3-Week UK and Great Britain Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week UK And Great Britain itineraries

Compiled by

SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Days in UK & Ireland, incl. London and Edinburgh

  A grand 21-day tour showcases Britain's finest cities. Walk across London's Tower Bridge, wander York's medieval Shambles, and stroll Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The tour costs around $2,300 and includes stays in 8 cities, rail transport, and expert travel guides.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    London

    Start in Westminster where most major sites are within walking distance. Get to Westminster Abbey right when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid the crowds. The Tube from Heathrow to central London takes about an hour. Buy an Oyster Card at the airport to save money. The Piccadilly Line is most direct but gets busy. If you're arriving during rush hour, consider taking the Heathrow Express instead.

    
  • Days 4-5

    York

    Take the 4-hour LNER train from London King's Cross to York. Choose an east-facing seat to enjoy the countryside views. The York City Walls walk takes about 2 hours. Start at Bootham Bar entrance and go clockwise. A recent visitor said: "The early evening ghost tour from The Shambles was actually historically fascinating, not just spooky stories. Dress warm - you're standing still a lot."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Edinburgh

    The 2.5-hour train ride goes along the coast. Sit on the right side to see the sea. Book Edinburgh Castle tickets online to avoid the entrance lines. The best time to hike Arthur's Seat is in the morning when the wind is calmer. The easiest way up is from the east side near Dunsapie Loch. Visit the Royal Mile before 10 AM or after 5 PM to avoid the crowds.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Glasgow

    It's just an hour by ScotRail from Edinburgh. The subway system is easy to use. A day ticket costs £4.50. Kelvingrove Museum is free but closes at 5 PM. Book your spot ahead of time for the Mackintosh at the Willow tearoom tour. It often sells out.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Belfast

    Take the ferry from Cairnryan after a coach transfer from Glasgow. The crossing takes about 2.5 hours. Bring motion sickness tablets if you need them. Plan at least 3 hours for the Titanic Museum. Book the 9 AM slot to avoid school groups.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Galway

    The train journey includes a change in Dublin. The Latin Quarter comes alive after 9 PM with traditional music. A visitor noted: "The walking tour from Eyre Square showed us hidden spots we'd never have found ourselves, worth doing on day one to get oriented."

    
  • Days 15-17

    Dublin

    The direct train from Galway takes 2.5 hours. Visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College first thing in the morning. The lines can get very long by midday. The Guinness Storehouse is less crowded after 3 PM. Stay in Temple Bar if you want nightlife. Choose Smithfield or Stoneybatter for quiet evenings.

    
  • Days 18-19

    Liverpool

    The ferry from Dublin takes about 3 hours plus a short train ride. Book Beatles Story museum tickets online to avoid the 2-hour waits. Albert Dock restaurants fill up quickly. Make reservations or eat early around 5:30 PM.

    
  • Days 20-21

    London

    The 2.5-hour train arrives at Euston Station. If you're flying out, remember the Heathrow Express runs late but Gatwick trains end earlier. Check the schedules. A Thames evening cruise is a nice way to end your trip. Sunset sailings are usually less crowded.

    

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• 20 Day British Isles Itinerary, incl. London and Edinburgh

  

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  • Days 1-3

    London

    Take three full days to explore London. Visit Westminster and Parliament early in the morning before the crowds arrive. A past visitor shared: "Taking the free Parliament tour at 9 AM meant zero queues and a more intimate experience." Spend your evenings exploring Soho and Chinatown but remember to book restaurants ahead, especially on weekends. Get an Oyster Card for public transport to save money on fares.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Northern England & Edinburgh

    Travel north to Cambridge (2.5 hours from London) and take a morning punt on the River Cam before the lines get long. Continue to York (4 hours) to see its medieval walls and York Minster. The drive to Edinburgh takes about 5 hours. Book your Edinburgh Castle tickets online to avoid the long entrance lines.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Scottish Highlands

    Stay in Inverness as your base. Take a morning boat tour on Loch Ness when the water is calmer, visit Eilean Donan Castle, and stop at a whisky distillery. Get to Urquhart Castle before 10 AM to avoid tour buses. A visitor noted: "The early morning mist over Loch Ness made for incredible photos - worth the 7 AM start."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Glasgow & Northern Ireland

    Drive through the Highlands to Glasgow (3 hours). Take the afternoon ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast (2.5 hours). Sit on the port side for the best views of the coast. Morning crossings tend to be rougher.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Dublin & Southern Ireland

    Visit Trinity College and the Temple Bar area in Dublin. Travel south to Cork through Kilkenny, stopping at the Rock of Cashel. Visit the English Market in Cork after 2 PM when tour groups leave. A traveler suggested: "The fish stalls at the English Market are incredible, but get there after lunch rush for the best service."

    
  • Days 14-15

    Western Ireland

    See the Cliffs of Moher early, before 9 AM, to beat the fog. Head to Galway for traditional music in local pubs. Plan for a 4-hour drive from Dublin to the west coast. Pack waterproof clothing for western Ireland's frequent rain.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Wales & Northern England

    Take the ferry to Wales (3.5 hours) and visit Caernarfon Castle. Stop in Liverpool and Chester. Walk Chester's city walls in the evening when crowds thin out.

    
  • Days 18-20

    Southern England & London

    Visit Bath's Roman sites and Stonehenge. Book the first 9 AM entry at Stonehenge to avoid crowds. One visitor noted: "The audio guide at Stonehenge is worth getting - it adds crucial context." Return to London via Salisbury to see its famous cathedral spire.

    

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• 19 Days in Britain & Ireland, incl. London and Edinburgh

  

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  • Days 1-2

    London

    "The London Underground is super efficient but avoid rush hour between 8-9:30 AM when locals commute - we learned this the hard way!" Get an Oyster Card for public transport and start your day early at popular sites like the Tower of London to avoid crowds.

    
  • Days 3-4

    York & Edinburgh

    Drive north through Stratford-upon-Avon. Arrive by 10 AM to beat tour buses. In York, explore The Shambles' narrow cobblestone streets after 4 PM when most tourists leave. Stop for photos at Jedburgh Abbey ruins on your way to Scotland. Visit Edinburgh's Royal Mile early morning or evening when it's less crowded.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Scottish Highlands

    Book Edinburgh Castle tickets in advance. Continue to St. Andrews and the Highlands. The drive to Inverness takes about 3.5 hours. Bring layers for unpredictable Highland weather. Take a boat tour from Fort Augustus for the best views of Loch Ness. A recent visitor shares: "Don't miss Culloden Battlefield - the interactive visitor center brings the tragic history alive. Go late afternoon when the moors are quiet and atmospheric."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Glasgow & Lake District

    Drive through the scenic Glencoe valley. After exploring Glasgow's impressive architecture, take the 4-hour drive to the Lake District. If Windermere feels too busy in summer, try the quieter Ullswater area.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Dublin

    Take a 3-hour ferry to Ireland. Book your Book of Kells tickets online and visit Trinity College before 9:30 AM. One traveler suggests: "Skip the crowded Guinness Storehouse and try the more intimate Teeling Whiskey tour instead."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Northern Ireland & Western Ireland

    Explore the beautiful Donegal coastline with good walking shoes. Visit the Cliffs of Moher early for clear views and fewer crowds. A visitor notes: "The visitor center cafe gets packed around lunch - either eat early or bring snacks."

    
  • Days 15-16

    Southern Ireland

    Plan for a 5-hour drive around the Dingle Peninsula. Start early to make the most of it. During peak season, expect long waits at Blarney Castle. Visit Waterford Crystal factory first thing for the best demonstration experience.

    
  • Days 17-19

    Wales & Return to London

    Take the 4-hour ferry to Wales. Visit Cardiff Castle for great city views. Book the earliest entry time at Bath's Roman Baths to avoid crowds. Stop at Windsor Castle on your way back to London, but check their closing times as they change with seasons.

    

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