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Grand Tour of...
 

Grand Tour of Great Britain: Scotland, England & Wales

15 days |  17 days with London extension
15 days |  17 days with London extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.6 star rating

50
Physical activity
panoramic view of edinburgh castle in scotland
rocky valley in peak district national park in england
the london eye in london england
durham cathedral in england
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Immerse yourself in the majesty of Great Britain.

Discover what makes Great Britain truly great as you explore this delightful island from top to bottom. Start in Edinburgh, the Georgian Scottish capital, before heading south to Wales, passing through lovely English countryside and historic cities like York and Liverpool along the way. Then it’s off to the Roman town of Bath and royal London—the perfect finishing touch on this quintessentially British experience.

Your tour package includes

  • 13 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 13 breakfasts
  • 5 dinners with beer or wine
  • 11 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
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Included highlights

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Alnwick Castle
  • Durham Cathedral
  • York Minster
  • Chester
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Edinburgh today.

Edinburgh3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Edinburgh
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

  • View the elegant Georgian-style New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • See the King George statue and Bute House, the official residence of the Scottish Prime Minister
  • Pass the Sir Walter Scott monument
  • Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Spend a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

From $109 per person

Day 4: Free day in Edinburgh
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond

From $115 per person

Newcastle Region1 night
Day 5: Newcastle Region via Alnwick
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

En route to Alnwick, stop for photos in Berwick-upon-Tweed, the northernmost town in England. Then, continue along a scenic coastal route to Alnwick for a guided tour of the historic castle and gardens before making your way to the Newcastle region.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

York2 nights
Day 6: York via Durham
Included meal: Breakfast

Head to the famed college town of Durham for a sightseeing tour.

  • Stroll through the old city along the banks of the River Wear
  • Enter the UNESCO-recognized Durham Cathedral, known for its Romanesque style and beautiful Norman architecture

Later, drive through the charming English countryside as you continue on to York.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of York
Included meal: Breakfast

Embark on a walking tour of this historic walled city with a local guide.

  • Enter York Minster, home to largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world
  • See the York Museum Gardens, which occupy ten acres in the city center
  • View the Roman wall, the oldest section of the city’s historic fortifications
  • Visit the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey and the King’s Manor

Enjoy a free afternoon in York or add an excursion.

Whitby

From $125 per person

Liverpool2 nights
Day 8: Liverpool via Chester
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Bid farewell to York this morning as you set out for Liverpool, making a stop in Chester to explore and enjoy free time.

Tonight, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Liverpool
Included meal: Breakfast

Explore the UNESCO-recognized port city of Liverpool this morning with a local as your guide.

  • View the neo-Gothic Liverpool Cathedral and the modern Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
  • Pass by the Liverpool Central Library and St George's Hall
  • Head to the UNESCO-listed waterfront to see the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port of Liverpool Building, known as the Three Graces
  • Explore the Merseyside Maritime Museum to learn about Liverpool’s role in the tragic voyage of the Titanic

Spend a free afternoon in Liverpool or add an excursion.

The Beatles: History & Story Museum

From $105 per person

Cardiff1 night
Day 10: Cardiff via Stratford-upon-Avon
Included meal: Breakfast

Drive southeast through the countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon, the town of Shakespeare’s birth. Here, you’ll step inside the Shakespeare family home with your Tour Director.

Continue on to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and enjoy a free evening.

Bath2 nights
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Cardiff & transfer to Bath
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head out for a sightseeing tour of the largest city in Wales led by your Tour Director.

  • View the medieval Cardiff Castle, located in the city center
  • Take in views of the beautiful Cardiff Bay

Then, take a scenic drive along the Severn River to the town of Bath. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Bath
Included meal: Breakfast

On a guided sightseeing tour, get to know the charming city of Bath, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

  • See the city’s most famous architectural sites, including the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, and the Circus
  • Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping, or visit the Bath Abbey on your own

Enjoy a free afternoon in Bath or add an excursion.

No.1 Royal Crescent Museum & Afternoon Tea

From $139 per person

London2 nights
Day 13: London via Stonehenge & Salisbury
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel to London today, stopping on the way to gaze upon the vast monoliths of the UNESCO-protected Stonehenge and visit its new visitor center before heading to the medieval city of Salisbury.

  • View the soaring spire of Salisbury Cathedral, then go inside to view one of the original copies of the Magna Carta
  • Marvel at Salisbury’s historic architecture and wander through its charming shopping streets
Day 14: Sightseeing tour of London
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

With a local expert leading the way, take a guided tour of the regal landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the English capital.

  • Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
  • See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations and weddings
  • View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye and the Tower of London
  • Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Enjoy a free afternoon in London or add an excursion. Then, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening.

Windsor Castle

From $125 per person

Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring London.

Extension to London
Extend your stay in London and your next quintessentially British experience will be just a Tube (that’s what the Brits call the subway) ride away. Lean on your Tour Director to point you toward the city’s best, and set off to chase your own sense of adventure.
London2 nights
Day 15: Free day in London
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in London or add excursions.

Tower of London

From $109 per person

London Eye & Pub Dinner

From $149 per person

Day 16: Free day in London
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

A Day in Cambridge

From $145 per person

Flight Home
Day 17: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 star rating

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 50 authentic traveler reviews
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    4.0 star rating

    10/7/23 by 6th-time traveler Anonymous

    4.0 star rating

    10/7/23 by 1st-time traveler Elaine

    5.0 star rating

    Go Ahead sets the bar high!
    10/7/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous

    This was our first Go Ahead Tour and also our first group tour of any kind. We weren't sure we would like it. But we've decided this was our best vacation ever! That's primarily because of 3 things: 1. Activities and details are planned for you, so you can use your time just to enjoy. 2. The...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/21/23

    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful exper...

    Read more +
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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket
    Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket

    This modern hotel is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Guests enjoy the fitness center, bar, and stylish rooms. Nearby, you'll find Edinburgh Castle, t...

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    Maldron Hotel Newcastle
    Maldron Hotel Newcastle

    This conveniently located hotel is in the heart of Newcastle. Guests enjoy the private courtyard, restaurant, and fitness center. Nearby you'll find t...

    Read more +
    Holiday Inn York City Centre
    Holiday Inn York City Centre

    This contemporary hotel is located in downtown York. Guests enjoy a restaurant, cocktail bar, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find the York Castle Museum, Y...

    Read more +
    Hotel Novotel Liverpool Centre
    Hotel Novotel Liverpool Centre

    This modern hotel is located in the Ropewalks neighborhood. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and pool. Nearby you’ll find St Johns Beacon, Liverpool Ca...

    Read more +
    Clayton Hotel Cardiff
    Clayton Hotel Cardiff

    This contemporary hotel is located in the heard of Cardiff. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, the fitness center, and restaurant. Nearby you'll Find Cardif...

    Read more +
    Henrietta House
    Henrietta House

    This Georgian period townhouse is located in the center of Bath. Guests enjoy house baked bread and croissants, individually styled rooms, and trendy ...

    Read more +
    Crowne Plaza London – King’s Cross
    Crowne Plaza London – King’s Cross

    This upscale hotel is located in London steps away from the St Pancras station. Guests enjoy on site restaurants, the leisure club, and fitness center...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter the United Kingdom, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GTB.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Edinburgh and depart from London. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to goaheadtours.com and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GTB.
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    Cuisine
    • Scottish cuisine relies on readily available ingredients like game, dairy, and fish, with little use of exotic spices. Pickled kippers and smoked salmon are popular, as well as hearty dishes like Scotch broth (stew of meat and root vegetables) and haggis (a savory pudding of sheep innards). Scotch whisky is a legendary local spirit, and Scottish ales are world-famous.
    • For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
    • Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine.Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
    • The small country of Wales has a reputation for interesting local cuisine. Most visitors will love Welsh cakes, which resemble a mix between a cookie and a pancake, and bara brith, a sweet, dense bread. Welsh rarebit, a savory cheese sauce, is popular on bread as well as served as a dip. Seafood fans will love the ubiquity of fresh cockles (small saltwater clams) and the more adventurous should try laverbread, seaweed that’s been boiled and fried and is often served with buttered toast.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • The United Kingdom operates within 230-240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though charges may apply.
    • There is no internet access on the motor coach.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • The United Kingdom is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Pound sterling on tour.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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