Essential Britain & Ireland
Essential Britain & Ireland
Essential Britain & Ireland
10 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GB-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Britain & Ireland" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of the British Isles. Begin in London and explore iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and Bath before crossing into Wales. Discover the artistry at the House of Waterford Crystal and the historic Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. Enjoy an orientation drive in Dublin, visiting O’Connell Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. In Scotland, marvel at Edinburgh Castle and, for select dates, experience the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Conclude with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Travel comfortably in a modern, air-conditioned coach and stay in conveniently located hotels, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In London,England
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Waterloo
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
Day 2: London,Stonehenge,Bath,Newport,Wales
Location: London
Accommodation Name: The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Newport,Cardiff,Waterford,Ireland
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation Name: Tower Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
CARDIFF Morning orientation drive features Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings.PEMBROKE Ferry crossing St. George’s Channel to Rosslare.168 mi / 271 km
Day 4: Waterford,Kilkenny,Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin Kilmainham
Meals Included: Breakfast
WATERFORD Take a guided tour of the House of Waterford Crystal.KILKENNY See one of Ireland’s most quaint towns with medieval cobblestones. Visit Kilkenny Castle and gardens. 115 mi / 195 km
Day 5: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: Hilton Dublin Kilmainham
Meals Included: Breakfast
DUBLIN Take a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time this afternoon.
Day 6: Dublin,Belfast,Northern Ireland,Edinburgh,Scotland
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
Meals Included: Breakfast
BELFAST Pause at the magnificent City Hall before crossing the North Channel to Scotland's Cairnryan.234 mi / 376 km
Day 7: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Free time this afternoon.EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Attend the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance. (Departures July 26 through August 17 only).
Day 8: Edinburgh,Jedburgh,York,England
Location: York
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
JEDBURGH Take photos at the Augustinian abbey ruins. Drive into Northumberland National Park and see a section of Hadrian’s Wall.YORK See York Minster on [LF] a guided walk through The Shambles. 198 mi / 318 km
Day 9: York,Stratford-Upon-Avon,London
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. 260 mi / 418 km
Day 10: London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels throughout the tour, including Park Plaza Waterloo, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor in Newport, Tower Hotel in Waterford, Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre in Dublin, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street and Marriott Courtyard in Edinburgh, and DoubleTree by Hilton York in York.
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Meals
Enjoy full English breakfast daily and 3 three-course dinners during the tour.
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Transportation
Travel comfortably between cities and attractions in a modern, air-conditioned coach.
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Guided Tours
Benefit from guided tours and orientation drives in several cities, including London, Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh, ensuring you see the highlights and hidden gems of each destination.
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Admissions
Admission fees to major attractions are included, such as Stonehenge, Kilkenny Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
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Special Events
Attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance, available for departures between July 26 and August 17.
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Ferry Crossings
Experience scenic ferry crossings, including the journey from Pembroke to Rosslare and from Northern Ireland to Scotland.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against unforeseen events.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, and additional meals and drinks outside of the provided meals are not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours and activities not listed in the tour itinerary are available at an additional cost.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are not included unless specified.
Meals
Full English breakfast daily; 3 three-course dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
City of Bath|Frontiers of the Roman Empire|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels throughout the tour, including Park Plaza Waterloo, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor in Newport, Tower Hotel in Waterford, Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre in Dublin, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street and Marriott Courtyard in Edinburgh, and DoubleTree by Hilton York in York.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably between cities and attractions in a modern, air-conditioned coach, with scenic ferry crossings including the journey from Pembroke to Rosslare and from Northern Ireland to Scotland.
Notes
This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terraine at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel comfortably between cities and attractions in a modern, air-conditioned coach. The tour also includes scenic ferry crossings, such as the journey from Pembroke to Rosslare and from Northern Ireland to Scotland.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels throughout the tour. Some of the hotels include Park Plaza Waterloo and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, The Coldra Court by Celtic Manor in Newport, Tower Hotel in Waterford, Hilton Dublin Kilmainham and Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre in Dublin, Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street and Marriott Courtyard in Edinburgh, and DoubleTree by Hilton York in York.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes a full English breakfast daily and 3 three-course dinners.
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Are guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes guided tours and orientation drives in several cities, including London, Cardiff, Dublin, Belfast, and Edinburgh. These guided tours ensure you see the highlights and hidden gems of each destination.
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Are admission fees to major attractions included?
Yes, admission fees to major attractions are included. This includes Stonehenge, Kilkenny Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
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Is there any special event included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes attendance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance for departures between July 26 and August 17.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in London, England.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers to ensure protection against unforeseen events.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are not included unless specified.
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Are there any optional tours available?
Yes, optional tours and activities not listed in the tour itinerary are available at an additional cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
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We look after you every step of the way.