From London to Dublin British Isles Odyssey
Set off from London and return 16 days later after a grand circuit of Britain and Ireland – finishing back in London. Trace England’s historic spine through Cambridge, York and Durham, then sweep into Edinburgh for a guided overview and a day in the Highlands with a Loch Ness cruise and castle ruins. Sail to Belfast to follow the Antrim Coast – Bushmills and the Giant’s Causeway – then dip into Derry, Donegal and Dublin’s lively streets. Gardens at Powerscourt, Rock of Cashel and Killarney’s jaunting car ride add variety. Cross to Wales for Caernarfon and Liverpool, then wind via Chester, the Cotswolds and Bath to Stonehenge and Salisbury.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
16 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
€4,539.00
€450.00
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
Chester
Lichfield
Birmingham
Stratford
Stow-on-the-Wold
Gloucester
Bath
Stonehenge
Salisbury
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
Leaving London, we head north to Cambridge to admire its historic colleges. After lunch, we continue to York to take in the city’s cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets – you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. We then continue north to Durham, a vibrant medieval city with a magnificent cathedral set before 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
We travel north from Durham, pausing in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its gardens and impressive medieval castle, featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue into Scotland, reaching Edinburgh around midday. The capital’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the castle commanding views over the city’s steep streets and parks. On arrival, we enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 3 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
Edinburgh – Inverness – Loch Ness – Glasgow. We set off into the Scottish Highlands, pausing for coffee and a stroll in the charming village of Pitlochry. We then continue past Inverness in northern Scotland, close to the mysterious Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle (admission included) and board a boat to cruise the dark waters of Loch Ness. We pass through Fort Augustus with its sluice system and Fort William, a visitor hub at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. Travelling south across high plateaus – often dusted with snow – we skirt the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow at the end of the day.From 15 November to the end of February, an adjusted route operates due to shorter days and frequent snow. We depart Edinburgh at 08:00 for Pitlochry (09:45–11:15), where we visit a traditional whisky distillery (admission included). We continue to Stirling (12:30–15:30) to explore its impressive historic centre and Stirling Castle (tickets included), then stop to photograph The Kelpies. We reach Glasgow at around 17:00, and you will have time to stroll in the city centre.
Day 4 - Glasgow - Belfast
We depart Glasgow and head south to Cairnryan to board the ferry to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast – the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland – we take in a city shaped by the history between Protestant and Catholic communities and revitalised since the 1998 peace agreement. The rest of the day is free for you to explore – you could visit the Titanic Museum, noted for its striking architecture and 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 in Belfast, we follow the Antrim coast to Cushendun, a village designated a conservation area in 1980 for its architectural heritage and its setting within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. By midday we reach Ballycastle for free time and lunch – not included. We then continue to Bushmills to tour the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – entrance and guided visit included – before heading to the Giant’s Causeway, where admission is included. This extraordinary formation of around 40,000 basalt columns, created by cooling lava about 60 million years ago, is also tied to the local legend of a giant’s path across the sea. We finish the day in Derry, a walled city that blends history and modernity, where you’ll have free time to stroll before the overnight stay.
Day 6 - Derry - Donegal - Marble arch - Belfast
We leave Derry and travel through mountain scenery into the Republic of Ireland to Donegal, a lively, picturesque town where we include entry to its impressive medieval castle. We then cross back into Northern Ireland to visit the spectacular Marble Arch Caves – admission included – one of Europe’s most remarkable cave systems, formed over 330 million years ago. The caves extend for more than 11 km and continue to be shaped by underground rivers eroding the limestone. You’ll have free time for lunch. After the visit, we continue to Belfast – arrival and free time to explore at your own pace.
Day 7 - Belfast - HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE - Dublin
We depart Belfast for Hillsborough Castle – admission included – the official government residence in Northern Ireland just outside the city. This elegant Georgian mansion from the late 18th century includes facilities used by the royal family, and its grounds feature woodlands, wildflower meadows and beautiful gardens. You will have free time for lunch.We then continue into the Republic of Ireland to visit Monasterboice – admission included – a 5th century monastic settlement renowned for its high Celtic crosses, especially Muiredach’s Cross, considered one of the most beautiful in Ireland. We arrive in Dublin by mid afternoon, where you will have free time.
Day 8 - Dublin
We begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s capital – including a stroll along the River Liffey, time in its parks and a look at the historic university quarter. We view the exterior of Trinity College and take in the lively city centre streets. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Please note: depending on our arrival time in Dublin and the daylight hours, this tour may operate the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We depart Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit the 18th century Powerscourt Gardens – admission included – with their fountains, Japanese Gardens and pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll around this lively town. Further south, we stop to explore the Rock of Cashel – admission included – a medieval fortress long associated with Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening, giving you time to wander the city centre before dinner, which is included.
Day 10 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We depart Cork for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in the sea views beside this 17th‑century fortress. You then have time to wander Kinsale’s historic centre, a renowned seaside town. We continue to Killarney, where you have time for lunch and a stroll. We then enjoy an included jaunting car tour through the National Park to Ross Castle, followed by a short cruise on the lake. Next comes a brief stop in Adare, a charming village with stone and thatched cottages and the ruins of an old abbey. By mid afternoon we arrive in Limerick – you can explore the city centre, visit the castle, walk along the river, see the cathedral or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 11 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
After breakfast, we visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – to step into Ireland’s past among traditional cottages and old-style markets. The site also features a castle that recreates medieval life. We then continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located, and we may be lucky enough to see sheepdogs at work. Next, we head to the Cliffs of Moher – admission included – rising above the Atlantic; if you wish, you can walk up to O’Brien’s Tower. We travel on through Burren National Park, with its striking landscapes, and arrive in Galway at the end of the day.
Day 12 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We depart for Cong, a picturesque village in a beautiful lake 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 to explore the Celtic monastic ruins – entry 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 short stroll, before continuing to Dublin for an evening arrival.
Day 13 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
An early start as we board the morning ferry to Wales – the crossing takes around three to three and a half hours. On arrival, we travel to Caernarfon, a seaside World Heritage Site dominated by its impressive castle – you’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll. We then continue to Liverpool for a short orientation tour by bus to take in the city’s main sights. Afterwards, you can visit The Beatles Museum or keep exploring at your own pace.
Day 14 - Liverpool - Chester - Lichfield - Birmingham
After breakfast we travel to nearby Chester, on the border with Wales. This historic city preserves its Roman amphitheatre and powerful medieval walls, with striking architecture – you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure. We then stop for lunch in the small, picturesque town of Lichfield, known for its charming centre and medieval cathedral with three spires. Our journey continues to Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city and a key player in the Industrial Revolution. You might like to stroll around the Town Hall area and along the canals – a network said to be more extensive than Venice’s – now lined with restaurants and entertainment venues.
Day 15 - Birmingham - Stratford - Stow-on-the-Wold - Gloucester - Bath
We leave Birmingham for Stratford, a historic town founded in the 12th century on the River Avon and best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You can visit the house where he was born. We then travel through delightful scenery and small villages to Stow on the Wold, a charming village of stone houses with a picturesque square, art galleries and antique shops. We continue to Gloucester, where you’ll have time for lunch at the lively docks and to explore the historic centre – its grand cathedral features in several Harry Potter scenes. We finish in Bath, renowned for its hot springs and Georgian architecture – you can visit the Roman Baths.
Day 16 - Bath - Stonehenge - Salisbury - London
We begin with time in Bath – you may choose to visit the Roman Baths. We then travel through southern England to Stonehenge, with admission included to explore one of the most famous prehistoric monuments. Continuing to Salisbury, you’ll have free time for lunch in the medieval centre before we visit the cathedral – admission included – home to the tallest spire in England. We return to London at the end of the day, when the tour concludes – please check your flight time in case you need an additional night.
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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