
Grand European Odyssey Icons & Culture
Begin your 19-day adventure in the heart of Paris, where the enchanting Eiffel Tower and a serene Seine cruise await. Venture into Normandy to explore Rouen's captivating medieval landscape. Cross the English Channel to Canterbury, before immersing yourself in the vibrant life of London, with its iconic landmarks and bustling atmosphere. Delight in the academic charm of Cambridge, the historic allure of York, and the stunning visuals of Scotland's Edinburgh and the Highlands – a true feast for the senses. Experience the rugged beauty of Northern Ireland, Celtic culture in Dublin, and picturesque towns like Kilkenny and Kinsale in Ireland. Back across the sea, discover the lively city of Liverpool and the historic heart of Oxford in England, before your journey draws to a close in Paris, offering an eclectic mix of breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and a blend of vibrant cultures. A trip that promises memories to cherish.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
19 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
ParisEnds
ParisMinimum 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 France 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
France, United Kingdom, IrelandTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travellers
Min 1 / 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 1 / 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
€4,744.00
€450.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See

Paris

Rouen

English Channel

Canterbury

London

Cambridge

York

Durham

Alnwick

Edinburgh

The Kelpies

Stirling

Pitlochry

Culloden

Inverness

Fort William

Inveraray

Loch Lomond

Glasgow

Belfast

Dublin

Powerscourt

Kilkenny

Cashel

Cork

Kinsale

Killarney

Limerick

Cliffs of Moher

Galway

Clonmacnoise

Caernarfon

Liverpool

Stratford

Oxford

Portsmouth - Saint-Malo Ferry

Mont-Saint-Michel

Fougères

Chartres
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Paris - Rouen
Welcome to Paris. We begin in the city centre with the Eiffel Tower – tickets to the second floor included – then enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Seine. You have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. Around 4:00 pm we leave Paris for Normandy, arriving in Rouen, where you have time to wander the historic centre with its medieval lanes and magnificent Gothic cathedral. Note: If queues at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we may reschedule the visit to a different time – or on Sunday – for your convenience.
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 - Rouen - English Channel - Canterbury - London
We take a morning stroll through Rouen’s centre before travelling north through France. We cross the Channel by ferry and reach Canterbury, known for its charming historic core, then continue to London. You have free time around Tower Bridge before we head to the hotel.
Day 3 - London
Discover London on a panoramic tour with a local guide, taking in the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames and Buckingham Palace – with the chance to see the Changing of the Guard depending on dates. In the evening we meet in Piccadilly for a stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, lively areas known for theatres and entertainment. You have plenty of dining options before we return to the hotel.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London for Cambridge to admire its beautiful colleges. After lunch we continue to York, where the magnificent cathedral, Roman walls and characterful shopping streets await – you have free time to explore. We then proceed north to Durham, a vibrant medieval city crowned by its superb cathedral facing the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel into Scotland, pausing in Alnwick, a picturesque town with splendid gardens and a grand medieval castle featured in the Harry Potter films. We continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. As Scotland’s capital, its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominated by the castle above steep streets and green parks. We enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh
Free day in Edinburgh. You set the pace – wander the Old and New Towns, visit museums or simply soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Day 7 - Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Stirling - Pitlochry - Culloden - Inverness
Leaving Edinburgh, we stop to photograph The Kelpies – striking horse head sculptures inspired by Scottish folklore – before heading to Stirling, whose impressive historic centre is dominated by its great castle. Our visit to Stirling Castle is included. We continue north to Pitlochry for lunch and a stroll, then on to Culloden, site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history that had profound consequences for culture and tradition. In the evening we arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands – you might enjoy a walk along the River Ness and its suspension bridge. Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, the stop in Culloden may be on Monday.
Day 8 - Inverness
An exciting day amid the forests, lochs, remote moors and sea lochs of northern Scotland. We visit Eilean Donan Castle – tickets included – a picturesque stronghold set on the water. We continue to Fort Augustus to see the lock system, with time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon we head to Loch Ness for an included boat trip on its dark, mysterious waters, followed by a visit to medieval Urquhart Castle – admission included. Back in Inverness, we visit a traditional whisky distillery to learn how Scotland’s national drink is made – admission and tasting included. Note: Distillery timings may vary with availability and may take place late Sunday or on Monday.
Day 9 - Inverness - Fort William - Inveraray - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
We continue through superb scenery, first stopping in Spean Bridge at a monument commemorating the Second World War. Next comes Fort William, a gateway town at the foot of Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest mountain. We pass Kilchurn Castle, its romantic ruins beside a dark loch, then reach Inveraray, a picturesque historic village on Loch Fyne with a grand castle and quiet streets – we stop here for lunch. We follow the shores of Loch Lomond and arrive in Glasgow in the evening, with time to explore the city centre.
Day 10 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow for southern Scotland to board the ferry at Cairnryan, sailing to Northern Ireland and arriving in Belfast, the capital, a monumental city emerging from its historical divisions. We then continue into the Republic of Ireland, reaching Dublin by day’s end.
Day 11 - Dublin
We begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin, Ireland’s relaxed capital. We stroll along the River Liffey, visit parks, its historic university and the lively city centre, and view the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore. Note: Depending on arrival time and daylight, the tour may take place the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We depart Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit its magnificent 18th–century gardens – admission included – with fountains, Japanese Gardens and a pet cemetery. We then travel to Kilkenny for lunch and a stroll. Further south we visit the imposing Rock of Cashel – admission included – a medieval fortress symbolic of Ireland’s historic struggles. We arrive in Cork in the evening with time for a walk in the centre. Dinner is included.
Day 13 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We head to Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort for superb ocean views beside this 17th–century stronghold. You have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, one of Ireland’s prettiest coastal towns. We continue to Killarney, a beloved holiday town, with time for lunch and a stroll. We then enjoy a romantic Jaunting Car Tour through the National Park – included – riding through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle, followed by a short cruise to savour the scenery. We make a brief stop in Adare, noted for stone cottages with thatched roofs and the ruins of an old abbey. By mid–afternoon we arrive in Limerick, where you have time to explore the centre, visit the castle, walk the river, see the cathedral or browse the shops. Dinner is included.
Day 14 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today we visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – an engaging open‑air museum of traditional cottages, markets and a castle evoking medieval life. 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 mighty Cliffs of Moher above the Atlantic – admission included – with the option to walk to O’Brien’s Tower. Our route then crosses the stark beauty of Burren National Park before we arrive in Galway.
Day 15 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We travel to Cong, a pretty village amid lakes, to visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll around Ashford Castle. We then continue to Clonmacnoise for the Celtic monastic ruins – tickets and guided tour included. Due to renovation works, the visit may be shorter than usual. Afterwards we stop in Athlone for lunch and a stroll before arriving in Dublin in the evening.
Day 16 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board an early‑morning ferry and, after a crossing of around three to three and a half hours, arrive in Wales. Our first stop is Caernarfon, a seaside World Heritage Site dominated by its imposing castle – time for lunch and a stroll. We then continue to Liverpool for a short bus tour of this historic port city. If you wish, you can visit a Beatles museum.
Day 17 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - Portsmouth - Saint-Malo Ferry
We travel through southern England, beginning in Stratford–upon–Avon for lunch and a leisurely stroll, then on to Oxford, synonymous with learning and culture. We continue to Portsmouth to board a modern ferry to France. You spend the night on board in en suite double cabins with bunk beds. Note: The overnight crossing may change due to availability – please prepare a carry‑on bag for the night on board. Breakfast during the crossing is not included.
Day 18 - Portsmouth - Saint-Malo Ferry - Mont-Saint-Michel - Fougeres - Chartres - Paris
We disembark in Normandy and travel to Mont–Saint–Michel, an extraordinary island crowned by a soaring abbey. We then visit Fougères in Brittany, nestled below one of Europe’s largest fortresses, with time to stroll its medieval cobbled streets and have lunch. Our journey continues to Chartres to admire its superb Gothic cathedral, before we arrive in Paris around 8:30 pm.
Day 19 - Paris
After breakfast our journey concludes – we hope you leave 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 - Paris

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Paris

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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