Overview
Essential Britain
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.
Highlights of Essential Britain
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,976*18 guests in a party: $667*
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
Essential Britain
UNESCO Sites
City of Bath|Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape|Forth Road Bridge|Frontiers of the Roman Empire|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The English Lake District|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—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.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch; 3 three-course dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.LONDON-BIG-BEN.jpg
Day 2
LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTH 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 FAVORITELOCAL 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!STONEHENGE.jpg
Day 3
PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALL 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 kmLOCAL FAVORITEEPIC 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.CORNWALL-LOOE.jpg
Day 4
PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES 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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & 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.BATH.jpg
Day 5
CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND 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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL 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.LLANGOLLEN-DEE-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 6
LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW 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 kmLOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS 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. GRETNA-GREEN-ANVIL.jpg
Day 7
GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS 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 kmTOUR 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. LOCH-NESS.jpg
Day 8
INVERNESS–CULLODEN—PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH 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. (B) 202 mi / 326 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTICONIC 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.ST-ANDREWS-GOLF.jpg
Day 9
EDINBURGH 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 THE ROYAL EDINBUGRH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 26, August 2, 9 and 16.TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT 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.EDINBURGH-CASTLE.jpg
Day 10
EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK 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 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC 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.ALNWICK-CASTLE.jpg
Day 11
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare STRATFORD-UPON-AVON See Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. (B) 255 mi / 410 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTA 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.STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-SHAKESPEARS-BIRTHPLACE.jpg
Day 12
LONDON Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)LONDON-PUB.jpg
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2024-09-20 | 2024-09-21 | 2024-10-02 | $3469 | $0 | $3469 | GC40921 | Please Call |
| 2 | 2024-09-20 | 2024-09-21 | 2024-10-02 | $3469 | $0 | $3469 | GC40921A | Please Call |
| 3 | 2024-09-27 | 2024-09-28 | 2024-10-09 | $3769 | $0 | $3769 | GC40928K | Please Call |
| 4 | 2024-09-27 | 2024-09-28 | 2024-10-09 | $3769 | $0 | $3769 | GC40928KA | Please Call |
| 5 | 2024-10-04 | 2024-10-05 | 2024-10-16 | $3199 | $0 | $3199 | GC41005 | Not Available |
| 6 | 2025-04-04 | 2025-04-05 | 2025-04-16 | $3669 | $0 | $3669 | GC50405 | Available |
| 7 | 2025-04-11 | 2025-04-12 | 2025-04-23 | $4219 | $250 | $3969 | GC50412K | Available |
| 8 | 2025-04-18 | 2025-04-19 | 2025-04-30 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | GC50419 | Available |
| 9 | 2025-04-25 | 2025-04-26 | 2025-05-07 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | GC50426 | Available |
| 10 | 2025-05-02 | 2025-05-03 | 2025-05-14 | $3799 | $100 | $3699 | GC50503 | Available |
| 11 | 2025-05-09 | 2025-05-10 | 2025-05-21 | $4319 | $0 | $4319 | GC50510K | Available |
| 12 | 2025-05-16 | 2025-05-17 | 2025-05-28 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | GC50517 | Available |
| 13 | 2025-05-23 | 2025-05-24 | 2025-06-04 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | GC50524 | Available |
| 14 | 2025-05-30 | 2025-05-31 | 2025-06-11 | $3899 | $250 | $3649 | GC50531 | Available |
| 15 | 2025-06-06 | 2025-06-07 | 2025-06-18 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | GC50607 | Available |
| 16 | 2025-06-13 | 2025-06-14 | 2025-06-25 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | GC50614 | Available |
| 17 | 2025-06-20 | 2025-06-21 | 2025-07-02 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | GC50621 | Available |
| 18 | 2025-06-27 | 2025-06-28 | 2025-07-09 | $4419 | $0 | $4419 | GC50628K | Available |
| 19 | 2025-07-04 | 2025-07-05 | 2025-07-16 | $3879 | $0 | $3879 | GC50705 | Available |
| 20 | 2025-07-11 | 2025-07-12 | 2025-07-23 | $3299 | $0 | $3299 | GC50712 | Available |
| 21 | 2025-07-18 | 2025-07-19 | 2025-07-30 | $4419 | $0 | $4419 | GC50719K | Available |
| 22 | 2025-07-25 | 2025-07-26 | 2025-08-06 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC50726 | Available |
| 23 | 2025-08-01 | 2025-08-02 | 2025-08-13 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC50802 | Available |
| 24 | 2025-08-08 | 2025-08-09 | 2025-08-20 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC50809 | Available |
| 25 | 2025-08-15 | 2025-08-16 | 2025-08-27 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC50816 | Available |
| 26 | 2025-08-22 | 2025-08-23 | 2025-09-03 | $4419 | $0 | $4419 | GC50823K | Available |
| 27 | 2025-08-29 | 2025-08-30 | 2025-09-10 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | GC50830 | Available |
| 28 | 2025-09-05 | 2025-09-06 | 2025-09-17 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | GC50906 | Available |
| 29 | 2025-09-12 | 2025-09-13 | 2025-09-24 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | GC50913 | Available |
| 30 | 2025-09-19 | 2025-09-20 | 2025-10-01 | $3899 | $0 | $3899 | GC50920 | Available |
| 31 | 2025-09-26 | 2025-09-27 | 2025-10-08 | $4219 | $0 | $4219 | GC50927K | Available |
| 32 | 2025-10-03 | 2025-10-04 | 2025-10-15 | $3599 | $0 | $3599 | GC51004 | Available |
| 33 | 2026-04-03 | 2026-04-04 | 2026-04-15 | $3849 | $0 | $3849 | GC60404 | Available |
| 34 | 2026-04-10 | 2026-04-11 | 2026-04-22 | $4429 | $0 | $4429 | GC60411K | Available |
| 35 | 2026-04-17 | 2026-04-18 | 2026-04-29 | $3999 | $0 | $3999 | GC60418 | Available |
| 36 | 2026-04-24 | 2026-04-25 | 2026-05-06 | $3999 | $0 | $3999 | GC60425 | Available |
| 37 | 2026-05-01 | 2026-05-02 | 2026-05-13 | $3999 | $0 | $3999 | GC60502 | Available |
| 38 | 2026-05-08 | 2026-05-09 | 2026-05-20 | $4599 | $0 | $4599 | GC60509K | Available |
| 39 | 2026-05-15 | 2026-05-16 | 2026-05-27 | $3999 | $0 | $3999 | GC60516 | Available |
| 40 | 2026-05-22 | 2026-05-23 | 2026-06-03 | $3999 | $0 | $3999 | GC60523 | Available |
| 41 | 2026-05-29 | 2026-05-30 | 2026-06-10 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC60530 | Available |
| 42 | 2026-06-05 | 2026-06-06 | 2026-06-17 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC60606 | Available |
| 43 | 2026-06-12 | 2026-06-13 | 2026-06-24 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC60613 | Available |
| 44 | 2026-06-19 | 2026-06-20 | 2026-07-01 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC60620 | Available |
| 45 | 2026-06-26 | 2026-06-27 | 2026-07-08 | $4669 | $0 | $4669 | GC60627K | Available |
| 46 | 2026-07-03 | 2026-07-04 | 2026-07-15 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC60704 | Available |
| 47 | 2026-07-10 | 2026-07-11 | 2026-07-22 | $3499 | $0 | $3499 | GC60711 | Available |
| 48 | 2026-07-17 | 2026-07-18 | 2026-07-29 | $4049 | $0 | $4049 | GC60718 | Available |
| 49 | 2026-07-24 | 2026-07-25 | 2026-08-05 | $4599 | $0 | $4599 | GC60725K | Available |
| 50 | 2026-07-31 | 2026-08-01 | 2026-08-12 | $4299 | $0 | $4299 | GC60801 | Available |
| 51 | 2026-08-07 | 2026-08-08 | 2026-08-19 | $4299 | $0 | $4299 | GC60808 | Available |
| 52 | 2026-08-14 | 2026-08-15 | 2026-08-26 | $4299 | $0 | $4299 | GC60815 | Available |
| 53 | 2026-08-21 | 2026-08-22 | 2026-09-02 | $4299 | $0 | $4299 | GC60822 | Available |
| 54 | 2026-08-28 | 2026-08-29 | 2026-09-09 | $4599 | $0 | $4599 | GC60829K | Available |
| 55 | 2026-09-04 | 2026-09-05 | 2026-09-16 | $4049 | $0 | $4049 | GC60905 | Available |
| 56 | 2026-09-11 | 2026-09-12 | 2026-09-23 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC60912 | Available |
| 57 | 2026-09-18 | 2026-09-19 | 2026-09-30 | $4099 | $0 | $4099 | GC60919 | Available |
| 58 | 2026-09-25 | 2026-09-26 | 2026-10-07 | $4429 | $0 | $4429 | GC60926K | Available |
| 59 | 2026-10-02 | 2026-10-03 | 2026-10-14 | $3799 | $0 | $3799 | GC61003 | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel. | London | 200 Westminster Bridge | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Park Plaza Waterloo | The 494-room property is situated within walking distance of top London attractions, including the London Eye, the London Dungeons and the Imperial War Museum. The Florentine Restaurant serves a Brasserie-style menu; the bar features the best of British bubbles and craft beers as well as a range of signature cocktails; and for a relaxing cup of coffee, head to the illy Caffè bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel. | London | 6 Hercules Road | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Crowne Plaza Plymouth | A modern hotel with sea views overlooking Plymouth Hoe. Thanks to Sleep Advantage® programme, guests enjoy a good night's rest, with premium bedding, quiet zones and a guaranteed wake up call. There is Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill with sea views and Drakes Bar and Lounge. Guests can workout in the gym or wind down in the heated pool. There's also an outdoor garden for those who prefer to enjoy the fresh air. | Plymouth | Armada Way | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Mercure Cardiff Holland House | Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa is a modern hotel situated in the vibrant capital city of Wales, Cardiff, with 165 bedrooms. All of the sights and attractions of Cardiff are within walking distance such as the iconic Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle. | Cardiff | 24-26 Newport Road | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Pullman Liverpool | Guests will enjoy the conveniences of this central hotel and its bar, lounge, and Marco Pierre White Wheelers of St. James Oyster Bar & Grill Room. All guestrooms are bright, modern, and luxurious, and come with blackout curtains, minibar with complimentary mineral water, 55" TV with SKY TV channels, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, robe and slippers, waterfall shower, and luxury toiletries. There is free 5G Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. | Liverpool | Kings Dock, Monarchs Quay | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Clayton Hotel Glasgow | The hotel is situated on Clyde Street overlooking the beautiful River Clyde and just a 10 minutes' walk from George Square, and Glasgow's main shopping streets, art galleries, bars and restaurants. All rooms are air-conditioned and include King Koil mattresses for an enhanced sleep experience, HD TVs with Chromecast, WIFI and complimentary use of fitness suite. | Glasgow | 286 Clyde St | Superior First-Class |
| 7 | Mercure Inverness Hotel | Enjoy warm Highland hospitality in Old Town Inverness at Mercure Inverness Hotel. Rebuilt on the site of the original Caledonian Hotel, the modern hotel is just 200 meters from Inverness train station and a caber toss from the city's numerous pubs and restaurants. All 121 guest bedrooms have HD TV and complimentary high speed WiFi. Enjoy panoramic views of the River Ness in the hotel's riverside restaurant or explore The 33 Church Street Bar & Brasserie signature menue. | Inverness | Church St, | First-Class |
| 8 | Mercure Edinburgh Princes Street | A fine 3 star Edinburgh hotel, ideally located in the city center's popular Princes Street. Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel has great views of Edinburgh Castle. The 158 stylish rooms all have internet access and satellite TV. Princes Dining Room and Bar are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as for light snacks and drinks. | Edinburgh | 53 Princes Street | First-Class |
| 9 | Mercure York Fairfield Manor | One of the most tranquil hotels in York, set in 6 acres of private grounds on the outskirts of the historic walled cathedral city and the banks of the River Ouse. All 89 comfortable bedrooms have HD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WIFI. | Skelton-York | Shipton Road | First-Class |
