Britain and Ireland Highlights
From2228 €/person
Twin room
Limited Time Special (select departures)

Britain and Ireland Highlights

Operated by: Trafalgar
Book up until  
Overview
8 days
15 places
2 countries
5+ yrs
From
2228 €/person
Was 2475 €
Twin room
Call 800 684 328
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
London
Stratford-upon-Avon
Harrogate
York
Glasgow
Harrogate
Gretna Green
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Belfast
Dublin
Glasgow
Dublin
Kilkenny
Dublin
Waterford
Kildare
Waterford
Cardiff
London
Bath
Stonehenge
Cardiff

Short on travel time but want to see all the Britain and Ireland highlights? This trip delivers the genius of Shakespeare, Waterford crystal creations in Ireland and a hearty Welsh dinner at a local vineyard, with a side of ancient history, in just over one week.

Overview
8 days
15 places
2 countries
5+ yrs
From
2228 €/person
Was 2475 €
Twin room
Call 800 684 328
Itinerary & map
What you’ll see
London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Harrogate, York

Join your Travel Director today and delve into centuries of history - tales of star-crossed lovers, tragic kings and Roman emperors are brought to life as you visit Stratford-upon-Avon and follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare. Visit his Birthplace and the Visitor Centre, then continue north to the Viking city of York, where you’ll enjoy an orientation walk around its historic streets. View the cobbled Shambles, see the ancient city walls and the magnificent York Minster. This evening, enjoy dinner in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.

Inclusions
Crowne Plaza
Dinner
Glasgow, Harrogate, Gretna Green

Journey through the Yorkshire Dales National Park to the beautiful Lake District, which has inspired poets and writers for centuries. A highlight on your journey is England’s pretty Lake Windermere, which you’ll pass as you continue through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Cross the border, into Scotland, to the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green. Here eloping couples would tie the knot over the Marriage Anvil. Drive through the Southern Uplands to vibrant Glasgow where your orientation will take you past Glasgow Cathedral and George Square. Tonight, consider joining an Optional Experience featuring a fabulous dinner and Scottish entertainment.

Inclusions
Novotel
Breakfast
Glasgow, Edinburgh

From the cultural capital of Glasgow to enchanting Edinburgh with its exquisite medieval facades. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town, see the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, the new Scottish Parliament and the Royal Mile with a Local Specialist on a memorable sightseeing tour. Afterwards enjoy an included visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Later, wander through the secret lanes of Auld Reekie before returning to Glasgow this evening for a delicious locally-sourced meal at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Inclusions
Novotel
Breakfast and Dinner
Belfast, Dublin, Glasgow

Follow the rugged Ayrshire coast, past the island of Ailsa Craig, the stepping stone from Ireland to Scotland. Board the ferry to Northern Ireland, then join a Local Specialist to explore the crossroads of British and Irish culture in Belfast. You’ll view City Hall and the dock where the Titanic was built. This evening, arrive in the vibrant capital of Ireland where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Inclusions
Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
Breakfast
Dublin

Drive through the pretty streets of Dublin with a Local Specialist to admire the stately Georgian Squares, Trinity College and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the tallest church in Ireland. Spend time exploring the sights on your own—ramble through Temple Bar or Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers. Then, Dive Into Culture and discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to a rousing Irish cabaret performance.

Inclusions
Clayton Ballsbridge, The Address Connolly
Breakfast
Kilkenny, Dublin, Waterford, Kildare

Gain insights into rearing world-class thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud established in 1946. Enjoy a guided walk through the farm and take some time to stroll through its tranquil Japanese Gardens, regarded as the best in Europe. Admire the imposing medieval castle at Kilkenny before some free time for lunch. The next stop sees you Dive Into Culture to witness the delicate craft of Waterford Crystal. Watch master crafters at work during a tour of the workshop and see the exquisitely crafted pieces in the showroom.

Inclusions
Waterford Marina
Breakfast
Waterford, Cardiff

An early start to your sightseeing today sees you cross the Irish Sea to Wales by ferry and continue your journey to the Welsh capital of Cardiff to view the Wales Millennium Centre, National Assembly and historic Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. This evening, join a local family for a Be My Guest experience in the idyllic Welsh countryside. Visit the oldest and largest vineyard in Wales, you’ll learn how the Norris family are using sustainable farming practices and get to meet some of the resident animals that roam the land freely. You’ll enjoy a homemade meal, enchanting stories of rural life in Wales and warm Welsh hospitality, leaving with the knowledge that your visit supports the family in their efforts to farm sustainably.

Inclusions
Park Inn by Radisson City Centre
Breakfast and Dinner
London, Bath, Stonehenge, Cardiff

Traversing the Severn Estuary into England, arrive in the glorious UNESCO-listed city of Bath, with its elegant Georgian facades and visit the world-famous Roman Baths. Journey across the scenic landscapes of Wiltshire, paying a visit to the mysterious megalithic stone circle of Stonehenge, then return to London where your memorable holiday in Britain and Ireland comes to an end.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
  • 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)
  • Ferry across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Northern Ireland
  • Ferry across the Irish Sea from Ireland to South Wales
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • Cardiff: Meet your hosts the Norris family at their award-winning Glyndwr Vineyard in Wales. See some of the resident animals that roam the land freely before enjoying a homemade meal and warm Welsh hospitality.
  • Glasgow: Indulge in a delicious dining experience at Mharsanta restaurant in Glasgow, where sustainability meets Scottish tradition. Sourcing the majority of their ingredients locally, Mharsanta is committed to reducing their carbon footprint through energy- efficient practices, waste reduction, and an ever-growing plant-rich menu. Enjoy your meal knowing you’re making a positive impact, as this experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
  • Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
  • Explore Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin
  • Discover York, Glasgow, Cardiff and Bath
  • Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, the Irish National Stud and Japanese Garden near Kildare, the Waterford Crystal Showroom, the Roman Baths in Bath and the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge
  • View York Minster in York, Glasgow Cathedral and George Square, City Hall in Belfast
  • See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff
  • Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
  • Kildare: Admire Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
  • Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
  • Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
  • Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
  • 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.
  • Belfast: Join a Local Specialist to hear about the history of the city and learn of its progress and current prosperity. See the murals in different locations indicating the political sentiments of local residents.
  • Dublin: Visit the Guinness Storehouse to see how the world’s most famous stout is created, then enjoy the distinctive taste of a perfectly chilled pint of Guinness.
  • Dublin: A Local Specialist will show you Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, O’Connell Street and the Custom House.
  • Kildare: Admire Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds at the Irish National Stud Farm.
  • Waterford: Learn how crystal is crafted at the House of Waterford Crystal during a workshop tour.
  • Cardiff: Learn more about Wales’ capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
  • 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 centre, where Romans gathered to bathe, worship and connect.
  • 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.
Dates & pricing
21 Mar 2026
Saturday
28 Mar 2026
Saturday
From
2550 €/person
Twin room
28 Mar 2026
Saturday
4 Apr 2026
Saturday
From
2550 €/person
Twin room
4 Apr 2026
Saturday
11 Apr 2026
Saturday
From
2595 €/person
Twin room
11 Apr 2026
Saturday
18 Apr 2026
Saturday
From
2595 €/person
Twin room
18 Apr 2026
Saturday
25 Apr 2026
Saturday
From
2550 €/person
Twin room
25 Apr 2026
Saturday
2 May 2026
Saturday
From
2575 €/person
Twin room
2026
2027
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed. We are happy to assist you in arranging your flights, either via our website at http://luxuryescapes.com/flights or via our contact centre.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown https://le-prod-public-press-releases.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/20210224/le-covid19-health-and-safety-acknowledgement.pdf.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we’re with you every step of the way with our 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service. We have the experience and know how to adapt to change while ensuring our guests holiday is always stress free, so they can focus on what matters – having a great time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We know that our guests don’t just want to see places. They want to be a part of them, to savour not just sights and sounds but experiences, to get insider looks at cultures, customs, and wonders. This is why we do not just take our guests to see places...instead we have locals open their doors to welcome them in like friends. From small, family-run hotels to passionate keepers of cultures and traditions, we craft memorable encounters and connections that our guests will cherish for years to come.
  • Stay in accommodation that is more than just a bed for the night. We select our hotels not only for their quality, impeccable service and comfort but they are also an important piece of the local heritage. From centuries-old castles to historical homesteads, you will be immersed in the stories behind each property, giving you the chance to live the legacy yourself.
  • Each trip is carefully crafted to leave you free to live in the moment and enjoy your holiday. Dive into the local cultures that make each destination so special. Enjoy our Trafalgar-exclusive experiences for a deeper understanding of the places we go, while allowing you to see the world through a different lens. We connect you with locals who are proud to welcome you into their community and share their stories through food – not only to experience the regions’ delicacies, but also the way of life. See the iconic, bucket list sights with a local specialist. Someone who won't just give you the kind of information you might glean from guidebooks, but show you how it's done, or supply you with fresh insights and anecdotes to make your guided holiday memorable. Food tastes so much better when it's shared with local people who have a story to tell. Perhaps that's why Trafalgar's "Be My Guest" experiences are so popular. You'll dine with local families in their homes, learn how to cook regional dishes, and share a glass or two with winemakers at their vineyards; giving you a deeper understanding of their lives and history.
  • You will gain access to travel expertise and dedicated service to support you at every step, making travel in these recent times worry-free. The Trafalgar difference is not just what we promise, it’s what we deliver. The best way to unlock rich travel experiences around the world starts here.Our Travel Directors are carefully selected for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether they're introducing you to a local artisan, revealing a hidden treasure or simply helping you to plan your day, they are your ideal friend and companion, wherever you are on your travels. From checking you into your hotel room to recommending a local eatery, your Travel Director's aim is to make travelling easy.
  • Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from 20 people up to 52 guests, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends from all over the world. With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with Trafalgar, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.
You may also like
From2228 €/person
Twin room
Book with confidence
Book everything in one place
From hotels to flights, experiences and more – we’ve got your trip covered from start to finish.
Secure dates with a deposit
Reserve your space now with a deposit, pay the rest 105 days before departure
7-day change of mind refund
Get a full refund on your booking (excludes cruises, flights, travel protection and the service fee paid on deposit bookings)
Handpicked partners
We work with the world’s most loved brands in travel