Essential Britain & Ireland
Essential Britain & Ireland
Essential Britain & Ireland
10 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Newport, Cardiff, Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-Upon-Avon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GB-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the British Isles with the "Essential Britain & Ireland" tour. This captivating adventure begins in the vibrant city of London and takes you through the historic landscapes of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Discover the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge, the elegance of Bath, and the charm of Newport. Marvel at the craftsmanship at the House of Waterford Crystal and explore the majestic Kilkenny Castle. Experience the cultural richness of Dublin, the regal allure of Edinburgh Castle, and the literary heritage of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Travel in comfort aboard a modern, air-conditioned coach, with scenic ferry crossings enhancing your journey. Enjoy guided tours, full English breakfasts, and select dinners, while staying in well-appointed accommodations. This tour promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, offering a truly immersive experience of the UK and Ireland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In London,England
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Waterloo or Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
Day 2: London,Stonehenge,Bath,Newport,Wales
Location: Newport
Accommodation Name: The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH–NEWPORT, WALES Ancient Stones & Spa Days LONDON Meet your Tour Director and travel companions at 8 am and drive to Stonehenge.
STONEHENGE Visit the prehistoric monument.
BATH Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths.
164 mi / 264 km (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS The traditions of one ancient Roman ritual are in full flow in Bath. Amid the remarkable Roman and Georgian architecture and the best-preserved Roman Baths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a good spa day is never hard to find in one of the “Best Spa Towns in Europe.” The city of Bath sits above geothermal springs that bubble up from the limestone below. Bath also turns up the heat with some of Britain's grandest Georgian buildings, a mecca for elite 18th-century society.
Day 3: Newport,Cardiff,Waterford,Ireland
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation Name: Tower Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
NEWPORT–CARDIFF–WATERFORD, IRELAND Welsh Dragons, Daffodils & Castles CARDIFF Morning visit to Cardiff Castle.
PEMBROKE Ferry crossing St. George’s Channel to Rosslare.
168 mi / 271 km (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CAPITAL CITY Explore the Welsh capital, see many historic buildings and discover its 2,000-year history of invasions, abductions and conflicts from 1st century AD when the Romans built the first series of forts.
Day 4: Waterford,Kilkenny,Dublin
Location: Waterford, Kilkenny, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin Kilmainham or Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
WATERFORD–KILKENNY–DUBLIN Cut Glass & Cobblestones WATERFORD Take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal.KILKENNY See one of Ireland’s most quaint towns with medieval cobblestones. 115 mi / 195 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Time to explore the city of Kilkenny, referred to as the "Marble City" because of the widespread use of local black limestone to construct many local buildings. The "Medieval Mile" is the city's main thoroughfare and is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops and charming pubs. Today Kilkenny is renowned for its active arts and crafts scene.
Day 5: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin Kilmainham or Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre
Meals Included: Breakfast
DUBLIN Ireland’s Capital City DUBLIN Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time this afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS “In Dublin’s fair city where girls are so pretty” you’ll also find great personality and charm. The charisma of Dubliners and the bounty of pubs here is matched only by the gorgeous Georgian Squares, 12th-century St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.
Day 6: Dublin,Belfast,Northern Ireland,Edinburgh,Scotland
Location: Belfast
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street or Marriott Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast
DUBLIN–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Irish Crossings BELFAST Pause at the magnificent City Hall before crossing the North Channel to Scotland's Cairnryan.
234 mi / 376 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast has seen its share of the ‘Troubles’ but its tenacity, tireless industry and timeless traditions are easy to see. Hear how shipbuilding ruled and Irish linen was king. In the port city where the Titanic was built, a bold rebirth of arts and architecture thrive amid historic castles and churches drawing visitors from around the globe.
Day 7: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street or Marriott Courtyard
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH Drummers, Pipers & Precious Jewels 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 this afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your Plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 26, 27, 29, August 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16 and 17.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
MUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain." Here you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.
Day 8: Edinburgh,Jedburgh,York,England
Location: York
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
EDINBURGH–JEDBURGH–YORK, ENGLAND Augustine’s Monks & Medieval Markets JEDBURGH Take photos at the Augustinian abbey ruins. Drive into Northumberland National Park and see a section of Hadrian’s Wall.
YORK See York Minster on [LF] a guided walk through The Shambles.
198 mi / 318 km (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
HISTORIC SPOT While strolling the cobblestones of York’s Shambles, it’s easy to imagine the medieval butchers' shops and boisterous crowds bartering for beef and bones outside the 14th-century timber-framed windows. The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe and said to have been the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley – and today is a colorful gathering place with cheerful cafés and quirky boutiques brimming with the sweet aromas of chocolate, pastries, and pies.
Day 9: York,Stratford-Upon-Avon,London
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Waterloo or Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
260 mi / 418 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true as Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. See Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home where the bard’s wife-to-be was born and courted by young Will. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original structure remains. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales about his family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Day 10: London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels throughout the tour, including Park Plaza Waterloo, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor in Newport, Tower Hotel in Waterford, Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre in Dublin, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street and Marriott Courtyard in Edinburgh, and DoubleTree by Hilton York in York.
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Meals
Enjoy full English breakfast daily and 3 three-course dinners during the tour.
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Transportation
Travel comfortably between cities and attractions in a modern, air-conditioned coach.
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Guided Tours
Benefit from guided tours and orientation drives in several cities, including London, Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh, ensuring you see the highlights and hidden gems of each destination.
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Admissions
Admission fees to major attractions are included, such as Stonehenge, Kilkenny Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
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Special Events
Attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance, available for departures between July 26 and August 17.
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Ferry Crossings
Experience scenic ferry crossings, including the journey from Pembroke to Rosslare and from Northern Ireland to Scotland.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against unforeseen events.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and additional meals and drinks outside of the provided meals are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities not listed in the tour itinerary are available at an additional cost.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are not included unless specified.
Meals
Full English breakfast daily; 3 three-course dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
City of Bath|Frontiers of the Roman Empire|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels throughout the tour, including Park Plaza Waterloo, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor in Newport, Tower Hotel in Waterford, Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre in Dublin, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street and Marriott Courtyard in Edinburgh, and DoubleTree by Hilton York in York.
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. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a modern, air-conditioned coach for comfortable travel between cities and attractions. It also includes scenic ferry crossings, such as the journey from Pembroke to Rosslare and from Northern Ireland to Scotland.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes a full English breakfast daily and three three-course dinners.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
The tour provides accommodations in comfortable and conveniently located hotels, including Park Plaza Waterloo and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor in Newport, Tower Hotel in Waterford, Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre in Dublin, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street and Marriott Courtyard in Edinburgh, and DoubleTree by Hilton York in York.
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Are there any special events included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes attendance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance for departures between July 26 and August 17.
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What are some of the major attractions included in the tour?
The tour includes admission to major attractions such as Stonehenge, Kilkenny Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against unforeseen events.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are not included unless specified.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus 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 globus 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.