The British Isles in Depth

23 days
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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. Britain and Ireland are known for their breathtaking scenery, and this tour will not disappoint. You’ll see the 100-mile Ring of Kerry, with its rugged and magnificent landscapes; s...
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    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. Britain and Ireland are known for their breathtaking scenery, and this tour will not disappoint. You’ll see the 100-mile Ring of Kerry, with its rugged and magnificent landscapes; stunning scenery on Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula; the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher; Northern Ireland’s awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, formed millions of years ago; and Brecon Beacons National Park, with its dramatic landscapes. Enjoy time in the Scottish Highlands, filled with dramatic landscapes, rolling farmland, picturesque seaside towns, and beautiful lochs (lakes). 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!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start City LONDON, ENGLAND
End CityLONDON

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND

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.

Day 2: LONDON

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...

Day 3: LONDON–OXFORD–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LEEDS

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 ...

Day 4: LEEDS–YORK–NEWCASTLE

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. (Breakfast) Today’s Distance: 108 mi/ 174 km

Day 5: NEWCASTLE–JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND–EDINBURGH

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 Tow...

Day 6: EDINBURGH

Your choice today: an optional morning excursion to Rosslyn Chapel, made world-famous by Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, and also one of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings. You will have ample time to visit the 15th-century medieval chapel and the visitor centre, and to...

Day 7: EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–CULLODEN MOOR–INVERNESS–STRATHPEFFER

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 mounta...

Day 8: STRATHPEFFER. WEST COAST EXCURSION

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 harbor on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. ...

Day 9: STRATHPEFFER–FORT WILLIAM–GLASGOW

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. (Breakfast,Dinner) Today’s Distance: 183 mi/ 295 km

Day 10: GLASGOW–ALLOWAY–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

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. (Breakfast) Today’s Distance: 100 mi/ 160 km

Day 11: BELFAST–GIANT’S CAUSEWAY–DERRY–SLIGO, IRELAND

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. (Breakfast,Dinner) Today’s Distance: 203 mi/ 327 km

Day 12: SLIGO–GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–LIMERICK

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. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional medieval banquet at a historic castle. (Breakfast) Today’s Distance: 181 mi/ 291 km

Day 13: LIMERICK–DINGLE PENINSULA–KILLARNEY

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. (Breakfast,Dinner) Today’s Distance: 154 mi/ 249 km

Day 14: KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION

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 ...

Day 15: KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–DUNGARVAN–TRAMORE

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,...

Day 16: TRAMORE–WATERFORD–KILKENNY–DUBLIN

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. Afternoon arrival in Dublin—top off the day with an optional Irish cabaret evening including dinner, dance, song, and laughter. (Breakfast) Today’s Distance: 128 mi/ 205 km

Day 17: DUBLIN

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’s optional dinner excursion is to the famous Guinness Storehouse. (Breakfast)

Day 18: DUBLIN–CAERNARFON, WALES–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND

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. (Breakfast) Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 209 km

Day 19: LIVERPOOL–BUILTH WELLS, WALES–BRECON–CARDIFF

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 an...

Day 20: CARDIFF–BATH, ENGLAND–GLASTONBURY–WIDECOMBE–PLYMOUTH

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 arr...

Day 21: PLYMOUTH. LOOE EXCURSION

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 harbors. (Breakfast) Today’s Distance: 45 mi/ 65 km

Day 22: PLYMOUTH–STONEHENGE–LONDON

An interesting day heading into Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and a visit to intriguing, prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center 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 out on the town? (Breakfast) Today’s Distance: 215 mi/ 346 km

Day 23: LONDON

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,629
Price per day$201
Last Updated: 7/24/2024
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$5,389
27 Apr 2025
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

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Since inventing the budget vacation over 50 years ago, Cosmos has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most captivating places - from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Light…from the Great White North to northern Africa…from tropical Hawaii to sub-tropical Lugano, Switzerland…from the rainforests of Brazil to the Lost "City of the Incas." Our incredible value helps travel buffs travel more often.

We understand that you want to get out and experience the world. And that you'd rather spend another day in London than have a chocolate on your pillow. That's why Cosmos vacation packages include comfortable, clean, and attractive pre-selected hotels; guided city sightseeing; a dynamic assortment of transportation…to make getting there half the fun; and many meals. Our clout with suppliers is concentrated…and we pass the savings on to you.

With Cosmos, you'll enjoy the benefits, security, and convenience of escorted travel, an expert Tour Director, a greater choice of activities and excursions, and longer stays in key cities so that you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

You can also personalize your getaway, thanks to well-designed itineraries that feature the must-see sites as well as significant free time to explore your destination the way you want.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Copthorne Tara Hotel London

Holiday Inn Leeds - Garforth

Leonardo Hotel Newcastle

Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield

Ben Wyvis Hotel

Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End

Leonardo Hotel Belfast

Southern Hotel Sligo

Limerick City Hotel

The Parkavon Hotel

Majestic Hotel

The Bonnington Dublin Hotel

Leonardo Hotel Liverpool

Novotel Cardiff

Leonardo Hotel Plymouth

Novotel London West

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
COSMOS-9090

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