London and the Emerald Isle

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: London

Welcome to London! Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore the city's unique neighborhoods. You may want check out the street markets along Portobello Road in Notting Hill; explore the paths of Hyde Park or the mansions of nearby Belgravia; visit museums in South Kensington; or stroll along the artsy South Bank.

Day 3: London

This morning, learn about London's majestic past and fast-paced present on your guided panoramic sightseeing tour. See busy Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament and Whitehall. Along the way, your guide will point out more modern landmarks like the Gherkin and the Cheese Grater—all new buildings changing the London skyline. Another highlight of the day is a tour inside St. Paul's Cathedral. Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece is an enduring symbol of London, the seat of the Church of England and famed for its dome and Whispering Gallery. Then get your camera ready as you take the elevator way, way up to the panoramic viewing platform of one of London's newest landmarks: the jagged glass skyscraper known as “The Shard.”. Dinner tonight is a traditional London treat: fish and chips. Later you may wish to venture out to see the bright lights of Theatreland in the West End.

Day 4: London

This morning experience an up-close look at London's iconic treasures on a guided London by Bike tour, including views of the Big Ben, the Horse Guard Parade, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more. As you cycle and stop for photos, your guide's commentary will bring the history of what you are seeing to life. In the afternoon you will have time to explore more of the city at your own speed, perhaps by coming face-to-face with kings and queens of the past at the National Portrait Gallery.

Day 5: Killarney

This morning, board your flight from London over the Irish Sea and arrive in Shannon. Your adventures in Ireland begin with a visit to Bunratty Folk Park and Castle, a re-creation of rural life in Ireland at the turn of the century. Then continue to Killarney for the evening.

Day 6: Killarney

A full-day excursion takes you along the Ring of Kerry's stunning rugged coastline, past stone walls, heather and beautiful Lough Leane. The drive along the Ring's 100-mile loop includes stops for scenic photos. Returning to Killarney, perhaps experience more of the scenic countryside with a jaunting tour from Muckross House through Killarney National Park.

Day 7: Dublin

Today's travels bring you first to Blarney Castle, where you can acquire Ireland's famous eloquence by kissing the Blarney Stone. Then visit the imposing ruins of the Rock of Cashel, offering panoramic views over the Golden Vale's rolling green hills as you explore its ancient fortifications, before continuing to Dublin for the night. Perhaps finish the day with an evening stroll around the River Liffey and Temple Bar area.

Day 8: Dublin

Explore rich Irish history with a guided sightseeing tour, including statue-filled O'Connell Street, Ha'penny Bridge and entrance to St. Patrick's Cathedral. Then visit the GPO Museum within Dublin's iconic General Post Office for an interactive and engaging dive into the story of the 1916 Easter Rising and modern Irish events. In the afternoon perhaps wander across St. Stephen's Green to Grafton Street where you may hear buskers playing traditional Irish music. Then tonight you'll be transported to the land of fairies and banshees with an evening full of traditional Irish food, music and folklore—participation encouraged!

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.