Compare England, Scotland & Ireland by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) vs Highlights of Ireland by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
3 | Average
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 15 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 2,599 | $ 1,983 |
| Price Per Day | $ 173 | $ 220 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
Daily Breakfasts and 3 Dinners |
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch |
| Description |
Experience castles, pubs, Beatlemania and Harry Potter sites galore in the United Kingdom and Ireland's premier cities. Relish the quaint countrysides juxtaposed with booming metropolises, and immerse yourself in Scottish, English and Irish culture for an unforgettable adventure on the British Isles. |
We’re all a little bit Irish come March 17, but if you’re in the market for something more meaningful than a pint of green beer, hop aboard this delightful nine-day adventure to the Emerald Isle. Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, traditional music in a local pub... seriously, it doesn’t get much more quintessentially Irish than this. We mix the essential sites and time in the villages to really round out the experience. Even if Ireland isn’t the Old Country for you, this trip will make you feel as though you’re back home. |
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 Dublin
Arrive at any time.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this lively city. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
If you wish to explore Dublin before the tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Dublin before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Day 2 Dublin
Take a free day to roam the cobblestone streets of this historic city.
Walk along the riverside, or marvel at the city's medieval castles and cathedrals. Don't tire yourself out too much - you'll want to get out later tonight and experience the nightlife that the Temple Bar area is known for.
Day 3 Dublin/Killarney
Continue on to Killarney with free time to enjoy the town or explore the nearby national park.
Day 4 Killarney
Enjoy a day trip to experience some sights along the famous Ring of Kerry. Return to Killarney for another night in town.
Day 5 Killarney/Galway City
Travel to Ireland's west coast to Galway. Set off on a guided walking tour before enjoying a free afternoon to explore the city's colourful streets and bohemian atmosphere.
Day 6 Galway City
Travel to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Hike the picturesque countryside along the cliffs. Gaze out at the splendour before returning to Galway for the evening. Opt for a night out at the local pub.
Spend a few hours following the Wild Atlantic Way from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. Soak in the views as you hike the trail. Opt for a picnic along the way.
Day 7 Galway City/Belfast
Travel along the coast towards Northern Ireland. Stop for lunch in the historic city of Derry, then visit the mysterious Dark Hedges. End the day in Belfast.
Day 8 Belfast
Stop at the Giant's Causeway and marvel at the natural phenomenon of its volcanic columns. Continue on to Bushmills Distillery for a guided tour of the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Return to Belfast.
Day 9 Belfast
Depart at any time.
If you wish to extend your stay in Belfast, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Belfast after your tour ends.
