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Price Per person double occupancy
| Dates | Land Only No Transfers |
Early Reservation Discount (6 Mo. Adv.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||
| May 8-23 | $6,499 | $6,379 |
| July 10-25 | $6,599 | $6,479 |
| September 4-19 | $6,499 | $6,379 |
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Single Supplement 2025: $1,625 Please note: Single supplement for July 10-25, 2025 is sold out. |
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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
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 today and transfer to our Dublin hotel under our own arrangement. We are free to explore the city at our leisure this afternoon as our hotel will be within walking distance of the city center. This evening we enjoy an Irish welcome dinner together. (D)
Day 3: Ireland's Midlands, Blarney Castle & Kerry
After breakfast we depart Dublin and travel to the town of Blarney for a visit to Blarney Castle and its magical Kissing Stone. We’ll take some time to enjoy shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills. The presence of the Woollen Mills during the famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the famine, due to its employment of local workers. The success story at the mills continued until a disastrous fire in 1869. By August 1871, the mill was once again operational with a labor force of 222. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland. (B)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry
Today we discover the famed Ring of Kerry for a 100-mile panoramic drive around the island’s southwestern tip. We’ll take in spectacular scenery - mountains, peat bogs, lakes and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll make a visit to Muckross House, which was built in 1843 by the Herbert Family, in Elizabethan style. This house is one of the prettiest residences of Ireland. Muckross, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is in the heart of the Killarney National Park. (B)
Day 5: Burren & Cliffs
This morning we travel northwards to Tarbert and take a short boat ride across the mouth of the river Shannon to land on Clare’s shore at Killimer. We make our way to the Cliffs of Moher. These majestic cliffs in Ireland rise from the Atlantic Ocean over 600 feet and extend for over4 miles. On a clear day, one can admire the Aran Islands, the Connemara Mountains and the many sea birds that live here on the cliffs. This afternoon we tour the Burren Region. The Burren is a strange and unique region in Europe. “Burren” means “large stones,” and its name describes this impressive scenery perfectly well. We will also discover the testimonies of its rich history thanks to countless castles and monastic ruins. This evening we will enjoy a Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. Guests are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening in the splendor of this magnificent castle. (B,D)
Day 6: Kilkenny to Dublin
After breakfast, we travel to Dublin via the medieval city of Kilkenny, which is perhaps the most attractive city in the country. We will visit Cahir Castle en-route, a stunning 15th century castle set on a small island in the River Suir. Here we will take a guided tour of the castle once the stronghold of the powerful Butler Family. Continuing onto Kilkenny, we visit the magnificent Kilkenny Castle overlooking the Nore River and one of the most beautiful castles in the world and one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. Standing guard along the Nore River for the past 900 years, Kilkenny Castle is a must-see for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in Ireland’s fascinating past. Our lodging for the next two evenings will be in Dublin.
Day 7: Downpatrick, St. Patrick Centre, Hill of Slane, Saul Church, Slieve Patrick, Down Cathedral
Upon arrival in County Down, visit the story of St. Patrick and his place in Ireland’s history at the St. Patrick Centre, located beside Down Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Grave in the Medieval heart of Downpatrick. It features an interpretative exhibition which tells the fascinating story of Ireland's Patron Saint. The visit begins with the impressive 'In the Footsteps of Saint Patrick' Imax presentation about the life of St. Patrick and has aerial video footage of some of the landmark sites in Ireland associated with St. Patrick. A series of interactive displays allows visitors to explore how Patrick's legacy developed in early Christian times and reveals the fabulous artwork and metalwork which was produced during this Golden Age. The exhibition also examines the major impact of Irish missionaries in Dark Age Europe - a legacy which remains to this day.
Afterward, proceed to the Hill of Slane, another significant site associated with St. Patrick's missionary efforts. Here, you can explore the history and significance of the hill, which holds a prominent place in Irish folklore and Christian tradition. Take in the stunning views and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the area before continuing your journey.
Following the visit to the Hill of Slane, explore Saul Church, an ancient site closely linked to St. Patrick's early missions in Ireland. It is believed that this is where St. Patrick established his first church in Ireland. Discover the historical and spiritual significance of this sacred place as you explore its ruins and learn about its role in the spread of Christianity in Ireland.
Next, journey to Slieve Patrick, where the saint is said to have undertaken a period of fasting and prayer. Located in the picturesque Mourne Mountains, Slieve Patrick offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere for reflection and contemplation. Experience the tranquility of this mountain site and connect with the spiritual essence that inspired St. Patrick during his time here.
Conclude the day's explorations by visiting Down Cathedral overlooking Downpatrick, which stands close to what is believed to be the burial place of St. Patrick. Visitors can access the cathedral via gardens at the back of the St. Patrick’s Centre or through English street from the town center. The Cathedral is impressive inside and has a wonderful organ and a very interesting seating arrangement. It is generally accepted that the main walls of the Cathedral date from the years after 1220. It suffered destruction on numerous occasions including during the wars with Edward Bruce in 1316; and finally, on the suppression of the monasteries in 1541, the Cathedral was laid waste. Rather than lose the connection with Patrick, the name began to be used for the growing town, which assumed the name Downpatrick. What the visitor sees now is an almost entirely new interior, a replica of that which it replaced.
This evening, return to our hotel in Dublin, reflecting on the rich history and spiritual significance of the sites visited throughout the day.
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, Thames River Boat Tour, London Eye
We begin our day at the magnificent Westminster Abbey, 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. After we enjoy an outside view of Buckingham Palace, we take a guided boat ride on the Thames River concluding with a flight aboard the British Airways London Eye, the world's highest observation wheel offering amazing panoramic views of the capital city. 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 10: Spurgeon’s Metropolitan Tabernacle, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Bunhill Cemetery, 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 visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, a marvelous building designed by Sir Christopher Wren and recently renovated to its former splendor. This afternoon we enjoy a visit to Bunhill Cemetery where John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, John Gill, and Susanna Wesley are all buried, before we tour the Tower of London, home of the famous Crown Jewels. (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.
