Overview
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Experience the best of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales on this in-depth exploration tour of the British Isles. In between time in the major cities—London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Cardiff—visit some of the historic towns and witness some of the breathtaking scenery.
On any tour through Britain and Ireland, you’d expect to visit ancient ruins, majestic castles, and historic sights. That’s why Cosmos has included visits to prehistoric Stonehenge; Bath, known for its Roman ruins and baths; Edinburgh Castle, dating to the 12th century, where you’ll admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels; Hadrian’s Wall, the remains of the fortifications built by the Romans 2,000 years ago to defend against marauding northern tribes; the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620; Chester, where you’ll see the Roman remains and Tudor half-timbered buildings; the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where in 1746, the last battle was fought on British soil; and more.
You’d also expect to see stunning scenery and lush landscapes on a Britain and Ireland tour. That’s why Cosmos has included a drive around the Dingle Peninsula, a dramatic drive passing seaside villages, ancient monuments, and views of the Blasket Islands; a drive on the 100-mile Ring of Kerry, with its rugged and magnificent landscapes; the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher, where rugged cliffs drop into the ocean; a scenic drive along North Wales coast to Chester; England’s tranquil Lake District, recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status; and drives through rich dairy farmland. In the Scottish Highlands, drive through the rolling terrain interspersed with lochs (lakes), picturesque towns, and the sparkling coastline. Watch for Nessie at Loch Ness, Scotland’s largest lake.
Bustling cities, smaller towns, historic sights, breathtaking landscapes, and much more are offered on this incredible Britain and Ireland tour.
Please note: 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
DARTMOOR Visit Widecombe-in-the-Moor
PLYMOUTH See the Mayflower Steps
GLASTONBURY– BATH Visit the elegant Georgian city
CARDIFF Orientation drive
TENBY–PEMBROKE–ROSSLARE by ferry
BLARNEY Visit the famous village
KILLARNEY Visit the popular resort town
RING OF KERRY Scenic peninsula drive
DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE See the Blasket Islands
ADARE Admire the thatched cottages
CLIFFS OF MOHER Savor the spectacular views
GALWAYVisit the seaside town
DUBLIN Orientation drive
DUBLIN–HOLYHEAD by ferry
CHESTER Walking tour
LIVERPOOL Visit the maritime city
LAKE DISTRICT Drive through the UNESCO World Heritage landscape
GRETNA GREEN– FORT WILLIAM– CULLODEN MOOR See the battlesite
PITLOCHRY Visit the Highland resort town
ST. ANDREWS Visit the home of golf
EDINBURGH Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle
JEDBURGH See the abbey ruins
HADRIAN’S WALL See a section of the Roman remains
YORK Walking tour
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Discover Shakespeare’s home town
2021 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 17 breakfasts, 5 dinners
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Day1
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
LONDON.
Day2
What’s your pleasure? Today is devoted to exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting program of optional activities. You may choose to join a Local Guide for an optional morning sightseeing tour of the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Later, maybe visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels. Tonight, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the Thames River.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LONDON–STONEHENGE–WIDECOMBE–PLYMOUTH.
Day3
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions to depart at 8 am for the West Country. Cross the chalky terrain of Wiltshire and visit STONEHENGE, one of England’s most intriguing mysteries. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument from up close. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, ghostly setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, visit quaint Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Later, in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620.
Today’s Distance: 222 mi/ 356 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES
Day4
Via Glastonbury and its legends of King Arthur to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its amazing Roman relics and Georgian buildings. Cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into Wales and head for the capital, Cardiff. Here, an orientation drive introduces you to all the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Tonight, why not join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dining?
Today’s Distance: 188 mi/ 303 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CARDIFF–TENBY–TRAMORE, IRELAND
Day5
Enjoy vistas of rich dairy farmland this morning on the way to the pretty seaside resort of Tenby. Then, on to Pembroke, departure point for the FERRY across St. George’s Channel to Ireland. Arrive at Rosslare in just under four hours.
Today’s Distance: 242 mi/ 390 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
TRAMORE–BLARNEY–KILLARNEY
Day6
Today, discover why Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.” Drive along the southern coast, passing Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. Continue to the popular resort of Killarney. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre.
Today’s Distance: 134 mi/ 216 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
Day7
At Killorglin, join the road known as the RING OF KERRY for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive featuring sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle.
Today’s Distance: 99 mi/ 158 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
KILLARNEY–DINGLE PENINSULA–ADARE–LIMERICK.
Day8
Breathtaking scenery this morning on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands, and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. Then, travel via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages, to Limerick. Tonight, consider joining an optional medieval banquet at a historic castle.
Today’s Distance: 187 mi/ 301 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIMERICK–CLIFFS OF MOHER–GALWAY–DUBLIN.
Day9
Take a scenic route this morning via the CLIFFS OF MOHER and The Burren on the way to the port city of Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan center with colorful shops and a busy café and bar culture. Continue across the mighty Shannon before arriving in Dublin. The optional dinner suggestion is a fun Irish cabaret evening with dinner, dance, and songs.
Today’s Distance: 208 mi/ 334 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
DUBLIN
Day10
A day in the “Fair City” starts with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital, including statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure. Later, why not join an optional dinner at the Guinness Storehouse?
Meals included:
- Breakfast
DUBLIN–CHESTER, ENGLAND–LIVERPOOL
Day11
Take the FERRY across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting names. Follow the North Wales coast to Chester, the ancient county town on the Dee River. See the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” Overnight in Liverpool, of Beatles fame and once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners.
Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIVERPOOL–LAKE DISTRICT–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW
Day12
Drive into the tranquil Lake District, often considered to be the finest of England’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, visit Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Travel through the history-steeped Lowland Hills to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city.
Today’s Distance: 237 mi/ 381 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS–CULLODEN MOOR–GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY.
Day13
Skirt the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond and head through wild Rannoch Moor into the Highlands. Pass through Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Then, the Great Glen for vistas of the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich. Follow the banks of Loch Ness, home of the timid and timeless Nessie. Continue via Inverness, the Highland capital and, on the way to tonight’s destination, stop at the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Today’s Distance: 209 mi/ 336 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH.
Day14
Drive through more spectacular Highland scenery for a stop in the pretty Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Then, travel via Perth and Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Continue through Fife and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to spend the next two nights in Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: enjoy a traditional Scottish night out, with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.
Today’s Distance: 169 mi/ 272 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH.
Day15
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town", visit EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Later, join an optional tour of the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For departure numbers July 25 through August 15, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH–JEDBURGH–YORK, ENGLAND–LEEDS.
Day16
At Jedburgh, see the abbey ruins before heading towards the Cheviot Hills and the English border. Travel through wild Northumberland National Park and, on the way, see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. In York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Overnight is in Leeds.
Today’s Distance: 220 mi/ 355 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LEEDS–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON
Day17
In Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, take photos of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. After returning to London around 4 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with an optional night out on the town?
Today’s Distance: 237 mi/ 385 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LONDON.
Day18
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.
Novotel London West
First-Class
Concrete and brick commercial hotel in modern nine-story complex located at Hammersmith, 1/4 mile from train station.
Location
1 Shortlands, London, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Concierge desk
- Gift Shop
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
- Room Service
- Television
- Voicemail
- Mini-bar
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Pay Movies
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
Holiday Inn London- Kensington High Street
First-Class
This elegant hotel boasts an ideal location near the renowned shops on High Street Kensington. The hotel includes 550 rooms equipped with ensuite shower or bath, satellite TV, coffee maker, and state-of-the-art in-room entertainment system. It also provides 24-hour in room dining and one-day laundry and dry cleaning service. The hotels Blue Smoke restaurant is an American-style steakhouse, and the Lions Sports Bar shows all the action and excitement of live sporting events from around the world.
Location
Wrights Lane, London, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Pool
- Concierge desk
- Luggage Storage
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Elevator
- Bar/Lounge
- Beauty Salon
- ATM
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Currency Exchange
- Gift Shop
- Fitness Room
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Room Service
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- In-Room Safe
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Coffee Maker
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Mini-bar
- Alarm Clock
- Air Conditioning
- Television
- Pay Movies
Jurys Inn Plymouth
First-Class
The Jurys Inn is located on Exeter Street, beside the historic quarter, and an easy 10 minute walk to the historic centre where Plymouth is yours to explore and enjoy. It features an all-day Costa Coffee bar and lounge where you can enjoy a hot drink and relax, an elegant on-site bar for a glass of wine or a pint of beer, and a restaurant with a range of delectable dishes to choose from. The 247 comfortable and spacious hotel rooms are furnished with large soft beds, a well-lit desk, TV with Free view, and free Wi-Fi access.
Location
50 Exeter Street, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Ice Machine
- Elevator
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Luggage Storage
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Desk
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Wake-Up Calls
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Internet Access
- Television
Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
First-Class
Modern Hotel situated 3 miles from center of Cardiff & train station.
Location
Circle Way East, Cardiff-Llanederyn, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Business Center
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
Majestic Hotel
Superior Tourist-Class
Welcome to the award winning AA*** Majestic Hotel in the sunny South East of Ireland, overlooking Tramore Bay with its impressive 5km stretch of golden beach and sand dunes and less than 10km from the historical city of Waterford.
Location
Tramore, Tramore-Waterford, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Television
- Phone
Killarney Court Hotel
First-Class
Bedrooms boast tasteful neo-gothic style decor w/modern facilities; friendly efficient svc; ideal venue for a conference/seminar.
Location
Tralee Road, Killarney-Co.Kerry, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Currency Exchange
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Coffee Maker
- Room Service
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
Limerick City Hotel
First-Class
Located on the banks of the River Shannon, The Limerick City Hotel encompasses breathtaking views of the Shannon and Limerick City. Limerick City Hotel is walking distance from Limerick Colbert Train & Bus Station. Why not enjoy a drink or food with us at our new McGettigan's bar; we offer some great Irish food with a twist.
Location
Lower Mallow Street, Limerick, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
- Laundry Available
- Elevator
- ATM
- Luggage Storage
- Restaurant On-Site
Room Facilities
- Desk
- Air Conditioning
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Window Opens
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
The Bonnington Dublin Hotel
First-Class
Modern Business-oriented hotel comprising an 18th-century Manor House, located 3km north of Dublin City center.
Location
Swords Road, Dublin 9, Ireland
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- Hot Tub
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Spa Services
- Restaurant On-Site
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Television
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- Air Conditioning
- Cable/Satellite
- Hair Dryer
- Complimentary Toiletries
Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre
First-Class
Modern Multistory Hotel opposite Lime Street Station, 5 miles from Liverpool Airport.
Location
Lime Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Ice Machine
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
- Voicemail
- Pay Movies
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Window Opens
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End
First-Class
Multistory Hotel set in prestigious West End, 4 miles from city center.
Location
Shelley Road 2-4, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Fitness Room
- ATM
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Hot Tub
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
- Cable/Satellite
- Hair Dryer
- Television
- Internet Access
- Coffee Maker
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Desk
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
Craiglynne Hotel
Superior Tourist-Class
Comfortable & friendly with log fires in the pine paneled lounge & sun lounge for relaxing; putting green, fountain & garden.
Location
Woodlands Terrace, Grantown On Spey, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Elevator
- Concierge desk
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Coffee Maker
- Room Service
Novotel Edinburgh Park
First-Class
The 4 star Novotel Edinburgh Park is ideally located for a city break in Edinburgh. The hotel has free on site parking, leisure facilities including a pool, gym and steam room.
Location
15 Lochside Avenue, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Fitness Room
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Pay Movies
- Mini-bar
- Air Conditioning
- Room Service
- Cable/Satellite
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth
First-Class
Set among fields, the Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth is situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre. The hotel features the Aioli Restaurant for breakfast and dinner and Aioli Bar and Lounge for light meals and snacks. The 144 rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with all modern amenities including hairdryer, iron and ironing board, complimentary toiletries and more. The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout.
Location
Wakefield Road, Leeds, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Beauty Salon
- Free WiFi
- Spa Services
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Alarm Clock
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Phone
- Voicemail
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Wake-Up Calls
- Window Opens
- Air Conditioning
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Room Service
- Coffee Maker
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Internet Access
