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Highlights of England,...
 

Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

12 days |  14 days with London extension
12 days |  14 days with London extension
Group size1538 travelers
Reviews

4.6 star rating

854
Physical activity
Best seller
a white lamb and brown sheep standing in a field in Ireland
a street sign for circus lane in edinburgh scotland
buckingham palace with the sun setting behind it
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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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 sightseeing tours
  • Expert Tour Director & local guides
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Included highlights

  • Trafalgar Square
  • Big Ben
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Local pub culture
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
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

From $125 per person

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: Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. 

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

From $109 per person

Liverpool1 night
Day 6: Transfer to Liverpool
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the emerald green landscapes of Northern England, stopping along the way to enjoy a break in one of the Lake District’s charming towns.

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

The Beatles: History & Story Museum

From $105 per person

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

From $109 per person

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”
Dublin1 night
Day 11: Dublin via the Cliffs of Moher
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

This morning, travel north to walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the Cliffs of Moher. Continue on to Dublin 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 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

From $149 per person

Day 4: Free day in London
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner

Meet up with the rest of your tour group today and get to know everyone during tonight’s welcome dinner (day 2 of the regular itinerary).

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Reviews

4.6 star rating

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 854 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Highlights of England, Scotland and Ireland
    11/4/23 by 1st-time traveler Kelly

    As a highlights tour, it was a great overview. You will see iconic places, easy to navigate and no language barriers. If you can extend your trip either before and/or after will have time to see and do things in the cities that are not included in the tour.

    5.0 star rating

    Great tour experience
    11/4/23 by 1st-time traveler Mary

    This was my first tour and it was a great experience, what a way to go and see so much in such a short period of time! Thanks for the memories

    5.0 star rating

    Exceptional Solo Tour of London, Edinburgh and Ire
    11/4/23 by 2nd-time traveler Rocio

    My tour of London, Ireland and Edinburgh, led by Vanessa and facilitated by expert drivers, was outstanding. Vanessa's insights brought each city's history to life, blending famous sites with hidden treasures. The drivers' skill ensured smooth travel, adding to the comfort and safety of the journey....

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    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.
    Holiday Inn London Kensington
    Holiday Inn London Kensington

    This boutique styled hotel is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington in central London. Guests enjoy the fitness room, beautifully landscaped gard...

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    Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre
    Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre

    This modern hotel is located in the New Town of Edinburgh. Guests enjoy the Gin of the Month at the lounge bar, relaxing Great Room and convenient loc...

    Read more +
    Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower
    Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower

    This unique hotel is located along the River Mersey in Liverpool's commercial district. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and bar. Nearby, you'll...

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    Cassidys Hotel
    Cassidys Hotel

    This boutique hotel is located in Dublin’s city center. Guests enjoy the bistro restaurant, gym, and hotel bar. Nearby, you’ll find EPIC The Irish Emi...

    Read more +
    Meadowlands Hotel
    Meadowlands Hotel

    This elegant hotel is located in Tralee, County Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way. Guests enjoy the manicured gardens and intimate second floor bar. N...

    Read more +

    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

    Print FAQ
    Entry 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.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code BES.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • 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.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in London and depart from Dublin. 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 are included in the price of your tour.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item 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 ferry transfers.
    • Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. The storage space on the train is extremely limited, so we recommended traveling with only one suitcase per person (and a personal item, such as a backpack or purse).
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    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).
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    Health
    • 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.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code BES.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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 $8USD 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.
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    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.
    Was this information helpful?

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