Rural Landscapes of Ireland & Britain 16 days
About This Experience
Small villages, medieval castles, literary enclaves and seaside cliffs—travel through the landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland where hundreds of years of history spring suddenly to life. Beginning with a tour of the Ring of Kerry, head to Blarney Castle and Dublin before crossing the Irish Sea to visit England’s Lake District. Then, turn north to the rolling Scottish Highlands before wrapping up your stay amid Edinburgh’s Georgian architecture and Royal Mile.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
14 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 8 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
You’ll see 40 shades of green in Ireland
The Scots & Irish are equally friendly
You’ll step inside the homes of English authors
The legendary lochs & hills of the Highlands
Scotland’s castles & Georgian architecture
You’ll discover posh cities & remote villages
Overnight Flight1 night
Limerick1 night - hotel info
Day2
Drive along winding, backcountry roads to lush County Limerick
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Shannon! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then accompanies you via private motor coach to Limerick, where you’ll be assisted with hotel check-in. Meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening.
County Kerry2 nights - hotel info
Day3
Day4
You came for beautiful scenery—here’s 112 coastal miles of it
Breakfast
Today’s included excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Pass the pristine Lakes of Killarney and gaze across Dingle Bay to Dingle Peninsula. Stop in the town of Killarney and at Bog Village, where you may choose to tour the open-air museum, a collection of houses from different regions and periods of Irish history. This afternoon, enjoy unsurpassed views of the Skellig Islands. Then continue to the picturesque village of Sneem, the “Knot in the Ring,” where brightly painted cottages surround the cozy market green. Return to your County Kerry hotel this evening.
Kilkenny1 night - hotel info
Day5
Kiss the stone and you’ll be waxing poetic in no time
Breakfast
Blarney Castle, Queenstown Story Museum
Today’s journey begins with a visit to Blarney Castle. This 15th-century fortress is known above all else for the legendary Blarney Stone, said to grant magical powers of eloquence to those who kiss it—which you can attempt by climbing the steep staircase to the top of the parapet and leaning out of the battlements. Continue on through County Cork. Then stop in the port town of Cobh, which in centuries past often served as a launch site for ships bound for North America. Here, you’ll visit the Queenstown Story Museum, whose exhibits tells stories of Irish emigration during the past 150 years. Your final destination today is Kilkenny, Ireland’s best-preserved medieval town. Spend the night in Kilkenny.
Dublin2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Roll along the Liffey and through the largest public park in Europe
Breakfast, Dinner
St. Canice’s Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
This morning, tour a well-known Kilkenny landmark, St. Canice’s Cathedral. Ireland’s second largest medieval cathedral, St. Canice’s was first established as a monastic settlement in the 6th century, and the cathedral itself was constructed on the same site in the early 13th century. After your visit, your tour director leads an informal tour of the sights of Kilkenny. Then transfer to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. A local guide leads your comprehensive sightseeing tour of the city. Drive past the River Liffey to Phoenix Park. The largest enclosed public park in Europe, Phoenix Park’s grounds include the Arras an Uachtarian (Presidential Residence). Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by Ireland’s patron saint in A.D. 450, and then visit Trinity College, where you’ll view the illuminated Book of Kells in the university’s library.
Day7
Explore the urban landscape that gave rise to Ireland’s literary greats
Breakfast
Discover Dublin at your own pace today. You might choose to stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or explore the Writers’ Museum. Alternatively, join an optional excursion into the countryside of Wicklow to visit Glendalough, a romantic glen where St. Kevin founded Ireland’s most important monastery in the 6th century.
Optional Excursions
Glendalough $29* pp
County Wicklow has some of the wildest and most spectacular mountain scenery in Ireland, as well as many of the country’s most important historic sites. Journey through Wicklow’s captivating landscapes to Glendalough, which became famous throughout Europe as a center of Christian learning before it was sacked by Viking raiders in the 10th century. Here, you’ll see St. Kevin’s Cross, marking the place where the saint lies buried, the remains of the sixth-century cathedral and the remarkable Round Tower, thought to have been used by monks as a place of refuge. Your Tour Director will lead you on a tour of the site followed by free time.
Cheshire2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Cross the Irish Sea to visit a castle plucked from a medieval fairytale
Breakfast, Dinner
Conwy Castle
From Dublin, ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. Pass briefly through the Welsh countryside and visit the landmark Conwy Castle before crossing into England. Reach tonight’s destination of Cheshire in time for an included dinner.
Day9
Walk among timbered Tudor townhouses and ancient Roman ruins
Breakfast
This morning, your Tour Director leads an informal orientation of the city of Cheshire. Here, you’ll see the largest Roman amphitheater in England. Cheshire was a stronghold of the Roman empire in the 1st century A.D., and its four main streets still lead outward from the site of the original Roman fortress to the four city gates. In the afternoon, join our optional Liverpool and the Beatles excursion to explore the home of the famed musical group.
Optional Excursions
Liverpool & The Beatles $65* pp
The home of Beatlemania, the city of Liverpool also has a deep British history. Once a small medieval fishing village, the city has grown to become one of England’s most important seaports. On this excursion, follow an expert local guide through the city’s revitalized streets to view such attractions as the Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next, visit the Beatles Story Museum for the complete Beatles experience. You’ll also have some free time to explore on your own. Consider checking out the shops on rejuvenated Albert Dock, visiting the Maritime Museum or going to the Cavern Club, where the Fab Four used to play.
Lakes District2 nights - hotel info
Day10
Stop by the Brontë’s place before traveling through the Pennines
Breakfast, Dinner
Brontë Parsonage Museum
This morning, travel past the great cities of the Industrial Revolution onto the moorlands above Halifax, where you will visit the town of Haworth and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, which was once home to one of the world’s most famed literary families in the mid 1800’s. Next, leave Wuthering Heights and drive through the magnificent Pennines, known as “the backbone of England,” on your way to the green landscapes of the Lake District. Dinner is included this evening.
Day11
Within this small cottage, Wordsworth’s inspiration took flight
Breakfast
Today, join your Tour Director for an optional Day in the Lakes tour. You’ll visit Dove Cottage, home to poet William Wordsworth in the early 19th century. Marvel at the district’s wild beauty as you encounter picturesque views of farmland, forests, fells (hills) and becks (brooks).
Optional Excursions
A Day in the Lakes $59* pp
Travel through wooded valleys and charming lakeside villages on a day out in the Lakes, a scenic shire once heralded by the Romantic poets. You’ll visit Dove Cottage, home to poet William Wordsworth in the early 19th century. You’ll also enjoy free time in Bowness or Grasmere, as time allows. Continue on to Lakeside, where you’ll embark on a cruise of Lake Windermere, the largest of the region’s lakes.
The Highlands2 nights - hotel info
Day12
Day13
No matter where you look, find lochs and glens as far as the eye can see
Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day at your leisure amid the lochs and glens of the Highlands or opt for an excursion to the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. Seat of the McKenzie Clan, this 13th-century fortress is located on an islet in the middle of Loch Duich.
Optional Excursions
Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye $99* pp
Set on the banks of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan Castle is perhaps the world's most photographed castle. Cross a narrow peninsula to reach the island castle and take a brief tour of the interior. Proceed on to the Isle of Skye, famous for its association with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and then to the Clan Donald visitor's center, where you'll experience exhibits outlining life in Scotland's clans. At the conclusion of this excursion, you'll enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to the mainland.
Edinburgh2 nights - hotel info
Day14
There’s something so charming about the city built on seven hills
Breakfast, Dinner
Stirling Castle
Today’s transfer takes you through the scenic mountains and lochs of the Trossachs, countryside of Rob Roy. Stop at Stirling’s crag-top castle, where King James VI once lived. Arrive later in Edinburgh. Built on seven hills and with the sea at its feet, Scotland’s charming capital is one of Europe’s most striking cities.
Day15
Past and present collide in New Town and along the Royal Mile
Breakfast
Edinburgh Castle
A local guide leads this morning’s comprehensive tour of Edinburgh from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile. The tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, whose fortifications perch atop an extinct volcano crater in the heart of Edinburgh. Here, you can view the Scottish crown jewels as well as the Stone of Scone (now called the Stone of Destiny), which were returned to Scotland in 1997—a full 700 years after an English king stole it away. Afterwards, you might wish to join an optional excursion to the ancient ecclesiastical capital of Scotland (and golf capital of the world), St. Andrews. This evening, attend an optional Ceilidh (seasonal), an event of traditional Scottish food, music and dancing.
Optional Excursions
Scottish Cèilidh $119* pp
Enjoy a special evening of Scottish tradition as you witness an authentic céilidh, an age-old Scottish celebration. Along with a savory dinner of local favorites, the evening will feature folk dancers, bagpipers, fiddlers and the “Ceremony of the Haggis.” Please note: This optional is seasonal from May to September, requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Optional Excursions
St Andrews $79* pp
St Andrews may be most well-known as the home of golf, but it's also the site of Scotland's oldest university. On this excursion, you'll pass by the 16th-century grounds of St Andrews University, the alma mater of Prince William, who met Kate Middleton here. You'll also pass by the ruins of the town's cathedral and castle. Later, visit the British Golf Museum, where you’ll discover how golf transformed from a Scottish pasttime into a global obsession.
Extend Your Stay
Add London $569*
A city that loves to be explored, London beckons with world-class (and often free) museums and galleries, quirky shops, outstanding restaurants, royal pageantry, charming neighborhoods and an unconquered heritage of more than 2,000 years of history.
London3 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Let a Londoner give you the local low-down
Breakfast
An expert local guide leads a sightseeing tour of London this morning, including views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street and the gates of Buckingham Palace. Enjoy a free afternoon by discovering London’s neighborhoods or by perusing the halls of the British Museum. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, a thousand-year-old royal retreat built by William the Conqueror.
Optional Excursions
Windsor Castle $85* pp
Led by a Blue Badge Guide, you’ll travel to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest and longest-inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the British Royal Family’s preferred retreat for the past 900 years. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (closed Sundays), where the Knights of the Garter ceremony takes place. View the exhibit of royal treasures on display within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school attended by Princes William and Harry. Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day3
Open your mind (not your wallet) at the city’s free museums
Breakfast
With an entire free day in London, you might view the decorative arts on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum or browse the fashionable boutiques on the King’s Road. Or join an optional excursion outside London to two famous attractions, Stonehenge and the posh city of Bath.
Optional Excursions
Stonehenge & Bath $109* pp
Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (an estimated 5,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Then, continue on to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. Once a Roman town, now it's famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. Your Tour Director will show you the town’s major sights, including the wonderfully preserved Roman baths for which the town is named. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
About This Experience
Small villages, medieval castles, literary enclaves and seaside cliffs—travel through the landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland where hundreds of years of history spring suddenly to life. Beginning with a tour of the Ring of Kerry, head to Blarney Castle and Dublin before crossing the Irish Sea to visit England’s Lake District. Then, turn north to the rolling Scottish Highlands before wrapping up your stay amid Edinburgh’s Georgian architecture and Royal Mile.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
14 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 8 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
You’ll see 40 shades of green in Ireland
The Scots & Irish are equally friendly
You’ll step inside the homes of English authors
The legendary lochs & hills of the Highlands
Scotland’s castles & Georgian architecture
You’ll discover posh cities & remote villages
Overnight Flight1 night
Limerick1 night - hotel info
Day2
Drive along winding, backcountry roads to lush County Limerick
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to Shannon! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then accompanies you to Limerick, where you’ll be assisted with hotel check-in. Meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening.
County Kerry2 nights - hotel info
Day3
Day4
You came for beautiful scenery—here’s 112 coastal miles of it
Breakfast
Today’s excursion takes you around the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Pass the pristine Lakes of Killarney and gaze across Dingle Bay to Dingle Peninsula. Stop in the town of Killarney and at Bog Village, where you may choose to tour the open-air museum, a collection of houses from different regions and periods of Irish history. This afternoon, take in unsurpassed views of the Skellig Islands. Then, continue to the picturesque village of Sneem, the “Knot in the Ring,” where brightly painted cottages surround the cozy market green. Return to your County Kerry hotel this evening.
Kilkenny1 night - hotel info
Day5
Kiss the stone and you’ll be waxing poetic in no time
Breakfast
Blarney Castle, Queenstown Story Museum
Begin your day with a visit to Blarney Castle. This 15th-century fortress is known above all else for the legendary Blarney Stone, said to grant magical powers of eloquence to those who kiss it—which you can attempt by climbing the steep staircase to the top of the parapet and leaning out of the battlements. Continue on through County Cork. Then, stop in the port town of Cobh, which in centuries past often served as a launch site for ships bound for North America. Here, you’ll visit the Queenstown Story Museum, whose exhibits tells stories of Irish emigration during the past 150 years. Your final destination is Kilkenny, Ireland’s best-preserved medieval town, where you’ll spend the night.
Dublin2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Roll along the Liffey and through the largest public park in Europe
Breakfast, Dinner
St. Canice’s Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
This morning, tour a well-known Kilkenny landmark, St. Canice’s Cathedral. Ireland’s secondlargest medieval cathedral, St. Canice’s was first established as a monastic settlement in the 6th century, and the cathedral itself was constructed on the same site in the early 13th century. After your visit, your Tour Director leads an informal tour of the sights of Kilkenny. Then, transfer to Dublin, the capital of Ireland. A local guide accompanies you on a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the city. Drive past the River Liffey to Phoenix Park. The largest enclosed public park in Europe, Phoenix Park’s grounds include the Arras an Uachtarian (Presidential Residence). Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by Ireland’s patron saint in 450 A.D., and then visit Trinity College, where you’ll view the illuminated Book of Kells in the university’s library. Dinner is included tonight.
Day7
Explore the urban landscape that gave rise to Ireland’s literary greats
Breakfast
Discover Dublin at your own pace today. You might choose to stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or explore the Writers’ Museum. Or, join an optional excursion to the countryside of Wicklow to visit Glendalough, a romantic glen where St. Kevin founded Ireland’s most important monastery in the 6th century.
Optional Excursions
Glendalough $29* pp
County Wicklow has some of the wildest and most spectacular mountain scenery in Ireland, as well as many of the country’s most important historic sites. Journey through Wicklow’s captivating landscapes to Glendalough, which became famous throughout Europe as a center of Christian learning before it was sacked by Viking raiders in the 10th century. Here, you’ll see St. Kevin’s Cross, marking the place where the saint lies buried, the remains of the sixth-century cathedral and the remarkable Round Tower, thought to have been used by monks as a place of refuge. Your Tour Director will lead you on a tour of the site followed by free time.
Cheshire2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Cross the Irish Sea to visit a castle plucked from a medieval fairytale
Breakfast, Dinner
Conwy Castle
From Dublin, ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. Pass briefly through the Welsh countryside and visit the landmark Conwy Castle before crossing into England. Reach tonight’s destination of Cheshire in time for an included dinner.
Day9
Walk among timbered Tudor townhouses and ancient Roman ruins
Breakfast
This morning, your Tour Director orients you to the city of Cheshire. Here, you’ll see the largest Roman amphitheatre in England. Cheshire was a stronghold of the Roman empire in the 1st century A.D., and its four main streets still lead outward from the site of the original Roman fortress to the four city gates. In the afternoon, join our optional Liverpool & the Beatles excursion to explore the home of the famed musical group.
Optional Excursions
Liverpool & The Beatles $65* pp
The home of Beatlemania, the city of Liverpool also has a deep British history. Once a small medieval fishing village, the city has grown to become one of England’s most important seaports. On this excursion, follow an expert local guide through the city’s revitalized streets to view such attractions as the Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Next, visit the Beatles Story Museum for the complete Beatles experience. You’ll also have some free time to explore on your own. Consider checking out the shops on rejuvenated Albert Dock, visiting the Maritime Museum or going to the Cavern Club, where the Fab Four used to play.
Lakes District2 nights - hotel info
Day10
Stop by the Brontë’s place before traveling through the Pennines
Breakfast, Dinner
Brontë Parsonage Museum
This morning, travel past the great cities of the Industrial Revolution onto the moorlands above Halifax, where you’ll visit the town of Haworth and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, which was once home to one of the world’s most famed literary families in the mid 1800’s. Next, leave Wuthering Heights and drive through the magnificent Pennines, known as “the backbone of England,” on your way to the green landscapes of the Lake District. Dinner is included this evening.
Day11
Within this small cottage, Wordsworth’s inspiration took flight
Breakfast
Today, join your Tour Director for our optional Day in the Lakes tour. You’ll visit Dove Cottage, home to poet William Wordsworth in the early 19th century. Marvel at the district’s wild beauty as you encounter picturesque views of farmland, forests, fells (hills) and becks (brooks).
Optional Excursions
A Day in the Lakes $59* pp
Travel through wooded valleys and charming lakeside villages on a day out in the Lakes, a scenic shire once heralded by the Romantic poets. You’ll visit Dove Cottage, home to poet William Wordsworth in the early 19th century. You’ll also enjoy free time in Bowness or Grasmere, as time allows. Continue on to Lakeside, where you’ll embark on a cruise of Lake Windermere, the largest of the region’s lakes.
The Highlands2 nights - hotel info
Day12
Leave England on a high note and head to the Highlands
Breakfast, Dinner
After crossing into Scotland, pass Loch Lomond, whose beauty was commemorated by Sir Walter Scott. Enter the Highlands region and travel through Glencoe, site of the notorious 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Dinner is included tonight.
Day13
No matter where you look, find lochs and glens as far as the eye can see
Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day at your leisure amid the lochs and glens of the Highlands or opt for an excursion to the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. Seat of the McKenzie Clan, this 13th-century fortress is located on an islet in the middle of Loch Duich. Dinner is included tonight.
Optional Excursions
Eilean Donan Castle & Isle of Skye $99* pp
Set on the banks of Loch Duich, Eilean Donan Castle is perhaps the world's most photographed castle. Cross a narrow peninsula to reach the island castle and take a brief tour of the interior. Proceed on to the Isle of Skye, famous for its association with Bonnie Prince Charlie, and then to the Clan Donald visitor's center, where you'll experience exhibits outlining life in Scotland's clans. At the conclusion of this excursion, you'll enjoy a scenic ferry ride back to the mainland.
Edinburgh2 nights - hotel info
Day14
There’s something so charming about the city built on seven hills
Breakfast
Stirling Castle
Make you way through the scenic mountains and lochs of the Trossachs, countryside of Rob Roy. Stop at Stirling’s crag-top castle, where King James VI once lived. Arrive later in Edinburgh. Built on seven hills and with the sea at its feet, Scotland’s charming capital is one of Europe’s most striking cities. This evening, attend an optional Ceilidh (seasonal), an event featuring traditional Scottish food, music and dancing.
Optional Excursions
Scottish Cèilidh $119* pp
Enjoy a special evening of Scottish tradition as you witness an authentic céilidh, an age-old Scottish celebration. Along with a savory dinner of local favorites, the evening will feature folk dancers, bagpipers, fiddlers and the “Ceremony of the Haggis.” Please note: This optional is seasonal from May to September, requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day15
Past and present collide in New Town and along the Royal Mile
Breakfast, Dinner
Edinburgh Castle
Follow a local guide through Edinburgh, from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile. Your tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle, whose fortifications perch atop an extinct volcano crater in the heart of Edinburgh. Here, you can view the Scottish crown jewels as well as the Stone of Scone (now called the Stone of Destiny), which were returned to Scotland in 1997—a full 700 years after an English king stole them away. Afterward, join an optional excursion to the ancient ecclesiastical capital of Scotland (and golf capital of the world), St Andrews. Say goodbye to your travel companions at tonight’s included farewell dinner.
Optional Excursions
St Andrews $79* pp
St Andrews may be most well-known as the home of golf, but it's also the site of Scotland's oldest university. On this excursion, you'll pass by the 16th-century grounds of St Andrews University, the alma mater of Prince William, who met Kate Middleton here. You'll also pass by the ruins of the town's cathedral and castle. Later, visit the British Golf Museum, where you’ll discover how golf transformed from a Scottish pasttime into a global obsession.
Extend Your Stay
Add London $569*
A city that loves to be explored, London beckons with world-class (and often free) museums and galleries, quirky shops, outstanding restaurants, royal pageantry, charming neighborhoods and an unconquered heritage of more than 2,000 years of history.
London3 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Let a Londoner give you the local low-down
Breakfast
Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of London this morning, including views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street and the gates of Buckingham Palace. Enjoy a free afternoon discovering London’s neighborhoods or perusing the halls of the British Museum. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, a 1,000-year-old royal retreat built by William the Conqueror.
Optional Excursions
Windsor Castle $85* pp
Led by a Blue Badge Guide, you’ll travel to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest and longest-inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the British Royal Family’s preferred retreat for the past 900 years. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (closed Sundays), where the Knights of the Garter ceremony takes place. View the exhibit of royal treasures on display within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school attended by Princes William and Harry. Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day3
Open your mind (not your wallet) at the city’s free museums
Breakfast
With an full free day in London, you might view the decorative arts on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum or browse the fashionable boutiques on the King’s Road. Or, join an optional excursion outside London to two famous attractions, Stonehenge and the posh city of Bath.
Optional Excursions
Stonehenge & Bath $109* pp
Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (an estimated 5,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Then, continue on to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. Once a Roman town, now it's famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. Your Tour Director will show you the town’s major sights, including the wonderfully preserved Roman baths for which the town is named. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Passport & Visa
This tour includes the following countries: England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales (on the transfer). In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your particular entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling to England, Ireland and Scotland. Be sure to check with your health care provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in Shannon, Ireland, and depart from Edinburgh, Scotland (London on the extension). Transportation from Ireland to Wales (by ferry) is also included. All other transportation is serviced by private motor coach. Dublin and Edinburgh are both best explored on foot, although buses and taxis are available. In London, you can’t get around without using the legendary, 12-line “tube,” connecting all the districts and attractions. You might want to mix up travel on the tube with some walking and bus travel. Don’t miss the chance to explore London on the iconic double-decker buses.
Clothing & Packing Tips
To ensure you’re comfortable while out exploring, we recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered. For sightseeing, we suggest bringing a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers, as well as a lightweight sports jacket or rainwear. If you’re planning a visit to a high-end restaurant or performance, you may also want to bring dressier attire. Also, please remember that it’s preferable to avoid showing bare legs or shoulders during visits to churches or other religious sites (entrance may be denied on this basis).
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Cuisine Traditional Irish cooking is simple, relying on meat-based dishes. The traditional Irish stew, bacon and boiled cabbage are always popular choices. Soda bread is delicious and very filling, as are Irish cakes, such as scones and Barm Brack. The thick, black stout known as Guinness is a national institution in its own right. In recent years, Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with continental European, Asian and Californian influences. Specialties of Scotland include kippers, smoked salmon, Scotch broth, venison, shortbread, oatcakes and haggis (made of sheep innards). As in Ireland, sometimes the best (and least expensive) meals are found in pubs. Whisky is a favored local spirit, and Scottish ales are equally world-famous. For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie and Cumberland sausages are specialties. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition. Modern-day London also boasts an array of ethnic restaurants unmatched by almost any other city in the world. Popular options for the adventuresome palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek and West African cuisine.
Currency
The euro (in Ireland) and the British pound are the currencies you’ll be using on tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take credit cards and ATM cards, as needed. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Rural Landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England
This was an absolutely beautiful and wonderfully paced tour, and a tour director that was outstanding. (Thank you Rob for everything). Rob was extremely knowledgable about every where on the tour and very helpful to everyone. I loved traveling the rural aspect of these countries, we had no idea just how beautiful it all was. Our accomadations to us were outstanding and the food served for breakfast and dinners awesome, as far as we were concerned meals were far more than we thought they would be...Kudos to all. The pace of the tour was the best, nice and easy and enjoyable. What a great tour to take, thank you Go Ahead for another fabulous tour and tour director. Frank and Judy Sospenzi .
best trip we have been
it was the best trip we been on and everything was wonderful. the tour guide couldn't have better he was wonderful and so was the bus driver and all the hotel we stayed in thanks again
wonderful trip
our first trip tour trip and it was wonderful. our tour guide and bus driver's were outstanding. i can't say enough obout our guide he was a wonderful person and guide thank you for a wonderful time
Beautiful Trip
This tour is great. Matt, our tour director, was so much fun to be with and he has an incredible historical knowledge of all the areas we visited and shared that with us. The beauty and ruggedness of Ireland and Scotland was breathtaking. The trip was a good mix of precious small towns, large cities (Dublin & Edinburgh), castles, and countryside. We learned so much about the people past and present of these countries. It is hard to describe all the things that we did but it was all wonderful!
Had an AWESOME time
A lot of "bang for your buck". Lots of "extras" included. Our guide was very knowledgable about not only the areas we visited but the histories behind them. And he made that history fun!
Landscape and language
Beautiful landscape and trip. Easy to talk to people about their country. Felt very welcome and had a great time.
Rural Landscapes of Ireland and Britain
Excellent tour. Our guide-Matt Billett was superb!! His knowledge of the area was unreal and his presentation of history, etc. was so appreciated.
Third Time's The Charm!
This was our third trip with GoAhead Tours to Ireland and Great Britain--and our best one yet! In spite of the cool, rainy weather (which all the locals said was unusual) we had a "grand" time. Our guide, Matt Billett, was awesome! He kept us rolling with laughter, provided lots of little "extras", and told us things about this part of the world that we had never known before. It was great to see things through new eyes. His knowledge of the history of Ireland and Great Britain was phenomenal. And he was just fun to be with!! The group that was integrated into ours turned out to be a wonderful bunch of folks. We all became friends and hope to stay in touch. As always, the accommodations were superb, the scenery outstanding, the food scrumptious and the overall trip marvelous! Thanks for another great tour, GoAhead!!
Lovely beyond lovely!
To experience the scenery and the culture of Ireland, Scotland, and England was truly wonderful! This tour covered so much yet the pace made the tour feel like a real relaxing vacation :o) Our bus driver from Ireland, Tom, was by far the best in all the land with his Patty Murphy jokes, singing, and stories! Our tour director, Matt, was great and funny! I laughed so much on this tour and had such a wonderful experience, I would go back in a heartbeat :o) Ireland really does have 40 shades of green and the Highlands are breathtaking and the quaint towns of England were all enchanting!
A great, fun learning experience.
We met some very nice people from around the US and UK. The food was excellent and the hotels were very accommodating. We had 3 in our room and it worked out fine. The hotels were great places with history in themselves. Many chances to see another part of the world. I learned a lot of history and customs from the UK and Ireland. The locals were very gracious to us and were helpful if we had a problem. We spent a couple of evenings in a pub and decided that was a great way to neet the locals and learn more about their town. I would encourage anyone to take this trip.
