Grenadier Guards marching Band at Buckingham Palace for Changing the Guard Ceremony. Photo: Trafalgar
Immerse yourself in a journey through the rich history, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland with Trafalgar.
Renowned for their globally acclaimed landmarks and diverse, scenic landscapes, Britain and Ireland stand out as destinations of historical and natural splendor and Trafalgar’s carefully curated 12 Day Britain Itinerary through Britain, Scotland, Ireland and Wales is your key to unlocking the treasures of diverse landscapes, historical wonders, and vibrant cultures that define these nations. Explore ancient castles, wander through charming villages, and immerse yourself in the rich history of iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and the Roman Baths. Whether you seek the vibrant energy of city life or the tranquility of coastal retreats, this itinerary will navigate you through the best places to explore in Britain and Ireland.
Join us as we embark on a tour of the best places in Britain and Ireland with Trafalgar, where every corner tells a story and every landscape is a breathtaking masterpiece.
Day 1: Explore Stonehenge, Bath, and Cardiff
Delve into the mysteries surrounding the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge (a UNESCO world heritage site) before journeying westward towards Bath to admire the Georgian and Victorian architecture and Roman Baths. Then traverse the Severn Estuary to the Welsh capital, where you’ll take in the sights of the Wales Millennium Centre and the National Assembly at Cardiff Bay. End the day with Trafalgar’s exclusive Make Travel Matter experience where you get to visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community.
Day 2: Journey to Waterford
Start your day with a guided tour of Cardiff, capturing the sights such as the Principality Stadium. Explore the Victorian Gothic charm of Cardiff Castle before journeying across the Irish Sea by ferry to the ‘Emerald Isle,’ and continue to the historic city of Waterford.
Day 3: Blarney Castle and Arrival in Killarney
Immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of the House of Waterford Crystal and kiss the Blarney Stone for the ‘gift of the gab’ before journeying to the picturesque town of Killarney.
Day 4: Ring of Kerry Experience
Embark on a scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, known as the Ring of Kerry. Witness breathtaking landscapes, charming stone villages, and vibrant seascapes. Conclude the day with Trafalgar’s signature “Be My Guest” experience, where captivating stories of potent poitin and rural Ireland unfold over a delightful dinner featuring Irish Stew. This special evening takes place at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, hosted by the O’Sullivan family and their charming Kerry cows.
Day 5: Cultural Dublin
Discover Celtic art and history at the Rock of Cashel before arriving in Dublin. Join a Local Specialist for a tour featuring Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Georgian Squares. Opt for an Irish cabaret in the evening to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Irish humor and savor the rich flavors of an Irish coffee served with your dinner.
Day 6: Visiting The Guinness Storehouse
The day’s highlight is a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, offering insights into the making of the world’s most famous stout. Cap off the experience with a delightful tasting in their Gravity Bar, offering panoramic views of Dublin. Spend the rest of the day strolling through the lively streets of Temple Bar or exploring Grafton Street, renowned for its vibrant street performers and absorb the inviting atmosphere of the Irish capital.
Day 7: Explore Chester and Liverpool
Board a ferry to Wales, traversing Snowdonia National Park. Arrive in Chester, known for its Tudor Rows and medieval walls, and then head to Liverpool the birthplace of The Beatles and the proud residence of one of the world’s most renowned football clubs.
Day 8: The Lake District
The picturesque landscape, featuring craggy hilltops, mountain tarns, and shimmering lakes, a muse to Romantic poets for centuries, creates a captivating setting for our picturesque journey from the verdant hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Navigate along the shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake, through landscapes immortalized by poet William Wordsworth. Thereafter cross the borders to arrive at the Scotting capital Edinburgh.
Day 9: Exploring Edinburgh:
During the day time, embark on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist and explore Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock, stroll along the Royal Mile, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Georgian facades in the New Town. And by night you can enjoy musical performances, or sip on your preferred dram in a quaint whisky pub or secure tickets for an unforgettable experience at the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo.
Day 10: Venture to York
Embark on a southern journey for an iconic experience in the medieval market town of Alnwick, renowned for its impressive castle and the Tenantry Column. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you traverse Northumberland and the River Tyne, making your way to York. Stroll through the charming Shambles, witness the medieval walls, and explore York Minster, one of the world’s greatest cathedrals.
Day 11: Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon
Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon, the ideal setting for a perfect countryside getaway.
Day 12: Cotswolds, Oxford, and Return to London
Explore the Cotswolds, visit Winston Churchill’s burial site, before arriving at Oxford, a university town that presents a captivating blend of medieval learning and contemporary charm with its honey-colored colleges. While in Oxford, immerse yourself in the university experience by exploring one of its many colleges, partake in an orientation tour of the city, offering views of notable landmarks such as the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library.
This itinerary promises a harmonious blend of cultural exploration and breathtaking landscapes, creating memories to last a lifetime.
The Real Trafalgar – Highlights
Holidays are meant to create lasting memories, but for many, the rush from one city to another can blur the experience, preventing true exploration and cultural immersion. Planning everything yourself can be exhausting and nerve-wracking, often leading to a less-than-memorable holiday. The ideal solution is to find a balance – a travel partner that handles all the planning while allowing you to savor each moment fully, perhaps adding that extra touch to make it truly special and unforgettable. This is where the right travel partner comes in, and that’s the essence of the Trafalgar experience. Their trips go beyond the surface, offering access to unique experiences in places others might never reach.
It’s not just about checking off bucket list sites: it’s about turning those experiences into seamless, unforgettable moments. Their experts open doors to exclusive access, such as after-hours visits to the Vatican or guided tours of Versailles and its stunning grounds. Beyond the iconic, their local specialists reveal intimate glimpses and hidden gems, making you feel like an insider, not just a tourist.
Indulge in one-of-a-kind experiences through Trafalgar’s global network: unlocking local access to communities worldwide. With over 100 Be My Guest encounters, exclusively with Trafalgar, you’ll immerse yourself in the hospitality of locals, welcomed into their homes to hear stories and learn about cultures. Additionally, – Trafagar’s “Stays with Stories” accommodations offer more than just a place to rest; they’re woven into the heritage and fabric of the communities you visit.
Worry-Free, Risk-Free Holiday Planning: Leave all the planning to Trafalgar and enjoy risk-free and flexible booking terms before your journey, and rest easy knowing that from arrival to departure, everything is taken care of. With a dedicated on-road team providing support and guidance, along with porterage services and optional experience bookings, your role is simply to dream, pack, and embark on that unforgettable Trafalgar holiday.
If you want to know more about the most unique and safest way to travel for your next holiday visit Trafalgar and begin your journey into a whole new world of touring differently.
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A New Yorker at heart, an unapologetic anglophile, national parks explorer and former head of National Geographic publishing in India, Ritika is the Global Editor for Travel and Food Network and leads all journalism across platforms, including news, digital, videos, and social media. She writes features focused on narrative storytelling, industry trends, destinations, culinary travel, and how-to advice and is an advocate for sustainable travel. You can follow her on Instagram @newyorkeratheart
