Take in hundreds of years of history during this tour of some the most lovely landscapes in Ireland you’ll encounter small villages, medieval castles, literary enclaves, seaside cliffs- even a Celtic legend or two!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Limerick
Board your overnight flight to Ireland.
Day 2 - Limerick
Arrive in Shannon and meet your Go Ahead representative. Then transfer to your hotel in nearby Limerick, one of Ireland’s newly revitalized cities. Meet the rest of your group at an included dinner. (B in flight, D)
Day 3 - County Kerry
Travel through the rugged countryside of Western Ireland—land of myth and legend—to County Kerry. After hotel check-in, relax or explore the surroundings. (B, D)
Day 4 - County Kerry
See all the sights of Ireland’s Southwestern coast on today’s excursion around the 112-mile Ring of Kerry. View the towering peaks of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s most stunning mountain range. Pass quaint villages, journey through forested hillsides and motor along rugged seaside cliffs. Then stop in the market town of Killarney, a premier resort town and the gateway to Killarney National Park. (B)
Day 5 - Kilkenny
On your way to Kilkenny, Ireland’s best-preserved medieval town, visit Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Travel through County Cork and visit the Queenstown Story Museum at Cobh, whose collections depict the story of Irish emigration during the Great Famine. (B)
Day 6 - Dublin
Begin the day with a visit to St. Canice’s Cathedral, followed by a walking tour of Kilkenny. Then drive to Dublin, where a local guide leads your sightseeing tour of Ireland’s timeless capital. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, pass through Phoenix Park and see Dublin’s Georgian squares, as well as the famed Trinity College. (B, D)
Day 7 - Dublin
Spend free time in Dublin as you wish—retrace the steps of James Joyce or check out the Guinness Factory. Alternatively, join a half-day optional excursion to the monastic ruins of Glendalough, home of St. Kevin. (B)
$59
Glendalough
See Ireland's spectacular mountain scenery in County Wicklow, then walk through Glendalough to see St. Kevin's Cross.
Day 8 - Chester
Take a high-speed ferry across the Irish Sea to Holyhead, Wales. Visit 13th-century Conwy Castle, a classic example of medieval architecture, on your way to Chester. (B, D)
Day 9 - Chester
Chester is one of England’s most fascinating medieval cities and one of the few with its fortified walls still intact. Your tour director leads a walking tour of this former Roman stronghold. Later, join an optional excursion to Liverpool, home of the Beatles. (B)
$85
Liverpool
The home of Beatle mania, Liverpool also has a deep British history, reaching back to it roots as a small medieval fishing village. On this half-day excursion, take a guided tour of the city's revitalized aspects.
Day 10 - Lakes District
This morning, head into England’s pastoral Lake District. Visit Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth. (B, D)
Day 11 - Lakes District
Spend a free day relaxing in the Lake District, or join your tour director for an optional walking tour through the District.
$79
Day in the Lakes
Travel through wooded valleys and lakeside villages on a day out in the Lakes, a scenic shire once heralded by the Romantic poets.
Day 12 - The Highlands
Continuing into Scotland, journey past evocative Loch Lomond, made famous by Sir Walter Scott, and travel through Glencoe, the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. (B, D)
Day 13 - The Highlands
On a full-day optional excursion, travel to the Isle of Skye and visit Eilean Donan Castle. Situated on a island in the middle of Loch Duich, this much-photographed castle has been restored after centuries of ruin. (B, D)
$79
Eilean Donan Castle & the Isle of Skye
Set on a tiny island in the middle of a loch, one look at Eilean Donan Castle and you'll know why it's the world's most photographed castle.
Day 14 - Edinburgh
Drive through the Trossachs, home of Rob Roy, and visit Stirling Castle on your way to Edinburgh. Sample traditional food at tonight’s dinner. (B, D)
Day 15 - Edinburgh
Visit Edinburgh Castle and walk down the famous Royal Mile on your sightseeing tour of the Scottish capital. In the afternoon, opt for an excursion to St. Andrews, and in the evening enjoy traditional music at an optional Scottish Ceilidh. (B)
$115
Scottish Ceilidh
Enjoy this special evening of Scottish tradition.
$99
St. Andrews
Set on Scotland’s picturesque coastline, St. Andrews is a renowned university town as well as the birthplace of golf.
Day 16 - Edinburgh
Board your flight home or extend your stay in Britain for three nights. (B)
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights,
$519 (Single room: add $210)
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.