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The Best Of Britain & Ireland
Operated by Cosmos
Tripcode: 9010
Overview
Destination:
United Kingdom,
Start:London, United Kingdom
Finish:London, United Kingdom
Finish:London, United Kingdom
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 24)
Travel Period
April 2025 - October 2026
On this Best of Britain & Ireland tour, see Britain’s and Ireland’s highlights—from the bustling cities to the small towns and from the breathtaking scenery to the ancient ruins. Traveling through the lands of queens, kings, and leprechauns, begin and end in London and pass through England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. On this Britain and Ireland tour, stop in some historic towns and cities, including Oxford, home to some of England’s most famous colleges; York, England’s most complete medieval city with its cobbled streets and the magnificent York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral; Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare; Chester, where a walking tour highlights its Roman remains and black and white half-timbered buildings; Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages; and Bath, known for the excavations of Roman baths used for bathing and socializing 2,000 years ago.
Britain and Ireland are known for their green countryside and stunning scenery, and on this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll witness some of their gorgeous landscapes. Travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Follow Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive with sparkling seascapes, brightly hued farmhouses, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit the spectacular 668-feet Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Drive through the Cotswolds, with the rolling hills and picturesque villages, Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces, and the serene Lake District, England’s largest natural park. All of this and more—including time in Dublin and Edinburgh—await you on this brilliant holiday in Britain and Ireland!
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets (except in London), private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi and a return Irish Sea ferry crossing. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Special Departures
Departures 27 July and 10 August include The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Britain and Ireland are known for their green countryside and stunning scenery, and on this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll witness some of their gorgeous landscapes. Travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Follow Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive with sparkling seascapes, brightly hued farmhouses, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit the spectacular 668-feet Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Drive through the Cotswolds, with the rolling hills and picturesque villages, Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces, and the serene Lake District, England’s largest natural park. All of this and more—including time in Dublin and Edinburgh—await you on this brilliant holiday in Britain and Ireland!
Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets (except in London), private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi and a return Irish Sea ferry crossing. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!
Special Departures
Departures 27 July and 10 August include The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Standard inclusions
- 14 breakfasts.
- 4 dinners.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1 - ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND.
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there's time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 2 - LONDON.
Today is free for exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting program of optional activities. London's calling with an optional morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide to see the city's famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708. This afternoon, why not visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels.? And this evening we recommend a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River to see some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights. (B)
Day 3 - LONDON-OXFORD-STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-BRADFORD.
Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and depart at 8 am for Oxford. A walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain's elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight destination is Leeds. Today's Distance: 143 mi / 230 km (B,D)
Day 4 - BRADFORD-YORK-THIRSK-NEWCASTLE.
This morning, head north to York. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Leaving York, head north and spend some free time in the charming market town of Thirsk famous for its association with James Herriot. On the way to Newcastle, savour spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. Today's Distance: 129 mi/ 208 km (B)
Day 5 - NEWCASTLE-JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND-EDINBURGH.
See a section of Hadrian's Wall, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh before arriving in Edinburgh. Here, sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old "New Town." In the "Old Town," visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels. No trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening! Join an optional night out that's filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis! Today's Distance: 117 mi/ 188 km (B)
Day 6 - EDINBURGH.
Your choice of optional excursions today: this morning put on your best detective hat and get ready to decipher the cryptic symbols and spellbinding mysteries of 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland's most enigmatic places. This afternoon discover what life was like on board Her Majesty's floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For departures July 27 and August 10, tickets are included for tonight's performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)
Day 7 - EDINBURGH-GRETNA GREEN-LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND-CHESTER- WREXHAM, WALES.
South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England's national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Chester, the historic county town on the Dee River, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the "Rows." Today's Distance: 268 mi/ 431 km (B,D)
Day 8 - WREXHAM-BETWS-Y-COED-DUBLIN, IRELAND.
A scenic North Wales drive through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park brings you to lovely Betws-y-Coed. Then, head over spectacular Llanberis Pass and, finally, across Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. At Holyhead, board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin. Tonight, everyone's Irish with a popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy. Today's Distance: 104 mi/ 167 km (B)
Day 9 - DUBLIN.
A day in the "Fair City" starts off with an orientation drive through Eire's capital and includes statue-lined O'Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. This evening, raise a glass to Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse. (B)
Day 10 - DUBLIN-GALWAY-CLIFFS OF MOHER-SHANNON
Head for dairy-farm country in the heart of the "Emerald Isle." Stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops and a busy cafe and bar culture. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher before heading for Shannon. Step back in time at an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling. Today's Distance: 218 mi / 351 km (B)
Day 11 - SHANNON-ADARE-RING OF KERRY-KILLARNEY
Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry, join the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly hued farmhouses, winding lanes, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Climb aboard a delightful optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Today's Distance: 185 mi/ 297 km (B,D)
Day 12 - KILLARNEY-BLARNEY-DUNGARVAN-TRAMORE.
Cross the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. Drive past Cork, the country's second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of real local Irish flavour, take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included. Today's Distance: 131 mi/ 210 km (B,D)
Day 13 - TRAMORE-CARDIFF, WALES.
An early start for the short drive to Rosslare. In just under four hours, you cross St. George's Channel by ferry to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital's major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Today's Distance: 159 mi / 257 km (B)
Day 14 - CARDIFF-BATH, ENGLAND-STONEHENGE-LONDON.
A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before visiting Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery. Explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. After returning to London around 3:30 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night on the town? Curtain's up with an optional escorted evening in London's theatre district, starting with a delicious dinner, followed by excellent seats at your chosen show. Today's Distance: 171 mi/ 275 km (B)
Day 15 - LONDON
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Cosmos
For more than 60 years, Cosmos has done something remarkable: Bringing the world to people; and people to the world. By pioneering value touring holidays, Cosmos enjoys a long and storied history of turning travel dreams into reality. We make possible “never thought I would” or “never imagined I could” moments by making travel attainable and easy. And in doing that, we help you expand your horizons, clear your head and open your heart to the world around you. Cosmos understands that adventure is waiting for us – all of us – out in the world. And there simply is no better time than the present to discover new sights, new sensations and new experiences. That’s why we pride ourselves in turning “what if” moments into “I did” realisations by providing wayfarers and wanderers unparalleled access to the globe with value-centric holidays in 67 countries, on six continents. Let the unexpected begin. Let awe-inspiring take over. Adventure is knocking. Cosmos travellers are answering by exploring the world that’s always within reach.
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