Britain & Ireland Panorama - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 20
• Tour Style: Regional Europe
• Destinations: Stratford-upon-Avon, Coventry, York, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Culloden, Isle of Skye, Glencoe, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Grasmere, Chester, Wales, Dublin, Galway, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Bodmin Moor, Plymouth, Stonehenge

Itinerary

• Day 1- Depart USA Overnight flight to London.



• Day 2- Arrive London (2 nights) After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.
  
  Hotel: Riverbank Park Plaza (2 nights)



• Day 3 - London sightseeing & at leisure We enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour with a local guide highlighting Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament as well as Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey. The remainder of the day is free to perhaps visit the Tower of London or to shop in elegant Knightsbridge! (Buffet Breakfast)
  



• Day 4 - London – Stratford – Coventry – York This morning we drive through the scenic Cotswolds to Stratford – upon – Avon where we visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and see Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage. Then to Coventry, home of Lady Godiva, where we will see both the old and new Cathedrals. Later we continue to York where our Tour Director will take us on a walking tour along the narrow cobbled streets, lined with timbered houses to the famous Minster. Tonight we will enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow passengers.
  
  Hotel: Quality / Holiday Inn



• Day 5 - York - Edinburgh (2 nights) This morning our drive through the Northumberland National Park takes us for a stop at a section of Hadrian’s Wall. Then through into Scotland to the borders and Carter Bar with its magnificent views and to the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Soon we reach Edinburgh for a two-night stay. (Full Breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Novotel (2 nights)



• Day 6 - Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure After breakfast our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes the elegant New Town, Princes Street, the Royal Mile views of Holyrood House and Arthur’s seat and a guided visit of the apartments inside Edinburgh Castle. Perhaps later visit the Rosslyn chapel just outside the Scottish capital – and its associations with the Kinghts Templar, the Freemasons and of course the ‘Da Vinci Code’. Tonight, there's a chance to enjoy a traditional Scottish night out with haggis, dancing and bagpipes! (Full Breakfast)



• Day 7 - Edinburgh – St Andrews – Scottish Highlands (Laggan) This morning we drive across the magnificent Forth Bridge to the seaside town of St Andrew’s and its celebrated golf course and ancient University. We stop at the 18th hole before crossing the Tay at Dundee and continuing via Perth to charming Pitlochry. Then through the heather-clad heart of the Scottish highlands, and past Blair Castle, ancestral home of the Dukes of Athol to our friendly hotel in Laggan for dinner this evening. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Laggan Country Hotel



• Day 8 - Scottish Highlands (Laggan) – Loch Ness – Isle of Skye First to Culloden, famous battle site, where all hopes for Bonnie Prince Charlie to acceed to the throne were dashed, and on to Scotland’s most famous Loch – Loch Ness. We drive along its magnificent shores taking in breathtaking scenery and looking out for the monster, as we stop at the romantic ruins
  of Urquhart Castle! Then to the Kyle of Lochalsh, where we cross the sea to Skye – just as Flora Mcdonald did when she helped Bonnie Prince Charlie to escape to this scenic but remote corner of Scotland. We drive toward the Cuillin mountains to Portree – capital of the Isle – to experience the unique beauty of the Isle before dinner and overnight at our hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Kings Arms



• Day 9 - Isle of Skye – Glasgow First we drive to Fort William to the 'Vale of Weeping' at Glencoe, site of the famous massacre by the Campbell clan over the Mcdonalds. Then through Scotland’s finest scenery to the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and down to Glasgow, where on arrival we will enjoy an orientation tour with our Tour Director including George Square, the Cathedral and the River Clyde. But, as well, we will discover a Hidden Treasure that this city has to offer! This evening, we enjoy Scottish hospitality at dinner in a local restaurant, before going to our hotel. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Jurys Inn



• Day 10 - Glasgow – Lake District – Chester area South to the border with England to stop at Gretna Green where eloping couples would marry against their parents’ wishes – quite legally! Then through England’s most beautiful National Park – the English Lake District – along Lake Windermere to Grasmere, the great poet Wordsworth's home. We continue south to Chester, where a walking tour with our Tour Director will include the galleried 'Rows'. On to our hotel for dinner and overnight. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Daresbury Park



• Day 11 - Chester area – Dublin (2 nights) This morning we stop at the Welsh railway station, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch, with the longest name in the world, before continuing along the North Wales coast to Holyhead on Anglesey island. Here we board our ferry for the cruise across the Irish Sea with lovely views across Dublin Bay as we sail into the harbour. We stay in the 'fair city' of Dublin for two nights. (Full Breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Camden Court (2 nights)



• Day 12 - Dublin sightseeing & at leisure With a local guide our sightseeing comprises a visit to Trinity College, where we will see the beautiful ‘Book of Kells’ and we see St. Patrick's Cathedral, Phoenix Park and many other notable landmarks. The rest of your day is at leisure to perhaps visit an Irish Stately home or visit a charmingly located monastic site. Tonight, why not join your travelling companions for an evening of Irish entertainment at a Cabaret? (Full Breakfast)



• Day 13 - Dublin – Galway – Limerick This morning we journey from one side of the Irish coast to the other crossing the mighty Shannon river as we drive past Ballinasloe and Athlone as we make our way to Galway Bay. A drive through the Emerald Isle’s wonderful scenery takes us to Limerick where we will have the opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Tonight why not try out an Irish Ceildh? (Full Breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Radisson SAS



• Day 14 - Limerick – Ring of Kerry – Killarney Today we experience Ireland's most scenic coastal drive, around the 'Ring of Kerry', County Kerry's largest peninsula. Its varied landscape is truly a photographer's delight. On our journey we will also see Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Molls' Gap. Finally we arrive in Killarney, with its beautiful Lakes for the night. (Full Breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Eviston House / Kenmare Bay



• Day 15 - Killarney – Waterford This morning we will drive to Blarney Castle where we will enjoy an included visit and have the chance
  to kiss the famous stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Then over the Cork and Kerry Mountains to Waterford where we visit the Crystal Showroom. Tonight we have dinner in our hotel in Waterford. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Waterford Marina



• Day 16 - Waterford – Cardiff We drive to Rosslare to board our ferry and cruise across the Irish Sea. On arrival in Pembroke, where Henry VII of the Tudors was born, we will start our journey across Wales to Cardiff – the Welsh capital, where we will view the famous Castle before dinner in our hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Park Inn City Centre



• Day 17 - Cardiff – Bath – Plymouth (2 nights) We cross the Severn Bridge into England and drive to historic Bath where an orientation includes a visit to the Roman Baths and a drive through the elegant Georgian streets. Next our journey takes us into Somerset’s rolling hills and to King Arthur's Glastonbury to visit the Abbey ruins to see his legendary tomb. Finally we drive into Devon to the naval city of Plymouth, where an orientation tour shows us the Mayflower Steps from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
  
  Hotel: Jurys Inn



• Day 18 - St. Michael's Mount and St. Ives Excursion Today we drive west to the area of Penzance for views of St Michaels Mount which is joined to the mainland by a causeway which disappears below the high tide! Then to St Ives, the bustling artists colony, before driving through north Cornwall and the bleak Bodmin Moor with a stop at ‘Jamaica Inn’, immortalized in the novel by Daphne du Maurier. Tonight we enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and new found friends. (Ful Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)



• Day 19 - Plymouth – Salisbury – London This morning we visit the mysterious Stone Circle at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, then visit Salisbury Cathedral which has the tallest spire in England, before returning finally to London via Windsor and Runnymede. (Full Breakfast)
  
  Hotel: Riverbank Park Plaza



• Day 20 - London - USA This morning there's time to bid farewell as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight to America. (Buffet Breakfast)


Depart USAArrive London London sightseeing & at leisureLondon – Stratford – Coventry – YorkYork - Edinburgh Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisureEdinburgh – St Andrews – Scottish Highlands (Laggan)Scottish Highlands (Laggan) – Loch Ness – Isle of SkyeIsle of Skye – GlasgowGlasgow – Lake District – Chester areaChester area – Dublin Dublin sightseeing & at leisureDublin – Galway – LimerickLimerick – Ring of Kerry – KillarneyKillarney – WaterfordWaterford – CardiffCardiff – Bath – Plymouth St. Michael's Mount and St. Ives ExcursionPlymouth – Salisbury – LondonLondon - USA

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Stratford-upon-Avon: Visit William Shakespeare's birthplace.
• Coventry: See the Cathedrals.
• York: Walking tour including the Minster and the 'Shambles'.
• Hadrian's Wall: See the ancient Roman fortifications.
• Edinburgh: Sightseeing includes a guided visit of the Castle.
• St. Andrews: See the famous golf course.
• Culloden: See the battle site.
• Isle of Skye: See the island of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
• Glencoe: See the Vale of Weeping.
• Gretna Green: Visit the town of romantic elopers.
• Glasgow: Orientation tour.
• Grasmere: Visit William Wordsworth's village.
• Chester: Walking tour seeing the 'Rows'.
• Wales: Visit the station with the longest name in the world.
• Dublin: Sightseeing views St. Patrick's Cathedral and visits Trinity College including the Book of Kells.
• Galway: Orientation tour.
• Ring of Kerry: Scenic drive.
• Blarney: Visit the Castle.
• Waterford: Visit the crystal showroom (when open).
• Cardiff: View the Castle.
• Bath: Orientation including a visit to the Roman Baths.
• Glastonbury: Visit the Abbey of legendary King Arthur.
• Bodmin Moor: See 'Jamaica Inn'.
• Cornish Highlights: Excursion viewing St. Michael's Mount and St. Ives.
• Plymouth: Sightseeing including the Mayflower Steps.
• Stonehenge: Visit the stone circle.
• Salisbury: View the Cathedral.
• Scenic drives: Salisbury Plain, South and North Wales coast, Ring of Kerry, English Lake District, Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Scottish Borderlands, Northumberland National Park, Cotswold Hills.

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Dining Highlights

• 1 Welcome drink with your Tour Director in York
• 1 Continental breakfasts in London 2 Buffet Breakfasts in London
• 6 three-course dinners in hotels
• 1 local pub restaurant dinner in Glasgow
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Plymouth
26 meals in total (see day-by day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights

• Escorted by one of Trafalgar’s top professional Tour Directors whilst touring.
• A qualified local city guide in Dublin and Edinburgh.
• Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival.
• The services of a Trafalgar Representative at your London hotel.
• Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar’s luxury air-conditioned coaches with onboard washroom.
• Ferry across the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland and return.
• Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

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Airport Transfers

• London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
• Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
• You are staying at a London hotel, booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
• Flights are either booked by Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
• Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
• Heathrow Express operates between 05.10-23.30. Gatwick Express operates inbound services between 05.20-23.45 and outbound services from 04.30-23.45. Transfers outside of these times are at the passengers own expense.
• In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
• No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service.
• 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.
• Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

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Edinburgh Tattoo: 1-23 August 2007
Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Festival. Applicable to departures July 29th through to August 19th.

Options

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