19 Day Great Britain & Ireland Tour with Flights

London

You will be personally met at London’s Heathrow Airport and transferred to your central London hotel. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore your hotel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around this iconic city.

Overnight: London

Meals included: in-flight only

London sightseeing

Your first two full days in London are flexi-tours, so you can tour at your own pace, visiting places of most interest to you. Relax into London time with a choice of included touring options to suit your mood, before we embark on our fully escorted Great Britain & Ireland adventure.

London has something for everyone. Be immersed in history with eye-opening antiquity everywhere, be consumed by centuries of spectacular tradition or embrace cool Britannia’s culture, fine food and good times.

Your flexi-tour includes our enthralling walking tours and a scenic river cruise on the Thames. You have 4 circular driving tours, stay on for the whole tour enjoying our guide’s entertaining commentary or get-off at any one of 60 incredible stops and re-join our next circular tour bus at your leisure. Explore must-see attractions like Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, Parliament Square, Big Ben, Knightsbridge, the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Harrods, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, Kings Cross, Tower Bridge, Oxford Street shops, Madame Tussauds, the Tower of London and more. Alternatively, find your own piece of captivating London.

Walking tours include “The Royal Walking Tour” (including the Changing of the Guards) and “The Beatles London Walking Tour”. Your cruise through the heart of the River Thames takes you from Westminster past an array of amazing landmarks to St. Katharine’s Pier with more entertaining commentary from your captain.

All 4 circular hop-on hop-off tours, a choice of walking tours and a river cruise are included – so tour as much as you like or simply take it easy.

Overnight: London

Meals included: none

London sightseeing

Make the most of your second flexi-tour today. Perhaps visit the Queen’s royal residence of Buckingham Palace, see Poets’ Corner and the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, take a flight in one of the famous glass pods on the London Eye, climb the breathtaking heights of St Paul’s Cathedral’s domed galleries, soak in the exceptional view from the ultra-modern Shard building or test your nerves at the formidable Tower of London.

All 4 circular tours, choice of walking tours and a river cruise are included – so tour as much as you like or simply take it easy.

Overnight: London

Meals included: none

London Bath  Cardiff

Today we depart London heading through the beautiful English countryside to Wiltshire and Stonehenge. This iconic symbol of Britain has a history spanning 4,500 years and has many different meanings to people today. It is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. Here you have the option to walk around the sacred Stone Circle. Get an insight into Neolithic life during 2950 BC.

We continue to splendid Bath in Somerset, well known for its Roman era natural hot spring water baths (built in 60 AD) that are still operating today. You’ll also fall in love with Bath's stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture that is straight from a Jane Austen novel - highlights include the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus. Here you have the option of exploring this architecturally magnificent town or entering the Roman Baths complex.

We cross the massive Severn Bridge into the principality of Wales, heading for Cardiff, complete with its own medieval castle located in the city centre. Cardiff is compact and spread between an ancient fort and an ultramodern waterfront, with a strong sporting and cultural presence. The Welsh are famous for their huge singing voices, none more so than Tom Jones.

Today you’ll have some time to explore Stonehenge and Bath or take some additional optional activities (at own expense) like Stone Circle Walk Stonehenge or the Roman Baths Complex. Make your choice while on the tour.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals included: dinner

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

Stone Circle Walk Stonehenge for approximately AU$35 per person

The Roman Baths Complex for approximately AU$40 per person

Cardiff  Stratford-upon-Avon  Liverpool

We leave Wales heading back into England and to Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town that was the 16th-century home of William Shakespeare. Immerse yourself in 800 years of history, see the many buildings that would be familiar to Shakespeare if he was still around today.

Continue north to Liverpool, famous for the Beatles and it’s two high flying football clubs. But there is so much more to Liverpool, its thriving cultural scene, historic architecture and the Liverpudlian’s pure lust for life. See the iconic sights on a tour of the city and enjoy some free time tonight. Perhaps head to Mathew Street, home to the world-famous ‘Cavern Club’, where The Beatles first made their mark on modern music.

Today you’ll have some time to explore Stratford and Liverpool or take some additional optional activities (at own expense) like The Beatles Story & Museum or Shakespeare's House. Make your choice while on the tour.

Overnight: Liverpool

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

The Beatles Story & Museum for approximately AU$35 per person

Shakespeare's House for approximately AU$35

Liverpool  Dublin

Today we cruise across the Irish sea to Dublin. It’s a small capital but has a legendary literary tradition and a huge reputation for being gregarious and energetic. It has magnificent medieval, Georgian and modern architecture. It’s easy to drink in history with its cobbled streets and classic pubs.

Enjoy a tour of the cosmopolitan Irish capital, followed by some time to explore this 1000-year-old city yourself. From the city’s Viking past, its medieval castles and its cathedrals, to its many museums that illustrate some of the city’s more turbulent history, Dublin is big enough to keep you entertained but small enough to explore easily yourself.

Overnight: Dublin

Meals included: breakfast

Dublin sightseeing

Choose how you’d like to experience Dublin today with a selection of activities on offer. It’s easy to self-discover this lively capital city that’s as intimate as a village and as friendly as your local Irish pub with a wide range of attractions. There’s also the option of visiting the Guinness Storehouse to see how the city’s most famous export dark beer is made. Alternatively, visit the National Museums of Ireland, take a walk along the South Wall, visit the city’s most famous park, St Stephen’s Green or see the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Tonight, there’s also the option to visit a traditional Irish pub that reflects all that is great about Irish Pubs, including the best Irish music and Irish dancing show in Dublin.

Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity to suit your mood. You can explore Dublin and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity (at own expense) like an Irish Music Evening or a Discover Dublin tour. Make your choice while on the tour.

Overnight: Dublin

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

An Irish Music Evening for approximately AU$90 per person

Discover Dublin tour for approximately AU$85 per person

Dublin  Waterford  Killarney area

We head to Ireland’s ancient east coast and to its oldest city Waterford. Founded by Vikings in 914, the city has a fascinating history, rich maritime tradition, Norman constructs and of course a glittering expanse of immaculately crafted crystal.

Continue to spectacular Blarney Castle housing the very famous Blarney Stone - the legendary Stone of Eloquence found at the top of the tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.

Overnight: Ring of Kerry

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Ring of Kerry

Kerry is the picture-postcard image of Ireland familiar to us all, with its mix of moody mountains, rugged coastlines and quaint vibrant towns. The Ring of Kerry is a popular scenic driving route skirting the edges of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Choose how you’d like to experience Kerry today with a selection of activities on offer. There are incredible trails to hike, as well as amazing golf courses and beautiful churches to visit. Alternatively, join our optional excursion as we drive along the incredible Ring of Kerry. This famous circular tourist route is home to the most breathtaking coastal views, emerald-green pastures and charming villages. Enjoy views of the coast and charming local villages as we stop along the way. Take the opportunity to amble down the high streets, explore the shops and try the culinary treats on offer from the cute cafes, bars and restaurants in the area. The scenery of this beautiful green landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Today is a free flexi-day so you can explore Kerry and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or join the optional activity (at own expense) Ring of Kerry day trip. Make your choice while on the tour.

Overnight: Ring of Kerry 

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

Ring of Kerry day trip for approximately AU$65 per person

Ring of Kerry  Adare  Ballina

Today is another day for dramatic Irish scenery as we make our way up the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’, stopping in Adare and Limerick. Adare is renowned as Ireland’s prettiest village, with its string of beautiful 19th-century thatch-roofed white-walled cottages.

We journey through the county of Limerick to make our way to the famous Cliffs of Moher. These staggeringly beautiful, entirely vertical cliffs rise to a height of 214m, their edge abruptly falling away into a ceaselessly churning Atlantic. The views on a clear day are absolutely breath-taking.

Continue to the cool harbour city of Galway. Its brightly painted pubs reflect its bohemian flavour, artistic creativity and an infectious up-tempo vibe. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments. Explore the city for yourself during some free time and experience all the charms that Galway has to offer (including its delicious oysters) before we travel on to Ballina.

Overnight: Ballina

Meals included: breakfast

Galway  Derry  Belfast

Today we journey into Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, and a key filming location for the hit television show Game of Thrones. This is a place where fantasy comes to life.

Discover the country’s second-largest city Derry (Londonderry). It’s cosmopolitan, creative and steeped in history – but it’s the combination of warmth and wit that makes it special. History is all around you, literally, with the 17th-century city walls. There's lots of history to absorb here, from the Siege of Derry to the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. Don’t be surprised to hear traditional music spilling out onto the streets from vibrant pubs.

Next is the well-known phenomenon of the Giant’s Causeway. This is nature at its most primal: carving the land into unique formations that send the imagination into overdrive. No wonder dreamy and fantastical myths surround it. Experience the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns and hear their stories.

The capital Belfast has pulled off a remarkable transformation from its troubled past - now known for its eclectic medley of cultural treasures, mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. Our local guide takes us on a fascinating combined driving and walking tour, showing us some of the city’s most famous sights, the Titanic and telling us about the city’s past.

Overnight: Belfast

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Belfast  Stirling  Scottish Highlands

Today we cruise from Larne across the Sea of Moyle to Scotland, and to Stirling. With its impregnable position atop a mighty wooded crag (the plug of an extinct volcano), Stirling's beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets winding up to the ramparts of its impressive castle. See the famous Wallace Monument standing on the summit of Abbey Craig, a curious Victorian Gothic tower honouring the legendary Braveheart freedom fighter.

We then journey to the Scottish Highlands. This ancient region is dominated by dramatic mountains and incredible scenery. Stop off at a historic whisky distillery to learn more about how whisky is made and try some of the different varieties produced here. Be in awe of the scenery as we continue on to our accommodation in the picturesque Highlands this evening.

Overnight: Arrochar

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Scottish Highlands  Loch Ness  Edinburgh

We head north and deeper into the dramatic Highlands to Loch Ness, well known for its elusive resident ‘monster’ Nessie. This large, deep, freshwater loch is remarkably beautiful. Enjoy free time here, perhaps join a cruise on the loch or explore the 1,000 years of stirring history at ruined Urquhart Castle.

We journey to Edinburgh, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, draped across a series of rocky hills overlooking the sea. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of the Scottish capital, including Holyrood House, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, the birthplace of the original world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo. JK Rowling famously penned the first Harry Potter novel here, you may find some parts of the city strangely familiar.

Today you’ll have some time to explore the Scottish Highlands or take the additional optional activity (at own expense) like a Loch Ness Cruise. Make your choice while on the tour.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

Loch Ness Cruise for approximately AU$30

Edinburgh sightseeing

Choose how you’d like to experience Edinburgh today with a selection of activities on offer. Perhaps revisit some of the highlights from yesterday’s walking tour, like discovering Edinburgh Castle in full, or take a stroll up to Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city below.

Tonight enjoy a special traditional Scottish dinner, the menu comes complete with famous haggis.

Today is a free flexi-day so you have the choice of activity that piques your interest. You can explore Edinburgh and its amazing attractions yourself at your own pace or choose an optional activity (at own expense) like the Spirit of Scotland Show or Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital. Make your choice while on the tour.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals included: breakfast

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

Spirit of Scotland Show for approximately AU$120 per person

Edinburgh - Conquer the Capital for approximately AU$90 per person

Edinburgh  Yorkshire

Today we say goodbye to Scotland and make our way to north England and the instantly recognisable Alnwick Castle. It’s the residence of The 12th Duke of Northumberland, built following the Norman conquest in 1096 – but is most famous for the starring role it plays in TV shows and films. Including two Harry Potter films (The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets), Downton Abbey, Robin Hood, The Black Adder, Star Trek and many more.

We continue into Yorkshire and to the county’s capital. York is a charming city of winding cobbled streets, lined with little boutiques selling all manner of fascinating items and a number of traditional lolly-shops. We embark on a walking tour of the city to see its most famous sites, including to the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe (York Minster).

Today you’ll have some time to explore Alnwick or take the additional optional activity to tour Alnwick Castle. Make your choice while on the tour.

Overnight: Leeds

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Optional activities at an additional cost. To be booked and paid for locally

Tour Alnwick Castle for approximately AU$45 per person

Yorkshire  Cambridge  London

We journey south through the rolling green English countryside to the historic town of Cambridge, with its ancient colleges and a beautiful winding river. Abounding with exquisite architecture, exuding history and tradition, and renowned for its quirky rituals, Cambridge is a university town extraordinaire. Wander around the University buildings and experience them as countless prime ministers, poets, writers and scientists have done through the centuries. You’ll experience Cambridge in the traditional way, on a punt on the River Cam.

Continue back to London for our final night in England. Relax this evening, perhaps joining some fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: London

Meals included: breakfast

London Australia

Time to say farewell to your fellow travellers and friendly tour hosts as your grand tour through enchanting Great Britain and lyrical Ireland draws to an end.

You will be personally met at your hotel and transferred to London Heathrow airport for your flight home.

Meals included: in-flight only

Arrive home

Enjoy the attentive service on your premium airline flight home.

Meals included: in-flight only