Explore the Best of Britain on this incredible trip across England, Scotland and Wales, and travel over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Imagine life as a Benedictine monk at Buckfast Abbey, feel the hope of brave pilgrims in Plymouth and be inspired by the beauty of Lake Windermere.
Locations Visited
London, Stonehenge, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth, Polperro, Glastonbury, Cardiff, Ludlow, Chester, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Alnwick, York, Stratford-upon-Avon
Countries Visited
England, Wales, Scotland
Travel Style
Country Explorer
Accommodations
10
nights included
Age Requirements
Minimum age 5
Itinerary
COLLAPSE ALLEXPAND ALL
Day 1
Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Exeter
Meet your Travel Director and commence your journey through the rolling green and golden landscapes of rural Wiltshire to Salisbury Plain. We tread in the footsteps of druids and pagans at Stonehenge, before travelling to UNESCO-listed Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and the centuries-old Roman Baths where you will delight in your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your home for the next two nights is the historic cathedral city of Exeter, where you will enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.
Accommodation
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel
Meals
Dinner
Highlights
Bath Orientation
Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
Visit Stonehenge
Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Visit the Roman Baths
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. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region.
The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
Day 2
Plymouth and More in the Southwest
Our first stop today is in the ancient port city of Plymouth, where we’ll delve into the history of the brave Pilgrim Fathers who set sail for an unknown New World from its shores. See the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound and consider an optional cruise around the dramatic coastline. We take a step back in time at our next stop – the delightful village of Polperro. Continuing along the brooding moorland of Dartmoor, we arrive at Buckfast Abbey, where we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into how Benedictine monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years.
Accommodation
Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Discover the Benedictine monastery at Buckfast Abbey
Visit Buckfast Abbey, a Benedictine monastery built on the site where monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years.
Plymouth Orientation
During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps.
Day 3
Onwards to Glastonbury and Cardiff
Enjoy a scenic drive through the pretty Devon and Somerset countryside to mystical Glastonbury, where we'll visit the ruined Abbey, said to be the final resting place of King Arthur. Your journey back to a time of knights, lords and ladies is just beginning and you’ll head to Somerset for an unforgettable experience with Ian and Ann Dyer who are your warm Be My Guest hosts on their modern-day dairy farm, where guests will get to see the ancient manor which was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1085. The Dyers both hail from old farming families and you’ll learn what life is like in the rural countryside and the historical significance of their home over a lunch featuring family favourites prepared by keen cook, Ann. We journey to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, where we'll explore the proud heritage of the Welsh and modern icons, including the Principality Stadium during an orientation tour.
Accommodation
Leonardo Cardiff
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Highlights
Lunch with the Dyer Family on their 15th-Century Dairy Farm in Somerset
Ian and Ann Dyer are your hosts on their modern-day dairy farm. See the ancient manor house and learn what life is like in the rural countryside over a lunch featuring family favourites.
Glastonbury Abbey Visit
Visit the historic Glastonbury Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, its ruins are now registered as a Grade I listed building.
Cardiff Orientation
Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
Day 4
Explore Tudor History and on to Liverpool
Tudor history is explored this morning as we visit the historic towns of Ludlow and Chester with their characteristic black-and-white half-timbered buildings. Join your Travel Director for an orientation walk past these famous Tudor Rows and enjoy views of Chester's medieval city walls and red sandstone Cathedral. The haunt of the 'Fab Four' is our final stop today. Join a Local Specialist to gain insight into Liverpool's Beatles' history and enjoy a free evening in one of Britain's edgiest cities.
Accommodation
Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Ludlow Orientation
Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Tudor architecture.
Chester Orientation
See the Jubilee Clock, cathedral, city walls, and famous black and white Rows.
Liverpool City Tour
Join a Local Specialist to gain insight into Liverpool's history.
Day 5
Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Glasgow
Rolling Lancashire pastures give way to the soul-stirring Lake District, whose beautiful scenery has inspired poets and writers for centuries. We travel along the shores of Lake Windermere, through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Stop in Gretna Green on the Scottish border, where many eloping couples have tied the knot. We arrive in Glasgow later for an orientation tour, including views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the Clyde River, the former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening, enjoy locally-sourced flavours at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Accommodation
Novotel Glasgow Centre
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Glasgow Orientation
See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
Visit Gretna Green
Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
Scenic Drive Through the Lake District
Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
Eco-Friendly Dining at Mharsanta 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.
Day 6
On to Fort William and the Scottish Highlands
Journey along Loch Lomond, whose Bonnie Banks were immortalised in the well-known Scottish song. We arrive in Glencoe and remember the MacDonald clansmen who died tragically in the 1692 massacre which led this place to be called the 'Glen of Weeping'. At the World War II Commando Memorial near Fort William, we admire views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Our day in beautiful surrounds comes to an end with a cosy dinner at our hotel located within the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands.
Accommodation
Laggan Hotel Cairngorms
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
See Glencoe
Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.
Fort William World War II Commando Memorial
Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
Day 7
Discover the Isle of Skye
We travel to the coast this morning to the Isle of Skye where a Local Specialist will take us on a journey to view the remarkable Cuillin Mountain and the Village of Portree. Later, we cross back to the mainland to view scenic Eilean Donan Castle. Travel through the Scottish Highlands past its picturesque lochs and glens, keeping your camera at the ready to capture ‘Nessie’ if you can.
Accommodation
Laggan Hotel Cairngorms
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
Scenic Drive Through the Scottish Highlands
Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
Day 8
Journey to Enchanting Edinburgh
Heading back to the lowlands of Scotland, we stop in Pitlochry before heading to the historic home of golf, St. Andrews. Here, the first games were played during the 1400s. See its famous 18th hole before crossing the Firth of Forth to Scotland's enchanting capital, Edinburgh. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Accommodation
Delta Hotels by Marriott
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Visit the University Town of St. Andrews
Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
Visit Pitlochry
Visit Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap.
Day 9
Uncover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Ramble up the Royal Mile today and see the iconic sights of one of Britain's most enchanting cities. The elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse, in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, and the Scottish Parliament feature on your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the hidden passages of the Old Town before enjoying an evening at leisure. Consider an Optional Experience including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare.
Accommodation
Delta Hotels by Marriott
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Edinburgh City Tour
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.
Day 10
Continue to York
We travel to the medieval market town of Alnwick this morning, where we'll see the impressive castle home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town. Journey through Northumberland to the cathedral city of York. We’ll embark an orientation walk past its cobblestone Shambles and see the inspiring Minster with its 'heart of Yorkshire' before joining our newfound friends for dinner.
Accommodation
Novotel Centre
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Highlights
York Orientation
Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
Alnwick Visit
See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county town.
Day 11
Onwards to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and London
Shakespeare's legacy and life are celebrated in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon, which you will have an opportunity to visit today. See Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre. Later, travel back to London where your amazing holiday comes to an end.
Meals
Breakfast
Highlights
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in 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.
Discover Bath, Plymouth, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow and York
Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Polperro, Buckfast Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey, the town of Ludlow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
View Glencoe, Eilean Donan Castle, Alnwick Castle used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, York Minster in York and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon
See England's Dartmoor National Park and Lake District, Ben Nevis and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands and the 18th green at St. Andrews
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates
What's Included
Travel Director
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
London
The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
Hotels
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Sightseeing
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Optionals
Optional Experiences and free time
Get an Easy Quote
Get an Easy Quote
Thank You!
Sorry an error has occurred.
Your quote request has been sent and our Costco Travel Experts will email you within 24 hours for guided tours and up to 72 hours for Uniworld.
Sorry an error has occurred, please try again later or call our contact centre.
Results:
loading...
Definite Departures Only
Special Offers
Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request
Start Date
End Date
Deals
Departure
Status
Price with
current deals
Get
Easy Quote
Tour Version Selected
You have successfully selected a different version of this tour
Terms & Conditions
Trip Notes
A deposit must be paid at the time of booking.
Flights are not included but can be quoted by our Reservations team, who can also explain inclusions within the trip.
Full holiday amount to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure for land only guided holidays or 90 days for guided holidays including train or cruise.
Subject to availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time.
Terms & Conditions
Prices listed are land only & do not include airfare to and from the start/end of the tour.
Prices listed are per person, based on twin or multi-share. If you’re travelling solo, we can pair you with a same-sex roommate at no extra cost or you can upgrade to a single for an additional cost, based on availability. For departure points and stay longer accommodation options contact our travel experts for more details.
'Exclusive Costco Member Price' is available upon member login.
For 'Costco Vacations of a Lifetime' itineraries the price shown is the final base price, exclusive to Costco members and already reflective of any special member savings. Additional, limited-time discounts are not applicable, other conditions apply. Please refer to Terms & Conditions
'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Last Minute Deals.' Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from the UK; not combinable with any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking.
All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of the enclosed content. Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances. Conditions apply. Policies are subject to change at any time.