Essential Britain

12 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement ca...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Stonehenge: Visit the prehistoric monument
    • Plymouth : Welcome dinner; Plymouth Sound cruise
    • Cornwall : Visit the fishing village of Looe
    • Bath : Visit the Roman relics
    • Builth wells: Visit the ancient market town
    • Chester: Walking tour
    • Liverpool : Visit the Beatles Story
    • Grasmere : Visit Wordsworth’s village; try original Grasmere gingerbread
    • Gretna green: Take part in a wedding re-enactment
    • Mallaig-armadale: Cross the Sound of Sleat by ferry

What's this trip about?

    Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement capital of Gretna Green. The castles and cathedrals of London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, as well as the charming pubs on every corner, will steal your heart away. With visits to the baffling boulders of Stonehenge, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool, this tour of Britain promises rocking discovery and enlightenment, not to mention honorary degrees in ancient history, English literature, and music appreciation.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City LONDON, ENGLAND
End CityLONDON

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND

Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.

LONDON-BIG-BEN.jpg

Day 2: LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTH

Secrets of the Stones LONDON Meet your Tour Director and travel companions at 8 am before departing for Stonehenge. STONEHENGE Visit the prehistoric monument. ILMINSTER [LF] Lunch at a local pub. 219 mi / 352 km (Breakfast,Lunch)

LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Que...

Day 3: PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALL

Legends of Land & Sea PLYMOUTH [LF] All aboard for a scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound. Enjoy a scenic drive through the West Country to Poldark’s Cornwall. LOOE Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers’ port. PLYMOUTH Free time this evening. (Breakf...

Day 4: PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES

Timeless Kings & Thermal Springs GLASTONBURY Visit the town of the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. BATH Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths. (Breakfast) 184 mi / 295 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE The Somerset town of Glastonbury is th...

Day 5: CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND

Moor than Meets the Eye Take a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park. BUILTH WELLS Stop at the ancient market town. LLANGOLLEN Visit the picturesque town. LIVERPOOL Free time the remainder of the day. (Breakfast) 190 mi / 30...

Day 6: LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW

Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows LIVERPOOL Visit The Beatles Story for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the Fab Four. LAKE DISTRICT Take a scenic drive. GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth’s beloved village, and sample [LF] the original Grasmere gingerbread. GR...

Day 7: GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS

Landmarks, Lochs & Legends GLASGOW Orientation drive to see Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. Take a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe. FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben...

Day 8: INVERNESS–CULLODEN—PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH

Bravery, Birdies & Bagpipes CULLODEN MOOR See the battlefield. PITLOCHRY Walk through the Victorian mountain resort. ST. ANDREWS Visit the home of golf and the famous university town. THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Attend the world-renowned Tattoo performanc...

Day 9: EDINBURGH

Crown Jewels & Castle Views EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Free time. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Ascend to Castle Rock ...

Day 10: EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK

Lights, Camera, Alnwick! ALNWICK Visit Alnwick Castle, setting for many film productions. Choose between touring the castle or taking a stroll through the magnificent gardens. YORK See York Minster and browse the shops of The Shambles. (Breakfast,Dinner) 214 mi / 34...

Day 11: YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON

Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. (Breakfast) 255 mi / 410 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT A LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his sen...

Day 12: LONDON

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

LONDON-PUB.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,199
Price per day$267
Last Updated: 10/2/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
05 Apr 2025
16 Apr 2025
$3,669
12 Apr 2025
23 Apr 2025
$4,219
19 Apr 2025
30 Apr 2025
$3,799
26 Apr 2025
07 May 2025
$3,799
03 May 2025
14 May 2025
$3,799
10 May 2025
21 May 2025
$4,319
17 May 2025
28 May 2025
$3,799
24 May 2025
04 Jun 2025
$3,799
31 May 2025
11 Jun 2025
$3,899
07 Jun 2025
18 Jun 2025
$3,899

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Globus.

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.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Globus

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Why Travel with Globus?

Perfectly Planned. Seriously Stress Free.

After 90-plus years of sharing the world with travelers, Globus has set the gold standard for award-winning touring across virtually every continent. Our global network of premiere travel partners, operations experts, and hospitality pros share one goal in mind—an exceptional travel experience no matter where we travel together.

Beyond the Guidebooks.

While Italy is synonymous with spectacular food, it is the close family connection that brings generations of tradition to the table. Globus goes beyond typical tours to introduce you to local legends and local experiences not found on just any map. Meet the Bonajuto family at Antica Dolceria—the oldest confectionery in Sicily. More than 150 years after the dolceria was founded by Francesco Bonajuto, the family still serves its heavenly chocolates in the same spot, while also serving as international ambassadors of Sicilian cuisine. Che dolce!

Don’t Miss the Must Sees.

Why stand in line to catch a fleeting glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites? Globus gives you VIP access with an expert Local Guide to go deeper, get closer, and soak it all in. From the Parthenon to the Vatican museums, you’ll explore Europe’s most beloved locations without getting lost in a crowd or waiting in line. Don’t just file past masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David or get only a hurried look at the Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle. Experience Europe’s extraordinary sights—and historic sites—with the VIP access you deserve.

Dreams Realized.

The Colosseum. The Prado. Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Each Globus tour always includes the legendary landmarks, the major attractions, and the must-see sites. Going beyond the iconic exteriors, we lead you to the front of the line, straight through the door, and inside the walls of Europe’s most awe-inspiring places for an exclusive look behind the scenes. With priority access, we ensure you behold the sights you’ve long dreamed of—without waiting any longer!

Do as the Locals Do.

When in Rome—or London, Paris, or Barcelona—we arrange for you to do as the locals do, not just what the tourists do. In every itinerary, we include hands-on, authentic experiences for a true taste of a day in the life. Board a private water taxi through the Grand Canal of Venice, bake scones in an Irish farmhouse, or sample Geysir Schnapps in Iceland. By striking a golf ball at St. Andrews or dancing the Sirtaki while sipping ouzo, you truly get to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the world from an insider’s perspective.

Adventure, a la Carte

While Globus vacations get you up close and personal to the world's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences, we also know the value of spending time on your own to explore as you please. After all, travel is meant to be filled with memorable moments of your own with serendipitous surprises that can’t be planned or scheduled. We build free time into every itinerary so you can leisurely explore the beckoning bookstore, tempting café table, or whimsical window shopping that's schedule free. Don’t wait a lifetime for that once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s waiting just around the corner!

Pick your Passion.

Maybe you’re an art lover, a foodie, or a history buff. Perhaps you’re moved by music, art, cuisine, or theater. Or maybe making tracks in the great outdoors is more your speed. We offer a wide array of optional excursions and activities—tailored to a variety of fitness levels and interests—so you can customize your adventure with your own personal passions and preferences. Each Globus excursion and activity has been personally tested by us and handpicked to allow you to really get to know each destination. You never have to choose between included and optional excursions, since optional activities fit seamlessly with your vacation schedule!

A Friend in Every City.

Join us and a few of our friends in your next dream destination. After all, we’ve spent over 90 years making friends in virtually every city and country in the world who let us in on local secrets, like where to find the best scone, stein, or spumoni; the best people-watching table; or the best view of wide-open spaces. Every Globus vacation includes local experts who share the stories behind the sights and Local Favorites you won’t find in the guidebooks. Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides hail from the region through which you’re traveling. No one is more familiar, passionate, or eager to share insider knowledge than our local pros!


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Logistics

Accommodation

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

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.

London

United Kingdom

200 Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza Waterloo

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

United Kingdom

6 Hercules Road

Crowne Plaza Plymouth

A modern hotel with sea views overlooking Plymouth Hoe. Thanks to Sleep Advantage® programme, guests enjoy a good night's rest, with premium bedding, quiet zones and a guaranteed wake up call. There is Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill with sea views and Drakes Bar and Lounge. Guests can workout in the gym or wind down in the heated pool. There's also an outdoor garden for those who prefer to enjoy the fresh air.

Plymouth

United Kingdom

Armada Way

Mercure Cardiff Holland House

Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa is a modern hotel situated in the vibrant capital city of Wales, Cardiff, with 165 bedrooms. All of the sights and attractions of Cardiff are within walking distance such as the iconic Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle.

Cardiff

United Kingdom

24-26 Newport Road

Pullman Liverpool

Guests will enjoy the conveniences of this central hotel and its bar, lounge, and Marco Pierre White Wheelers of St. James Oyster Bar & Grill Room. All guestrooms are bright, modern, and luxurious, and come with blackout curtains, minibar with complimentary mineral water, 55" TV with SKY TV channels, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, robe and slippers, waterfall shower, and luxury toiletries. There is free 5G Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Liverpool

United Kingdom

Kings Dock, Monarchs Quay

Clayton Hotel Glasgow

The hotel is situated on Clyde Street overlooking the beautiful River Clyde and just a 10 minutes' walk from George Square, and Glasgow's main shopping streets, art galleries, bars and restaurants. All rooms are air-conditioned and include King Koil mattresses for an enhanced sleep experience, HD TVs with Chromecast, WIFI and complimentary use of fitness suite.

Glasgow

United Kingdom

286 Clyde St

Mercure Inverness Hotel

Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, the modern hotel is just 200 meters from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants. All 121 guest bedrooms have HD TV and complimentary high speed WiFi. Enjoy panoramic views of the River Ness in the hotel's riverside restaurant or explore The 33 Church Street Bar & Brasserie signature menue.

Inverness

United Kingdom

Church St,

Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street

A fine 3 star Edinburgh hotel, ideally located in the city center's popular Princes Street. Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel 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.

Edinburgh

United Kingdom

53 Princes Street

Mercure York Fairfield Manor

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.

Skelton-York

United Kingdom

Shipton Road

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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-GC

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