Private British Isles Grand Adventure
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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 Ireland that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guideCountries
Ireland, United KingdomTour Style
Group Size
Up to 7 travelers
Min 4 / Max 7
Trip Type
Private 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 guideGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 7Range
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
Private ToursPassengers
$8,580.00
$400.00
Free eSIM included
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Places 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 transfer you to your hotel and you have time to settle in. In the afternoon you receive information, either in person or via the noticeboard at reception.
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, taking in Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is free – you can choose to join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including Windsor and its castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, known for its lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment – in some cases this evening programme may run on the previous day on arrival in London. We return to the hotel by coach.
Day 3 - London
A full free day in London – you explore at your own pace, letting each neighbourhood reveal its stories and beauty in its own time.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London for northern England, pausing in Cambridge to admire its beautiful colleges. After lunch we continue to York for free time to discover the magnificent cathedral, the Roman walls and lively shopping streets. We then head north to Durham, a vibrant medieval city where the superb cathedral faces the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick, famed for its gardens and grand medieval castle seen in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. As Scotland’s capital and one of Northern Europe’s most vibrant cities, its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the castle commanding steep streets and parks. We enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
An inspiring day through the Scottish Highlands. We begin with coffee and a stroll in Pitlochry, then continue past Inverness near mysterious Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle – entry included – and take a boat cruise on the dark waters of Loch Ness. We pass through Fort Augustus with its sluice system and Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest peak. Heading south, we cross high plateaus where snow is often visible and skirt the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond, reaching Glasgow at day’s end. Important note: for groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November to the end of February, a revised route operates due to shorter days and frequent snow – 08:00 a.m. departure from Edinburgh to Pitlochry (09:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.), in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country, including a visit to a traditional whisky distillery – entry included. Continue to Stirling (12:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.) to explore its historic centre and grand Stirling Castle – tickets included. After time for lunch, stop to photograph The Kelpies, two giant horse heads inspired by Scottish mythology. Arrive in Glasgow around 05:00 p.m. and you have time to stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow for southern Scotland to board the ferry at Cairnryan. We sail to Northern Ireland and arrive in Belfast, the capital – a monumental city emerging from its historic religious conflicts. We then continue into the Republic of Ireland, reaching Dublin by day’s end.
Day 8 - Dublin
In the morning we take a panoramic tour of Dublin, the relaxed Irish capital. We stroll along the River Liffey and see its parks, historic university and lively central streets, with an exterior view of Trinity College. The afternoon is free – you explore at leisure. Note: depending on our arrival time and daylight, the 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 – entry included – with fountains, Japanese Gardens and a pet cemetery. We then travel to Kilkenny for lunch and a stroll. Further south we stop to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel – entry included – a medieval fortress symbolising Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening and you have time for a walk in the centre. Dinner is included.
Day 10 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We leave for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to admire ocean views beside this 17th–century fortress. You then have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, one of Ireland’s prettiest coastal towns. We continue to Killarney for lunch and a stroll. Afterwards we enjoy a romantic jaunting car ride through the National Park – included – travelling through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle with lovely waterside views. We also include a short cruise to appreciate the scenery. Next comes a brief stop in Adare, a charming village of stone and thatched cottages with the ruins of an old abbey. By mid afternoon we reach Limerick, where you have time to explore the centre, visit the castle, walk by the river or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 11 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today we visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – an engaging place where we learn about life in Ireland in the past among traditional cottages and old markets, with a castle evoking the Middle Ages. We continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located, and we may be lucky enough to see dogs herding sheep. Next we visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher overlooking the ocean – entry included – with the option for those who wish to walk to O’Brien’s Tower. We then cross Burren National Park, admiring its striking landscapes, and arrive in Galway.
Day 12 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We depart for Cong, a picturesque village amid lakes. We visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll around Ashford Castle, a medieval fortress now a hotel. We then travel to Clonmacnoise to visit the Celtic monastic ruins – entry with guided tour included – before continuing to Dublin, arriving in the evening. Note: due to renovation work at Clonmacnoise, the visit will be shorter than usual. Afterwards we stop for lunch and a stroll in Athlone and you have time to explore.
Day 13 - Dublin
After breakfast in Dublin, our journey concludes – we bid farewell with wonderful 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
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Single Room Supplement
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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