Private Enchanting Journey Through the British Isles
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Start location – London End location – Dublin Total number of days – 16 Key experiences or destinations – London city tour, Cambridge and York, Edinburgh and Stirling Castle, the Highlands with Eilean Donan, Loch Ness cruise and whisky tasting, Glasgow, ferry to Belfast, Dublin, Powerscourt Gardens, Rock of Cashel, Kinsale, Killarney National Park by jaunting car and lake cruise, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Clonmacnoise. Set off from London and wrap up in Dublin on a 16 day journey that blends iconic cities with rugged scenery. You’ll tour London then head north for Cambridge and medieval York, cross into Scotland for Edinburgh’s UNESCO listed heart, Stirling Castle and the Highlands – think Eilean Donan, whisky tasting and a Loch Ness cruise. Continue via Glasgow and the ferry to Belfast before reaching Dublin for a panoramic spin and free time. In Ireland expect Powerscourt’s gardens, the Rock of Cashel, Kinsale and Killarney National Park by jaunting car and lake boat, the Cliffs of Moher and lively Galway – capped with monastic Clonmacnoise.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
16 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 Ireland that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guideCountries
Ireland, United KingdomTour Style
Group Size
Up to 7 travelers
Min 4 / Max 7
Trip Type
Private 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 guideGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 7Range
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
Private ToursPassengers
$9,480.00
$400.00
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
London
Cambridge
York
Durham
Alnwick
Edinburgh
The Kelpies
Stirling
Pitlochry
Culloden
Inverness
Fort William
Inveraray
Loch Lomond
Glasgow
Belfast
Dublin
Powerscourt
Kilkenny
Cashel
Cork
Kinsale
Killarney
Limerick
Cliffs of Moher
Galway
Clonmacnoise
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to the tour. We arrange your transfer to the hotel, after which you have free time to settle in and begin exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon we provide practical information – either in person or via the information board at hotel 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
We start with a morning city tour of London, taking in Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is yours – you can choose to join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including Windsor and its magnificent castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a guided walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, famed for their lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment – depending on arrival, this evening programme may occasionally run the previous day. We return to the hotel by coach.
Day 3 - London
Enjoy a full day at leisure in London – you can explore neighbourhoods, museums and parks as you wish and let the city reveal its stories.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London for the north, first stopping in Cambridge to admire the elegant colleges. After lunch we continue to York, where the magnificent cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets impress – you have free time to explore. We then continue to Durham, a vibrant medieval city whose superb cathedral faces the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel into Scotland, pausing in Alnwick, a picturesque town renowned for its beautiful gardens and grand medieval castle made famous by the Harry Potter films. We continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is one of Northern Europe’s most vibrant cities and its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dominates steep streets and green spaces – we enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh
A free day in Edinburgh – you can wander historic streets, uncover hidden corners and enjoy the city’s distinctive character.
Day 7 - Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Stirling - Pitlochry - Culloden - Inverness
We depart Edinburgh and pause to photograph The Kelpies – colossal horse head sculptures inspired by Scottish mythology. We then head to Stirling, whose impressive historic centre is dominated by its great castle – our visit to the castle is included. Continuing north, we stop in Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country, where you have time for lunch and a stroll. We then stop at Culloden, site of a pivotal battle with consequences that resonated across Scotland. In the evening we arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, with its castle above the River Ness – you might enjoy a riverside walk and the iconic suspension bridge. Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, the stop at Culloden may be on Monday.
Day 8 - Inverness
An inspiring day of Highland scenery awaits. We journey through forests, lochs, open moorland and sea lochs. Our first visit is the evocative Eilean Donan Castle, beautifully set on the water – admission included. We continue to Fort Augustus to view the lock system, where you have time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon we head to Loch Ness for an included boat trip on its dark, mysterious waters, then visit the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle – admission included. Back in Inverness we visit a traditional whisky distillery to learn about Scotland’s national drink – admission and tasting included. We stay in Inverness. Note: Distillery timings depend on ticket availability and may be scheduled late on Sunday or on Monday.
Day 9 - Inverness - Fort William - Inveraray - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
We travel on through striking scenery, first stopping at Spean Bridge to visit the monument commemorating the Second World War. We pause in Fort William, the gateway at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. We pass Kilchurn Castle, its atmospheric ruins beside a dark lake, and arrive in Inveraray, a picturesque historic village on Loch Fyne with a grand castle – we stop for lunch. We then follow the shores of Loch Lomond and reach Glasgow in the evening, with time for you to explore the vibrant centre.
Day 10 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
Today we leave Glasgow for southern Scotland to board the ferry at Cairnryan. We sail to Northern Ireland and arrive in Belfast, the capital – a monumental city emerging from historic divisions. We then continue into Ireland, reaching Dublin by the end of the day.
Day 11 - Dublin
We start with a panoramic tour of Dublin, Ireland’s relaxed capital. We follow the banks of the River Liffey, take in its parks, historic university and lively central streets, and view the exterior of Trinity College. The afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure. Note: Depending on our arrival time and daylight, the tour may run the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We leave Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit its magnificent gardens from the 18th century – admission included. Admire the fountains, Japanese Gardens and pet cemetery. We then travel to Kilkenny, where you have time for lunch and a stroll around this lively town. Further south we stop to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel – admission included – a medieval fortress that symbolises Ireland’s struggle against English rule. We arrive in Cork in the evening with time for a walk in the centre of Ireland’s second largest city. Dinner is included.
Day 13 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We depart for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in superb ocean views beside this fortress from the 17th century. You have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, one of Ireland’s most attractive coastal towns. We continue to Killarney – you have time for lunch and a stroll. We then enjoy a romantic jaunting car ride through the National Park to Ross Castle, followed by a short cruise to savour the lakeside scenery. Next we make a brief stop in Adare, a charming village that preserves stone and thatched cottages and the ruins of an old abbey. By mid afternoon we arrive in Limerick, where you 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 14 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today we visit Bunratty Folk Park – tickets included – a wonderful open air museum where we learn about life in Ireland in the past amid traditional cottages and old market streets, with a castle illustrating medieval life. We continue to Caherconnell, home to the Poulnabrone Dolmen, where we may be fortunate enough to see dogs herding sheep. Afterwards we visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher overlooking the ocean – admission included – and you can walk to O’Brien’s Tower if you wish. We continue through Burren National Park with its striking landscapes and arrive in Galway.
Day 15 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We depart for Cong, a picturesque village set among lakes. We visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll around Ashford Castle, a stunning medieval castle now a hotel. Next we travel to Clonmacnoise to visit the Celtic monastic ruins – tickets with guided tour included. Due to renovation works at Clonmacnoise, the visit will be shorter than usual. We then stop in Athlone – you have time for lunch and a stroll – before continuing to Dublin, arriving in the evening.
Day 16 - Dublin
After breakfast our journey comes to an end – 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 - Dublin
Pre-Tour Accommodation - London
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Single Room Supplement
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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