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Price Per person double occupancy
| Dates | Land Only No Transfers |
Early Reservation Discount (6 Mo. Adv.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| July 9-24 | $6,749 | $6,629 |
| 2027 | ||
| May 6-21 July 8-23 September 2-17 |
$6,949 | $6,829 |
|
Single Supplement 2026: $1,840 2027: $1,925 |
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Price Includes: 14 nights lodging, arrival and departure transfers, breakfast daily at hotels, 5 dinners, full-time English-speaking tour guide, deluxe air-conditioned transportation, all entrances to sites as listed in itinerary.
Not Included: Airfare, lunches, 9 dinners, tips to guide, driver and hotel staff, optional travel insurance.
Transfers not included unless airfare is purchased from Pilgrim Tours
Please Note: Travelers from Visa Exempt countries, including the USA, visiting the UK must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta at least three days prior to departure. Once approved, an ETA confirmation will be emailed to you. There is no need to print this confirmation; simply save it on your phone. The cost of the ETA permit is approximately $21 USD. Failure to meet these entry requirements may result in loss of tour participation and associated penalties.
Deposit Required: A $300 per person US Dollar deposit (which includes a $100 non-refundable service fee) is required to secure a reservation.
Day 1: Depart for Ireland
We begin our adventure to the Emerald Isle with an overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. We can sit back, rest, and enjoy the in-flight service.
Day 2: Welcome to Ireland
We arrive at Dublin Airport and transfer under our own arrangements to the hotel. With easy access to the city center, the afternoon is free to settle in or explore before we gather for an Irish welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle & Kerry
After breakfast, we depart Dublin and travel southwest toward County Cork and the historic village of Blarney. En route, we stop at the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most spectacular historic sites. The Rock of Cashel rises dramatically above the countryside with a remarkable collection of medieval buildings that reflects Ireland’s religious and royal history. We then continue to Blarney Castle, a celebrated landmark and home to the legendary Blarney Stone, before spending time at Blarney Woollen Mills, located close to the castle. The mill’s story stretches back to the mid-1700s, when it became an important source of local employment, especially during the difficult years of the 19th century. Following a devastating fire in 1869, the mill was rebuilt and later revitalized by Chris Kelleher, a former mill worker who purchased the property. Today, the restored mill is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland. (B)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Muckross House
Today we discover the famed Ring of Kerry on a highlights tour around Ireland’s southwestern tip. Along the way we will see breathtaking views of rugged mountains, peat bogs, tranquil lakes, and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. We then visit Muckross House, an elegant Victorian mansion built in 1843 by the Herbert family in Elizabethan style. This house is set amid beautiful gardens and landscapes of Killarney National Park. The balance of the day provides leisure time in Kenmare or another local town before we return to our lodging for the evening. (B)
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & the Burren
This morning we travel north to Tarbert, where we board a short ferry across the mouth of the River Shannon to Killimer. From there, we make our way to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, which rise more than 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and extend approximately five miles along the coast. On a clear day, travelers can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains, and an abundance of seabirds that make their home along these dramatic cliffs. This afternoon we tour the Burren, a strange and unique region whose name means "large stones" and perfectly describes its striking limestone scenery. We also discover evidence of the region’s rich history through its castles and monastic ruins. This evening, we step back in time with a Medieval Banquet at a local castle, providing a memorable finale to the day. (B,D)
Day 6: Cahir Castle, Kilkenny, & Return to Dublin
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Dublin, traveling through some of Ireland’s most historic landscapes and towns. En route, we visit Cahir Castle, a stunning 15th-century castle set on a small island in the River Suir. Here, we take a guided tour of the castle, once the stronghold of the powerful Butler family. Continuing on to Kilkenny, a city renowned for its charming streets, historic buildings, and rich heritage, we visit Kilkenny Castle, which has overlooked the River Nore for more than 800 years. Once the principal seat of the Butler family, the castle was transformed over the centuries into an elegant residence and remains one of Ireland’s most celebrated landmarks. After our visit, we continue to Dublin, where we spend the next two evenings. (B)
Day 7: Footsteps of St. Patrick - St. Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, & Saul Church
We begin our exploration of the life and legacy of Ireland’s patron saint in the historic town of Downpatrick. At the St. Patrick Centre, we discover the story of St. Patrick and his enduring influence on Irish history and culture, including his role in the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and the important role played by missionaries in early medieval Europe. Saint Patrick was an extraordinary 5th-century Celtic missionary and church planter. Though later tradition added mythical elements to his story, his own writings reveal a deeply humble man who was captivated by the grace of God. Captured as a slave, he found Christ in captivity and later returned to his captors with a burning passion to preach the Gospel.
We then visit Down Cathedral, which stands on the site traditionally associated with St. Patrick’s burial place. With origins dating back to the medieval period, the cathedral has been rebuilt and restored several times throughout its long and turbulent history. Its location, overlooking Downpatrick, adds to the sense of connection with one of Ireland’s most important religious figures.
Our journey continues to Saul Church, a site closely associated with St. Patrick and traditionally regarded as the location where he established his first church in Ireland. Here, we explore the peaceful surroundings and learn more about Patrick’s early missionary work and the spread of Christianity across Ireland. This evening, we return to our hotel in Dublin, reflecting on the rich history and spiritual significance of the sites visited throughout the day. (B)
Day 8: Arrival in London, Hampton Court Palace
We begin our touring at Hampton Court Palace. In 1604, James I commissioned the King James Version of the Bible during the Hampton Court Conference, and we visit the room where it happened. In the Chapel Royal, we hear how Henry VIII’s decision to allow production of the Bible was influenced by his last wife, Catherine Parr. After the tour we have time to stroll through the beautiful gardens and try to find our way to the center of the hedge maze. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel which will be our home for the next three nights. (D)
Day 9: Westminster Abbey, Bunhill Cemetery, St. Paul’s Cathedral
We begin our day with a photo stop and an outside view of Buckingham Palace before arriving at the magnificent Westminster Abbey, which is the coronation site of most British Kings and Queens since 1066 and the final resting place of many monarchs, heroes, and poets. In 2013, on the 50th anniversary of his death, C. S. Lewis joined some of Britain's greatest writers recognized here at Poets' Corner. Although not open to the public now, we will learn about historic events in the Jerusalem Chamber. It was used by the 17 men who translated the first third of the King James Bible Old Testament and the last half of the New Testament. Between 1644 and 1647, the Westminster Assembly met here to prepare the Westminster Confession of Faith. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to Bunhill Cemetery where John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, John Gill, and Susanna Wesley are all buried, before we visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, a marvelous building designed by Sir Christopher Wren and recently renovated to its former splendor. (B)
Day 10: Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, London Eye, Thames River Boat Tour, Tower of London
This morning, we visit the Metropolitan Tabernacle, where the great Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) held his great revival meetings. He preached to as many as 6,000 people every Sunday, with copies of his sermons printed and distributed worldwide. During his lifetime he preached to an estimated ten million people. Next, we take a flight aboard the British Airways London Eye, the world's highest observation wheel offering amazing panoramic views of the capital city before enjoying a cruise on the Thames River. We will stay along the banks of the Thames to view the famous Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. The remainder of the day is free for shopping and sightseeing on our own…we can’t forget to stop by Harrod’s! This evening our dinner will be on our own to be enjoyed at a local London restaurant of our choice. (B)
Day 11: Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Oxford
We depart London this morning and make our way west to the Wessex area. Our first stop is in Salisbury for a visit to the famous cathedral. The builders of the gothic church claimed it to be "so great a church to the glory of God that those who come after us will think us mad even to have attempted it." This afternoon we visit yet another wondrous sight, the Neolithic monument of Stonehenge, which dates to around 2800 BC. We turn northward to our lodging this evening in Oxford. (B)
Day 12: Oxford, C. S. Lewis Tour, Stratford-upon-Avon
This morning our local guide leads us on a tour of Oxford, including the Reformers Monument and the Cathedral. Famous Oxford alumni include Charles and John Wesley, Lewis Carroll, William Penn, Albert Einstein, John Locke, and C. S. Lewis, who was later staff. It was here that Lewis embraced Christianity, influenced by arguments with his Oxford colleague and friend J. R. R. Tolkien. He fought greatly up to the moment of his conversion, noting that he was brought into Christianity like a prodigal, "kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance to escape.” We begin our C. S. Lewis Tour at the Headington Quarry Church, where Lewis attended and is buried. We also view the Kilns, the lovely house bought by C. S. Lewis, where he wrote "I never hoped for the like." This afternoon we depart Oxford and set out for the charming Cotswold region. Driving through the beautiful small villages with the rolling brooks and bridges we arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon to surround ourselves by the world’s famous playwright Shakespeare. Upon arrival we view Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and stop for a tour of Shakespeare’s home in the picturesque village of Stratford-upon-Avon. This evening our lodging and dinner will be in Nottingham. (B,D)
Day 13: Stratford, York, Edinburgh
After breakfast, we continue north to York. York today remains as a true representation of medieval England. Taking a walking tour through these historic streets, we arrive at York Minster, England’s largest cathedral which has some of the largest medieval stained glass in the world dating back to 1338. After lunch we continue northward to our lodging for the next three nights in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. (B)
Day 14: Edinburgh, Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, John Knox
This morning we enjoy a tour of Edinburgh which takes us to the historic sites of the Edinburgh Castle, the Queen’s Holyrood Palace and various points of interest along the Royal Mile. We visit the 15th century house where John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation and founder of the Presbyterian Church, lived for a short time before his death. Today it is a museum that holds an exhibition about his life. We also visit St. Giles Cathedral to which Knox was appointed minister of the church and listen to the guide’s testimony of Knox’s great personal sacrifice and the contribution of his powerful sermons. Free time will be allowed today for sightseeing and shopping pleasure. Our evening is free to eat in one of the local restaurants. (B)
Day 15: St. Andrews and Stirling Castle
This morning we enjoy a morning tour of St. Andrews whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Stroll through the town, walk along the North Sea jetties that border the manicured fairways, and visit the ruins of the cathedral, destroyed during the Reformation. This afternoon we enjoy a tour of Stirling Castle. Stirling is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle sits atop Castle Hill, an intrusive crag, which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Its strategic location, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth, has made it an important fortification from the earliest times. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542. There have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle, including several during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with the last being in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take the castle. We return to Edinburgh this afternoon and take part in a farewell Scottish dinner together with time to share with each other the highlights of our tour. (B,D)
Day 16: Return Home
We fly out today with many fond memories of our time in the British Isles.
*The tour itinerary is subject to change or be slightly modified in order to best meet the interests of the group.
