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Essential Britain & Ireland

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Operated by Globus
Tripcode: GB
Overview
Destination:
United Kingdom
Duration:10 days
Type:Group tour (max 18)
Style:
Small group,
Travel Period
April 2026 - October 2027
10 Day Tour from London to London
Don’t think you can see the top sights of Britain and Ireland in 10 days? Sharpen your pencils to cross off your bucket-list destinations in five fabulous countries. A jolly good time awaits in England, Scotland, and Wales, plus both territories of Ireland, as you explore the lively capital cities of each and the thatched-roof-dotted countryside in between. Coast through rolling hills, ferry across legendary waterways, and skip down cobblestone streets to discover the wonders of Stonehenge, Waterford, York, and more on this essential tour of Britain and Ireland. Along the way, you’ll drink in the sights of fairytale castles and storybook settings as well as the locally brewed ales, strong Irish coffees, and perfectly aged Scotch whiskies passionately poured in every pub. Factor in time to shop for bits and bobs and taste local favorites like fish and chips, and you’d be off your trolley not to come along! PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Waterford 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 historic Cardiff Castle
• Globus Choice excursions in Waterford − included in your tour with your choice of a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal or a guided walking tour of Waterford
• Orientation drive in Dublin
• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels
• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22 and 23 departures)
• Guided walking tour in medieval York
• Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon−Shakespeare’s birthplace
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • 9 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
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Itinerary
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ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Welcome to London!
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy free time this afternoon.

LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH–NEWPORT, WALES
Ancient Stones & Spa Days
Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart London at 8 am for a memorable day’s sightseeing. Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge and explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then view the monument up close. At the elegant Georgian city of Bath, see the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths. Then, cross the Severn River for a late-afternoon arrival in Wales. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
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.


NEWPORT–CARDIFF–WATERFORD, IRELAND
Welsh Dragons, Daffodils & Castles
This morning, enjoy a visit to Cardiff Castle, one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions, the castle’s Romanesque walls conceal 2,000 years of history. Continue along the South Wales coast to Pembroke where your ferry awaits. Cross St. George’s Channel to Rosslare on the Emerald Isle, proceeding to Waterford, a stronghold founded by the Danish Vikings.
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.


WATERFORD–KILKENNY–DUBLIN
Spend your day your way in Waterford
This morning, explore more of Waterford with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.

THE VIKING TRIANGLE
Join a Local Guide in Waterford for a walk through Ireland¿s oldest city where two cathedrals, four national monuments, and eleven centuries of rogues and rascals add up to a trifecta of tales in the Viking Triangle. Hear engaging stories of extraordinary characters, delivered in witty, entertaining style by a master storyteller.
CRYSTAL CLEAR
The city of Waterford is synonymous with the luxury crystal manufacture that bears its name. Visit the House of Waterford Crystal for a fascinating tour featuring the molding room, and glass-blowing, cutting, and engraving departments to witness the highly skilled master craftsmen creating exquisite Waterford Crystal.


Continue to the “Marble City” of Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s prettiest towns. The city’s main thoroughfare is lined with medieval landmarks, quaint shops, and charming pubs. Continue on to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. 115 mi / 195 km (B)




DUBLIN
Ireland’s Capital City
Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy this vibrant city. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY 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.


DUBLIN–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Irish Crossings
On your way to Northern Ireland, cross the Boyne River, then skirt the Mountains of Mourne. In Belfast, where the Titanic was built, take in the city’s vibrant history and view the impressive City Hall. Board your ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland’s southwest coast and continue onto Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.
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 thrives amid historic castles and churches drawing visitors from around the globe.


EDINBURGH
Drummers, Pipers & Precious 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 HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 18, 22 and 23.

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.

EDINBURGH–JEDBURGH–YORK, ENGLAND
Augustine’s Monks & Medieval Markets
This morning, drive past the abbey ruins at Jedburgh into wild Northumberland National Park. Later, see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. In York, England’s most complete medieval city, view the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director on a [LF] guided walk through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow 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.


YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON
Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare
On the last leg of your journey, stop at Stratford-upon-Avon, the fascinating Elizabethan town, to take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Return to London at around 3.30 pm.
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.


LONDON
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Dates

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Travellers

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.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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9 nights
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