The Best of Britain & Ireland 2024
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
90104
Start City:
London
End City:
London
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
Budget
Tour Length:
15 days
Physical Rating:
3 - Explorer
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Apr 21, 2024 | Sunday, May 05, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, May 19, 2024 | Sunday, Jun 02, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jun 02, 2024 | Sunday, Jun 16, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jun 16, 2024 | Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 | Sunday, Jul 14, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 | Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 | Sunday, Aug 25, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Aug 25, 2024 | Sunday, Sep 08, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Sep 08, 2024 | Sunday, Sep 22, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Oct 06, 2024 | Sunday, Oct 20, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON COSMOS TOURS
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Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Up to $500 Welcome Back Credit for Repeat Travelers
Promotion Details
The Welcome Back Credit is awarded upon completion of Globus family of brands vacations. Credit amount can only be applied to the land/cruise or cruise only portion of a new Globus family of brands vacation (excluding 2022 Custom/Charter vacations). Credit amount is per person and must be redeemed for a future vacation with a deposit within 2 years from date of credit issue. Bookings can be made by calling the Globus family of brands, online, or by contacting your preferred travel advisor. Passenger must activate redemption credit prior to redemption. Combinable with all applicable consumer promotions except those with any Globus family of brands special discount programs. Credit must be applied before final payment on a future booking. Credit is not redeemable for cash, non-refundable deposit, airfare, transfers, travel insurance, prepaid gratuities, pre/post nights, or optional excursions and is non-transferrable. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. Valid for all participating Globus family of brands offices. Additional restrictions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
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!
Adare , Bath , Blarney , Cardiff , Chester , Cliffs of Moher , Cotswolds , Dublin , Dungarvan , Durham , Edinburgh , Ennis , Galway , Gretna Green , Holyhead , Jedburgh , Killarney , Lake District , London , Newcastle , Northumberland , Oxford , Pembroke , Ring of Kerry , Rosslare , Salisbury , Stonehenge , Tramore , Wrexham , York
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Day 1
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLANDCheck 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 2
LONDONToday is free for 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. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708. 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. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
LONDON–OXFORD–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LEEDSMeet 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 Leeds.Today’s Distance: 249 mi/ 400 km (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 4
LEEDS–YORK–THIRSK–NEWCASTLEThis 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, savor spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors. Today’s Distance: 108 mi/ 174 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
NEWCASTLE–JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND–EDINBURGHSee 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. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.Today’s Distance: 117 mi/ 188 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
EDINBURGHYour choice today: an optional morning excursion to Rosslyn Chapel, made world-famous by Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, and also one of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings. You will have ample time to visit the 15th-century medieval chapel and the visitor centre, and to take photographs of the ruins of Rosslyn Castle. Later, join an optional tour with dinner. For departures July 28 and August 11, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
EDINBURGH–GRETNA GREEN–LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND–CHESTER–WREXHAM, WALESSouth 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 (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 8
WREXHAM–BETWS-Y-COED–DUBLIN, IRELANDA 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.Today’s Distance: 104 mi/ 167 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
DUBLINA 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. Why not join an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse? (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
DUBLIN–GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–ENNISHead 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 Ennis, county town of Clare. Tonight, we offer an optional medieval-themed banquet. Today’s Distance: 214 mi/ 344 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
ENNIS–ADARE–RING OF KERRY–KILLARNEYStop 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. Later, in Killarney, discover why this is such a popular resort.Today’s Distance: 189 mi/ 304 km (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–DUNGARVAN–TRAMORECross 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. Why not join an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel?Today’s Distance: 131 mi/ 210 km (B,D)
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 13
TRAMORE–CARDIFF, WALESAn 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. Tonight, why not join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner?Today’s Distance: 159 mi/ 257 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 14
CARDIFF–BATH, ENGLAND–STONEHENGE–LONDONA 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 out on the town? Today’s Distance: 171 mi/ 275 km (B)
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 15
LONDONYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Meals: Breakfast
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Full English breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners with choice of menus
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Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Our tour director Deborah is exceptional. She knows the culture and history of places visited inside and out. She made sure that the group is comfortable and well-informed of schedules. Our driver Lee is excellent. He is professional and very skillful in his job. Thumbs up to both of them.
My husband and I appreciate the hard work of the people from Cosmos. Everything was well planned. Our tour director, Debra stayed with us up to the last hour of the tour. We enjoyed this tour so much. We are looking forward to another tour with Affordable Tours.
Good arrangement
Tour director was a very capable woman, young but was very knowledgeable, professional, and likeable. Cosmos does a great job in organizing a comprehensive itinerary that matches the description of their tour. It was affordable and enjoyable.
It was hectic.But expected.It's not easy to see so many places in 2 weeks. Very well organized.The optional evenings were fun and enertaining.The tour director Peter was excellent. And the International group that we joined couldn't have been better.We made new friends from all over the world.Good value for money
There was no description offered by Operator. The itinerary was online. I'm not sure why this question is asked, no one has ever gone over the trip, it is decided from itinerary. There were a couple places where the rooms were not cleaned, Majestic actually smelled bad. I think the biggest issue on the excursions is the description given is not what is necessarily what is given. A lot of events are outdated and not very entertaining and food in some cases was not good. Tour director needs to give input as to whether these should go on or new ones introduced. Taylors Irish experience excellent. But the medieval castle performance was really cheesy. And the welsh experience we paid a lot for and we got a few songs and food not so good. Made a big deal about having the dinner in the new civic center. I did not select that event to see the civic center. Most of the Operator's help was not given unless specifically asked for
This is a very good tour and well worth to travel for your money.
Cosmos provided a good transport service, there were local Cosmos agents resided at the first and the last hotels we lived in, they were helpful for questions we asked. The tour director was knowledgeable and humorous, communicated with every tourist well. The driver drove us safely, handled our luggage in and out coach well. We had people coming from different countries, and got along very well, overall we enjoyed this trip.
Tour Director knew his history of the land but failed to coordinate the logistics of travel spending more time at coffee shops and extra long lunches and less time at major historical sites. For example, only allowing 30 minutes to explore Edinburgh castle and 45 minutest to walk up the cliffs of Moher and then try to go to the exhibits. It seems on all the paid visits to site, we were severely limited. Even the external tour guide that gave the city tour stated we need more time to explore the castle. We had to actually go back the next day to see the castle again. We spent more time at force stops at kick back stores and eating establishments. More pressure was to get back to the hotel early for the folks that paid for the optional excursions. Sometimes we would get back way too early and therefore have very limited time at the major stops. This tour guide spent perhaps 5-10 minutes on walking tours. In the future, this is what I recommend. Have the bus drop us off at the city. Put us on a hop on and off bus. We get a better tour that way. In addtion, whenever we toured the cities, the bus driver was rushing so fast you could barely even get a chance to see what the tour guide was pointing out. I am not expecting him to stop...but you can slow down in light traffic. Finally, the tour guide took the first two seats in the bus. That meant during seat rotation, 50% of the passengers never got to the front seat. Tell the tour director to sit in the tour director chair. We paid for the trip. Since all he does is narrate, he can do that at his seat. Another problem is that the optional excursions seemed to be geared towards drinking. May I recommend the tour guide not drink alcohol since he has an incentive to end the day early for his drinking habits. I really am not interested in going on tours when the guide needs to drink up each night. And finally, don't let the optional excursions take away from the non excursion folks. It seems like the trip each day was planned for the optional excursions but not for paid part of the trip.
The Auburn Lodge in Ennis,Ireland had ancient plumbing and uncomfortable bed.
We had an indescribably fantastic vacation and met a wonderful new set of friends. Everything was great, tour guide, bus driver, hotels, and sites and excursions. WOW!!!!!! Couldn't ask for a better trip. Thanks again.
Too much time allowed for shopping at each location. Since we are more interested in the scenery and history of the places we visit, our arrival in Edinburgh was on the only day all the museums were closed. Poor planning on that one. Bus driver was very rude when my husband used the bus toilet when he couldn't find a public facility and make it back to the bus on time.
Our trip was wonderful, more than we had anticipated.
Hotels that do not provide free or at least reasonable wifi were not popular with me or the group. Some were a little too "quaint"
On the 1st monday of the tour, it was my understanding that the Tour was starting and that the 1st day would be a tour around London. This was not the case as I was told the London tour was optional. I believe the wording in the description should be revised to make it more clear as there were several other people on the tour who also thought the same as I did about the 1st day in London.
The Novotel hotels have god awful beds. They are hard as rocks and as lumpy as rocks too. The hotels themselves are great but the beds are terrible. Also, they consider a room with 2 beds as them pulling out the sofa bed and making it up. There were several people on the tour who had issues with this but did say that the pull out sofa slept better than the actual bed because the beds were so hard and lumpy.
It would have been preferred if the stops of on the tour were not all geared towards shopping. Most people on the tour, including myself, would have rather explored more of the country and seen more of the history and current way of life than to be dropped off in the towns for shopping all the time. The shops were all pretty much the same in all the towns anyway and only carried the tourist stuff and not the handcrafted things most of the people on the tour were looking for, including myself. I was very suprised and disappointed that everything was so touristy and cheesy in the shops.
Overall, the tour was great. The tour director and coach driver were awesome. The tour gave me the opportunity to see the different countries so that when I go back I will be more comfortable going on my own.
We loved the trip and felt that it provided good value. The only problem was with a few of the hotels which were either out of town, leaving us to negotiate bus lines or they were so cramped that it was difficult to even have two people in them. About fifty percent of the hotels were fine. We would probably book with Globus next time as we understand the hotels are of a higher quality. We also understand that it is a "sister company." Our tour guide was courteous, exceedingly knowledgeable and very helpful to all of the members of the tour. Whatever they pay her, it isn't enough. The bus was comforable and the sites visited were great. I personally would have appreciated more stops and less time in the hotels at night. I have too many pictures out of the bus window as the countryside flew by.
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Operator: Gate1Starts
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Operator: Gate1Starts
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My trip was great! Cosmos provided a great experience and I saw so much over the last two weeks! Very happy with the experience and what i paid for!