The Southern Trail, London to Dublin—13 day tour
Enjoy the southern highlights of 3 countries. After time in the grand city of London this tour journeys west to Wales, via the heritage cities of Oxford and Bath. From Wales it is a short ferry journey to the "Emerald Isle" of Ireland and Georgian Dublin.
Included Highlights
- London
- Westminster Abbey
- West End Theatre
- Oxford
- Hidcote Manor
- Roman Baths in Bath
- Chepstow Castle
- Avoca Hand Weavers
- Dublin City Tour
- Irish Entertainment Night
Hotel Nights
- London 2
- Cotswolds 2
- Bath 2
- Cardiff 2
- Swansea 1
- Waterford 1
- Dublin 2
Day 1 London
Arrival at one of London's airports. Meet and greet by a professional London guide who will accompany us by motor coach on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London. The tour will pass iconic landmarks including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
Overnight London
Day 2 London
Our guide takes us on an in-depth tour of London today. Highlights include a 'flight' on the London Eye, a tour of Westminster Abbey, a cruise on the River Thames, a pub lunch and admission to the Tower of London. We may also want to experience a journey on the tube, a ride on a Red Double Decker Bus or a visit to one of the city's museums, many of which are free to enter. Tonight a pre-theatre dinner and tickets to a top West End performance, with private transfers, are included.
Overnight London
Day 3 Oxford – Blenheim Palace
Leaving London our first stop is the university city of Oxford. A local guide takes us on a walking tour, which will include a visit to one of the historic colleges. There are many famous people associated with Oxford, such as Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis or even Lyra and Will for fans of Philip Pullman. Afternoon visit to the World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Continue to our hotel in the Cotswolds.
Overnight Cotswolds
Day 4 Cotswolds
Spend the day exploring the villages in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Visit the market town of Bourton-on-the-Water, the antique hunters' paradise of Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden, one of the region's prettiest towns. A visit to the stunning gardens of Hidcote Manor is included, plus a quintessential English afternoon tea in one of the quaint local tearooms.
Overnight Cotswolds
Day 5 Cotswolds – Gloucester – Bath
Travelling southwest we journey via the Regency spa town of Cheltenham to Gloucester. Here we find Roman foundations, Victorian Docklands and the magnificent Norman Cathedral rubbing shoulders with a modern city centre. Late afternoon arrival in Bath.
Overnight Bath
Day 6 Bath
This morning meet a local guide for a tour of this glorious city, another World Heritage Site. It is unique with its hot springs, Roman Baths, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents that have attracted visitors for centuries. After visiting the Roman Baths there is time at leisure to explore the many other delights of this city.
Overnight Bath
Day 7 Chepstow – Cardiff
This morning we cross the River Severn into South Wales. A visit is made to the historic walled border town of Chepstow and its 11th Century castle, dramatically set on cliffs overlooking the River Wye. In the afternoon we travel to Cardiff with an en route visit to the 19th Century "fairytale" Castell Coch.
Overnight Cardiff
Day 8 Cardiff
A local guide joins us this morning for a tour of the city including visits to the impressive Millennium Stadium and also Cardiff Castle, with its gothic towers and amazing Victorian interior. In the afternoon we explore the newly developed Cardiff Bay area where we are taken on a backstage tour of the Wales Millennium Centre, one of Europe's most innovative and vibrant performing arts centres. Our day ends with a traditional evening at Cardiff Castle where we feast on a Welsh banquet, accompanied by musical entertainment.
Overnight Cardiff
Day 9 Blaenavon – Rhondda – Swansea
Today we visit Wales' most popular heritage attraction, the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans. Over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100 acre parkland. Here we meet blacksmiths, weavers and bakers to find out more about life in Wales over the last 500 years. In the afternoon we explore the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape and take a trip underground on a coal mine tour at Rhondda Heritage Park. A short journey west takes us to Swansea.
Overnight Swansea
Day 10 Laugharne – Fishguard – Waterford
This morning explore Swansea and visit the new National Waterfront Museum. We begin to see links to Wales' most famous poet, Dylan Thomas, with a visit to The Dylan Thomas Centre. Continuing this theme we visit Laugharne, the village where he lived and learn about the origin of Llareggub, the fictional town in Under Milk Wood. Board the afternoon ferry from Fishguard to Ireland. Upon arrival continue to Waterford.
Overnight Waterford
Day 11 Avoca – Dublin
Our day begins with a visit to the renowned Waterford Crystal Factory Visitors Centre. This is not just a museum but also a working factory where you can admire generations of craftsmanship. Travelling towards County Wicklow we drive into an isolated and beautiful valley where we pause to visit the Avoca Hand Weavers. They have been weaving here since 1723, making it Ireland's oldest working woollen mill and longest surviving business. A journey through the gentle countryside brings us to Dublin.
Overnight Dublin
Day 12 Dublin
A local guide takes us on a morning tour of this lively city. Visits are included to St Patrick's Cathedral as well as Trinity College where we see the famed illustrated medieval manuscript known as The Book of Kells. See O'Connell and Grafton Streets and stroll along the banks of the River Liffey. The afternoon is free to explore some of the city's other attractions such as The Jameson's Whiskey Centre or The Guinness Storehouse. Tonight enjoy an evening of traditional Irish food and musical entertainment.
Overnight Dublin
Day 13 Dublin
Group transfer included to Dublin airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.