British Isles Grand Adventure Tour
Begin in London and return 20 days later – a grand circuit of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Wales. You’ll tour London’s classics, then Cambridge’s colleges and York’s lanes. Edinburgh impresses, then Highland drama – Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle – and lively Glasgow. Cross by ferry to Belfast to follow the Antrim Coast, sip Bushmills and marvel at the Giant’s Causeway. In Ireland you’ll explore Dublin, Powerscourt, Killarney by jaunting car and lake boat, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Sail to Wales for Caernarfon, then Liverpool, Chester and Shakespeare country, rounding off in Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
20 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, IrelandTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travellers
Min 1 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach 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 guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 1 / 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 ToursPassengers
R 93 765,00
R 5 000,00
Free eSIM included
Stay connected on your trip with free mobile data. We'll email it to you 7 days before departure — nothing to do now.
Places 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
Powerscourt
Kilkenny
Cashel
Cork
Kinsale
Killarney
Limerick
Cliffs of Moher
Galway
Clonmacnoise
Caernarfon
Liverpool
Chester
Lichfield
Birmingham
Stratford
Stow-on-the-Wold
Gloucester
Bath
Stonehenge
Salisbury
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London – we transfer you to your hotel and you have free time to settle in. In the afternoon we share practical information, either in person or via the information board at 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
In the morning we take a city tour of London, passing Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and viewpoints over the Thames. In the afternoon you have free time, or you may join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley with Windsor and its magnificent castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly and walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, famed for lively theatres and nightlife – on some departures this evening programme may run the previous day, on arrival in London. We return to the hotel by coach.
Day 3 - London
A free day in London – you can explore at your own pace, discovering neighbourhoods as they reveal their stories and charms.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London and head north, pausing in Cambridge to admire its beautiful colleges. After lunch we continue to York, where the stunning cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets impress – you have free time to explore. We then continue north to Durham, a vibrant medieval city with a magnificent cathedral facing the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel into Scotland, pausing in Alnwick, a picturesque town known for lovely gardens and a grand medieval castle seen in the Harry Potter films. We continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is among Northern Europe’s most vibrant cities and its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crowned by a castle above steep streets and parks. We enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
Today we journey through the Scottish Highlands – coffee and a stroll in Pitlochry, then we pass through Inverness near mysterious Loch Ness. We visit Urquhart Castle (admission included) and take a boat trip on Loch Ness. We continue by Fort Augustus with its sluices and Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis. Heading south, we cross high plateaus where snow is often visible and skirt the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond. We arrive in Glasgow at the end of the day. Important note: for groups arriving in Edinburgh from 15 November until the end of February, the itinerary adjusts due to shorter days and frequent snow – 08:00 departure from Edinburgh to Pitlochry (09:45–11:15), a picturesque town known for whisky, with a visit to a traditional distillery (admission included); continue to Stirling (12:30–15:30) with its impressive historic centre dominated by Stirling Castle (tickets included); after time for lunch, stop to photograph The Kelpies; continue to Glasgow, arriving around 17:00 with time to stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Belfast
We depart Glasgow for the south of Scotland and board the ferry at Cairnryan for the crossing to Northern Ireland. On arrival in Belfast, the capital, we reflect on the complex history between Protestants and Catholics and the city’s remarkable revival since the 1998 peace agreement. You have free time – you may wish to visit the Titanic museum in the historic shipyard where the famous ocean liner was built.
Day 8 - Belfast - Cushendun - Ballycastle - Giants Causeway - Derry
After breakfast we set off along the Antrim Coast. We pause in Cushendun, protected for its architectural heritage within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Around midday you have free time for lunch in Ballycastle, a lively seaside town. In Bushmills we visit the world’s oldest licensed whisky distillery (entrance and guided tour included). We then explore the spectacular Giant’s Causeway (entrance included) – around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns running into the Atlantic, linked to the legend of an Irish giant’s path to Scotland and formed nearly 60 million years ago by cooling lava. We continue to Derry, a walled city where history meets modern life – you have free time to stroll.
Day 9 - Derry - Donegal - Marble arch - Belfast
We travel through beautiful mountain scenery into the Republic of Ireland to Donegal, a lively and picturesque town – admission to its impressive medieval castle is included. Back in Northern Ireland we visit the spectacular Marble Arch Caves (admission included), one of Europe’s most remarkable cave systems, stretching for more than 11 km and formed over 330 million years, still sculpted by underground rivers. You have free time for lunch. After the visit we continue to Belfast – arrival and free time.
Day 10 - Belfast - HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE - Dublin
We depart for Hillsborough Castle (admission included), just outside Belfast and the official government residence in Northern Ireland – an elegant Georgian mansion with royal facilities and colourful grounds of woodland, wildflower meadows and beautiful gardens. You have free time for lunch. We then continue into the Republic of Ireland to visit Monasterboice (admission included), a monastic site dating from the fifth century renowned for its tall Celtic crosses, especially Muiredach’s Cross. We continue to Dublin, arriving mid‑afternoon – you have free time.
Day 11 - Dublin
We begin with a panoramic tour of Dublin – along the River Liffey, 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 in Dublin and daylight hours, this tour may take place the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We leave Dublin for nearby Powerscourt to visit the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens (admission included), created in the eighteenth century and considered among the most beautiful in Ireland – admire the fountains, Japanese Gardens and the pet cemetery. We continue to Kilkenny for lunch and a stroll, then head south to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel (admission included), a medieval fortress symbolising Ireland’s struggle against England. We arrive in Cork in the evening with time for a stroll in the centre. Dinner is included.
Day 13 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We head to Kinsale, stopping at Charles Fort to admire sweeping ocean views beside this fortress from the seventeenth century. You have time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, a seaside town considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful. We then travel to Killarney – you have time for lunch and a stroll – and enjoy a romantic jaunting car ride through the National Park to Ross Castle with lovely lakeside views, followed by a short cruise on the lake (both included). We make a brief stop in Adare, with stone cottages, thatched roofs and the ruins of an old abbey. By mid afternoon we arrive in Limerick – you have time to explore the city 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
We visit Bunratty Folk Park (tickets included), a wonderful place to learn about life in Ireland in times past, with traditional cottages, old markets and a castle evoking the Middle Ages. We continue to Caherconnell, where the Poulnabrone Dolmen is located – we might be lucky to see dogs herding sheep. Afterwards we visit the impressive Cliffs of Moher overlooking the ocean (admission included) – those who wish can walk to O’Brien’s Tower. We cross Burren National Park’s striking landscapes and arrive in Galway.
Day 15 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
We depart for Cong, a picturesque village in a beautiful lake district. We visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and stroll around Ashford Castle. We then travel to Clonmacnoise to visit the Celtic monastic ruins (tickets with guided tour included). We continue to Dublin, arriving in the evening. Note: due to renovation work at Clonmacnoise, the visit will be shorter than usual – afterwards we stop for lunch and a stroll in Athlone.
Day 16 - Dublin - Caernarfon - Liverpool
We board a ferry early in the morning and, after a journey of three to three and a half hours, arrive in Wales. Our first stop is Caernarfon, a seaside town dominated by its impressive castle – time for lunch and a stroll. We then continue to Liverpool for a short bus tour of the city and its historic waterfront. If you wish, you may visit The Beatles Museum.
Day 17 - Liverpool - Chester - Lichfield - Birmingham
After breakfast we travel to nearby Chester, on the border with Wales – a historic city preserving a Roman amphitheatre, powerful medieval walls and striking architecture – with free time to explore. We then stop for lunch in the small, picturesque town of Lichfield, known for its charming centre of cobbled streets and historic buildings, and its medieval cathedral with three spires. Our journey continues to Birmingham, the United Kingdom’s second largest city, pivotal during the Industrial Revolution and now a vibrant hub of economic and cultural life. You may wish to stroll around the Town Hall area and along the canals – a network said to exceed that of Venice – now lined with restaurants and entertainment.
Day 18 - Birmingham - Stratford - Stow-on-the-Wold - Gloucester - Bath
We depart for Stratford, a historic town founded in the twelfth century on the River Avon and best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare – you may visit the house where he was born if you wish. We then travel through a region of delightful scenery and small villages to Stow on the Wold, a charming village of stone houses and a picturesque square with art galleries and antique shops. Our journey continues to Gloucester, where you have time for lunch at the lively docks and to explore the historic centre, including its grand cathedral where some Harry Potter scenes were filmed. We finish in Bath, famous for its hot springs and Georgian architecture – you may visit the Roman Baths if you wish.
Day 19 - Bath - Stonehenge - Salisbury - London
We spend time in Bath – you may visit the Roman Baths if you wish – then continue through southern England. Admission to Stonehenge is included, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, a circle of stones whose exact purpose remains a mystery. In Salisbury you have time for lunch in the charming medieval centre before visiting its impressive cathedral (admission included), home to the tallest spire in England. We return to London at the end of the day.
Day 20 - London
After breakfast our journey concludes – may the memories stay with you for years to come.
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?