11-Nights Essential Britain from $3,999

Globus

OFFER ID 1660144

From royal castles and ancient stone circles to dramatic Highlands and charming villages, discover the best of Britain on a journey through England, Scotland, and Wales. Explore iconic cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Liverpool, visit legendary landmarks such as Stonehenge, Culloden Moor, and Stratford-upon-Avon, and experience Britain's rich history, literary heritage, and warm pub culture along the way.

Plus, personalize your journey with your choice of an included excursion in Alnwick.

11 nights from $3,999 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

Essential Britain

Day 1: ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.

Day 2: LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTHSecrets of the Stones Meet your Tour Director and travel companions to depart London at 8 am. First, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take time to view the monument up close. Head to the quaint market town of Ilminster for a [LF] welcome lunch at a local pub. (B,L)

LOCAL FAVORITE
Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fare prepared following century-old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!

Day 3: PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALLLegends of Land & Sea Start the day with a [LF] scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, following in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, before enjoying a drive through the West Country into Poldark’s Cornwall. Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers’ port of Looe. Head back to Plymouth and enjoy some free time. (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE
Stunning views of Cornwall, the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark’ saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the West Country. Get carried away with a spectacular scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, a magnificent inlet on the English Channel.

Day 4: PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIF, WALESTimeless Kings & Thermal Springs At Glastonbury, hear about the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Then head to the Georgian city of Bath, visit the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths, and take time to explore this fascinating city on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The Somerset town of Glastonbury is associated with King Arthur’s legendary quest for the mythical Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Hear how, while Arthur failed in his search, according to legend, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart.

Day 5: CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLANDMoor than Meets the Eye Your journey through Wales takes you on a scenic drive along the Taff Valley, through the 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. Upon arrival in Liverpool, there’s some free time to enjoy this vibrant city. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park while driving through its mountains, moors, and magnificent views. Look out for Welsh mountain ponies and sheep grazing in the wild and red kites gliding gracefully in the sky.

Day 6: LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOWSongs, Sonnets & Secret Vows Start the day with a visit to The Beatles Story for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.” Take a scenic drive through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere to try original [LF] Grasmere Gingerbread. Head north to the Scottish border and stop at [LF] Gretna Green, where the blacksmith witnessed weddings for runaway young couples, and join in a fun wedding re-enactment. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. (B,D)

LOCAL FAVORITE
Love will find a way to sweeten the day with classic gingerbread in Grasmere, or by parents hot on the trail of runaway brides and grooms who crossed them (and the Scottish border) to get hitched in 18th-century Gretna Green. Hear how romance was forged by a blacksmith who helped eloping couples hammer out the vows.

Day 7: GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESSLandmarks, Lochs & Legends An orientation drive shows you Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Victorian architecture before heading on a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe. View Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, from Fort William before following the length of the legendary Loch Ness, en route to Inverness, the Highland capital. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.

Day 8: INVERNESS–CULLODEN–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGHBravery, Birdies & Bagpipes View the battlefield of Culloden Moor, scene of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans, before a walk through the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Visit St. Andrews, the home of golf and famous university town, before a drive over the elegant Forth Road Bridge takes you to Edinburgh. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Unpack your plaid for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances are included on departures on August 7 and 21.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.

Day 9: EDINBURGHCrown Jewels & Castle Views 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. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, see the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.

Day 10: EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORKSpend your day your way in Alnwick This morning, head to Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and more recently featured in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Explore more of Alnwick with your choice of an included Globus Choice excursion.

BLOOMING MARVELOUS

See the vision of the Duchess of Northumberland blooming as a true 21st century experience full of imagination, inspiration and fun. Stroll the Alnwick Garden for an eye-popping experience in one of the world's most ambitious new gardens.

CAPTURE THE CASTLE

The second largest inhabited castle in England, Alnwick Castle has been home to the Duke of Northumberland's family, the Percys, for over 700 years. Explore the castle and its grounds, featured in historical films, Shakespeare productions, and Harry Potter movies.

Next, make your way to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Admire the great structure of York Minster and follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (B, D)

Day 11: YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDONMr. & Mrs. Shakespeare Head back to London via historic Stratford-upon-Avon, take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. You will return to London at about 3.30 pm. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. See Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home where the bard’s wife-to-be was born and courted by young Will. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original structure remains. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Day 12: LONDON Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Featured Destinations

York

Liverpool

Liverpool – just saying the name automatically brings the world’s most famous group to mind – The Beatles. Liverpool however has more to offer visitors though than just Beatles memorabilia. Located on the Irish Sea on the mouth of the Mersey River, Liverpool is one of England’s most important seaports, second only to London. A bustling port for the exchanging of goods, it is also a passenger port for those traveling to Ireland. Several churches in the city are notable; among them is the Anglican Cathedral, built in 1904 which is one of the largest ecclesiastical structures in the world. There are several museums in the city as well, the Walker Art Gallery and the Merseyside County Museum.

Excursions

Liverpool: Explore Liverpool - 8 hours

This morning, you are met as you disembark your cruise ship by your driver-guide. Begin your full day private sightseeing tour of Liverpool, once the most important centre of maritime trade in the world.

Liverpool was the European capital of Culture in 2008 as is also the birthplace of Beatles. You may like to walk through the Mathew Street to the Cavern Club, following in the footsteps of the Beatles. See the buildings known as the ‘Three Graces’, and the impressive civic buildings that were constructed as a result of the mercantile wealth. The most important of these is St. George’s Hall, that interestingly claims to be the world’s first air-conditioned building. The Walker Art Gallery houses one of the finest collections of paintings in the UK outside of London. However the two most magnificent buildings from the 20th-century in Liverpool are the cathedrals. The Anglican Cathedral built in traditional gothic style is the largest church in the UK; the Roman Catholic cathedral is a fine example of contemporary modernist architecture.

Time permitting you may also pass under the River Mersey to Port Sunlight, one of the first planned industrial villages in the world that was opened by the Lever Brothers to house their workers in better conditions. The focal point of the village is the Lady Lever Art Gallery that houses a large collection of Wedgwood Jasperware. You could also visit Speke Hall (closed Monday and Tuesday), a fine example of a Tudor half-timbered manor house that is richly decorated with wooden furniture inside.

Highlights:

Follow in the footsteps of the famous band the Beatles who grew up in Liverpool
See the impressive civic buildings, the Walker Art Gallery and the largest church in the UK

Tour Duration: 8 hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning / Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by luxury car or minivan
An expert local driver-guide for 8 hours
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions:

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities

Glasgow

Inverness

Inverness is an excellent tourism destination. With its suspension bridges across the River Ness and old stone buildings, it is a pretty place well-known for its floral displays. Walk along the river banks and to the Ness Islands for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the shops. Cross the river on little bridges and visit Bught Park. The Floral Hall has a sub-tropical horticultural extravaganza with a small waterfall, fish and all sorts of plants and trees. Walk up the river in the other direction and see Ben Wyvis on the skyline. Inverness has an excellent museum and art gallery. Local history talks take place here. Eden Court Theater, situated near the cathedral, has events listings and incorporates part of the old Bishop's Palace and is said to be haunted by the 'Green Lady' ghost of a wife of one of the bishops who hanged herself there. Also check out art.tm which is an art gallery and studio. The Spectrum Centre has a cafe and is the meeting place for local clubs and education classes. Look out for Scottish Showtime music and dance performances during the summer.

Excursions

Inverness: The Scottish Highlands - 8 hours

London

Edinburgh

Dominated by the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, this picturesque city offers shopping on Princes Street, the grandeur of the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and historic Palace of Holyrood House, where Queen Mary lived and many Scottish kings were wed. Or venture across the moors to marvel at the scenic Highlands.

Excursions

Edinburgh: Royal Edinburgh - 8 hours

With Scotland's most famous castle dominating the city, Edinburgh provides a fantastic introduction to this magical country. This morning you will receive a warm welcome by your local guide as you disembark your cruise for your full day sightseeing tour (8 hours) by private vehicle.

You will first head up to Edinburgh Castle, where you will see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and have the opportunity to admire striking views across the city. Drive along the Royal Mile to the imposing Holyrood Palace*, the Queen's Official Residence in Scotland.

Continue the Royal theme this afternoon, with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, and now permanently moored here, this famous ship hosted many official voyages during her working life. Your guide will bring the Royal Yacht Britannia’s intriguing history to life prior to the short transfer back to your cruise ship.

*You will tour the staterooms of the palace if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time.

Highlights:

Privately guided tour of Edinburgh Castle
Visit Holyrood Palace (Subject to Royal Visit)
Discover the history of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Tour Duration: 8 Hours

Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon

Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information

Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

Private transport by BMW 7 Series or similar for 1 or 2 passengers or Viano (6 passenger seats) or similar for 3, 4, or 5 passengers or Sprinter for 6 passengers.
Expert local guide for stated sightseeing 8 hours in Edinburgh
Entrance fees to all sights and museums
All taxes

Exclusions:

All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
Gratuities
Supplement for public holidays
Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.

Edinburgh: Introducing Edinburgh - 4 hours

Cardiff

Plymouth, UK

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

05/01/2027 - 05/12/2027

from $4,499 per person *

05/15/2027 - 05/26/2027

from $4,499 per person *

05/22/2027 - 06/02/2027

from $4,349 per person *

05/29/2027 - 06/09/2027

from $4,499 per person *

06/12/2027 - 06/23/2027

from $4,499 per person

06/26/2027 - 07/07/2027

from $5,159 per person

07/10/2027 - 07/21/2027

from $3,999 per person *

07/24/2027 - 08/04/2027

from $5,159 per person

08/07/2027 - 08/18/2027

from $4,769 per person *

08/21/2027 - 09/01/2027

from $4,769 per person

09/04/2027 - 09/15/2027

from $4,499 per person

09/11/2027 - 09/22/2027

from $4,499 per person *

09/18/2027 - 09/29/2027

from $4,499 per person

09/25/2027 - 10/06/2027

from $5,159 per person

10/02/2027 - 10/13/2027

from $4,399 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,999 per person

Length

11 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Prices listed are land-only, per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to change and availability. Itinerary and map subject to change. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1660144

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