Dublin, Liverpool and York

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: Dublin

Welcome to the Emerald Isle. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to explore Dublin. The country's capital as well as its cultural center, Dublin is well-known for its rich literary heritage.

Day 3: Dublin

Your day starts with a guided sightseeing tour, during which you’ll drive down statue-filled O’Connell Street, the city’s bustling main thoroughfare, and view the charming Ha’penny Bridge, built in 1816 across the River Liffey. You’ll also visit regal St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the country’s largest church and a sterling example of early English-Gothic architecture. Then get your jig on as you receive an Irish dancing lesson from a local expert. In the evening stroll around Trinity College’s lively campus neighborhood, which features pretty squares, historic buildings and grand architecture.

Day 4: Liverpool

Cross the Irish Sea by ferry and arrive at Holyhead, once the island home of the Druids. After a short drive through North Wales, stop to explore brooding Conwy Castle, a massive medieval fortification built by King Edward I in the late 1200s. After that it's on to the famed port of Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles, which you'll arrive in via a ferry ride across the River Mersey.

Day 5: York

Today enjoy a guided Magical Mystery Tour of Liverpool, which takes you to all things Fab Four, such as their childhood homes, the location where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met and the actual Strawberry Field and Penny Lane that inspired the songs of the same name. Then depart for the historic walled city of York, founded by the Romans back in 71 A.D.

Day 6: York

Uncover the secrets of York's quaint cobbled streets during a guided sightseeing tour, including entrance to York Minster. This large English Gothic cathedral is among the oldest and largest of its kind in Europe. Then visit one of England's finest historic homes, the stately Castle Howard, located on a sprawling 10,000-acre estate outside the city. In the evening, give your fright factor a test during a ghost tour of the city's Old Town. Don't stray too far away from the group as your guide vividly brings to life haunting stories from bygone days.

Day 7: London

Travel this morning to Cambridge for a walking tour viewing the famed University of Cambridge, which boasts 96 Nobel laureates and is the world's fourth-oldest university, founded in 1209. You'll also visit King's College. One of the 31 colleges that comprise the university, it's filled with notable examples of Gothic architecture. Then to round out the full Cambridge experience, try your hand at a classic student pastime—punting on the River Cam. Continue to London for the night.

Day 8: London

This morning, learn about London's majestic past and fast-paced present on your guided sightseeing tour. See Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Along the way, our guide will point out more landmark sites like the Gherkin, the Shard, 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. If you have time, your ticket includes access to climb to the top of the dome. In the afternoon enjoy time to discover more of London's historic attractions at your own pace. Perhaps nibble traditional fish and chips before channeling your inner fashionista in Soho, explore the museums of South Kensington, or stroll through Hampstead, where many literary giants once lived (look for blue plaques outside their former homes). In the evening you might cap off your experience with a walk under the bright lights of Theatreland in London's West End.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the culture and delights of England's capital with an extra night in London, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.