Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
18 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Widecombe in the Moor, Plymouth, Glastonbury, Bath, Cardiff, Tenby, Tramore, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dublin, Caernarfon, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry, St Andrews, Edinburgh, Jedburgh, York, Leeds, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
9050-2023
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 43
Physical rating:
Active pace
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$3658
$3292 (USD)
Operator discount: -$366
Tour Overview
Experience the best of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales on this in-depth exploration tour of the British Isles. In between time in the major cities—London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Cardiff—visit some of the historic towns and witness some of the breathtaking scenery. On any tour through Britain and Ireland, you’d expect to visit ancient ruins, majestic castles, and historic sights. That’s why Cosmos has included visits to prehistoric Stonehenge; Bath, known for its Roman ruins and baths; Edinburgh Castle, dating to the 12th century, where you’ll admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels; Hadrian’s Wall, the remains of the fortifications built by the Romans 2,000 years ago to defend against marauding northern tribes; the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620; the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where in 1746, the last battle was fought on British soil; and more. 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In London, England
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel London West (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
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.
Day 2 : London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel London West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Thames River.
Day 3 : London–Stonehenge–Widecombe–Plymouth
Location: London, Stonehenge, Widecombe in the Moor, Plymouth
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Jurys Inn Plymouth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet your Tour Director and traveling 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 center 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
Day 4 : Plymouth–Glastonbury–Bath–Cardiff, Wales
Location: Plymouth, Glastonbury, Bath, Cardiff
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mercure Cardiff North Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, why not join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dining?Today’s Distance: 169 mi/ 272 km
Day 5 : Cardiff–Tenby–Tramore, Ireland
Location: Cardiff, Tenby, Tramore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Majestic Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 6 : Tramore–Blarney–Killarney
Location: Tramore, Blarney, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Killarney Court Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre.Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 216 km
Day 7 : Killarney. Ring Of Kerry Excursion
Location: Ring of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Killarney Court Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle.Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 158 km
Day 8 : Killarney–Dingle Peninsula–Adare–Limerick
Location: Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Limerick
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Limerick City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Limerick. Tonight, consider joining an optional medieval banquet at a historic castle.Today’s Distance: 187 mi/ 301 km
Day 9 : Limerick–Cliffs Of Moher–Galway–Dublin
Location: Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Bonnington Dublin Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 center with colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture. Continue across the mighty Shannon before arriving in Dublin. The optional dinner suggestion is a fun Irish cabaret evening with dinner, dance, and songs.Today’s Distance: 208 mi/ 334 km
Day 10 : Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Bonnington Dublin Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Later, why not join an optional dinner at the Guinness Storehouse?
Day 11 : Dublin–Caernarfon, Wales–Liverpool, England
Location: Dublin, Caernarfon, Liverpool
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: 180 mi/ 290 km
Day 12 : Liverpool–Lake District–Gretna Green, Scotland–Glasgow
Location: Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 13 : Glasgow–Fort William–Inverness–Culloden Moor–Highlands
Location: Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Carrbridge Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 14 : Highlands–Pitlochry–St. Andrews–Edinburgh
Location: Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry, St Andrews, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. A suggestion for this evening: enjoy a traditional Scottish night out, with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.Today’s Distance: 169 mi/ 272 km
Day 15 : Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Later, join an optional tour of the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For departure numbers July 22 and August 5, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo.
Day 16 : Edinburgh–Jedburgh–York, England–Leeds
Location: Jedburgh, York, Leeds
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 defense 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
Day 17 : Leeds–Stratford-Upon-Avon–London
Location: Leeds, Stratford-upon-Avon, London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel London West (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 out on the town?Today’s Distance: 237 mi/ 385 km
Day 18 : London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
17 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 5 dinners
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Accommodation
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Fully Guided
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.