Overview
On this Britain and Ireland tour, stop in some historic towns and cities, including Oxford, home to some of England’s most famous colleges; York, England's most complete medieval read more city with its cobbled streets and the magnificent York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral; Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare; Chester, where a walking tour highlights its Roman remains and black and white half-timbered buildings; Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages; and Bath, known for the excavations of Roman baths used for bathing and socializing 2,000 years ago. Britain and Ireland are known for their green countryside and stunning scenery, and on this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll witness some of their gorgeous landscapes.
Travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Follow Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive with sparkling seascapes, brightly hued farmhouses, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit the spectacular 668-feet Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Drive through the Cotswolds, with the rolling hills and picturesque villages, Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces, and the serene Lake District, England’s largest natural park.
All of this and more—including time in Dublin and Edinburgh—await you on this brilliant vacation in Briain and Ireland!
Itinerary
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there's time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Today is free for 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, why not 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 traveling companions and depart at 8 am for Oxford. A walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain's elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight destination is Sheffield. Today's Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B/D)
This morning, head north to York. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Leaving York, head north and spend some free time in the charming market town of Thirsk famous for its association with James Herriot. On the way to Newcastle, take in spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. Today's Distance: 108 mi/ 174 km (B)
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 that's filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis! Today's Distance: 117 mi/ 188 km (B)
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 discover what life was like on board Queen Elizabeth II'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)
South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England's national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Chester, the historic county town on the Dee River, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Today's Distance: 268 mi/ 431 km (B/D)
A scenic North Wales drive through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park brings you to lovely Betws-y-Coed. Then, head over spectacular Llanberis Pass and, finally, across Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.
At Holyhead, board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin. Tonight, everyone's Irish with a popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy. Today's Distance: 104 mi/ 167 km (B)
A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire's capital and includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. This evening, raise a glass to Ireland with 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)
Head for dairy-farm country in the heart of the “Emerald Isle.” Stop in 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 before heading for Shannon. Step back in time at an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling. Today's Distance: 218 mi/ 351 km (B)
Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry, join the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly hued farmhouses, winding lanes, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Climb aboard a delightful optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Today's Distance: 185 mi/ 297 km (B/D)
Cross the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. Drive past Cork, the country's second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of real local Irish flavor, 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. Today's Distance: 131 mi/ 210 km (B/D)
An early start for the short drive to Rosslare. In just under four hours, you cross St. George's Channel by ferry to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital's major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Today's Distance: 159 mi/ 257 km (B)
A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before visiting Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery. Explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close.
After returning to London around 3:30 pm, 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 theater district, starting with a delicious dinner, followed by excellent seats at your chosen show. Today's Distance: 171 mi/ 275 km (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Walking tour in Oxford
- Visit to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon
- Guided city sightseeing tour of Edinburgh with admission to Edinburgh Castle and Scotland's Crown Jewels
- Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance (2026: August 9 and 23 Departures)
- Visit to Gretna Green
- Walking tours in medieval York and historic Chester
- Scenic drives in the Lake District, Snowdonia National Park, and the Ring of Kerry
- Orientation drives in Dublin and Cardiff
- Admission to the Cliffs of Moher
- Admission to Stonehenge and Visitor Centre
- The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
- Full English breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners with choice of menus
- London: Copthorne Tara Hotel London (First-Class)
- London: Novotel London West (First-Class)
- Sheffield: Leonardo Hotel Sheffield (First-Class)
- Newcastle: Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside (First-Class)
- Edinburgh: Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West (First-Class)
- Wrexham: Ramada Plaza Wrexham (First-Class)
- Dublin: The Bonnington Dublin Hotel (First-Class)
- Shannon: Treacys Oakwood Hotel (First-Class)
- Killarney: Killarney Court Hotel (First-Class)
- Tramore: Majestic Hotel (First-Class)
- Cardiff: Novotel Cardiff (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.
- 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.
- Headsets available on tour except for London.
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 vacations, 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 (22) View All Most Recent 'The Best of Britain & Ireland' Reviews
Unfortunately, I forgot to remember a landmark for meeting the bus in Edinburgh after visiting Edinburgh Castle and got lost. I called the guide on her mobile (she gave to us her number on the first day in case we needed to contact her) and texted to give her my location. She did not return my call. My itinerary/paperwork was on the coach otherwise I would have just caught a very expensive cab to the hotel. I had to calm myself down since I was in a city alone totally unknown to me so that I could figure out what to do. I decided to try to retrace my steps when the bus spotted me 15 minutes after the set pick up time. The guide was more concerned with blaming me for getting lost rather than for my welfare. She defended not using her mobile to call me back on the grounds that it was not charged and was not a work phone. I was upset, humiliated at holding everyone up, and angry about my predicament of being lost which lead to question my prospects for enjoying the rest of the tour.
My understanding from other people doing the tour was that the guide was prepared to leave me. For future reference, I suggest that tour operators provide a clear disclaimer in their paperwork outlining who is responsible when someone gets lost. It ended being quite an expensive tour since we paid for entry to most places. The optional tours were expensive too. A ticket to Windsor castle cost £59 yet by the time we got through there was barely an hour to visit the castle before having to head back to the coach. The tour was promoted as 50+ but this was not the case. I have nothing against young people or families but my general view is that they are less open to meeting new people. Also, the fact that we all went in different directions at each stop did not help the bonding process.
One more thing: I got the impression that we were constantly pitched toward tipping each and everyone in addition to the guide and driver who was fabulous by the way. This is off putting. I suggest a communal envelope for tipping at the end of the tour instead of the individual voucher system.
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Cosmos Worldwide (2025-26)
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