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Essential Britain
Operated by Globus
Tripcode: GC
Overview
Destination:
United Kingdom,
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 18)
Travel Period
April 2026 - October 2027
12 Day Tour from London to London
Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement capital of Gretna Green. The castles and cathedrals of London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, as well as the charming pubs on every corner, will steal your heart away. With visits to the baffling boulders of Stonehenge, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool, this tour of Britain promises rocking discovery and enlightenment, not to mention honorary degrees in ancient history, English literature, and music appreciation.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Alnwick so you can plan your day your way.
All This. Included
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Visit to Stonehenge• Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths• Visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool• Grasmere Gingerbead tasting• Join in a wedding re-enactment in Gretna Green• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 1, 8, 15 and 22 departures)• Globus Choice excursions in Alnwick – included in your tour with your choice of an inside visit to Alnwick Castle or a visit to Alnwick Garden• Lunch in a local pub in Ilminster• Scenic cruise on the Plymouth Sound• Visit to Glastonbury• Guided walking tour of medieval York, including The Shambles• Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Birthplace• Orientation drive in Glasgow• Visit to Llangollen
Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement capital of Gretna Green. The castles and cathedrals of London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, as well as the charming pubs on every corner, will steal your heart away. With visits to the baffling boulders of Stonehenge, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool, this tour of Britain promises rocking discovery and enlightenment, not to mention honorary degrees in ancient history, English literature, and music appreciation.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Alnwick so you can plan your day your way.
All This. Included
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Visit to Stonehenge• Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths• Visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool• Grasmere Gingerbead tasting• Join in a wedding re-enactment in Gretna Green• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 1, 8, 15 and 22 departures)• Globus Choice excursions in Alnwick – included in your tour with your choice of an inside visit to Alnwick Castle or a visit to Alnwick Garden• Lunch in a local pub in Ilminster• Scenic cruise on the Plymouth Sound• Visit to Glastonbury• Guided walking tour of medieval York, including The Shambles• Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Birthplace• Orientation drive in Glasgow• Visit to Llangollen
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Welcome to London!
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTH
Secrets of the Stones
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart London at 8 am. First, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take time to view the monument up close. Head to the quaint market town of Ilminster for a [LF] welcome lunch at a local pub.219 mi / 352 km (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre prepared following century old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart London at 8 am. First, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take time to view the monument up close. Head to the quaint market town of Ilminster for a [LF] welcome lunch at a local pub.219 mi / 352 km (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre prepared following century old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!
PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALL
Legends of Land & Sea
Start the day with a [LF] scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, following in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, before enjoying a drive through the West Country into Poldark’s Cornwall. Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers’ port of Looe. Head back to Plymouth and enjoy some free time.42 mi / 70 km (B)LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Stunning views of Cornwall, the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark’ saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the West Country. Get carried away with a spectacular scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, a magnificent inlet on the English Channel.
Start the day with a [LF] scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, following in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, before enjoying a drive through the West Country into Poldark’s Cornwall. Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers’ port of Looe. Head back to Plymouth and enjoy some free time.42 mi / 70 km (B)LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Stunning views of Cornwall, the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark’ saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the West Country. Get carried away with a spectacular scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, a magnificent inlet on the English Channel.
PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES
Timeless Kings & Thermal Springs
At Glastonbury, hear about the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and then head to the Georgian city of Bath, visit the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths, and take time to explore this fascinating city on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. 184 mi / 295 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The Somerset town of Glastonbury is the site of King Arthur’s legendary quest for the mythical Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Hear how, while Arthur failed in his search, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart.
At Glastonbury, hear about the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and then head to the Georgian city of Bath, visit the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths, and take time to explore this fascinating city on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. 184 mi / 295 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The Somerset town of Glastonbury is the site of King Arthur’s legendary quest for the mythical Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Hear how, while Arthur failed in his search, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart.
CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND
Moor than Meets the Eye
Your journey through Wales takes you on a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and via the ancient market town of Builth Wells. Take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, host to one of the world’s most colorful annual music festivals. On arrival in Liverpool, there’s some free time to enjoy this vibrant city.190 mi / 306 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park while driving through its mountains, moors, and magnificent views. Look out for Welsh mountain ponies and sheep grazing in the wild and red kites gliding gracefully in the sky.
Your journey through Wales takes you on a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and via the ancient market town of Builth Wells. Take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, host to one of the world’s most colorful annual music festivals. On arrival in Liverpool, there’s some free time to enjoy this vibrant city.190 mi / 306 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park while driving through its mountains, moors, and magnificent views. Look out for Welsh mountain ponies and sheep grazing in the wild and red kites gliding gracefully in the sky.
LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW
Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows
Start the day with a visit to The Beatles Story, for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.” Take a scenic drive through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere and try original [LF] Grasmere Gingerbread. Head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for runaway young couples, and join in a fun wedding re-enactment. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. 236 mi / 380 km (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Love will find a way to sweeten the day with classic gingerbread in Grasmere, or by parents hot on the trail of runaway brides and grooms who crossed them (and the Scottish border) to get hitched in 18th-century Gretna Green. Hear how romance was forged by a blacksmith who helped eloping couples hammer out the vows.
Start the day with a visit to The Beatles Story, for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.” Take a scenic drive through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere and try original [LF] Grasmere Gingerbread. Head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for runaway young couples, and join in a fun wedding re-enactment. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. 236 mi / 380 km (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Love will find a way to sweeten the day with classic gingerbread in Grasmere, or by parents hot on the trail of runaway brides and grooms who crossed them (and the Scottish border) to get hitched in 18th-century Gretna Green. Hear how romance was forged by a blacksmith who helped eloping couples hammer out the vows.
GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS
Landmarks, Lochs & Legends
An orientation drive shows you Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings and Georgian squares before heading on a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe. View Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak from Fort William before following the length of the legendary Loch Ness, en route to Inverness, the Highland capital.178 mi / 286 km (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.
An orientation drive shows you Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings and Georgian squares before heading on a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe. View Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak from Fort William before following the length of the legendary Loch Ness, en route to Inverness, the Highland capital.178 mi / 286 km (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.
INVERNESS–CULLODEN–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH
Bravery, Birdies & Bagpipes
View the battlefield of Culloden Moor, scene of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans, before a walk through the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Visit St. Andrews, the home of golf and famous university town before a drive over the elegant Forth Road Bridge takes you to Edinburgh.202 mi / 326 km (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 1, 8, 15 and 22.ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.
View the battlefield of Culloden Moor, scene of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans, before a walk through the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Visit St. Andrews, the home of golf and famous university town before a drive over the elegant Forth Road Bridge takes you to Edinburgh.202 mi / 326 km (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 1, 8, 15 and 22.ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.
EDINBURGH
Crown Jewels & Castle Views
Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace.(B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT 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, see the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace.(B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT 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, see the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK
Spend your day your way in Alnwick
This morning, head to Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and more recently featured in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Explore more of Alnwick with your choice of Globus Choice excursions.
Next, make your way to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Admire the great structure of the Minster and follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. 214 mi / 344 km (B,D)
This morning, head to Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and more recently featured in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Explore more of Alnwick with your choice of Globus Choice excursions.
BLOOMING MARVELOUS
See the vision of the Duchess of Northumberland blooming as a true 21st century experience full of imagination, inspiration and fun. Stroll the Alnwick Garden for an eye-popping experience in one of the world¿s most ambitious new gardens.
CAPTURE THE CASTLE
The second largest inhabited castle in England, Alnwick Castle has been home to the Duke of Northumberland¿s family, the Percys, for over 700 years. Explore the castle and its grounds, featured in historical films, Shakespeare productions, and Harry Potter movies.
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON
Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare
Head back to London via historic Stratford-upon-Avon, take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. You will return to London at about 3.30 pm.255 mi / 410 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young 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 of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Head back to London via historic Stratford-upon-Avon, take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. You will return to London at about 3.30 pm.255 mi / 410 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young 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 of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
LONDON
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
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Operator
Globus
At Globus, we’re not just hooked on travel as a destination, but on the way travel makes you feel. Our promise is to craft adventures you’ll want to re-live forever. Our story began more than 90 years ago, when a young Swiss Antonio Mantegazza began transporting tourists across Lake Lugano on his rowboat, sharing stories and revealing local secrets along the way. On that lake, Globus was born. Discovering a passion for tourism and a knack for business, Antonio’s services expanded beyond river transport to bus touring, from Switzerland to Europe and then, the world. After 90 years curating travel wonderment, our passion for curating the perfect trip remains. At Globus, we have the experience and local knowledge to craft immersive adventures that make you feel alive. Expect to see all the major sites, but then go deeper, to the beating heart of every new discovery. As they say, when you’re in the moment, it’s not what you know, but who you know, and you’ll quickly discover our Tour Directors know all the local secrets and insider tips. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination. It's time to tour with Globus.
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