Overview
You’ll visit some of the splendid castles and palaces for which Britain and Ireland are famous. In Edinburgh visit Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll m read morearvel at the Scottish Crown Jewels. In Woodstock, Oxfordshire enjoy a visit to majestic Blenheim Palace, built in the early 18th century and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
On this tour through Britain and Ireland, you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in many of the cities with Local Guides — experts from the area who will give you in-depth, insider knowledge of the cities and their attractions. In London, your sightseeing includes a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral; and in Edinburgh you will see both the “New Town” and “Old Town.” Additionally, at the National Irish Stud in Kildare, you’ll be shown some of the most magnificent horses in the British Isles, and you'll hear about Shakespeare’s life and times in Stratford-upon-Avon.
You will also learn how to make a traditional Irish coffee, and ride on board a horse-drawn jaunting car to take a tour of beautiful Killarney National Park. All of this and much more, including a visit to prehistoric Stonehenge and medieval York Minster, included on this fabulous Britain and Ireland tour.
PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Stratford-upon-Avon so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to London!
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy free time this afternoon.
The Royal Treatment
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister's Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: England's national treasure of St. Paul's Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been served here, including Queen Victoria's jubilee, birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.
Mysterious Stones and Spa Days
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge and explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions. Cross Salisbury Plain and head for the elegant city of Bath to see the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths. Continue to Bristol, where you'll enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. 141 mi / 227 km (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURAL GEMS: The traditions of one ancient Roman ritual are in full flow in Bath. Amid the remarkable Roman and Georgian architecture and the best-preserved Roman Baths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a good spa day is never hard to find in one of the “Best Spa Towns in Europe.” The city of Bath sits above geothermal springs that bubble up from the limestone below. Bath also turns up the heat with some of Britain's grandest Georgian buildings, a mecca for elite 18th-century society.
Welsh Dragons, Daffodils & Castles
An orientation drive in the Welsh capital features Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic building. Take the ferry from Pembroke across St. George's Channel to Rosslare. Overnight in Waterford, a stronghold founded by Danish Vikings in 853. 188 mi / 303 km (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CAPITAL CITY: Explore the Welsh capital, see many historic buildings and discover its 2,000-year history of invasions, abductions, and conflicts from the 1st century AD when the Romans built the first series of forts.
County Cork Characters
Spend time in lovely village of Blarney, home to the magical Kissing Stone, walk to the castle or spend time shopping for traditional Irish handicrafts. Visit the historic town and fishing port of Kinsale, famous for its multi-hued streets. Enjoy free time on arrival in Rosscarbery. 134 mi / 215 km (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Brighten your world with a visit to Kinsale, Ireland's vibrant town where the Wild Atlantic Way begins. Stroll the brightly painted storefronts and winding streets beside the sweeping hues of blue and green in this Irish seaside town.
Irish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes
The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a drive, via Kenmare, around part of the Ring of Kerry, before stopping in Killarney. Experience a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, before discovering more of this popular town. Continue to Limerick for your overnight stay and some free time this evening. 164 mi / 264 km (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - NATURAL WONDERS: County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting-car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 3,300-foot MacGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney's shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.
The Winner's Circle
Your first stop today is at the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached, followed by a drive across the Curragh to visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare. Afterwards, continue to the fair city of Dublin, Ireland's capital. 155 mi / 249 km (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland's love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit, including Queen Elizabeth II. Hear about some of the world's most magnificent champion stallions that have made history since the turn of the 20th century.
Ireland's Capital City
Take a morning orientation drive to see O'Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: “In Dublin's fair city where girls are so pretty,” you'll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Trinity College.
Coffee With Cream & Maritime Theme
Head to the charming seaside town of Carlingford, situated on the Cooley Peninsula and enjoy an Irish coffee. Cross into Northern Ireland where an orientation drive of Belfast includes City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queen's University. Complete the day with a visit to the fascinating Titanic Experience, learn about the doomed ship's maiden voyage, and the tragic events of April 14, 1912. 122 mi / 197 km (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - LOCAL TASTES: It's clear why we get a warm feeling with traditional Irish Coffee – as much a warm welcome now as it was for stranded travelers in 1943. It was a wintry night in Limerick when Foynes Port chef Joe Sheridan concocted this soothing elixir of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream to make their cancelled flight a little more palatable. Raise a toddy glass of Caife Gaelach with a hearty “slainte!”
Strait Ahead to Scotland
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Belfast, before boarding your ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland's southwest coast. Continue onto Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. 234 mi / 376 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: The North Channel (also called the Irish Channel) connects northeast Ireland to the southwestern coast of Scotland. The North Channel is part of the Ocean's Seven, a set of seven long-distance open-water swims, although most who cross rely on the many ferries that run between Belfast and Cairnryan, the Scottish village with a proud maritime history, including its floating Mulberry Harbors built to support the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
Crown Jewels & Castle Views
Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO: Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on select departures.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - MUSIC & MASTERPIECES: Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain." Here, you'll find the royal regalia and Scotland's Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
High Praise & Market Days
Return to England today and a stop in the market town of Alnwick, once voted the “best place to live in Britain.” On to York, England's most complete medieval city, where you'll visit the inspiring York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. 220 mi / 354 km (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: York Minster is hailed as one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals, and the center of Christian faith in northern England. From its exquisite, handcrafted stone to its incomparable collection of medieval stained glass, you'll discover why York Minster has drawn visitors from around the world for over 1,000 years.
Spend your day your way in Stratford-upon-Avon
Depart Yorkshire, setting of author James Herriot's beloved “All Creatures Great and Small,” and head to Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Take pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore more of the town with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions. 260 mi / 418 km (B/D)
- THE PLAY'S THE THING! - To be or not to be in Stratford-Upon-Avon? There's no question when it comes to visiting the birthplace and family home of Shakespeare-where the legendary bard grew up and lived the first years of his married life.
- THE ABC'S OF SHAKESPEARE - Find your seat during a fun visit to the schoolroom where a young William Shakespeare studied in the 1570s. Also discover Stratford's Guildhall where he attended plays performed by the finest actors of the day.
Churchill's Beginnings
Today's highlight is a visit to magnificent Blenheim Palace, the family seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Return to London around 3.30 pm. 98 mi / 159 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ART & ARCHITECTURE: Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoys a fascinating history. Built as a gift in 1704 from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, this massive and magnificent masterpiece of English Baroque architecture is also home to exquisite artwork and gardens.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in London with visit to St. Paul's Cathedral
- Visit to Stonehenge
- Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths
- Globus Choice Excursion in Stratford-upon-Avon – included in your tour with your choice of visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace or a visit to Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Stratford's Guildhall
- Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels
- Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2026: August 2, 9, and 16 departures)
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park
- Visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare
- Orientation drive in Belfast
- Visit to the Titanic Experience
- Orientation drive in Dublin
- Irish Coffee in Carlingford
- Orientation drive in Cardiff
- Guided walking tour of York, including a visit to York Minster
- Visit to Blenheim Palace
- Visit to Blarney village
- Panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry
- 14 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
- London: Park Plaza Waterloo (Superior First-Class):
The 494-room property is situated within walking distance of top London attractions, including the London Eye, the London Dungeons and the Imperial War Museum. The Florentine Restaurant serves a Brasserie-style menu; the bar features the best of British bubbles and craft beers as well as a range of signature cocktails; and for a relaxing cup of coffee, head to the illy Caffè bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel. - London: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (Superior First-Class):
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel. - Bristol: Clayton Hotel Bristol City (Superior First-Class):
Modern City Centre Full Service - Waterford: Granville Hotel (Superior First-Class):
The Granville, a boutique hotel in the center of Waterford's historic and shopping district, overlooking the marina. Dating back to the early 1700's, The Granville is one of Ireland's most historic hotels. Stained glass, tapestries, and wood panelling lend to the charm of it. There are standard modern amenities in all bedrooms such as flat screen TVs, 24 hour room service, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. There is an AA Rosette awarded Bianconi Restaurant to sample delicious local food. - Rosscarbery: Celtic Ross Hotel (First-Class):
Rosscarbery is the perfect base from which to explore the southern stretch of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. The family owned four star Celtic Ross Hotel, with beautiful views over Rosscarbery Bay, is located just over one hour from Cork City, offering convenient access to some of Ireland's most beautiful beaches, West Cork's historic gems, excellent golf courses, delicious locally sourced food and walks with amazing views. - Limerick: Clayton Hotel Limerick (Superior First-Class):
Experience what Limerick has to offer first hand at Clayton Hotel Limerick - the friendliness of the people, the vibrancy of the riverside City, the sporting passion, the history, the rural majesty of County Limerick and lots more. - Dublin: The Gibson (Superior First-Class):
The Gibson does sleeping, dining, imbibing, and relaxing really well. The chic restaurant and bar offers pan-Asian cuisine; or choose the sleek outdoor terrace lined with bamboo to enjoy wicked cocktails and a great choice of beers and wines. The gym and a relaxation area with outdoor baths invite you to relax after a day out in town. - Belfast: Europa (Superior First-Class):
The world-famous Europa hotel Belfast is home to some pretty important people when they visit Belfast. It's no surprise, really, loved for its laid-back look and feel, The Causerie is perfect for lunch or dinner; the Piano Lounge serves traditional Afternoon Tea, cocktails, and hot and cold dishes; and the Lobby Bar offers a casual ambience for relaxing with a drink. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the hotel. - Edinburgh: Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh (First-Class):
A fine 3 star Edinburgh hotel, ideally located in the city center's popular Princes Street. Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh has great views of Edinburgh Castle. The 158 stylish rooms all have internet access and satellite TV. Princes Dining Room and Bar are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for light snacks and drinks. - York: Mercure York Fairfield Manor (First-Class):
One of the most tranquil hotels in York, set in 6 acres of private grounds on the outskirts of the historic walled cathedral city and the banks of the River Ouse. All 89 comfortable bedrooms have HD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WIFI. - Stratford-upon-Avon: Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon (Superior First-Class):
Set in 5 acres of landscaped gardens alongside the banks of the River Avon, the hotel is ideal for both business or leisure guest.
- 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.
- This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
- We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice Excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
- Headsets available on tour except in London.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of the UK & Ireland through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
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Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Globus Worldwide (2025-26)
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