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The Best of Britain & Ireland
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Length
15 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
London (England)
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Ends in
London (England)
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Language
English
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).No
Not Available
Overview
On this Best of Britain & Ireland tour, see Britain’s and Ireland’s highlights—from the bustling cities to the small towns and from the breathtaking scenery to the ancient ruins. Traveling through the lands of queens, kings, and leprechauns, begin and end in London and pass through England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.On this Britain and Ireland tour, stop in some historic towns and cities, including Oxford, home to some of England’s most famous colleges; York, England's most complete medieval city with its cobbled streets and the magnificent York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral; Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare; Chester, where a walking tour highlights its Roman remains and black and white half-timbered buildings; Adare, founded in medieval times and known today as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages; and Bath, known for the excavations of Roman baths used for bathing and socializing 2,000 years ago. Britain and Ireland are known for their green countryside and stunning scenery, and on this Britain and Ireland tour, you’ll witness some of their gorgeous landscapes. Travel through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Follow Ireland’s Ring of Kerry, a 100-mile panoramic drive with sparkling seascapes, brightly hued farmhouses, and the breathtaking panorama of the Lakes of Killarney. Visit the spectacular 668-feet Cliffs of Moher, with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean. Drive through the Cotswolds, with the rolling hills and picturesque villages, Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces, and the serene Lake District, England’s largest natural park.All of this and more—including time in Dublin and Edinburgh—await you on this brilliant vacation in Briain and Ireland!
Visited During Tour
Adare (Ireland) | Bath (England) | Betws-y-Coed (Wales) | Blarney (Ireland) | Cardiff (Wales) | Chester (England) | Cliffs of Moher (Ireland) | Cotswolds (England) | Dublin (Ireland) | Dungarvan (Ireland) | Edinburgh (Scotland) | Galway (Ireland) | Gretna Green (Scotland) | Hadrian's Wall (England) | Holyhead (Wales) | Isle of Anglesey (Wales) | Jedburgh (Scotland) | Killarney (Ireland) | Lake District National Park (England) | London (England) | Newcastle (England) | North Yorkshire Moors National Park (England) | Northumberland (England) | Oxford (England) | Ring of Kerry (Ireland) | Rosslare Harbour (Ireland) | Shannon (Ireland) | Sheffield (England) | Snowdonia National Park (Wales) | Stonehenge (England) | Stratford-upon-Avon (England) | The Burren (Ireland) | Thirsk (England) | Tramore (Ireland) | Wrexham (Wales) | York (England)
Dates, Offers & Prices Dates
Tour Itinerary Itinerary
Accommodations Stays
More Details Details
Private Touring Private
Dates, Offers & Prices
There are not currently any The Best of Britain & Ireland tour dates available from Cosmos, for the selected year.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like to view details regarding such tours.
Tour Itinerary
Cosmos Tour Code 9010
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Day
1ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
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Day
2LONDON
Today is free for exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting program of optional activities. London’s calling with an optional morning sightseeing tour with a Local Guide to see the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall's mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister's Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral; Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708. This afternoon, why not visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels? And this evening we recommend a traditional dining experience followed by a guided nighttime cruise along the Thames River to see some of the capital's most beautiful, illuminated sights.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
3LONDON–OXFORD–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–SHEFFIELD
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for Oxford. A walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight destination is Sheffield. Today's Distance: 204 mi/ 328 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
4SHEFFIELD–YORK–THIRSK–NEWCASTLE
This morning, head north to York. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Leaving York, head north and spend some free time in the charming market town of Thirsk, famous for its association with James Herriot. On the way to Newcastle, take in spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. Today's Distance: 148 mi/ 238 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
5NEWCASTLE–JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND–EDINBURGH
See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh before arriving in Edinburgh. Here, sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town.” In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. No trip to Scotland is complete without an authentic Scottish evening! Join an optional night out that’s filled with traditional food, drinks, singers, dancers, bagpipes, and, of course, the unforgettable Ceremony of the Haggis! Today's Distance: 117 mi/ 188 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
6EDINBURGH
Your choice of optional excursions today: this morning put on your best detective hat and get ready to decipher the cryptic symbols and spellbinding mysteries of 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland's most enigmatic places. This afternoon discover what life was like on board Queen Elizabeth II’s floating residence during an exciting visit of the Royal Yacht Britannia, followed by dinner with wine at an excellent local restaurant! For departures August 8 and 22, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
7EDINBURGH–GRETNA GREEN–LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND–CHESTER–WREXHAM, WALES
South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Chester, the historic county town on the Dee River, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” Today's Distance: 268 mi/ 431 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
8WREXHAM–BETWS-Y-COED–DUBLIN, IRELAND
A scenic North Wales drive through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park brings you to lovely Betws-y-Coed. Then, head over spectacular Llanberis Pass and, finally, across Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. At Holyhead, board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin. Tonight, everyone’s Irish with a popular optional outing to the legendary Taylors Irish Cabaret, featuring a delicious dinner, drinks, and outstanding Irish music, dance, and comedy. Today's Distance: 104 mi/ 167 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
9DUBLIN
A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. This evening, raise a glass to Ireland with an optional excursion to learn about the history, traditions, and brewing techniques behind one of the world's most popular beers on this fascinating tour, tasting and dinner at Dublin's legendary Guinness Storehouse.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
10DUBLIN–GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–SHANNON
Head for dairy-farm country in the heart of the “Emerald Isle.” Stop in Galway, a popular seaside destination and a buzzing cosmopolitan district with vibrant shops and a busy café and bar culture. Then, cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher before heading for Shannon. Step back in time at an original Irish castle medieval banquet optional. Enjoy a 4-course feast with wine, then relax as your medieval hosts dazzle you with unforgettable music and storytelling. Today's Distance: 218 mi/ 351 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
11SHANNON–ADARE–RING OF KERRY–KILLARNEY
Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry, join the road known as the Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly hued farmhouses, winding lanes, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Climb aboard a delightful optional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to legendary Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Today's Distance: 185 mi/ 297 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
12KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–DUNGARVAN–TRAMORE
Cross the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle, and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. Drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Tramore. Enjoy a bit of craic (conversation) with an early evening optional of real local Irish flavor, take a scenic drive to a traditional pub with a local musician ready to entertain you and give you wonderful memories of this beautiful country. Two drinks of your choice are included. Today's Distance: 131 mi/ 210 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
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Day
13TRAMORE–CARDIFF, WALES
An early start for the short drive to Rosslare. In just under four hours, you cross St. George’s Channel by ferry to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital’s major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Today's Distance: 159 mi/ 257 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
14CARDIFF–BATH, ENGLAND–STONEHENGE–LONDON
A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before visiting Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery. Explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument up close. After returning to London around 3:30 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night on the town? Curtain’s up with an optional escorted evening in London's theater district, starting with a delicious dinner, followed by excellent seats at your chosen show. Today's Distance: 171 mi/ 275 km
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
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Day
15LONDON
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by Cosmos in their The Best of Britain & Ireland tour:
Copthorne Tara Hotel London
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Novotel London West
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Leonardo Hotel Sheffield
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Ramada Plaza Wrexham
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
The Bonnington Dublin
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Treacy's Oakwood Hotel
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Killarney Court
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Majestic
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
Novotel Cardiff
Hotel rating (by Cosmos): First-Class
Other Details
- Free Wifi
- Hotel as shown or similar (Cosmos may replace it with a similar First-Class property)
More Details
Cosmos is informing us of the following additional details regarding their The Best of Britain & Ireland tour:
Travelers Notes
The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!Your Tour Includes:• Walking tour in Oxford• Visit to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon• Guided city sightseeing tour of Edinburgh with admission to Edinburgh Castle and Scotland’s Crown Jewels• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance (August 8 and 22 departures)• Visit to Gretna Green• Walking tours in medieval York and historic Chester• Scenic drives in the Lake District, Snowdonia National Park, and the Ring of Kerry• Orientation drives in Dublin and Cardiff• Admission to the Cliffs of Moher• Admission to Stonehenge and Visitor Centre
Meals Included
Full English breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners with choice of menus
Private Touring
Cosmos offers an optional paid upgrade if you would like to arrange for The Best of Britain & Ireland tour as a Private Tour. Here's a sample of the additional cost:
6 guests in a party: $4,735*18 guests in a party: $973*
Note: Private Tours must be booked with one of our travel advisors over the phone. Please contact us for additional details.
* Supplement pricing is per person (USD), will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date, and is based on availability. Pricing is valid for select travel dates only. Some vendors reserve the right to operate optional activities and excursions with other guests, despite you being on a private tour. Additional restrictions may apply. This pricing may not be applicable to custom groups. Group allowances and promotions may not be available for private tours. Private touring may only be available on published itineraries. Blackout dates may exist, in which case private touring would not be available.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Cosmos. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Cosmos (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.