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8-Nights Real Britain from $2,565

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1520238

Real Britain
Medieval castles and the inspiring beauty of the Lake District are highlights on this exciting journey through England, Scotland and Wales. Learn about the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green, and Tudor history in Ludlow before you ascend to lofty Castle Rock for spellbinding views of Edinburgh.


Dining Summary

  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
  • York: Enjoy a traditional British dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of their historical country home overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.
Iconic Experience
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
  • Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian facades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
  • Bath: Explore one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman sites, a bathing and temple complex fed by natural hot springs that still flow today. Walk at your own pace through centuries of history in the heart of Bath. This was once the city’s social center, where Romans gathered to bathe, worship and connect.
  • Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
  • Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Tudor architecture.
  • Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
  • Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
Must-see Highlights
  • Explore London and Edinburgh
  • Discover Bath, Cardiff and York
  • Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • View Buckingham Palace and Westminster Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Cardiff Castle, Liverpool's iconic Liver Building, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster in York, and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

Whats Included
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized


8 nights from $2,565 per person

Itinerary
Click here for Full Itinerary Details
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Itinerary Details

Trafalgar Tours: Real Britain

Day 1 - Welcome to London
Brightly colored Union Flags pave your way to an unforgettable journey through Britain, which kicks off in London. Visit 'The City' and see the imposing dome of Sir Christopher Wren's St. Paul's and the Tower of London, or admire the pageantry of royal palaces, cathedrals and parks, exploring the city on your own terms.
Accommodations: Hilton Kensington


Day 2 - Explore the Sights of London
Join a Local Specialist today for a grand exploration of the vibrant British capital, including such sights as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames, then Buckingham Palace, the official UK residence of British sovereigns since 1837. Spend the rest of the day on your own, exploring the centuries-old heritage and modern sophistication of London.
Accommodations: Hilton Kensington
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff
Embark on a mesmerizing sojourn past rolling hills and farmlands of England. Head west to Stonehenge's megaliths, whose centuries-old mysteries have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes center stage during your visit to this famous spa town. See the Abbey and visit the Roman Baths, before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain over dinner.
Accommodations: Clayton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Through the Scenic Countryside to Liverpool
Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city. Journey to Ludlow to see its half-timbered Tudor houses, medieval walls and historic castle. Continue north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to Liverpool, hometown of the Fab Four, for an opportunity to join an Optional Experience to see the sights of the city with a Local Expert.
Accommodations: Atlantic Tower Hotel Liverpool by Sunday
Meals: Breakfast

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 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. This evening, consider attending a lively Scottish cèilidh with traditional haggis and bagpipes. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerizing medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour. See 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 facades on your own, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to visit Rosslyn Chapel.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York Connect with Locals
Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to York. Walk along The Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening join a family at their stately home in York for a Be My Guest experience and some hearty British home-cooked hospitality.
Accommodations: Novotel Center
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London
Learn about Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage before returning to London.
Accommodations: Hilton Kensington
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Cheerio London
Say farewell to your fellow travelers and Travel Director as you return home with magical memories.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations
Edinburgh
Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Excursions

Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

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Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city, Edinburgh provides a fantastic introduction to this magical country. This morning you will receive a warm welcome by your local guide as you disembark your cruise for your full day sightseeing tour (8 hours) by private vehicle.

You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.

Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.

*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.
 
Highlights:
  • Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
  • Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
  • Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light
 
Inclusions:
  • Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.  
  • Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities
  • Supplement for public holidays
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.

Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

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Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace. 

*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit

Highlights:

  • Take in the stunning views of the city from Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress home to the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
  • At the foot of the Royal Mile see Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Private transport by luxury car or minivan
  • An expert local guide for 4 hours
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

Liverpool
Liverpool – just saying the name automatically brings the world’s most famous group to mind – The Beatles. Liverpool however has more to offer visitors though than just Beatles memorabilia. Located on the Irish Sea on the mouth of the Mersey River, Liverpool is one of England’s most important seaports, second only to London. A bustling port for the exchanging of goods, it is also a passenger port for those traveling to Ireland. Several churches in the city are notable; among them is the Anglican Cathedral, built in 1904 which is one of the largest ecclesiastical structures in the world. There are several museums in the city as well, the Walker Art Gallery and the Merseyside County Museum.

Excursions

Liverpool: Explore Liverpool - 8 hours

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Liverpool: Explore Liverpool - 8 hours

This morning, you are met as you disembark your cruise ship by your driver-guide. Begin your full day private sightseeing tour of Liverpool, once the most important centre of maritime trade in the world.

Liverpool was the European capital of Culture in 2008 as is also the birthplace of Beatles. You may like to walk through the Mathew Street to the Cavern Club, following in the footsteps of the Beatles. See the buildings known as the ‘Three Graces’, and the impressive civic buildings that were constructed as a result of the mercantile wealth. The most important of these is St. George’s Hall, that interestingly claims to be the world’s first air-conditioned building. The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of paintings in the UK outside of London. However the two most magnificent buildings from the 20th-century in Liverpool are the cathedrals. The Anglican Cathedral built in traditional gothic style is the largest church in the UK; the Roman Catholic cathedral is a fine example of contemporary modernist architecture.

Time permitting you may also pass under the River Mersey to Port Sunlight, one of the first planned industrial villages in the world that was opened by the Lever Brothers to house their workers in better conditions. The focal point of the village is the Lady Lever Art Gallery that houses a large collection of Wedgwood Jasperware. You could also visit Speke Hall (closed Monday and Tuesday), a fine example of a Tudor half-timbered manor house that is richly decorated with wooden furniture inside.

Highlights:

  • Follow in the footsteps of the famous band the Beatles who grew up in Liverpool
  • See the impressive civic buildings, the Walker Art Gallery and the largest church in the UK
Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:
  • Private transport by luxury car or minivan
  • An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
  • Entrance fees to all sights and museums
  • All taxes
Exclusions:
  • All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
  • Gratuities

London
London is undoubtedly one of the world's finest cities. In addition to numerous monuments from its more glorious past, London is equally well-known for its pageantry and tradition. London has something for everyone - wide boulevards buzzing with excitement far into the night, quiet squares and explorable alleyways. Visit this famous city's parks, museums, galleries, monuments, abbeys and churches, skyscrapers and ruins, Georgian squares. Take in such events as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower, or the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or even one of the many theatrical productions. Some of the most exclusive shops are found along Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets. An old favorite and one of the world's premier institutions is Harrods - offering everything from Chanel suits and sliced salmon to caviar and even pets.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
09/27/2025 - 10/05/2025
from $2,850 per person *
10/04/2025 - 10/12/2025
from $2,565 per person *
10/11/2025 - 10/19/2025
from $2,850 per person *


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $2,565 per person
Length
8 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1520238

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

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