Places to Visit in Great Britain and Ireland: Five Countries, One Route

For a first visit to the British Isles, the priority list looks like this: in England, London's historic centre and museums; in Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile; in Wales, its castles and mountainous countryside; in Northern Ireland, Belfast and the natural wonders of the coast; and in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin. Although these five countries are close to one another, each has its own identity, accent and scenery. Below we have gathered what you can prioritise in each region.

First, a distinction: the United Kingdom, Great Britain and Ireland

These terms are often confused:

• Great Britain is the large island that is home to England, Scotland and Wales.
• The United Kingdom is the state formed by these three countries plus Northern Ireland.
• The Republic of Ireland is a separate, independent state covering most of the island of Ireland.

This distinction matters in practice too: the currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling, while in the Republic of Ireland it is the euro. Visa rules are also separate for the two states.

England: London and beyond

London is the busiest stop on the route. The main sights you can see in a short time:

• Westminster: The Houses of Parliament and the famous clock tower (the building most people know as Big Ben), together with Westminster Abbey.
• Buckingham Palace: The royal family's official London residence. The Changing of the Guard ceremony draws visitors.
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge: The historic fortress where the Crown Jewels are displayed and the iconic bridge over the Thames.
• Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery: One of the city's central meeting points.
• Museums: World-famous collections such as the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. We describe them in detail in our article guide to London's museums.

Scotland: Edinburgh

Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, impresses at first sight with its castle on a volcanic rock.

• Edinburgh Castle: The historic castle that dominates the city.
• Royal Mile: The main street of the old town, running from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with its narrow alleys (closes) and stone buildings.
• Arthur's Seat: An old volcanic hill within the city; the climb is a little tiring, but the view is your reward.
• Calton Hill: A favourite spot for watching the city at sunset.

Edinburgh's Old and New Towns are together on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Because of the festivals held in the city in August, it gets very crowded at that time.

Wales: castles and mountains

With its own language and culture, Wales is a world of its own. On road signs you will see Welsh alongside English. The country is known for its many medieval castles and its mountainous national parks. The capital, Cardiff, is a compact city with its castle and waterfront area.

Northern Ireland: Belfast and coastal scenery

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is known for its shipbuilding past: the Titanic was built in the city's shipyards. On the north coast lies the Giant's Causeway, famous for its hexagonal basalt columns. This natural wonder is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also famous for the legends surrounding it.

Republic of Ireland: Dublin

Dublin is a lively capital associated with literature and music.

• Trinity College: The historic university where the Book of Kells, an ornate medieval manuscript, is on display.
• Temple Bar: The area known for its pubs and live music.
• The River Liffey and its bridges: A walk along the river that divides the city in two.

Ireland is also known for its green countryside, cliff-lined coasts and small towns.

What to be prepared for on the route

A few practical details make your trip around the British Isles easier:

• Traffic drives on the left. Get into the habit of looking right first when crossing the road.
• The plug type is different. The United Kingdom and Ireland use three-pin plugs; don't forget an adaptor.
• The weather is changeable. Even in summer, carry a raincoat and a warmer layer.
• Pub culture: Pubs are not just places to drink but also places to eat and socialise. They are a good place to try traditional fish and chips.

A brief look at Scottish, Welsh and Irish culture

Each of these countries has its own traditions. In Scotland, bagpipe music, tartan and whisky distilleries stand out; in Wales, the choral tradition and the Welsh language; and in Ireland, traditional music nights and storytelling. Noticing these differences turns the route from a trip to a single country into an encounter with five distinct cultures.

Seeing five countries on one tour

The Great Britain Tour is a programme with hotel accommodation covering England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in 7 nights, 8 days. The catalogue lists the included services as follows:

• Flights with Turkish Airlines
• Accommodation in 4-star hotels
• Breakfast and dinner
• Transport by luxury coach
• Professional guiding

The catalogue lists the countries and included services for this tour; the day-by-day itinerary is shared with the quote once the date is confirmed. At this stage we work out together which of the places above will be in the programme.

To help decide which season to go in, take a look at our article when to go to Great Britain.

Frequently asked questions

Are Great Britain and the United Kingdom the same thing?

No. Great Britain is the island that is home to England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom is the state formed by these plus Northern Ireland.

Is the same visa valid for Ireland and England?

The visa rules of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are separate and may change. Before you travel, check the current situation with the official sources of both countries and the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Which currency is used in the United Kingdom and Ireland?

The pound sterling is used in the United Kingdom and the euro in the Republic of Ireland. Card payment is very common in both countries.

What is the daily programme of the Great Britain tour?

The catalogue lists the countries and included services. The day-by-day itinerary is shared with the quote once the date is confirmed.