Your tour of London, Edinburgh, and Dublin will lead you through three of Great Britain & Ireland's capital cities.  Experience the majesty of London with a tour of its palaces and landmarks.  Enjoy Edinburgh’s vast collections of medieval and Georgian architecture, and end your trip immersed in the charm of Dublin.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - London

Begin your vacation aboard a relaxing overnight flight bound for Great Britain.

Day 2 - London

Touch down in London, England’s magnificent capital. After cleraing customs and collecting your bags, transfer to your hotel by bus. They will be providing your transfer 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. 
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner

Day 3 - London

A professional local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of London. You’ll see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street, Hyde Park and the gates of St. James’s Palace. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, a thousand-year-old royal retreat built by William the Conqueror after the Battle of Hastings.
Included meals: breakfast

$85 USD

Windsor Castle Travel to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the preferred royal retreat for the past 900 years and is still in use by the Royal Family. Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary.

Day 4 - London

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, Kew and Covent 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.
Included meals: breakfast

$115 USD

Stonehenge & Bath Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (about 4,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Next stop is Bath, where your Tour Director shows you the town’s major sights.

Day 5 - Edinburgh

Leaving London this morning, you’ll journey by train through the English countryside to the lochs and hills of Scotland. Please note that train porterage is not included. 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.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 6 - Edinburgh

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 excursion to Abbotsford House and the ruins of Melrose Abbey.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Edinburgh Castle

$69 USD

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey Travel through the Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century estate of Sir Walter Scott.The excursion then continues with a visit to the ruins of Melrose Abbey, one of the most impressive of the four Borders abbeys. 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 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.
Included meals: breakfast

$99 USD

St. Andrews Pass by the buildings of St. Andrews University, founded by Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century. Also included is a visit to the nearby ruins of the city’s cathedral, once Scotland’s most magnificent church, and the British Golf Museum, where you’ll discover the story of golf from its origins and the middle ages to the present day with diverse displays and exciting interactives. Explore tournaments and equipment, both past and present.

Day 8 - Dublin

Fly to Dublin, the Irish capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free to begin exploring Dublin or simply to relax before tonight’s included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 9 - Dublin

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.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College

Day 10 - Dublin

With a free day in Dublin, search for the perfect pint at the Guinness Storehouse or stroll through St. Stephen’s Green. Or join an optional full-day excursion to Powerscourt and the hillside ruins of Glendalough. This evening, experience traditional music, dance and food at our optional Irish Cabaret Night. 
Included meals: breakfast

$119 USD

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

$99 USD

Powerscourt & Glendalough Your first stop is at the picturesque village of Enniskerry, where you’ll visit Powerscourt Demesne, an elegant country mansion with the finest formal gardens in the country. Then continue on to Glendalough, which became famous throughout Europe as a center of Christian learning before it was sacked by Vikings crusaders in the tenth century.

Day 11 - Dublin

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast

(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

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.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in London and depart from Dublin. A flight is also included from Edinburgh to Dublin. Your transfer upon arrival in London is provided by Dot2Dot transfer service, and you can find them at a desk when you make your way through customs and baggage.

View airport map: http://www.goaheadtours.com/pdf/LHR_LGW_Terminal_Map.pdf

Included transportation on tour is by train (from London to Edinburgh) and by private motorcoach. When traveling by train there may be times when you will have to handle your own luggage, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage.

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

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!”

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 rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take credit cards, ATM/bank cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Go Ahead 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.