Real Britain

Real Britain

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9 Days From

$2775

$2498

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Real Britain" tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of England and the United Kingdom. This journey takes you through iconic cities like London and Edinburgh, where you'll explore landmarks such as Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, and Edinburgh Castle. Discover the historic charm of Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool, and York, and marvel at the scenic beauty of the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall. Experience the cultural heritage of Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and enjoy a traditional British dinner with a local family in York. Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach, stay in cherry-picked hotels, and enjoy the expertise of a Travel Director and Local Host. Optional experiences and free time allow for personal exploration, and if your tour coincides with performance dates, you'll attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant cities of London and Edinburgh.

  • Discover the historic charm of Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool, and York.

  • Visit iconic sites like Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, and Edinburgh Castle.

  • Marvel at the scenic beauty of the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall.

  • Experience the cultural heritage of Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.

  • Enjoy a traditional British dinner with a local family in York.

  • Attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, if your tour coincides with performance dates.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to London

Location: 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: Liverpool, England

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

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, 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

  • All transport and transfers shown

    All transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary are included.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included in the tour.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi

    Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    Optional experiences and free time are included in the itinerary.

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Dining Summary

  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy all transport and transfers as shown, including pick-up and drop-off at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.

Accommodation

Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Hilton Kensington, Clayton, Mercure Atlantic Tower, and Holiday Inn, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience, with occasional alternatives of similar standard and location.

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

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and includes all transport and transfers as shown in the itinerary, including pick-up and drop-off at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Additionally, there is a special 'Be My Guest' dinner experience with a local family in York.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels such as Hilton Kensington, Clayton, Mercure Atlantic Tower, and Holiday Inn, all selected for comfort and convenience. Occasionally, hotels of similar standard and location may be used as alternatives.

  • Is there a local guide available during the tour?

    Yes, an expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour. Additionally, the services of a Trafalgar Local Host are available when staying at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel.

  • Will I have free time to explore on my own during the tour?

    Yes, the itinerary includes optional experiences and free time for you to explore on your own.

  • Are tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo included?

    Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

  • What sightseeing opportunities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, such as visits to iconic sites like Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, and Edinburgh Castle, as well as scenic locations like the Lake District and Hadrian's Wall.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected. ...more ...less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$2775 $2498 (USD)

Operator discount: -$278 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Real Britain

9 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool, England, Lake District, Gretna Green, Edinburgh, Hadrian's Wall, York, Stratford-upon-Avon ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

BIBTZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2775 $2498 (USD) Operator discount: -$278

NB: Prices correct on 02-Apr-2025 but subject to change.