Overview
You’d also expect to see stunning scenery and lush landscapes on a Britain and Ireland tour. That’s why Cosmos has included a drive around the Dingle Peninsula, a dramatic drive passing seaside villages, ancient monuments, and views of the Blasket Islands; a drive on the 100-mile Ring of Kerry, with its rugged and magnificent landscapes; the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher, where rugged cliffs drop into the ocean; a scenic drive along North Wales coast to England’s tranquil Lake District, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status; and drives through rich dairy farmland. In the Scottish Highlands, drive through the rolling terrain interspersed with lochs (lakes), picturesque towns, and the sparkling coastline. Watch for Nessie at Loch Ness, Scotland’s largest lake. Bustling cities, smaller towns, historic sights, breathtaking landscapes, and much more are offered on this incredible Britain and Ireland tour.
Itinerary
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there is 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. You may choose to join a Local Guide for an optional morning sightseeing tour of the city's famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Later, maybe visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels.
Tonight, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the River Thames. (B)
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions to depart at 8 am for the West Country. Cross the chalky terrain of Wiltshire and visit Stonehenge, one of England's most intriguing mysteries. Explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument from up close. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, ghostly setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles, visit quaint Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
Later, in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. Today's Distance: 222 mi/ 356 km (B/D)
Via Glastonbury and its legends of King Arthur to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its amazing Roman relics and Georgian buildings. Cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into Wales and head for the capital, Cardiff. Here, an orientation drive introduces you to all the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Tonight, experience Welsh culture at its finest during this memorable optional excursion featuring a dinner of local specialties, wine, and spirited folkloric entertainment. Today's Distance: 188 mi / 303 km (B)
Enjoy vistas of rich dairy farmland this morning on the way to the pretty seaside resort of Tenby. Then, on to Pembroke, departure point for the ferry across St. George's Channel to Ireland. Arrive at Rosslare in just under four hours. Today's Distance: 169 mi/ 272 km (B/D)
Today, discover why Ireland is called the "Emerald Isle." Drive along the southern coast, passing Cork, the country's second-largest city. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. Continue to the popular resort of Killarney. Today's Distance: 134 mi/ 216 km (B)
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 from Ladies View. Back in 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. Today's Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km (B)
Breathtaking scenery this morning on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. Then, travel via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages, to 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: 154 mi/ 249 km (B)
Take a scenic route this morning via the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren on the way to the port city of Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops and a busy café and bar culture. Continue across the mighty Shannon before arriving in Dublin. 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: 234 mi/ 377 km (B)
A day in the "Fair City" starts with an orientation drive through Eire's capital, including statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The afternoon is 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. Overnight in Liverpool, of Beatles fame and once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners. Today's Distance: 130 mi/ 209 km (B)
Drive into the tranquil Lake District, often considered to be the finest of England's national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, visit Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Travel through the history-steeped Lowland Hills to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. Today's Distance: 237 mi/ 381 km (B)
Skirt the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond and head through wild Rannoch Moor into the Highlands. Pass through Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Then, the Great Glen for vistas of the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich. Follow the banks of Loch Ness, home of the timid and timeless Nessie. Continue via Inverness, the Highland capital and, on the way to tonight's destination, stop at the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie. Today's Distance: 209 mi/ 336 km (B/D)
Drive through more spectacular Highland scenery for a stop in the pretty Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Then, travel via Perth and Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Continue through Fife and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to spend the next two nights in Edinburgh.
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! Today's Distance: 169 mi/ 272 km (B)
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old "New Town," home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the "Old Town," visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. Get the royal treatment this afternoon 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)
At Jedburgh, see the abbey ruins before heading towards the Cheviot Hills and the English border. Travel through wild Northumberland National Park and, on the way, see a section of Hadrian's Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defence against marauding northern tribes. In 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. Overnight is in Leeds. Today's Distance: 220 mi/ 355 km (B/D)
In Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, take photos of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. After returning to London around 4 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with an optional 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. Today's Distance: 237 mi/ 385 km (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 17 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- London Novotel London West (First-Class)
- Plymouth Leonardo Hotel Plymouth (First-Class)
- Cardiff Mercure Cardiff North Hotel (First-Class)
- Tramore Majestic Hotel (First-Class)
- Killarney Killarney Court Hotel (First-Class)
- Shannon Treacys Oakwood Hotel (First-Class)
- Dublin Maldron Hotel Merrion Road (First-Class)
- Liverpool Leonardo Hotel Liverpool (First-Class)
- Glasgow Moxy Glasgow Merchant City (First-Class)
- Highlands Strathspey Hotel (First-Class)
- Edinburgh Novotel Edinburgh Park (First-Class)
- Leeds Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth (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.
- Headsets are available on tour except for London.
- 2025: Departures 19 & 26 July, and 02 & 09 August 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 (20) View All Most Recent 'Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland' Reviews
Probably the only complaint we had was not being able to spend enough time in some of the larger cities, but I guess that comes with the territory as we needed to be on the road to our next destination. I would not recommend staying at the London Novotel West. Our room had no air whatsoever (i.e. it was broken), it had a broken mini-fridge, and the room had an overall dirty feel to it. To be honest, we couldn't wait to leave our room at that hotel each morning. Aside from that one hotel, the others on our journey were perfectly fine.
A little disappointing was that many of the stops where there was an attraction, that no admission tickets were included , the tour was well priced but personally we would have preferred to pay just a little extra and have these entrance fees included. If we had no interest in the attraction on offer, apart from the usual woollen and souvenir/cafe shops, time was wasted while those who chose to see the attraction were away. Be sure to take a good book to while away the waits.
As with Gordon our trip wouldn't have been as awesome without the amazing driving ...read more skills of Georgie, I am in awe!! And you did this whilst looking truly immaculate every day. And finally our tour group was such an interesting mix of nationalities, personalities, age, etc who blended so well to help make awesome and lifelong memories. Thanks to you all.
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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