Overview
Britain and Ireland are also known for their picturesque and historic towns and cities. On this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll visit many of these towns, including Oxford, home to some of England’s most famous colleges; Stratford-upon-Avon, where you’ll get a glimpse into life in 16th-century England in Shakespeare’s hometown; York, England’s most complete medieval city with its cobbled streets and the magnificent York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral; Berwick-upon-Tweed, a peaceful coastal town with a turbulent past; Strathpeffer, known in its Victorian heyday as a spa resort; Looe, a pretty fishing village; the seaside town of Tramore; Bath, known for the excavations of Roman baths used for bathing and socializing 2,000 years ago; and many more. You’ll also visit the capitals—London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Dublin, and Belfast.
These are just some of the many highlights of this tour through the British Isles. For value-minded vacationers, this is the perfect way to see England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland! From the lively cities to the breathtaking scenery, you’ll discover the best of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland on this in-depth Britain and Ireland tour!
Itinerary
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there's time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
What's your pleasure? Today is devoted to exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting program of optional activities. London's calling with an optional morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide to see the city's famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708.
This afternoon, maybe visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels. And this evening we recommend a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River to see some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights. (B)
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing, including a walking tour of Oxford, one of the country's oldest seats of learning; then, skirt the Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Overnight in Leeds. (B/D) Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km
This morning, head north to York, England's most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night in Newcastle, once an important hub for the wool trade and coal mining and now a vibrant, modern city. (B) Today's Distance: 108 mi/ 174 km
See a section of Hadrian's Wall, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh before arriving in Edinburgh. Here, sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old "New Town". In the "Old Town," visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. . No trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening! Join an optional night out filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis! (B) Today's Distance: 117 mi/188 km
Your choice of optional excursions today: this morning put on your best detective hat and get ready to decipher the cryptic symbols and spellbinding mysteries of 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland's most enigmatic places. This afternoon, get the royal treatment and discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For select departures, tickets are included for tonight's performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)
A day of memorable sightseeing. Take the elegant Forth Road Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing, then cross the Firth of Tay and, via Dundee and Perth, head into the Highlands, with a stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then via Inverness, head for your Highland destination. (B/D) Today's Distance: 221 mi/ 355 km
More spectacular Scottish scenery: Dornoch Firth, the Kyle of Sutherland, the Falls of Shin, the Mountains of Assynt, and Knockan Crag. Then, follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbour on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. This afternoon, we recommend an optional to join the hunt for Nessie! First visit the Loch Ness Centre before joining a cruise on the loch to hunt for the famous "water beast." Supper rounds it all off. (B) Today's Distance: 123 mi/ 198 km
More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands all the way to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow, Scotland's great cultural city. (B) Today's Distance: 183 mi/ 295 km
On this morning's orientation drive through Scotland's largest city, see the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian squares, built by wealthy tobacco barons. Later, stop at Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea, crossing to Belfast. (B) Today's Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km
Take the scenic route along the Antrim Coast to awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway, then let the province's story unfold as you head for the city of Derry. Arrive in Sligo, tonight's destination. (B/D) Today's Distance: 203 mi/ 327 km
Travel south to Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops and a busy café and bar culture. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Everyone's Irish with an optional banquet at an original Irish medieval castle. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling. (B) Today's Distance: 181 mi/ 291 km
Via Adare and Tralee into County Kerry. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon arrival in Killarney, your destination for the next two nights. (B/D) Today's Distance: 154 mi/ 249 km
At Killorglin, join the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly painted farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney. Climb aboard a delightful optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. (B) Today's Distance: 100 mi / 160 km
More scenic beauty as you head into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country's second-largest city. Finally, pass Dungarvan and travel along the Copper Coast to the seaside resort of Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of authentic Irish local flavour.
Take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included. (B/D) Today's Distance: 131 mi/ 211 km
On your northbound journey pause in Waterford, famous for its exquisite crystal, and visit Kilkenny, one of Ireland's prettiest towns with medieval cobblestone streets and Old-World charm. Learn an Irish toast or two on a popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy. (B) Today's Distance: 128 mi/ 205 km
A day in the "Fair City" starts off with an orientation drive through Ireland's capital and includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Dublin at leisure. This evening, raise a glass on an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse. (B)
Take the ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting names. Explore North Wales on the way to Caernarfon where the castle saw the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales, before arriving in Liverpool. (B) Today's Distance: 130 mi/ 209 km
A day dedicated to Wales as you head south through the ancient market town of Builth Wells and Brecon Beacons National Park, land of salmon rivers and the Welsh mountain pony. In Cardiff, an orientation drive takes in Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings and Cardiff Castle. Experience Welsh culture at its finest during this memorable optional excursion featuring a dinner of local specialties, wine, and spirited folkloric entertainment. (B) Today's Distance: 184 mi/ 296 km
Across the Severn Bridge to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Into the West Country via Glastonbury and its legends of King Arthur, and wild and romantic Dartmoor with a visit to the picture-book village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (B/D) Today's Distance: 198 mi/ 319 km
Today's excursion takes you to the pretty fishing village and former smuggler's port of Looe. Then, follow in the footsteps of Drake, Raleigh, and the Pilgrim Fathers on an optional cruise on Plymouth Sound, one of the world's greatest natural harbours. (B) Today's Distance: 45 mi/ 65 km
An interesting day heading into Thomas Hardy's Wessex and a visit to intriguing, prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. Return to London in the early evening. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night on the town? Curtain's up with an optional escorted evening in London's theatre district, starting with a delicious dinner, followed by excellent seats at your chosen show. (B) Today's Distance: 215 mi/ 346 km
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 22 Breakfasts
- 6 Dinners
- London Copthorne Tara Hotel London (First-Class)
- Leeds Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth (First-Class)
- Newcastle Leonardo Hotel Newcastle (First-Class)
- Edinburgh Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield (First-Class)
- Strathpeffer Ben Wyvis Hotel (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Glasgow Moxy Glasgow Merchant City (First-Class)
- Belfast Leonardo Hotel Belfast (First-Class)
- Sligo Southern Hotel Sligo (Superior First-Class)
- Shannon Treacys Oakwood Hotel (First-Class)
- Killarney The Parkavon Hotel (First-Class)
- Tramore Majestic Hotel (First-Class)
- Dublin The Bonnington Dublin Hotel (First-Class)
- Liverpool Leonardo Hotel Liverpool (First-Class)
- Cardiff Novotel Cardiff (First-Class)
- Plymouth Leonardo Hotel Plymouth (First-Class)
- London Novotel London West (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- 2025: Departures 27 July, 03, 10 & 17 August departures include The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Enjoy inside visits to the UK's must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Trip Reviews (102) View All Most Recent 'The British Isles in Depth' Reviews
Accommodation was comfortable, well appointed and usually centrally located. Included and optional excursions were varied and enjoyable. With so many towns, cities, places of interest and historic sites to visit this is a "busy" tour that does require some early starts. These early starts mean that you often beat the crowds at the more popular attractions...definitely an advantage. Free time is sometimes limited due to distances to travel, but we have made a list of places that we would like to revisit in the future.
We thoroughly enjoyed the entire trip and would recommend it. The scenery is stunning, the history amazing! Booking through Global Journeys was seamless and our consultant, Georgie, was efficient and always available to answer our questions.
There were so many highlights of our trip. We were thrilled by the freshness of the Spring countryside in all countries visited (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, and Wales. Places that really appealed included Oxford, Stratford, York, Edinburgh,, the Scottish Highands, Loch Ness (cruise), Glen Coe, Belfast, Giants Causeway, Londonderry (Derry), Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Tranmore, Kilkenny, Dublin, Liverpool (Beatles), Cardiff, and Plymouth.
We especially enjoyed the 2-night stays, and there were quite a few, with additional activities usually added on these occasions.
Our tour director, Peter, and driver, Kevin, were excellent, friendly, and knowledgeable. We really appreciated Kevin's careful driving, especially on some very narrow roads - also appreciated not doing the driving myself and therefore being able to take lots more pictures. Fine weather prevailed, and this was a special bonus! We also enjoyed our travelling companions.
We enjoyed travelling with Cosmos very much, and would certainly travel with them again!
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Cosmos. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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