Skip to content
4Vacations

Join free

More in London

Britain and Ireland Grandeur - Signature

23 daysEngland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales

Go behind the scenes on a grand exploration of Britain and Ireland – one that will see you circle islands, scale highlands and cross the seas. No corner of the British Isles will remain unexplored, from London and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast with a visit to Giant’s Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the ever-elusive ‘Nessie’ all in between.

Length
23 days
Starts and ends
London
Meals
22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
Style
Regional Explorer

Watch this price

Deal alerts, price drops and your saved trips.

Email me travel deals and the 4Vacations newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime.

Highlights

  • Explore London, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, Dublin and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Plymouth, Bath, Cardiff, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Chester, Glasgow and York
  • Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Waterford Crystal Showroom, Blarney Castle, the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, the Giant's Causeway, Guinness Storehouse, Falkirk Wheel, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • View the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle in Limerick, the scenic Lake District, the 18th hole at St. Andrews, Eilean Donan Castle, Culloden Battlefield and York Minster
  • See Galway Cathedral
  • Scenic Drive on a Cornish Excursion, experience the Ring of Kerry
  • Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

Itinerary

  1. LondonDays 1–2
  2. YorkDay 3
  3. EdinburghDays 4–5
  4. Scottish HighlandsDay 6
  5. Isle of SkyeDay 7
  6. GlasgowDay 8
  7. Lake DistrictDay 9
  8. LiverpoolDay 10
  9. DublinDays 11–12
  10. BelfastDay 13
  11. County DonegalDay 14
  12. GalwayDay 15
  13. KillarneyDay 16
  14. Ring of KerryDay 17
  15. WaterfordDay 18
  16. CardiffDay 19
  17. PlymouthDay 20
  18. PolperroDay 21
  19. LondonDays 22–23
Day 1Welcome to LondonLondon

The cosmopolitan capital that is London is yours to explore today - the perfect launch pad to discover what's great about Great Britain. Spend the day relaxing in the Royal Parks, amble along the Thames or visit one of the many museums showcasing the art, culture and antiquities of what was once the British Empire.

Day 2Explore the Sights of LondonLondon

Join a Local Specialist today for a memorable encounter with London's most iconic sights. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey where Britain's kings and queens have been crowned for centuries. Spend the rest of the day exploring London on your terms - shop for the best of British on Carnaby Street, admire the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus or visit 'The City' with Christopher Wren's great St. Paul's Cathedral.

  • London City Tour with a Local Specialist

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and YorkLondon · Stratford-upon-Avon · York

The 'Bard of Avon' and his legacy take center stage as you travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's picturesque thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center before heading to York, where you'll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your Travel Director and travel companions.

  • Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Novotel York Centre Hotel, York

Day 4Onwards to EdinburghYork · Alnwick · Edinburgh

Venture north to the medieval market town of Alnwick with its impressive castle and Tenantry Column, upon which the Percy Lion sits imposingly overlooking the town’s beautiful gardens. Enjoy a scenic drive north to the enchanting capital of Edinburgh.

  • Alnwick Visit

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5Explore Elegant EdinburghEdinburgh

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour to see the quaint Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and new Scottish Parliament building. Enjoy free time before a visit to Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the town from Castle Rock. Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

  • Edinburgh City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6Venture to the Scottish HighlandsEdinburgh · St. Andrews · Pitlochry · Scottish Highlands

Continue north to the historic town of St. Andrews, home to the oldest golf course in the world. View the famous 18th green which the golfing greats have clamoured to play on for centuries, before heading to picturesque Pitlochry and our overnight stop in the Scottish Highlands.

  • Visit the University Town of St. Andrews
  • Visit Pitlochry

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Craiglynne Hotel

A close-up of the 18th hole in St. Andrews, Scotland
Day 7Culloden, Loch Ness and on to the Isle of SkyeScottish Highlands · Culloden · Loch Ness · Isle of Skye

View the site of the bloody Battle of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army of Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Then meander through the scenic Scottish Highlands along the banks of Loch Ness in search of Nessie. You’ll view the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, where three lochs meet, and perhaps choose to go on an Optional Experience of an Isle of Skye drive with your Local Specialist. You’ll admire the sweeping moorland, jagged peaks and sea cliffs that make up one of Scotland’s most striking landscapes and learn about life on this remote island, before heading to your hotel for dinner.

  • Highlands Culloden Visitor Center
  • Scenic Drive Through the Scottish Highlands
  • See Eilean Donan Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Colourful waterfront houses in Portree on Isle of Skye overlooking harbour
Day 8Journey to GlasgowIsle of Skye · Glencoe · Glasgow

Journey past the site of the tragic 1692 massacre at Glencoe, known as the ‘Glen of Weeping' before heading to the Scottish cultural capital, Glasgow, where your orientation tour includes views of the Cathedral and the magnificent George Square, lined with statues of Great Britain's most celebrated sons.

  • See Glencoe
  • Glasgow Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Kelvin Bridge over River Kelvin on Great Western Road, Glasgow
Day 9Continue to the Beautiful Lake DistrictGlasgow · Gretna Green · Lake District

Visit Falkirk for a Dive into Culture at The Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures that honor the powerful draught horses once vital to Scotland’s canals and industry. The runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green is your next stop today. See where eloping couples would make their vows over the Marriage Anvil before crossing the border and arriving in the Lake District for the night.

  • Visit the Kelpies in Falkirk
  • Visit Gretna Green
  • Scenic Drive Through the Lake District

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Lancaster House Hotel, Lancaster

Swans on Lake Windermere in the Lake District of England
Day 10Off to Lively LiverpoolLake District · Liverpool

Travel to the bold British city of Liverpool, hometown of the 'Fab Four'. Saunter through its edgy Scouse streets during your evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

The Three Graces on Liverpool's Waterfront in England
Day 11Ferry Across to DublinLiverpool · Chester · Dublin

Travel to the ancient town of Chester where your orientation tour will take you past its Roman walls and famous Tudor 'Rows'. Continue along the scenic North Wales Coast to the island of Anglesey en route to Holyhead. Cross the Irish Sea to Dublin, the charismatic Irish capital.

  • Chester Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Sandymount Hotel, Dublin

Chester Walls Clock in England
Day 12See the Sights of DublinDublin

Beat the crowds and gain entry to the Guinness Storehouse before general admission. Here you'll Dive Into Culture and embark on a tour and tasting technique demonstration. Later, join a Local Specialist to see St. Patrick's Cathedral and other iconic sights. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Irish capital. Amble along Grafton Street with its colorful performers, head to Temple Bar or stroll through Phoenix Park, Dublin's playground.

  • Discover how the world's most famous stout is created at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
  • Dublin City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Sandymount Hotel, Dublin

Visitors with Guinness pints at Gravity Bar overlooking Dublin cityscape
Day 13On the Road to BelfastDublin · Belfast

This morning, cross the border to Northern Ireland. Meet your Local Specialist 'Cabbie' who will take you on a journey through the recent history of Belfast in their taxi. Spend the rest of the day at leisure perhaps exploring the Titanic Quarter to learn more about this ill-fated ship.

  • Belfast City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast, Belfast

A view of Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland
Day 14Explore the Giant’s Causeway, Londonderry and County DonegalBelfast · Giant's Causeway · Londonderry · County Donegal

This morning, visit Giant's Causeway, an area of about 40,000 interlocking ballast columns, a UNESCO World Heritage site in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United Kingdom. In Londonderry, walk along the 17th-century walls with your Local Specialist and see the streets and murals of the Bogside. Known as the People's Gallery, the murals depict the history of the 'troubles'. Later view the Donegal castle that was once the stronghold of the O'Donnell clan before continuing to your hotel where you will enjoy a dinner tonight.

  • Visit Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
  • Londonderry City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Giant’s Causeway basalt columns with two figures standing at sunset
Day 15Venture to GalwayCounty Donegal · Galway

This afternoon, stop in Galway to see the stone Cathedral that was built on the site of an old prison, and stroll around Eyre Square with its tribute to John F. Kennedy.

  • Stroll Through Galway

Meals: Breakfast

Galway Cathedral with green dome, ivy-covered bridge and River Corrib
Day 16Off to the Majestic Cliffs of Moher, Limerick and KillarneyGalway · Cliffs of Moher · Limerick · Killarney

Next up is an unforgettable experience at the Cliffs of Moher where rugged cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, creating a beautifully dramatic coastline which has inspired artists, musicians and poets for centuries. You’ll visit the Visitor Center, a wonderfully engaging experience which brings one of Ireland’s most treasured natural phenomena to life in an interactive way that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come. Enjoy the IMAX-type multimedia which gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the cliffs or dive virtually beneath the surface of the Atlantic and into the underwater caves at the foot of the cliffs that would have otherwise gone unseen. Then, continue to Limerick to view St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Treaty Stone and King John’s Castle, with the tallest spire in Ireland. Your drive carries on through picturesque Adare, one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, before arriving in Killarney, your home for the next two nights.

  • Cliffs of Moher Visit
  • Limerick Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

Cliffs of Moher with Atlantic Ocean view and grassy edge at sunset
Day 17A Day on the Ring of KerryKillarney · Ring of Kerry

Today, you'll stop in Killarney on your way to the enchanting Ring of Kerry where Ireland's enduring natural beauty is your welcome companion as you circle past the fishing village of Waterville, Black Valley and Moll's Gap.

  • See the Ring of Kerry

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stay: Hotel Killarney, Killarney

Wild Atlantic Way coastline with pink sea thrift flowers
Day 18Onwards to Blarney and WaterfordKillarney · Blarney · Waterford

In pursuit of the 'gift of the gab', kiss the Blarney Stone, before continuing to the House of Waterford Crystal where you will enjoy a fascinating Dive Into Culture demonstration with a master crafter.

  • Tour the House of Waterford Crystal Workshop
  • Visit Blarney Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

An upward view of Blarney Castle in Cork, Ireland
Day 19Cross the Irish Sea to CardiffWaterford · Cardiff

Cross the Irish Sea to Wales and continue your journey through beautiful countryside to arrive in its capital. Explore Cardiff’s iconic sights – the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum.

  • Cardiff Orientation

Meals: Breakfast

Stay: Majestic Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff

Day 20Soak up Bath and on to PlymouthCardiff · Bath · Plymouth

Arriving in Bath, admire the city’s elegant Georgian façades and ancient Roman Baths from which it derives its name. This afternoon head to Somerset for a Be My Guest experience with Ian & Ann Dyer on their modern-day dairy farm. Later continue to Plymouth, your home for the next two nights.

  • Lunch with the Dyer Family on their 15th-Century Dairy Farm in Somerset
  • Bath Orientation
  • Visit the Roman Baths

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 21Discover the Cornish PeninsulaPlymouth · Looe · Polperro

Embark on an orientation tour and see the Royal Citadel and Mayflower Steps, where brave pilgrims embarked on their epic voyage to the New World centuries ago. Explore the Cornish peninsula and visit the seaside villages of Looe and Polperro.

  • Discover Plymouth and the Cornish Peninsula

Meals: Breakfast

Day 22Journey to Stonehenge and Return to LondonPlymouth · Stonehenge · London

The mystical ancient megaliths at Stonehenge are your first stop. Ponder their myths that remain largely unsolved before traveling to London.

  • Visit Stonehenge

Meals: Breakfast

Day 23Farewell LondonLondon

Say goodbye to your fellow travelers as you leave London and return home with special memories.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

York, England

1 night

Novotel York Centre Hotel

Hotel

1 night

Craiglynne Hotel

Hotel

Lancaster, England

1 night

Lancaster House Hotel

Hotel

Dublin, Ireland

2 nights

Sandymount Hotel

Hotel

Belfast, Northern Ireland

1 night

AC Hotel by Marriott Belfast

Killarney, Ireland

2 nights

Hotel Killarney

Hotel

Cardiff, Wales

1 night

Majestic Hotel Cardiff

Hotel

What’s included

Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • The services of a Brendan Vacations Local Host when you stay at Brendan Vacations' recommended London hotel
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Return ferry across the Irish Sea between Wales and Ireland
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Optional experiences
  • Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen

    4 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu

    3 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Rosslyn Chapel

    150 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Edinburgh by Night and Dinner

    4 hours · Scenic drive, Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • Blair Castle Visit

    90 minutes · Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Highland Farm Experience

    1 hour · Local Guide, A sheep herding demonstration, A chance to feed the lambs

    Paid on tour

  • Isle of Skye Drive

    Paid on tour

  • Loch Lomond Boat Trip

    1 hour · Local Guide, Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Glasgow City Evening

    3 hours · Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • A Stirling Evening

    4 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment, Gratuities for local staff

    Paid on tour

  • Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere

    1 hour · Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise

    1 hour · Boat cruise, Transportation by train, Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Famous Sights and the Fab Four

    90 minutes · Local Guide

    Paid on tour

  • Dinner in Dublin City

    150 minutes · Three-course meal

    Paid on tour

  • Experience the Ancient Monastic Site of Glendalough

    3 hours · Local Guide, Stop for the perfect photo opportunity, Scenic drive

    Paid on tour

  • Dublin Dinner and Cabaret

    150 minutes · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Belfast Walk with Fish and Chips

    3 hours · Walking tour, Food and Drink

    Paid on tour

  • Enjoy Dinner and Drinks in Belfast

    Paid on tour

  • Gaelic Roots

    2 hours · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Celtic Steps

    150 minutes · Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Jaunting Car Ride

    1 hour · Jaunt with a local jarvey

    Paid on tour

  • Explore Waterford's History

    Paid on tour

  • Cardiff Castle Tour

    75 minutes · Local Guide, Entrance and reservation fees

    Paid on tour

  • Traditional Welsh Evening And Dinner

    Paid on tour

  • Welsh Evening

    3 hours · Three-course meal, Live entertainment

    Paid on tour

  • Dartmoor Excursion And Dinner

    Paid on tour

  • Plymouth Gin Tasting and Dinner

    3 hours

    Paid on tour

  • Plymouth Harbor Cruise

    1 hour · Boat cruise

    Paid on tour

  • Plymouth Harbor Extended Cruise

    Paid on tour

Dates and prices

Per person, twin share

From, per person$7,736

Choose a departure