2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Highlights of Britain & Ireland (GK)

15 Day Tour from London to London

2028 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details » View 2027 Tour Details »

On this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll see Britain and Ireland’s highlights, from the bustling cities to the small towns and from the magnificent palaces and castles to the ancient ruins. Travel through the lands of queens, kings, and leprechauns. You’ll begin and end in London and pass through Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England.

You’ll visit some of the splendid castles and palaces for which Britain and Ireland are famous. In Edinburgh visit Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll marvel at the Scottish Crown Jewels. In Woodstock, Oxfordshire enjoy a visit to majestic Blenheim Palace, built in the early 18th century and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

On this tour through Britain and Ireland, you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing in many of the cities with Local Guides — experts from the area who will give you in-depth, insider knowledge of the cities and their attractions. In London, your sightseeing includes a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral; and in Edinburgh you will see both the “New Town” and “Old Town.” Additionally, at the National Irish Stud in Kildare, you’ll be shown some of the most magnificent horses in the British Isles, and you'll hear about Shakespeare’s life and times in Stratford-upon-Avon.

You will also learn how to make a traditional Irish coffee, and take a ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car through the beautiful Killarney National Park. All of this and much more, including a visit to prehistoric Stonehenge and medieval York Minster, are included on this fabulous Britain and Ireland tour.

PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Stratford-upon-Avon so you can plan your day your way.

Special Features Included in this Tour:

• Guided sightseeing in London with visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece and the setting for centuries of royal celebrations
• Visit to Stonehenge, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most mysterious prehistoric monuments
• Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient spa complexes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Globus Choice excursion in Stratford-upon-Avon – included in your tour with your choice of visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace or a visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Stratford’s Guildhall, where England's legendary playwright received his education
• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels, exploring Scotland's iconic hilltop fortress and the Honours of Scotland
• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an unforgettable spectacle of massed pipes and drums set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle (August 6 departure)
• Horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park, taking in the park's scenic lakes, woodlands, and mountain landscapes
• Visit to the Irish National Stud in Kildare, discovering Ireland's world-renowned thoroughbred breeding tradition and beautiful gardens
• Orientation drive in Belfast, discovering the city's maritime heritage and vibrant cultural landmarks
• Visit to the Titanic Belfast, learning the story of the world's most famous ocean liner in the city where it was built
• Orientation drive in Dublin, passing the city's elegant Georgian squares and celebrated historic landmarks
• Irish Coffee in Carlingford, savoring Ireland's signature whiskey-and-coffee specialty in a charming medieval village
• Orientation drive in Cardiff, discovering the Welsh capital's historic landmarks and revitalized waterfront
• Guided walking tour of York, including a visit to York Minster, one of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals and a masterpiece of medieval architecture
• Visit to Blenheim Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and magnificent birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill
• Visit to Blarney village, gateway to the legendary Blarney Castle and its famous Stone of Eloquence
• Panoramic drive around the Ring of Kerry, admiring Ireland's dramatic coastal scenery, mountain vistas, and picturesque villages

Highlights of Britain & Ireland map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

14 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners


Notes:

This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle, which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking is involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.

Headsets available on tour except in London.

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND

Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Enjoy free time this afternoon.

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Day 2 LONDON

The Royal Treatment Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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 services have been held, including jubilee milestones for Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Sir Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATH–NEWPORT

Mysterious Stones and Spa Days Meet your Tour Director and travel companions to depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge and explore the Visitor Centre with its imaginative exhibitions. Cross Salisbury Plain and head for the elegant city of Bath to see the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths. Continue to Newport, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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. 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 4 NEWPORT–CARDIFF, WALES–WATERFORD, IRELAND

Welsh Dragons, Daffodils, & Castles Enjoy an orientation drive in the Welsh capital that features Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, and the stately civic buildings. Take the ferry from Pembroke across St. George’s Channel to Rosslare. Stay overnight in Waterford, Ireland’s oldest town, a stronghold founded.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore the Welsh capital, see many historic buildings and discover its 2,000-year history of invasions, abductions, and conflicts from the 1st century AD when the Romans built the first series of forts.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 5 WATERFORD–BLARNEY–KINSALE–ROSSCARBERY

County Cork Characters Spend time in the lovely village of Blarney, home to the magical Kissing Stone, walk to the castle, or spend time shopping for traditional Irish handicrafts. Visit the historic town and fishing port of Kinsale, famous for its multi-hued streets. Enjoy free time on arrival in Rosscarbery.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Brighten your world with a visit to Kinsale, the 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 6 ROSSCARBERY–KENMARE–KILLARNEY–LIMERICK

Irish Eyes & Cheeky Rhymes The breathtaking beauty of Ireland awaits with a drive, via Kenmare, around part of the Ring of Kerry, before stopping in Killarney. Experience a Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park before discovering more of this popular town. Continue to Limerick for your overnight stay and some free time this evening.

LOCAL FAVORITE
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 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 LIMERICK–CASHEL–KILDARE–DUBLIN

The Winner’s Circle Your first stop today is at the Rock of Cashel, according to tradition, where St. Patrick preached, followed by a drive across the Curragh to visit the Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite Irish National Stud at Kildare. Afterwards, continue to the fair city of Dublin, Ireland’s capital.

LOCAL FAVORITE
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 the late 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 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.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
“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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 DUBLIN–CARLINGFORD–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

Coffee With Cream & Maritime Theme Head to the charming seaside town of Carlingford, situated on the Cooley Peninsula and enjoy Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite an Irish coffee. Cross into Northern Ireland where an orientation drive of Belfast includes City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and Queen’s University. Complete the day with a visit to the fascinating Titanic Belfast, learn about the doomed ship’s maiden voyage, and the tragic events of April 14-15, 1912.

LOCAL FAVORITE
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 Flying Boat Terminal 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!”

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 10 BELFAST–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Strait Ahead to Scotland Enjoy a leisurely morning in Belfast, before boarding your ferry to cross the North Channel to Cairnryan on Scotland’s southwest coast. Continue onto Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The North 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, most who cross, however, 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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11 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. Enjoy some free time this afternoon and evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Unpack your plaid for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departure August 6.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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.


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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 12 EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK

High Praise & Market Days Return to England today and a stop in the market town of Alnwick, once voted the “best place to live in Britain.” On to York, England’s most complete medieval city, where you’ll visit the inspiring York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 13 YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Spend Your Day Your Way in Stratford-upon-Avon Depart Yorkshire, setting of author James Herriot’s beloved All Creatures Great and Small, and head to Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon. Take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore more of the town with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.

THE PLAY'S THE THING!
THE PLAY'S THE THING!
To be or not to be in Stratford-Upon-Avon? There's no question when it comes to visiting the birthplace and family home of Shakespeare-where the legendary bard grew up and lived the first years of his married life.
THE ABC'S OF SHAKESPEARE
THE ABC'S OF SHAKESPEARE
Find your seat during this fun visit to Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall! A young William Shakespeare studied here in the 1570s and attended plays performed by the finest actors of the day.


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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 14 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON

Churchill’s Beginnings Today’s highlight is a visit to magnificent Blenheim Palace, the family seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Return to London around 3.30 pm.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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. Commissioned in 1704 as a gift 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.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 15 LONDON

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Stratford - upon - Avon

Stratford - upon - Avon

THE PLAY'S THE THING!

THE PLAY'S THE THING!

To be or not to be in Stratford-Upon-Avon? There's no question when it comes to visiting the birthplace and family home of Shakespeare-where the legendary bard grew up and lived the first years of his married life.

Price Range: $

THE ABC'S OF SHAKESPEARE

THE ABC'S OF SHAKESPEARE

Find your seat during this fun visit to Shakespeare's Schoolroom & Guildhall! A young William Shakespeare studied here in the 1570s and attended plays performed by the finest actors of the day.

Price Range: $

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $7,435*
18 guests in a party: $1,618*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.