Experience the wonders of the British—and Irish—isles on this tour, and get to know the lands and legends of the ancient Britons, Scots and Celts. In just 11 days, you can discover the magical and elegant cities of London and Edinburgh, see Dove Cottage in the Lakes District and end your tour on the enchanting Emerald Isle—all for an incredible value!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - London

Board an overnight flight to London.

Day 2 - London

Welcome to the United Kingdom! Touch down in London, England's magnificent capital. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport end escorts you to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon is free to explore London on your own or relax in your hotel room. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner this evening. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - London

An expert local guide leads this morning's guided sightseeing tour of London. HIghlights of this panoramic tour include views of Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Picadilly Circus and a stop outside St. James's Palace, where you might glimpse the ceremonial changing of the guard (seasonal and weather dependent). You'll also visit Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, St. Paul's Cathedral, located on the site of two previous cathedrals dating back to the 7th century. After your sightseeing tour, join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, the centuries-old retreat of Britain's Royal Family and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. (B)

$109 USD

Windsor Castle A half-day excursion takes you to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest inhabited castle.

Day 4 - Edinburgh

Leaving London this morning, you'll journey by train along the Route of the Flying Scotsman to Scotland. This journey affords spectacular views of the pastoral English countryside and the lochs and moors of Scotland. As you approach the Scottish capital, you'll pass under the dramatic Edinburgh Castle; its foundation dates back to 850 B.C. After hotel check-in, the afternoon is free to begin discovering Edinburgh on your own. For a quick orientation of the city, begin at the Central Train Station, walk down Princes Street, which is lined with world-class shops, and then climb the hill to the Castle. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 5 - Edinburgh

Despite some changes to its landscape in the late 20t 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 prominenceunder the reign of David I, who founded the abbey at Holyrood. Today, an expert local guide will lead you on a sightseeing tour of the city, from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile (both are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites). You'll visit Holyrood Palace, the quaint shops along 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 excursion to Abbotsford House and the ruins of Melrose Abbey. (B)

$59 USD

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey Travel through the Borders region to the 19-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The romantic-style home is known as Abbotsford House and now serves as a museum for the Scottish artifacts Scott collected throughout his lifetime.

Day 6 - Lakes District

This morning, travel through the emerald green landscapes of the Lakes District, whose meadows are dotted with grazing sheep. You'll marvel at the district's wild beauty as you encounter picturesque views of farmland, forests, fells (hills) and becks (brooks). Visit Dove Cottage, where Poet Laureate William Wordsworth lived for several years. Dinner is included this evening. (B, D)

Day 7 - Dublin

Travel through the untamed wilderness of Wales to Holyhead, where you'll board a high-speed ferry across the Irish Sea. Disembark in Dublin, the cosmopolitan Irish capital city spanning the River Liffey. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free to begin your explorations of Dublin. (B)

Day 8 - Dublin

A professional local guide leads your comprehensive sightseeing tour of Dublin. First, drive past the River Liffey to Pheonix Park. The largest enclosed public park in Europe and twice the size of New York's Central Park, the Pheonix's grounds include the Ards an Uachtardin (the presidential residence) and the Dublin Zoo. You'll also see Temple Bar and Dublin Castle. Thn 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. Enjoy a free afternoon in Dublin or opt to tour Malahide Castle, the ancestral home of the Talbot family. This evening, experience traditional Irish music, dance and food at our optional Irish Cabaret Night. (B)

$119 USD

Irish Cabaret Night Enjoy this special evening of traditional Irish food, music and live entertainment.

$59 USD

Malahide Castle Set on 250 acres of park land in the pretty seaside town of Malahide, Malahide Castle was both a fortress and the private residence of the Talbot family for nearly 800 years.

Day 9 - County Kerry

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 bestow great powers of eloquence on all those who kiss it. A feat easier said than done, you can make your attempt by climbing the steep staircase to the top of the parapet and leaning out of the battlements. Continue onto County Kerry this evening. (B)

Day 10 - County Kerry

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 chose to tour the open-air museum and see the simple cabins in which locals lived during the Great Famine. This afternoon, enjoy unsurpassable views of the Skellig Islands. Then continue on to the picturesque village of Sneem, the "Knot in the Ring," where brightly painted cottages surround the cozy market green, before returning to your starting point in the Ring. Relive memories of the day during this evening's Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Day 11 - County Kerry

Transfer to Shannon airport for your flight home. (B)