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!
Trip costs include:
- Round-trip air transportation with a major airline, airport transfers
- The services of a Go Ahead Tour Director
- A licensed local city guide in London, Edinburgh and Dublin
- 9 nights accommodation in comfortable, well-located hotels with twin beds and private bath or shower
- All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling and local taxes
- Buffet breakfast daily; 4 three-course dinners
- Private deluxe motorcoach
- High-speed ferry transfer across the Irish sea
- Guided sightseeing and entrance fees to select sights as described
- Go Ahead travel gift and membership in our World Traveler Club, which includes credit toward your next tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to London aboard an internationally recognized airline.
Day 2 - London
Touch down in London, England’s magnificent capital. After clearing customs and collecting your bags, transfer to your hotel by bus. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. 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.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - London
An expert local guide leads this morning’s guided sightseeing tour 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.
Included meals: breakfast
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$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.
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Day 4 - Edinburgh
Leaving London this morning, you’ll journey by train through the English countryside to the 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. 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 5 - 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
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$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.
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Day 6 - Cheshire
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.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Dove Cottage
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 the ferry 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 exploring
Dublin.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 8 - 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.
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.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College
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$119 USD |
Irish Cabaret Night
Enjoy this special evening of traditional Irish food, music and live entertainment.
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$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.
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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 grant magical powers of eloquence to those who kiss it—which you can attempt by climbing the steep staircase to the top of the parapet and leaning out of the battlements. Continue on to County Kerry this evening.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Blarney Castle
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 choose 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 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.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 11 - County Kerry
Transfer to Shannon 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 home. 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.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in London, England, and depart from Shannon, Ireland. 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. Transportation from Wales to Ireland (by ferry) is also included. All other transportation is serviced by private motorcoach.
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. Don’t miss the chance to explore London on the iconic double-decker buses.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an 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!
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 equivalency 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 equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.