
Grand British Isles Cultural Odyssey
Spend 15 days circling Britain and Ireland – starting and finishing in London – with a mix of guided sightseeing and free time. You’ll tour London, then roll north for Cambridge, York and Durham before Scotland’s showstoppers – Edinburgh’s Old Town, Highland scenery and a Loch Ness cruise with Urquhart Castle. Sail to Ireland for Dublin’s highlights, the exquisite Powerscourt Gardens, colourful Kinsale and a jaunting car ride in Killarney, plus the Cliffs of Moher, Burren moonscapes and monastic Clonmacnoise. Cross to Wales for mighty Caernarfon, then on to Liverpool’s Beatles lore, Shakespeare’s Stratford and scholarly Oxford. Expect big views, rich history and easy pacing throughout.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Prices
Duration
15 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, IrelandTour Style
Prices
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
$6,795.00
$500.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See

London

Cambridge

York

Durham

Alnwick

Edinburgh

Inverness

Loch Ness

Fort Augustus

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. We arrange your transfer to the hotel, and you have free time to settle in. In the afternoon you will receive practical information – either in person or via the notice board at reception.
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 city tour of London – Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is free for you, with an optional excursion to the Thames Valley and Windsor. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided stroll through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, famed for its lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment – on some departures this evening programme may run on the previous day of arrival. We return to the hotel by coach.
Day 3 - London
You have a full day free to explore at your own pace – linger in museums, wander neighbourhoods and let the city reveal its stories in its own time.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London for northern England, pausing in Cambridge to admire its storied colleges. After lunch we continue to York to discover its magnificent Minster, Roman walls and bustling lanes, with free time to explore. We then head further north to Durham, a characterful medieval city crowned by a superb cathedral opposite the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – noted for its beautiful gardens and grand medieval castle featured in the Harry Potter films. We continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital delights with a UNESCO World Heritage historic centre where the castle commands steep streets and green parks. We enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
An exhilarating journey through the Highlands awaits. We pause for coffee and a stroll in Pitlochry, then pass through Inverness near the mysterious Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle – admission included – and embark on a boat cruise across the loch’s dark waters. We continue via Fort Augustus with its sluice system and Fort William, a visitor hub at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest summit. Turning south, we cross high plateaus where snow is often visible and skirt the scenic shores of Loch Lomond, arriving in Glasgow at day’s end. Important note: For groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November to the end of February, the itinerary adapts to shorter days and possible snow. 08:00 a.m. departure from Edinburgh to Pitlochry (09:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.), including a visit to a traditional whisky distillery – admission included. Continue to Stirling (12:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.) with time to explore its historic centre and visit Stirling Castle – tickets included. After lunch we stop to photograph The Kelpies before continuing to Glasgow, arriving around 05:00 p.m. with time to stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow for southern Scotland to board the ferry at Cairnryan bound for Northern Ireland. On arrival we reach Belfast, the capital, a monumental city emerging from its historical religious conflicts, before continuing into the Republic of Ireland to arrive in Dublin by day’s end.
Day 8 - Dublin
We begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin, Ireland’s relaxed capital, strolling along the River Liffey, its parks, historic university and lively central streets, and viewing the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure. Note: Depending on arrival timings and daylight, the tour may operate on the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We depart Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit its magnificent gardens created in the 1700s – admission included – famed for fountains, Japanese Gardens and a pet cemetery. We continue to Kilkenny with time for lunch and a wander. Further south we visit the Rock of Cashel – admission included – a striking medieval fortress symbolising Ireland’s struggle against England. We reach Cork in the evening with time to stroll in the centre, and dinner is included.
Day 10 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We travel to Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort for sweeping ocean views beside this stronghold from the 1600s. You then have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, one of Ireland’s prettiest coastal towns. We continue to Killarney, where you have time for lunch and a stroll. We include a romantic jaunting car ride through the National Park to Ross Castle, with fine lakeside views, and a short cruise to enjoy the scenery. We make a brief stop in Adare, with stone cottages, thatched roofs and abbey ruins, before reaching Limerick by the middle of the afternoon. You have time to explore the centre – dinner is included.
Day 11 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today we visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – an open air museum evoking Ireland’s past with traditional cottages, old markets and a castle illustrating medieval life. We continue to Caherconnell, home to the Poulnabrone Dolmen, where we might be lucky enough to watch dogs herding sheep. We then visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher – admission included – and, if you wish, you may walk to O’Brien’s Tower. Our route crosses the otherworldly landscapes of Burren National Park before we arrive in Galway.
Day 12 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We set off for Cong, a pretty village amid lakes, where we visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll by Ashford Castle, a magnificent medieval castle now a hotel. We continue to Clonmacnoise to explore the Celtic monastic ruins – tickets with guided tour included – then travel on to Dublin, arriving in the evening. Note: Owing to renovation works at Clonmacnoise, the visit will be shorter than usual. Afterwards we stop in Athlone for lunch and a stroll.
Day 13 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We take an early morning ferry and, after three to three and a half hours, arrive in Wales. Our first stop is Caernarfon, a seaside town dominated by its impressive castle and recognised as a World Heritage Site, with time for lunch and a stroll. We then continue to Liverpool for a short orientation by coach in this city shaped by its maritime heritage. Fancy visiting The Beatles Museum?
Day 14 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - London
Today we travel through the heart of England, beginning in Stratford upon Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown, where you have free time for lunch and to explore. We then move on to Oxford, celebrated for centuries of learning and culture, before continuing to London for the evening.
Day 15 - London
After breakfast our journey concludes, leaving you 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 - 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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