Delve into the Ring of Kerry's scenic beauty, experiencing its legendary landscapes. Feel the pride of the Welsh people, witness the historic seat of Irish kings, and savor a pint of the local brew at the iconic Guinness Brewery in Dublin. This in-depth journey promises not only the must-see highlights but also delightful surprises, making your exploration of the United Kingdom and Ireland an enriching and memorable experience.
Includes
12 Day Trafalgar Guided Holiday
11 Nights in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
11 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
City orientation tours
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
Variety of Optional Experiences
Included sightseeing
Explore Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
See St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Georgian Squares in Dublin and the Lake District's magnificent scenery
Discover Bath, Cardiff, Chester, York and Oxford
Scenic Drive of the Ring of Kerry
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates and much more!
Excludes
Flights
Arrival/ departure transfers
Visas
Travel Insurance
Spending money and items of a personal nature
Extras
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Choice of Optional Experiences available at an additional cost
Highlights
11 Nights in cherry-picked hotels
16 Meals
Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
Itinerary
Day 1: Stonehenge and Bath and on to Cardiff
Ponder the mysteries of the ancient megaliths of Stonehenge this morning, as we drive west to Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and the Roman Baths. Crossing the Severn Estuary to the Welsh capital, we view the Wales Millennium Centre and the National Assembly at Cardiff Bay. Enjoy warm hospitality and traditional Welsh pub fare and drinks this evening at a rousing Welcome Dinner with your travel companions and Travel Director.
Hotel - Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre/Leonardo Hotel Cardiff
Included Meals - Dinner
Day 2: Onwards to Waterford
This morning, we view the Principality Stadium during our orientation of Cardiff. Enjoy some leisure time in this modern capital. Perhaps visit the Victorian Gothic fantasy of Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city. We cross the Irish Sea by ferry to the 'Emerald Isle' and travel to historic Waterford, where we'll dine in our hotel tonight.
Hotel - Waterford Marina Hotel/The Fitzwilton Hotel Waterford
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Admire County Kilkenny and on to Cork
Dive Into Culture and watch the master crafters of the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. Then, kiss the Blarney Stone to acquire the 'gift of the gab', before travelling to the picturesque town of Killarney.
Hotel - Hotel Killarney
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 4: A Day on the Ring of Kerry
Today we experience the enduring beauty of Ireland's most scenic coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula – the emerald green hills, centuries-old stone villages and vivid blue seascapes provide an exquisite backdrop for our leisurely drive around what has become known as the Ring of Kerry. See Daniel O'Connell's Cahirsiveen, the fishing village of Waterville, the Black Valley and Moll's Gap with its panoramic views. This evening, we Connect With Locals at Molly Gallivan’s 200-year-old cottage, sharing a memorable Be My Guest experience with the O'Sullivan family and their Kerry cows.
Hotel - Hotel Killarney
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Journey to Cultural Dublin
Celtic art and history take centre stage this morning as we visit the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, the seat of Irish kings for centuries. Perched atop a limestone outcrop in the Golden Vale, the historic ruins house one of the most remarkable collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in Europe. We arrive this afternoon in Dublin, where we will join our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral and the stately Georgian Squares. This evening, consider joining an Optional Experience to enjoy the rousing sounds of an Irish cabaret.
Hotel - Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center/Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 6: Dublin Your Way
Dive Into Culture to discover the fascinating 250-year-old story of Guinness at its original home, the Guinness Storehouse. Then, top it off with a taste in their Gravity Bar while you enjoy the panoramic views of Dublin. The rest of the day is yours to soak up the cosy atmosphere of the Irish capital. Ramble through the buzzing streets of Temple Bar or visit Grafton Street, famous for its colourful street performers.
Hotel - Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Center/Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 7: The Sights of Chester and Liverpool
Board the ferry to Wales. Admire the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park as you travel to the ancient city of Chester, with its characteristic Tudor Rows and medieval walls. We arrive later in Liverpool, the haunt of the 'Fab Four', joining our companions for a tasty Regional Dinner.
Hotel - Leonardo Hotel Liverpool/ Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central/Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Through the Lake District to Edinburgh
The beautiful landscape, which for centuries inspired the Romantic poets, provides a mesmerising backdrop for our scenic drive from the lush green hills of Lancashire to the Lake District. Skirt the shores of England's largest lake, Windermere, as we travel through countryside made famous by poet William Wordsworth. We cross the Scottish border and visit the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green. This evening, we arrive in beguiling Edinburgh, where we'll spend the next two nights.
Accommodation - Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 9: Discover Remarkable Edinburgh
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a memorable sightseeing tour of this captivating capital, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock. See Auld Reekie's Royal Mile and the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and admire the Georgian façades in Edinburgh's New Town. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Accommodation - Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 10: Venture to York
We journey south to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland and the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where you’ll walk through the charming Shambles, see the medieval walls and York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world.
Accommodation - Novotel Centre
Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 11: On to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon
We visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon to see where the 'Avon Bard' was born and raised. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage, then enjoy some free time to explore the area. This evening we join our fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation - Mercure Warwickshire Walton Hall Hotel and Spa/Stratford Manor
Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Journey through the Cotswolds to Oxford and London
Journey to the Cotswolds this morning and the little churchyard at Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill is buried. Arriving in Oxford, the oldest university city in the British Isles, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city to view the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library and visit one of the university’s famous colleges (when open). We return to London this afternoon and bid a fond farewell to our Travel Director and newfound friends at the end of a wonderful holiday.
Accommodation: Park Plaza London Riverbank/Park Plaza County Hall London
Included Meals: Breakfast
Terms & conditions
Prices are per person twin share, include discounts, and are subject to availability and rate of exchange changes. Offers above are a guide only and will vary depending on departure date, our guide price is based on the cheapest departure within the stipulated season and availability is correct at time of loading. Visas may be necessary and insurance is essential. Pentravel and Tour Operator terms and conditions apply, and can be requested. Excludes flights, transfers, visas, travel insurance and anything not mentioned. Savings are not valid on all itineraries and/or departure dates, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn/changed at any time without notice. High season supplements and block out dates may apply, pricing varies pending departure date. Package excludes flights. You can do optional free-time add-on experiences in your free time and pay for them as you travel (additional costs apply).
Save up to R35,000 per couple (up to R17,500 per person) on select 2025 guided holidays departures as “The Big Tour Sale”. Savings percent will vary depending on brand, trip and departure date. New bookings only made with deposit between 09 December 2024 and 20 February 2025. Full payment due 120 days prior to departure or at time of booking if booked within 120 days of departure; whichever comes first.
Trafalgar reserves the right to withdraw promotional offers and adjust savings anytime. All savings / discounts mentioned have already been included in the advertised price. Pentravel and Tour Operator reserves the right to withdraw or amend promotional offers at any time. Other conditions may apply. At time of loading this is a non-definite departure. These packages are based on CASH price. E&OE;.