Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

with London extension

Duration: 12 or 14 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 376

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Explore Great Britain and Ireland's emerald landscapes and cultural hubs.

Embark on a guided tour of England, Scotland, and Ireland, which will take you from cosmopolitan London to the medieval city of Edinburgh. Then, pass through the Lake District and Wales as you travel between Scotland and Ireland. After arriving in the Emerald Isle, grab a pint (or a few) with Dubliners and make your way along the scenic Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher, taking in stunning sea views as you go.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
4 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Trafalgar Square
Big Ben
Buckingham Palace
Edinburgh Castle
Local pub culture

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to London today.

London2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in London

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to England! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London

Included meal: Breakfast

View the regal landmarks of England’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital on a guided sightseeing tour.

Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill
See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations, weddings, and funerals
View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London
Stop by Buckingham Palace, where you may catch the Changing of the Guard

Enjoy a free afternoon in London or add an excursion.

Windsor Castle

Excursion (additional cost)

Edinburgh2 nights

Day 4: Train ride to Edinburgh

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey by train through the English countryside and past the lochs and hills of Scotland. Later, arrive in the Edinburgh and sit down for an included dinner.

Please note: Travelers may need to handle their own luggage on the train.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Edinburgh in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.

View the elegant Georgian-style New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites
Pass the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the largest monument to a writer in the world
Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Spend a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

Excursion (additional cost)

Liverpool1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Liverpool

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the emerald green landscapes of Northern England, stopping in the town of Kendal for free time to enjoy a cup of tea and sample some of Kendal’s famous Mint Cake.

Then, continue on to Liverpool, England and enjoy a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

The Beatles: History & Story Museum

Excursion (additional cost)

Dublin2 nights

Day 7: Ferry to Dublin

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through northern Wales and stop in the village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, which is the longest-named place in Europe. Then, continue on to Holyhead and board a ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Dublin

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a comprehensive tour of Ireland’s capital city with a local expert leading the way.

Stop in Phoenix Park, site of the presidential residence, and pass by the Guinness Brewery

Step inside the soaring St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church

Pass St Stephen’s Green and admire the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square as you go

See Trinity College and walk past Grafton Street to the Molly Malone statue, ending in the Temple Bar district

Enjoy a free evening in Dublin or add an excursion.

Traditional Irish Dinner & Show

Excursion (additional cost)

County Kerry2 nights

Day 9: County Kerry via Blarney

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Continue your journey through the Emerald Isle today.

Make a photo stop at the famed Rock of Cashel
Enter Blarney Castle to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone

Continue on to County Kerry and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of the Ring of Kerry

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out on the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that covers some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery.

Pass the pristine Lakes of Killarney in Killarney National Park and gaze across Dingle Bay
Enjoy unsurpassable views of mountains, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean
Explore the picturesque villages that line the Ring of Kerry including the village of Sneem, “The Knot in the Ring”

Limerick1 night

Day 11: Limerick via the Cliffs of Moher

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

This morning, head to Tarbert where you’ll board a ferry and cross the Shannon Estuary to County Clare. Then, travel north to walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the Cliffs of Moher. Continue on to Limerick this afternoon and celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Shannon airport for your flight home.

Extension to London

Arrive early and start your journey with extra time in the bustling English capital. Mind the gap, get in the queue, ask for bangers with your mash—see the city your way, and count on your Tour Director for expert tips.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to London today.

London2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in London

Welcome to England! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers as you enjoy a welcome drink this evening.

Day 3: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in London or add an excursion.

Stonehenge & Salisbury

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

Meet up with the rest of your tour group today (day 2 of the regular itinerary).

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Reviews

4.6 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Having fun traveling with Go Ahead Tours

01/15/2020 by 6th time traveler Ed B.

On all the tours we have been on, we have always been satisfied with all the aspects of the trips. From the time we get to the airport to start the trip until we get back home everything is taken care of. We have always had great guides on the trips and each tour. We keep coming back because we a...

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England

02/03/2020 by 2nd time traveler Nancy N.

Hotel accommodations were just fair in London, Dublin and Scotland. The beds were very small particularly for adults. No gym facilities in most hotels. The hotel in Ireland, other than Dublin, were very nice. A great deal of time was "wasted" on travel days between London, Scotland, and Irel...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 02/03/2020

Dear Nancy, At Go Ahead, we do our best to keep ou...

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England, Ireland and Scotland

10/28/2019 by 3rd time traveler Ash B.

This tour was so much fun! Our Tour Director Ali Bainbridge was absolutely wonderful. I am a big Beatles fan and a huge Harry Potter nerd so she helped my husband and I figure out how to hit all of the things we wanted to in our free time in London. She was so funny and easy to get along with and it...

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10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler George F.

It was a 10 day Oct 10-18) tour so we payed extra to stay 2 extra days in London ( Oct 6-18, 2019) We left US on Oct 5,2019 .British Airways had delay so we left the airport close to midnight arriving in London at the hotel around lunch time on Oct 6. No one was at the hotel to inform us of the tou...

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Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

10/28/2019 by 4th time traveler Kristin T.

This was a wonderful trip! It was slower paced which helped many on the tour who had some mobility issues. The sites were beautiful and our tour guide, Mike, was knowledgeable and entertaining! We would definitely use Go Ahead Tours again.

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Dorsett Shepherd's Bush

This elegant hotel is located in Shepherd's Bush in West London. Guests enjoy a fitness center, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Notting Hill,...

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Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre

This modern hotel is located in the New Town of Edinburgh. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a lounge bar. Nearby, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle, Palace of H...

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The Richmond

This luxurious hotel is located in downtown Liverpool. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and conference room. Nearby, you’ll find the World Museum, the ...

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Cassidy's Hotel

This boutique hotel is located in Dublin's city center. Guests enjoy Wi-Fi, a fitness suite, and hotel bar. Nearby, you'll find Trinity College, Dubli...

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Fitzgerald's Woodland House Hotel

This classic hotel is located in Adare. Guests enjoy a restaurant, spa, and pool. Nearby, you’ll find Adare Manor, archery and falconry facilities, an...

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Meadowlands Hotel

This charming hotel is located on the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and garden. Nearby, you’ll find downtown Tralee, Ashe Memoria...

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Maldron Hotel Kevin Street

This streamlined hotel is located in the Portobello neighborhood. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you’ll find St. Patrick's Cat...

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Arbutus Hotel

This charming hotel is located in Killarney town centre. Guests enjoy free WiFi and Buckley's Bar, as well as complimentary ginger cake and tea on arr...

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Pullman Liverpool Hotel

This modern hotel is located along the River Mersey. Guests enjoy a fitness center, bar, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the Wheel of Liverpool, t...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Edinburgh, Scotland

Weather averages

Today
High 46°F Low 36°F

Dublin, Ireland

Weather averages

Today
High 46°F Low 31°F

Killarney, Ireland

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 27°F

Holyhead, Wales

Weather averages

Today
High 47°F Low 38°F

Shannon, Ireland

Weather averages

Today
High 50°F Low 30°F

London, England

Weather averages

Today
High 48°F Low 36°F

Limerick, Ireland

Weather averages

Today
High 49°F Low 28°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

This tour visits the United Kingdom and Ireland. In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa 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.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and ferries.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Shannon. When you first arrive in London, a driver from a private chauffeur service will be standing at the arrival gate with your name on a message board. If you do not see your driver, please remain in the arrival lounge, as the driver may be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the shuttle at the time of your arrival. For more details, please reference the London transfer information included in your Go Kit.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A train ride from London to Edinburgh and ferry rides from Holyhead to Dublin and County Kerry to County Clare are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
Please note that you may need to handle your own baggage during train and ferry transfers.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

For traditional English fare at a reasonable price, try a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine.Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
Scottish cuisine relies on readily available ingredients like game, dairy, and fish, with little use of exotic spices. Pickled kippers and smoked salmon are popular, as well as hearty dishes like Scotch broth (stew of meat and root vegetables) and haggis (a savory pudding of sheep innards). Scotch whisky is a legendary local spirit, and Scottish ales are world-famous.
Irish pubs serve up hearty lunches, such as the traditional stew of bacon and boiled cabbage. Soda bread is delicious, very filling and served with many meals. Nibble a scone at afternoon tea, with a pat of high-quality butter from County Kerry. Guinness stout is an international sensation, but locals might favor Murphy's, depending on where you are.
Dublin has seen something of a culinary revolution, and the city now boasts an impressive array of new restaurants offering exciting cuisine with continental Europe, Asian, and even American influences.

Electricity & air conditioning

The United Kingdom and Ireland operate within 230-240 volts and use a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

The United Kingdom and Ireland operate on the Greenwich Mean Time Zone (GMT) and are five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in Ireland.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, but you may choose to order some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

Ends

Price

Availability

2020

Tue

May 05

Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

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