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Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland

with London extension

Duration: 15 or 18 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 47

Traverse small villages, beautiful country and seaside cliffs.

Travel through the landscapes of Scotland and Ireland, where hundreds of years of history spring suddenly to life. Start your journey in Edinburgh with the city’s Georgian architecture, then head to Glasgow before crossing the Irish Sea to visit historic Belfast. Turn south through charming Galway and County Kerry’s coastal landscapes before ending your adventure amid Dublin’s bustling streets.

Your tour package includes

13 nights in handpicked hotels
13 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
7 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Edinburgh Castle
Stirling Castle
Titanic Belfast museum
Kilbeggan whisky distillery
Cliffs of Moher

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Edinburgh today.

Edinburgh3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Edinburgh

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Scotland! Arrive in Edinburgh, then transfer to your hotel and get settled in. Later tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh

Included meal: Breakfast

Follow a Scottish local on a sightseeing tour of the city.

• View the Georgian New Town and the Royal Mile, two UNESCO World Heritage sites

• Pass the Sir Walter Scott monument

• Enter Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone

Enjoy a free afternoon in Edinburgh or add an excursion.

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Edinburgh

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore Edinburgh on your own or add an excursion.

Coastal Scotland & St Andrews Pub Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Glasgow2 nights

Day 5: Glasgow via Stirling Castle

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel through the picturesque Scottish countryside to explore Stirling Castle, where King James VI once lived. Then, continue on to Glasgow for a tour with a local guide.

• Discover local highlights, including George Square and the River Clyde

• Admire the city’s university and medieval cathedral

• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which features everything from medieval suits of armor to a collection of works by Scottish artists

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

Day 6: Free day in Glasgow

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Glasgow or add an excursion.

Inveraray Castle & Trossachs National Park

Excursion (additional cost)

Belfast2 nights

Day 7: Ferry to Belfast

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make your way to the village of Cairnryan where you’ll board a ferry for your voyage across the Irish Sea to Belfast.

Sit down to an included dinner with your group this evening.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Belfast

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Belfast, the cultural heart of Northern Ireland, from a local’s perspective on a guided tour.

• Glimpse the copper-domed City Hall and the recently restored Grand Opera House

• Learn all about Belfast’s long history, from its origins in the Bronze Age and rise as an international seaport to its role in the conflict known as “the Troubles”

• Enter the Titanic Belfast Museum for a look at the vessel’s infamous history

Enjoy a free afternoon in Belfast or add an excursion.

Giant's Causeway

Excursion (additional cost)

Galway2 nights

Day 9: Galway via County Meath

Included meal: Breakfast

En route to Galway, stop in County Meath to pay a visit to Causey Farm.

• Learn about daily life on a working Irish farm

• Watch a demonstration of traditional games and dance

Then, continue on to Galway for a sightseeing tour of the city led by your Tour Director.

• Stroll past Lynch’s Castle, Galway Cathedral, the Druid Theater Company and the broad expanse of Eyre Square

• View the city’s medieval walls and Spanish Arch

• Peruse authentic Claddagh rings in a local shop

Day 10: Free day in Galway

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a full free day in Galway or add excursions.

Kylemore Abbey & Connemarra National Park

Excursion (additional cost)

Castle Banquet Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

County Kerry2 nights

Day 11: County Kerry via the Burren, Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel through the Irish countryside to County Kerry today, taking time to view spectacular scenery en route.

• Pass through the Burren, a unique limestone plateau where fields of rock are dotted with wildflowers

• Walk along the mesmerizing coastline of the majestic Cliffs of Moher

• Take a guided tour of the 13th-century Bunratty Castle

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

Day 12: Dingle Peninsula & Killarney National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way along the dramatically rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula.

• Take a scenic drive along the Slea Head Drive, enjoying impressive coastal views as you go

• Enter the Gallarus Oratory, an early Christian church overlooking the harbor at Ard na Caithne

• Enjoy photo stops at Coumeenole Beach, Slea Head and Dunbeg Fort

After free time for lunch in the town of Dingle, head to Killarney National Park for photos at Ross Castle on Lough Leane.

Dublin2 nights

Day 13: Dublin via Blarney Castle

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Dublin this morning, stopping to explore Blarney Castle along the way.

• Explore the castle's dungeon, court, and battlements

• Kiss the legendary Blarney Stone

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Dublin

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 Storehouse

• 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

Spend a free afternoon in Dublin or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in Dublin with your group.

Glendalough

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the 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 of more than 2,000 years of history.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to London today.

London4 nights

Day 2: Arrival in London

Welcome to England! Arrive in London and transfer to your hotel. Spend a free afternoon getting to know the city before meeting your fellow travelers during a welcome drink this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of London

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a guided tour of London’s regal landmarks with a local expert leading the way.

• Pass the grand Trafalgar Square and Baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, perched atop Ludgate Hill

• See Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations and weddings

• View icons like Big Ben, the London Eye 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)

Day 4: Free day in London

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Stonehenge & Oxford

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 5: Transfer to Edinburgh

Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to King’s Cross Station to board your train to Edinburgh, where you’ll meet up with the rest of your tour group on day 2 of the main tour.

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Reviews

4.4 average

Scotland and Ireland

05/14/2019 by 3rd time traveler Carol G.

This tour was very good because the itinerary covered so much territory. I really feel like I have seen a lot of Ireland. Edinburgh was lovely and enjoyable but it was really cold. Pack accordingly. I thought most of the hotels were located too far from city center to walk. In Edinburgh we used ...

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London/Scotland/Ireland

04/17/2019 by 3rd time traveler Martin V.

Overall, the entire tour was excellent. We knew we were seeing a lot when it came to the end of the day. When we got home and started to review the pictures and put away the literature we had collected along the way, we realized how much had been packed into an 18 day tour. Kurt was an exceptional ...

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04/11/2019 by 4th time traveler Linda F.

This trip was well planned the tour director worked very hard to meet our needs. This was a trip to remember.

05/03/2019 by 3rd time traveler Mike S.

Great trip. Outstanding tour director in Kurt Hoffman. Only negative was hotel beds in several of the hotels were extremely small, smaller than a twin size bed, and CPAP was hard to use due to tiny bedside table. Some of the rooms were hot, but I've learned that is to be expected in Europe. I de...

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Great trip, but a bit too long for me

04/11/2019 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

The whole tour was made very smooth by EF Go Ahead Tours. The tour director and tour guides were all excellent. All group meals were excellent. Hotels were all clean, although several had rather smallish rooms with little or no space for storing clothes or opening luggage. However, this is probably ...

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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.

Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket

This modern hotel is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find Edinburgh Castle, the Nation...

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Novotel Glasgow City Centre

This contemporary hotel is located in the Glasgow city center. Guests enjoy a swimming pool and bar. Nearby, you'll find the Burrell Collection, Royal...

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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

In order to enter the United Kingdom and Ireland, 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 hour 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 Edinburgh (or London on the pre-tour extension) and depart from Dublin. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
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 ferry ride from Scotland to Belfast is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a train ride from London to Edinburgh.)
All other included transportation 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.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing 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 any of 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

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 a meal. 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.
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.

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 charges may apply.
There is no internet access on the motor coach.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

The United Kingdom and Ireland are on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in London and Dublin.

Currency

You will use the Pound sterling in the United Kingdom and the euro in Ireland.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering 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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.