The Best of Britain & Ireland
The Best of Britain & Ireland
The Best of Britain & Ireland
15 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Arrive In London, England, London, Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Leeds, York, Thirsk, Newcastle, Jedburgh, Scotland, Edinburgh, Gretna Green, Lake District, Chester, Wrexham, Wales, Betws-Y-Coed, Dublin, Ireland, Galway, Cliffs Of Moher, Shannon, Adare, Ring Of Kerry, Killarney, Blarney, Dungarvan, Tramore, Cardiff, Bath, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
9010-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
On this Best of Britain & Ireland tour, see Britain’s and Ireland’s highlights—from the bustling cities to the small towns and from the breathtaking scenery to the ancient ruins. Traveling through the lands of queens, kings, and leprechauns, begin and end in London and pass through England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.On this Britain and Ireland tour, stop in some historic towns and cities, including Oxford, home to some of England’s most famous colleges; York, England's most complete medieval city with its cobbled streets and the magnificent York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral; Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare; Chester, where a walking tour highlights its Roman remains and black and white half-timbered buildings; Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages; and Bath, known for the excavations of Roman baths used for bathing and socializing 2,000 years ago. Britain and Ireland are known for their green countryside and stunning scenery, and on this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll witness some of their gorgeous landscapes. Travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Follow Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive with sparkling seascapes, brightly hued farmhouses, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit the spectacular 668-feet Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Drive through the Cotswolds, with the rolling hills and picturesque villages, Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces, and the serene Lake District, England’s largest natural park.All of this and more—including time in Dublin and Edinburgh—await you on this brilliant vacation in Briain and Ireland!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In London,England
Location: Arrive In London, England
Accommodation: Hotel
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or 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
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting program of optional activities. London’s calling with an optional morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide to see the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708. This afternoon, why not visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels? And this evening we recommend a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River to see some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights.
Day 3: London,Oxford,Stratford-Upon-Avon,Leeds
Location: London, Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Leeds
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for Oxford. A walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight destination is Leeds.Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km
Day 4: Leeds,York,Thirsk,Newcastle
Location: Leeds, York, Thirsk, Newcastle
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head north to York. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Leaving York, head north and spend some free time in the charming market town of Thirsk famous for its association with James Herriot. On the way to Newcastle, savor spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. Today’s Distance: 108 mi/ 174 km
Day 5: Newcastle,Jedburgh,Scotland,Edinburgh
Location: Newcastle, Jedburgh, Scotland, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. No trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening! Join an optional night out that’s filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis!Today’s Distance: 117 mi/ 188 km
Day 6: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of optional excursions today: this morning put on your best detective hat and get ready to decipher the cryptic symbols and spellbinding mysteries of 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland's most enigmatic places. This afternoon discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For departures July 27 and August 10, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 7: Edinburgh,Gretna Green,Lake District,England,Chester,Wrexham,Wales
Location: Edinburgh, Gretna Green, Lake District, England, Chester, Wrexham, Wales
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Chester, the historic county town on the Dee River, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Today’s Distance: 268 mi/ 431 km
Day 8: Wrexham,Betws-Y-Coed,Dublin,Ireland
Location: Wrexham, Betws-Y-Coed, Dublin, Ireland
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A scenic North Wales drive through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park brings you to lovely Betws-y-Coed. Then, head over spectacular Llanberis Pass and, finally, across Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. At Holyhead, board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin. Tonight, everyone’s Irish with a popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy.Today’s Distance: 104 mi/ 167 km
Day 9: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. This evening, raise a glass to Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.
Day 10: Dublin,Galway,Cliffs Of Moher,Shannon
Location: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs Of Moher, Shannon
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head for dairy-farm country in the heart of the “Emerald Isle.” Stop in 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 before heading for Shannon. Step back in time at an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling.Today’s Distance: 214 mi/ 344 km
Day 11: Shannon,Adare,Ring Of Kerry,Killarney
Location: Shannon, Adare, Ring Of Kerry, Killarney
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry, join the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly hued farmhouses, winding lanes, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Climb aboard a delightful optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.Today’s Distance: 189 mi/ 304 km
Day 12: Killarney,Blarney,Dungarvan,Tramore
Location: Killarney, Blarney, Dungarvan, Tramore
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. Drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of real local Irish flavor, take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included.Today’s Distance: 189 mi/ 304 km
Day 13: Tramore,Cardiff,Wales
Location: Tramore, Cardiff, Wales
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
An early start for the short drive to Rosslare. In just under four hours, you cross St. George’s Channel by ferry to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital’s major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Experience Welsh culture at its finest during this memorable optional excursion featuring a dinner of local specialties, wine, and spirited folkloric entertainment.Today’s Distance: 159 mi/ 257 km
Day 14: Cardiff,Bath,England,Stonehenge,London
Location: Cardiff, Bath, England, Stonehenge, London
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before visiting Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery. Explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. After returning to London around 3:30 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night on the town? Curtain’s up with an optional escorted evening in London's theater district, starting with a delicious dinner, followed by excellent seats at your chosen show.Today’s Distance: 171 mi/ 275 km
Day 15: London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including the Copthorne Tara Hotel London, Holiday Inn Leeds - Garforth, Leonardo Hotel Newcastle, Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield, Ramada Plaza Wrexham, The Bonnington Dublin Hotel, Auburn Lodge Hotel, Killarney Court Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Novotel Cardiff, and Novotel London West. Each hotel offers modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, and convenient locations.
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Meals
Full English breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners with choice of menus.
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Headsets
Headsets available on tour except for London.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Taste of London excursion, Windsor Castle visit, and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Airfare
International and domestic airfare to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
Meals
Full English breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners with choice of menus
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Headsets available on tour except for London
UNESCO Sites
City of Bath|Frontiers of the Roman Empire|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The English Lake District|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath
Accommodation
London:Copthorne Tara Hotel LondonLondon:Novotel London WestBradford:Leonardo Hotel BradfordNewcastle:Maldron Hotel NewcastleEdinburgh:Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh WestWrexham:Ramada Plaza WrexhamDublin:The Bonnington Dublin HotelShannon:Treacys Oakwood HotelKillarney:Killarney Court HotelTramore:Majestic HotelCardiff:Novotel Cardiff
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including the Copthorne Tara Hotel London, Holiday Inn Leeds - Garforth, Leonardo Hotel Newcastle, Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield, Ramada Plaza Wrexham, The Bonnington Dublin Hotel, Auburn Lodge Hotel, Killarney Court Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Novotel Cardiff, and Novotel London West. Each hotel offers modern amenities, free Wi-Fi, and convenient locations.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available, including a morning sightseeing tour in London, a Taste of London excursion with dinner and a guided illumination cruise on the Thames River, a traditional Scottish night out in Edinburgh, a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, a medieval-themed banquet in Ennis, and a pub tour in Tramore.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a full English breakfast daily and 4 three-course dinners with a choice of menus.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be guided tours including a walking tour in Oxford, a tour of York with a visit to York Minster, sightseeing in Edinburgh with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, and an orientation drive in Dublin.
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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, 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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Is there any special equipment provided during the tour?
Headsets are available on tour except for in London.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visiting famous landmarks in London, exploring Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon, seeing Hadrian's Wall, visiting Edinburgh Castle, driving through the Lake District, crossing the Irish Sea to Dublin, visiting the Cliffs of Moher, and exploring Stonehenge.
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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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