British Isles Odyssey Heritage and Scenery
Begin in London and end back in London on a 15 day adventure through Britain and Ireland – think historic colleges in Cambridge and York’s medieval lanes, Edinburgh’s UNESCO heart and the Scottish Highlands with a Loch Ness cruise. Sail to Belfast for the Titanic Museum, the Antrim Coast, Giant’s Causeway and a taste at Bushmills – plus Derry, Donegal Castle and the Marble Arch Caves. Cross into the Republic for Dublin’s highlights, Powerscourt, Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel, then Kinsale, Killarney’s jaunting cars, Limerick and the Cliffs of Moher. Return via Galway, Clonmacnoise, Caernarfon, Liverpool, Stratford and Oxford – a brilliant blend of scenery, stories and culture.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
15 daysHotel Rating
3-4 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, IrelandPassengers
$4,794.00
$400.00
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
Cushendun
Ballycastle
Causeway of the giants
Derry
Monea
Marble arch
Dublin
Powerscourt
Kilkenny
Cashel
Cork
Kinsale
Killarney
Limerick
Cliffs of Moher
Galway
Clonmacnoise
Caernarfon
Liverpool
Stratford
Oxford
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We depart London and head north to Cambridge, where we admire the historic university colleges before a break for lunch. In the afternoon we continue to York to take in the impressive cathedral, the Roman walls and the lively shopping streets – you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, we travel further north to Durham, a vibrant medieval city with a magnificent cathedral beside 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
Leaving Durham this morning, we head north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its beautiful gardens and large medieval castle, featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is among Northern Europe’s most vibrant cities, and its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the castle looks out over steep streets and green parks. We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 3 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We journey deep into the Scottish Highlands, beginning with a short coffee stop and stroll in the charming village of Pitlochry. We then continue via Inverness, close to the famed waters of Loch Ness. At Urquhart Castle – admission included – we board a boat to cruise the dark waters of the loch. We carry on past Fort Augustus, known for its sluice system, and Fort William, a popular base 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 scenic 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, the itinerary is adjusted due to shorter days and frequent snow on the roads. 08:00 a.m. – depart Edinburgh for Pitlochry (09:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.), a picturesque town in a renowned whisky region, where we visit a traditional distillery – admission included. Continue to Stirling (12:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.) to explore its impressive historic centre dominated by Stirling Castle – tickets included. After time for lunch, we stop to photograph The Kelpies, two vast horse‑head sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology. We then continue to Glasgow, arriving around 05:00 p.m. – you’ll have time to stroll the city centre.
Day 4 - Glasgow - Belfast
We leave Glasgow and travel south to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry across to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast – the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland – we note its complex Protestant–Catholic history and the city’s striking revival since the 1998 peace agreement, now home to major institutions and a lively urban scene. You have free time to explore – we recommend the Titanic Museum, a popular highlight with striking architecture, set in the historic shipyard where the Titanic was built, once one of the world’s leading shipbuilding centres.
Day 5 - Belfast - Cushendun - Ballycastle - Giants Causeway - Derry
After breakfast we depart and make our way along the Antrim Coast, passing through Cushendun – designated a conservation area in 1980 for its architectural heritage and its setting within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Around midday you’ll have free time for lunch in Ballycastle, a lively coastal town.We then continue to Bushmills to visit the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – entrance and guided tour included. After lunch (not included), we explore the Giant’s Causeway – entrance included – a remarkable expanse of basalt columns reaching into the Atlantic, linked to the legend of an Irish giant’s pathway to Scotland. Around 40,000 hexagonal stepping stones formed nearly 60 million years ago through cooling volcanic activity. Later we arrive in Derry, a walled city blending history and modernity – you’ll have free time to stroll before the overnight stay.
Day 6 - Derry - Donegal - Marble arch - Belfast
We depart Derry and travel through mountain scenery into the Republic of Ireland to Donegal – a lively, picture-postcard town. We include entry to its impressive medieval castle. Crossing back into Northern Ireland, we visit the Marble Arch Caves – admission included – one of Europe’s most remarkable cave systems, formed over 330 million years ago and extending for more than 11 km. The caves continue to evolve as underground rivers erode the limestone, creating a fascinating subterranean landscape. You’ll have free time for lunch – not included. After the visit, we continue to Belfast for arrival and free time.
Day 7 - Belfast - HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE - Dublin
We leave Belfast for Hillsborough Castle – admission included – the official government residence in Northern Ireland. This grand 18th–century Georgian mansion sits among woodlands, wildflower meadows and formal gardens. You’ll have free time for lunch before we continue into the Republic of Ireland.On the way, we visit Monasterboice – admission included – a 5th–century monastic site renowned for its high stone crosses, especially Muiredach’s Cross. We then travel on to Dublin, arriving in the mid–afternoon, where you’ll have free time to explore.
Day 8 - Dublin
This morning, we take a panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s peaceful capital. We stroll along the River Liffey, visit its parks and historic university, and explore the lively city-centre streets. We also view the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace. Note: Depending on our arrival time in Dublin and daylight hours, this tour may run the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We depart Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit its magnificent 18th century gardens – admission included – where we can admire formal terraces, fountains, the Japanese Gardens and the pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll around this lively town. Further south, we stop at the Rock of Cashel – admission included – an impressive medieval fortress often associated with Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening with time for a short stroll in the centre before an included dinner.
Day 10 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We depart Cork for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort – a fortress from the 17th century – to take in wide coastal views. You then have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, a seaside town often considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful. We continue to Killarney, a lively town in the heart of Ireland, where you can enjoy lunch and a stroll. This afternoon we include a traditional jaunting car tour through the National Park, travelling through the gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle, followed by a short cruise to appreciate the scenery from the water. We then make a brief stop in Adare – known for its stone cottages with thatched roofs and the ruins of an old abbey – before reaching Limerick by the middle of the afternoon. You’ll have free time to explore the centre, visit the castle, walk the riverside, step into the cathedral or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 11 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
We leave Limerick for Bunratty Folk Park – admission included – where we step into Ireland’s past among traditional cottages and an old village street, and visit the castle that evokes daily life in the Middle Ages. We then continue to Caherconnell, near the Poulnabrone Dolmen, where we might be lucky enough to see dogs herding sheep. Next, we visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher – admission included – overlooking the ocean. If you wish, you can walk to O’Brien’s Tower for wider views. Our route then crosses Burren National Park with its striking landscapes before we arrive in Galway.
Day 12 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We leave Galway for Cong, a picturesque village in a lake area, where we visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and take a stroll around Ashford Castle – a medieval castle now operating as a hotel. We then continue to Clonmacnoise to explore its early Celtic monastic ruins – tickets and guided tour included. Please note: due to renovation works, our visit here may be shorter than usual. Afterwards, we pause in Athlone, where you’ll have time for lunch and a short stroll, before continuing to Dublin, arriving in the evening.
Day 13 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board an early ferry for the crossing to Wales – a journey of around three to three and a half hours. Our first stop is Caernarfon, a seaside World Heritage town dominated by its impressive castle. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. We then continue to Liverpool for a short orientation tour by bus around the city and its waterfront. If you’re interested, you can visit The Beatles Museum.
Day 14 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - London
We leave Liverpool and travel through central England. In Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s hometown – you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore. We then continue to Oxford, renowned for its long-standing role in education and culture, having shaped kings, politicians, philosophers and scientists. We arrive in London in the evening.
Day 15 - London
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in London – bringing your tour to a close with lasting memories of the places we’ve explored together.
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.
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