Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland
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Drink in the sights of these twin Celtic nations, mile after majestic mile.
Centuries of history sprinkled across timeless landscapes? That’s just part of Scotland and Ireland’s allure. And from the rolling expanse of the Scottish Highlands to the wild, wave-lashed Irish coast, this comprehensive tour will show you just how easily these two countries sweep visitors off their feet. Breathe in sea breezes and grassy, fresh air as you zigzag from elegant Edinburgh to the Cliffs of Moher, even popping into Northern Ireland for a spell. (If you’re interested in one more delightful detour, tack a pre-tour visit to London onto your itinerary for some cosmopolitan flavor.)
Your tour package includes
- 13 nights in handpicked hotels
- 13 breakfasts
- 5 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 liquor tasting
- 1 food tasting
Included highlights
- Edinburgh Castle
- Inveraray Castle
- Western Highlands
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Titanic Belfast Museum
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Edinburgh today.
Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner—and maybe ask those who took the pre-trip extension what they thought of their time in London.
Nestled between the rivers Almond and Esk, Edinburgh emerges from a series of hills and rocky ridges, earning its nickname “the Athens of the North.” Get to know the Scottish capital in all its medieval beauty on a tour led by a local expert.
- View the elegant neoclassical and Georgian architecture in New Town. The ornate sandstone and granite structures surrounding oasis-like gardens and green spaces became a model for European urban planning.
- Contrast New Town’s grace with Old Town’s rustic Royal Mile, which runs between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace—the official residence of British monarchs in Scotland. Here, you’ll cross moody, narrow streets and alleys, known as “closes,” flanked by brooding stone buildings and timeworn cathedrals.
- Pass the towering Sir Walter Scott monument—paying homage to the Ivanhoe and Rob Roy scribe—one of the largest sculptural tributes to an author in the world.
- Ascend Castle Rock and enter Edinburgh Castle. Standing on an extinct volcano at the top of the Royal Mile, it houses the Scottish crown jewels and Stone of Scone—in use since the 13th century coronating the monarchs of England, Great Britain, and the United Kingdom.
Looking to be swept away by the wild romance of the Scottish Borders region? Add an outing to your itinerary and join fellow literature lovers for a quest to the home of Sir Walter Scott and the Gothic ruins of Melrose Abbey.
Prefer to see more of Edinburgh? Use your free afternoon in the city to go back and wander the winding streets of Old Town. If you’re feeling adventurous, perhaps consider a spooky stroll through the tunnels that weave underneath the city. Of course, there’s always tucking into a booth in a cozy cafe and lingering over tea and shortbread.
Please note: The order of today's activities are subject to change.
Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey
From $109 per person
From Edinburgh, head northwest into the famed Scottish Highlands, making a few stops as you go.
- Drive through The Trossachs, one of Scotland’s two national parks, and pass by Loch Lomond—the largest lake on the island of Britain by surface area.
- Leave your bus at majestic Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of Argyll, leader of Clan Campbell, since the 18th century. Surrounded by gardens, this country estate was one of the first built in the Gothic Revival style, and you’ll get to explore both with a local guide leading the way.
After a day full of sightseeing, stretch your legs at your hotel before rejoining your group in the evening for an included dinner.
Please note: Entrance to Inveraray Castle is seasonal and only available from April–October. If it’s closed, your group will instead visit nearby Ardkinglas House—a classy country estate built in the Scots baronial style on over 12,000 acres of park land.
Ready for even more scenery? Leave your hotel for a day of guided sightseeing across the Western Highlands.
- Begin with a stroll through Oban. Known as the seafood capital of Scotland, this harbor town of just over 8,000 people occupies a quiet, quaint stretch of shore along the Firth of Lorn. Together with your group, make the short hike up Battery Hill to McCaig’s Tower—a Roman-style stone structure that envelops a well-tended lawn. (The real draw? Sweeping views of Oban Bay, beautifully framed by the tower’s many arches.)
- Roll past lochs, through glens, and over bens (as mountains are called in Scots Gaelic) en route to Glencoe. Stop in Glencoe—a village of fewer than 400 people and the site of a 1692 massacre of a Scottish clan by members of government forces. Learn about the area and the infamous ambush, and why Clan MacDonald was attacked by the Scottish army in the first place.
- From the old battleground, make your way to the eco-friendly Glencoe Visitor Centre, a cultural history exhibit that’s nestled in the breathtaking surroundings of the Glencoe Valley. Glean even more context about that infamous day in the 17th century and try to grasp how it could happen in such peaceful environs.
Bid the Highlands farewell and head south, stopping at a local distillery along the way. Take a tour to learn about one of Scotland’s greatest gifts to the world—whisky (without the “e”!)—and see how the good stuff’s made. No visit to a distillery would be complete without a tasting, so before you go, sit down and sample some malted Scotch.
Then, continue to Glasgow—Scotland’s biggest city and the U.K.’s cultural and creative capital. Before calling it a day, set off on a sightseeing tour of “the Dear Green Place” (a sobriquet drawn from the direct translation of the city’s Gaelic name) with a local as your guide.
- Pass the Burrell Collection—a museum that boasts more than 9,000 pieces of medieval art, ancient Chinese artifacts, and more—and admire the buildings of the University of Glasgow. Founded in 1451, it’s the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world and one of four Renaissance-era universities still operating in Scotland today.
- Stop outside the city’s medieval cathedral—the oldest cathedral on the Scottish mainland and the oldest building in all of Glasgow—for photos of its Gothic spires and facades.
- Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Opened in 1870 as Glasgow’s first municipal museum, it features substantial exhibitions of everything from European portraiture to Egyptian antiquities.
Please note: On some departures, the Whisky Tasting may take place on day 5 in the Scottish Highlands.
Make your way to the village of Cairnryan—a hamlet of just 142 residents on the shores of Loch Ryan—and board a ferry bound for the Northern Irish capital of Belfast. (Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom; the Republic of Ireland, with its capital in Dublin, is its own country.) Once you’ve crossed the Irish Sea, transfer to your hotel and get your land legs back under you. Then, sit down for an included dinner with your group before calling it a night.
Northern Ireland’s largest city, seafaring Belfast possesses a long, proud history—one that you’ll dip into today. With help from a local guide, take a tour and get to know it from a unique perspective.
- Glimpse the patinated domes and sculpted walls of Belfast’s City Hall, where local leaders have met since the beginning of the 20th century. Then, move on to the Grand Opera House. Completely restored in the early 2020s, the almost 130-year-old building still hosts an assortment of performances, from ballet to comedy.
- As you walk Belfast’s streets, let your guide educate you on the city’s past—from its origins in the Bronze Age and rise as an international seaport to its role in the vicious sectarian conflict known around the world as “the Troubles.”
- Take a break from walking and talking to enter the Titanic Belfast museum. The infamous vessel was built in the city’s shipyards by local manufacturers Harland & Wolff, and this exhibit highlights its history, from hopeful conception to doomed maiden voyage.
Catch a glimpse of geometric perfection this afternoon by adding an outing to the Giant’s Causeway. Stepping down into the sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of some 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the supposed remnants of an encounter between two mythical giants.
If you’d rather enjoy some alone time, pop into St. George’s Market—the last surviving covered Victorian market in the city—and browse the wares of more than 300 vendors.
Giant’s Causeway
From $95 per person
This morning, cross the land border into the Republic of Ireland and strike out for Galway. En route, pay a visit to a working farm for an in-depth look at Irish country life. Herding sheep, baking brown bread, preparing scones and tea: Enjoy a taste of some of these traditions before hitting the road again.
Arrive in Galway, Ireland’s cultural heart, where your Tour Director will take the lead on a walking tour of the city’s highlights.
- Stroll past a trio of Galwegian icons: Lynch’s Castle, a castle-turned-bank that dates to the 16th century; the rustic home of “Ireland's most prestigious theatre (troupe),” the Druid Theatre Company; and John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, a popular greenspace better known to locals (and the world) as Eyre Square.
- Get a grasp of Galway’s Norman history by viewing its medieval walls—12th-century fortifications that once encircled the city—and the Spanish Arch. First erected in 1584 as an extension of Galway’s protective walls, its name alludes to the Spaniards who moored their ships and lived in the area.
- Peruse authentic Claddagh (said “CLA-da”) rings in a local shop. Steeped in legend and symbolism, these pieces of jewelry have been produced in their current guise—two hands clasping a crowned heart—since at least 1700 and are inextricably linked to Galway.
Wrap up your day with a free evening in the city. Galway’s famous for its traditional music scene; for a stomping, clapping good time, head to the nearest pub and let the sounds of Gaelic song wash over you.
Up next: a full day in Galway, all to yourself. Early risers should head for the Long Walk, a not-so-long row of color-blocked houses just past the Spanish Arch. Their seaside location and vibrant aesthetics make for a great photo op—especially at sunrise.
Then, enjoy the freedom of an unstructured schedule, or build out your day with your choice of two excursions. For architecture and vistas plucked out of a fantasy novel, you’ll want to take up our visit to Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park. Alternatively, hang back in Galway proper and—if you added it to your itinerary—reconvene for a traditional dinner, served with a rousing step dance show. (Add either, neither, or both to your plans: It’s up to you!)
Please note: The Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show with Dinner excursion is only offered on certain days of the week and may not be available on some departures.
Traditional Irish Music & Dance Show with Dinner
From $109 per person
Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park
From $89 per person
Resume your journey through the Emerald Isle today—but before going to County Kerry, redefine “taking the scenic route” and trace Ireland’s Atlantic coast for a detour into County Clare.
- Pass through the Burren. Distinct from the lush greens that typify the rest of the Irish landscape, greys dominate this limestone plateau, punctuated by bursts of wildflowers. Botanists will surely delight in this journey: More than 70% of Ireland’s flower species grow here.
- Walk along the Cliffs of Moher. Perched along Ireland’s west coast, these weathered promontories extend for about five miles and are marked by jagged rock formations and abundant birdlife. Walking close to the cliffs’ edge can be a thrilling, if dizzying experience, but rest assured knowing that the views from their well-maintained walking paths are just as electrifying.
- Cut inland and visit the 15th-century Bunratty Castle tower house. Explore its grounds at your leisure during a self-guided tour and absorb all the medieval history you can.
Stops completed, continue your southwesterly drive into County Kerry, where you’ll check into your hotel and settle in for the night.
From your base in County Kerry, depart on a drive over the dramatically rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula—the westernmost region of the country and a stronghold of Irish language and culture. Soak in the scenery as you go, making some stops along the way.
- Motor down Slea Head Drive, a ring road that’s part of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way tourism trail. Bask in the power of the crashing ocean as you pause for photo ops at Coumeenoole Beach, Slea Head, and Dunbeg Fort.
- Enter the Gallarus Oratory: Overlooking the harbor at Ard na Caithne (a beautiful bay pronounced “ARD-na-CAHN-ya”), this early-Christian chapel catches the eye with its unique slanting form.
After free time for lunch in the town of Dingle, head to vast, lake-filled Killarney National Park for a photo stop at Ross Castle—the 15th-century ancestral home of Clan O’Donoghue. (Yes, there are clans in Ireland, too!)
Finally, end your epic journey by returning to your hotel and resting up for tomorrow’s trip to Dublin.
Leave County Kerry behind, rumbling toward the capital city of Dublin. But before you arrive, you’ll make a pit stop at yet another Irish icon on the drive there.
Now one of the country’s most famous tourist sites, Blarney Castle was first built in 1210, then rebuilt in 1446 as a stronghold of the local MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty. Today, you’ll set foot within this famed fortress, exploring its dungeon, court, and battlements—and completing a popular quest. Originally added as a defensive structure, the mythical Blarney Stone supposedly grants all who kiss it “the gift of gab.” Stretch out over the parapet, give this limestone slab a smooch, and see if the stories are true.
Settled by the Gaels and disputed over centuries by the Vikings and Anglo-Normans, Dublin traces its history back more than 1,300 years. Today, you’ll peel back some of its layers on a comprehensive tour, led by a local expert.
- Stop in Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed public park in any European capital city. First established as a royal hunting ground by government decree in 1662, this 1,750-acre greenspace today houses the country’s presidential residence.
- Pass by St. James’s Gate Brewery, the legendary 260-year-old brewery behind Guinness dry stout. More than 50 million barrels ship out of the plant each year, making it the world’s most prolific producer of stout-style beers.
- Walk through Old Dublin, then step into St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the country’s largest church. Founded in 1191, it serves as the national cathedral for the Church of Ireland, and its arresting Gothic architecture befits a building of its stature.
- Traverse Dublin’s city center, passing 17th-century St. Stephen’s Green as you go. Afterward, take some time to admire the Georgian architecture of Merrion Square. Another gardened area in the heart of Dublin, it’s been called home by some of Ireland’s foremost writers—Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats among them.
- See the dignified facade of Trinity College—Ireland’s oldest university—and embark on a walking tour of its hallowed grounds.
Fill your afternoon with an excursion out into County Wicklow and pay a visit to gorgeous Glendalough, the well-preserved ruins of a once-influential abbey. Or, if you’d prefer some free time, head down to the shores of the River Liffey and breathe in the ambiance of the lively Temple Bar district.
This evening, celebrate your trip during a farewell dinner.
Glendalough
From $55 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home and reminisce with new friends one last time.
Board your overnight flight to London today.
Welcome to England! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers as you enjoy a welcome drink this evening.
London’s been settled for almost 2,000 years, and its history winds through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Viking rule. Your guided tour will take you through the relics, landmarks, and stories of this vibrant city of contrasts.
- Pass grand Trafalgar Square—named in honor of the Royal Navy’s decisive triumph over Napoleon Bonaparte’s fleet—and Baroque St. Paul’s Cathedral. Perched atop Ludgate Hill, at the highest point in London’s historic center, this Anglican church is recognizable by its soaring dome.
- View the city’s defining landmarks, including Big Ben—the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster and London’s unofficial calling card. You’ll also pass the Tower of London—home to the Crown Jewels of England, but also lions and a polar bear during its time as a menagerie of exotic wild animals.
- Stop by Buckingham Palace, the official residence and administrative headquarters of King Charles III. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Changing of the Guard. (Just look for the distinctive red tunics and tall bearskin caps.)
Can’t get enough of castles and kings? Add the excursion to Windsor Castle for a fascinating peek into the royal goings-on at the world’s longest-inhabited castle.
Not joining the excursion? Enjoy a free afternoon in London to shop and dine in the posh Covent Garden in the West End or head to Shoreditch for its vibrant art and street food scene. Your Tour Director is also your go-to source for recommendations.
Windsor Castle
From $125 per person
For your last free day in London, add the excursion to Stonehenge and Salisbury to your itinerary. (It’s a truly monumental way to spend a few hours.) Or, take some time for yourself and maybe visit a stadium or two: Wembley, Twickenham, and dozens more call the city home.
Stonehenge & Oxford
From $145 per person
This morning, transfer to King’s Cross Station and board a train to Edinburgh, Scotland. Then, meet up with the rest of your tour group and get to know them during tonight’s welcome dinner. (To plot out the rest of your trip, begin on day two of the regular itinerary.)
Please note: Porterage isn’t included on the train ride from London to Edinburgh. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying their bags over steps, onto platforms, and into storage.
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Words can’t express this wonderful trip! From the beginning to the very end! Greeted by Conor ( worlds best leader ) and group. So many memories and adventures that went above and beyond my expectations. The little details made it special to each person. From pancakes, leprechaun hunting, seeing a D...
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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.This modern hotel is located in Edinburgh’s West End. Guests enjoy the fitness center, a bar, and stylish rooms. Nearby, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle,...
This charming hotel is located in downtown Fort William. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant options, and a lounge. Nearby you’ll find the West Highland Mu...
This contemporary hotel is located in the Glasgow city center. Guests enjoy the fitness center, sauna, and bar. Nearby, you'll find the Burrell Collec...
This modern hotel is centrally located in Belfast. Guests enjoy the on-site coffee house, bike rentals, restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Belfast City H...
This bright and modern hotel is located just outside of Galway's city center. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and live music. Nearby you...
This luxurious hotel is located in Killarney. Guests enjoy the indoor pool, fitness room, and sauna. Nearby you'll find Muckross Abbey, Killarney Brew...
This charming hotel is located in Parnell Square in the Dublin city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant and lounge, bar, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll ...
This upscale hotel is located in London, steps away from the St Pancras railway station. Guests enjoy on-site restaurants, the leisure club, and a fit...
Flights
- 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- 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.
- 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 SIR.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Edinburgh (or London on the pre-tour extension) and depart from Dublin.
- 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 if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach
- Some transportation by boat and commercial flight
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Access to Edinburgh Castle will involve walking half a mile up a steep hill.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Free time in the know: To kiss the Blarney Stone travelers must climb 128 very steep, narrow stairs.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Travelers can expect cool, cloudy, and rainy days throughout the year, with occasional heatwaves in the summer months (June-September).
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation including private motor coach and ferry. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- A ferry ride from Cairnryan 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 on this tour is by private motor coach.
- European train stations typically operate similarly to airports where security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Platforms are often spread out across large distances and require travelers to manage their luggage on escalators or stairs. Porterage services are not offered on train transfers and luggage storage on trains is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only be stopping at the stations for a few minutes; speed with loading and unloading may be imperative.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches, which include a ferry (and train if on the London, pre-extension).
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, trains, and when boarding the ferry.
- Travelers need to be prepared to manage their own luggage during ferry transfers; this includes carrying your luggage up/down the boarding ramp, and managing crowded spaces with other people and motor vehicles.
- For travelers on the London pre-extension, luggage storage on trains is extremely limited, and often requires travelers to lift their suitcases onto storage racks, sometimes above the seats.
- 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).
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- 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.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- 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 SIR.
- This tour includes 5 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- 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.
- 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. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods in London for the ultimate in English tradition.
- 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.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is 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 $10USD to $12USD 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.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- 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.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: On this tour, we recommend the use of a reusable water bottle, as the local drinking water is safe for travelers. Your Tour Director can provide additional guidance on local water standards. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastics.
- Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
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