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UK and Great Britain Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable UK and Great Britain tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in UK and Great Britain and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 195004 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of UK And Great Britain travel companies & tour operators with 195004 reviews

• Excellent - 74,882 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Great trip, good hotels and guiding and lovely food!

Loved that I was able to see so much.

Europamundo

• Good - 2,934 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Filipo and Gaitano were excellent guides. The itinerary was Ok in and Italy but not much in Paris and London

Such a great trip, one of my favorite. The guide was excellent and the best part is I met some fantastic people!

• Excellent - 860 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Gerry Baines did a wonderful job in keeping everything organized, and on time.

We got to experience 5 countries and numerous cities! Never could have done this so efficiently and cost effectively on our own. And in each place we visited, we were provided historical and modern day insights, information, and cultural entertainment. Our tour director Sarah Rose was amazing. Her primary concern was always her guests' enjoyment and comfort. She went above and beyond! David, our coach driver, was also fantastic! Once in a lifetime experience for our family! Loved it!!!!

Expat Explore Travel

• Excellent - 4,224 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Overall the trip was well coordinated. There were minor glitches that were easily resolved

Great trip. Mile and Russell were also great.

• Excellent - 1,881 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

I absolutely loved the Real Britain tour by Trafalgar! Our guide Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour which made our time so enjoyable! Our driver Ian was also very good! I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants a well-rounded taste of England! I was very happy to see a bit of Scotland as well! The only thing I would ask is that Tour Radar would put more specific details about the tour on their site as it appears on Trafalgar’s website. I would have appreciated the list of the names of the hotels, optional experiences, and which particular meals were included etc. Having finished the tour, I know better where I would like to stay longer the next time I’m in England! I got to see so much amazing scenery in the countryside as we travelled and sights at the destinations we stopped. It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience!

Tourradar gave me several options to choose from. I chose to go with Trafalgar. It had very good reviews. Everything was very well planned and the accommodations chosen were very good. I would use them again!

• Excellent - 19,641 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Wonderful! First time traveling outside of the US alone. It was a beautiful tour! Henry was amazing! He was full of knowledge and fun facts. The itinerary was awesome and well organized. So happy I went! I made life long friends sling the way! Recommend and will be using this tour again soon! Just book it! You’ll love it!

Time to go around places of interest was limited. Most of the time we reach our destinations just in time for the excursion and no spare time to go around. Overall I enjoyed the tour with the complimentary bit of history narration from the Tour Director.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 625 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Wonderful trip. Saw a great variety of places.

Scotland was beautiful, the hotels and meals ....not so good. The coach and driver were excellent, while the tour director had exactly nothing to say while driving for hours thru magnificent landscapes. The Edinburgh hotel was passable, but was not in Edinburgh. The hotel in Glasboro was a Radison Blue, which was fine. the remaining hotels were awful. In one hotel we had a double bed, not a king, not a queen, but a double bed....really! In 2 hotels the fire alarms went off before 6AM in the morning. You had to react because these buildings were old and most may have lacked fire protection. The hotel breakfasts were generally awful, crowded, and long waits to get a coffee from the machine. The included dinners were terrible, the same menu night after night. One exception was the included dinner in Edinburgh, which was at a restaurant and was quality food and drink. everything after that was trash. breakfast on the last day in Glasgow was very nice, and what I would have expected from an upscale tour. One thing I thought was an insult, was the night spent on Skye. There was no included tour of Skye, so if you wanted to see anything other than the hotel, the only choice was an optional $29.00 bus ride for an hour or so. Bad weather forced the cancellation of the trip to Orkney...so we killed a day with a castle visit. Earlier this year we were on a Viking river cruise that missed a port for a mechanical reason. Before I got home, Viking sent me a $1000.00 credit for a future cruise. They know how to treat guests, Insight not so much. In summary, low end hotels that were in many cases dirty, and mediocre food, and a tour director that had nothing to say. that will be my first and last Insight tour.

Haggis Adventures

• Excellent - 1,964 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Tom is a great guide. Would recommend the tour.

Great tour really knowledgeable guides Steve and Brodie were fantastic Great content for the tour and would highly recommend Haggis tours

Overland Ireland - Small Gr…

• Excellent - 466 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Everything about our Overland Ireland tour was a fulfillment of a dream. Our guide was knowledgeable, kind and personable. The bus was solid and clean. Ireland is a place of magic and we were immersed in its beauty. All That said I am extremely displeased with the service of Tour radar. Your communication skills are so sadly lacking. We went to the wrong starting point but it was the place YOU posted to go. We Wil NEVER se Tpur radar again. It was only through the kindness of our tour guide and several well placed phone calls that we actually got to go on the tour even though we were where we thought we needed to be at the right time.

Mike was an excellent guide, informative, very knowledgeable and flexible with the itinerary when necessary

MacBackpackers

• Excellent - 2,511 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

It was great! An amazing first date with the Highlands and Isle of Skye, as our guide put it. :) This tour lets you get a good idea of what Isle of Skye is like and it's a great short escape to a place that feels like driving around in a postcard or National Geographic documentary. Our guide, Neil, was also truly wonderful. You get great value for what you paid and the tour is really well organised. I would 100% recommend this tour and I'm pretty sure I'll be back at MacBackpackers for some of the other tours as well.

We had a great time with Neale on our three day tour of isle of skye! Very good storyteller and entertaining. Highlight was the old man of storr hike.

• Excellent - 4,618 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Roxy (tour guide) and Adam (driver) are legends! They are so knowledgeable and professional. Definitely made the trip amazing for all of us. Thank you so much Roxy and Adam!

It was an incredible, well-organized, and fun trip!

• Excellent - 27 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Jose the tourist guide was excellent, the hotels except for the last one were very good, the landscape and scenery was amazing, very recommended

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,682 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.

I recently traveled with a friend to Scotland. We included a week long tour with Intrepid, booked through Tour Radar. We paid a very healthy sum for the tour, $3,460 each. The description said the trip was appropriate for ages 15-99. It also described two nights in Portree on Isle of Skye with a private van tour on the full day on Isle of Sky. My friend and I chose this tour because of the time spent in Portree and on Isle of Skye, the small group size, and that if it was okay for ages 15-99 then I’d be fine six months post a major knee surgery. What wasn’t included in the description and what happened: -No where did it say that we’d be expected to walk/transport our luggage on foot from Points of transportation to our lodging ranging from 10-20 minutes. My 94 year old father-in-law lives with us and is able bodied, but there’s no way he could have done these distances While also carrying/pulling luggage. My 87 year old mother could not accomplish this either. I could do it with my recovering knee, but I was slower and it also used up some of the energy I needed for enjoying walking portions of the tour. I didn’t anticipate having to schlep my suitcase for 15 minutes at a time over uneven sidewalks, etc. I would have packed differently had I known or we would have looked for a different tour. -My friend and I still wonder why Fort Williams was included on the itinerary as a place to stay?
The only thing Intrepid provided was a walk to a castle that wasn’t open for visitors. The rest was on our own and there really wasn’t much happening other than a nice, little museum. We would have preferred more time on Isle of Skye. -We were notified prior to departure that our time on Isle of Skye would be at Kyleakin - not in Portree- and we’d have to arrange our own tour. Phone numbers were provided but no one on the tour had any luck booking anything prior to arriving, calls not returned, no availability, etc. So, 3-4 of our tour group spent 2 FULL hours or more on their phones while we were in Fort Williams trying to come up with some options for us. They pieced together a public bus ride to/from Kyleakin to Portree and a private taxi tour at our own expense! (After paying for it in the cost of our tour.) This should have been done by Intrepid!! Not once were we offered reimbursement. We didn’t have any time in Portree. We’d hoped to have lunch before our taxi tour, but all the restaurants were full. I found a to-go cup of tea and scone at a bike shop, then time in cue to use a bathroom. I’d looked forward to staying in Portree and had many places I had planned to walk to when not on the private van tour we were sold but didn’t get. Also, While staying in Kyleakin, the guest house did not provide a cooked breakfast, just light snacks in our rooms. Breakfast was provided, but we had to walk to/from the restaurant that was a mile each way. This used up time we could have been site seeing. Also, it would use up my knee energy for the days site-seeing. My friend went to breakfast but I skipped the walk to reserve my energy for site-seeing. Oh, and the whiskey tasting…we passed distilleries but we Were given a private lesson on tasting with our tour guide. While he did a fine job, the setting was not the same as a distillery setting. The room was bare, we used wine glasses, we were Supposed to take notes but no hard surfaces to write on, etc. Just wasn’t what any of us were expecting. I found Intrepid’s disregard for the changes and the misleading descriptions as to be very unprofessional. I use tours so that I don’t have to do all of the arranging. Why pay you if I’m going to have to do it myself? Next time I book a tour, I’ll be sure to avoid Intrepid. Many friends have asked about my trip. Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment was the tour. I’ve shared that multiple times now. I’m not the only member of the group that walked away Disappointed. We didn’t want to “blame” the tour guide, I don’t think he was responsible, he was just trying to keep us happy as he could sense how displeased we were. His answers too our questions were not satisfying at all. He seemed to be trying to cover for the company best he could.

Irish Experience Tours

• Excellent - 252 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

The tour arrangements were very good. The bus was comfortable; B&B were clean and offered good breakfast; the sights and the stops for a break were carefully chosen to ensure traveller comfort. Anthony Dawson was a great guide. He explained the history of each of the places visited, took care to ensure that no one was late in joining the bus. My fellow tourists were an excellent lot. Overall, a great experience

The trip was amazing. Our bus driver/tour guide, Lee, was fantastic. He looked after us and shared his love and knowledge of Ireland so that we grew to love it too. Nothing was too much trouble. Our accommodation was perfect and the food and pubs were better than I had I had imagined. Can't recommend it enough.

Highland Experience Tours

• Excellent - 209 reviews for UK and Great Britain tours

Jamie was sensational

Wee Andy was a perfect host. He was personable,friendly and managed to learn all of our 11 names in minutes. He was very knowledgeable on the tour itinerary and showed a good sense of humour. We felt confident with him as a driver and tour leader as he was able to manage anything that was thrown at him, from itinerary changes due to storms as well as any accomodation issues. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and cannot fail it at any level. Well done Andy and experience tours!

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Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in England 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in England. Below you will find 25 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in England offering in total 271 tours and holidays through-out England. Combined they have received 438 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in England are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Wildlife, landscapes and nature.

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24 Tour Operators in England with 438 Reviews

Brendan Vacations

• Address Brendan Vacations 801 E. Katella Avenue Anaheim, California 92805, California, USA
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 1 hour

Walkers' Britain

• Address 1B Osiers Road, London, England
• Response Rate 83%
• Response Time 3 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

• Address 109 Power Road, Chiswick, London, England
• Response Rate 81%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

Mckenzie Mountaineering

• Address Hillcrest Braes , Ullapool, Scotland
• Response Rate 100%

Expat Explore

• Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England

Collette Tours

• Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
• Response Rate 84%

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
• Response Rate 96%

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 88%

Luxury Gold

• Response Rate 60%

• Address 38-51 Bedford Way, London, England

The London Bicycle Tour Company

• Address 74 Kennington Road, London, England

Indus Travels

• Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
• Response Rate 98%

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

• Address 15/56 Pitt St, Sydney, Australia
• Response Rate 74%

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Best UK Tours 2023/4 – Reviews & Itinerary Guide

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 13, 2023

Taking one of the many UK tours on offer can be a great way to explore the United Kingdom if this is one of your first trips in the UK. There are several advantages to taking a guided or self-guided tour for part (or all) of your time visiting the UK. 

Guided tours of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland allow you to minimise the travel hassle as you’ll have a company to do most of the planning for you, and many of the United Kingdom tour package options we’ve included here allow you to see far more of the UK in a shorter period of time than it would be possible to do on your own. 

Guided tours of UK can also offer good value for money, and there are some great UK trip packages on offer. Unfortunately, choosing which UK tour to take is not so easy – as the choice of tours in UK can be really overwhelming. There are just so many, so where to start looking? 

In this guide I’ll walk you through some of my favourite UK tour itineraries and how to choose the best UK tour that’s right for you. Whether you’re looking for England tours, cheap UK tours, all-inclusive England vacation packages, or the best coach holidays UK has, you’ll find plenty of options in this blog. I’ve also included some of my recommended cycling and walking holidays UK has for those looking for an active break. 

Let’s get started with the best Great Britain tours 2023/4 options on offer! 

Best Tours of Great Britain – Comparison Chart

When is the best time to go on your uk trip , mode of transport, pace of travel, elegance of great britain – insight vacations – 11 days, castles & kilts – trafalgar tours – 10 days, great britain 7 days, uk by train – great rail journeys uk – 12 days.

• The Lake District & Scotland – Rabbie's – 9 Days

Highlights of Scotland – G Adventures – 7 Days

Country roads of scotland – insight vacations – 9 days.

• Best of Scotland 

8 Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast

Britain and ireland, essential britain & ireland – globus – 10 days, britain & ireland explorer – insight vacations – 13 days, walk hadrian’s wall, g adventures, globus journeys , great rail journeys, insight vacations, intrepid travel, indus travels , trafalgar travel, rabbie’s tours, extending your british tour with extra days in london.

If you want to compare even more of the best coach trips the UK has or other styles of tour, I recommend TourRadar as a great place to compare tours and read more UK tour reviews. 

When planning for your trip to England or the rest of the UK, it’s important to take seasonality into consideration. I go over all the details of the weather and the seasons in the UK here in this article . 

When comparing tour operator UK options and which trip to take, be aware that UK tours tend to run with reduced frequency during the winter months, with many of the best UK tour packages running more frequently in spring and summer (April – August).

While some British coach holidays run year-round, speciality outdoor trips such as cycling holidays UK options may only run during summer months. 

Best United Kingdom Tours – Choosing the Best Tour for you

When searching for the best UK travel packages and tours, there are many factors to consider. Here are some of the top things I recommend taking a few minutes to think about before deciding on the best tour of Britain for you: 

Many of the most popular UK guided tour options are small group tours. UK small group tours vary widely in size with what is deemed to be a ‘small’ group – with some having up to 50 in a group while others keep it to 12 or under. 

Coach tours UK options are a convenient way to travel around with the rest of your group and often allow more to be fitted into an itinerary than independently travelling by train.

These range in style and you can find plenty of luxury coach holidays UK options as well as budget bus tours UK.

If you want to take the train but also like the idea of a guided tour, you could consider one of the train holidays UK options listed below. 

This is the one most of us forget to consider! In order to fit as much in as possible, some of the popular coach holidays in England and the rest of the UK move very fast, taking in multiple cities and sights in a day and usually spending only 1 night in a place. 

This can get tiring, so if you prefer to spend at least a couple of nights in each place, check for itineraries that allow you more time or you could consider choosing one of the self-drive holidays UK options available. 

Also, see our tips at the end of this article for extending your stay in the UK by spending extra days in London, Edinburgh, or any of the other common UK tour starting and endpoints. 

England vacation packages and tours have different inclusions depending on the style of trip and company.

Most include transport, guide, accommodation and some meals, but check the small print so you know what you are and aren’t getting included on tours to England.

The entrance fees to many sights are often not included in tour pricing. 

Best Great Britain Tours (England, Scotland, Wales)

Below you’ll find our favourite United Kingdom trip tour packages that take in England, Scotland and in some cases Wales, too. For tours that also include Ireland, see the next section. 

Best for seeing England & Scotland at a more leisurely pace

Starting in Edinburgh and finishing in London, this 11-day journey through some of England and Scotland’s finest sights is a great option for those wanting to travel in comfort or who are looking for the best UK tours for seniors. 

This is one of our favourite England and Scotland tour packages if you prefer a tour that spends 1-2 nights in each place and allows you to relax more in the places that you visit.

Staying at 4* accommodations throughout the trip, this itinerary starts in Edinburgh and takes in Gretna Green, the stunning Lake District , historic York, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds and Bath before finishing up in London.

Travel is by private coach. 

As trips to England and Scotland go, this Insight Vacations UK trip is one for those who want to see the best of the UK’s history, natural beauty and culture in comfort and style. If you have additional time, we highly recommend adding on extra days in London or Edinburgh (or both!). 

Click here for more info and pricing

Best for fitting lots of England in at a great price

Starting in London and finishing in Edinburgh, this 10 day London – Scotland tour by Trafalgar Tours England is a great option for those who want to see as much as possible during their trip and don’t mind travelling at a faster pace. 

One of the popular tours of England and Scotland, this itinerary spends 3 days taking in the sights of London at the start of the tour, so you don’t need to worry about booking additional time at the start of the tour (unless you want to).

From London, head north to Oxford and Bath before crossing the Welsh borders and exploring some fine Welsh castles . You’ll also visit Chester, Lancaster and Hadrian’s wall before finishing in Edinburgh. 

If you want to include a trip to Wales in your UK tour itinerary then this is a great tour to go for, and history lovers will enjoy every stop of this trip that showcases the UK’s history from the Wars of the Roses to Roman Bath – you even get to stay at Ruthin Castle in Wales – a 13th century castle with its original moat!

Best for seeing it all in seven days

If you only have seven days to spend in the UK, this whistle-stop tour will whisk you up and down the length and breadth of Britain to introduce you to the highlights. Included on the itinerary are a list of destinations for day trips outside London – and beyond. 

The cities of Bath, Cambridge and York in England, plus the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, are included. Stratford-upon-Avon is also visited as the home of the UK’s most revered playwright. Experiences to savour include seeing Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis in Scotland, and enjoying a traditional roast dinner in historic, compact York. 

In addition to Georgian Bath and the capital London, this seven day tour takes you to some other fascinating UK locations too. There’s sculptor Antony Gormley’s famous Angel of the North artwork, a Scottish border town, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness.

Once you head down the west coast, the musical and sporting city of Liverpool awaits. You’ll also venture into Wales to see the city of Cardiff and a ​​mediaeval Welsh castle. After touring Bath, the last stop en route back to London is Stonehenge. This ancient site is shrouded in mystery – and a must on the itinerary of every visitor to the UK.

Best for train travel and rail holidays UK

There’s arguably nothing more quintessentially British than train travel – and if life on the rails in Britain is what you’ve been romanticising about, then this is one of the train tours UK for you.

This UK rail itinerary takes in the best of Scotland and England, with the chance to ride on one of the best-known steam train trips UK has to offer on the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig.

You’ll travel on the West Highland Line, North East Main Line that links Edinburgh and York, and the West Coast Mainline south from Glasgow.

Travel is at a more leisurely pace with 2 nights spent in most cities, staying in mostly 4* hotels. You’ll also get to see Bath and Stonehenge before finishing in London. 

If you’re looking for guided tours of England and Scotland by train, this is a great itinerary to go for. You’ll get to experience many of the UK’s best-known railways and take in the country’s top historic and cultural sights along the way. Travel is by train and private coach. 

The Lake District & Scotland – Rabbie’s – 9 Days

Best for taking in the beautiful scenery of the Lake District & Scottish Highlands

Rabbie’s tours of the UK offer great value for money, and if you want to be immersed in some of the UK’s finest landscapes and are interested in guided walking holidays UK options, this is a great way to dip your toes in. 

Starting in Manchester, this itinerary is a ‘rail and trail’ combination of 2 Rabbie’s trips , meaning you’ll change minibus and guide half way through.

First you’ll explore the stunning Lake District in the beautiful north west of England, enjoying Windermere and Ullswater before taking the train up to Edinburgh for your Highlands adventure that visits some of the most scenic spots on Scotland’s west coast: Uban, Mull and Skye before heading back to the mainland to visit the iconic Eilean Donan castle. 

If you’re looking for the best adventure tours UK has, then we recommend Rabbie’s who deliver great tours at a budget-friendly price point for those who love the outdoors.

Best for Scottish Highlands exploring and Solo Trips UK. 

If you’re looking to focus your UK trip on Scotland , then this 7 day Scotland tour from Edinburgh by G Adventures is well worth a look.

G Adventures also offer very reasonable single supplements if you’re looking for the best solo holidays uk options – or you can choose to share a room with another traveller of the same sex. Either way, G Adventures UK is popular with solo travellers. 

Starting in Edinburgh and finishing in Glasgow, this Scotland tour takes in Inverness and the famous Loch Ness, Culloden Moor (famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745), the beautiful Isle of Skye and Fort William, with a chance to snap the famous Jacobite Steam Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (a must for Harry Potter fans) en route.

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis in 3* hotels and travel is by private minibus. 

If you want the highlights of the highlands of Scotland, this is a good tour to go for, with the option to add on extra days at the start or end of your tour – you could easily spend more time in Edinburgh, or head down to London. 

Off the beaten-path Highlands of Scotland

One of our favourite Great Britain vacation packages for getting a little off the beaten path is this wonderful northern Scotland adventure by Insight Vacations. Perfect for those wanting to see more of the Scottish Highlands or try something different when it comes to the many UK holiday packages. 

Starting in Edinburgh, on this upscale tour you’ll take in Inverness and Loch Ness, the beautiful and remote Orkney Islands at the northern tip of Scotland – a part that few visitors see – before heading south down the west coast of Scotland to take in the Isle of Skye, the stunning Glencoe pass and Loch Lomond before finishing up in Glasgow.

Accommodation is in 4* hotels and travel is by private coach. 

This is certainly one of the best UK coach holidays 2021 has to offer if the Scottish Highlands have been calling to you. You’ll love this one if you want to see the full diversity of landscapes and richness of community and culture that Scotland has. 

Best of Scotland  

Best for uncovering all four corners of Scotland  

If you want to find the best luxury coach tours in the UK that cover much of what lies north of the border, then the Best of Scotland tour from Trafalgar is a popular option for summer. The adventure begins in the capital of Edinburgh on day one. You’ll then be transported around Bonnie Scotland for seven days before ending up in Glasgow. 

This vibrant city lies to the west of Edinburgh. It’s the biggest in Scotland in terms of both population and square mileage. The metropolis is renowned for its magnificent architecture and as a cultural hub for fans of music, museums and more.

After arrival and on the second day of the tour, you’ll delve deeper under the surface of the historic and breathtakingly beautiful Scottish capital. Key sights including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Palace of Holyroodhouse are visited during your guided tour, and you’ll also enjoy free time to spend as you wish. 

Between leaving Edinburgh and arriving in Glasgow – both of which are in southern Scotland – you’ll head north. The first stop is St. Andrews, where Prince William met Kate Middleton, before overnighting at a hotel in the Cairngorms National Park. During day four, you’ll visit the site of the famous Jacobite uprising, see Eilean Donan Castle, look out for the Loch Ness Monster and head over to the Isle of Skye. 

The fifth day of the tour includes Ben Nevis and Glencoe en route to Glasgow. After staying overnight there, you’ll take a city tour before calling at Clydeside whisky distillery and Stirling Castle on day six. Day seven is departure day, unless you decide to stay on in Glasgow for longer. 

Best for touring unspoiled Scotland

If what appeals to you most about the British Isles is the chance to spend time in Bonnie Scotland, this tour to far northern Scotland might be the one for you. It’s what Great Britain vacations are made of for many – beguiling cities, beautiful coastline and of course a dazzlingly rich and varied history. 

Day one transports you from Edinburgh to Inverness, via the famous Forth Bridge, picture-perfect Perthshire, the peaceful village of Dunkeld, the fascinating Highland Folk Museum, the Cairngorms National Park, bloody Culloden Battlefield and the standing stones at Clava Cairns. 

Next up on the second day is the spectacular North Coast 500 trail, via French-style Dunrobin Castle, en route to the island of Orkney. Puffin territory and an astonishingly well-preserved Neolithic settlement await after overnighting on Orkney. 

Both the better-known and lesser seen sights of Scotland make up much of the tour’s second half. These include Smoo Cave in Sutherland, the harbour village of Ullapool, Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye, the Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William and Glencoe.

During the last day, you can also choose to take an optional side trip to one of the Western Isles – namely Iona, Kerrera, Mull or Staffa. Alternatively, climb up Battery Hill in Oban or call into the 

 local Whisky Distillery. Finally, before heading back to Edinburgh, visit the Kelpies and Stirling Castle. 

Best England, Ireland, Scotland Tour packages

Some of these itinerary options include the best England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales tours for a comprehensive circuit of the British Isles, while others combine Ireland and Scotland to get a fuller taste of the Celtic lands. 

Best for a whistle-stop tour of the UK and Ireland

If seeing England and Scotland isn’t enough for you, then you might like to add on Ireland. This ten day trip is arguably the best way to see England, Scotland and Ireland in one hit. It lasts for ten days, and packs far more into that time than you could feasibly manage on a self-guided basis. 

First up after departing London is Shakespeare country and Stratford-upon-Avon, then it’s the Yorkshire cities of York and Bradford. The Yorkshire Dales, Lake Windermere, Gretna Green and Glasgow are then on the agenda for day three. 

There’s a day in Edinburgh for the fourth day, before heading to Ayrshire, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny and Waterford on day five and six. Cardiff, Bath and Windsor are the final stops before the tour winds up back in London. 

This tour offers incredible value for money, and really maximises each and every day when time in the UK is tight. 

Best for trips to England and Ireland that include the main highlights

If you’re looking at tours of England, Scotland and Ireland, then this 10 day trip by Globus may tick all the right boxes. 

Start and end in London on this tour that takes in the English highlights of Stonehenge and Bath before exploring Newport and Cardiff in Wales en route by ferry to Waterford and Dublin in Ireland.

Head north through Ireland towards the up-and-coming city of Belfast and crossing back into Scotland to take in the sights of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

On the final leg you’ll head south through York and Stratford upon Avon to London to soak up the best of English history. Travel is by coach. 

This is one of the best tours of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland if you’re tight on time and don’t want to forgo any of the countries of the British Isles. The travel is at a fairly fast pace though – so you may wish to add on a few days to relax at the end of your trip. 

Best for combining Scottish Highlands & Ireland

One of the comprehensive UK tours from London options in this list, this itinerary works well if you want to start in London and have a few days before your trip starts to explore the UK’s capital – either through an extension booked through Insight or under your own steam. 

Leaving London, this ultimate UK tour takes in the historic English highlights of Stratford and York before heading past Hadrian’s Wall to Edinburgh and circling the Scottish Highlands.

Take in the legendary sights of Loch Ness, Glencoe and a boat trip on Loch Lomond before heading back south into England and Wales, and crossing over into Ireland.

Travel is by private coach and accommodation is at 4* hotels. 

On this grand UK tour, you’ll spend a total of 5 nights in Ireland and 7 in England & Scotland, making this the perfect UK tour packages from London when you just want to see it all! 

Best for English countryside and Roman history

Following the route of Hadrian’s Wall makes for one of the best road trips in the UK. Though the wall is quite justifiably famous, the route along it is far less touristy than other parts of the British Isles. The wall stretches from near Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the east to the compact city of Carlisle in the west. 

Hadrian’s Wall can be found within the more peaceful parts of England’s two most northerly counties. As this is a walking tour you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness, but this also means you’ll get up really close to the sights of Cumbria and Northumberland. And of course the unspoiled English countryside, with its dry stone walls and sheep-dotted emerald fields. 

To give you some idea of the distances, the first day’s walk is around eight miles, between Carlisle and Irthington. Other walks include the six mile trek between Lanercost Priory and Gilsland, the three-and-a-half Walltown Crags to Haltwhistle route and seven miles from Once Brewed to Brocolitia Fort. It’s also nine miles from Chollerford to East Wallhouses, and about five from East Wallhouses to Wylam. 

Highlights of this tour include the pretty Cumbrian village Crosby-on-Eden; Birdoswald, Housesteads, Brocolitia and Vindolanda Roman Forts, Walltown quarry, Sycamore Gap, the site of the victory of Oswald and the historic old Military Road. 

Best Tour Companies UK Reviews

Not sure which of the best travel agency UK options you should pick? Below you can find a short review of what to expect when travelling with any of the UK tour companies mentioned above. 

G Adventures tours are known for their good value and experience-rich approach. They attract travellers of all ages, both couples and solo travellers, thanks to their twin-share policy where single travellers can travel at no extra cost if they share with another traveller of the same sex.

Travel is in small groups (max 12) and includes a local tour guide “CEO”. Accommodation is in mid-range hotels and guest houses, and typically breakfasts and entry to some sights are included.

Travel in the UK is mostly by private mini-bus unless otherwise stated. 

Popular for coach tours in the UK and around the world, Globus Journeys offer guided coach tours in the UK and Ireland, either with smaller groups (max 24) or larger groups (up to 50) depending on the style of the trip.

Accommodation is typically in tourist class hotels (3* and 4*) with well known brands. Globus is popular among travellers aged in their 50’s, 60’s and up for the convenience of travel by coach and their tours have more meals and excursions included than some.

Expect itineraries that pack places in, so you’ll see a lot, and stays are typically 1 night. 

GRJ are the go-to for UK steam tours and railway journeys around the UK and beyond, so if travelling the UK by train is what you’re hoping to do, look no further.

Itineraries are designed to take in iconic lines and to provide the best steam train holidays UK has (or ‘regular’ trains). Journeys are escorted by a Tour Manager, and the majority of travellers are either solo travellers or couples aged between 45 – 80.

Accommodation is in 3* hotels or higher. The maximum group size on any trip is 50, or you can opt for a tailor made travel experience. 

Insight Vacations are an upscale tour company offering luxury UK coach tours with up to 40 people per group.

Travellers are typically 45 and up, and itineraries are a little more relaxed than many other tour companies, including 2 night stays at many destinations and “relaxed starts” in the morning spread out through the trip allowing time to catch up on rest if you need it.

Accommodation is in 4* hotels and trips are accompanied by a tour manager. 

Famous for great value adventures around the world, in the UK Intrepid offer a range of shorter ‘retreat’ style trips – so if you’re after hiking trips UK or a guided walking and cycling holiday, look no further.

Accommodation is in local guest houses and you’ll be accompanied by your own Intrepid Travel guide for the duration of the trip.

Maximum group size is 12, and rooms are on a twin share basis with the same sex if you’re a solo traveller, or you can pay a supplement to have your own room. 

Offering a mix of small group tours, independent adventures, cruises and self-drive vacations, Indus Travels allows you to set your own pace of travel with flexible itineraries when you choose one of their ‘unbundled tours’ or self-drive trips.

Self-drive trips are just you, your car rental, itinerary and accommodation, whereas group tours have up to 22 travellers, English-speaking local guides, deluxe accommodation and air conditioned coaches included.

Indus is popular with younger and older travellers alike, with many travellers in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. 

Well known and popular Trafalgar Tours England have been offering coach travel around the UK for many years and have many happy customers behind them.

Group tours have a maximum of 50 people, travelling by coach to the most popular destinations. They are popular for England tours for seniors (and younger people), and on any of their England tour packages you’re guaranteed to have a lot packed into your itinerary. That’s one thing to bear in mind – this is definitely not slow travel – but it’s a good way to get an overview of the British Isles.

All tours are accompanied by a guide and accommodation is tourist class 3* or 4* international standard hotels. 

Rabbie’s tours have some great England travel deals (and beyond). They’re a small group tours company providing great value breaks that help you get off the beaten track in the UK and Europe.

Rabbie’s aim to support local communities and promote responsible travel, by keeping tour groups small (10 people). They also work differently to other tour companies in that accommodation is not included in the tour price – once you book your tour you can choose your accommodation from a selection offered by Rabbie’s to suit your budget and preferences.

The name Rabbie’s comes from the nickname for famous Scot, Robert Burns! 

If you have a day, two, or more aside from your tour, we highly recommend taking advantage of those to explore London, or another city if your tour is starting from elsewhere – Edinburgh is another popular starting point for the UK tours mentioned in this guide. 

While some tours include sightseeing in London (or another departure city), not all do – or they include a very shortened version – and trust us that 1 day is definitely not enough to see London in, especially if you’re jetlagged. 

If you can, arrive a few days before your tour begins to enjoy the top London sights and get onto UK time if you’re flying in from far away. You can find our complete London travel guide here to get you started.

If you have specific questions about a destination in the UK why not join my UK and London Travel Planning Group on Facebook where you can chat with others planning their trip.

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United kingdom.

Regal. Charming. Scenic.

Comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the United Kingdom definitely has dozens of reasons worth leaving home for. Mountains, valleys, hills and dales, forests and gardens, oh and no less than 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites scattered throughout, are but a few. You will find a slew of cathedrals, castles, palaces and country houses spanning history. Centuries of inspiring the world, influencing the arts, and forming natural beauty have developed this land into one great nation.

Destination Must-See's

A world in a city is a common way to describe the metropolis of London, the capital of England. A cultural melting pot of over 230 nationalities, London is the financial, political and cultural capital of the UK. It is booming with activity and bursting with sightseeing treasures. You’ll find historic highlights from the haunting Tower of London to the ornate Buckingham Palace and more modern attractions such as the world-famous Harrods department store and the towering London Eye.

The capital city and second most populous in Scotland, Edinburgh has been recognized for its historic and cultural attractions. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK after London. Great shopping, historic architecture and great Scottish whisky are just part of its allure. Its greatest draw is Edinburgh Castle. This sprawling medieval castle and fortress sits atop Castle Rock in the city center, dominating Edinburgh’s skyline.

Giant’s Causeway:

At the foot of the basalt cliffs on the coast of Northern Ireland’s County of Antrim lies the stunning Giant’s Causeway. Travelers flock to this UNESCO World Heritage site to experience the 40,000 massive dark columns rising from the sea. The natural phenomena has sparked legends of giants and magic, but its unique geology points to volcanic activity from over 50 million years ago. The Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful sight and the experience of a lifetime.

Cornwall, a region located on a peninsula in southwest England, is comprised of many different towns and villages that feature beautiful beaches and picturesque coastlines. Bordered by the Celtic Sea and the English Channel, one of its most popular towns is St. Ives. This seaside port town just north of Penzance on the coast of the Celtic Sea is known as the art center of West Cornwall and has a sub-tropical feel and beautiful beaches.

Destination Must-Do's

England’s Lake District:

Lose yourself in the natural beauty of this mountainous region in northwest England dotted with tranquil lakes. One of the picturesque villages in the region is Grasmere, once home of and inspiration to the romantic poet William Wordsworth. Perhaps you will take a sail on one of the lakes and take in the peaceful backdrop of lush green mountains, serene shorelines and pristine calm waters dotted with tiny islands.

Stonehenge:

Walk in the footsteps of so many before you when visiting prehistoric Stonehenge. This mysterious rock formation dates back to the Stone Age and remains one of the world’s most famous sites. Standing in the middle of the most dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, Stonehenge is perhaps the most important prehistoric monument in England. The experience of seeing this timeless monument is not to be missed – it will surely be a highlight of your visit.

This large, deep freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extends approximately 23 miles southwest of the city of Inverness. Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the Loch Ness monster. While Loch Ness is not the largest Scottish loch by surface area, it is the largest by volume, with its deepest point at 755 feet. Along the shore, you will find the ruins of Urquhart Castle. This once mighty site rests on the headwaters of Loch Ness and dates back as far as the 13th century.

Prepare to step back in time in the English countryside. The Cotswolds are roughly 25 miles across and 90 miles long, stretching from Stratford-upon-Avon to Bath. The region is known for its small towns and villages with homes made from golden colored Cotswold stone and grass roofs that sit among lush greenery and rolling hills. Stratford-upon-Avon is perhaps its most famous town. Lying along the River Avon, it’s famed for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the world’s great playwrights. Be sure to make a trip to see the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Expert Advice

Think “go to the right.” It is their natural flow of traffic even when it comes to walking. It is important to not only look both ways when crossing the street, but also when on an escalator, stand to the right. When walking down the street, stay alert and follow the flow – to the right.

Expect to be offered tea, a lot. The British love their tea and not only during afternoon tea, any time for any reason. But you should know there is a “proper” way to drink it. The rules are – sit up straight, do not blow on it, take small sips with your pinky down, and put the cup on the saucer between sips. Now you are prepared to sip away.

Bring a raincoat and umbrella, as it rains one out of three days in the UK. It does vary from region to region, but generally speaking, they are important items to have on hand at all times.

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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

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Travel and tourism in the United Kingdom - statistics & facts

How many tourists visit the uk, travel planning and behavior of british tourists, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by type

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023

Destinations

Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2022, by visits

Leading outbound travel destinations from the UK 2019-2022

Related topics

Recommended.

• Hotel industry in the UK
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Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by tourist type
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Median full-time salary in tourism and hospitality industries in the UK 2023
• Premium Statistic CPI inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the UK 2023

Travel and tourism's total contribution to GDP in the UK 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in billion GBP)

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in the UK 2019-2022, by tourist type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by type of tourist

Travel and tourism's total contribution to employment in the UK 2019-2022

Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in million jobs)

Median full-time salary in tourism and hospitality industries in the UK 2023

Median annual gross salary for full-time workers in tourism and hospitality industries in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2023, by industry (in GBP)

CPI inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the UK 2023

Consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate of travel and tourism services in the United Kingdom (UK) from May to December 2023

Inbound tourism

• Basic Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023
• Premium Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip
• Basic Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2019-2022, by number of visits
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google
• Premium Statistic Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2023
• Premium Statistic Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2022, by spending
• Premium Statistic Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2022, by visits

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2002 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 (in millions)

Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2019-2022, by purpose of trip

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by purpose of trip (in millions)

Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2019-2022, by number of visits

Leading inbound travel markets for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by number of visits (in 1,000s)

Leading inbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google

Leading inbound travel markets in the United Kingdom (UK) over the previous 30 and 90 days as of June 2023, ranked by growth in travel demand on Google

Number of overnight stays by inbound tourists in the UK 2004-2022

Number of nights spent by overseas residents in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2004 to 2022 (in millions)

International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2023

Spending of international visitors to the United Kingdom (UK) from 2004 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 (in billion GBP)

Leading inbound travel markets for the UK 2019-2022, by spending

Leading inbound travel markets for the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022, by spending (in million GBP)

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Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of outbound tourist visits from the UK 2007-2022
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Number of outbound tourist visits from the UK 2007-2022

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Outbound tourism visits from the UK 2019-2022, by purpose

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Leading countries visited by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) in 2019 and 2022 (in 1,000 visits)

Leading outbound travel markets in the UK 2023, by growth in travel demand on Google

Leading outbound travel markets in the United Kingdom (UK) over the previous 30 and 90 days as of June 2023, ranked by growth in travel demand on Google

Number of outbound overnight stays by UK residents 2011-2022

Number of overnight stays abroad by residents of the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Outbound tourism expenditure in the UK 2007-2022

Total expenditure on visits abroad from the United Kingdom (UK) from 2007 to 2022 (in million GBP)

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism trips in Great Britain 2018-2022, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2022, by destination type
• Premium Statistic Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain 2011-2022
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• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022
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Domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2010-2022

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022 (in millions)

Domestic tourism trips in Great Britain 2018-2022, by purpose

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain from 2018 to 2022, by purpose (in millions)

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain 2022, by destination type

Number of domestic overnight trips in Great Britain in 2022, by destination type (in millions)

Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain 2011-2022

Number of tourism day visits in Great Britain from 2011 to 2022 (in billions)

Total domestic travel expenditure in Great Britain 2019-2022

Total domestic tourism spending in Great Britain from 2019 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain 2010-2022

Annual domestic overnight tourism spending in Great Britain from 2010 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Expenditure on domestic day trips in Great Britain 2011-2022

Annual expenditure on domestic tourism day visits in Great Britain from 2011 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Average spend on domestic summer holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) 2011-2023

Average spend on 'staycation' summer holidays according to Britons in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2023 (in GBP)

Accommodation

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Number of accommodation enterprises in the United Kingdom (UK) 2018-2021, by type

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Number of hotel businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2021

Number of hotel and similar accommodation businesses in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2008 to 2021

Most popular hotel brands in the UK Q3 2023

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Travel behavior

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Attitudes towards traveling in the UK 2023

Attitudes towards traveling in the UK as of December 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK 2023

Travel frequency for private purposes in the UK as of December 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK 2023

Travel frequency for business purposes in the UK as of December 2023

Share of Britons taking days of holiday 2019-2023, by number of days

Share of individuals taking days of holiday in the United Kingdom from July 2019 to May 2023, by number of days

Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by gender

Share of individuals who did not take any days of holiday in the United Kingdom from July 2019 to November 2023, by gender

Share of Britons who did not take any holiday days 2019-2023, by age

Share of individuals who did not take any days of holidays in the United Kingdom (UK) from July 2019 to November 2023, by age

Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2023

Leading regions for travelers' next summer staycation in the United Kingdom as of May 2023

Preferred methods to book the next overseas holiday in the UK October 2022, by age

Preferred methods to book the next overseas holiday among individuals in the United Kingdom (UK) as of October 2022, by age group

Travel product bookings in the UK 2023

Travel product bookings in the UK as of December 2023

Travel product online bookings in the UK 2023

Travel product online bookings in the UK as of December 2023

• Premium Statistic Travel & Tourism market revenue in the United Kingdom 2018-2028, by segment
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• Premium Statistic Number of users of package holidays in the UK 2018-2028
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Travel & Tourism market revenue in the United Kingdom 2018-2028, by segment

Revenue of the Travel & Tourism market in the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2028, by segment (in billion U.S. dollars)

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List of Top Tourism Companies in the UK (2024)

Tourism has continued to be a major source of income for many countries.

This fact is a result of humans’ desire to feed their eyes and experience nature’s goodness.

While these tourism sites are managed mainly by the government or by private companies for the government, touring the sites is a business that many private companies have taken up.

Tourism companies perform both the roles of tour operators and travel agencies. A straightforward way of defining their functions is the scheduling of flights and subsequent means of transportation to tourism sites.

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They equally provide accommodation and meals during the period of stay; provide recreational equipment; render consultancy services, among other services that may be peculiar to the tourism company.

Table of Contents

1. the ultimate travel company, 2. back-roads touring company limited.

• 3. Inspiring Travel Company    

4. Trafalgar

5. the different travel company, 6. sona tours, 7. world expedition, best tourism companies in the uk.

UK residents are usually dependent on companies to experience tourist attractions worldwide.

Even though some of these companies fall short of expectations in their services, there are also companies with excellent customer services you should experience when planning your holidays.

The Ultimate Travel Company is an expert tourism company whose decades of experience have earned it great recognition among residents in the UK. In its years of service, it has established relationships with reputable hospitality companies across the globe to enable tourists to get the best of their tourism expenditure.

The Ultimate Travel Company provides tailor-made tourism services, just the way its customer(s) desire. Customers are sure to have a good taste of luxury in any destination they choose for their tour.

For tours consisting of a small group of people, it provides the group with a tour guide knowledgeable about the tourism site. The tour guide helps make the tour more exciting by providing interesting information about the tourism site and engaging the group in discussions.

Destinations available to customers include countries in Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and the Middle East.

• Website: https://www.theultimatetravelcompany.com
• Phone:   +1 (855) 660-8525
• Address: 10 London Mews, LONDON, W2 1HY

Related: Best Travel Companies in the UK

Back-Road is an award-winning tour company that has provided residents of the UK with excellent services to make their touring adventure a memorable one. In fact, for the past four editions of the British Travel Awards , it has won the Best Small Coach Holiday Company category.

Black-Roads boasts of an excellent touring team. Its tour guides are usually locals in the various tourism destinations and, as such, are in the best position to make customers appreciate the beauty of the tourism site.

Its booking policies are favourable and pocket-friendly. At least 60 days before the departure date for a tour, customers are at liberty to make changes regarding the type of tour and date for departure for their tour. Customers can also choose to pay in instalments provided they complete the payment before 60 days to the departure date.

• Website: https://www.backroadstouring.com
• Email:   [email protected]
• Phone: 08452575212
• Address: 109 Power Road, Chiswick, London W4 5PY

3. Inspiring Travel Company

Inspiring Travel services are tailored to meet the needs of customers. Its services include providing consultancy services regarding the different destinations available for tourism, transportation from airports to hotels or accommodation, and tips from travel experts on how to make a tour memorable.

With Inspiring Travel, tourists are assured of full-time assistance, from making the travel plans to providing care and assistance while on the tourism site.

• Website: https://www.inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 01244432938
• Address: Bridgetown House, 80 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1RU, United Kingdom

The reason over 5 million people have trusted Trafalgar as a tourism company is not farfetched. Trafalgar renders tourism services in a manner not common among other tourism companies. Its tourism services cut across various destinations in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

Customers can embark on sightseeing tours, cultural trips, art tours, safari tours, and a host of others displayed on its website.

With only £100, customers can make a booking on any level-one trip. Trafalgar gives customers the opportunity of adjusting their desired destination and date of departure up until 30 days before a planned trip.

Their 100 years of experience in the business of planning tours is undoubtedly an added advantage to customers.

• Website: https://www.trafalgar.com
• Phone: 0800 533 5619
• Address: 15 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HH, United Kingdom

The Different Travel Company began its operation in 2005 out of a humanitarian gesture to help communities struggling to earn decent livings. It would build homes, business centres, and clean up beaches to attract tourists into these communities.

Destinations for tour trips offered by The Different Travel Company include Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and Africa. Customers may choose to embark on project trips, that is, while they tour around their destinations, they have the opportunity of giving back to the community.

They may also opt for adventurous trips, one that involves mountain climbing, visiting waterfalls, trekking, and sightseeing historical structures, such as the Great Wall of China.

• Website: https://www.different-travel.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +447881698623
• Address: 4 Down’s Park Cres, Totton, Southampton SO40 9GH, United Kingdom

Sona Tours is a tourism company that partners with airlines, hotels, and transport companies to provide the needed logistics for tourists to have the best of their tours. It provides tourists with an escorted tour that will help guide and engage them in informal talks about the site they are visiting.

Sona Tours accommodates both young and old persons wishing to experience its services; though, special fares will be included for children below two years of age. Customers with bulky luggage (maximum of 20kg) can also book their holidays with Sona Tours.

Its prices are affordable, with infants below 23 months tagging along for free (excluding transportation cost).

• Website: https://www.sonatours.co.uk
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +44 (0) 2089510111
• Address: 718 Kenton Rd, Harrow HA3 9QX, United Kingdom

World expedition is poised at providing travellers with great experiences in their adventurous travels. Its destinations extend to the seven continents of the world. In an industry where safety and comfort are required, World Expedition assures its customers of the best.

Fun activities available to travellers include mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, cycling, trekking, cruising, and sailing. Tour guides are also provided to guide tourists and as will make their adventure more fun.

• Website: https://worldexpeditions.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 08000744135
• Address: 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1NL

Compare Travel Companies in the UK

• Top 10 Travel Agencies in the UK
• Best Travel Agencies in London
• List of Best Outbound Tour Operators in the UK
• Best Travel Consortium in the UK
• How to Start a Successful Travel Agency in the UK
• How to Become a Successful Travel Agent in the UK
• Top 10 Medical Tourism Companies in the UK
• Top 10 UK Tour Operators to Patronise
• Top 10 Luxury Travel Companies in the UK
• Top 10 Luxury Tour Operators in the UK
• Top 10 Luxury Travel Agents in London
• 6 Best UK Inbound Tour Operators
• Best Travel Agencies in Manchester (UK)

Remz is a professional who has been writing content for almost 10 years. He's a shipping and logistics enthusiast and the head of the Trust Heritage Logistics content team. He bagged an MSc degree shortly after graduating from the university with flying colours. When it comes to creating content, Remz loves to do in-depth research and provide amazing pieces of information that every reader will find helpful.

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Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Friday 5 April 2024 14:46, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

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A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

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• London Underground
• Rail strikes

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April rail strikes 2024: How will Friday’s train drivers’ walk-out hit passengers?

In three days of ‘rolling’ walk-outs, most of the train operators involved will cancel all services, article bookmarked.

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National rail strikes by train drivers have entered their 22nd month with a series of “rolling” walk-outs, one region at a time, planned for early April.

Members of the Aslef union plan to halt thousands of trains on 5, 6 and 8 April. The aim is to disrupt services on the 14 rail firms in England that are controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). Rolling strikes cause maximum disruption for minimum loss of pay.

In addition, five days of overtime bans will cause further cancellations.

The previous national industrial action by train drivers, comprising an overtime ban and rolling regional walk-outs, hit for nine days from 29 January to 6 February .

Industrial action by Aslef in a dispute over pay and working arrangements began in July 2022. The union is demanding a no-strings pay award, but rail firms – directed by ministers – say any increase is contingent on radical reforms to working practices in order to reduce public subsidies.

During the dispute, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy – particularly hospitality businesses – and taxpayers are pumping cash into an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of £90 per second on top of the normal subsidy.

The quarrel has become increasingly bitter, with no sign of any progress towards a settlement.

Caught in the middle of a seemingly intractable dispute: the passenger. In a snap social media poll for The Independent that garnered 2,142 responses, one in three passengers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends.

In addition to the latest walk-outs by rail workers, commuters in the capital were fearing two days of strikes by Aslef members who drive trains for the London Underground . But days before the first planned walk-out, the action was called off .

However, Aslef has called an additional strike and overtime ban at the UK’s flagship train operator, LNER, for later in April.

For passengers, these are the key questions and answers.

Which rail firms are involved?

Aslef is in dispute with the 14 train operators that are contracted by the UK government to provide rail services. They are:

Intercity operators:

Avanti West Coast

CrossCountry

East Midlands Railway

Great Western Railway ( GWR )

TransPennine Express

Southeast England commuter operators:

Greater Anglia

GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)

Southeastern

South Western Railway (including the Island Line on the Isle of Wight)

Operators focusing on the Midlands and north of England:

Chiltern Railways

Northern Trains

West Midlands Railway (including London Northwestern Railway)

When are the train drivers walking out?

Drivers belonging to the Aslef union will strike in the following pattern:

Friday 5 April

Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry. The aim is to cause maximum disruption on key intercity lines as well as Midland commuter services.

To further complicate matters, commuters on the Great Western line have faced rush hour travel disruption after a freight train derailed between Reading and London Paddington , with some services cancelled and the remainder delayed.

Saturday 6 April

Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern and TransPennine Trains. This strike is designed to hit rail passengers in the north and west of England, as well as the day’s football programme. In the Premier League, it will hit Newcastle fans travelling to Fulham in London.

Monday 8 April

C2C, Greater Anglia, Great Northern, Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway. This will hit London particularly hard, with almost all Tube services brought to a halt by the London Underground walkout by Aslef members.

What are the predicted effects at each operator?

The Night Riviera sleeper train and the Gatwick Express will be cancelled throughout the industrial action period.

For other operators, these are the likely service patterns .

The four train operators – Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry – have cancelled all services on the day.

“Avanti West Coast services on the days either side of the strike will also be affected,” the West Coast main line operator says.

Chiltern Railways warns people who are thinking of switching to its London-Birmingham service: “Essential travel only, due to strike action on other operators.”

Chiltern, Northern and TransPennine Trains have cancelled all services.

LNER will run a skeleton service on core lines between around 7am and 7pm. Its main Edinburgh-Newcastle-York-London line will have at least one train an hour, with some additional trains on the southern part of the network.

GWR will run no long-distance trains, but will connect Reading with Oxford and Basingstoke, as well as a link from Bristol to Cardiff and some branch routes in Devon and Cornwall.

CrossCountry is not on strike but warns its services are expected to be extremely busy, and urges prospective passengers: “Please only travel if essential.”

Sunday 7 April

Although no industrial action is taking place, planned Network Rail engineering projects will hamper many passengers hoping to travel on the Sunday to dodge the strikes.

Avanti West Coast says: “No trains will serve Penrith, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Glasgow Central, Haymarket or Edinburgh, and only a limited number of services will serve Lancaster and Oxenholme. All remaining trains will start / terminate at Preston.”

Northern will run rail replacement buses between Halifax and Huddersfield.

The CrossCountry line between Derby and Burton-on-Trent is closed all weekend, with rail replacement buses and train diversions.

Greater Anglia will run to and from London Liverpool Street to Stansted airport, Southend, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich.

Southern will run a shuttle service between London Victoria and Gatwick airport.

Thameslink will run a shuttle service between London St Pancras and Luton (town and airport stations).

Great Northern will run a shuttle service between London King’s Cross and Cambridge.

South Western Railway will run between London Waterloo, Woking and Guildford, with some other suburban services likely.

Southeastern is urging passengers not to travel, but will run services between London St Pancras and Ashford on the high-speed line; Charing Cross and Orpington; and London Bridge and Dartford.

C2C has cancelled all services.

What about the overtime ban?

Members are also refusing to work their rest days from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April and from Monday 8 to Tuesday 9 April. As many rail firms depend on drivers working overtime, hundreds – possibly thousands – of trains will be cancelled.

Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway have already said a reduced timetable will run on each day of the strike ban.

GWR says the overtime ban “is likely to cause some short-notice alterations and cancellations, especially at weekends or late at night”.

Which rail firms are not involved?

Some publicly funded train operators will run normally: ScotRail, Transport for Wales, Transport for London (including the Elizabeth line) and Merseyrail.

“Open-access” operators on the East Coast main line – Grand Central, Hull Trains and Lumo – are unaffected. But many of their services will be crowded on days of industrial action. They duplicate journeys of strike-hit companies, including LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry and Northern.

What is at stake in the dispute?

The train drivers demand a pay rise to reflect high levels of inflation since they last won a pay award; Aslef says some members have not had an increase for five years.

But the government insists that even a modest pay increase is contingent on radical changes to long-standing working arrangements in order to reduce costs – and the huge subsidies the railway is currently receiving from the taxpayer.

Since the pandemic, travel patterns have changed. Ticket revenue is about one-fifth down on pre-Covid levels. As taxpayers will foot the eventual bill for the train drivers’ pay rise, the Treasury as well as the Department for Transport will sign off any deal.

Ministers believe train drivers’ terms and conditions are part of the problem. To keep costs down, they must accept changes to how they work, such as making Sunday part of the working week everywhere.

On 27 April 2023 the Rail Delivery Group offered a pay increase of 4 plus 4 per cent over two years covering the 2022 and 2023 pay awards – subject to a host of changes on terms and conditions, covering a wide range of issues including driver training, Sunday working, sick pay and new technology.

The union say this is completely unacceptable. The train drivers will negotiate on changes, but only after they get a decent no-strings pay offer on top of their current pay.

They believe the money will be found to meet their demands, as it always has been in the past. Aslef has also always “sold” reforms to working arrangements for an extra few per cent on their pay and does intend to change that process.

Meanwhile, the corrosion in confidence among travellers continues, with no rail passenger able to plan journeys more than two weeks ahead – that being the minimum notice the union must give for industrial action.

What does the union say?

The general secretary of Aslef, Mick Whelan, said: “Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action. Those votes show – yet again – a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the Rail Delivery Group which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.

“Since then train drivers have voted, time and again, to take action in pursuit of a pay rise. That’s why Mark Harper, the transport secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers wouldn’t vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer. They don’t. That offer was dead in the water in April last year – and Mr Harper knows that.

“We asked Mr Harper, or his deputy, the rail minister Huw Merriman, to come and meet us. We asked the RDG and the TOCs to come and talk to us. We said, ‘Let’s sit around the table and negotiate.’ Because you say you don’t want any more industrial action, and we don’t want to disrupt the rail network. But the Tories and the TOCs [train operating companies] have given us no choice.

“We have given the government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it go on and on. Because we are not going to give up.

“Many members have now not had a single penny increase in pay for half a decade.”

What do the employers and government say?

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table.

“Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the Transport Secretary and Rail Minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table – taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000.”

A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group, representing the train operators, said: “Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people’s lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

“We want to resolve this dispute, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week just to keep services running post-Covid.

“We continue to seek an agreement with the Aslef leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute.”

What does the Labour Party say?

Louise Haigh, Labour’s shadow transport secretary, said: “It is a staggering dereliction of duty that the transport secretary hasn’t got around the table with the unions to try to resolve it since the Christmas before last.

“Labour will take an unashamedly different approach to the Tories, and will work with both sides to reach a deal in the interests of passengers and workers. If the transport secretary took this sensible approach then perhaps we wouldn’t still be having strikes on our railways.”

How much has all the disruption cost?

According to the RDG, industrial action from June 2022 up until mid-January 2024 cost the rail sector around £775m in lost revenue. That does not include the impact of the most recent strikes and overtime bans, which probably add a further £100m to the losses.

UKHospitality estimates the lost business for places to eat, drink and stay amounts to almost £5 billion. Kate Nicholls, the organisation’s chief executive, says: “Ongoing strike action hurts businesses, prevents people from getting to work and significantly erodes confidence in the rail network.”

In addition, there is an unknowable loss of revenue from passengers who have adjusted their lifestyles or found alternative forms of transport; businesses that have stopped making trips and are using online communication instead; and people trimming back on travel because of the lack of certainty.

What about the new minimum service levels law?

Legislation now allows the transport secretary to stipulate minimum service levels (MSLs) on strike days amounting to 40 per cent of the normal service. The government says the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 aims “to ensure that the public can continue to access services that they rely on, during strike action”.

No train operator is seeking to impose the new law on the train drivers’ union. LNER said it might do so earlier this year, and opened consultations. Aslef immediately called a separate five-day strike on LNER alone. Then the train operator said it would not require drivers to work, and the strike was called off.

The Transport Select Committee has previously warned of potential unintended consequences of the legislation. The Conservative chair, Iain Stewart, said: “There is a risk of MSLs worsening worker-employer relations and that, as a result, MSLs could end up making services less reliable.”

The minimum service level rules do not apply to union bans on non-contractual rest-day working – so there would be no benefit in imposing the law when an overtime ban is in force.

What is the LNER-specific dispute about?

On Friday 19 and Sunday 21 April, Aslef members working for Aslef will refuse overtime. On Saturday 20 April, they will strike. The union has accused the rail firm of acting in bad faith. Nigel Roebuck, full-time organiser in the northeast of England, accused ministers of “leaning on the company to persuade every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days; effectively to provide a minimum service level without invoking the legislation”.

The Department for Transport for a response.

An LNER spokesperson said: “Our priority focus remains on minimising disruption to customers. We continue to encourage Aslef to work with us to find a way to end this long running dispute.”

Some cancellations are likely on 19 April, and many more on 20 and 21 April.

Anything else on the strike agenda?

Members of the main rail union, the RMT, who work for CrossCountry are striking on Saturday 13 April in a dispute over recognition.

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Danube river cruise ship crashed after it was 'suddenly no longer able to maneuver,' 17 passengers injured

• A cruise ship crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria on Friday.
• A police statement said the ship "was suddenly no longer able to maneuver."
• Eleven people were treated at the hospital and another six suffered less serious injuries.

A Bulgarian cruise ship carrying over 140 passengers crashed into a concrete wall along the Danube river in Austria.

The incident occurred late on Friday in the northern Austrian town of Aschach an der Donau, local police said Saturday.

Eleven people were injured and taken to hospital as a result of the crash. Six others suffered less serious injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

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The ship had set off from Passau, a German city on the Austrian border. A police statement said that as the ship was leaving a lock chamber further down the river, "the ship was suddenly no longer able to maneuver," and its right bow and left aft crashed into the lock walls.

The second-in-command of the ship, who had been at the helm during the crash, "pressed the emergency switch, whereupon the electronics started up again." He was then able to steer the ship out of the lock.

The ship was later docked at the quay wall and emergency services were notified. The ship was able to continue its journey toward Linz, Austria.

Earlier this week, a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, collapsing a section of the 1.6-mile-long structure. The bodies of two construction workers were found after the collision, and four more workers are missing and presumed dead.

Citing the container ship's recovered data recorder, officials said the power went out on the Dali for just one minute and three seconds as it approached the bridge, Sky News reported, but that was enough for the collision to become unavoidable.

In 2019, a cruise boat hit and sank a smaller boat near Budapest, Hungary, killing 25 South Korean tourists and two crew members. The captain was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the accident.

The Danube is the second-largest river in Europe, flowing from the Black Forest in Germany south into the Black Sea near Romania and Ukraine.

Correction: April 1, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misstated the year of the Danube ship crash in Hungary. It was in 2019, not 2023.

Watch: One of Europe's deadliest shipwrecks leaves hundreds missing

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