The Royal Tour of England Scotland and Ireland

This best of Great Britian and Ireland trip includes England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which make up Great Britian. From trendy capital cities to stunning seaside scenery, centuries old battlegrounds and castles, this trip is ideal for the new or novice backpacker that has a couple of weeks free and wants to get an introduction to backpacking Europe. These countries are more expensive than other European destinations, however, you won't have to worry about understanding the language - mostly just the accents!

Note: this trip can be traversed in either direction but often you will find the best flight deals into/out of London from the States and budget flights between the capital cities once in Europe.

Highlights

Taste the real Guiness. Kiss the Blarney Stone. Cliffs of Moher. Giants Causeway. Black Taxi Cab ride in Belfast. Isle of Skye. Lock Ness Monster spotting. Hairy coos. Big lassies. Battlefield of Culloden. Eilean Donan Castle. Buckingham Palace. Big Ben. Yorkshire Mores. Stonehenge. Lakes District and more!

Suggested Route

Starting Point: London
Ending Point: Dublin (or back to London)
Time Frame: 21 days +/-

England: London to Bath to York to Newcastle to Edinburgh (optional stopping points – Stratford-Upon-Avon, the Lakes District)

Scotland: Edinburgh to Inverness to Highlands/Isle of Skye to Oban to Edinburgh (if on tour) or on to Glasgow for flight to Dublin

Ireland: Dublin to Galway to Killarney to Kilkenny to Dublin to Belfast to Derry back to Dublin (fly out or flight to London)

*itineraries vary between transport options

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-3: LONDON
London defies all expectations. This cornerstone of western civilization is hip yet traditional, edgy yet gracious. Whether you’re seeking the hippest club or looking for a dose of history and culture, London does not disappoint.  Packed with all forms of entertainment, stylish shops, grand monuments, museums and of course, British wit and hospitality, it is an exciting playground for just about everyone.

DAY 4-8: 5-DAY TOUR OF ENGLAND/LONDON
Discover the mystical West Country, steeped in Arthurian legends and ancient Roman and Celtic history. Reach the south west tip of the UK through tiny villages, deserted moors and breathtaking coastline. There's also the chance to ride the waves in Newquay, the UK's surf capital.

DAY 9-10: EDINBURGH
Edinburgh quite gracefully and deservedly holds its title as the capital of Scotland. Named after old King Edwin of the 12th century, this now cosmopolitan city is a juxtaposition of a youthful artistic culture against a backdrop of hundreds of historical architectural landmarks sitting on the base of the magnificent Firth of Forth.

DAY 11-13: 3-DAY TOUR OF SCOTLAND/EDINBURGH
The Skye High is a wee gem, ideal for travellers short on time who want to get the most out of their trip to Scotland. All the best stuff is packed in: Nessie hunting, ruined castles, stunning lochs and dramatic mountains. All this as you listen to tales of Celtic myths and legends before a couple of great nights in a Highland pub.

DAY 14-15: DUBLIN
Dublin is a major European center, known for its youthful culture, rich history, vibrant pubs and cosmopolitan restaurants. With its stunning nearby countryside, it is an inviting and friendly city that serves as an excellent place to start or finish your European journey.

DAY 16-18: 3-DAY TOUR OF IRELAND/DUBLIN
Be blown away at the dizzying heights of the Cliffs of Moher while fairies and leprechauns wait to be found in the lunar landscape of the Burren. Dangle upside down from Blarney Castle in hope of getting the ‘gift of the gab’ and experience a real Irish disco in the party town of Killarney. Lose yourself on the Dingle Peninsula with its beaches and rugged coastline then jig the night away in Ennis, renowned for its traditional music.

Day 19 – DUBLIN
Explore Dublin some more, take a Black taxi tour to Northern Ireland or depart home or back to London.

The above tours Scotland and Ireland tours are available in 5-7 day tours if you are looking to spend a few extra days seeing more of these beautiful countries.