18-day tour around the UK, Scotland and Ireland from London

Upon your arrival in London, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to receive you and transfer you comfortably and quickly to the hotel.

The rest of the day will be free to relax and begin to enjoy this city at your own pace.

The City of London is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world. It has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the Roman era. It has witnessed significant historical events and is home to a wealth of landmarks and iconic places such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Westminster Abbey.

From the neo-gothic grandeur of the UK Parliament to the sleek lines of the skyscraper, The Shard, and the vast green spaces like Hyde Park, London offers a diverse cultural, artistic, and culinary scene catering to all tastes

Greca Tip: Remember to visit one of their wonderful pubs before the bell rings, signaling the end of alcohol consumption hours.

You will start the day with an entire breakfast before leaving London towards northern England.

The first stop is Cambridge to admire its beautiful residential colleges. The city is most famous as the home of the University of Cambridge, which was founded in 1209 and consistently ranks among the best universities in the world.

Cambridge was not always a university city, it became an important trading center during the Roman and Viking ages, and there is archaeological evidence of settlement in the area as early as the Bronze Age. The first town charters were granted in the 12th century, although modern city.

After lunch, you will continue to York where its cathedral, Roman walls, and lively shopping streets will create a charming memory. Here you will have some free time to stroll around.

Afterward, you will continue north to Durham where you can explore this charming medieval town full of life. It has a wonderful cathedral right in front of the castle.

Greca Tip: In York, you can visit Clifford’s Tower, a magnificent large stone tower overlooking the spectacular city of York. Once part of York Castle, this one-thousand-year-old four-lobed monument was used to house a gaol, a mint, law courts, and a site of royal power.

Today after breakfast you will travel to Scotland, stopping in Alnwick, a picturesque town with lovely gardens and a large medieval castle, used in the Harry Potter films.

You will continue to Edinburgh, arriving at midday. This is Scotland’s capital city and one of the most active cities in Northern Europe. Its monumental center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle overlooks the city’s steep streets and parks.

Once there, you will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

Edinburgh is a city rich in history and culture, blending a fascinating tapestry of ancient traditions with modern influences

Greca Tip: J. K. Rowling wrote some fragments of Harry Potter in an Edinburgh café (The Elephant) and took inspiration from the landscape for her characters and locations.

We will enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a fascinating journey through the Scottish Highlands, one of the most breathtaking regions in the United Kingdom. Our first stop will be in Pitlochry, a charming village with Victorian architecture, where you will have free time to take a stroll and enjoy a coffee in a picturesque setting.

We will then continue our route to Inverness, the capital of northern Scotland, located very close to the legendary Loch Ness, whose deep waters are shrouded in myth and mystery. After lunch (included), we will visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, an ideal spot to soak in the region’s landscape and rich history. From there, we’ll board a relaxing boat ride on Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for its most famous resident, “Nessie.”

Our journey will take us through Fort Augustus, known for its charming system of locks, and later we’ll pass through Fort William, a popular tourist town nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. Heading south, we’ll travel through dramatic highland plateaus—where snow can often be seen even outside winter months—and skirt the beautiful Loch Lomond, one of the largest and most scenic lakes in the country.

We will arrive in Glasgow at the end of the day, a vibrant and modern city where you can unwind and prepare for the next stage of the journey.

Greca Tip: When visiting Loch Ness, be sure to bring a light jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable and cool—even in summer. And don’t forget your camera… you never know when Nessie might make an appearance!

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Glasgow heading south through Scotland. Upon arrival in Cairnryan, we will board a comfortable ferry that will take us across the sea to Northern Ireland, disembarking in Belfast, the vibrant capital and largest city in the region.

Belfast, shaped by its complex history between Protestant and Catholic communities, has undergone a remarkable transformation since the 1998 Peace Agreement. Today, it is a modern, dynamic city that hosts important institutions, with a growing cultural scene and architecture that blends historic and contemporary elements.

You will have free time to explore the city at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Titanic Belfast, a world-class museum located in the shipyards where the legendary ocean liner was built. Its striking architecture and interactive exhibits make it the most visited attraction in the city.

Greca Tip: If you’d like to dive deeper into Belfast’s recent history, don’t miss the opportunity to take a Black Taxi Tour—an authentic experience led by locals that will guide you through the city's murals, peace walls, and its complex political past.

We will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a scenic journey along the northern coast of Northern Ireland. Our first stop will be in Cushendun, a charming village designated a conservation area in 1980 due to its architectural heritage and its location within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Antrim Coast and Glens. Admission is included to explore this picturesque spot, which has also served as a filming location for various productions.

Around midday, we’ll stop for lunch (not included) in Ballycastle, a lively coastal town known for its rich gastronomy and vibrant folklore. Its streets invite you to stroll along the shore or enjoy local specialties in one of its many cozy restaurants.

In the afternoon, we will visit one of the most spectacular natural sites on the island: the Giant’s Causeway (admission included), a formation of more than 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that stretch into the Atlantic Ocean. These structures, nearly 60 million years old, were formed by cooling volcanic lava, although local legend tells of the Irish giant Finn McCool, who built the causeway to reach Scotland and confront a rival giant.

We’ll have time to walk through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comfortable footwear and warm clothing are recommended, as the weather along the coast can be unpredictable.

In Bushmills, we will visit the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery (entry and guided tour in English included).

Our final destination for the day is Derry, also known as Londonderry, a walled city where medieval history blends with modern life. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to explore its ancient walls or experience the lively local atmosphere before heading to the hotel for the night.

Greca Tip: If you have some free time in Derry, don’t miss a walk across the Peace Bridge and a visit to the Bogside neighborhood, where powerful murals recount the city’s recent history.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we will say goodbye to Derry and head southwest into Northern Ireland, where a day full of history and natural wonders awaits.

Our first stop will be at Donegal, a lively and picturesque small town full of character. We will visit it's medieval castle, ticket included.

Next, we will visit one of Europe's geological treasures: the Marble Arch Caves (entrance included). This extraordinary underground system, formed over 330 million years ago, stretches for over 11 kilometers of galleries still shaped by the action of underground waters on the limestone rock. During our visit, we will enter a fantastic world of stalactites, underground rivers, and surprising formations that seem to come from another planet. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.

After the visit, we will have free time for lunch (lunch not included), and in the afternoon, we will head back to Belfast, where we will arrive by the end of the day. Accommodation at the hotel and time to rest.

Tip Greca: While touring Northern Ireland, don't miss trying a traditional "Irish Stew," a comforting dish made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions, perfect for recharging after a day of exploration. You can also pair it with soda bread, a local specialty.

We will enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading to Hillsborough Castle, located just outside of Belfast. This 18th-century Georgian castle is the official residence of the government in Northern Ireland and features typical royal family amenities. Its elegant and majestic architecture is complemented by a vibrant natural setting, with forests, wild meadows, and gardens that invite you to stroll and relax while enjoying stunning views.

During the visit, you will be able to admire the beautiful interiors of the castle and the meticulously maintained gardens that surround it, perfect for a brief walk.

Afterwards, we will continue our journey into the Republic of Ireland. We will visit Monasterboice (tickets included), an ancient monastic settlement founded in the 5th century. Considered on of the most beatiful things in Ireland. 

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to Dublin, the vibrant capital of the Republic of Ireland, known for its rich culture, traditional pubs, and lively nightlife. We will arrive in Dublin by the end of the afternoon, where you can rest at your hotel and prepare for an exciting evening in the city.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a "Guinness" in Dublin, one of the world’s most famous beers, right from the birthplace of its creation. It’s an experience you can’t miss during your visit! We also recommend taking a walk around the famous Trinity College and visiting the Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s most impressive medieval wonders.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a panoramic tour of the charming city of Dublin. During our visit, we’ll pass by iconic landmarks such as the Customs House, Dublin Castle, the expansive Phoenix Park, the impressive St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the prestigious Trinity College—the oldest university in Ireland, founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592—where the famous Book of Kells is preserved, a true masterpiece of medieval Celtic art.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore and get lost in the magic of this vibrant city.

Dublin combines the warmth of a small town with the lively spirit of an Irish pub. Framed by mountains, crossed by a river, and open to a beautiful bay, its streets are filled with history, art, and life. You’ll discover trendy cafés, centuries-old pubs, and buildings steeped in heritage.

As you stroll through Dublin, you’ll feel the energy of over a thousand years of history: Viking echoes blend with bustling boutiques, cobblestone streets resonate with the music of street performers, and 18th-century parks become venues for festivals, open-air cinema, and gourmet food markets.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a pint of beer at the famous Temple Bar, one of the city’s most iconic spots to experience true Dublin atmosphere.

In the morning, after a full breakfast, you will depart from Dublin heading to Powerscourt, which is located nearby. Here you will visit its magnificent gardens, designed in the 18th century and considered the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. Admire its fountains, Japanese Gardens, and pet cemetery.

Afterward, you will travel to Kilkenny, where you will have time for lunch and to stroll around this lively town. Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most cosmopolitan cities, a gem in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East.

Further south, you will stop to visit the impressive Rock of Cashel, a medieval fortress that symbolizes the fight of the Irish people against England.

The Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings or St. Patrick’s Rock, is an iconic and historically significant site in County Tipperary, Ireland. Situated on a limestone outcrop, the Rock of Cashel boasts a unique and awe-inspiring skyline that has attracted visitors for centuries.

The site comprises various religious and secular buildings, highlighting the rich cultural and historical past of the area. This history can be traced back to the early centuries AD, weaving together legends, kings, and religious conversions.

You will arrive in Cork around mid-afternoon. Will be time for a stroll in the center of Ireland’s second-largest city. Dinner will be included

Greca Tip: Kilkenny is known as the Marble City because of its distinctive black marble.

We begin the day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading to Kinsale, a picturesque coastal village. We will stop by Charles Fort, where you can admire the stunning ocean views and the 17th-century fortress. Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore the charming historic center of Kinsale, considered by many as one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Ireland.

After this visit, we continue on to Killarney, a tourist town located in the heart of Ireland. You’ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch before embarking on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the Killarney National Park, where you can admire the gardens and the lake. The ride will take you to Ross Castle, a medieval fortress with spectacular views by the lake. Additionally, we’ve included a small boat cruise to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the lake.

We continue our journey with a brief stop in Adare, a picturesque village known for its stone houses with thatched roofs and the ruins of an ancient abbey.

Finally, we arrive in Limerick in the late afternoon. Here, you can enjoy a walk through the city center, visit Limerick Castle, stroll along the riverbanks of the Shannon, explore the cathedral, or discover its shops and shopping centers.

Greca Tip : While in Limerick, we recommend trying a typical regional dish, Irish stew. This traditional stew made of meat, potatoes, and vegetables will accompany you throughout the day, offering a great taste of local cuisine.

Once breakfast is done, you will visit Folk Park in Bunratty, a wonderful park where you can learn about how life was in Ireland in the past with its typical cottages and old markets. Its castle stands, accurately reproducing how life was in the Middle Ages.

You will continue to Caherconnell where the Poulnabrone dolmen is found. This is an unusually large dolmen or portal tomb located in Burren, County Clare, Ireland. Situated on one of the most desolate and highest points of the region, it comprises three standing portal stones supporting a heavy horizontal capstone, and dates to the Neolithic period, probably between 4200 BC and 2900 BC.

Before continuing the way to the next stop, you may get the chance to see an exhibition of how dogs shepherd sheep.

Afterwards, you will visit the impressive Cliffs of Moher which overlook the ocean, those who wish can walk to O’Brien’s Tower. The Cliffs of Moher host major colonies of nesting sea birds and are one of the country's most important bird-breeding sites.

Your route continues through Burren National Park which displays amazing landscapes. Finally, you will arrive in Galway.

Galway is a unique blend of tradition, contemporary culture, and a picturesque coastal location, making it a fascinating city to visit

Greca Tip: Ireland has the largest number of red-haired people of any country in the world. Over 10% of the Irish population is estimated to have red hair. That compares to about 1% in Southern Europe, for example.

We begin the day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel before departing from Galway. We head towards Cong, a charming village located in a beautiful lake district. Here, we will explore the ruins of the Royal Abbey and enjoy a walk by the majestic Ashford Castle, which has been transformed into an elegant hotel.

We continue our journey towards Clonmacnoise, an important historical site where we will discover a set of Celtic monastic ruins (entrance and guided tour included). This area is a testament to Ireland's rich religious heritage, with impressive structures dating back centuries.

We conclude our trip by arriving in Dublin in the mid-afternoon, where you will have the rest of the day to explore this vibrant Irish capital.

Greca Tip: In Dublin, we recommend visiting Temple Bar, the famous cultural and bohemian district, known for its traditional pubs, live music, and vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a pint of Guinness at one of its historic pubs!

After breakfast, you will head to Dublin's port and board the ferry to cross the Irish Sea to Wales.

Once in Wales, you will make your way to the coastal town of Caernarfon, where Caernarfon Castle is located, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of King Edward I's impressive fortresses, and the most famous castle in Wales.

Since 1283, it played a significant role in the definitive chapter of the conquest of Wales and was built not only as a military stronghold but also as the seat of government and a royal palace.

In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales. You will have free time for lunch and to explore the town before continuing the journey to reach Liverpool, a port city from which millions of immigrants set off for the New World and the birthplace of the famous rock group, "The Beatles."

You will take a short bus ride through the city and you will have the chance to visit The Beatles Story Exhibition (not included).

Greca Tip: After dinner at the hotel, you can visit the legendary Cavern Club, where The Beatles played nearly 300 concerts.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we will travel to the historic city of Chester, located on the border with Wales. This charming city boasts a well-preserved Roman amphitheater, a strong medieval wall, and beautiful architectural landmarks. You’ll have some free time to stroll through its picturesque streets and soak in the ambiance.

Next, we will head to the small and picturesque town of Lichfield for a lunch break. Known for its cobbled streets and historic buildings, Lichfield’s medieval cathedral, with its three towering spires, stands as a key feature of the town. It’s the perfect place to take in the quaint surroundings and enjoy a relaxing meal.

Afterward, we will continue our journey to Birmingham, the second-largest city in the UK, which was a key player during the Industrial Revolution.

Today, Birmingham is a bustling economic and cultural hub. We recommend taking a leisurely walk around the Town Hall area and along the canals. Birmingham’s canal network, more extensive than that of Venice, is now home to numerous restaurants and entertainment venues, making it the perfect spot to explore.

Greca Tip: While in Birmingham, don't miss the chance to try a traditional "Balti," a curry dish that originated in the city. Enjoying a meal in one of the many curry houses along the Balti Triangle is a must for food lovers.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin our journey heading to Stratford, a historic town founded in the 12th century along the banks of the River Avon, best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Those interested may visit the house where the famous playwright was born.

We’ll continue through a region of gentle hills and charming villages until we reach Stow-on-the-Wold, a delightful village with stone-built cottages, a lovely square, and numerous art galleries and antique shops that reflect its rich cultural heritage.

Later, we’ll arrive in Gloucester, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch at the lively docks and discover its historic center, home to a magnificent cathedral that served as a filming location for several scenes in the Harry Potter saga.

Our day will end in Bath, a city renowned for its natural hot springs and elegant Georgian architecture. You’ll have the option to visit the famous Roman Baths, an outstanding example of Roman engineering and spa culture.

Tip Greca: In Gloucester, we recommend trying a traditional Cornish pasty or some local cheeses at the docks—an excellent way to savor the regional flavors while enjoying the historic setting.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will spend some time in Bath, where you may choose to visit the renowned Roman Baths, a testament to the city's ancient past and spa tradition.

We’ll then continue our journey through southern England and include admission to Stonehenge, one of the most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monuments in the world. This enigmatic circle of stones, believed to be over 4,000 years old, continues to inspire wonder and debate regarding its original purpose.

Our next stop will be in Salisbury, where you will have time for lunch in its picturesque medieval center, filled with charming streets and local shops. We’ll also visit the city’s majestic cathedral (admission included), which boasts the tallest spire in England and houses one of the best-preserved original copies of the Magna Carta.

In the afternoon, we will return to London, arriving at the end of the day. With this, our journey concludes, leaving you with wonderful and lasting memories of this unforgettable experience.

Tip Greca: While in Salisbury, consider trying a classic “ploughman’s lunch,” a traditional British cold meal featuring cheese, pickles, bread, and salad—perfect for savoring a taste of the English countryside.

After breakfast and at the agreed time, a transfer will pick you up to drive you to Heathrow Airport to board your departure flight.

Without a doubt, and after spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you soon to forge new and emotional moments that will always remain in your memory.

Greca Tip: If you want to keep on enjoying London you can add more nights in Step 1 from your reservation.