Hi, I’m Parri — your Travel Director for this tour.
I congratulate you on your choice to travel with Trafalgar, and if it's your first tour with us, I am confident you'll soon be sure that Trafalgar is the way to go to see Europe and to make great friends along the way. Please take the time to read over the Tour Itinerary which includes important information about “before you go” advice, the arrival procedure, seat rotation and the optional experiences offered.
You don’t need to memorise everything here — just use it as a helpful guide in the lead-up to your trip.
This page is designed to help you feel fully prepared before you arrive. It covers the key practical details, what to expect, and a few tips that will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
.Your official Trafalgar documents (itinerary, travel documents, and emails) always take priority for confirmed timings and operational details.
The UK and Ireland are known for changeable weather — sunshine, wind, and rain can all happen in the same day.
Layers are key.
Laundry service washes (approx. €25) are usually available to you in Killarney (Days 5-6), Dublin (Day 10-11) and Edinburgh (Days 17-18) so if you are happy to utilise one or more of these, you do not need to carry clothes for the full three weeks. Believe me, most guests bring much more than they need! Travelling lighter makes everything easier.
The tour begins in London and departs promptly on the departure morning, so please read joining information carefully. Exact meeting and departure times will be confirmed in your Trafalgar documents, and I will also send a reminder message closer to the start of the tour.
Please aim to arrive early — it helps everything run smoothly.
WiFi is provided free at all hotels, at many cafes/restaurants, and often on the coach too depending on where we are travelling at the time.
I will always give reminders verbally, but as a reminder and to ensure the smooth flow of our travel experience, I will also distribute this key information (eg porterage times, breakfast details, departure times) via WhatsApp.
Because Wi-fi is often available, having connectivity (mobile data) on your phone is not essential - but it does makes things much easier for you. I find that guests who have mobile data tend to be more relaxed during free time exploring cities, knowing that even without wi-fi they can access street maps, and contact each other (or me) if necessary.
If you want to have this option, and your regular service provider doesn't provide an affordable option, a popular option is Airalo:
This is a fast-moving journey covering multiple countries. On most days we depart at 8:00 or 8:30, and we often have included dinner or night time activities that are recommended. Some days involve longer travel distances, balanced by rewarding experiences along the way.
There will be walking every day during our tour, sometimes on uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking shoes (rather than stylish ones!) are recommended for every day.
Being on time is very important — delays impact the whole group and the daily schedule. Touring works best when all guests are mindful of this, as well as shared spaces and different travel styles. A relaxed and respectful group dynamic makes the journey more enjoyable for all.
Public toilets may occasionally require small change.
It is important that you are carrying local currency cash during the trip. Note that the Pound Sterling (GBP/£) is used in England, Wales and Scotland, but in the Republic of Ireland it is the Euro (EUR/€).
While using a credit card is handy, local currency is useful when credit cards are not accepted – for example, lunch at small stops, payment to local street sellers, use of some restrooms and tips for local guides. I’ll always try to let you know of convenient times to use ATMs & currency exchanges (and you can exchange money at the airport on your arrival).
Trafalgar coaches are amongst the most comfortable in Europe, and the views from the coach on our travel days are absolutely fantastic! In the interest of safety, please always ensure that your seatbelt is fastened, and where possible refrain from standing while the coach is moving.
During the tour we will use a system of seat rotation to allow everyone to enjoy the views from all parts of the coach.
Please take great care to keep the coach as clean as possible for everybody’s comfort, and while food and drink are certainly allowed on the coach, we ask you kindly not to bring on board hot foods, hot drinks or icecream.
Almost all coaches have phone charging capabilities, a toilet, and wi-fi connection - but note that only has capacity for light usage (messages and emails, not streaming video), and can be unreliable in regional areas, so is not guaranteed 100% of the time.
Across Britain and Ireland we stay in a mix of modern and historic properties. Room sizes, layouts and facilities can differ from what guests are used to elsewhere. In particular, the small, independent hotels of Scotland's Highlands and Islands are more basic than those found around the rest of the region.
You will have the comfort of air-conditioning on the coach and also at most museums, restaurants and some hotels. Please note, however, that since the UK is not known for it's hot weather (!) most hotels in this region do not have air conditioning. In these circumstances the hotel can provide a portable fan if required.
Porterage for ONE piece of luggage is included per person. I will attach a Trafalgar luggage label to your bag on Day One, but to enable me to identify it please have your own name label on it (you should have this for the flight over anyway).
After arriving at hotels, luggage will be delivered to your room by the porters. Please take all valuables and hand luggage with you when departing the coach for check in. If you require toiletries or medications on arrival to hotels, carry them in your hand luggage, as suitcase delivery can take 30 minutes.
As well as the included sightseeing, we have an exciting range of optional highlights which are designed to complement our itinerary and turn a great holiday into the trip of a lifetime. I will go over the excursions in detail at the start of the tour, and give you the chance to select which you will join us on. Optional payments can be made using Visa, MasterCard or AmEx, or cash in local currency.
On this tour, five dinners are included, with the remainder at your expense – Trafalgar have organized several dinners (refer to “Optional Experiences”) that we know are good value and representative of each region’s food and culture, where you may choose to join us. Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch on tour is always left up to you; quite often this will be at en route lunch stops during our travel from city to city, or during free time in a city. For all meals, please ensure that you let me know of any dietary requirements so that I may pass them on to the kitchens.
Stay flexible and enjoy the journey.
For urgent matters before the tour, please contact Trafalgar Guest Services.
I will be in touch closer to the start of the tour.
During the tour, WhatsApp will be the easiest way to stay connected.
This is a fantastic journey through Britain and Ireland, with a huge amount to see and experience.
I’m really looking forward to meeting you.
Safe travels — and see you soon.
— Parri