10 Day Castles & Kilts – Trafalgar

Itinerary

Trafalgar Tours Castles and Kilts

From Romans and Royals to Highlands and Harry Potter, there is much to entertain on this fascinating tour through Great Britain. Discover the fascinating sights of London before moving on to two of England’s most beautiful towns, ancient Oxford and Regency Bath. After exploring the medieval-style Ruthin Castle in Wales, it’s on to Liverpool, home of the Beatles. Later, breathe in the fresh air of the stunning Lake District, making the most of its rolling hills and peaceful lakes. Finally, explore ancient Hadrian’s Wall and other Roman ruins before reaching Edinburgh, with its striking castle and charming cobbled streets.

Day By Day

Day 1 Arrive In London (3 Nights)

Welcome to London – one of the most exciting capital cities in the world. After check-in the rest of the day is free for you to explore. This evening meet with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at the hotel. Tonight we will take you out for a fun evening at a popular London restaurant for your Kick-off Party. Your Travel Director will explain all the cool things you can do in London.Kick-Off Party Stay: Holiday Inn Kings Cross Bloomsbury

Day 2 London Sightseeing

Your Local Specialist shows you the city’s sights including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. See the location of the red telephone box where Harry Potter and Mr. Weasley descend into the secret Ministry of Magic in the ‘Order of the Phoenix’. Admire the magical platform 9¾ sign where Harry catches the Hogwarts Express. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to event taking place). After free time for lunch at St. Katherine’s Dock near Tower Bridge, visit the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels. (FB)

Day 3 London Free Day

Today you are free to explore the city on your own. Perhaps visit the Tate Modern or the scary London Dungeon. Shop for fashions in the West End, pop into the most famous toy store in the world – Hamleys on Regent Street – or take a day trip to Windsor Castle. Afterwards you might like to take an Optional Experience to the London Eye for amazing views across this wonderful city or take a cruise along the Thames. The options are endless and your Travel Director will be happy to help. (FB)

Day 4 London – Oxford – Lacock – Bristol

Travel west to Oxford for an orientation of this famous university city. Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers have all studied here, and you may even have the chance to look inside one of the historic halls (if students are not sitting exams). Later travel to picturesque Lacock in rural Wiltshire – one of England’s most beautiful villages. See Harry Potter’s house and other historic buildings used as locations in recent films. Perhaps take time to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea and cake in one of the local tea rooms before arriving in Bristol for your overnight stay. (FB) Stay: Mercure Holland House

Day 5 Bristol – Bath – Llangollen – Ruthin Castle (2 Nights)

Your orientation of Bath includes the Pulteney Bridge and famous Georgian architecture. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room and view Bath Abbey, founded in 1499. Cross the border into Wales and visit the town of Llangollen, famous for its annual Eisteddfod. Travel over the picturesque Horeshoe Pass before arriving at your castle hotel for the next two nights. This evening enjoy a welsh themed dinner with your travel companions. (FB/RM) Stay: Ruthin Castle Authentic Accommodation

Day 6 Excursion To Liverpool And Chester

There are many things to see and do in Liverpool. Perhaps visit the World Museum or the Merseyside Maritime Museum featuring a gallery devoted to the story of the Titanic. Consider joining an Optional Experience which takes in sites further afield from the city centre including Liverpool Cathedral and Mathew Street, birthplace of the Beatles. Later visit the beautiful city of Chester which is famous for its Tudor ‘Rows’. (FB)

Day 7 Ruthin Castle – Tatton Park – Lancaster

Visit Tatton Park for a Cultural Insight into an elegant mansion house set in an 1,000 acre deer park, where the butler and housekeeper take you on a guided tour. Continue north to the Lake District and see some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Perhaps take a ride on a steam train or cruise across Lake Windermere before reaching your hotel, where you dine tonight. (FB/D) Stay: Lancaster House

Day 8 Lancaster – Hadrian’s Wall – Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Visit the Roman Army Museum for an insight into life as a Roman soldier during the time that they occupied parts of the country. Visit Hadrian’s Wall, built by order of the Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD, the most important Roman monument in Britain. Later in Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital – your Travel Director will propose a fun night out. During the Edinburgh Festival, tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo in the castle grounds are included. (FB) Stay: Marriott

Day 9 Edinburgh Sightseeing And Free Time

Experience the beautiful sights of Edinburgh during your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist, including the Royal Mile, the famous Scott Monument followed by your choice of sightseeing to the Edinburgh Castle or Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura. See the Scottish Crown Jewels during your visit to Edinburgh Castle and hear tales of bravery, treason and intrigue. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own or join your Travel Director for an Optional Experience. Celebrate the end of your journey this evening with your fellow travellers and Travel Director at a special Farewell Dinner. (FB/FD)

Day 10 Depart Edinburgh

Say goodbye to your new friends at the end of an amazing holiday. Transfers are available to Edinburgh Airport. Conditions apply. (FB)