 Click Map To Enlarge
Tour Description
This brilliant tour begins with a day at leisure in bustling London. The journey continues into Scotland, Ireland and Wales with visits to the castles of Edinburgh, Dublin, Blarney and Cardiff. Along the way, enjoy the scenery of the Lake District, the Isle of Skye, Sligo Bay and the Ring of Kerry. What's Included
Dining Highlights
- 18 full breakfasts.
- 8 three course dinners.
First Class Travel Highlights
- Accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
- All hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling and hotel tips are included.
- Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
- Services throughout the trip of a professional Travel Director.
- The services of a Trafalgar Local Host if you stay at the recommended London hotel.
- Qualified Local Guide in Edinburgh and Dublin.
- Return ferry across the Irish Sea from Wales to Ireland.
- A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map.
- Complimentary pick-up and drop-off on day of departure and return of the coach trip when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar.
Highlights
Sightseeing Highlights
- Stratford-upon-Avon Visit the town of Shakespeare's birth.
- Coventry View the two cathedrals.
- York View York Minster.
- Hadrian's Wall See the Roman Wall.
- Jedburgh View the abbey ruins.
- Edinburgh Sightseeing includes the Royal Mile, Princes Street and views of the castle.
- St. Andrews View the famous golf course.
- Isle of Skye Visit this beautiful island.
- Glencoe Visit the Vale of Weeping.
- Glasgow View George Square.
- Gretna Green Stop at the historic site for runaway lovers.
- Chester View the arcaded Rows.
- North Wales Journey through Snowdonia and view Caernarvon Castle.
- Dublin Sightseeing includes views of Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral.
- Boyle View the Cistercian Abbey.
- Donegal Visit the picturesque town.
- Northern Ireland Visit the Belleek Pottery Centre.
- Kylemore View the abbey.
- Galway Views of Galway Bay.
- Cliffs of Moher Stunning views.
- Adare View the prettiest village in Ireland.
- County Kerry Scenic drive round the Ring of Kerry.
- Blarney Visit Blarney Castle.
- Waterford Visit the crystal showroom, when open.
- Cardiff View the castle.
- Brecon Beacons Visit the National Park.
- The Valleys Visit the heartland of South Wales.
- Bath Visit the Georgian spa town.
- Stonehenge View the stone circle.
- Salisbury See the cathedral.
Back to top |
Day
1 |
London - Stratford - Leeds
Welcome to London! Your holiday starts with a drive through pretty Cotswold villages to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace. Continue to Coventry, once the home of Lady Godiva, and view the city's two cathedrals. Later arrive at your hotel in Leeds where you dine tonight. (Dinner)
Stay: Jurys Inn Leeds |
Day
2 |
Leeds - Edinburgh (falkirk) (2 Nights)
See the sights as you stroll through York on your orientation tour, including the Minster and picturesque 'Shambles'. Head north past Hadrian's Wall and the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey to your hotel in Falkirk. Stay: Airth Castle (FB)
|
Day
3 |
Edinburgh Sightseeing
Your expert Local Guide shows you Edinburgh's sights, including the Royal Mile, Princes Street and views of the castle. Tonight maybe enjoy an optional Scottish evening with haggis, whisky and bagpipes. (FB)
|
Day
4 |
Edinburgh - Scottish Highlands (2 Nights)
Cross the impressive Forth Bridge to the university town of St. Andrews, where Prince William studied. Stop for photographs at the famous golf course, then continue via Perth and Pitlochry to your hotel in the Highlands.
Stay: Academy / Aviemore Inn (FB/D)
|
Day
5 |
Scottish Highlands - Isle Of Skye Excursion
Follow the banks of beautiful Loch Ness through the Western Highlands to the Kyle of Lochalsh. Cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, with time to explore this unique Scottish island where Bonnie Prince Charlie sought refuge. Tonight dine at your hotel. (FB/D)
|
Day
6 |
Scottish Highlands - Glasgow
Drive in the shadow of Ben Nevis to Fort William and follow the shores of Loch Linnhe to Glencoe - the Vale of Weeping. The route takes you along the 'banks and braes of Loch Lomond' to Glasgow with orientation on arrival. Stay: Campanile Glasgow (FB)
|
Day
7 |
Glasgow - Chester Area (2 Nights)
Visit Gretna Green, where eloping lovers famously went to marry. Continue south through breathtaking scenery in the English Lake District to Chester. Stay: Holiday Inn Haydock (FB/D)
|
Day
8 |
Chester And North Wales
Your orientation of Chester includes the ancient city walls and the arcaded Rows. Drive into north Wales and cross the Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen, home of the Music Eisteddfod. Later, return to your hotel. (FB)
|
Day
9 |
Chester Area - Dublin (2 Nights)
See the pretty Welsh coast as you drive via Colwyn Bay and the edge of Snowdonia National Park to Caernarvon, where you view the castle. Board your ferry at Holyhead on the Island of Anglesey and sail to Ireland. Arrive later in the Irish capital, Dublin. Stay: Jurys Inn Parnell Street (FB) |
Day
10 |
Dublin Sightseeing
Your expert Local Guide shows you the sights of this historic city, with views of Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Four Courts and Phoenix Park. (FB)
|
Day
11 |
Dublin - Sligo (2 Nights)
Follow the Royal Canal to Mullingar. In Boyle, admire the ruins of the 12th century Cistercian abbey. Drive through lush countryside to Sligo Bay and your hotel. Stay: Sligo Southern (FB/D)
|
Day
12 |
Northern Ireland And Donegal
The scenery is outstanding on your drive to the seaside resort of Bundoran in County Donegal. Cross the border into Northern Ireland and explore the Belleek Pottery Centre. Follow Lough Erne to Enniskillen and the hotel. (FB)
|
Day
13 |
Sligo - Limerick (2 Nights)
View Kylemore Abbey and continue to Galway Bay. Later, stop in Galway on the way to Limerick. Stay: Jurys Inn Limerick (FB/D) |
Day
14 |
Excursion To The Burren
The Cliffs of Moher are breathtaking! From here you can enjoy views of the Aran Islands (weather permitting) at the entrance to Galway Bay. (FB)
|
Day
15 |
Limerick - Tralee
Admire the thatched cottages of Adare before heading to County Kerry. Enjoy a spectacular drive around the Ring of Kerry, before continuing to Tralee via Killarney. Stay: Benners (FB/D)
|
Day
16 |
Tralee - Waterford
Explore Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the 'gift of the gab'! Continue through Cork and along the coast to Waterford, and visit the showroom for the famous crystal, when open. Stay: Treacys (FB)
|
Day
17 |
Waterford - Cardiff (2 Nights)
In Rosslare, board the ferry to Wales. Arrive in Fishguard and drive on to Cardiff, where you stay for the next two nights. Stay: Copthorne Cardiff (FB/D)
|
Day
18 |
Cardiff And South Wales Excursion
See Cardiff's sights during your orientation tour and don't miss the opportunity to visit the castle! Drive through the Rhonddha, the most famous mining valley in Wales. Explore the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park and finish the day in Cardiff, where you dine tonight. (FB)
|
Day
19 |
Cardiff - Bath - London
Cross the Severn Bridge to Bath. See the Roman Baths and admire the Georgian architecture. Continue via Salisbury, and catch a glimpse of the slender spire, the tallest in the UK. Stop for pictures at mysterious Stonehenge. Arrive later in London where your amazing holiday ends! (FB) |
 |
Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. |
19 Day Britain & Ireland Explorer Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.
2 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.5
of 5.
|
This was my first coach tour and I was very impressed. I had heard good reports about Trafalgar Tours and all my expectations were met. Both the tour guide and the driver were extremely competent and took care of us really well. I enjoyed getting to know the other people on the tour and we had good fun together. I would highly recommend the Britain & Ireland Explorer as providing an excellent overview of these areas. Obviously in this timeframe there can be few in-depth experiences, but I feel my general education has been broadened, and my understanding of some of the issues facing the people of Britain and Ireland has increased significantly. Georgie at Global Journeys made the process of booking and preparing to go on the tour straightforward and pleasurable. I was a little anxious and sent several emails of enquiry, all of which were responded to very promptly with the information I had requested. I would strongly recommend Global Journeys (and Georgie) to other travellers.
Bethwyn Joy (Australia)
Tour Date 14/08/2011 |
We really enjoyed every part of this great tour, we met & made friends from all over the world at the same time as enjoying the best organised holiday we could have wished for. The hotels that we stayed in and the meals that they served were all highly rated and they really looked after us. The Tour Director and the Coach Driver were first class and they both knew everything about all the places including the history to keep us entertained through the entire 30 days of the tour. They even had optional highlight tours on almost every day or evening. All the optional highlights were a extra cost and they included special Dinners when on the particular night a hotel dinner was not included in the tour, plus visiting out of the way places where you would not know existed. We also took an 11 day Cosmos European Highlights Tour, and saw the great cities of Venice, Rome, Paris, Florence and Amsterdam plus a optional boat tour down the Rhine River. The optional highlights of this tour were all exceptional and the Tour Director and Coach Driver both looked after all our needs. We both highly recommend these tours which are highly organised to anyone wishing to explore Britain and Europe. Thank you Global Journeys and Trafalgar.
Roy & Rosemary Matthews (Australia)
Tour Date 10/04/2011 |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $180 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
|
| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 20 May 2012 |
07 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,550 |
AU $3,220 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,460 |
| 27 May 2012 |
14 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,550 |
AU $3,220 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,460 |
| 03 Jun 2012 |
21 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,550 |
AU $3,220 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,460 |
| 10 Jun 2012 |
28 Jun 2012 |
AU $2,550 |
AU $3,220 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,460 |
| 17 Jun 2012 |
05 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,550 |
AU $3,220 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,460 |
| 24 Jun 2012 |
12 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,550 |
AU $3,220 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,460 |
| 01 Jul 2012* |
19 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 08 Jul 2012* |
26 Jul 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 15 Jul 2012* |
02 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 22 Jul 2012* |
09 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 29 Jul 2012* |
16 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 05 Aug 2012* |
23 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 12 Aug 2012* |
30 Aug 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 19 Aug 2012* |
06 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 26 Aug 2012 |
13 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 02 Sep 2012 |
20 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 09 Sep 2012 |
27 Sep 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 16 Sep 2012 |
04 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
| 23 Sep 2012 |
11 Oct 2012 |
AU $2,575 |
AU $3,245 |
Save $90 |
AU $2,485 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Note: London Olympics 2012 - Departure point is from the London Reception Centre. Pre & post accommodation in London will not be available for those departures maked with an * above. You will need to organise this accommodation yourself. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
| |
Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
|
Flights:
Book your tour and flights together to SAVE! |
| |
The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
|
General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: CostSaver Trafalgar Tours
Traveling 'The CostSaver Way' allows you to travel with the greatest flexibility at unbeatable value. Each tour is designed to include plenty of free time to experience each magical destination, but with the peace of mind of being accompanied by Trafalgar's professional Tour Directors. The unbeatable price of Trafalgar's CostSaver does not mean you have to forego the unsurpassed quality for which Trafalgar is renowned. We have sourced the best superior tourist class hotels, you will see all the must-see sights and have the chance to enjoy delicious cuisine.
Tour Type: Regional
Live as the locals do and totally immerse yourself in your favorite European destinations. With two-night stays in most cities, Regional Tours are itineraries which delve deeply into the very heart of Europe's many unique countries and cities. From the rich history of Italy, majesty of Britain, natural beauty and ancient history of the Eastern Mediterranean, vivacious lifestyle of Spain and Portugal, romance of France and diversity of Central and Eastern Europe, you are guaranteed to experience magical moments every day. Your Tour Director and local guides will reveal the must-see sights, unique people and places that make each destination so special. For travellers looking for a truly authentic European holiday, our Regional Tours are for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. However pre & post accommodation in London will not be available for Trafalgar tours starting & finishing in London during the London Olympics 2012 (mid July to mid August). You will need to organise this accommodation yourself.
Both provide exceptional value for money, with the same professional service of a Tour Director and Driver and comfortable coaches. First Class tours include First Class Hotels, buffet breakfast daily and more sightseeing inclusions. Cost Saver hotels are guaranteed Superior Tourist class or better and continental style breakfast daily.
Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
Travel with like-minded English speaking people from such countries as
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, America and Canada, all with one common
goal; to experience the grandeur of Europe and leave with memories and
friendships that will last a lifetime.
There will be a maximum of 49 people on your coach, however the coach carries an average of just 40 guests.
CostSaver's fleet of modern coaches are purpose built for safety and
comfort. Each one is air-conditioned, feature large panoramic windows
and include an onboard washroom for your convenience. You'll never
travel for more than a few hours at a time with frequent stops to break
your journey and take in all the majesty of Europe along the way.
Not only are you chauffeur driven from door-to-door of your
accommodation, you are also taken right to the entrance of all the
must-see sights as well as into the centre of town, not left in the car
park or in line to battle the crowds. By travelling with Trafalgar, you are
treated as a VIP as our coaches have access to all areas of Europe and
the UK.
We have
sourced the best first class or superior tourist class
hotels including trusted and renowned brands
such as Hilton, Novotel and Mercure, together with
private family-owned Swiss chalets and Austrian
gasthofs all selected for their excellent standards
of comfort, service and value for money.
Our Quality Control Team constantly monitor all of our hotels,
ensuring our rigorous standards are maintained. Plus, for added peace
of mind, Trafalgar names every hotel on each itinerary so you will know
exactly where you're staying every night. We include porterage, hotel tips
and gratuities in the price – additional expenses if you were travelling on
your own.
Your Tour Director and Driver will handle everything for you – check
you in, gather your room keys, allocate your rooms and ensure your
luggage is delivered – all complete by the time you return from another
fulfilling day. However the service doesn't stop there! On the day of
your departure your Tour Director and Driver will bring the coach right
to the very doorstep, load your luggage and check you out, leaving you
with plenty of time for a leisurely and satisfying buffet breakfast before continuing on your journey. Gone are the worries of lugging heavy bags
on public transport, up staircases or over long distances – leave it in the
capable hands of your CostSaver staff.
Our Tour Directors and Drivers are the best in the business. They are
selected for their knowledge, character and passion. No matter how big or small
the request - whether you would like to know where to find a specific artwork in
the Louvre, need help translating a foreign language or simply where to sample
the tastiest Dutch cheese in Holland – they will always be there for you. You also get to enjoy sightseeing led by local guides in many destinations throughout
your tour. These individuals are proud of their heritage and teeming with the
knowledge only a local would know. They will uncover the sights and reveal
tales of their city, presenting you with a truly authentic and in-depth experience,
ensuring you don't miss a thing.
The prices listed cover all accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Trafalgar Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling.
Trafalgar has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as all baggage handling at hotels and ports. Tips to restaurant staff for meals are also included in the price of your tour. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors $4 per day, Drivers $2.50 per day and Local Guides $1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.
Choose from a range of fantastic Optional Experiences to further enhance
your holiday. Your Tour Director will offer you a number of unique activities that
are not only affordable but are also designed to specifically complement your
holiday. Enjoy such activities as an evening of traditional Irish entertainment and
dinner, the chance to dress up for an elegant Mozart Concert in Vienna or a
romantic gondola ride through the canals of Venice. Our expertly designed itineraries will give you all the benefits of group travel with the flexibility of travelling on your own. Your Tour Director will not only bring Europe to life before your eyes, but will also offer you a greater choice of activities
and suggestions on how to spend your free time.
Those looking for the advantages of escorted touring with the freedom
of independent travel, CostSaver is the perfect choice!
Many of our holidays are ideally designed for single or solo travellers. Every detail is taken care of, from start to finish, so all you need to do is enjoy your holiday in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. Meals, activities and sightseeing are all shared with your new friends, so you will never be alone - unless you choose to do some exploring or relaxing by yourself. Accommodation can be booked as a private single room or like many of our clients, you may wish to share a twin room by taking advantage of our 'Room Mate Matching Service'. You will share a room with someone from your tour (same gender), so you can avoid paying a single room supplement, in addition to making a new friend.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on CostSaver including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Know Before You Go
Download this “Know Before You Go” Guide, filled with all the essential information you need to assist you in preparing for your tour. Prepare for your journey with this handy guide. Learn more about your holiday, including pre-trip details, interesting facts, a guide to each region and information on Trafalgar's London Reception Centre. (2MB)
Airport Transfer Information
Heathrow Transfers in London
Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London
hotel. Trafalgar has negotiated special group transfer rates from London's
Heathrow to the door of your Trafalgar London hotel: AU $37 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport. Passengers will be picked up and dropped off in time to
meet all flights booked to/from London's Heathrow Airport.
Trafalgar's Transfer Terms & Conditions
- Global Journeys provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer
than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be
changed.
- For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar
on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
- Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
- In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar's control, the transfers will
be deemed to be cancelled.
- All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available
for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
- In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or
demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled
transfers.
Gatwick Transfers in London
For passengers flying into London's Gatwick Airport, Global Journeys & Trafalgar recommend the Gatwick Express, for details visit the Gatwick Express website at: www.gatwickexpress.com
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
|
|
     |