Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
$3769
Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland
18 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Lake District, Glasgow, Gretna Green, Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Glastonbury, Pembroke, Tramore, Rosslare, Tenby, Killarney, Blarney, Limerick, Adare, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Dublin, Liverpool, Caernarfon, Lake District National Park, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Fort William, Highlands, Edinburgh, Pitlochry, St. Andrews, Northumberland National Park, Leeds, Jedburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
9050-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
- 100% Guaranteed Refunds
- Free Amendments/Cancellation
- Balance due 90 days pre-departure
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: Lake District, Glasgow, Gretna Green
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Hotel Plymouth
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 4 : Plymouth - Glastonbury - Bath - Cardiff, Wales
Location: Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Glastonbury
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?
Day 5 : Cardiff - Tenby - Tramore, Ireland
Location: Pembroke, Cardiff, Tramore, Rosslare, Tenby
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.
Day 6 : Tramore - Blarney - Killarney
Location: Killarney, Blarney, Tramore
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.
Day 7 : Killarney. Ring Of Kerry Excursion
Location: Killarney
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.
Day 8 : Killarney - Dingle Peninsula - Adare - Limerick
Location: Limerick, Adare, Dingle Peninsula
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.
Day 9 : Limerick - Cliffs Of Moher - Galway - Dublin
Location: Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Limerick, 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.
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: Liverpool, Caernarfon, Dublin
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.
Day 12 : Liverpool - Lake District - Gretna Green, Scotland - Glasgow
Location: Lake District National Park, Glasgow, Liverpool, Gretna Green
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.
Day 13 : Glasgow - Fort William - Inverness - Culloden Moor - Highlands
Location: Inverness, Glasgow, Culloden Moor, Fort William, 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.
Day 14 : Highlands - Pitlochry - St. Andrews - Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh, Highlands, Pitlochry, St. Andrews
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.
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 departures July 19 & 26 and August 2 & 9, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 16 : Edinburgh - Jedburgh - York, Englands - Leeds
Location: Northumberland National Park, Leeds, Edinburgh, Jedburgh, York
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.
Day 17 : Leeds - Stratford-Upon-Avon - London
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Leeds, 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?
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 is fully guided.
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including Novotel London West, Leonardo Hotel Plymouth, Mercure Cardiff North Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Killarney Court Hotel, Limerick City Hotel, Maldron Hotel Merrion Road, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End, Strathspey Hotel, Novotel Edinburgh Park, and Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth.
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Sightseeing
Visits to various landmarks including Stonehenge, Bath, Edinburgh Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and Hadrian's Wall.
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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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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Travel
International travel to and from the starting location is not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as sightseeing tours, dinners, and excursions are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Meals
Full English breakfast daily; 5 three-course dinners with choice of menus
Notes
Headsets are available on tour except for London
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
Accommodation
Novotel London West
Concrete and brick commercial hotel in modern nine-story complex located at Hammersmith, 1/4 mile from train station.
Leonardo Hotel Plymouth
The Leonardo Hotel Plymouth is located on Exeter Street, beside the historic quarter, and an easy 10 minute walk to the historic center where Plymouth is yours to explore and enjoy. It features an all-day Costa Coffee bar and lounge where you can enjoy a hot drink and relax, an elegant on-site bar for a glass of wine or a pint of beer, and a restaurant with a range of delectable dishes to choose from. The 247 comfortable and spacious hotel rooms are furnished with large soft beds, a well-lit desk, TV with Free view, and free Wi-Fi access.
Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
Just 3 miles from Cardiff, Mercure Cardiff North Hotel features a fitness suite, a grill restaurant and a bar. Each room has a private bathroom with a rainfall shower, a work desk, tea and coffee facilities and TV.
Majestic Hotel
Welcome to the award winning AA*** Majestic Hotel in the sunny South East of Ireland, overlooking Tramore Bay with its impressive 5km stretch of golden beach and sand dunes and less than 10km from the historical city of Waterford.
Killarney Court Hotel
Bedrooms boast tasteful neo-gothic style decor w/modern facilities; friendly efficient svc; ideal venue for a conference/seminar.
Limerick City Hotel
Located on the banks of the River Shannon, The Limerick City Hotel encompasses breathtaking views of the Shannon and Limerick City. Limerick City Hotel is walking distance from Limerick Colbert Train & Bus Station. Why not enjoy a drink or food with us at our new McGettigan's bar; we offer some great Irish food with a twist.
Maldron Hotel Merrion Road
"Maldron Hotel Merrion Road is a brand new 4 star hotel in the heart of Dublin 4. The hotel is ideally located close to Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and Blackrock areas, with easy access to the RDS and the Aviva Stadium. The area is very well served by public transport with bus and DART stations nearby and is easily accessible off the M50.Opened in summer 2022, the hotel offers great rooms, a restaurant and bar, barista coffee and meeting space."
Leonardo Hotel Liverpool
This Liverpool hotel is located at Kings Waterfront in the iconic docks, right opposite the Echo Arena and Convention Centre. The hotel is just a ten minute walk from Liverpool Central train station, and the Albert Dock is just next door.
Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End
Multistory Hotel set in prestigious West End, 4 miles from city center.
Strathspey Hotel
With an elevated position in the centre of Aviemore this hotel has 7 floors, many with breathtaking views of the Cairngorms. The hotel has a large restaurant, and a spacious and relaxing lounge. A minute's walk away gives clients access to the resort's leisure center with indoor pool and gym together with a large gift shop and relaxing beauty treatments. Guestrooms feature TV, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, bathroom toiletries, towels and Internet access.
Novotel Edinburgh Park
The 4 star Novotel Edinburgh Park is ideally located for a city break in Edinburgh. The hotel has free on site parking, leisure facilities including a pool, gym and steam room.
Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth
Set among fields, the Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth is situated just a short drive from Leeds city center. The hotel features the Aioli Restaurant for breakfast and dinner and Aioli Bar and Lounge for light meals and snacks. The 144 rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with all modern amenities including hairdryer, iron and ironing board, complimentary toiletries and more. The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout.
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be guided tours at any of the locations?
Yes, there will be guided tours at several locations, including an orientation drive in Cardiff, a guided tour in Edinburgh, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?
Yes, there are several opportunities for personal exploration. For example, on Day 2 in London, you can explore on your own or join optional activities. Similarly, on Day 10 in Dublin, the afternoon is at leisure.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach transportation with free Wi-Fi.
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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 travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes full English breakfast daily and 5 three-course dinners with a choice of menus.
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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 in London, a Taste of London excursion with dinner, a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, a medieval banquet in Limerick, and a traditional Scottish night out in Edinburgh.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as Novotel London West, Leonardo Hotel Plymouth, Mercure Cardiff North Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Killarney Court Hotel, Limerick City Hotel, Maldron Hotel Merrion Road, Leonardo Hotel Liverpool, Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End, Strathspey Hotel, Novotel Edinburgh Park, and Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth. These hotels offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, restaurants, and bars.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, 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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