Kingdom by the Sea

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Sunday May 16: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Monday May 17: Dublin

Arrive in Dublin, a former Viking settlement at the mouth of the River Liffey and now Ireland's capital. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin exploring your surroundings. (D)

Day 3, Tuesday May 18: Dublin

Sightseeing shows you statue-filled O'Connell Street and takes you inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. In the afternoon you have time to explore the Temple Bar section of Dublin. Situated near the Liffey and the Ha'penny Bridge, Temple Bar boasts cafés, galleries and trendy shops. Then become your own lord of the dance floor during an Irish dancing lesson taught by a local expert. Tonight perhaps take an evening stroll around Trinity College's campus and the lively surrounding neighborhood. (B)

Day 4, Wednesday May 19: Lake District

Journey across the Irish Sea to Wales this morning. Enjoy a scenic drive through North Wales to the Lake District, where you will spend the night. Comprised of 16 lakes, this incredibly beautiful and mystical area has been home to many famous English poets. (B,D)

Day 5, Thursday May 20: Edinburgh

Begin your morning by visiting the village of Grasmere, a favorite among Lake poets. Wordsworth lived in Dove Cottage, which you'll visit, and is buried at the local church. Then imagine yourself as a Roman soldier in Britain as you travel to Hadrian's Wall, the Roman Empire's northernmost defense against marauders in northern Britain. Portions of the once 80-mile-long wall still stand—a testament to Roman engineering. After stopping for a photo beside the border stone marking the England/Scotland border at Carter Bar, we continue to Edinburgh for the evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Friday May 21: Edinburgh

Sightseeing shows you Princes Street and Charlotte Square before a visit to Edinburgh Castle, perched high up in the old town. The afternoon is free to indulge in local literary history at the Writer's Museum or shop for souvenirs; woolens, tartans and sheepskins are especially popular. In the evening, dive deep into Edinburgh's history during a guided Old Town walking tour. Stick close to your guide who brings to life the stories of the city's past, both above the streets and in the vaults below. (B)

Day 7, Saturday May 22: York

Journey south through the rugged Northumberland countryside. Arrive in the walled city of York and uncover the secrets of its quaint cobbled streets during a guided sightseeing tour including entrance to York Minster. This grand English Gothic cathedral is among the oldest and largest of its kind in Europe. (B,D)

Day 8, Sunday May 23: London

Set off this morning for the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon to pay homage to the Bard. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace before continuing to London. (B)

Day 9, Monday May 24: 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. You may wish to cap off your exceptional week with some last-minute shopping on Bond Street or at the world-famous Harrods. (B,D)

Day 10, Tuesday May 25: Departure

Depart for the USA.

Note: August departure dates for this program will require re-confirmation of pricing from your ACIS Team due to festival season in Edinburgh.



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. (B)