Real Britain
Real Britain
$2775
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Real Britain" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of England and Scotland. Begin in the vibrant city of London, exploring iconic landmarks like St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Venture to the mysterious Stonehenge and the elegant Georgian city of Bath, before crossing into Wales to discover Cardiff. Experience the charm of Liverpool and the scenic beauty of the Lake District, then head north to the historic city of Edinburgh. Marvel at Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo if your visit coincides with the performance dates. Continue to York, where you'll be welcomed by a local family for a traditional British dinner. Conclude your adventure in Stratford-upon-Avon, delving into the life of Shakespeare. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a blend of cultural and historical experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Britain's rich heritage. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to London
Location: London, St. Paul's Cathedral, London, Tower of London, London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Brightly colored Union Jacks pave your way to an unforgettable journey through Britain, which kicks off in London. Visit 'The City' and see the imposing dome of Christopher Wren's St. Paul's and the Tower of London, or admire the pageantry of royal palaces, cathedrals and parks, exploring the city on your own terms.
Day 2: Explore the Sights of London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist today for a grand exploration of the vibrant British capital, including such sights as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames, then Buckingham Palace, the official UK residence of British sovereigns since 1837. Spend the rest of the day on your own, exploring the centuries-old heritage and modern sophistication of London.
Day 3: Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff
Location: Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff
Accommodation Name: Clayton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on a mesmerizing sojourn past rolling hills and farmlands of England. Head west to Stonehenge's megaliths, whose centuries-old mysteries have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes center stage during your visit to this famous spa town. See the Abbey and visit the Roman Baths on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain over dinner.
Day 4: Through the Scenic Countryside to Liverpool
Location: Cardiff, Ludlow, Liverpool, The Cavern Club
Accommodation Name: Mercure Atlantic Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city. Journey to Ludlow to see its half-timbered Tudor houses, medieval walls and historic castle. Continue north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to Liverpool, hometown of the Fab Four, for an opportunity to visit The Cavern Club, where The Beatles once played.
Day 5: Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Edinburgh
Location: Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our drive north to Scotland. Skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy views that inspired literary greats like William Wordsworth. We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where 'Blacksmith Priests' would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil. Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh – our home for the next two nights. This evening, consider attending a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Day 6: Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Location: Edinburgh, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerizing medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour. See the Old Town and view Arthur's Seat and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, for centuries the seat of the kings and queens of the Scots. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Auld Reekie's medieval relics and elegant Georgian and Gothic façades on your own, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to visit Rosslyn Chapel.
Day 7: Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York Connect with Locals
Location: Hadrian's Wall, River Tyne, York, The Shambles, York, York Minster, York
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to York. Walk along The Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening join a family at their stately home in York for a Be My Guest experience and some hearty British home-cooked hospitality.
Day 8: Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Learn about Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Center in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage before returning to London.
Day 9: Cheerio London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Hilton Kensington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say farewell to your fellow travelers and Travel Director as you return home with magical memories.
What's Included
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All transport and transfers shown
All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.
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London: The services of a Trafalgar Local Host
The services of a Trafalgar Local Host are included when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.
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London: Pick-up and drop-off
Pick-up and drop-off services are included when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar.
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Cherry-picked hotels
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and other personal items are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional activities not listed
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort and connectivity as you explore the scenic landscapes and historic cities of Britain.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, including the Hilton Kensington in London, Clayton in Cardiff, Mercure Atlantic Tower in Liverpool, Holiday Inn in Edinburgh, and Novotel Center in York, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience.
Iconic Experience
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths 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.
- Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
- Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Tudor architecture.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- 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.
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Real Britain tour?
The Real Britain tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as visiting the Roman Baths in Bath as part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, enjoying a traditional British dinner hosted by a local family in York, and attending The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo if the tour dates coincide with the performance. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries, and may include alternative transportation such as rail journeys. All transport and transfers shown in the itinerary are included.
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Are meals included in the Real Britain tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there is a Be My Guest experience in York where you will enjoy a traditional British dinner.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Bath?
In Bath, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience involves visiting the well-preserved Roman Baths, learning about 2000 years of history, and discovering how the site is pioneering educational investments to benefit the community, supporting local schools and students.
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What are some of the iconic sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several iconic sites including Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Cardiff Castle, the Lake District, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Real Britain
9 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, St. Paul's Cathedral, London, Tower of London, London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Ludlow, Liverpool, The Cavern Club, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel, Hadrian's Wall, River Tyne, York, The Shambles, York, York Minster, York, Stratford-upon-Avon ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BIBTZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided