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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

with London extension

Duration: 12 or 14 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 330

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

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel to London, England

Board your overnight flight to London today.

London2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in London

Included meal: Dinner

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

Day 3: Guided 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: Travel 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 Scottish capital.

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

Later, sit down to an included dinner with your group in Edinburgh.

Day 5: Guided 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 exploring Edinburgh on your own or add an excursion.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

Excursion (additional cost)

Liverpool1 night

Day 6: Travel to Liverpool via the Lake District

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the emerald green landscapes of the Lake District en route to Liverpool, England, taking in picturesque views of farmland, forests, hills, and brooks as you go.

Dublin2 nights

Day 7: Travel to Dublin

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through northern Wales to Holyhead, where you’ll board a high-speed ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin.

Later, enjoy a free evening in Dublin or add an excursion.

Dublin Home-hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Guided 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: Travel to 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

This evening, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 10: Guided 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 and gaze across Dingle Bay

• Enjoy unsurpassable views of mountains, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean

• Visit the picturesque village of Sneem, "The Knot in the Ring”

Limerick1 night

Day 11: Travel to Limerick via the Cliffs of Moher

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take in some of Ireland's most stunning scenery as you make your way to Limerick today.

• Transfer to the town of Tarbert and board a ferry to County Clare

• Marvel at mesmerizing coastline at the Cliffs of Moher

Continue on to Limerick and relive memories of your tour during this evening’s farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to Shannon airport for your flight home.

Extension to London

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 with more than 2,000 years of history.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to London today.

London3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in London

Welcome to England! Today is free for you to begin your discoveries in London.

This evening, gather with your group for a welcome drink and get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 3: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in London or add an excursion.

St. Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey

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

330

4.6 average

06/25/2019 by 2nd time traveler Mitzi P.

First time traveling with this tour and it was a great experience. The tour director was knowledgeable and entertained us so well. We had great weather for exploring the sites. The only thing for me was that some of the hotel rooms were small but it is to be expected. I would recommend this tour fo...

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06/24/2019 by 2nd time traveler Tammy L.

Fantastic trip. The only slight complaint I had was coming back we had 2 stops with a total of 6 hours layovers. I would go again though!

06/24/2019 by 2nd time traveler Drew T.

Wonderful trip. Tour director was very knowledgeable of the areas we visited. Would go again.

06/20/2019 by 2nd time traveler Martha O.

We just returned from the Highlights of England, Scotland and Ireland! EF Go Ahead Tours did a great job of making sure the group had a great time. The meals were delicious!!!! Breakfast every morning was sooo good. The Group Dinners were also delicious. Desserts...what can I say I gained 5 pounds. ...

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Steve's Review

06/24/2019 by 2nd time traveler Steve O.

Overall this was our best tour; however there was one disappointment. We scheduled a dinner in an Irish home but the Irish family did not conduct in-home dinners on Sundays; this should have been known ahead of time and accordingly should not have been offered as an option.

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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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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

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 about 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.
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

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
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 atcdc.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.

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96 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights, and based on two travelers per hotel room.