British Isles Discovery Cities, Castles, Cathedrals
New
Begin in London and end in London after 9–days across Britain and Ireland. You’ll roam storied university quads in Cambridge and the medieval lanes of York and Durham, then cross into Scotland for UNESCO–listed Edinburgh and a sweep of Highland scenery – think Pitlochry, Loch Ness with a cruise to Urquhart Castle, and Loch Lomond – before time in Glasgow. Sail to Belfast and on to Dublin for a city tour. Return via Wales and England’s heartlands – Caernarfon’s fortress, Liverpool’s musical heritage, Chester’s walls and Birmingham’s canals – then savour Stratford–upon–Avon, the Cotswolds and Bath, finishing with Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
LondonEnds
LondonMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in United Kingdom that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
United Kingdom, Scotland, Northern Ireland, IrelandTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travelers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPassengers
$4,890.00
$2,445.00
Free eSIM included
Stay connected on your trip with free mobile data. We'll email it to you 7 days before departure — nothing to do now.
Places You'll See
London
Cambridge
York
Durham
Alnwick
Edinburgh
Inverness
Loch Ness
Fort Augustus
Glasgow
Belfast
Dublin
Caernarfon
Liverpool
Chester
Lichfield
Birmingham
Stratford
Stow-on-the-Wold
Gloucester
Bath
Stonehenge
Salisbury
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We depart London for northern England, pausing first in Cambridge to admire the elegant colleges along the River Cam. After lunch we continue to York to take in the Minster, walk a section of the Roman walls and wander its lively streets – you’ll have free time to explore. We end the day in Durham, a spirited medieval city where a magnificent cathedral faces the castle.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We cross into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick, renowned for its beautiful gardens and imposing medieval castle seen in the Harry Potter films. Around midday we arrive in Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital – whose monumental centre is UNESCO World Heritage listed. Overlooked by the castle above steep streets and green parks, we take a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 3 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
A stirring Highland day begins with coffee and a stroll in Pitlochry. We pass Inverness by the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, visit Urquhart Castle – admission included – and board a boat to cruise the loch’s dark surface. We continue via Fort Augustus with its sluices and Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, then drive south across high plateaus where snow often lingers, skirting the shores of Loch Lomond, and reach Glasgow late in the day. Important note – for groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November to the end of February a revised route runs due to short daylight and frequent snow: 08:00 departure to Pitlochry, 09:45–11:15 with a visit to a traditional whisky distillery – admission included; onward to Stirling, 12:30–15:30, with tickets included for Stirling Castle, followed by a photo stop at The Kelpies. We continue to Glasgow, arriving about 17:00 with time for a stroll in the centre.
Day 4 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow for the south–west of Scotland to board the ferry at Cairnryan. Crossing to Northern Ireland, we arrive in Belfast, the capital, a monumental city emerging from historic divisions. We then continue into the Republic of Ireland, reaching Dublin by day’s end.
Day 5 - Dublin
We begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin, Ireland’s peaceful capital. We follow the River Liffey, take in its parks, historic university and lively city–centre streets, and view the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Note – depending on our arrival time in Dublin and daylight, this tour may run the previous afternoon.
Day 6 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board an early ferry – a three to three–and–a–half hour crossing – to Wales. Our first stop is Caernarfon, a seaside UNESCO World Heritage town dominated by its striking castle – you’ll have time for lunch and a wander. We continue to Liverpool for a short orientation by bus through this storied port city. If you’re interested, you can visit the Beatles museum.
Day 7 - Liverpool - Chester - Lichfield - Birmingham
We travel to nearby Chester on the Welsh border – a historic city with a Roman amphitheatre, robust medieval walls and handsome architecture – and you’ll have free time to explore. We pause for lunch in pretty Lichfield, known for cobbled streets, historic buildings and a medieval cathedral with three spires. Our journey continues to Birmingham, the United Kingdom’s second–largest city, forged in the Industrial Revolution and now a dynamic cultural and economic hub. You might enjoy a stroll around the Town Hall area and along canals – said to be more extensive than Venice’s – now lined with restaurants and entertainment.
Day 8 - Birmingham - Stratford - Stow-on-the-Wold - Gloucester - Bath
We depart for Stratford–upon–Avon, a historic town on the River Avon celebrated as William Shakespeare’s birthplace – you can visit the house where he was born if you wish. We continue through bucolic countryside to Stow–on–the–Wold, a charming village of stone houses around a picturesque square filled with galleries and antique shops. On to Gloucester, where you’ll have time for lunch at the lively docks and to explore the historic centre with its grand cathedral, where some Harry Potter scenes were filmed. We finish the day in Bath, famed for hot springs and Georgian architecture – you can visit the Roman Baths if you wish.
Day 9 - Bath - Stonehenge - Salisbury - London
After time in Bath – and the chance to visit the Roman Baths if you wish – we continue through southern England. Admission to Stonehenge is included, the world–famous prehistoric stone circle whose purpose remains a mystery. In Salisbury you’ll have time for lunch in the medieval centre before visiting its impressive cathedral – admission included – home to England’s tallest spire. We return to London at the end of the day. Our journey concludes – please check your flight time in case you need an additional night.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - London
Pre-Tour Accommodation - London
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in United Kingdom to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?