Planning a trip to the UK and Ireland but unsure how many days are most suitable? From an in-depth tour of the entire island of Ireland to a four-region joint tour of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, different route lengths suit different travel paces and preferences.
This guide will give you a quick overview of 5-day, 6-day, 7-day, 8-day, and 9-day UK and Ireland tour packages, helping you choose the best option based on your time, budget, and interests. Whether you want to visit Game of Thrones filming locations, explore the magical world of Harry Potter, or immerse yourself in the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands, you’ll find route inspiration here.
5 Days 4 Nights: All-Ireland Green Wonders Tour (Small Group from Manchester)
This route is suitable for travelers with limited time who wish to focus on an in-depth tour of the entire island of Ireland, especially those departing from Manchester and its surrounding areas. Compared to multi-country tours, a 5-day itinerary is more focused and relaxed.
The route covers the highlights of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including the Dark Hedges, Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dublin, Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara National Park. It is also perfect for travelers who enjoy Game of Thrones filming locations. Round trip from Manchester and small group travel make the overall experience more flexible and comfortable.
View 5-day All-Ireland itinerary details
6 Days 5 Nights: Classic UK & Ireland Highlights Tour
If you wish to visit England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland within a limited time, this 6-day route is a classic choice. It balances natural scenery, historic cities, and cinematic elements, making it a popular introductory option for first-time visitors to the UK and Ireland.
Tour highlights include the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe Valley, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Edinburgh Old Town, Northern Ireland's Dark Hedges and Giant's Causeway, Dublin's Trinity College, as well as the English Lake District and York Old Town. Along the way, you can also experience crossing the Irish Sea on a high-speed ferry. The overall content is rich, with a compact but focused pace.
Day 1: Depart London/Birmingham/Manchester → Lake District Windermere
Visit the most beautiful natural lake in the English Lake District and explore the Beatrix Potter Attraction.
Day 2: Scottish Highlands → Glencoe Valley → Loch Ness
Travel through Glencoe Valley, a filming location for Braveheart, uncover the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, and visit Urquhart Castle.
Day 3: Edinburgh Half-Day Tour → Ferry to Belfast
Stroll through Edinburgh Old Town, then take a ferry across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland in the afternoon.
Day 4: Dublin Day Trip (Ireland visa required)
Visit Trinity College, Ha'penny Bridge, and the Spire of Dublin. Those without an Irish visa can enjoy free time in Belfast.
Day 5: Dark Hedges → Giant's Causeway → Return to Scotland
Visit Game of Thrones filming locations, explore the World Heritage site Giant's Causeway, and take a ferry back to Scotland.
Day 6: York Half-Day Tour → Return to London/Manchester/Birmingham
Visit York Minster and Shambles (the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter), then return to your departure city in the afternoon.
Price reference: From £807 (adult) | View detailed itinerary
7 Days 6 Nights: In-Depth Tour with Oxford or Cambridge Added
If you wish to add the experience of prestigious British universities and historic cities to the 6-day classic route, a 7-day itinerary would be more suitable. The overall pace is more relaxed than the 6-day tour and is better for travelers who want to combine nature, culture, and academic atmosphere.
This route offers two extension options: the Oxford line adds Oxford University, Christ Church College, and Windsor Castle; the Cambridge line adds Cambridge University City, a punting tour on the River Cam, and Warwick Castle. Each option has its unique charm, but both enhance the overall British cultural experience beyond the classic UK and Ireland loop.
View 7-day Oxford line details | View 7-day Cambridge line details
8 Days 7 Nights: Oxford + Cambridge Dual University Tour
The 8-day itinerary is more suitable for travelers with ample time who wish to further experience British culture and academic atmosphere. It retains the core highlights of the 6-day itinerary and extends to Oxford, Cambridge, and more historical sites, making the overall content more comprehensive.
The route currently offers two options: the 8-day Oxford-Cambridge line includes Oxford, Cambridge, Windsor Castle, and Warwick Castle; the 8-day Cambridge-London line includes Cambridge, Warwick Castle, and an in-depth tour of central London. Compared to the 6-day and 7-day tours, the 8-day tour emphasizes completeness and comfort, suitable for travelers who want to take their time and see more.
View 8-day Oxford-Cambridge line details | View 8-day Cambridge-London line details
9 Days 8 Nights: Ultimate UK & Ireland Panoramic Tour
If you have plenty of time and wish to complete a more comprehensive UK and Ireland trip at a more comfortable pace, then the 9-day itinerary is the most leisurely option. It has the broadest coverage and allows more time for exploration at each stop.
This route includes Oxford, Cambridge, an in-depth tour of central London, and additional free time, covering extra attractions such as Windsor Castle and Warwick Castle. Compared to shorter tours, the biggest advantage of the 9-day tour is its more comprehensive itinerary and relaxed pace, making it ideal for travelers seeking a deeper experience.
How to Choose the Right Itinerary Length for You?
If you're still unsure which product to choose, you can start by considering your travel time, main interests, and departure location. The table below can help you quickly compare the key differences between routes of different durations.
| Days | Suitable for | Key Attractions | Departure Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days | Focused, in-depth tour of Ireland | Northern Ireland + Dublin + Cliffs of Moher + Connemara | Manchester return |
| 6 Days | Limited time, want to quickly see highlights | Scottish Highlands + Northern Ireland + Dublin + York | London/Manchester/Birmingham |
| 7 Days | Want to add university experience | 6-day itinerary + Oxford/Windsor or Cambridge/Warwick | London/Manchester/Birmingham |
| 8 Days | Ample time, seeking deeper immersion | 6-day itinerary + Oxford + Cambridge + Castles | London/Manchester/Birmingham |
| 9 Days | Seeking comfort and comprehensive experience | All highlights + in-depth London + more free time | London return |
Things to Know Before You Go
Visa Requirements (Please confirm final information with relevant embassies or government agencies)
- UK Visa: Mandatory, allows travel to England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.
- Ireland Visa: If you obtained a UK visa in mainland China, you may travel to Dublin; if not, you will have free time in Northern Ireland on Day 4.
Best Travel Season
- June-August: Peak summer season, best weather, long daylight hours, but more tourists.
- September-October: Autumn, comfortable weather, fewer tourists, good value.
- April-May: Spring, blooming flowers, pleasant climate.
Pickup Locations
5-day Ireland itinerary: Manchester return
6-9 day itineraries: Pickup and drop-off options in London, Manchester, Birmingham:
- London: 08:00 Golders Green Underground Station
- Birmingham: 10:00 Airport Railway Station
- Manchester: 12:00 Altrincham Interchange Station
Inclusions
- 4-8 nights in 3-star hotel accommodation (including breakfast)
- Comfortable tour bus
- Round-trip ferry tickets to Ireland (for 6+ day itineraries)
- Chinese-speaking tour guide service
Exclusions
- Meals (lunch, dinner)
- Attraction tickets (Edinburgh Castle, York Minster, etc.)
- Driver/guide gratuities: £6 per person per day
- Single room supplement (if required)
Filming Location Check-in Guide
If you enjoy film-inspired travel, these routes feature many familiar filming locations and inspirations.
Game of Thrones
- The Dark Hedges: King's Road, 18th-century beech tree tunnel
- Giant's Causeway: Iron Islands scenes
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Iron Islands bridge
Harry Potter
- Edinburgh Elephant House Cafe: Where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter
- York Shambles: Inspiration for Diagon Alley
- Dublin Trinity College: Inspiration for Hogwarts Library
- Oxford Christ Church College (7+ day itineraries): Hogwarts Great Hall
Braveheart
- Glencoe Valley: Main filming location
- Scottish Highlands: Multiple scene locations
Travel Tips
Luggage Advice
- Luggage size: Not exceeding 24 inches (64cm L × 41cm W × 26cm H)
- Weight: Not exceeding 20KG
- Recommended to bring: Rain gear, warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes
Booking Advice
- Book 30+ days in advance for free cancellation
- For peak summer season, it's recommended to book 2-3 months in advance
- If you need to share a room, book at least 10 days in advance
Recommended Pre-purchased Tickets
- Edinburgh Castle: £24/person, recommended entry 11:30-13:00
- Loch Ness Cruise + Urquhart Castle: £34.5/person
- York Minster: £20/person
- Giant's Causeway: £17/person
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can children join the tour?
A: Yes. Children aged 3-11 can enjoy a discount if they do not occupy a bed. 2 adults can bring 1 child not occupying a bed.
Q: Can I join as a solo traveler?
A: Yes. You can choose to pay a single room supplement or pre-book a room-sharing service.
Q: What if I don't have an Irish visa?
A: On Day 4, you can choose to stay in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for free activities. The tour fee will be reduced by £20/person.
Q: Is the tour guaranteed to depart?
A: Yes, all tours are guaranteed to depart. Once booked, you can depart.
Q: Can I leave the tour midway?
A: Not recommended. The itinerary is continuous, and no refunds will be given for early departure.
Q: What is the difference between the 5-day Ireland tour and the 6-day tour?
A: The 5-day tour focuses on an in-depth tour of the entire island of Ireland (Northern Ireland + Republic of Ireland), round-trip from Manchester, small group travel; the 6-day tour covers England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, with London/Manchester/Birmingham options.
2026 Special Offer
Early Bird Discount: From now until March 16, book a tour departing on June 12 and two people traveling together will receive an additional £30 off on top of existing discounts.
Promo Code: SCIR60612
2026 Departure Dates
6-day itinerary: June 12/26, July 10/17/24/31, August 7/14, September 4/25, October 2, 2026 (Friday departures)
For other itinerary lengths, please check the specific product page for departure dates.
Book Your UK & Ireland Trip Now
Whether you choose a 5-day in-depth Ireland tour, a 6-day classic highlights tour, or a 9-day panoramic in-depth experience, the UK and Ireland will offer a multi-layered travel memory. From the magnificent scenery of the Scottish Highlands to the filming locations of Northern Ireland; from the literary charm of Dublin to the historical sites of England, every day is full of anticipation.
Start planning your UK & Ireland trip now.
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