Overview
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On this Essential Britain tour you’ll experience some of Britain’s most fascinating towns as you travel through England, Wales, and Scotland stopping for overnights in London, Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, and York. Plus, part of the charm of traveling through Britain is seeing the marvellous scenery and on this Britain tour you’ll get the opportunity to witness some of its most scenic areas. You’ll cruise on Plymouth Sound, one of the world’s great natural harbors; visit the former smugglers’ port of Looe; drive through Brecon Beacons National Park, with its dramatic landscapes; explore England’s tranquil Lake District, England’s largest and finest natural park; visit the Isle of Skye, with some of Scotland’s best scenery; and trace the shores of Loch Ness.
On this tour to Britain, you’ll also travel to some of the charming towns. In Bath, you’ll explore the excavations of the Roman baths, used over 2,000 years ago for bathing and socializing. In Wales, you’ll enjoy picturesque Brecon Beacon National Park and charming towns of Builth Wells and Llangollen. In Liverpool, take a journey into the life of the Beatles. Walk through York’s quaint streets with your Tour Director, who will bring York and all of Britain alive with first-hand, in-depth knowledge throughout your tour. Globus also brings these destinations to life with out-of-the-ordinary experiences—such as a wedding re-enactment at Gretna Green and original Grasmere gingerbread in Grasmere—arranged just for you.
Majestic scenery, fascinating towns, special treats, an expert Tour Director bringing these destinations to life, and so much more are offered on this spectacular Britain vacation. Be sure to grab your camera so all you have to do is sit back and relax as you experience these wonderful destinations.
Highlights
STONEHENGE Visit the prehistoric monument
PLYMOUTH Welcome dinner; Plymouth Sound cruise
CORNWALL Visit the fishing village of Looe
BATH Visit the Roman relics
BUILTH WELLS Visit the ancient market town
LLANGOLLEN Visit the picturesque village
LIVERPOOL Visit The Beatles Story
GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth’s village; try original Grasmere gingerbread
GRETNA GREEN Take part in a wedding re-enactment
MALLAIG-ARMADALE Cross the Sound of Sleat by ferry
PITLOCHRY Visit the Victorian mountain resort
ST. ANDREWS Visit the home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club
EDINBURGH Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace (excluding August and other occasional dates)
ALNWICK Visit the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland or explore the spectacular garden
YORK Walking tour
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace
Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Day1
Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. After checking into your hotel and an afternoon at leisure, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the Thames River.
LONDON–STONEHENGE–PLYMOUTH
Day2
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, and depart London at 8 am. First, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric STONEHENGE. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take the shuttle to the stone circle and admire the magnificence of the monument up close. Continue on through Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, and head to Plymouth where you spend the next two nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Today’s Distance: 219 mi / 352 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
PLYMOUTH. CORNWALL EXCURSION
Day3
A day full of West Country sights as you head to Poldark’s Cornwall and to the pretty fishing village and former smugglers’ port of Looe. Then, follow in the footsteps of Drake, Raleigh, and the Pilgrim Fathers with a LF CRUISE on Plymouth Sound, one of the world’s great natural harbors. Back in Plymouth, why not join an optional excursion into Dartmoor National Park for an evening of storytelling at a local pub?
Today’s Distance: 42 mi / 70 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES
Day4
At Glastonbury, hear about its connection to King Arthur, and in elegant Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS, with time to explore further on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. You might want to join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner tonight.
Today’s Distance: 184 mi / 295 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND
Day5
Your journey through Wales takes you north along the Taff Valley and Brecon Beacons National Park, and via the ancient market town of Builth Wells. Take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, host to one of the world’s most colorful annual music festivals. Spend the night in Liverpool; you may wish to join an optional city tour this afternoon.
Today’s Distance: 190 mi / 306 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW
Day6
Start the day with a visit to THE BEATLES STORY, an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture, and music of the “Fab Four.” Later, focus on the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere and try original LF GRASMERE GINGERBREAD. Then, head north for the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith would wed runaway couples, and take part in a LF WEDDING RE-ENACTMENT. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi / 380 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
GLASGOW–ISLE OF SKYE–INVERNESS
Day7
Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, then proceed via Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, and the “Road to the Isles.” At Mallaig, board your FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye, the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and famous for its dramatic landscapes. Return to the mainland and trace the shores of Loch Ness on the way to the Highland capital.
Today’s Distance: 251 mi / 404 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
INVERNESS–CULLODEN—PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH
Day8
Main features today: the battlefield of Culloden Moor; the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry; St. Andrews; and over the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Tonight, consider an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. For departure numbers August 1 through August 22, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO.
Today’s Distance: 202 mi / 326 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH.
Day9
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, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (when available, excluding August and other occasional dates). Later, a unique optional excursion: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Dinner rounds off this optional evening.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK
Day10
This morning at ALNWICK CASTLE, the choice is yours: visit the CASTLE itself, the opulent ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, featured in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, or explore ALNWICK GARDEN, with its breathtaking fountains and waterfalls. Next, make your way to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Here, stand in front of the great structure of the Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.
Today’s Distance: 214 mi / 344 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON
Day11
On the last leg of your journey, stop at Stratford-upon-Avon to take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. On return to London at about 3:30 pm, a Shownight Theater Evening would be an incredible finale to your vacation.
Today’s Distance: 255 mi / 410 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LONDON
Day12
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Special Departures:
Departures 1 August 2020 through 22 August 2020 – Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket included.
Please Note: 20 June 2020 departure - Stonehenge will be closed due to Summer Solstice and a visit to Salisbury Cathedral will be included instead.
Extend your tour and see even more
On selected tours you can extend your time at the beginning or end of your holiday. To book your holiday with an extension, call us on 0330 0588 237 or speak to your travel agent.
To book your holiday with an extension, call 0330 0588 237 or speak to your travel agent.
What's included
Tour only
Prefer to book your own flights and transfers? You have the freedom to do that with our Tour Only holiday option.
- Services of a tour director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- Free Wi-Fi on coach
- Headset
- All port taxes
Tour with flights
Let us take care of everything. Our package option includes return flights from your chosen airport, plus overseas transfers to your hotel.
- Flights
- Transfers
- Services of a tour director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- Free Wi-Fi on coach
- Headset
- All airport and port taxes
Book with confidence
We are a member of ABTA, and all our flight-inclusive holidays are protected by ATOL. So you can book, relax, and plan your sightseeing.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
London - Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guest throughout the hotel.
Location
200 Westminster Bridge London, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Plymouth - Crowne Plaza Plymouth
The peaceful Crowne Plaza Plymouth is surrounded by the grassy open spaces of Plymouth Hoe. Relax over dinner with views across Plymouth Sound from 11th-floor Elliott's restaurant and bar. Exeter International Airport is a 50-minute drive away and Plymouth Airport 6 miles from the hotel.
Location
Armada Way, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Plymouth - Crowne Plaza Plymouth
The peaceful Crowne Plaza Plymouth is surrounded by the grassy open spaces of Plymouth Hoe. Relax over dinner with views across Plymouth Sound from 11th-floor Elliott's restaurant and bar. Exeter International Airport is a 50-minute drive away and Plymouth Airport 6 miles from the hotel.
Location
Armada Way, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Cardiff - Mercure Cardiff Holland House
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa is a modern hotel situated in the vibrant capital city of Wales, Cardiff, with 165 bedrooms. All of the sights and attractions of Cardiff are within walking distance such as the iconic Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle.
Location
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Cardiff - Mercure Cardiff Holland House
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa is a modern hotel situated in the vibrant capital city of Wales, Cardiff, with 165 bedrooms. All of the sights and attractions of Cardiff are within walking distance such as the iconic Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle.
Location
24-26 Newport Road, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Liverpool - Novotel Liverpool
The stylish 4 star Novotel Liverpool is located in the city center. Book this Liverpool hotel for close proximity to the Liverpool Echo Arena, the Albert Dock and Liverpool One shopping center. Each of the 209 chic rooms has wireless internet and satellite TV.
Location
40 Hanover St, Liverpool
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
Liverpool - Novotel Liverpool
The stylish 4 star Novotel Liverpool is located in the city center. Book this Liverpool hotel for close proximity to the Liverpool Echo Arena, the Albert Dock and Liverpool One shopping center. Each of the 209 chic rooms has wireless internet and satellite TV.
Location
40 Hanover St, Liverpool
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
Glasgow - Hilton Garden Inn
In the heart of the city, the Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow is perfectly located for exploring all that Glasgow has to offer including shopping, museums, botanic gardens, and eclectic nightlife. Relax in your contemporary guest room and look out across the riverbank through floor-to-ceiling windows.; stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi or unwind in front of the 42-inch TV; or enjoy casual dining at Recess where you can eat, drink and meet day to night, or dine al fresco on our Riverside Terrace. The high-tech Precor gym is also available free of charge, 24-hours a day.
Location
Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
Glasgow - Hilton Garden Inn
In the heart of the city, the Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow is perfectly located for exploring all that Glasgow has to offer including shopping, museums, botanic gardens, and eclectic nightlife. Relax in your contemporary guest room and look out across the riverbank through floor-to-ceiling windows.; stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi or unwind in front of the 42-inch TV; or enjoy casual dining at Recess where you can eat, drink and meet day to night, or dine al fresco on our Riverside Terrace. The high-tech Precor gym is also available free of charge, 24-hours a day.
Location
Finnieston Quay, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
Inverness - Mercure Inverness Hotel
Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, the modern hotel is just 200 meters from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants.
Location
33 Church Street, Inverness
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Inverness - Mercure Inverness Hotel
Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, the modern hotel is just 200 meters from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants.
Location
33 Church Street, Inverness
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Pool
Edinburgh - Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
The Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket lies in the historical heart of the city, right next door to Haymarket station and a vast array of cafés, bars and restaurants. Discover the numerous sights and events in this lively city.
Location
1 Morrison Link, Edinburgh
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Edinburgh - Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
The Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket lies in the historical heart of the city, right next door to Haymarket station and a vast array of cafés, bars and restaurants. Discover the numerous sights and events in this lively city.
Location
1 Morrison Link, Edinburgh
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
York - Mercure York Fairfield Manor
18th century Georgian manor house set in its own grounds. This York hotel enjoys views of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and is 6 km from York Castle and the Jorvik Viking Museum.
Location
Shipton Road, Skelton-York
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
York - Mercure York Fairfield Manor
18th century Georgian manor house set in its own grounds. This York hotel enjoys views of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and is 6 km from York Castle and the Jorvik Viking Museum.
Location
Shipton Road, Skelton-York
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
London - Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guest throughout the hotel.
Location
200 Westminster Bridge London, United Kingdom
Facilities
- Wifi
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
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