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
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, IrelandPassengers
$4,237.25
$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
Stratford
Oxford
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
On arrival in London, we’ll transfer you to your hotel – then you’ll have free time to settle in or explore 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 city tour of London, taking in Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and views of the Thames. In the afternoon you have free time — we offer an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including the town of Windsor, known for its castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho — lively areas known for theatres and entertainment. In some cases this evening programme may run on the previous day, depending on arrival time. Afterwards we return to the hotel by bus.
Day 3 - London
Enjoy a full free day in London – there are no scheduled activities, so you can explore at your own pace, revisit favourite spots or simply take it easy. You might spend time in museums or parks, wander through different neighbourhoods, browse the shops or settle into a café for a leisurely lunch. Use the day exactly as you wish and rest up – tomorrow we travel north.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
Leaving London in the morning, we travel north to Cambridge to admire its historic colleges. After lunch, we continue to York, where the cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets set the scene – you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, we head further north to Durham, a medieval city with a magnificent cathedral facing the castle. We finish the day in Durham.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We leave Durham this morning and travel north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its beautiful gardens and large medieval castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday.Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle overlooks the city’s steep streets and parks, setting the scene for our panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We leave Edinburgh for a full-day journey through the Scottish Highlands. We pause in Pitlochry for coffee and a short stroll, then continue through Inverness towards Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle – admission included – before cruising on the loch’s dark waters. We then pass Fort Augustus, with its sluice system, and Fort William, a tourist centre at the foot of Ben Nevis, the United Kingdom’s highest summit. Heading south, we cross the high plateaus – where snow is often visible – and follow the shores of Loch Lomond. We arrive in Glasgow at the end of the day.Important note: For groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November to the end of February, the day follows an adjusted route due to shorter daylight and frequent road snow. We depart 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), with tickets for Stirling Castle included, and you’ll have time for lunch. We stop to photograph The Kelpies before continuing to Glasgow, arriving around 17:00 with time to stroll the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
Leaving Glasgow, we travel south to Cairnryan and board the ferry to Northern Ireland. We arrive in Belfast – the capital – a monumental city that has moved beyond its period of religious conflict. We then continue into Ireland, reaching Dublin by the end of the day.
Day 8 - Dublin
We begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin, Ireland’s capital – we’ll stroll along the banks of the River Liffey, visit its parks and explore the lively city centre streets, with an exterior view of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure. Please note – depending on our arrival time in Dublin and daylight hours, the city tour may run the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We leave Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens – admission included – with its fountains, Japanese Gardens and pet cemetery. We then continue to Kilkenny, where you have free time for lunch and a stroll around this lively town. Travelling south, we stop at the Rock of Cashel – admission included – an impressive medieval fortress that symbolises Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening; you’ll have time to explore the city centre before an included dinner.
Day 10 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We depart Cork for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in sea views beside this fortress from the 17th century. You’ll then have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre. We continue to Killarney, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon, we include a Jaunting Car Tour through the National Park – passing through gardens and along the lake to Ross Castle – and a short cruise on the lake. We then make a brief stop in Adare, a charming village that still preserves stone and thatched cottages and the ruins of an old abbey. By the middle of the afternoon we arrive in Limerick, where you’ll have time to explore the centre, visit the castle, walk by the river, see the cathedral or browse the shopping centre. Dinner is included.
Day 11 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
We leave Limerick for Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – to explore its traditional cottages, old market streets and the castle that illustrates medieval life. We then continue to Caherconnell, in the area of the Poulnabrone Dolmen, where we may be lucky to see dogs herding sheep. Next, we visit the Cliffs of Moher – admission included – which rise dramatically above the ocean; if you wish, you can walk to O’Brien’s Tower. Our route then crosses the Burren National Park, with its striking limestone scenery, before we arrive in Galway.
Day 12 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We leave Galway for 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 magnificent medieval castle now a hotel. We then travel to Clonmacnoise to explore its Celtic monastic ruins – tickets and guided tour included. We continue to Dublin, arriving in the evening.
Day 13 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
An early start as we board the morning ferry from Dublin – the crossing takes around three to three and a half hours – before arriving in Wales. We stop first in Caernarfon, a seaside World Heritage Site dominated by its impressive castle, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. We then continue to Liverpool for a short panoramic bus tour of this major port city. After the tour, you can visit The Beatles Museum or explore at your own pace.
Day 14 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - London
We 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 long history of education and culture that has shaped kings, politicians, philosophers and scientists. We finish the day in London, arriving in the evening.
Day 15 - London
After breakfast, we conclude our tour in London – time to say goodbye and begin your onward journey. You can depart at your convenience. Thank you for travelling with us – we hope the memories stay with you long after you return home.
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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