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.
Please note: 2021 itinerary is based on 2020 and is subject to change, but by booking today you will lock in your price. Full details will be confirmed in September 2020.
Highlights
Visit the prehistoric monument
PLYMOUTHWelcome dinner; [LF] Plymouth Sound cruise
CORNWALLVisit the fishing village of Looe
BATHVisit the Roman relics
BUILTH WELLSVisit the ancient market town
LLANGOLLENVisit the picturesque village
LIVERPOOLVisit The Beatles Story
GRASMEREVisit Wordsworth’s village; [LF] try original Grasmere gingerbread
GRETNA GREEN[LF] Take part in a wedding re-enactment
MALLAIG-ARMADALECross the Sound of Sleat by ferry
PITLOCHRYVisit the Victorian mountain resort
ST. ANDREWSVisit the home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club
EDINBURGHGuided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace (excluding August and other occasional dates)
ALNWICKVisit the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland or explore the spectacular garden
YORKWalking tour
STRATFORD-UPON-AVONTake pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace
Save 10% on 2021 departures
Plan ahead and get our best prices! Get 10% off the tour portion of your holiday when you book a 2021 Globus tour in North or South America or Europe.
See all tours in offer2021 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
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Superior First-Class
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
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Pool
- Ice Machine
- Free WiFi
- Concierge desk
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Spa Services
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Pay Movies
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Air Conditioning
- Desk
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
Hilton London Metropole
Superior First-Class
This contemporary, centrally located 1,054-room hotel is just a few minutes' stroll away from the West End and Oxford Street, London's major shopping area. Hyde Park and Regent Park are nearby, as are art galleries, museums and theaters. Dine on international cuisine at Fiamma Restaurant, savor Asian Fusion favorites and views of London at Minako at the Met on the 23rd floor, or enjoy exciting sports events in the Sports Bar. Discover the latest additions to the hotel, the contemporary EDG Bar & Lounge and the Whisky Lounge, serving an impressive range of whiskies. The hotel also boasts a LivingWell Health Club, a 12.5 meter heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and the beauty salon.
Location
225 Edgware Road, London, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Wake-Up Calls
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Pay Movies
- Smoking Rooms
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Voicemail
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
Crowne Plaza Plymouth
Superior First-Class
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
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Pool
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Spa Services
- Beauty Salon
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Phone
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Desk
- Climate Control
- Television
Mercure Cardiff Holland House
Superior First-Class
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
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Spa Services
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Elevator
- Currency Exchange
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Beauty Salon
Room Facilities
- Television
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Air Conditioning
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
Novotel Liverpool
First-Class
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, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Mini-bar
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Voicemail
- Cable/Satellite
- Window Opens
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
Radisson RED Glasgow
First-Class
Radisson RED Hotel Glasgow combines urban style, modern comforts, a love for the arts, and a warm welcome. The hotel's close to major local attractions like Glasgow Science Centre and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It has 174 Studios all offering floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the city's views. Red Sky Bar on the 9th floor of the hotel is perfect for a cocktail and Oui Bar offers a dinner menu. The in-room modern facilities such as pairing technology allows guests to stream their own content on the large TV.
Location
25 Tunnel Street , Glasgow , United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
- In-Room Safe
- Climate Control
- Desk
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
Hilton Garden Inn
First-Class
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
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Free WiFi
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Wake-Up Calls
- Window Opens
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Room Service
- Television
Mercure Inverness Hotel
First-Class
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, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- Spa Services
- Luggage Storage
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Pool
Room Facilities
- In-Room Safe
- Room Service
- Television
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Phone
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
First-Class
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, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Ice Machine
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
Room Facilities
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Alarm Clock
- Climate Control
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Window Opens
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street
First-Class
A fine 3 star Edinburgh hotel, ideally located in the city center's popular Princes Street. Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel has great views of Edinburgh Castle. The 158 stylish rooms all have internet access and satellite TV. Princes Dining Room and Bar are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for light snacks and drinks.
Location
53 Princes Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
Room Facilities
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Alarm Clock
- Television
Mercure York Fairfield Manor
First-Class
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, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Concierge desk
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Laundry Available
- Beauty Salon
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
- Ice Machine
Room Facilities
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Room Service
