Britain & Ireland Discovery
Deal number 31098124
TRAFALGAR
Pricing based on 28 April 2027 departure; other dates available at a seasonal surcharge
Europe
22-day tour
Earn points on every booking with Travel Associates*
What's Included
- 22 day Trafalgar tour departing London.
- 21 nights accommodation.
- 32 meals (21 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 10 Dinners).
- The service of a dedicated Travel Advisor managing your booking.
- Earn & Redeem Points on all travel with our new loyalty program, World360 Rewards*
Trip Highlights:.
- Edinburgh Castle and Scotland’s capital – Explore Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and elegant New Town, then visit its landmark castle.
- Orkney’s ancient wonders – Discover the prehistoric village of Skara Brae, the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the wartime Italian Chapel.
- Giant’s Causeway – Explore Northern Ireland’s extraordinary UNESCO-listed coastline, where basalt columns meet the Atlantic.
- The scenic Ring of Kerry – Journey through rugged mountains, lakes and villages, taking in the beautiful landscapes around Killarney.
- Roman Bath and mysterious Stonehenge – Visit Bath’s remarkably preserved Roman Baths, then finish your journey at Britain’s iconic prehistoric stone circle.
Itinerary
England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales: British Isles in Full
Across Britain and Ireland, you’ll journey between ancient cities, wild landscapes and places where centuries of history still sit close to the surface. Feel the warmth rising from Bath’s Roman waters, taste the roasted notes behind Ireland’s most famous stout at the Guinness Storehouse and walk the battlements of Edinburgh Castle high above the Scottish capital. Along the way, discover places steeped in history, from medieval Kilkenny and its castle to Salisbury Plain, where the monoliths of Stonehenge have stood for almost 5,000 years. In York, crooked timber-framed houses crowd the narrow Shambles, while elsewhere castles, old streets and shared stories invite you deeper into Britain and Ireland on a journey filled with history, flavour and moments of wonder.
Day 1 Journey through Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford
You’ll meet your Travel Director in London, then travel through the wooded Chiltern Hills to Oxford, where the city’s spires rise above narrow streets. In your free time, you might explore the Ashmolean, pausing over ancient Egyptian coffins, gleaming gold and painted ceramics, or browse the Covered Market as the scents of coffee, warm bread and fresh flowers mingle beneath its old roof. Continue through the Cotswolds, where pale limestone cottages and dry-stone walls line the route to Stratford- upon-Avon. Inside Shakespeare’s half-timbered birthplace, you’ll see where the bard’s life began. Later, share dinner and drinks with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Meals: Dinner Hotel: Swan's Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon
Day 2 York’s Historic Heart: City Walls and Haunted Tales
Beyond the countryside, you’ll reach York, where ancient walls enclose streets with Roman foundations and a Viking past. York Minster’s Gothic towers stand among detailed carvings and stained-glass marking centuries of craftsmanship. Follow the cobbles into the Shambles, where crooked timber-framed houses lean across the narrow lane, then spend the rest of the day at leisure, tracing York’s twisting ‘snickelways’. After dark, perhaps join a ghost tour and hear the tales behind the city’s famously haunted reputation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Hilton, York
Day 3 The Scenic Route to Scotland: Lakes, Peaks and Gretna Green
Passing through the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines, you’ll watch green valleys open into broad moorland on the way to the Lake District. Here, long stretches of water lie beneath craggy steeps and green fells in the landscape that inspired the Big Six of English Romantic Poetry. Take a pause in Grasmere, visiting Wordsworth’s grave and taking in the mountain-stone cottages scattered across the hillside. You’ll cross the Scottish border into Gretna Green, where the vows exchanged by runaway lovers echo over the blacksmith’s anvil. Continue to Edinburgh, where you might join an Optional Experience at a Scottish cultural dinner, sharing food and drink before the music starts and the ceilidh steps begin. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton Hotel St. Andrew Square
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Scottish Feast and Fling - Enjoy a Scottish night out at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange, where you’re welcomed by the skirl of the pipes before sitting down to a four-course meal with a haggis taster and Burns’ Address to the Haggis. Then toe-tap your way through live folk music, Highland dancing and a fun-filled ceilidh with the Jacobites band.
*Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen - Head to the historic village of Torphichen, where you'll meet Kenny, the owner of the local pub and a true character. Kick off the evening with a toast and the skirl of bagpipes before sitting down to a three-course dinner with drinks, followed by haggis, poetry, singing and stories in good company.
Day 4 Discover Edinburgh Old and New
A Local Specialist leads you on a drive along Princes Street, past the Scott Monument’s intricate Gothic stonework and the graceful crescents and classical façades of the New Town. Across the city, the Old Town takes you to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King, before you enter Edinburgh Castle to see Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, their gold and jewels gleaming beneath the castle lights. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps trace your family tartan at the Tartan Centre, or spend time among the paintings of the National Gallery. On select departures, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo fills the evening with the skirl of pipes, the beat of drums and dancers moving beneath the floodlit walls of Edinburgh Castle. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton Hotel St. Andrew Square
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Royal Edinburgh - We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s official home in Scotland. Our Local Specialist will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.
*Dinner in Edinburgh - Edinburgh has more eateries per head than any other city in the UK and your Travel Director knows which ones shine and which ones to shun! Join your fellow companions for a fun evening out in this vibrant city. Visit a prized local restaurant for a delicious three course dinner with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink included.
*Edinburgh - The Untold Story - Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Specialist, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs.
Day 5 Scotland’s Whisky Country: East Coast from Fife to Aberdeen
Crossing the Firth of Forth, you'll pass through Fife and continue to St Andrews, where the Old Course meets the North Sea and centuries of golfing history begin. During your free time, you might follow the pale curve of West Sands as waves roll onto the shore, recalling the famous running scene from Chariots of Fire. Or pass through the quadrangles of St Andrews University, where Catherine and Prince William first met as students. At a local whisky distillery, breathe in the warm scent of malt, toasted grain and oak during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Continue to Aberdeen, where your 19th-century baronial mansion awaits among 30 acres of green grounds, an atmospheric place to end the day. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen
Day 6 Discover Scotland’s Northeast from Loch Ness to Wick’s Herring Heritage
Through Scotland’s northeast, you'll pass rippling barley fields and coastal villages before boarding your cruise on Loch Ness. Beneath your boat, the inky waters plunge to mysterious depths. At its northern end, whitewashed Bona Lighthouse marks the narrow channel towards Loch Dochfour, once guiding vessels into the Caledonian Canal. You may find yourself searching for signs of Nessie as your Travel Director shares the loch’s geology and legendary tales. Farther north, you'll reach Wick, once known as Europe’s herring capital. On the approach, watch for Ebenezer Place, recognised as the world’s shortest street at just 2.06m (6ft 7in) long. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman, Wick
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
An Evening of Scots-Gaelic Culture - A rare opportunity to enjoy an introduction to the Gaelic culture that is so unique to the Highlands. Stories, song, music and Highland history await you in the warm atmosphere of a centuries-old Highland hostelry.
Day 7 Orkney’s Ancient Stones and Wartime Past
On the ferry across the Pentland Firth, feel the sea air and northern wind as Orkney's low green islands appear on the horizon. With your Travel Director, you'll visit the Italian Chapel, where prisoners of war painted graceful arches and fashioned delicate ironwork inside two simple wartime huts. Continue through the old Norse town of Kirkwall to Skara Brae beside the Bay of Skaill, where stone beds, cupboards and hearths remain within 5,000- year-old homes. At the Ring of Brodgar, you can pause among weathered standing stones, listening to the wind ripple through the grass and wondering at the hands that raised them thousands of years ago. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman, Wick
Day 8 Ullapool to Skye: Highland Shores and Lochs
Between deep lochs and mountain slopes, you’ll make your way to Ullapool, where whitewashed houses cast a watchful eye and fishing boats pull playfully at their moorings. Your route continues beside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, with wooded hills, rocky shores and sea air accompanying you towards the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides. As you cross to the island, hear the story behind ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ and Flora MacDonald’s daring rescue of Bonnie Prince Charlie after Culloden. Headlands and sheltered inlets lead the way to Broadford. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Dunollie, Broadford
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Isle Of Skye Tour - A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a Local Specialist. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the 'Isle of Mist' see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Day 9 Onto Glasgow through Valleys and Lochs
Back on the mainland, you’ll cross the causeway to Eilean Donan Castle, where three sea lochs meet beneath its weathered walls. When the water lies still, the turrets may shimmer in reflection. At the Commando Memorial, highland winds glide across the open ground as the bronze soldiers look towards Ben Nevis, visible when the cloud lifts. In Glencoe, steep ridges close around the road while your Travel Director recounts the 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald. Beside Loch Lomond, Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Queen of Scottish Lakes’, islands rest across the broad water before you continue to Glasgow. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:
*Glasgow Dinner - In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, tonight's dining experience will feature one of the venues at the forefront of Glasgow's foodie scene. Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the city's atmosphere at night.
*Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow - Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco. Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition. Let our specialist guide tell you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh. Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions. Take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Willow Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious 3 course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wine.
Day 10 Cross to Northern Ireland through Giant’s Steps to Derry
From the ferry, you’ll watch the Isle of Arran soften into the sea haze as the deck hums beneath you on the crossing to Northern Ireland. At the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, Atlantic water foams between some 40,000 black basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity more than 60 million years ago. Pick your way across these geometric pillars as waves break against their dark edges. Continue to Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s only remaining completely walled city, where original 17th- century ramparts form an unbroken circuit of stone gateways, bastions and cannon. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Da Vinci's, Londonderry
Day 11 Discover Derry’s Walls, Donegal’s Stronghold and Coastal Sligo
Inside Derry/Londonderry’s cannon-topped walls, you’ll feel the wind against the ramparts as Ronan, one of the nation’s great storytellers, begins his tales. Follow steep Shipquay Street past elegant Georgian houses to the Gothic Guildhall, listening as centuries of history unfold through his words. Across the border in Donegal, visit O’Donnell’s Castle before spending time where the River Eske flows into Donegal Bay. Once the stronghold of a powerful Gaelic dynasty, the town’s riverside streets recall Ireland’s medieval past. Continue to your country retreat beside Sligo Bay, where a coastal breeze sweeps across the grounds and the water stretches towards the horizon. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Clayton, Sligo
Day 12 Winding Western Roads: Connemara, Galway and Limerick
Through Connemara, you’ll follow winding roads between the clustered lakes, sharp mountains, and open bogland that embody its ‘savage beauty’. In Galway, your Travel Director leads you into the city’s past, from the cool hush and lofty arches of St Nicholas Cathedral to the Spanish Arch, where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay and gulls call above the water. In Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy, the city’s passing voices and music add a lively note to your visit. Later, you reach Limerick, where Georgian fronts line the streets and fine threads of lace meet the playful wit of the city’s rhymes. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: The George, Limerick
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Medieval Castle Banquet - Enjoy a banquet and medieval entertainment in the great hall of the castle. The court jester will make an appearance, as will the castle’s musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court – giving you an evening you won’t forget.
Day 13 Journey from Limerick to County Kerry
In Limerick, you’ll trace the city’s past from the battlements of King John’s Castle to the quiet arches of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Continue through Adare, where whitewashed cottages sit beneath thick thatched roofs, before the road carries you into County Kerry, long celebrated in Irish song and legend. During your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet John and Freda, passionate restaurant owners whose farm-to-table approach keeps every ingredient within five miles of their kitchen. Hear how nearby farms supply each dish, then savour a freshly prepared meal as warm aromas rise from the kitchen. At night your Dine- Around Evening offers you authentic and intimate dining as you choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants, ranging in style and ambiance. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Jaunting Car Ride - Experience Killarney by traditional pony and trap as you travel from the town centre to the edge of Killarney National Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Lakes of Killarney and Ross Castle while your Local Specialist shares stories of the area before returning to the heart of town.
Day 14 Kerry’s Wild Beauty: Mountains, Lakes and Villages
Along the Ring of Kerry, you pass soaring cliffs, lake- speckled valleys and remote villages beneath Ireland’s highest mountain range. The three Lakes of Killarney lie between mountain slopes and shores, their still water lending a gentle romance to the rugged landscape. With time to yourself, why not hire a bicycle and follow the trails beside the lakes or through Killarney National Park, breathing in the cool scent of woodland and listening to the birds calling from the trees? Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:
*Celtic Steps - Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond. Beginning with as Irish Classic, ‘Siúil a Rún,’ thought to have originated in the 1800’s, the traditional Irish song tells a bittersweet tale of a woman lamenting her lover after his decision to embark on a military career. The performance then shifts to a series of fast and lively Irish reels with the introduction of the Celtic Steps Dance Troop followed by the waltz and energetic jig.
*Gaelic Roots - The origins of Irish culture spring to life over a tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance at this Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along. You’ll treasure experiencing the 2,000-year-old Gaelic culture over an evening out.
Day 15 Southern Ireland from Blarney’s Legend to Cork’s Streets
Traversing the low, rolling terrain of the Derrynasaggart Mountains, you’ll make your way to Blarney, known for the Stone of Eloquence, where garden paths lead to the ruined battlements of its 15th-century castle. You’ll continue to Cork, Ireland’s second most populous city, built where the River Lee divides around its centre. You might join a city tour before checking into your hotel, crossing bridges between the river channels as reflections flicker beneath the quays and colourful shopfronts brighten the streets. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Maldron South Mall, Cork
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Queenstown Story - Experience this intriguing port town, home to the world's second-largest natural harbour. We’ll visit stunning St Colman’s Cathedral and the Queenstown Story to hear about the town's past and discover how it became the single most important Irish port of emigration.
*A Tour of Cork's Inner City - Ireland’s second city – “Rebel Cork” – is one of Ireland’s hidden gems, with origins dating back to the 7th century. This walking tour traces the city’s evolution from the early religious settlement of St. Finbarr, through Viking raids and settlement, to the rise of the Norman city and its wealthy Merchant Princes. View the historic Shandon Steeple, steeped in folklore, and stroll through the narrow laneways toward the city centre. Cross the North Channel of the River Lee and, in the heart of the city, surrounded by its braided waterways, hear tales of Cork’s rich history and its place in the wider world. And of course, enjoy the unmistakable lilt of the lovely Cork accent!
Day 16 Castles to Capital: Kilkenny and Dublin
You’ll travel to medieval Kilkenny, where the stone walls of 12th-century Kilkenny Castle rise above the River Nore. Walk through its restored Victorian rooms, where polished wood, portraits and period furnishings trace centuries of Irish history. Then continue to Dublin for a very different taste of Ireland at the Guinness Storehouse. Follow the brewing process behind the country’s famous stout and hear how the Guinness name became part of Dublin life, before looking out across the capital from the Gravity Bar. This evening is yours, whether you fancy exploring independently or joining a traditional Irish cabaret. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Trinity City, Dublin
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret - Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Day 17 Discover the Georgian Squares and Guinness Story of Dublin
Dublin is yours to get to know more closely today. With your Local Specialist, explore its Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the neoclassical Custom House, hearing the stories behind the streets and buildings of the Irish capital. The afternoon is free to spend as you please, perhaps browsing Grafton Street or stopping for coffee along the way. Or choose an Optional Experience to Glendalough, where the remains of a monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century sit among the Wicklow Mountains. This evening, you may also choose an Optional Experience for dinner in Dublin. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Trinity City, Dublin
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough - Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
*Dinner in Dublin City - Famous for its heritage buildings and authentic local culture, Dublin is a charm-filled city for travellers to explore – and what better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Irish capital than with an evening in one of the most locally loved restaurant-pubs? You'll enjoy dinner and experience the charming hospitality for which this part of the world is known.
Day 18 Cross the Irish Sea to Liverpool via Conwy Castle
Across the Irish Sea, you’ll reach Wales and Conwy Castle, where eight imposing towers and high curtain walls have watched over the medieval town and estuary for more than 700 years. You’ll then head back into England for Liverpool, a city of grand waterfront buildings, red-brick warehouses and a musical legacy known around the world. Once there, you’ll follow streets shaped by music and maritime history, with the River Mersey beside you and the city’s grand waterfront recalling its seafaring past. Perhaps join an Optional Experience tracing the story of The Beatles, from the places that coloured their early lives to the melodies that carried around the world. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Maldron, Liverpool
Day 19 Explore the Welsh Capital’s Cultural Heart
As you head back through the Welsh countryside and arrive in Cardiff, the Welsh capital unfolds in broad avenues and grand civic architecture. You’ll pass the University of Wales and the imposing scale of the Principality Stadium before continuing to City Hall and the National Museum, where elegant buildings with carved details speak to the city’s cultural pride. Between these and open public spaces, you can take in a capital that wears its history with a certain quiet grandeur. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton, Cardiff
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Cardiff Castle Tour - On a private tour, you'll explore this unique castle and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 900-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
*Welsh Evening - Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is a stunningly- renovated deconsecrated church. After a warm reception, you'll enjoy a first-class meal of seasonal Welsh specialities, sourced and produced locally. Quality wine or soft drinks are included and the meal will be accompanied by our enchanting Welsh harpist. You'll then be entertained by the finest local singers presenting the beautiful music of Wales.
Day 20 England’s West Country: Roman Baths, Gothic Cathedrals and Georgian Terraces
The city of Bath awaits across the Severn Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage city of graceful Georgian terraces sweeping across the surrounding hills. Follow its elegant streets towards Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey, where carved angels climb Jacob’s Ladder across the Gothic facade. You'll then visit the remarkably preserved Roman Baths to hear mineral-rich water spilling into pools first used nearly two thousand years ago. In Somerset, you’ll step inside Wells Cathedral, where coloured light filters through stained glass onto Gothic arches and intricate medieval carvings. After a day spent among warm Bath stone, ancient water and centuries of craftsmanship, you'll continue to Plymouth. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Plymouth
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dine the South-West - There can be nothing better than a delightful meal in a quintessential English country pub. Enjoy a three-course dinner of superb local food with wine. Cheers!
Day 21 Devon by Moorland or Harbour
For your choice experience, you can head into Dartmoor National Park, where open moorland stretches towards granite tors and the wind carries the scent of heather across the landscape. Or take to Plymouth harbour, feeling the gentle rise and fall of the water as you cruise the same waters from which the Mayflower set sail for America 400 years ago. Back in Plymouth, raise a glass of wine over dinner with your fellow travellers, lingering over good food, shared stories and the memories of everything you’ve experienced together. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Plymouth
Day 22 From Monoliths back to Modernity: Stonehenge to London
Across Salisbury Plain, you’ll approach Stonehenge, its immense, enduring stones standing against the open sky as they have for almost 5,000 years. Walk through this prehistoric landscape and take in the rough grain of the monoliths, the surrounding expanse of grass and the enduring mystery of a monument that still stirs the imagination. From here, return to London as your journey comes to an end, carrying with you the landscapes, stories and moments that make Britain and Ireland unforgettable. Meals: Breakfast
Across Britain and Ireland, you’ll journey between ancient cities, wild landscapes and places where centuries of history still sit close to the surface. Feel the warmth rising from Bath’s Roman waters, taste the roasted notes behind Ireland’s most famous stout at the Guinness Storehouse and walk the battlements of Edinburgh Castle high above the Scottish capital. Along the way, discover places steeped in history, from medieval Kilkenny and its castle to Salisbury Plain, where the monoliths of Stonehenge have stood for almost 5,000 years. In York, crooked timber-framed houses crowd the narrow Shambles, while elsewhere castles, old streets and shared stories invite you deeper into Britain and Ireland on a journey filled with history, flavour and moments of wonder.
Day 1 Journey through Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford
You’ll meet your Travel Director in London, then travel through the wooded Chiltern Hills to Oxford, where the city’s spires rise above narrow streets. In your free time, you might explore the Ashmolean, pausing over ancient Egyptian coffins, gleaming gold and painted ceramics, or browse the Covered Market as the scents of coffee, warm bread and fresh flowers mingle beneath its old roof. Continue through the Cotswolds, where pale limestone cottages and dry-stone walls line the route to Stratford- upon-Avon. Inside Shakespeare’s half-timbered birthplace, you’ll see where the bard’s life began. Later, share dinner and drinks with your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Meals: Dinner Hotel: Swan's Nest, Stratford-upon-Avon
Day 2 York’s Historic Heart: City Walls and Haunted Tales
Beyond the countryside, you’ll reach York, where ancient walls enclose streets with Roman foundations and a Viking past. York Minster’s Gothic towers stand among detailed carvings and stained-glass marking centuries of craftsmanship. Follow the cobbles into the Shambles, where crooked timber-framed houses lean across the narrow lane, then spend the rest of the day at leisure, tracing York’s twisting ‘snickelways’. After dark, perhaps join a ghost tour and hear the tales behind the city’s famously haunted reputation. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Hilton, York
Day 3 The Scenic Route to Scotland: Lakes, Peaks and Gretna Green
Passing through the Yorkshire Dales and wild Pennines, you’ll watch green valleys open into broad moorland on the way to the Lake District. Here, long stretches of water lie beneath craggy steeps and green fells in the landscape that inspired the Big Six of English Romantic Poetry. Take a pause in Grasmere, visiting Wordsworth’s grave and taking in the mountain-stone cottages scattered across the hillside. You’ll cross the Scottish border into Gretna Green, where the vows exchanged by runaway lovers echo over the blacksmith’s anvil. Continue to Edinburgh, where you might join an Optional Experience at a Scottish cultural dinner, sharing food and drink before the music starts and the ceilidh steps begin. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton Hotel St. Andrew Square
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Scottish Feast and Fling - Enjoy a Scottish night out at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange, where you’re welcomed by the skirl of the pipes before sitting down to a four-course meal with a haggis taster and Burns’ Address to the Haggis. Then toe-tap your way through live folk music, Highland dancing and a fun-filled ceilidh with the Jacobites band.
*Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen - Head to the historic village of Torphichen, where you'll meet Kenny, the owner of the local pub and a true character. Kick off the evening with a toast and the skirl of bagpipes before sitting down to a three-course dinner with drinks, followed by haggis, poetry, singing and stories in good company.
Day 4 Discover Edinburgh Old and New
A Local Specialist leads you on a drive along Princes Street, past the Scott Monument’s intricate Gothic stonework and the graceful crescents and classical façades of the New Town. Across the city, the Old Town takes you to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King, before you enter Edinburgh Castle to see Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, their gold and jewels gleaming beneath the castle lights. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps trace your family tartan at the Tartan Centre, or spend time among the paintings of the National Gallery. On select departures, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo fills the evening with the skirl of pipes, the beat of drums and dancers moving beneath the floodlit walls of Edinburgh Castle. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton Hotel St. Andrew Square
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Royal Edinburgh - We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s official home in Scotland. Our Local Specialist will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.
*Dinner in Edinburgh - Edinburgh has more eateries per head than any other city in the UK and your Travel Director knows which ones shine and which ones to shun! Join your fellow companions for a fun evening out in this vibrant city. Visit a prized local restaurant for a delicious three course dinner with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink included.
*Edinburgh - The Untold Story - Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Specialist, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs.
Day 5 Scotland’s Whisky Country: East Coast from Fife to Aberdeen
Crossing the Firth of Forth, you'll pass through Fife and continue to St Andrews, where the Old Course meets the North Sea and centuries of golfing history begin. During your free time, you might follow the pale curve of West Sands as waves roll onto the shore, recalling the famous running scene from Chariots of Fire. Or pass through the quadrangles of St Andrews University, where Catherine and Prince William first met as students. At a local whisky distillery, breathe in the warm scent of malt, toasted grain and oak during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Continue to Aberdeen, where your 19th-century baronial mansion awaits among 30 acres of green grounds, an atmospheric place to end the day. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen
Day 6 Discover Scotland’s Northeast from Loch Ness to Wick’s Herring Heritage
Through Scotland’s northeast, you'll pass rippling barley fields and coastal villages before boarding your cruise on Loch Ness. Beneath your boat, the inky waters plunge to mysterious depths. At its northern end, whitewashed Bona Lighthouse marks the narrow channel towards Loch Dochfour, once guiding vessels into the Caledonian Canal. You may find yourself searching for signs of Nessie as your Travel Director shares the loch’s geology and legendary tales. Farther north, you'll reach Wick, once known as Europe’s herring capital. On the approach, watch for Ebenezer Place, recognised as the world’s shortest street at just 2.06m (6ft 7in) long. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman, Wick
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
An Evening of Scots-Gaelic Culture - A rare opportunity to enjoy an introduction to the Gaelic culture that is so unique to the Highlands. Stories, song, music and Highland history await you in the warm atmosphere of a centuries-old Highland hostelry.
Day 7 Orkney’s Ancient Stones and Wartime Past
On the ferry across the Pentland Firth, feel the sea air and northern wind as Orkney's low green islands appear on the horizon. With your Travel Director, you'll visit the Italian Chapel, where prisoners of war painted graceful arches and fashioned delicate ironwork inside two simple wartime huts. Continue through the old Norse town of Kirkwall to Skara Brae beside the Bay of Skaill, where stone beds, cupboards and hearths remain within 5,000- year-old homes. At the Ring of Brodgar, you can pause among weathered standing stones, listening to the wind ripple through the grass and wondering at the hands that raised them thousands of years ago. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Norseman, Wick
Day 8 Ullapool to Skye: Highland Shores and Lochs
Between deep lochs and mountain slopes, you’ll make your way to Ullapool, where whitewashed houses cast a watchful eye and fishing boats pull playfully at their moorings. Your route continues beside Loch Carron and through Glen Carron, with wooded hills, rocky shores and sea air accompanying you towards the Isle of Skye, the largest of the Inner Hebrides. As you cross to the island, hear the story behind ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ and Flora MacDonald’s daring rescue of Bonnie Prince Charlie after Culloden. Headlands and sheltered inlets lead the way to Broadford. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: The Dunollie, Broadford
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Isle Of Skye Tour - A wonderful opportunity to experience the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula with a Local Specialist. Hear about the way of life on this remote inner Hebridean island, steeped in myth and legend. While touring the 'Isle of Mist' see the Old Man of Storr, the red and black Cuillin Mountains and picturesque Portree, the largest town on the Island. This is an opportunity not to be missed.
Day 9 Onto Glasgow through Valleys and Lochs
Back on the mainland, you’ll cross the causeway to Eilean Donan Castle, where three sea lochs meet beneath its weathered walls. When the water lies still, the turrets may shimmer in reflection. At the Commando Memorial, highland winds glide across the open ground as the bronze soldiers look towards Ben Nevis, visible when the cloud lifts. In Glencoe, steep ridges close around the road while your Travel Director recounts the 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald. Beside Loch Lomond, Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Queen of Scottish Lakes’, islands rest across the broad water before you continue to Glasgow. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:
*Glasgow Dinner - In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, tonight's dining experience will feature one of the venues at the forefront of Glasgow's foodie scene. Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the city's atmosphere at night.
*Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow - Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco. Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition. Let our specialist guide tell you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh. Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions. Take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Willow Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious 3 course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wine.
Day 10 Cross to Northern Ireland through Giant’s Steps to Derry
From the ferry, you’ll watch the Isle of Arran soften into the sea haze as the deck hums beneath you on the crossing to Northern Ireland. At the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, Atlantic water foams between some 40,000 black basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity more than 60 million years ago. Pick your way across these geometric pillars as waves break against their dark edges. Continue to Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s only remaining completely walled city, where original 17th- century ramparts form an unbroken circuit of stone gateways, bastions and cannon. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Da Vinci's, Londonderry
Day 11 Discover Derry’s Walls, Donegal’s Stronghold and Coastal Sligo
Inside Derry/Londonderry’s cannon-topped walls, you’ll feel the wind against the ramparts as Ronan, one of the nation’s great storytellers, begins his tales. Follow steep Shipquay Street past elegant Georgian houses to the Gothic Guildhall, listening as centuries of history unfold through his words. Across the border in Donegal, visit O’Donnell’s Castle before spending time where the River Eske flows into Donegal Bay. Once the stronghold of a powerful Gaelic dynasty, the town’s riverside streets recall Ireland’s medieval past. Continue to your country retreat beside Sligo Bay, where a coastal breeze sweeps across the grounds and the water stretches towards the horizon. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Clayton, Sligo
Day 12 Winding Western Roads: Connemara, Galway and Limerick
Through Connemara, you’ll follow winding roads between the clustered lakes, sharp mountains, and open bogland that embody its ‘savage beauty’. In Galway, your Travel Director leads you into the city’s past, from the cool hush and lofty arches of St Nicholas Cathedral to the Spanish Arch, where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay and gulls call above the water. In Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President John F. Kennedy, the city’s passing voices and music add a lively note to your visit. Later, you reach Limerick, where Georgian fronts line the streets and fine threads of lace meet the playful wit of the city’s rhymes. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: The George, Limerick
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Medieval Castle Banquet - Enjoy a banquet and medieval entertainment in the great hall of the castle. The court jester will make an appearance, as will the castle’s musicians and the ladies and gentlemen of the medieval court – giving you an evening you won’t forget.
Day 13 Journey from Limerick to County Kerry
In Limerick, you’ll trace the city’s past from the battlements of King John’s Castle to the quiet arches of St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. Continue through Adare, where whitewashed cottages sit beneath thick thatched roofs, before the road carries you into County Kerry, long celebrated in Irish song and legend. During your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet John and Freda, passionate restaurant owners whose farm-to-table approach keeps every ingredient within five miles of their kitchen. Hear how nearby farms supply each dish, then savour a freshly prepared meal as warm aromas rise from the kitchen. At night your Dine- Around Evening offers you authentic and intimate dining as you choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants, ranging in style and ambiance. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Hotel: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Jaunting Car Ride - Experience Killarney by traditional pony and trap as you travel from the town centre to the edge of Killarney National Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Lakes of Killarney and Ross Castle while your Local Specialist shares stories of the area before returning to the heart of town.
Day 14 Kerry’s Wild Beauty: Mountains, Lakes and Villages
Along the Ring of Kerry, you pass soaring cliffs, lake- speckled valleys and remote villages beneath Ireland’s highest mountain range. The three Lakes of Killarney lie between mountain slopes and shores, their still water lending a gentle romance to the rugged landscape. With time to yourself, why not hire a bicycle and follow the trails beside the lakes or through Killarney National Park, breathing in the cool scent of woodland and listening to the birds calling from the trees? Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Killarney
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences depending on availability:
*Celtic Steps - Enjoy a spectacular evening of Irish music, song and dance performed by champion dancers and musicians and showcasing the music of Kerry and beyond. Beginning with as Irish Classic, ‘Siúil a Rún,’ thought to have originated in the 1800’s, the traditional Irish song tells a bittersweet tale of a woman lamenting her lover after his decision to embark on a military career. The performance then shifts to a series of fast and lively Irish reels with the introduction of the Celtic Steps Dance Troop followed by the waltz and energetic jig.
*Gaelic Roots - The origins of Irish culture spring to life over a tour de force of traditional Irish song, music and dance at this Gaelic Roots show. Using traditional instruments, Irish dance and time-honoured folk songs, this energetic show will have you tapping your feet and singing along. You’ll treasure experiencing the 2,000-year-old Gaelic culture over an evening out.
Day 15 Southern Ireland from Blarney’s Legend to Cork’s Streets
Traversing the low, rolling terrain of the Derrynasaggart Mountains, you’ll make your way to Blarney, known for the Stone of Eloquence, where garden paths lead to the ruined battlements of its 15th-century castle. You’ll continue to Cork, Ireland’s second most populous city, built where the River Lee divides around its centre. You might join a city tour before checking into your hotel, crossing bridges between the river channels as reflections flicker beneath the quays and colourful shopfronts brighten the streets. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Maldron South Mall, Cork
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Queenstown Story - Experience this intriguing port town, home to the world's second-largest natural harbour. We’ll visit stunning St Colman’s Cathedral and the Queenstown Story to hear about the town's past and discover how it became the single most important Irish port of emigration.
*A Tour of Cork's Inner City - Ireland’s second city – “Rebel Cork” – is one of Ireland’s hidden gems, with origins dating back to the 7th century. This walking tour traces the city’s evolution from the early religious settlement of St. Finbarr, through Viking raids and settlement, to the rise of the Norman city and its wealthy Merchant Princes. View the historic Shandon Steeple, steeped in folklore, and stroll through the narrow laneways toward the city centre. Cross the North Channel of the River Lee and, in the heart of the city, surrounded by its braided waterways, hear tales of Cork’s rich history and its place in the wider world. And of course, enjoy the unmistakable lilt of the lovely Cork accent!
Day 16 Castles to Capital: Kilkenny and Dublin
You’ll travel to medieval Kilkenny, where the stone walls of 12th-century Kilkenny Castle rise above the River Nore. Walk through its restored Victorian rooms, where polished wood, portraits and period furnishings trace centuries of Irish history. Then continue to Dublin for a very different taste of Ireland at the Guinness Storehouse. Follow the brewing process behind the country’s famous stout and hear how the Guinness name became part of Dublin life, before looking out across the capital from the Gravity Bar. This evening is yours, whether you fancy exploring independently or joining a traditional Irish cabaret. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Trinity City, Dublin
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dublin Dinner and Cabaret - Enjoy an evening of fine food and fun as Ireland’s history unfolds with comedy, song and dance. You’ll be tapping your toes and joining in the show, all in the spirit of Irish humour. And you’ll even be served an Irish coffee to round off your dinner.
Day 17 Discover the Georgian Squares and Guinness Story of Dublin
Dublin is yours to get to know more closely today. With your Local Specialist, explore its Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the neoclassical Custom House, hearing the stories behind the streets and buildings of the Irish capital. The afternoon is free to spend as you please, perhaps browsing Grafton Street or stopping for coffee along the way. Or choose an Optional Experience to Glendalough, where the remains of a monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century sit among the Wicklow Mountains. This evening, you may also choose an Optional Experience for dinner in Dublin. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Trinity City, Dublin
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough - Enjoy a visit to one of the most important monastic sites in Europe, which dates back to the 6th century. Your Local Specialist will tell tales and show you around this sacred area, famous for its tranquil beauty amidst the rolling countryside of County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland.
*Dinner in Dublin City - Famous for its heritage buildings and authentic local culture, Dublin is a charm-filled city for travellers to explore – and what better way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Irish capital than with an evening in one of the most locally loved restaurant-pubs? You'll enjoy dinner and experience the charming hospitality for which this part of the world is known.
Day 18 Cross the Irish Sea to Liverpool via Conwy Castle
Across the Irish Sea, you’ll reach Wales and Conwy Castle, where eight imposing towers and high curtain walls have watched over the medieval town and estuary for more than 700 years. You’ll then head back into England for Liverpool, a city of grand waterfront buildings, red-brick warehouses and a musical legacy known around the world. Once there, you’ll follow streets shaped by music and maritime history, with the River Mersey beside you and the city’s grand waterfront recalling its seafaring past. Perhaps join an Optional Experience tracing the story of The Beatles, from the places that coloured their early lives to the melodies that carried around the world. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Maldron, Liverpool
Day 19 Explore the Welsh Capital’s Cultural Heart
As you head back through the Welsh countryside and arrive in Cardiff, the Welsh capital unfolds in broad avenues and grand civic architecture. You’ll pass the University of Wales and the imposing scale of the Principality Stadium before continuing to City Hall and the National Museum, where elegant buildings with carved details speak to the city’s cultural pride. Between these and open public spaces, you can take in a capital that wears its history with a certain quiet grandeur. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Clayton, Cardiff
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
*Cardiff Castle Tour - On a private tour, you'll explore this unique castle and hear tales about the eclectic refurbishments. Done in the 1800s by architect William Burgess, his influences included Islamic art, Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. You’ll also walk on the battlements and climb the 900-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
*Welsh Evening - Enjoy an evening of Welsh music, culture and humour. The venue for the evening is a stunningly- renovated deconsecrated church. After a warm reception, you'll enjoy a first-class meal of seasonal Welsh specialities, sourced and produced locally. Quality wine or soft drinks are included and the meal will be accompanied by our enchanting Welsh harpist. You'll then be entertained by the finest local singers presenting the beautiful music of Wales.
Day 20 England’s West Country: Roman Baths, Gothic Cathedrals and Georgian Terraces
The city of Bath awaits across the Severn Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage city of graceful Georgian terraces sweeping across the surrounding hills. Follow its elegant streets towards Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey, where carved angels climb Jacob’s Ladder across the Gothic facade. You'll then visit the remarkably preserved Roman Baths to hear mineral-rich water spilling into pools first used nearly two thousand years ago. In Somerset, you’ll step inside Wells Cathedral, where coloured light filters through stained glass onto Gothic arches and intricate medieval carvings. After a day spent among warm Bath stone, ancient water and centuries of craftsmanship, you'll continue to Plymouth. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Plymouth
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dine the South-West - There can be nothing better than a delightful meal in a quintessential English country pub. Enjoy a three-course dinner of superb local food with wine. Cheers!
Day 21 Devon by Moorland or Harbour
For your choice experience, you can head into Dartmoor National Park, where open moorland stretches towards granite tors and the wind carries the scent of heather across the landscape. Or take to Plymouth harbour, feeling the gentle rise and fall of the water as you cruise the same waters from which the Mayflower set sail for America 400 years ago. Back in Plymouth, raise a glass of wine over dinner with your fellow travellers, lingering over good food, shared stories and the memories of everything you’ve experienced together. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Hotel: Crowne Plaza, Plymouth
Day 22 From Monoliths back to Modernity: Stonehenge to London
Across Salisbury Plain, you’ll approach Stonehenge, its immense, enduring stones standing against the open sky as they have for almost 5,000 years. Walk through this prehistoric landscape and take in the rough grain of the monoliths, the surrounding expanse of grass and the enduring mystery of a monument that still stirs the imagination. From here, return to London as your journey comes to an end, carrying with you the landscapes, stories and moments that make Britain and Ireland unforgettable. Meals: Breakfast
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