Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
18 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Stonehenge, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Plymouth, Glastonbury, Bath, Cardiff, Tenby, Pembroke, Rosslare, Tramore, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killorglin, Ladies View, Ross Castle, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dublin, Holyhead, Caernarfon, Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Highlands, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Jedburgh, Northumberland National Park, York, Leeds, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
9050-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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
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
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 River Thames.
Day 3 : London - Stonehenge - Widecombe - Plymouth
Location: London, Stonehenge, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Plymouth
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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
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: 188 mi / 303 km
Day 5 : Cardiff - Tenby - Tramore, Ireland
Location: Cardiff, Tenby, Pembroke, Rosslare, Tramore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Majestic Hotel
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
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. Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 216 km
Day 7 : Killarney. Ring Of Kerry Excursion
Location: Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killorglin, Ladies View, Ross Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Killarney Court Hotel
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 painted 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: 100 mi/ 160 km
Day 8 : Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Adare - Limerick
Location: Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Limerick
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Limerick City Hotel
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: 154 mi/ 249 km
Day 9 : Limerick - Cliffs Of Moher - Galway - Dublin
Location: Limerick, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Merrion Road
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 district with vibrant 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: 234 mi/ 377 km
Day 10 : Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Maldron Hotel Merrion Road
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, Holyhead, Caernarfon, Liverpool
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
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: 130 mi/ 209 km
Day 12 : Liverpool - Lake District - Gretna Green, Scotland - Glasgow
Location: Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, Highlands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Strathspey Hotel
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: Highlands, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Novotel Edinburgh Park
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
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, consider an optional tour with dinner. For departure July 20 & 27 and August 3 & 10, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 16 : Edinburgh - Jedburgh - York, Englands - Leeds
Location: Edinburgh, Jedburgh, Northumberland National Park, York, Leeds
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth
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
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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Fully Guided
The tour includes a fully guided experience with a Tour Director and local guides.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and 5 three-course dinners with choice of menus.
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Transport
Travel in a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout the tour.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including City of Bath, Forth Road Bridge, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Stonehenge, The English Lake District, and The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath.
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Headsets
Headsets are available on tour except for London.
What's Not Included
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International Travel
International flights to and from the tour starting point are not included.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Transfers to and from the airport at the destination are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included and can be purchased separately.
UNESCO Sites
City of Bath|Forth Road Bridge|Frontiers of the Roman Empire|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The English Lake District|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath
Notes
Headsets are available on tour except for London
Meals
Full English breakfast daily; 5 three-course dinners with choice of menus
Mode of Transport
Travel in a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable and well-located hotels including the Novotel London West, Leonardo Hotel Plymouth, Mercure Cardiff North Hotel, Majestic Hotel in Ireland, Killarney Court Hotel, Limerick City Hotel, Maldron Hotel Merrion Road in Dublin, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End, Strathspey Hotel in Aviemore, Novotel Edinburgh Park, and Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout the tour.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in a variety of comfortable and well-located hotels including the Novotel London West, Leonardo Hotel Plymouth, Mercure Cardiff North Hotel, Majestic Hotel in Ireland, Killarney Court Hotel, Limerick City Hotel, Maldron Hotel Merrion Road in Dublin, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End, Strathspey Hotel in Aviemore, Novotel Edinburgh Park, and Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and five three-course dinners with a choice of menus.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
The tour includes visits to prehistoric Stonehenge, the Roman ruins and baths in Bath, Edinburgh Castle, and a drive around the Dingle Peninsula. You will also experience the best of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, visiting historic towns and witnessing breathtaking scenery.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available, such as a sightseeing tour of London, a Taste of London excursion with dinner, a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, a medieval banquet at a historic castle in Limerick, and a traditional Scottish night out in Edinburgh.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in London, England.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
No, airport transfers at the destination are not included in the tour package.
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Is international travel included in the tour package?
No, international travel is not included in the tour package.
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What kind of experiences can I expect in Ireland during the tour?
In Ireland, you will drive along the southern coast, visit Blarney Castle, take a panoramic drive along the Ring of Kerry, explore the Dingle Peninsula, and visit the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. You will also have the opportunity to join an optional Irish cabaret evening with dinner, dance, and songs in Dublin.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the City of Bath, Forth Road Bridge, Frontiers of the Roman Empire, Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, Stonehenge, The English Lake District, and The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath.
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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 90 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 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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