh Tattoo: 6 - 28 August 2010
Tickets (subject to availability) may be obtained through your travel agent.

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Airport Transfers

• London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. But when you book your Trafalgar tour and take advantage of our land and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and from London’s airports and your Trafalgar London hotel. For passengers who have their own flight arrangements we offer you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to and from London’s Heathrow – Trafalgar has negotiated special rates for the Dot2Dot transfer from London’s Heathr
• Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
• For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
• For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
• Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
• In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
• All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
• In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
• Heathrow Airport: National Express Dot2Dot will pick up and drop off in time to meet all flights to/from London’s Heathrow Airport. For guests arriving at the Dot2Dot desk after 22.00 hrs please make use of the courtesy phone to arrange your transfer to your Trafalgar hotel.
• Gatwick Airport: Passengers who have booked Trafalgar’s Land and Air packages arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel.
• European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
• Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
• Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
• Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.

Options

Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.