Grand British Isles and Ireland Odyssey
Set off from London and loop Britain and Ireland over 10 days – finishing back in London – for a mix of historic cities, wild coasts and Highland drama. You’ll explore Cambridge’s colleges, York’s lanes and Durham’s grand cathedral before a guided overview of Edinburgh. Expect to see the Scottish Highlands, cruise Loch Ness and roll past Ben Nevis to Glasgow. Sail to Belfast for Titanic heritage, then trace the Antrim Coast to the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills, with time in Derry, Donegal and the Marble Arch Caves. Cross to Dublin, ferry to Wales for Caernarfon, then continue to Liverpool, Stratford upon Avon and Oxford.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
10 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
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
United Kingdom, IrelandPassengers
$3,259.75
$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
Cushendun
Ballycastle
Causeway of the giants
Derry
Monea
Marble arch
Dublin
Caernarfon
Liverpool
Stratford
Oxford
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
Leaving London, we head north to Cambridge, where we pause to admire the historic colleges. After lunch, we continue to York – its impressive cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets make a memorable stop – and you’ll have free time to look around. We then travel on to Durham, a vibrant medieval city distinguished by its magnificent cathedral set before the castle.
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 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We leave Durham and head north into Scotland, pausing in Alnwick – a picturesque town famed for its beautiful gardens and impressive medieval castle, featured in the Harry Potter films. You can explore the town at your own pace during our stop. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is home to a UNESCO World Heritage centre, with the castle overlooking the city’s steep streets and parks. On arrival, we take a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 3 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We leave Edinburgh for a day through the Scottish Highlands, starting with coffee and a short stroll in the charming village of Pitlochry. We then pass through Inverness towards Loch Ness. At Urquhart Castle (admission included), we explore the site before embarking on a boat ride across the loch’s dark waters. Continuing south, we pass Fort Augustus with its sluice system and Fort William, a tourist centre at the foot of Ben Nevis – the highest summit in the United Kingdom. We travel over high plateaus – often snow-dusted – and skirt the shores of Loch Lomond, reaching Glasgow towards the end of the day.Important note: For groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November to the end of February, the itinerary adjusts due to shorter daylight and possible snow. 08:00 a.m. – departure from Edinburgh to Pitlochry (09:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.), a picturesque town in a whisky producing region, including a visit to a traditional whisky distillery (admission included). We continue to Stirling (12:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.) to visit Stirling Castle (tickets included), a key Scottish stronghold linked to major battles and royal coronations. After time for lunch, we stop to photograph The Kelpies, two large horse head sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology, before continuing to Glasgow – arrival around 05:00 p.m., with time for a stroll in the city centre.
Day 4 - Glasgow - Belfast
Leaving Glasgow, we travel south through Scotland to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry for the crossing to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast – the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland – we reflect on its complex history between Protestant and Catholic communities and the progress since the 1998 peace agreement, which has helped the city thrive once again. You’ll have free time to explore – you could visit Titanic Belfast, the city’s most popular attraction, set within the historic shipyard where the Titanic was built.
Day 5 - Belfast - Cushendun - Ballycastle - Giants Causeway - Derry
After breakfast in Belfast, we depart for the Antrim Coast, stopping in Cushendun – a conservation area since 1980 thanks to its architectural heritage and its location within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Around midday you’ll have free time for lunch in Ballycastle, a lively coastal town.We then continue to Bushmills for a guided tour of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery – entrance included. After lunch – not included – we explore the Giant’s Causeway – entrance included – an extraordinary sweep of basalt columns reaching into the Atlantic. Approximately 40,000 hexagonal stepping stones formed nearly 60 million years ago as cooling lava contracted, and local legend speaks of a path laid by an Irish giant to face his Scottish counterpart. We arrive in Derry later, a walled city where history meets modern life, with free time to stroll before the overnight stay.
Day 6 - Derry - Donegal - Marble arch - Belfast
Leaving Derry, we cross into the Republic of Ireland and follow a scenic mountain route to Donegal, a lively town full of character. We visit Donegal Castle – entry included – to see its impressive medieval architecture. Returning to Northern Ireland, we continue to the Marble Arch Caves – admission included – one of Europe’s most remarkable cave systems. Formed over 330 million years ago, they extend for more than 11 km, shaped by underground rivers cutting through limestone. You’ll have free time for lunch – not included. After the visit, we continue to Belfast, arriving with free time.
Day 7 - 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 has features typical of a royal residence and sits amid woodlands, wildflower meadows and elegant gardens. After our visit, you have free time for lunch.We then cross into the Republic of Ireland to visit Monasterboice – admission included – a 5th century monastic settlement renowned for its tall Celtic crosses, especially Muiredach’s Cross, considered one of the most beautiful in Ireland. Our journey continues to Dublin, arriving in the mid afternoon, where you have free time to explore.
Day 8 - Dublin
We begin the day with a panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s capital – taking in the River Liffey, its parks, the historic university quarter and the lively 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 available daylight, this tour may instead run the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board an early morning ferry for the three to three and a half hour crossing to Wales. On arrival, we travel to 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 coach tour of this historic port city. If you wish, you can visit the Beatles Museum.
Day 10 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - London
Leaving Liverpool, we travel through central England to Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s birthplace – where you’ll have free time to find lunch and explore. We then continue to Oxford, renowned for its historic university and its contribution to education and culture, having educated kings, politicians, philosophers and scientists. Later, we return to London, arriving in the evening. Our journey concludes on arrival – please check your flight time in case you need an additional night.
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.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in United Kingdom to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?