British Isles Odyssey History and Heritage
Set off from London on a 16–day adventure that winds through England, Scotland and Ireland – finishing in Dublin. You’ll explore London’s icons, the colleges of Cambridge and York’s medieval lanes before heading to Edinburgh and the Highlands for loch views, a Loch Ness cruise and storybook castles. Sail to Belfast to discover the Antrim Coast – think Giant’s Causeway and a Bushmills distillery tour – then call into Derry and Donegal. Continue south for Dublin’s Georgian charm, Powerscourt’s gardens, the Rock of Cashel and colourful Kinsale. Expect Killarney National Park by jaunting car and boat, the Cliffs of Moher and lively Galway en route back to Dublin.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
16 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
$14,305.50
$7,152.75
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
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London. On arrival we’ll transfer you to your hotel, after which you’ll have free time to settle in or explore nearby at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour – the rest of the day is yours.
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
In the morning we take a panoramic tour of London – 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 stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho – lively areas known for theatres and entertainment. In some cases this evening programme may be arranged for the previous day, depending on your arrival in London. We then return to the hotel by coach.
Day 3 - London
Enjoy a full free day in London. There are no scheduled group activities today – you can explore at your own pace, relax, or follow your own plans.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London this morning and travel north to Cambridge, where we admire the historic university colleges. After lunch, we continue to York to see its magnificent cathedral, the Roman walls and the lively shopping streets – you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, we proceed north to Durham, a vibrant medieval city with a majestic cathedral facing the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
From Durham, we travel north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its elegant gardens and impressive medieval castle, featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is one of Northern Europe’s most dynamic cities, and its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dominates the skyline above steep streets and parkland. In the afternoon, we take a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We set off from Edinburgh for a full day in the Highlands, pausing in Pitlochry for coffee and a stroll, then continuing via Inverness towards Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle – admission included – and then board a boat to cruise the loch’s dark waters. We continue past Fort Augustus with its lock system and through Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, before heading south across the high plateaus – often snow‑dusted – and skirting 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, the route adjusts due to shorter days and possible snow – 08:00 departure from Edinburgh to Pitlochry (09:45–11:15) with a visit to a traditional whisky distillery – admission included. We then continue to Stirling (12:30–15:30) to visit Stirling Castle – tickets included – and you will have time for lunch. We stop to photograph The Kelpies before continuing to Glasgow, arriving around 17:00 when you will have time to stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast
We depart Glasgow and travel south to the port of Cairnryan, where we board the ferry for the crossing to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast – the capital and largest city – we find a city shaped by its Protestant and Catholic communities and revitalised since the 1998 peace agreement, now vibrant and full of life. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – you might visit the Titanic Museum, with its striking architecture in the historic shipyards where the Titanic was built.
Day 8 - Belfast - Cushendun - Ballycastle - Giants Causeway - Derry
After breakfast, we leave Belfast, stopping in 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 we reach Ballycastle, a lively coastal town where you’ll have free time for lunch at your own expense. We then continue to Bushmills to visit the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – entrance and guided tour included. After lunch, we explore the Giant’s Causeway – entrance included – a striking expanse of around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed nearly 60 million years ago by cooling volcanic lava and long linked to the legend of an Irish giant’s path to Scotland. We finish the day in Derry, a walled city that blends history and modern life, where you’ll have free time to stroll before the overnight stay.
Day 9 - Derry - Donegal - Marble arch - Belfast
This morning we cross from Derry into the Republic of Ireland, travelling through mountain scenery to Donegal – a lively, characterful small town – where we include entry to its medieval castle. We then return to Northern Ireland to 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. You will have free time for lunch – not included. After the visit, we continue to Belfast, arriving with free time to explore at your own pace.
Day 10 - Belfast - HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE - Dublin
We depart Belfast for Hillsborough Castle (admission included) – the official government residence in Northern Ireland – an elegant eighteenth century Georgian mansion set among woodlands, wildflower meadows and beautiful gardens. You’ll have free time for lunch. We then continue into the Republic of Ireland to visit Monasterboice (admission included), a fifth century monastic settlement renowned for its tall Celtic crosses, especially Muiredach’s Cross, set amid ruins and old tombs. We continue to Dublin, arriving in the mid afternoon, where you’ll have free time.
Day 11 - Dublin
We start the day with a panoramic tour of Dublin, the peaceful capital of Ireland. We follow the River Liffey, spend time in central parks and see the city’s historic university – including an exterior view of Trinity College – before continuing through the lively streets of the city centre. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Note: depending on our arrival time in Dublin and the daylight hours, the tour may take place the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We depart Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to explore its 18th century gardens (entry included) – considered Ireland’s most beautiful – with formal terraces, fountains, the Japanese Gardens and a small pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll around this lively town.In the afternoon we travel south to the Rock of Cashel (entry included), an impressive medieval fortress long seen as a symbol of Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening – you’ll have time to wander the city centre before we gather for the included dinner.
Day 13 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We depart Cork for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in the ocean views beside this 17th century fortress. You then have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre – a seaside town considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful coastal spots.We continue to Killarney, a popular tourist town. You have time for lunch and a stroll before we enjoy an included jaunting car tour through the National Park, travelling through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle for beautiful lakeside views. We also include a short cruise to appreciate the scenery from the water.Next we make a brief stop in Adare – a charming village that preserves stone cottages with thatched roofs and the ruins of an old abbey – before arriving in Limerick by mid afternoon. You have free time to explore the city centre, visit the castle, walk by the river, see the cathedral or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 14 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today we visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – to explore traditional cottages, old markets and the castle, which offers a glimpse of medieval life. We then continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located – we may be lucky enough to see sheepdogs herding. Afterwards, we head to the Cliffs of Moher – admission included – rising high above the Atlantic. If you wish, you can walk to O’Brien’s Tower. We then travel through Burren National Park, taking in its striking landscapes, before arriving in Galway.
Day 15 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We leave Galway for Cong, a picturesque village in a lakeside area. We visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and take a stroll around Ashford Castle – a medieval fortress now operating as a hotel. We then continue to Clonmacnoise for a guided visit to the Celtic monastic ruins – tickets and guided tour included. Please note: due to renovation works at Clonmacnoise, the visit will be shorter than usual. Afterwards, we stop in Athlone, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll, before continuing to Dublin for an evening arrival.
Day 16 - Dublin
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Dublin. Your tour ends here — we hope you leave with wonderful memories. You will make your own onward travel arrangements.
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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