Compare England, Scotland & Ireland by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) vs Ireland, Scotland & England in 18 days - Emerald Isle, Highland Discovery & London - CHARM by Exoticca

Day 1: Overnight flight

Board your overnight flight, bound for Europe.

Day 2: Arrive in Edinburgh + Welcome Mixer

Welcome to Scotland! Meet your Tour Director at the airport upon your arrival. Board your private transfer to your accommodation; the day is yours to explore.

Some free time options:

Stroll the historic Royal Mile and enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle

Taste local dishes (like haggis) in a traditional Scottish pub

Savor Scotch whiskies at a distillery

In the evening, it’s time for your Welcome Mixer. Enjoy appetizers and drinks with fellow travelers.

Day 3: Tour Edinburgh + Free time

Get an in-depth look at Scottish history and modern day life with a guided sightseeing tour of Edinburgh.

Today's Highlights:

View the Scottish Crown Jewels in Edinburgh Castle

Walk the Great Hall and see the armor, swords and medieval decor that line the walls

Visit the Elephant House Cafe, where the first Harry Potter book was written

After your tour, the afternoon is free to explore on your own.

Day 4: The Scottish Highlands

Become one with nature and spend a full day in the Scotland of your imagination.

Today's Highlights:

Relive Braveheart at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically significant landmarks

Take a leisurely hike through Trossachs National Park, which features the biggest freshwater body in the UK

Enjoy the scenery as you drive through the rolling meadows and mountain ranges of the Scottish countryside

Day 5: Travel to York

Next stop, York. Board your private coach and set off to the medieval, walled city.

Today's Highlights:

Visit Durham and see its impressive castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Use free time to try a traditional pub lunch, or browse Durham Market for unique crafts or local snacks

Arrive in the city of York and spend your evening exploring the twisting streets with your Tour Director

Day 6: Travel to London via Cambridge

It’s time to board your coach and head to regal London. There will be plenty to do upon arrival, but first, stop in the historic college town of Cambridge, birthplace of scientific revelations and beautiful architectural marvels.

Today's Highlights:

Explore Cambridge, alma mater of Stephen Hawking, Sacha Baron Cohen, Charles Darwin and royal siblings William and Harry

Enjoy a pub lunch and pint at your leisure in Eagles Pub, where the discovery of DNA structure was first announced

Arrive in London and walk through famous areas like Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square before enjoying a free evening

Day 7: Tour London

Experience London’s most iconic sites with a local guide for a walking and coach tour of the city.

Today's Highlights:

See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, all the while hearing about their unique stories from your local guide

Learn how to tell if the Queen is home at Buckingham Palace

Check out the medieval Tower of London juxtaposed against the modern cityscape

Take the rest of the day to return to any of these sites or find some favorites of your own.

DAY 8

Free day in London + Secret London: Walking Tour

The world is your Oyster Card! Your metro pass is included, so enjoy a full free day to explore London.

Free Time Suggestions

"I'm a what??": Take a selfie at Platform 9 ¾ in St. Pancras Station, or check out Leadenhall Market, Millennium Bridge and numerous other Harry Potter filming locations.

Boleyn Alley: Marvel at the Crown Jewels, see what was once the Royal Menagerie and learn about the darker history that took place in the Tower of London

Don't Look Down: Test your fear of heights at the Tower Bridge glass walkway.

Excursion:

Secret London: Walking Tour Extra Cost

Explore hidden London on an exciting, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s wild street art and eclectic neighborhoods. These streets have seen it all, from humble immigrant roots to the terror of Jack the Ripper. Today, they are home to actors, celebrity chefs, rock stars and murals from rebel artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey. Are they modern art? Insightful political statements? Or mere graffiti? You decide. After seeing it all, you’ll head to a hand-picked chippy for a delicious meal of fish and chips, just like a proper Londoner.

Day 9: Travel to Liverpool

Board your private coach to Liverpool, home of the Beatles, Liverpool Football Club and waterfront nightlife. En route, make a stop in William Shakespeare’s hometown for lunch.

Today's Highlights:

Make your way to Liverpool via private coach

Have lunch in Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare

Arrive in Liverpool and explore the area with your Tour Director

See the The Cavern Club, where the Beatles played their first gigs

Day 10: Travel to Dublin

Travel to Dublin via Holyhead. Upon arrival, you’ll have a free evening to explore the city, experience Dublin’s famous nightlife or call it a night.

Today's Highlights:

Drive to Holyhead and take a ferry across the Irish Sea to Dublin, Ireland

Arrive in Dublin and explore the area with your Tour Director

See the highlights like Grafton Street and the Temple Bar District, the hotspots for entertainment and nightlife

Day 11: Tour Dublin

See Dublin’s major highlights and historical sites on a walking and bus tour with a local guide.

Today's Highlights:

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland

Drive through Phoenix Park

Pour your perfect pint in the Guinness Storehouse (and get a certificate upon completion to prove your mastery)

Enjoy your brew while overlooking the Dublin skyline from Gravity Bar at the top of the Storehouse

Day 12: Excursion to Belfast + Free day in Dublin

Enjoy a full free day to explore Dublin on your own or take an excursion to Belfast, Northern Ireland, to visit the Titanic Museum and learn about the Troubles.

If you choose a free day, some options include:

Visit the Trinity College Library and see the most famous ancient Irish manuscript, the Book of Kells

Tour Kilmainham Gaol and learn about the enormous prison that housed political prisoners during the Irish Revolution

Immerse yourself in the pub culture in the Temple Bar District; grab a pint and chat up a local

Excursion:

Explore Belfast: The Titanic & The Troubles  Extra Cost

Add another country to your list of places visited with a day trip up to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Today, the city is must-visit gem known for its fascinating history and friendly locals, but that wasn’t always the case. A local guide will tell you all about the Troubles—a violent conflict that raged throughout the city until 1998. You’ll visit the Titanic Belfast Museum, a new six-story interactive museum quickly gaining accolades worldwide for its unforgettable presentation of the ill-fated voyage. The museum is adjacent to the drydock where the ship was built. After the museum, you will have time to explore the city.

Day 13: Travel to Galway

Next stop: Galway! But first, stop at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions.

Today's Highlights:

Board your private coach en route to Galway

Experience the natural beauty of the famous Cliffs of Moher

Arrive in Galway and take an introductory walk with your Tour Director

Explore the city on your own with a free evening in Galway

Day 14: Explore the Aran Islands + Farewell Dinner

Board a ferry in Galway for a full day on the Aran Islands. Visit the Dun Aengus Ruins (an ancient fortress built upon a plunging precipice), and bask in the charm of the Irish countryside.

Today's Highlights:

Watch as Galway disappears behind you on the 45-minute ferry ride to the Aran Islands

Rent a bike and explore the green, Irish countryside

Explore the ancient and mysterious Dun Aengus Ruins and decide for yourself how they came to be

Return from your adventure in the evening and get ready for your Farewell Dinner. Enjoy a final meal together before departing for home tomorrow morning.

Day 15: Fly Home

It's time to say your goodbyes. Head to the airport for your flight back home.

Or ------Stay ahead or stay behind

Extending your trip for a few extra days before or after your tour is easy, and you can add anywhere from between one and 90 days. We'll book your flights per your specifications if you'll handle the hotels, local activities and ground transportation during the extra portion of your stay.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to Dublin, the Irish capital. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Dublin

Arrive at Dublin airport, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Once settled, spend the rest of the day exploring the Irish capital at your leisure. Why not take a stroll along the banks of the River Liffey to admire the city's diverse architecture or head straight to the vibrant Temple Bar area to enjoy the cosy atmosphere of Dublin's best pubs and eateries. A number of venues in the area hold regular live music performances so be sure to catch one of these for an unforgettable start to your journey through Ireland. Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 3: Dublin

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour of Dublin. Explore the most emblematic sights and get to know the history of this wonderful capital. Pass by famous Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and whose library is home to the legendary Book of Kells. Continue to the Temple Bar area, the cultural center of Dublin and home to colorful pubs which host live Irish music and dance performances. Learn the legend of the Ha’Penny Bridge over the River Liffey and stroll past Dublin Castle, the seat of British Rule in Ireland for over 700 years. Continue past Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland's largest church and named after the beloved patron Saint of Ireland. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy your last moments in Dublin at your leisure. Why not pay a visit to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, or the famous Guinness Storehouse to learn all about the "black stuff". Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 4: Dublin - Athlone - Galway

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind today as you travel to the town of Athlone, which sits on the River Shannon in the center of the county. Take a panoramic tour of Athlone to see its impressive 13th-century castle and historic streets. After some time at your leisure, continue to Galway a port city on Ireland’s west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the city center, learn about its history and explore Eyre Square, a popular meeting spot surrounded by shops and traditional pubs, many of which still offer traditional Irish folk music shows. Overnight stay in Galway.

Day 5: Galway - Connemara - Galway

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart towards Connemara National Park, a beautiful cultural region, situated in County Galway. Connemara is known for its strong connection to traditional Irish culture and immaculate landscapes. Admire the rolling countryside, home to wild Connemara ponies. After a day of exploring the rich landscapes of rural Ireland, return to your hotel in Galway and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Galway.

Day 6: Galway - Limerick - Killarney

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover one of the most iconic landscapes in Ireland: the stunning Cliffs of Moher! Stretching along the coastline for around 14-kilometers, these dramatic sea cliffs overlook the wild waters of the Atlantic. Set off towards Country Kerry, stopping along the way in Limerick, one of the oldest and most important cities in Ireland, dating back to the 12th-century. Afterwards, continue to the southwest of Ireland and into County Kerry, home to the beautiful scenery of the Killarney National Park. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kerry.

Day 7: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - County Cork

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the Ring of Kerry today, an area of immense natural beauty, glistening lakes and dramatic coastlines, home to incredible beaches and charming seaside villages. In the afternoon, head towards Cork, known as the culinary capital of Ireland and famed for its fantastic food market. It's also home to brilliant museums and art galleries and the legendary Shandon Bells. Overnight stay in County Cork.

Day 8: Cork - Kilkenny - Dublin

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the journey back to Dublin, stopping along the way at the medieval town of Kilkenny with its cobblestoned streets and imposing St. Canices Cathedral. After some time at your leisure, continue towards the capital. Arrive in Dublin and enjoy the evening at your leisure, hitting the bars or revisiting your favorite sights. Overnight stay in Dublin.

Day 9: Dublin - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure.

Day 10: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 11: Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 12: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen

After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.

Day 13: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.

Day 14: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore

Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.

Day 15: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.

Day 16: Edinburgh - London

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the Waverly Station to take the train to London. Arrive in London and self-transfer* to the hotel. London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London has been an important human settlement since it was founded by the Romans originally named Londinium almost two millennia ago. London is a global city, one of the nerve centers in the arts, commerce, education, maintenance, fashion, finance, media, research, tourism and transport. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in London. *you will have the possibility to add a transfer from the train station to your hotel in the next step of the booking process.

Day 17: London

Breakfast at the hotel. See London from a different perspective today, with a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames! Take in the views of several of the capital's most emblematic riverside landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Southbank and the London Eye and enjoy the fully-stocked bar to buy drinks and snacks as you listen to the entertaining onboard commentary! Afternoon free to enjoy the capital at your leisure. Overnight stay in London.

Day 18: London

Breakfast at the hotel. A free day to continue exploring the wonderful city of London at your leisure! Trend-setting visitors might enjoy a stroll through Shoreditch, home to art galleries, urban culture and unique boutique shops and eateries. On the other hand, Notting Hill is a must-visit, home to pretty pastel-coloured houses and antique shops. Art lovers will relish a visit to the Tate Modern whilst history buffs cannot miss out on a tour of the Tower of London! Overnight stay in London.

Day 19: London - US

Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight*** back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add a transfer from your hotel to the airport in the next step of the booking process. Please contact our customer service if you require a transfer from an airport other than LGW or LHR. *** Depending on the return flight schedule, you may arrive in the US the next day and the total duration of the trip would be 20 days.