Epic British and Irish Adventure
Set off from London and return there after 18 days of Britain and Ireland at their best. You’ll tour London with time to explore, then head north for Cambridge and York, Edinburgh’s Old Town and a day in the Highlands – think Stirling Castle, Eilean Donan, a Loch Ness cruise and a whisky tasting. Cross to Ireland for Dublin’s highlights, Powerscourt Gardens and the Rock of Cashel, plus colourful Kinsale, Killarney’s jaunting car and lake cruise, and the Cliffs of Moher. Sail to Wales for Caernarfon, then call at Liverpool, Stratford–upon–Avon and Oxford. Well paced and scenery–packed – with castles, coasts and culture throughout.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
18 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
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
United Kingdom, IrelandPassengers
$9,532.75
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
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
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London. On arrival, we arrange your transfer to the hotel, after which you have free time to settle in or explore at your own pace. This afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour – all essential information will be posted there.
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 set out on a city tour of London, taking in Westminster, Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is free – you can 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 vibrant atmosphere, theatres and entertainment. In some cases this evening programme may be arranged for the previous day upon 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 activities today. You can explore at your own pace, revisit places you’ve enjoyed or discover new corners rich in history. The day is entirely yours to wander, relax and experience the city in your own way.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We depart London and head north. Our first stop is Cambridge, where we’ll admire the historic university colleges and you’ll have time for lunch. In the afternoon we continue to York to see its cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets – you’ll have free time to explore. We then continue north to Durham, a medieval city with a magnificent cathedral facing the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We depart Durham and head into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its beautiful gardens and imposing medieval castle, seen 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 historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crowned by the castle overlooking steep streets and green spaces. We’ll take a panoramic tour with a local guide to introduce the city and its key landmarks.
Day 6 - Edinburgh
Enjoy a full free day in Edinburgh to explore at your own pace. There are no scheduled activities today – you can continue discovering the city independently, following your own interests and rhythm. Take the time to wander, revisit favourite spots, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Day 7 - Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Stirling - Pitlochry - Culloden - Inverness
We leave Edinburgh and stop to photograph The Kelpies – striking horse head sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology. We continue to Stirling for an included visit to its impressive castle – a key stronghold linked to battles and royal coronations. Travelling north, we pause in Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of a region where most of Scotland’s whisky is produced – you’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll. We then continue to Culloden, site of a pivotal battle that ended with a decisive British victory and led to laws that suppressed Scottish culture and traditions. By evening we arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where the castle stands out – you can enjoy a walk along the banks of the River Ness and over the iconic suspension bridge. Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, we may visit Culloden on Monday.
Day 8 - Inverness
We set out from Inverness for a full-day journey through northern Scotland’s forests, lochs, remote moorland and fjords. Our first stop is the iconic Eilean Donan Castle – admission included. We then continue to Fort Augustus to see the lock system in action, with time for you to have lunch and take a stroll. In the afternoon we head to Loch Ness for an included boat cruise on its dark waters, followed by a visit to the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle – entry included. We return to Inverness, where we visit a traditional whisky distillery to learn about Scotland’s national drink – admission and tasting included. Overnight in Inverness. Note: The distillery visit may be scheduled late Sunday or on Monday, subject to ticket availability.
Day 9 - Inverness - Fort William - Inveraray - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
We continue through glorious Scottish scenery, stopping first at Spean Bridge to visit a Second World War memorial. We then head to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Passing Kilchurn Castle, its striking ruins set beside a dark lake, we reach Inveraray, a historic village on Loch Fyne with a grand castle and quiet streets. You’ll have time here for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon, we follow the shores of Loch Lomond and arrive in Glasgow in the evening – you can explore the lively city centre at your own pace.
Day 10 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow and travel south to Cairnryan to board the ferry across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland. Arriving in Belfast – the region’s capital – we’ll glimpse a city of grand architecture that has emerged from its historic religious conflicts. We then continue into Ireland, reaching Dublin by the end of the day.
Day 11 - Dublin
We start with a panoramic coach tour of Dublin – Ireland’s peaceful capital – taking in the River Liffey, its parks, the historic university area and the lively streets of the centre. We’ll view the exterior of Trinity College and make brief stops for photos and short walks. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Note: depending on our arrival time in Dublin and daylight hours, this city tour may run the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We leave Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to explore its landscaped gardens from the 18th century – admission included – featuring 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 leisurely wander. Further south, we visit the Rock of Cashel – admission included – an imposing medieval fortress long regarded as a symbol of Ireland’s struggle with England. We arrive in Cork in the evening; you’ll have time to stroll in the city centre before dinner, which is included.
Day 13 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
From Cork we travel to Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort – a 17th century fortress with wide sea views. You will have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, a seaside town regarded as one of the most beautiful in Ireland. We continue to Killarney, in the heart of Ireland, where you will have time for lunch and a stroll. We then take a traditional jaunting car tour through Killarney National Park – through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle for lakeside views – and we include a short cruise to enjoy the scenery from the water.Next, we make a brief stop in Adare, a village that preserves stone and thatched roof 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 14 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today we visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – to explore its traditional cottages, old market streets and the castle that evokes medieval life. We then continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located, and you might be lucky enough to see sheepdogs herding. Afterwards, we take in the ocean views at the Cliffs of Moher – admission included – and you can walk to O’Brien’s Tower if you wish. Our route then runs through Burren National Park, showcasing striking landscapes, before we arrive in Galway.
Day 15 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We leave Galway this morning for Cong, a picturesque village set amid tranquil lakes. We’ll 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 an included guided visit to the Celtic monastic ruins – tickets are covered. After the visit, we travel on to Dublin, arriving in the evening.
Day 16 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board an early–morning ferry from Dublin for a 3–3.5 hour crossing to Wales. Our first stop is Caernarfon, a seaside town dominated by its impressive castle – you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. We then continue to Liverpool for a short orientation bus tour of this major port city. If you wish, you can visit The Beatles Museum.
Day 17 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - London
We travel through central England to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown, where you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we continue to Oxford – renowned for its long tradition of learning and culture – then on to London, arriving in the evening.
Day 18 - London
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in London – we hope you leave with lasting memories of your journey.
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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