Sacred Heart Academy's England and Ireland Educational Tour

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, Wednesday April 16: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Thursday April 17: 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. (D)

Day 3, Friday April 18: 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. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday April 19: 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. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday April 20: Dublin

This morning fly from London to Dublin. In the afternoon perhaps wander across St. Stephen's Green to Grafton Street. You may hear buskers playing traditional Irish music. 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! (B,D)

Day 6, Monday April 21: 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 Trinity College and see the Book of Kells—Ireland's most richly decorated medieval illuminated manuscript. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday April 22: Galway

Experience a real slice of rural Irish life first-hand in the countryside. This fun and interactive introduction to Irish culture could include activities such as a bog visit, tour of a working farm, sheepdog demonstration, traditional bodhrán drum lesson, sugán rope making, turf cutting, learning the game of Hurling, and baking loaves of the quintessential Irish brown bread. After you work up an appetite, enjoy lunch on the farm. Continue on to Galway for a walking tour and dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Wednesday April 23: Killarney

This morning, depart Galway. 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. First to Blarney Castle, where you can acquire Ireland's famous eloquence by kissing then continue to Killarney for the evening. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday April 24: 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. Final Farewell Dinner. (B,D)

Day 10, Friday April 25: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)