7-Day UK and Great Britain Tour Packages
Imagine castles that have watched history unfold for centuries. Edinburgh's sits on volcanic rock, York's medieval walls still circle the old town, and Cambridge's colleges line the river where generations of students have punted. Stratford-upon-Avon built itself around Shakespeare's birthplace, while Hadrian's Wall cuts across northern England after nearly 2,000 years standing. London is a must visit with its history and modern life.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day UK And Great Britain tour itineraries
Compiled by
SteffUK and Great Britain travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day Great Britain Itinerary, incl. London and Edinburgh
A British odyssey through 14 destinations from London to Edinburgh spans one week. Cambridge punting, York's medieval streets, Scottish Highlands, and Stonehenge await. Comfortable stays at Ibis York and Park Inn Cardiff include traditional meals.
- Day 1
London to York via Cambridge
Leave London early at 7 AM to avoid traffic and drive 1.5 hours to Cambridge. Take a 45-minute punt ride on the River Cam. "Bring a light jacket as it gets chilly on the water, even in summer." Drive 3 hours north to York and arrive by late afternoon. Join a walking tour of the historic city walls and explore the medieval Shambles street. Book your traditional Sunday roast dinner for 7 PM to avoid the evening rush.
- Day 2
York to Edinburgh
Leave York at 8 AM and drive north on the A1. Stop at the Angel of the North statue and visit Hadrian's Wall before lunch. The wall site has uneven ground so wear good shoes. Stop in Jedburgh to see the abbey ruins and grab lunch. You'll reach Edinburgh by late afternoon for a quick city tour. "Get to Edinburgh Castle early next morning before the tour groups arrive - the views over the city are spectacular at sunrise."
- Day 3
Edinburgh Free Day
Take a full day to explore Edinburgh at your own pace. Visit the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The castle sits uphill about 15 minutes on foot. If walking is difficult take bus #23. Consider booking the evening Scottish dinner show. "Book the 'Spirit of Scotland' show - the combination of traditional music and storytelling made the evening unforgettable."
- Day 4
Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands
Start your Highland journey with a morning visit to Culloden Battlefield. Take an optional one-hour cruise on Loch Ness and sit on the left side for the best photos. In the afternoon drive through the stunning Glencoe valley. "The Highlands hotel was charmingly rustic but no AC - request a room with a fan in summer months."
- Day 5
Highlands to Liverpool
Start early through Loch Lomond National Park. Visit Gretna Green, famous for its wedding history then stop in the Lake District for lunch. Arrive in Liverpool for an afternoon Beatles tour. The Ibis Liverpool has small rooms so consider keeping just an overnight bag with you.
- Day 6
Liverpool to Cardiff
Visit Stratford-upon-Avon first and spend 2 hours exploring the town center and Shakespeare's Birthplace. Drive into Wales stopping at a medieval castle before reaching Cardiff. Plan your shopping for the morning since most Cardiff stores close by 6 PM.
- Day 7
Cardiff to London via Bath and Stonehenge
Start in Bath and book Roman Baths tickets ahead to skip the lines. Head to Stonehenge around 2 PM when it's usually less crowded. "The walk from the visitor center to the stones takes 20 minutes each way - factor this into your timing." You'll be back in London by early evening.
7 Day Great Britain Christmas Itinerary, incl. Edinburgh and York
This 7-day British Christmas tour takes you through 14 destinations. Float along Cambridge's river, walk Edinburgh's Royal Mile, delve into Liverpool's Beatles history, and admire Bath's Roman heritage. A traditional Christmas lunch and comfortable hotel stays round out the journey.
- Day 1
London to York
Leave London early to avoid rush hour traffic. Your first stop is Cambridge, about 2.5 hours away. Take a winter punt ride on the River Cam but pack warm clothes. One traveler shared: "Punting down the river in Cambridge was magical, though definitely wear gloves and a scarf!" After Cambridge, it's a 3-hour drive to York. Spend your evening on a walking tour through the medieval streets before settling in for dinner at a local pub.
- Days 2-3
Scottish Highlands
Drive north past the Angel of the North statue and Hadrian's Wall. The trip to Glasgow takes roughly 4 hours with breaks. Visit the city's Christmas markets before continuing to the Highlands. Stay in Arrochar village on Loch Long. The next day takes you through Glencoe valley and to Loch Ness. You can take a boat tour for about $20 but bundle up - the lake gets very cold in December.
- Day 4
Edinburgh Christmas Day
Make the most of Christmas in Edinburgh. Begin at Dean Village for photos and head to Calton Hill around 9 AM before it gets busy. Walk along the Royal Mile to see Edinburgh Castle and the old town architecture. A past visitor noted: "Getting to Calton Hill for sunrise on Christmas morning was unforgettable - the city was so peaceful and the views were incredible." Your hotel serves a traditional Christmas lunch.
- Day 5
Lake District & Liverpool
Head south through Carlisle. Take a Winter at Windermere cruise in the Lake District if weather allows. You'll reach Liverpool by late afternoon for a Beatles driving tour. Your evening is free to check out the Cavern Club or see the city's Christmas lights.
- Day 6
Shakespeare's England to Wales
Start with more Beatles sites in Liverpool. Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon (3 hours) where you can visit Shakespeare's birthplace and have afternoon tea for about $30. End the day in Cardiff with an orientation tour and group dinner.
- Day 7
Bath & Stonehenge
Visit Bath's Roman sites and Stonehenge before returning to London in early evening. Remember that December days are short, so sites close early. One reviewer noted: "Good trip, but short on daylight this time of year. Plan indoor activities for late afternoons."
Exploring the United Kingdom and Dublin (8 destinations)
Seven days take you through Ireland, Wales, and England across 6 destinations. A 3-hour ferry from Dublin brings you to Wales for UNESCO-listed Caernarfon Castle and Liverpool's World Heritage port, then on to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford before reaching London.
UK and Great Britain 7 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Great Britain
Great Britain Christmas
Exploring the United Kingdom and Dublin (8 destinations)
The Jewels Of Scotland (Ocean Victory)
Hike Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District
From Dublin to Southern England
Highlights of Scotland Small Group Tour - 7 Days
Independent Edinburgh & London City Stay
Welsh Escape with London
Wild North - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
What people love about 7-day UK and Great Britain tours
- Great Britain
Lots of sights to see on this trip. Most of the optional excursions were very good. The tour of Shakespear's birth place was neat - but not impressed with the tea and fingers sandwiches afterwards. The best part was probably Scotland and our group dinner in the Highlands. One suggestion I have is to start and end the tour at some other location than the Novotel in Greenwich. Although it was right next to a train station, it was very difficult to get to and from Heathrow Airport.
- Great Britain Christmas
My tour guide mike was awesome and made the trip!!
- Wild North - Multi-Day - Small Group Tour of Ireland
The tour was great... Andy the guide and driver was very knowledgeable and interesting. He was also supportive when I injured my knee. Im glad I opted for b&b accommodation...it was always of a comfortable standard.