Compare London & Cardiff by Rail by Great Value Vacations vs Castles & Kingdoms by Luxury Gold
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 21 days |
| Price From | $ 1,844 | $ 14,612 |
| Price Per Day | $ 263 | $ 696 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | NA | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
Immerse yourself in class, culture, and history on this incredible 6-night journey through England and Wales! Enjoy scenic train rides between countries, and gaze out the window at stunning landscapes and small villages as you pass. Your trip will start and end in London, home of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, and tons of other postcard-worthy sites. Stroll through bustling Trafalgar Square, mosey around antique-shop-lined Notting Hill, or see a colorful musical in London's West End! Treat yourself to afternoon tea, or wander around buzzing Borough Market. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to grab a pint of ale and fish n' chips at a traditional pub. The mid-section of your trip will be spent in cultural Cardiff. Step into a storybook at Cardiff Castle, enjoy cool vibes at the Pierhead, and take in beautiful views of Cardiff Bay. Take advantage of this city's art and food scene. Check out Cardiff's world-renowned restaurants and visit the city's unique museums and galleries! With an included 24-Hour Hop-On/Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour, you'll be able to experience Cardiff front to back. |
From London to Edinburgh and over the Irish Sea to Belfast and Killarney this adventure across Ireland and Great Britain pairs iconic sights with once in a lifetime experiences. Join the Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London and bear witness to the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest practiced military tradition in the world. In Northern Ireland, join a local ranger to explore the spectacular Giant’s Causeway and in England, journey to the majestic 11th-century Alnwick Castle—known to many from the Harry Potter films. On Founder’s Collection departures, meet her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland for a private tour of the castle gardens followed by a seasonal lunch. The Activity Level of this tour is Balanced, meaning there is 1 to 3 miles of walking per day which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. |
Day 1 Welcome to London!
Touch down in the city of class and sophistication: London! Upon arrival, make your way to your first accommodation. Once you check-in and get settled, head out and explore the city! Treat yourself to a celebratory dinner of fish n' chips - with a pint of local ale, of course.
Day 2 London - Cardiff, Wales
Rise and shine! Enjoy an energizing breakfast, then hop aboard a scenic train ride from London, England, to Cardiff, Wales. Keep your eyes focused out the window, as you will be passing through some stunning landscapes! Make your way to your Cardiff accommodation and get settled. Take a walk through the city center and get to know the area!
Day 3 Cardiff
Start off with a lovely breakfast. Today, you might want to activate your 24-hour Cardiff City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour. See everything from Cardiff Castle and Mermaid Quay to Principality Stadium and unique museums! Enjoy a fun-filled day of sightseeing in Cardiff.
Day 4 Cardiff
Seize the day! After breakfast, use the remaining hours of your Sightseeing Bus Pass, then stroll around Cardiff Central Market. Nosh on some yummy Welsh cakes, then snag some locally made souvenirs! Pay a visit to beautiful Cardiff Castle, then get some fresh air in nearby Bute Park. Take a walk along the River Taff!
Day 5 Cardiff - London
Say "see ya" to Cardiff and board your train back to London! After a scenic ride, make your way to your hotel and check-in. Spend the rest of your day leisurely exploring England's cool capital. Treat yourself to classy afternoon tea, enjoy a ride on the London Eye, or climb St. Paul's Cathedral for an incredible view. Tonight, consider seeing a show on London's vibrant West End!
Day 6 London
Make the most of your last day in London! Be sure to get selfies on the Tower Bridge and in an iconic red phone-booth. Check out the Tower of London, feel like royalty at Buckingham Palace, and say hello to Big Ben! Looking to explore beyond the city center? Discover the beautiful pastel-painted houses of charming Notting Hill, indulge in delicious bites at artsy Camden Market, or take a photo crossing iconic Abbey Road!
Day 7 Depart England
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase and head to the airport. Find your gate, then spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
Day 1: Welcome to London
Your UK luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your five-star hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Here you are welcomed with the royal treatment from their red tail-coated doormen. Tonight, enjoy sumptuous British fare at the English Grill Restaurant.
The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Dinner
Day 2: Traditions and Treasures of London
Hear the bells of Big Ben and admire the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Enter bustling Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus before visiting the Household Cavalry Museum. After the sun sets and London lights up, you’re treated to a private, after-hours tour of the Tower of London and the historic Ceremony of the Keys.
The Rubens at the Palace, London.
Breakfast
Day 3: Stonehenge and Georgian Bath Relaxed Start
Savor a Relaxed Start before standing in awe of mysterious Stonehenge, Britain's best-known UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself further into British history as you travel to Bath. Stroll the streets lined with Georgian architecture feeling as though you’ve stepped into a classic English novel.
Francis Hotel, Bath.
Breakfast
Day 4: Explore Bath Relaxed Start
Personalise your day with a visit to the Jane Austen Center or visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, Britain’s only natural hot springs. Share the highlights of your morning over locally sourced dishes at the Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant.
Francis Hotel, Bath.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and York
Travel through a storybook of rolling hills in the Cotswolds toward Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, and admire quaint Tudor cottages. Your day concludes in York where cobbled streets, classic tearooms and Gothic buildings lure you further into the past.
The Grand Hotel & Spa, York
Breakfast
Day 6: Medieval Wonders of York Relaxed Start
Step back into the Middle Ages in York joining an expert-led tour of the York Minster or a walk on the 13th-century city walls. Enter the stately Castle Howard through landscaped gardens before sitting down to a traditional English afternoon tea and private tour of the house.
The Grand Hotel & Spa, York
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: The Wild and Poetic Lake District
Let the beauty of the Lake District inspire you as you cruise shimmering Ullswater Lake, taking in some of the best views of this region. Later, check into the lovingly restored country house overlooking Lake Windermere.
Merewood Country House Hotel, Lake District
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Alnwick Castle
Discover majestic Alnwick Castle’s magnificent interiors with a Local Expert before exploring Edinburgh's beautiful, walkable city. Should you visit during August, witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most spectacular military concerts and celebration of the history, heritage and colors of Scotland’s regiments.
Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 9: Highlights of Beautiful Edinburgh
Explore the grounds of Edinburgh’s “castle on the hill,” as your guide unlocks more than 900-years of history. Personalise your afternoon visiting the 17th-century Mary King's Close or with a stimulating whisky tasting. After a private performance from a former bagpiper to the Royals, a meal of fine dishes such as Scottish Border brisket of beef or poached fillet of sole, rounds off your final day.
Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Edinburgh to Belfast
Journey to your luxurious hotel in Belfast for a relaxing three-night stay in the heart of the city center. Pop up to The Observatory bar where glittering views stretch into the distance. Get to know the tastes of the town at a local restaurant.
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Highlights of Belfast
Visit the world-class Titanic Museum for a vivid picture of the past , before customising your time in Belfast. Step out with Local Expert and explore the City Hall, prestigious Queen's University and Parliament Building at Stormont or meet a local artist to discover Belfast’s progressive street art.
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Breakfast
Day 12: Giant's Causeway and Londonderry
Experience Northern Ireland's most spectacular geological wonder, the UNESCO Listed Giant's Causeway on a private tour with a Local Ranger. On arrival in Londonderry, Local Guide Ronan, one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, will captivate you with his deep knowledge of history and politics.
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast.
Breakfast
Day 13: Strangford Lough and Vibrant Dublin Relaxed Start
Sweet aromas and a slow food ethos await at Tracey's Farmhouse. Explore the organic farm and learn how to make traditional Irish soda bread before enjoying a farm-to-table lunch. Continue to Dublin for a tour of the city’s key sights including a tasting experience at the Guinness Storehouse, or tour Pearse Lyons Distillery and enjoy a whiskey tasting.
Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: A Truly Irish Experience
A visit to Trinity College unveils the 9th century Book of Kells. At a VIP, after-hours visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, sip Prosecco with the museum founder Trevor White as he shares his local stories.
Dylan Hotel, Dublin.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Glendalough to Kilkenny Relaxed Start
After a Relaxed Start, explore Glendalough, the "glen of two lakes" with a Local Expert. Stroll Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile linking Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral. Your own historic residence, Lyrath Estate, is set within sprawling acres of lakes, gardens and woodlands.
Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny.
Breakfast
Day 16: Banter in Blarney
See classic Ireland in Cashel, famous for its medieval structures including the spectacular Rock of Cashel. Visit Blarney Castle to take part in the legend of kissing the Blarney Stone. This evening join the locals at a home hosted dinner with entertainment and dancing.
The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens (Superior Rooms)
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 17: Scenic Ring of Kerry Relaxed Start
Journey into Killarney National Park, winding along the iconic Ring of Kerry. Travel back in time with a traditional jaunting car ride, enjoying views of Ireland's highest Mountain Range, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Explore the town of Kenmare before indulging in a gourmet lunch at the Park Hotel.
The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens (Superior Rooms)
Breakfast
Day 18: Exploring Limerick Relaxed Start
Admire dramatic mountains and windswept sands along Dingle Peninsula. In Adare, discover the charming thatched-roof cottages, castles and abbeys before continuing to Limerick to see the best of the city including St. Mary's Cathedral and Limerick's Treaty Stone.
The Savoy Hotel, Limerick.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 19: Regal County Mayo Relaxed Start
Breathtaking views continue through County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Your stay at the 5-star Ashford Castle begins with a royal welcome as a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to this estate, once home to the Guinness family. Tonight, savor specialties from a seasonal menu at the Castle’s Cullen's at the Cottage.
Ashford Castle, Cong.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 20: Majestic Ashford Castle Relaxed Start
Indulge in another Relaxed Start with the option of breakfast in-bed room service. Get acquainted with elegant birds of prey at the oldest established falconry school in Ireland or delve into the Castle’s history on a guided historical tour. Then treat yourself to a spa or stroll the magnificent castle grounds. End the last full day of your Belfast to Shannon luxury tour dining in style at the esteemed George V Dining Room.
Ashford Castle, Cong.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 21: Depart Shannon
Conclude your travels in Ireland with a private transfer to Shannon Airport.
Breakfast
