13-Nights Best of Britain
Trafalgar · 13 days
Escorted
From $4,416 per person
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.
Dining Summary
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Explore London, Liverpool, the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh
- Discover Bath, Plymouth, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow and York
- Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Polperro, Buckfast Abbey, the town of Ludlow, Chester Cathedral, 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
- Deluxe coach travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
- 4-star stays
- London: See London's iconic sites with a Local Specialist.
- Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian facades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Bath: Visit the Roman Baths in the heart of Bath, where one of Britain’s best-preserved ancient sites reveals the city’s Roman past. As you explore the temple remains, bathing complex and steaming spring, you’ll see how this historic spa city first grew around its natural waters.
- Plymouth: During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps.
- 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.
- Chester: See the Jubilee Clock, the cathedral, the city walls and the famous black-and-white Rows.
- Liverpool: Join a Local Specialist to gain insight into Liverpool’s history. See the sights of Penny Lane, the Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, Mathew Street, the Liver Building, and the Beatles Statue, to name but a few.
- Chester: Visit Chester Cathedral, a former Benedictine abbey with over 1,000 years of history. Marvel at its stonework, arches and one of the most complete monastic complexes in the UK. Explore centuries-old cloisters and discover how this sacred site has shaped the spiritual and cultural heart of Chester.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- Glencoe: Drive through Glencoe, a Highland valley known for steep mountains, open moorland and clan history. Your Travel Director shares context on the area’s past as you follow the road through one of Scotland’s best-known landscapes, with views that show the scale and character of the Highlands.
- Fort William: Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
- Scottish Highlands: Take in the beauty of the Highlands on a scenic drive past glens, lochs and dramatic peaks. Watch the landscape shift as you travel deeper into one of Scotland’s most striking regions.
- 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.
- Pitlochry: Visit Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap.
- 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.
- Alnwick: See the impressive Alnwick Castle and Tenantry Column during a visit of this traditional county town.
- 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.
- Buckfastleigh: Visit Buckfast Abbey, a Benedictine monastery built on the site where monks have lived and prayed for over 1,000 years.
- Somerset: Ian and Ann Dyer are your hosts at Blackmore Farm, their modern-day dairy farm. See the ancient manor house and learn what life is like in the rural countryside over a lunch featuring tasty family favorites.
- 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Cons
Air
Itinerary
Scottish Highlands
Cardiff
York
Edinburgh
Excursions
Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours
— Optional Private Excursions
You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.
Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.
*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.
- Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
- Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
- Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
- Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.
- Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
- Supplement for public holidays
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.
Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours
— Optional Private Excursions
The capital city of Scotland is undoubtedly one of the most dramatically-situated cities in Europe; this setting has had a profound effect on its historical development and today your expert local guide unravels these themes on a half-day sightseeing tour. The focal point of the city is Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress that symbolises the Scottish nation and is home to the 'Honours of Scotland', the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles. From the impressive military installations there are stunning views of the city. The Royal Mile stretches down on from castle through the 'Old Town' of Edinburgh, at the heart of which is St. Giles Cathedral. This fascinating Gothic church is topped by a fine medieval spire in the shape of a crown. At the foot of the Royal Mile is Holyrood Palace, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland*. The palace's neighbour is the much more recent Scottish Parliament Building; its striking contemporary designs are in eye-catching contrast to the classical style of the palace.
*Tour of palace staterooms is included if no member of the Royal Family is present at time of visit
Highlights:
- Take in the stunning views of the city from Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress home to the oldest set of Crown Jewels in the British Isles
- At the foot of the Royal Mile see Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Glasgow
Liverpool
Excursions
Liverpool: Explore Liverpool - 8 hours
— Optional Private Excursions
This morning, you are met as you disembark your cruise ship by your driver-guide. Begin your full day private sightseeing tour of Liverpool, once the most important centre of maritime trade in the world.
Liverpool was the European capital of Culture in 2008 as is also the birthplace of Beatles. You may like to walk through the Mathew Street to the Cavern Club, following in the footsteps of the Beatles. See the buildings known as the ‘Three Graces’, and the impressive civic buildings that were constructed as a result of the mercantile wealth. The most important of these is St. George’s Hall, that interestingly claims to be the world’s first air-conditioned building. The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of paintings in the UK outside of London. However the two most magnificent buildings from the 20th-century in Liverpool are the cathedrals. The Anglican Cathedral built in traditional gothic style is the largest church in the UK; the Roman Catholic cathedral is a fine example of contemporary modernist architecture.
Time permitting you may also pass under the River Mersey to Port Sunlight, one of the first planned industrial villages in the world that was opened by the Lever Brothers to house their workers in better conditions. The focal point of the village is the Lady Lever Art Gallery that houses a large collection of Wedgwood Jasperware. You could also visit Speke Hall (closed Monday and Tuesday), a fine example of a Tudor half-timbered manor house that is richly decorated with wooden furniture inside.
Highlights:
- Follow in the footsteps of the famous band the Beatles who grew up in Liverpool
- See the impressive civic buildings, the Walker Art Gallery and the largest church in the UK
Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Exeter
London
Available Dates
| From | To | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 7, 2026 | $4,586 |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 14, 2026 | $4,416 |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 21, 2026 | $4,416 |
Terms & Additional Information
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.