London, Edinburgh & Dublin 11 days (9 days in 2014)
About This Experience
Some cities just beg to be explored. London, Edinburgh and Dublin certainly make that list—and, given a few days and a guide in each, you might just leave feeling like an insider. After a local gives you the lowdown in each capital, leading you through landmarks and lesser-known hotspots, you’ll be free to explore. Whether you spend your time riding double-decker buses, staking out museums or simply sitting back in pubs is entirely up to you.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
9 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
London’s world-class (& free) museums
The unmatched wit of the Irish people
Edinburgh’s castle, crags & charming streets
Each city brings its own brand of greenery
Lots of time to delve into cultural subtleties
Locals let you in on the area’s best-kept secrets
Overnight Flight1 night
London3 nights - hotel info
Day2
This is London—a metropolis in the truest sense of the word
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the Hotel by Bus transfer desk. They will be providing the transfer to your hotel. If you took our pre-tour extension in London, join the rest of your tour today. This afternoon is free to explore London on your own or relax in your hotel room. Meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening.
Day3
Big Ben to double-decker buses, London’s as iconic as it is diverse
Breakfast
An expert local guide leads this morning’s comprehensive sightseeing of London. Highlights of the panoramic tour include views of Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Big Ben clocktower, the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus and a stop outside St. James’s Palace, where you might glimpse the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (seasonal and weather dependent). After your sightseeing tour, join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, the centuries-old retreat of Britain’s Royal Family.
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.
Day4
Miles of parks, scores of museums—it’s impossible to be bored here
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to uncover London’s attractions and treasures at your own pace. You might wish to conduct your very own garden tour, taking in the lovely Kensington or Kew Gardens, with side trips to the local markets. Another good choice is the Victoria & Albert Museum with an eclectic mix of world-wide artifacts, including Chinese ceramics and Japanese swords. Your tour director will help you choose from the extensive variety of free-time options. Alternatively, you might join an optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath, two of England’s most revered destinations.
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.
Edinburgh3 nights - hotel info
Day5
Journey from the Queen’s hometown all the way to Princes Street
Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving London this morning, you’ll journey by train through the English countryside to the lochs and hills of Scotland. Arrive in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital and seat of the new Parliament. After hotel check-in, the afternoon is free to uncover Edinburgh on your own. For a quick orientation of the city, begin at the Central Train Station, walk down Princes Street—lined with world-class shops—and then climb the hill to the Castle. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner.
Day6
Architecture, both new and auld, makes Edinburgh a treat for the eyes
Breakfast
Edinburgh Castle
Despite some changes to its landscape in the late 20th century, Edinburgh—much like Prague, Florence and Vienna—has managed to avoid the large-scale modernization that has transformed most major cities and has retained its medieval beauty. Dating as far back as 850 B.C., Edinburgh really gained prominence in the 11th century under the reign of David I, who founded the abbey at Holyrood. Today, an expert local guide leads a sightseeing tour from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile (both are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites). You’ll see Holyrood Palace, the quaint shops of the Mile and Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll see the Scottish crown jewels. This afternoon, you might wish to continue your exploration of Edinburgh on your own or join an optional Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey excursion.
Optional Excursions
Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey $69* pp
Travel through the Scottish Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The poet designed his home in the Romantic style to imitate the elaborate baronial estates of British aristocrats. Today it serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artifacts that Scott collected throughout his lifetime. The excursion then continues with a visit to the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the most impressive of the four Borders abbeys.
Day7
Take a walk down memory lane or swing by “the birthplace of golf”
Breakfast
Spend a day in Edinburgh to explore the sites on your own, including the many museums and shops of the Royal Mile. For a trip back to your youth, try the Museum of Childhood, located a short distance from the Castle along the Mile. Or join an optional excursion to St. Andrews, “birthplace of golf,” for a look at this picturesque coastal town.
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.
Dublin3 nights - hotel info
Day8
Day9
If you thought Central Park was big, think again
Breakfast
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
A professional local guide leads your comprehensive sightseeing tour of Dublin. First, drive past the River Liffey to Phoenix Park. The largest enclosed public park in Europe and twice the area of New York’s Central Park, the Phoenix’s grounds include the Arás an Uachtaráin (Presidential Residence) and Dublin Zoo. You’ll also see Temple Bar and Dublin Castle. Then visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by Ireland’s patron saint in the 5th century A.D., and Trinity College, where you can view the illuminated Book of Kells in the university’s library.
Day10
Head to the hills of Powerscourt or hold court in city center
Breakfast
With a free day in Dublin, you might wish to shop along Grafton Street. Or join an optional excursion to Powerscourt, known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, and the hillside ruins of Glendalough. This evening, experience traditional Irish music, dance and food at our optional Traditional Irish Evening.
Optional Excursions
Powerscourt & Glendalough $79* pp
County Wicklow is home to some of the wildest and most spectacular scenery in Ireland, as well as two of the country’s most important historic sites. Your first stop is at the picturesque village of Enniskerry, where you’ll visit Powerscourt, an elegant country mansion with the finest formal gardens in the country. Later, continue on to Glendalough, which became famous throughout Europe as a center of Christian learning before it was sacked by Viking crusaders in the 10th century. You’ll also see St. Kevin’s Cross, the remains of the 6th-century cathedral and the remarkable Round Tower, thought to have been used by the monks as a place of refuge.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Irish Evening $99* pp
Enjoy this special evening of Irish food, music and live entertainment. Dinner will be served first, giving you a taste of traditional Irish dishes. You’ll then be treated to a live show of Irish music and dance. Join in the fun as you enjoy a merry and memorable night. Please note: The specific venue and day of the week for this optional may change due to availability.
Extend Your Stay
Add London $259*
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
London’s a city you have to see to believe (we’re talking every inch of it)
Breakfast
Welcome to London! After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the Hotel by Bus transfer desk. They will be providing the transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to begin your London discoveries.
Day3
Decisions, decisions: world-class museums or Westminster Abbey?
Breakfast
Venture into the city today to immerse yourself in the infinite wonders of London. You might visit the British Museum to view its incredible collection of antiquities. For art, take in the exhibits at the National Gallery and the Tate Galleries. Alternatively, take part in our optional tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.
Optional Excursions
St. Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey $115* pp
Compare and constrast two of Britain's most famous churches, whose rich history provide an unparalleled look into the country's past. First, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the second largest church building in the United Kingdom and seat of the Bishop of London. The English-Baroque style cathedral is globally renowned for its magnificent dome and glittering mosaics. Continue on to Westminster Abbey, a Gothic church located near the Houses of Parliament. Since 1066, every royal coronation, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, has taken place at Westminster Abbey. The abbey also serves as the burial ground for Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
About This Experience
Some cities just beg to be explored. London, Edinburgh and Dublin certainly make that list—and, given a few days and a guide in each, you might just leave feeling like an insider. After a local gives you the lowdown in each capital, leading you through landmarks and lesser-known hotspots, you’ll be free to explore. Whether you spend your time riding double-decker buses, staking out museums or simply sitting back in pubs is entirely up to you.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
7 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
London’s world-class (& free) museums
The unmatched wit of the Irish people
Edinburgh’s castle, crags & charming streets
Each city brings its own brand of greenery
Lots of time to delve into cultural subtleties
Locals let you in on the area’s best-kept secrets
Overnight Flight1 night
London3 nights - hotel info
Day2
This is London—a metropolis in the truest sense of the word
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the Hotel by Bus transfer desk. They’ll be transferring to your hotel. If you took our pre-tour extension in London, join the rest of your tour today. This afternoon is free to explore London on your own or relax in your hotel room. Meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening.
Day3
Big Ben to double-decker buses, London’s as iconic as it is diverse
Breakfast
Follow a local Londoner as you make your way past the highlights of Europe’s largest city. You’ll take in views of Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Big Ben clock tower, Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus and stop St. James’ Palace, where you might glimpse the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (seasonal and weather dependent). Afterward, join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, the centuries-old retreat of Britain’s royal family.
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.
Day4
Miles of parks, scores of museums—it’s impossible to be bored here
Breakfast
Get to know London at your own pace. Drink up the traditional pub culture. Explore its many green spaces, including the lovely Kensington or Kew Gardens. Shop for local wares in the vibrant street markets. Or, discover world-class museums,such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, which boasts an eclectic mix of artifacts, including Chinese ceramics and Japanese swords. Alternatively, join our optional excursion to Stonehenge and Bath, two of England’s most distinctive destinations.
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.
Edinburgh2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Journey from the Queen’s hometown all the way to Princes Street
Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving London this morning, journey by train through the English countryside to the lochs and hills of Scotland. Arrive in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, where after hotel check-in, the afternoon is free to uncover the city on your own. One of the best ways to become quickly acquainted with the city is to begin at the Central Train Station, walk down Princes Street—lined with world-class shops—and then climb the hill to the Castle.
Day6
Architecture, both new and auld, makes Edinburgh a treat for the eyes
Breakfast
Edinburgh Castle
Despite some changes to its landscape in the late 20th century, Edinburgh has managed to avoid large-scale modernization and has retained its medieval charm. Today, follow a Scottish local on a tour from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile (both are designated UNESCO World Heritage sites). You’ll see Holyrood Palace, the quaint shops of the Mile and Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll see also the Scottish Crown Jewels. This afternoon, continue your exploration of Edinburgh on your own or join an optional Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey excursion.
Optional Excursions
Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey $69* pp
Travel through the Scottish Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The poet designed his home in the Romantic style to imitate the elaborate baronial estates of British aristocrats. Today it serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artifacts that Scott collected throughout his lifetime. The excursion then continues with a visit to the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the most impressive of the four Borders abbeys.
Dublin2 nights - hotel info
Day7
Spy the Emerald Isle’s “40 shades of green” from your window seat
Breakfast
Fly to Dublin, the capital of the Emerald Isle, and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After spending some time exploring and settling in, opt to join our Traditional Irish Evening to get your first taste of the city’s vibrant pub culture.
Optional Excursions
Traditional Irish Evening $99* pp
Enjoy this special evening of Irish food, music and live entertainment. Dinner will be served first, giving you a taste of traditional Irish dishes. You’ll then be treated to a live show of Irish music and dance. Join in the fun as you enjoy a merry and memorable night. Please note: The specific venue and day of the week for this optional may change due to availability.
Day8
If you thought Central Park was big, think again
Breakfast, Dinner
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College
Discover Dublin from a local’s perspective as you follow a Dubliner through the city’s landmarks. First, drive past the River Liffey to Phoenix Park. The largest enclosed public park in Europe and twice the area of New York’s Central Park, Phoenix’s grounds include the Arás an Uachtaráin (Presidential Residence) and Dublin Zoo. You’ll also see the iconic Temple Bar and Dublin Castle. Then, make visits to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by Ireland’s patron saint in the 5th century A.D., and Trinity College, where you can view the illuminated Book of Kells in the historic university’s library. In the afternoon, set out to discover the countless shades of green Ireland is known for during our optional excursion to the lush landscapes of Glendalough. Later in the evening, get together with your group one last time for your farewell dinner.
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.
Extend Your Stay
Add Dublin $259*
Ireland's capital is home to some of the leading writers of the English-speaking world, including favorite son James Joyce. The city's long literary tradition extends from the long-gone monasteries that kept Classical traditions alive during the Dark Ages, to the illuminated Book of Kells, the creation of Trinity College, and a bumper crop of writers in the 19th and 20th centuries. But it's not all professorial reserve, as a trip to one of Dublin's lively pubs will remind you.
Dublin2 nights
Day1
Soak in even more of Dublin’s local culture
Breakfast
Soak in even more of Dublin’s local culture, or venture north to Belfast on our full-day optional excursion, which includes a visit to the Titanic Museum.
Optional Excursions
Belfast $85* pp
Get to know Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and the city where the legendary “unsinkable ship” was built and set out for its first and only voyage. Upon arrival, a local guide will lead you through Belfast’s Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods, detailing the history behind “The Troubles” that took place here. After free time for lunch, you’ll venture to the newly opened Titanic Museum. The museum houses nine interactive exhibits that will take you through the ocean liner’s story, from its construction and maiden voyage to its eventual recovery. Following your visit, you’ll make your way back to Dublin.
Day2
Shop for souvenirs or watch the musicians on Grafton Street
Breakfast
Your last full day in Dublin is free to uncover the city at your own pace. Shop for souvenirs and stop to watch the street musicians on Grafton Street, feed the swans in St. Stephen’s Green, or spend the day seeking out the city’s freshest pint of Guinness stout.
Passport & Visa
This tour includes the following countries: England, Scotland and Ireland. 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 to the United States. 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 specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks when traveling to England, Ireland and Scotland. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and overseas travel requirements.
Cuisine
Traditional Irish cooking is simple, relying heavily on meat-based dishes. Pubs serve up hearty lunches, and 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 beer 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 Europe, 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 world-famous. Similarly, 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 for its diversity. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek and West African cuisine.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in London and depart from Dublin. Your transfer upon arrival in London is provided by Hotel by Bus transfer service, and you can find them at a desk when you make your way through customs and baggage. A flight is also included from Edinburgh to Dublin. Included transportation on tour is by train (from London to Edinburgh) and by private motor coach. Dublin and Edinburgh are both best explored on foot, although buses and taxis are plentiful. 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. It’s a lot more fun 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.
Currency
The British pound and euro (in Ireland) are the currencies you will use on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take a combination of bank/ATM cards and credit 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 equivalent 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 equivalent 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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London, Edinburgh & Dublin
Our tour director Matt was wonderful. Our bus driver(Robert) in Dublin went above and beyond. My only disapointment was the location of our hotels in London & Dublin. They were nice hotels no problem with them but they were not within walking distance of anything, which was very disappointing. we could'nt just walk to get some dinner. We were also very diasappointed with the traditional Irish evening(Taylors 3 Rock). The show and meal were not very good at all & overpriced. we did a traditional Scottish evening on our own in Edinburgh that was amazing and about a third of the price that we paid for our Irish evening. The rest of our trip was amazing and we will definetely go with go- ahead again. The location of our hotel in Edinburgh was perfect
Excellent UK Adventure
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and found that our experience was greatly enhanced by our tour director, Matt Billett who provided excellent recommendations and a wealth of knowledge in each city. The London location was a bit out of the way and the rooms were very small and not air conditioned (we opened the windows so it was fine aside from the noise) but their breakfast buffet was very good. The Stonehenge/Bath tour was excellent and the highlight of our time in England. While the rooms were similarly small in Edinburgh, the location was excellent and in the heart of that beautiful city - again, excellent breakfast buffet and the welcome dinner was top notch. Our local guide, Margaret Butcher, was also excellent and provided some wonderful personal insights to the city tour. The excursion to St. Andrews was well worth the trip. Again, Matt's local recommendations for things to see and do were right on target. On the final leg of our journey in Ireland, the hotel was great and the local guide Therese was excellent. The excursion to Powerscourt and Glendalough was excellent and our driver Robert went above and beyond in selecting the route providing us with breathtaking views of the Wicklow Mountains. Matt's local insights once again maximized our experience and enjoyment of Dublin. This was our first tour with Go Ahead and while we typically are very self-directed travelers, I felt the tour enabled us to see and enjoy the cities to the fullest.
A Great Introduction to the British Isles!
Excellent tour! A good balance of optionals and free time in each city.
another excellent tour
other than mediocre hotel in Edinburgh I was very pleased with accomadations and guides in each city
Top Notch Tour Guide
We were a small group so didn't qualify for the usual GoAhead Optionals. Our tour guide, Emilia, went above and beyond finding us excursions, collecting fees, refunding fees, and doing an amazing job. She was always available and very helpful with a delightful personality. She found us a tour to the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness that was amazing and unforgettable. After 10 tours with GoAhead, we can say the guides have always been outstanding!
Great taste of England, Scotland and Ireland!
My friend and I took the Go Ahead tour of London, Edinburgh and Dublin in May, 2012. We had such a wonderful time! The tour lands you in each city for three days and provides a city tour by bus at each of the three cities to give you an overview. We just loved that Go Ahead provides the travel and hotel stays along with an informed tour guide to help with any further trip plans or questions you may have without locking you into staying with the tour group all of the time. We were free to explore on our own and know that we had the safety and experience of the area of our Go Ahead tour director. My friend and I took the Go Ahead tour from London to Bath and Stonehenge. So interesting and gave us a much broader sense of England as opposed to staying in London, only. Highly recommend. In Edinburgh, a city not to be missed, we took a tour offered by Rabbies (excellant!) to the highlands of Scotland. Again, gave us a much better picture of Scotland than staying in Edinburgh, only. Highly recommend!! Lastly, in Dublin we took a further tour with Railtours Ireland to Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs and Galway Bay. Gave us a better taste of Ireland than staying in Dublin, only. All told this is a fantastic tour!! Spring was a lovely time to go for seeing the beautiful bright fresh greenery and of course all the newly born lambs (everywhere!) and cows (hairy, too). We hope to go back to Scotland with Go Ahead in the future!
trip was good for first time overseas
we really would have rather a tour guide met us at the London airport. We had to wait for an hour for the bus to pick our group up and take us to the hotel. He wasn't at the hotel when we arrived either.
Fine trip to London and the Celtic Lands
I just completed my third tour with Go Ahead, the London, Edinburgh, Dublin tour. Once again Go Ahead came through with an excellent tour at a very reasonable price. On all my three tours I've been surprised at what Go Ahead offers for the price. Everything is top-notch.
Trip of UK and Dublin
I loved the United Kingdom. I was very disappointed in Dublin.
Great cities but disappointing tour
I was a bit disappointed in the hotels on this tour. The one in Dublin felt like it was in an unsafe neighborhood and the guide told us not to go out at night unless we were in a cab. This was my 5th Go Ahead Tour and I haven't had this problem before. Certainly, the three cities, London, Edinburgh and Dublin are great and you can't go wrong with them. I was also disappointed by the cancellation of the Bath/Stonhenge side trip even though we had enough people to go on it. Problem was they couldn't order the bus for us in time.
