Grand British Isles Adventure Tour
Set off from London on an 18 day loop that ends back in London – a lively mix of city icons, storied castles and rugged coasts. You’ll visit Cambridge and York before reaching Edinburgh, then wind through the Highlands with a Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle. Sail to Northern Ireland for Belfast’s revival, Bushmills tasting and the Giant’s Causeway, plus Derry’s walls. Cross into Ireland for Dublin, Powerscourt’s gardens, Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel, Killarney by jaunting car and lake, and the Cliffs of Moher. Ferry to Wales for Caernarfon, then Liverpool’s music heritage, Shakespeare’s Stratford and scholarly Oxford.
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
$10,310.50
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
Stratford
Oxford
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London. We’ll transfer you to the hotel – afterwards, 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.
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 panoramic tour of London, passing Westminster and the Houses of Parliament, the City – London’s historic financial heart – and the Thames. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish; we’ll also offer an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including Windsor and its hilltop Windsor Castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho – a lively quarter known for its theatres and nightlife – before returning to the hotel by coach. Note – this evening programme may occasionally run on the previous day, depending on your arrival time in London.
Day 3 - London
Today is yours to shape. Enjoy a full free day in London to explore at your own pace – discover neighbourhoods, dip into museums and galleries, browse the shops or unwind in a park. You might revisit places that caught your eye on our city tour or seek out new corners of the city. Take your time, rest when you wish and make the most of the capital before we continue our journey tomorrow.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London for northern England, stopping first in Cambridge to admire its beautiful university colleges. After lunch, we continue to York, where the cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets make a strong impression – you’ll have free time to explore. We then travel further north to Durham, a vibrant medieval town with a magnificent cathedral set opposite the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
Leaving Durham, we travel north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town renowned for its beautiful gardens and grand medieval castle, featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday.Scotland’s capital is among northern Europe’s most vibrant cities, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle overlooks the city’s steep streets and parks. We take a panoramic tour with a local guide to see the main sights.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We set off for a full day’s journey through the Scottish Highlands, beginning with time for coffee and a short stroll in Pitlochry. We continue past Inverness towards Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle – admission included – before boarding a boat to cruise the loch’s dark waters. We then pass Fort Augustus, known for its canal locks, and Fort William, a visitor hub at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. Heading south, we cross high plateaus where snow is often visible and skirt the shores of Loch Lomond, arriving in Glasgow towards the end of the day.From 15 November to the end of February, an adjusted itinerary operates due to shorter daylight and frequent snow. We depart Edinburgh at 08:00 for Pitlochry (09:45–11:15), in the heart of whisky country, where we visit a traditional distillery – admission included. We continue to Stirling (12:30–15:30) for Stirling Castle – tickets included – one of Scotland’s most significant strongholds, associated with major battles and royal coronations. After time for lunch, we stop to photograph The Kelpies, the enormous horse head sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology, before reaching Glasgow at around 17:00, when you’ll have time for a stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast
We depart Glasgow and travel south to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast – the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland – we’re reminded of its complex Protestant–Catholic history. Since the 1998 peace agreement, the city has undergone a remarkable revival and feels vibrant and full of life.You’ll have free time to explore. You could visit the Titanic museum – the city’s most popular attraction – noted for its striking architecture and location in the historic shipyard where the Titanic was built, once one of the world’s most prominent shipbuilding centres.
Day 8 - Belfast - Cushendun - Ballycastle - Giants Causeway - Derry
We depart Belfast after breakfast and make our way 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. Around midday you’ll have free time for lunch in Ballycastle (not included), a lively coastal town. We then continue to Bushmills to visit the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – entry and guided tour included. Afterwards we explore the Giant’s Causeway – entry included – where around 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns step into the Atlantic, formed nearly 60 million years ago by cooling lava and long linked in legend to an Irish giant’s path. We end 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 9 - Derry - Donegal - Marble arch - Belfast
We leave Derry and travel through mountain scenery into the Republic of Ireland to reach Donegal, a lively small town with plenty of character – admission to its impressive medieval castle is included. We then cross back into Northern Ireland to visit the 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 kilometres and continue to evolve as underground rivers shape the limestone. You’ll have free time for lunch before we continue to Belfast, where you’ll have free time on arrival.
Day 10 - Belfast - HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE - Dublin
We depart Belfast for Hillsborough Castle – admission included – the official government residence in Northern Ireland. This grand 18th century Georgian mansion features facilities associated with the royal family and is set among woodlands, wildflower meadows and beautiful gardens. You will have free time for lunch before we continue into the Republic of Ireland to visit Monasterboice – admission included – a 5th century monastic site renowned for its tall Celtic crosses, especially Muiredach’s Cross. We then travel on to Dublin, arriving in the mid afternoon, where you will have free time.
Day 11 - Dublin
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Dublin, Ireland’s capital. We follow the River Liffey, take in its parks and vibrant city centre streets, and view the historic university – Trinity College – from the outside. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Please note that, depending on our arrival time in Dublin and daylight hours, the city tour may run the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We leave Dublin this morning for nearby Powerscourt to visit its 18th‑century gardens – admission included – considered the most beautiful in Ireland. We take time to enjoy the formal terraces, fountains, Japanese Gardens and pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll around this lively town. Further south, we stop at the Rock of Cashel – admission included – an imposing medieval fortress symbolising Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening – you’ll have time for a walk in the centre before dinner, which is included.
Day 13 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We depart from Cork for Kinsale, stopping at Charles Fort to take in sea views beside this 17th century fortress. You then have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre before we continue to Killarney. You have free time for lunch and a stroll, after which we experience a Jaunting Car Tour through Killarney National Park, following gardens and lakeside paths to Ross Castle. We also include a short cruise on the lake to enjoy the scenery. Later, we make a brief stop in Adare – a charming village of stone cottages with thatched roofs and the ruins of an old abbey – before reaching Limerick by mid afternoon. You have time to explore the city centre – visit the castle, walk along the river, step inside the cathedral or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 14 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
From Limerick, we travel to Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – to explore traditional cottages, old markets and a castle that reflects life in medieval Ireland. We then continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located, and we may be lucky enough to see sheepdogs herding. Next, we visit the Cliffs of Moher – admission included – which overlook the ocean. If you wish, you can walk to O’Brien’s Tower for wider views. We continue through Burren National Park before arriving in Galway.
Day 15 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
From Galway we head to 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 for a guided tour of its Celtic monastic ruins – admission and guiding included. Please note that, due to renovation works, this visit will be shorter than usual. Afterwards, you will have time for lunch and a short stroll in Athlone before we continue to Dublin, arriving in the evening.
Day 16 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board an early-morning ferry for the crossing to Wales – around three to three and a half hours – then continue to Caernarfon, a coastal town dominated by its impressive castle, part of a World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll. We then travel on to Liverpool for a short orientation tour by bus to see the city’s key sights. Afterwards, you can choose to visit The Beatles Museum or explore independently.
Day 17 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - London
We’ll leave Liverpool and travel through central England to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown. You’ll have free time here to find lunch and explore. We then continue to Oxford, renowned for its rich history in education and culture – it has educated kings, politicians, philosophers and scientists. We’ll then continue to London, arriving in the evening.
Day 18 - London
After breakfast, we conclude the journey – you’re free to depart at your convenience and continue with your onward travel. We hope you leave with lasting 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 - 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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