Duration: 12 Days
Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement capital of Gretna Green. The castles and cathedrals of London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, as well as the charming pubs on every corner, will steal your heart away. With visits to the baffling boulders of Stonehenge, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool, this tour of Britain promises rocking discovery and enlightenment, not to mention honorary degrees in ancient history, English literature, and music appreciation.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to London!
Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
Secrets of the Stones
LONDON Meet your Tour Director and travel companions at 8 am before departing for Stonehenge.
STONEHENGE Visit the prehistoric monument.
ILMINSTER [LF] Lunch at a local pub.
219 mi / 352 km (B,L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre 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!
Legends of Land & Sea
PLYMOUTH [LF] All aboard for a scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound. Enjoy a scenic drive through the West Country to Poldark's Cornwall.
LOOE Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers' port.
PLYMOUTH Free time this evening. (B)
42 mi / 70 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
EPIC RIDE 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.
Timeless Kings & Thermal Springs
GLASTONBURY Visit the town of the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail.
BATH Visit the excavations of the Roman Baths. (B)
184 mi / 295 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE The Somerset town of Glastonbury is the site of 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, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart.
Moor than Meets the Eye
Take a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park.
BUILTH WELLS Stop at the ancient market town.
LLANGOLLEN Visit the picturesque town. LIVERPOOL Free time the remainder of the day. (B)
190 mi / 306 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS 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.
Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows
LIVERPOOL Visit The Beatles Story for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the Fab Four.
LAKE DISTRICT Take a scenic drive.
GRASMERE Visit Wordsworth's beloved village, and sample [LF] the original Grasmere gingerbread. GRETNA GREEN See where a Scottish blacksmith performed weddings for eloping young couples and [LF] join in a fun wedding re-enactment. (B,D)
236 mi / 380 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS 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.
Landmarks, Lochs & Legends
GLASGOW Orientation drive to see Glasgow's landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings, and Georgian squares. Take a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe.
FORT WILLIAM See the gateway to Ben Nevis, UK's highest peak.
LOCH NESS Drive the length of the legendary lake en route to Inverness. (B,D)
178 mi / 286 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE 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.
Bravery, Birdies & Bagpipes
CULLODEN MOOR See the battlefield.
PITLOCHRY Walk through the Victorian mountain resort.
ST. ANDREWS Visit the home of golf and the famous university town.
EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Attend the world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance. (Departures July 27 through August 17 only). (B)
202 mi / 326 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS 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.
Crown Jewels & Castle Views
EDINBURGH Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the New Town, the Old Town, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see Scotland's Crown Jewels. Free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with an 11,000-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain." Here, see the royal regalia and Scotland's Crown Jewels.
Lights, Camera, Alnwick!
ALNWICK Visit Alnwick Castle, setting for many film productions. Choose between touring the castle or taking a stroll through the magnificent gardens.
YORK See York Minster and browse the shops of The Shambles. (B,D)
214 mi / 344 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Visit Alnwick Castle to discover 700 years of English and family history of its owners, the Percy Family. Continuing the lineage of centuries of Dukes, Duchesses, and Earls whom have called the impressive castle home. The castle is a haven for movie and TV buffs as the filming location for many productions, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. If nature is more to your liking, consider a visit to the splendid 12-acre Alnwick Gardens.
Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway's Cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace. (B)
255 mi / 410 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A LEGEND SLEPT HERE 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.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
