Grand Tour of Britain & Ireland

After checking into your hotel, take the afternoon to rest or start exploring London. You have a free day for optional activities or exploring on your own. Consider joining a Local Guide for an optional morning sightseeing tour of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards, 10 Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. A highlight of this tour is a visit to Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was built between 1675 and 1708. Later, you can choose to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its stunning Crown Jewels. In the evening, consider heading to our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by an illuminating Thames River cruise.

On day 3, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions at 8 am to depart for Oxford. Take a walking tour of the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the charming Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and catch a glimpse of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, ending with some free time to explore the town.

Luxury Coach to York

Begin your journey at the grand façade of York Minster. Follow our Tour Director through charming and meandering streets, including the famed narrow Shambles. As we depart York, we’ll journey north to the charming market town of Thirsk, famous for its association with James Herriot. Take some time to explore the town at your leisure. As we continue on our journey to Newcastle, we’ll soak in breathtaking views of the North Yorkshire Moors.

Luxury Coach to Newcastle

You’ll have enough time to explore Newcastle’s vibrant night scene and the charming city in the morning before heading out to see Hadrian’s Wall. We’ll motor through the wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border and stop for photos at Jedburgh before arriving in Edinburgh. With a Local Guide, you’ll get to experience the 200-year-old “New Town.” Next, you’ll visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels at the “Old Town.” In the evening, we suggest a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis, obviously.

Luxury Coach to Edinburgh

Your choice today includes an optional morning excursion to Rosslyn Chapel – made world-famous by Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code – and one of the most remarkable buildings in all of Scotland. The 15th-century medieval chapel and its visitor centre offers ample time to explore its architecture and beautiful surroundings, and to photograph the ruins of Rosslyn Castle. In the evening, there’s an optional tour that includes dinner. For those departing on July 30th and August 13th, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the renowned Military Tattoo.

Embark on a journey through the Lowland Hills steeped in history, proceeding southwards towards Gretna Green. On the way, visit the blacksmith spot that used to bind runaway couples. Continuing your adventure through picturesque landscapes in the Lake District, you will encounter stunning scenery deemed the finest of England’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you arrive at Chester, the historical county town located on the Dee River, take a walking tour to explore the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades, famously known as the “Rows”.

Luxury Coach to Wrexham

Be prepared for stunning landscapes in North Wales as you embark on a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park. The charming village of Betws-y-Coed awaits visitors on this route. The drive continues over the dramatic Llanberis Pass and across Britannia Bridge to reach the stunning Isle of Anglesey. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap some photos at the famous Llanfairpwllgwyngyll – and have a go at saying it… From this point, continue to Holyhead to board a ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin.

Ferry to Dublin

Begin your day in the “Fair City” with an orientation drive through the capital of Eire, Dublin. Marvel at the statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and the splendor of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to freely explore Dublin at your leisure. For an optional evening activity, why not join us at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse?

Wake up the next morning and venture to dairy-farm country at the heart of the stunning “Emerald Isle”. Set your sights on Galway, a popular seaside destination, and lively cosmopolitan area with buzzing shops, cafes, and bars. From there, cross the awe-inspiring limestone plateau, The Burren, before stopping to take in the majestic 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Next stop, Ennis!

Luxury Coach to Ennis

Stop for photos in Adare, a village famous for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins.
In County Kerry, take the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Capture sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly hued farmhouses, winding lanes, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View.

Luxury Coach to Killarney

Cross the Kerry Mountains and pass through County Cork to reach Blarney. Blarney is famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence which is a must-see attraction. Take some time to visit the castle, and explore the shops famous for Irish crafts and handmade crystal.
As you continue on your journey, drive past Cork, the second largest city in Ireland, and continue via Dungarvan to Tramore.

Luxury Coach to Tramore

An early journey toward Rosslare to make a short drive. In a span of roughly four hours, you can cross St. George’s Channel by ferry to reach South Wales. Traverse through lush dairy farmlands and make your way towards the capital of Wales, Cardiff. Uncover the top attractions of the city such as Cardiff Castle, Millennium Stadium, Cathays Park, and the grand civic buildings on an orientation drive.

Ferry to Cardiff

Discover the highlights of an action-packed day as you cross into England via the stunning Severn Bridge. Make a stop in Bath, an elegant Georgian city renowned for its Roman relics, followed by a visit to Stonehenge–an enduring mystery. Take in the imaginative exhibitions at the visitor centre before experiencing the magnificence of the monument up close.

Luxury Coach to London

Your tour will end with breakfast on the last day – take this time to reflect with your new friends on the memories you’ve made over the past two weeks and think about your next trip together!