Enjoy a rare glimpse into classic literature settings, along with the landscapes and villages that inspired magnificent authors and poets, like Robert Burns, William Shakespeare, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Dylan Thomas, Jane Austen, TS Eliot and Bram Stroker—just to name a few.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - London

Begin your vacation aboard a relaxing overnight flight bound for London.

Day 2 - London

Touch down in London, England’s magnificent capital. A Go Ahead representative greets you after you clear customs and accompanies you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to unpack, settle in and begin exploring London. Join your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - London

An expert local guide leads today's comprehensive sightseeing of London. Highlights include Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Big Ben clock tower, Piccadilly Circus and a stop outside St. James’s Palace, where you might glimpse the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (seasonal and weather dependent). Then, join an optional walking tour to experience the literary side of London, as you walk down Baker Street, most famous for its fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, who lived at 221B Baker Street—an address that does not actually exist. See sites that conjure up the presence of Shakespeare during his London years and follow the “Shakespeare trail” to major sites associated with the renowned playwright.  (B)

$49 USD

Literary London Experience the literary side of London. Walk down Baker Street, most famous for its fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, who lived at 221B Baker Street—an address that does not actually exist. See London sites that conjure up the presence of William Shakespeare during his London years.

Day 4 - London

During your free day today, consider Ccnducting your own garden tour, taking in the lovely Kensington, Kew and Covent gardens, with side trips to the local markets. Alternatively, you might join a full-day optional excursion to Oxford and Stratford, two world famous English towns. (B)

$119 USD

Oxford & Stratford Oxford is not only the home of Britain’s oldest university, it is also one of England’s most interesting cities. Then continue through the rolling English countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. Here, you’ll visit Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Day 5 - Edinburgh

Journey by train through the English countryside to the romantic lochs and hills of Scotland. As you approach the Scottish capital, you’ll pass under the dramatic Edinburgh castle; its foundation dates back to 850 B.C. Please note that train portage is not included. After hotel check-in, enjoy an included dinner. (B, D)

Day 6 - Edinburgh

Today, an expert local guide leads a sightseeing tour of Scotland’s literary hub. You’ll visit Edinburgh Castle, a must-see for the history buff, with great highland views and a deep wealth of Scottish history, including the crown jewels. Next, you’ll visit the Writers’ Museum. Located within the 17th century Lady Stair’s House, it’s dedicated to the lives and work of Scotland’s great literary figures. This afternoon, explore Edinburgh on your own or join an optional excursion to Abbotsford House and the ruins of Melrose Abbey. (B)

$69 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. Please note: Access to Abbotsford House involves a short but steep walk.

Day 7 - Edinburgh

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 along the Mile after the descent down from the Castle. Or join an optional excursion to visit Robert Burns’ birthplace of Alloway, Ayrshire. It’s where Burns set his poem "Tam o' Shanter.” Here, you’ll enjoy a poetry reading and sample Scotch whisky. (B)

$95 USD

Robert Burns Visit Robert Burns’ birthplace of Alloway, Ayrshire, in southwest Scotland. It’s where Burns set his poem "Tam o' Shanter.” Here, you’ll enjoy a poetry reading and have the opportunity to sample Scotch whisky.

Day 8 - Dublin

Fly to Dublin, the Irish capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free to begin your own exploration. Later, join an optional excursion to Davy Byrne’s Pub, made famous by Jame Joyce. A regular visitor to the premises, Joyce developed a special relationship with the warm but abstemious proprietor. Here—like Joyce so often did—you'll savor mouth-watering pub food. (B)

$99 USD

Davy Byrne’s Pub Dinner Venture to Davy Byrne’s Pub for dinner. The pub was made famous by Jame Joyce. A regular visitor to the premises, Joyce developed a special relationship with the warm but abstemious proprietor. Anyone who is familiar with Dublin pub food will be aware of Davy Byrne's food reputation, in which seafood is the specialty—a succulent option for your dinner.

Day 9 - Dublin

Explore the rich literary landscapes of Dublin, during a guided sightseeing tour. Start at St. Patrick’s Catheral, the larger of Dublin's two Church of Ireland cathedrals and the largest church in Ireland. Known for penning Gulliver's Travels, Johnathan Swift was perhaps the most famous of the catherdral’s Deans. You’ll continue your tour with a visit to Merrion Square, once the home of Oscar Wilde's parents and William Butler Yeats; Grand Canal, where Patrick Kavanagh rediscovered his poetic vision; Raglan Road, which inspired Kavanagh’s “On Raglan Road"; and Sandymount Greens, birthplace of William Butler Yeats. Later, venture to the Dublin Writers Museum in Parnell Square. (B)

Day 10 - Dublin

With a free day in Dublin, shop along Grafton Street, visit Ireland’s national musuems or stroll through Phoenix Park. Alternatively, you may join a one-of-a-kind optional excursion for a James Joyce Experience, including Sandymount Strand, the most famous beach in Irish fiction that appeared in Joyce’s Ulysses. (B)

$35 USD

James Joyce Experience Join a one-of-a-kind optional excursion for a James Joyce Experience, including Sandymount Strand, the most famous beach in Irish fiction that appeared in Joyce’s Ulysses.

Day 11 - Dublin

Board your flight home. (B)