British Isles Capitals, Castles & Countryside
Set off from London on an 11–day loop that starts and ends in the capital. You’ll tour the city’s icons – Westminster, the Thames and Soho – with time free for Windsor if you fancy. Heading north, explore Cambridge’s colleges and medieval York, then Scotland – Alnwick, Edinburgh’s castle–crowned skyline and the Highlands with Pitlochry, Inverness, a Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle, before Loch Lomond and Glasgow. Sail to Belfast and continue to Dublin for a city tour. Cross to Wales for Caernarfon’s mighty walls, then lively Liverpool, Shakespeare’s Stratford–upon–Avon and scholarly Oxford – a well–paced mix of guided visits, scenery and free time.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 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
R 48 683,75
R 5 000,00
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
Caernarfon
Liverpool
Stratford
Oxford
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London – on arrival we’ll transfer you to your hotel, after which you’ll have free time to settle in. In the afternoon, please check the notice boards at hotel reception for information 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
In the morning, we set out on a city tour of London – Westminster, the Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is free – you can explore independently or join our optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including Windsor and its castle. In the evening, we meet at Piccadilly for a walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, known for their theatres and lively atmosphere, before returning to the hotel by coach. Please note this evening programme may be operated on 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 – spend the time as you wish, whether you prefer relaxed wandering or independent sightseeing. The day is entirely yours.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London this morning and travel north to Cambridge, where we’ll take in the elegant college buildings that define this historic university city. After time for lunch, we continue to York to see its impressive cathedral, its Roman walls and the lively shopping streets – you’ll have some free time here to explore. Later, we head further north to Durham, a vibrant medieval city with a magnificent cathedral set opposite the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel north into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick, a picturesque town renowned for its beautiful gardens and large medieval castle – famously featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. As Scotland’s capital, its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the castle overlooking the city’s steep streets and parks. We round off the day with a panoramic tour led by a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We journey deep into the Scottish Highlands today. We stop 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. We pass Fort Augustus with its sluice system and continue by Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. Turning south, we cross the high plateaus – often snow‑dusted – and follow the scenic shores of Loch Lomond, reaching Glasgow towards the end of the day.From 15 November to the end of February, we follow an adjusted route due to shorter days and frequent snow on the roads. We depart Edinburgh at 08:00 for Pitlochry (09:45–11:15), including a visit to a traditional whisky distillery – admission included. We then continue to Stirling (12:30–15:30), where entry to Stirling Castle is included. After time for lunch, we pause to photograph The Kelpies before continuing to Glasgow, arriving at around 17:00 with time to stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow in the morning and travel south by coach to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast – the capital and a monumental city that has emerged from decades of religious conflict – we continue by road into Ireland, reaching Dublin by the end of the day.
Day 8 - Dublin
We begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s capital – taking in the River Liffey, its green parks, the historic university quarter and the lively city centre. We’ll 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 and daylight hours, the city tour may take place the previous afternoon.
Day 9 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We start early, boarding the morning ferry – the crossing to Wales takes around three to three and a half hours. On arrival, we continue to Caernarfon, a seaside World Heritage Site dominated by its impressive castle – you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. We then travel on to Liverpool, where we take a short orientation tour by bus around this historic port city. You can choose to visit The Beatles Museum.
Day 10 - Liverpool - Stratford - Oxford - London
From Liverpool we journey through central England. Our first stop is Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown – you’ll have free time to find lunch and explore at your own pace. We then continue to Oxford, renowned for its academic heritage, where we spend time in the historic centre. We finish the day in London, arriving in the evening.
Day 11 - London
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in London. No further activities are scheduled – you are free to depart at your convenience or spend extra time in the city if you wish. Safe travels and thank you for joining 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 - 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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