British Isles Grand Adventure
Start in London and finish in Dublin on a 13 days journey that blends iconic cities with wild landscapes. Tick off Westminster and the Thames, then head north for Cambridge colleges, York’s medieval lanes and Edinburgh’s castle crowned skyline. Venture into the Highlands – think lochs, Urquhart Castle and a cruise on mysterious Loch Ness – before swinging through Glasgow. Sail to Belfast and roll into Dublin for lively streets and Georgian elegance. Continue through Powerscourt’s gardens, Kinsale’s harbour charm and Killarney National Park by jaunting car and boat. Expect Bunratty Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren’s limestone drama and Galway’s colourful buzz.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
LondonEnds
DublinMinimum 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
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
United Kingdom, IrelandPassengers
$6,774.50
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
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.
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 ToursPlaces You'll See
London
Cambridge
York
Durham
Alnwick
Edinburgh
Inverness
Loch Ness
Fort Augustus
Glasgow
Belfast
Dublin
Powerscourt
Kilkenny
Cashel
Cork
Kinsale
Killarney
Limerick
Cliffs of Moher
Galway
Clonmacnoise
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London. We’ll transfer you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information board at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour.
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 - London
This morning we take a city tour of London – visiting Westminster, Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is free – you can join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including the town of Windsor and its castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, known for their lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment – in some cases this evening programme may be organised for the previous day upon arrival in London. We return to the hotel by bus.
Day 3 - London
Today is free in London – there are no scheduled activities. You can explore independently, revisit favourite spots or simply take time to relax. Enjoy the city at your own pace and let each area reveal its character as you wander.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
Leaving London in the morning, we travel north to Cambridge to admire its historic colleges. After lunch, we continue to York, home to a magnificent cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets. You’ll have free time to explore. We then head further north to Durham, a medieval city with a fine cathedral opposite the castle, where we bring the day to a close.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel north from Durham into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town renowned for its beautiful gardens and imposing medieval castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is a vibrant city whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its skyline dominated by the castle above steep streets and parks. We take a panoramic tour with a local guide to get a clear overview of the main sights.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We journey into the Scottish Highlands, pausing in Pitlochry for coffee and a short stroll. We then continue via Inverness towards Loch Ness. Admission to Urquhart Castle is included – from here we board a boat to glide across the loch’s dark waters. We carry on past Fort Augustus with its sluice system and Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. Heading south, we cross the high plateaus, where snow is often visible, and follow the shores of Loch Lomond. We arrive in Glasgow at the end of the day.Important note – for groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November to the end of February, we follow an adjusted route due to shorter days and frequent snow. We depart at 08:00 a.m. for Pitlochry (09:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.) and visit a traditional whisky distillery – admission included. We continue to Stirling (12:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.) to explore the historic centre and Stirling Castle – tickets included. After a photo stop at The Kelpies, we continue to Glasgow, arriving at around 05:00 p.m. with time to stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow and travel south to Cairnryan to board the ferry to Northern Ireland. On arrival we reach Belfast – the capital of Northern Ireland – before continuing by road into the Republic of Ireland. We arrive in Dublin by the end of the day.
Day 8 - Dublin
We begin this morning with a panoramic tour of Dublin, Ireland’s capital. We’ll stroll along the River Liffey and take in its parks, the historic university quarter and the lively central streets – including an exterior view of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Please note – depending on our arrival time in Dublin and available daylight, this tour may take place the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We’ll leave Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit the 18th century Powerscourt Gardens – admission included – where we can take in the fountains, the Japanese Gardens and the small pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll through the historic centre. Further south we stop at the Rock of Cashel – a striking medieval fortress – with admission included. We reach Cork in the evening; you’ll have time to wander the city centre of Ireland’s second largest city before we include dinner.
Day 10 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We depart Cork for the seaside town of Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in the ocean views beside this fortress from the 17th century. You’ll then have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre at your own pace. We continue to Killarney, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. This afternoon we include a jaunting car tour through Killarney National Park, following gardens and the lake towards Ross Castle, along with a short cruise to appreciate the setting from the water. We then make a brief stop in Adare to see its stone cottages with thatched roofs and the ruins of its old abbey. By mid afternoon we arrive in Limerick, where you’ll have free time to explore the city centre – perhaps visit the castle, walk along the river, step into the cathedral or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 11 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
We begin at Bunratty Folk Park – entry included – exploring traditional cottages, old markets and the castle that illustrates medieval life. We then continue to Caherconnell to see the Poulnabrone Dolmen; with luck, we may also watch sheepdogs herding. Next, we visit the Cliffs of Moher – entry included – overlooking the Atlantic; if you wish, you can walk up to O’Brien’s Tower. Our route then crosses the limestone landscapes of Burren National Park before we arrive in Galway to end the day.
Day 12 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
From Galway, we set off for Cong, a charming village in a beautiful lake region. We visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and take a leisurely stroll around Ashford Castle – a medieval fortress now a hotel. We then continue to Clonmacnoise to explore its Celtic monastic ruins – entry and guided tour included. We arrive in Dublin in the evening.
Day 13 - Dublin
After breakfast, we conclude the tour. Please check out of the hotel and continue with your onward travel arrangements. Thank you for joining us – we hope you leave with lasting memories.
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 - Dublin
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.
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