British Isles Grand Discovery Adventure
Set off from London and finish back in the capital on a 17 day adventure – across England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. You’ll explore the capital’s landmarks, then head north via Cambridge and York to Edinburgh. Expect the Scottish Highlands, a Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle, before sailing to Belfast and continuing to Dublin. In Ireland you’ll visit Powerscourt Gardens, Kinsale, Killarney National Park by jaunting car, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway and historic Clonmacnoise. Back in Britain, see Caernarfon’s castle, Liverpool’s musical heritage, Chester’s walls and the Cotswolds, then unwind in Bath and round things off with Stonehenge and Salisbury.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
17 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
$5,066.00
$400.00
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
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
Welcome to London. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to the hotel – after check-in, you’ll have free time to relax or take a short stroll nearby. In the afternoon, you can check the notice boards at hotel reception for details of the tour’s start time and meeting point.
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 explore London on a panoramic tour, taking in Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is yours – you can join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley and Windsor, crowned by its famous castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho – an area known for its theatres and lively atmosphere – before returning to the hotel by coach. Note: this evening walk may be scheduled for the previous day, depending on arrival time in London.
Day 3 - London
Enjoy a full free day in London to explore at your own pace. There are no scheduled activities today, so you can set your own plans – revisit highlights from the city tour, discover new corners, or simply take time to relax. If you’d like ideas or practical tips on getting around, your tour leader can assist.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London for northern England, stopping first in Cambridge to admire its historic colleges. After lunch, we continue to York to take in the cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets – you’ll then have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, we proceed north to Durham, a vibrant medieval town with a magnificent cathedral facing the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
Leaving Durham, we travel north with a stop in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its fine gardens and imposing medieval castle, featured in the Harry Potter films. We continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital has a UNESCO World Heritage centre, with the castle overlooking the city’s steep streets and parks. We take a panoramic tour with a local guide to introduce the main sights.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We journey deep into the Scottish Highlands, pausing in Pitlochry for coffee and a short stroll before continuing via Inverness towards Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle – admission included – then board a boat to cruise the loch’s dark waters. The route continues past Fort Augustus with its sluice system and Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, then south across high plateaus and along the shores of Loch Lomond. We arrive in Glasgow at the end of the day.From 15 November to the end of February, the itinerary adjusts due to daylight and weather. We depart Edinburgh at 08:00 for Pitlochry (09:45 – 11:15) and visit a traditional whisky distillery – admission included. We continue to Stirling (12:30 – 15:30), where Stirling Castle tickets are included and there is time for lunch. We make a photostop at The Kelpies – monumental horse‑head sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology – before reaching Glasgow at around 17:00, when you can enjoy a stroll through the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow and travel south through Scotland to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry to Northern Ireland. On arrival, we reach Belfast, the capital – a monumental city that has been emerging from its historical religious conflicts. We then continue into Ireland and drive on to Dublin, arriving by the end of the day.
Day 8 - Dublin
This morning we’ll take a panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s capital – following the River Liffey, passing its parks and historic university, and exploring the lively streets of the city centre. We’ll view the exterior of Trinity College.The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.Note: Depending on our arrival time in Dublin and daylight hours, the city tour may be scheduled for the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We leave Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit the magnificent 18th–century Powerscourt Gardens (admission included) – look out for the fountains, Japanese Gardens and pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll around this lively town. Further south, we stop at the Rock of Cashel (admission included), an imposing medieval fortress associated with Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening – you can take a stroll in the centre of Ireland’s second–largest city before we gather for the included dinner.
Day 10 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We leave Cork for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in the sea views beside this 17th century fortress. You then have free time to wander Kinsale’s historic centre. We continue to Killarney, where you have time for lunch and a stroll before we include a jaunting car tour through the national park to Ross Castle, followed by a short cruise on the lake. We make a brief stop in Adare – known for its stone and thatched cottages and the ruins of an old abbey – before reaching Limerick by mid afternoon. You can explore the city centre, visit the castle or cathedral, walk along the river, or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 11 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
From Limerick, we travel to Bunratty Folk Park – admission included – to explore traditional cottages and old market streets, and visit the castle that recreates medieval life. We continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located, and we might be lucky enough to see dogs herding sheep. Next, we visit the Cliffs of Moher – admission included – which overlook the ocean, with time for you to walk to O’Brien’s Tower if you wish. Our route then crosses the striking landscapes of Burren National Park before we arrive in Galway.
Day 12 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We leave Galway this morning for Cong, a picturesque village in a beautiful lakeside 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 visit of its Celtic monastic ruins – tickets and guided tour included. Due to renovation works at Clonmacnoise, the visit will be shorter than usual. Afterwards, we stop in Athlone, where you can have lunch and enjoy a short walk, before continuing to Dublin to arrive in the evening.
Day 13 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board an early morning ferry from Dublin for a crossing of around three to three and a half hours to Wales. On arrival, we travel to Caernarfon, a seaside town dominated by its imposing castle – a recognised World Heritage site – where you’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll. We then continue to Liverpool, where we’ll take a short orientation tour by bus to see the key sights of this historic port city. In your free time, you can choose to visit a Beatles museum or keep exploring at your own pace.
Day 14 - Liverpool - Chester - Lichfield - Birmingham
After breakfast, we travel to Chester, close to the Welsh border. This historic city preserves a Roman amphitheatre, impressive medieval walls and striking architecture – you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. We then continue to Lichfield for a lunch stop in its picturesque centre, known for cobbled streets, historic buildings and a medieval cathedral with three spires. Our day ends in Birmingham – the United Kingdom’s second-largest city – whose growth was driven by the Industrial Revolution and which today is a lively economic and cultural hub. In your free time, you can wander around the Town Hall area and along the canals – a network 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 his childhood home if you wish. We then travel through scenic countryside and small villages to Stow on the Wold, a charming village with stone houses, a picturesque square, and art galleries and antique shops. Our journey continues to Gloucester, where you’ll have time for lunch around the lively docks and to explore the historic centre with its grand cathedral – some scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot here. We finish the day in Bath, renowned for its hot springs and Georgian architecture – you can choose to visit the Roman Baths.
Day 16 - Bath - Stonehenge - Salisbury - London
After some free time in Bath – you may choose to visit the Roman Baths – we travel across southern England to Stonehenge, with entry included to view the remarkable prehistoric stone circle whose purpose remains unknown. We continue to Salisbury, where you’ll have time for lunch in the medieval centre, before we visit Salisbury Cathedral – entry included – home to the tallest spire in England. We then return to London, arriving at the end of the day.
Day 17 - London
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in London – 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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