Highlights of Britain & Ireland
Highlights of Britain & Ireland
Highlights of Britain & Ireland
15 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, Cardiff, Blarney, Waterford, Kinsale, Rosscarbery, Killarney, Kenmare, Limerick, Dublin, Kildare, Cashel, Belfast, Edinburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GK-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Highlights of Britain & Ireland" tour, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Begin your adventure in London with iconic sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, then marvel at the prehistoric Stonehenge and the Roman Baths in Bath. Cross into Wales for a glimpse of Cardiff Castle before ferrying to Ireland to kiss the Blarney Stone and enjoy the vibrant streets of Kinsale. Experience the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, the historic Rock of Cashel, and the lively city of Dublin. Continue to Northern Ireland's Belfast, then ferry to Scotland for a visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Conclude your journey in England with stops in York and Stratford-upon-Avon, visiting Shakespeare's birthplace and Blenheim Palace. This tour promises a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In London,England
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Waterloo or Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
Day 2: London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Waterloo or Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
LONDON The Royal Treatment LONDON Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Free time this afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS England’s national treasure of St. Paul’s Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been served here, including Queen Victoria’s jubilee, birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.
Day 3: London,Stonehenge,Bath,Bristol
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH–BRISTOL Mysterious Stones and Spa Days LONDON Meet your Tour Director and travel companions at 8 am and drive to Stonehenge.STONEHENGE Visit the prehistoric monument.BATH Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths. 141 mi / 227 km (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL 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.
Day 4: Bristol,Cardiff,Wales,Waterford,Ireland
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation Name: Granville Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BRISTOL–CARDIFF, WALES–WATERFORD, IRELAND Welsh Dragons, Daffodils & Castles CARDIFF Morning orientation drive features Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings.PEMBROKE Ferry crossing across St. George’s Channel to Rosslare.188 mi / 303 km (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCAPITAL 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.
Day 5: Waterford,Blarney,Kinsale,Rosscarbery
Location: Blarney, Waterford, Kinsale, Rosscarbery
Accommodation Name: Celtic Ross Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
WATERFORD–BLARNEY–KINSALE–ROSSCARBERY County Cork Characters BLARNEY Visit the town known for its magical Kissing Stone. KINSALE Stop in the historic town famous for its multi-hued streets.ROSSCARBERY Free time.134 mi / 215 km (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Brighten your world with a visit to Kinsale, Ireland’s vibrant town where the Wild Atlantic Way begins. Stroll the brightly painted storefronts and winding streets beside the sweeping hues of blue and green in this Irish seaside town.
Day 6: Rosscarbery,Kenmare,Killarney,Limerick
Location: Killarney, Rosscarbery, Kenmare, Limerick
Accommodation Name: Clayton Hotel Limerick
Meals Included: Breakfast
ROSSCARBERY–KENMARE–KILLARNEY–LIMERICK Irish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes RING OF KERRY Panoramic drive around part of Ireland’s southwestern peninsula.KILLARNEY [LF] Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney National ParkLIMERICK Free time this evening. 164 mi / 264 km (B)LOCAL FAVORITENATURAL WONDERS County Kerry is home to the exquisite natural beauty of a rugged and mountainous expanse in Killarney National Park. A horse-drawn jaunting-car ride is a great way to experience this natural wonderland, including the 1,000-foot Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. Nestled at the foot of these mountains, the Lakes of Killarney’s shores and woodlands share this magical place with waterfalls and dramatic skies above Ross Castle.
Day 7: Limerick,Cashel,Kildare,Dublin
Location: Dublin, Limerick, Kildare, Cashel
Accommodation Name: The Gibson
Meals Included: Breakfast
LIMERICK–CASHEL–KILDARE–DUBLIN The Winner’s Circle CASHEL See the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached.KILDARE [LF] Visit the Irish National Stud. DUBLIN Free time this evening. 155 mi / 249 km (B)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURE & TRADITION The Irish National Stud is home to the long tradition of Ireland’s love of horses. This horse breeding facility in County Kildare, considered the beating heart of Ireland's thoroughbred industry, continues to inspire all who visit, including Queen Elizabeth II. Hear about some of the world’s most magnificent champion stallions that have made history since the turn of the 20th century.
Day 8: Dublin
Location: Dublin
Accommodation Name: The Gibson
Meals Included: Breakfast
DUBLIN Ireland’s Capital City DUBLIN Morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. Free time this afternoon. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY 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 legendary library of Trinity College.
Day 9: Dublin,Carlingford,Belfast,Northern Ireland
Location: Belfast
Accommodation Name: Europa
Meals Included: Breakfast
DUBLIN–CARLINGFORD–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND Coffee With Cream & Maritime Theme CARLINGFORD Stop at the charming seaside town on the Cooley Peninsula and enjoy [LF] an Irish coffee.BELFAST An orientation drive includes City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queen’s University; visit Titanic Belfast Experience. 122 mi / 197 km (B)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES It’s clear why we get a warm feeling with traditional Irish Coffee – as much a warm welcome now as it was for stranded travelers in 1943. It was a wintry night in Limerick when Foynes Port chef Joe Sheridan concocted this soothing elixir of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream to make their cancelled flight a little more palatable. Raise a toddy glass of Caife Gaelach with a hearty “slainte!”
Day 10: Belfast,Edinburgh,Scotland
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
Meals Included: Breakfast
BELFAST–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Strait Ahead to Scotland BELFAST Ferry crossing on the North Channel strait to Scotland’s Cairnryan. 234 mi / 376 km (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE The North Channel (also called the Irish Channel) connects northeast Ireland to the southwestern coast of Scotland. The North Channel is part of the Ocean’s Seven, a set of seven long-distance open-water swims, although most who cross rely on the many ferries that run between Belfast and Cairnryan, the Scottish village with a proud maritime history, including its floating Mulberry Harbors built to support the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
Day 11: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
Meals Included: Breakfast
EDINBURGH Crown Jewels & Castle Views 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. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTTHE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 27, August 3 and 10. TOUR HIGHLIGHTMUSIC & 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.
Day 12: Edinburgh,Alnwick,England,York
Location: York
Accommodation Name: Mercure York Fairfield Manor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK High Praise & Market Days ALNWICK Stop at a market town voted the “best place to live in Britain.”YORK Visit York Minster on a guided walk through the best-preserved medieval shopping streets called The Shambles. 220 mi / 354 km (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT York Minster is hailed as one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, and the center of Christian faith in Northern England. From its exquisite, handcrafted stone to its incomparable collection of medieval stained glass, you’ll discover why York Minster has drawn visitors from around the world for over 1,000 years.
Day 13: York,Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. 260 mi / 418 km (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, 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 his family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Day 14: Stratford-Upon-Avon,London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Waterloo or Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Meals Included: Breakfast
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON Churchill’s Beginnings WOODSTOCK Visit Blenheim Palace, Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace.LONDON Free time this afternoon.98 mi / 159 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoys a fascinating history. Built as a gift in 1704 from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, this massive and magnificent masterpiece of English Baroque architecture is also home to exquisite artwork and gardens.
Day 15: London
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including Park Plaza Waterloo in London, Granville Hotel in Waterford, and Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street in Edinburgh.
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Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily and 5 three-course dinners.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours with a Local Guide in London, Edinburgh, and York.
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Transportation
Ferry crossings from Pembroke to Rosslare and from Belfast to Cairnryan.
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Sightseeing
Visits to major attractions including Stonehenge, Roman Baths in Bath, Cardiff Castle, Blarney, Killarney National Park, Rock of Cashel, Irish National Stud, Titanic Belfast Experience, Edinburgh Castle, and Blenheim Palace.
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Special Experiences
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park and attendance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance (for departures between July 27 and August 10).
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Small Group Discoveries
Option for Small-Group Discoveries limited to an average of 24 guests per departure.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visas and Entry Fees
Visas and entry fees to certain attractions are not included.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 5 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
Blenheim Palace|City of Bath|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath|Westminster Palace (Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret?s Church)
Accommodation
London: Park Plaza Waterloo, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge; Waterford: Granville Hotel; Rosscarbery: Celtic Ross Hotel; Limerick: Clayton Hotel Limerick; Dublin: The Gibson; Belfast: Europa; Edinburgh: Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street; York: Mercure York Fairfield Manor; Stratford-upon-Avon: Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes coach transportation with a Tour Director and ferry crossings from Pembroke to Rosslare and Belfast to Cairnryan.
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.Headsets available on tour except in London.Due to the Solstice closure of Stonehenge on 21st June, departure June 8 will visit Salisbury rather than Stonehenge.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of sightseeing can I expect in London?
In London, you will have a morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide that includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. You will also have free time in the afternoon.
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What activities are included in the visit to Stonehenge and Bath?
During the visit to Stonehenge, you will see the prehistoric monument. In Bath, you will visit the excavations of the Roman Baths.
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What can I expect during the visit to Cardiff?
In Cardiff, there will be a morning orientation drive featuring Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings.
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What unique experience is offered in Killarney?
In Killarney, you will take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park.
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What will I see in Cashel and Kildare?
In Cashel, you will see the Rock of Cashel, where St. Patrick preached. In Kildare, you will visit the Irish National Stud.
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What is included in the Dublin city tour?
The Dublin city tour includes a morning orientation drive to see O’Connell Street, Georgian squares, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. You will also have free time in the afternoon.
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What can I expect during the visit to Belfast?
In Belfast, there will be an orientation drive that includes City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queen’s University. You will also visit the Titanic Belfast Experience.
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What is special about the visit to Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, you will have a morning city sightseeing tour with a Local Guide that includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland’s Crown Jewels. If you are traveling between July 27 and August 10, you will also attend the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance.
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What will I see in York?
In York, you will visit York Minster on a guided walk through the best-preserved medieval shopping streets called The Shambles.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon?
In Stratford-Upon-Avon, you will see Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace.
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What is included in the visit to Blenheim Palace?
During the visit to Blenheim Palace, you will see Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace.
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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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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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