British Isles Odyssey London to Dublin
Set off from London and finish in Dublin on a 12–day journey packed with iconic cities, rugged scenery and plenty of free time. You’ll take in London’s classics, the collegiate charms of Cambridge and medieval York, then cross into Scotland for Edinburgh’s storybook skyline. Expect photo stops at The Kelpies, an included visit to Stirling Castle, and time in whisky country. Highland highlights follow – Eilean Donan, a Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart’s romantic ruins – plus Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond and lively Glasgow. Sail to Northern Ireland, glimpse Belfast, and roll into Dublin for a panoramic tour and Trinity College views. Castles, lochs and legends – sorted.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
LondonEnds
DublinMinimum 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
$3,476.50
$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
The Kelpies
Stirling
Pitlochry
Culloden
Inverness
Fort William
Inveraray
Loch Lomond
Glasgow
Belfast
Dublin
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel – the rest of the day is free for you to settle in or take a short stroll in the neighbourhood. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour and meeting times.
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 guided city tour, taking in Westminster, Parliament, the City and views of the Thames. The afternoon is free – you can join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including the town of Windsor and its castle, or continue exploring at your own pace. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, known for their lively atmosphere and theatres. In some cases this evening programme may run on your arrival day. We return to the hotel by bus.
Day 3 - London
A full day at leisure in London – no scheduled activities. You can explore at your own pace, revisit favourite spots or simply relax. Any sightseeing, transport and entrance fees today are at your own expense.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London and travel north to Cambridge to admire the university’s historic colleges. After a lunch break, we continue to York to see its cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets – you’ll also have free time to explore at your own pace. We then head further north to Durham, a medieval city with a magnificent cathedral set before the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We leave Durham and travel north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque market town known for its gardens and its large medieval castle, featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital has a UNESCO‑listed historic centre, with the castle overlooking steep streets and green spaces. On arrival, we take a panoramic tour with a local guide to introduce the city and its key sights.
Day 6 - Edinburgh
Edinburgh – enjoy a full day at leisure to explore at your own pace. After yesterday’s panoramic tour, you can keep discovering the city’s historic streets, seek out quiet corners, visit museums or simply take time to relax. The evening is free.
Day 7 - Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Stirling - Pitlochry - Culloden - Inverness
Leaving Edinburgh, we stop to photograph The Kelpies – enormous horse head sculptures from Scottish mythology – before continuing to Stirling. Its historic centre is dominated by the great castle, one of the most important in Scotland, and our visit to the castle is included. We then head north to Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of a region where much of Scotland’s whisky is produced, with time for lunch and a stroll. Continuing our journey, we pause at Culloden – site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history – and arrive in Inverness in the evening, the capital of the Highlands. You might enjoy a walk along the banks of the River Ness and the suspension bridge. Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, the Culloden stop may take place on Monday.
Day 8 - Inverness
We set off to explore northern Scotland’s striking landscapes – forests, lochs, open moorland and sea inlets – beginning with Eilean Donan Castle on the water, with entry included. We continue to Fort Augustus to view the sluice gate system, with time for lunch and a short stroll. In the afternoon we take an included boat cruise on Loch Ness, then visit the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle – admission included. We return to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands by Loch Ness, for a visit to a traditional whisky distillery to learn about Scotland’s national drink, with entry and tasting included. Overnight in Inverness. Note: Distillery timings may vary with ticket availability and may take place late today or on Monday.
Day 9 - Inverness - Fort William - Inveraray - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
We leave Inverness and continue through superb Highland landscapes. Our first stop is Spean Bridge to visit a Second World War memorial, before continuing to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. We then pass the evocative ruins of Kilchurn Castle beside a dark loch and continue to Inveraray, a historic village on Loch Fyne with a notable castle and quiet streets. We stop here so you can have lunch and take a short stroll.In the afternoon we follow the shores of Loch Lomond towards Glasgow, arriving in the evening. You’ll have time to explore the city centre at your own pace.
Day 10 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow and travel south to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry to Northern Ireland. Arriving in Belfast – the capital, long marked by sectarian tensions and now very much renewed – we continue by road into the Republic of Ireland, reaching Dublin by the end of the day.
Day 11 - Dublin
We begin with a morning panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s capital – taking in the River Liffey, its green parks and the lively streets of the city centre. We also view the exterior of Trinity College. 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, this tour may be scheduled for the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Dublin – our services end here. You can depart at your convenience and make your own onward travel arrangements, taking with you the memories of your time with us.
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 - Dublin
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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