Enchanting Journeys through the British Isles
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 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 84 936,25
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
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
Arrive in London – we’ll arrange your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax 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
In the morning, we take a city tour of London, taking in Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and the River Thames. The afternoon is free – you can join our optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including the town of Windsor, crowned by Windsor Castle. In the evening, we meet at Piccadilly for a guided walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, known for their lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment – after which we return to the hotel by coach. Note – in some cases this evening programme may be operated on the previous day upon arrival in London.
Day 3 - London
London. Enjoy a full free day to explore at your own pace – there are no scheduled activities today. You can revisit places from yesterday’s city tour, discover new corners of the capital, or simply take time to relax. Meals and local transport are on your own during this free time. We’ll meet again tomorrow for our departure from London.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London and head north, stopping first in Cambridge to admire its historic colleges. There’s time for lunch before we continue to York, where we’ll take in the impressive cathedral, the historic walls and the lively shopping streets – then you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. Afterwards, we continue north to Durham, a characterful medieval city dominated by its magnificent cathedral beside the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We travel north into Scotland from Durham, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its beautiful gardens and impressive medieval castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is among the most vibrant cities in northern Europe, and its monumental centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the castle overlooking steep streets and parks. We’ll take a panoramic tour with a local guide to introduce the city and its key landmarks.
Day 6 - Edinburgh
After yesterday’s panoramic tour, you have a full free day in Edinburgh. You can delve deeper into the historic centre, visit museums or galleries, relax in the parks, browse local shops and cafés, or simply wander and take in the atmosphere. There are no scheduled activities today – use the time entirely as you wish.
Day 7 - Edinburgh - The Kelpies - Stirling - Pitlochry - Culloden - Inverness
Leaving Edinburgh this morning, we stop to photograph The Kelpies – enormous horse heads from Scottish mythology that reflect the region’s link to water and land. We continue to Stirling, whose historic centre is dominated by its great castle – entry is included. Heading north, we pause in Pitlochry for lunch and a short stroll, then travel on to Culloden, the site of a pivotal battle against British forces that had lasting consequences for Scotland. We reach Inverness in the evening, the capital of the Highlands with its castle overlooking the town, where you can walk along the River Ness and cross the landmark suspension bridge. Note: depending on the time of year and daylight, the stop at Culloden may take place on Monday.
Day 8 - Inverness
Today we explore the Highlands, travelling through forests, lochs, remote plains and the fjords of northern Scotland. Our first stop is Eilean Donan Castle – entry included – a picturesque castle set on the water. We continue to Fort Augustus to view the sluice gate system, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon we head to Loch Ness for an included boat trip on its dark waters, followed by a visit to the medieval Urquhart Castle – admission included. We arrive in Inverness, the Highland capital at the mouth of Loch Ness, and visit a traditional whisky distillery to learn about the process behind Scotland’s national drink – admission and tasting included. We stay overnight in Inverness. Note: Distillery timings may vary depending on availability and may take place late Sunday or on Monday.
Day 9 - Inverness - Fort William - Inveraray - Loch Lomond - Glasgow
We continue south through striking Highland scenery, pausing at Spean Bridge to visit a Second World War memorial. We then reach Fort William, a visitor hub at the foot of Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Continuing past Kilchurn Castle – its beautiful ruins set beside a dark loch – we arrive in Inveraray on Loch Fyne for a lunch stop. You’ll have time to stroll the quiet streets of this historic village with its impressive castle. Later we follow the shores of Loch Lomond and arrive in Glasgow in the evening – you can explore the lively city centre at your own pace.
Day 10 - Glasgow - Belfast - Dublin
We leave Glasgow and travel south through Scotland to Cairnryan, where we board the ferry for the crossing to Northern Ireland. Arriving in Belfast – the capital and a monumental city that continues to emerge from its historical religious conflicts – we then continue by road into Ireland, reaching Dublin by evening.
Day 11 - Dublin
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Dublin – Ireland’s capital – taking in the River Liffey, its parks and the lively city centre. We’ll view the exterior of Trinity College and get a feel for the city as we travel and stroll along the riverside. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – you can continue along the Liffey or wander the centre. Note: depending on our arrival time in Dublin and daylight hours, the tour may run the previous afternoon.
Day 12 - Dublin - Powerscourt - Kilkenny - Cashel - Cork
We’ll depart Dublin by coach for nearby Powerscourt to visit its celebrated 18th century gardens – admission included – featuring elegant fountains, a Japanese Garden and a pet cemetery. We’ll then continue to Kilkenny, where you’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely stroll around this lively town. Travelling south, we’ll stop to visit the Rock of Cashel – admission included – a striking medieval fortress long associated with Ireland’s struggle against England. We’ll arrive in Cork in the evening; you’ll have time to wander the city centre before dinner, which is included.
Day 13 - Cork - Kinsale - Killarney - Limerick
We leave Cork for Kinsale, pausing at Charles Fort to take in the panoramic ocean views beside this 17th‑century stronghold. You’ll have free time to explore Kinsale’s historic centre, a seaside town often regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautiful. We then continue to Killarney, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll before we set off on an included jaunting car tour through the National Park, following garden paths and lakeside trails to Ross Castle. We also include a short cruise to appreciate the lake’s scenery. Next comes a brief stop in Adare, noted for its stone and thatched‑roof cottages and the ruins of an old abbey. By mid‑afternoon we arrive in Limerick, where you’ll have time to explore the city centre – visit the castle, walk along the river or see the cathedral – before dinner, which is included.
Day 14 - Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway
Today we visit Bunratty Folk Park (admission included) to explore life in Ireland in the past – from traditional cottages and old markets to a castle evoking the Middle Ages. We then continue to Caherconnell to see the Poulnabrone Dolmen – we may be fortunate to watch sheepdogs herding. Afterwards we head to the Cliffs of Moher (admission included), where you can walk to O’Brien’s Tower if you wish. We then travel through Burren National Park, with its striking landscapes, and arrive in Galway.
Day 15 - Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin
Leaving Galway this morning, we travel to Cong, a picturesque village in a lake district. We visit the ruins of the Royal Abbey and take a relaxed walk around Ashford Castle – a striking medieval stronghold now converted into a hotel. We then continue to Clonmacnoise for an included guided visit of its Celtic monastic ruins; due to renovation works, the visit may be shorter than usual. Afterwards, we pause in Athlone for lunch and a short stroll before continuing to Dublin, where we arrive in the evening.
Day 16 - Dublin
After breakfast in Dublin, we conclude the tour – we hope you leave with lasting memories of your journey.
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
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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