Designed by Bryce Jorgensen | 1GD\V| May 2016
College Study
Tours
BRITISH ISLES: IRELAND,
ENGLAND & SCOTLAND
INCLUDED ON TOUR
Round-trip flights on major carriers; Full-time Tour Director;
Air-conditioned motorcoaches and internal transportation; Superior
tourist-class hotels with private bathrooms; Breakfast daily; 10 dinners.
Sightseeing: Dublin; Mural Tour, Belfast; Edinburgh; York; London
Optional Excursions:
Windsor
Optional excursion prices are based on 20 paying participants and may be purchased
until 50 days prior to departure or on tour at an increased price. The prices of optional
excursions are subject to change.
Entrances: Cliffs of Moher; Kissane Sheep Farm; Blarney Castle; Rock
of Cashel; St. Patrick's Cathedral; Book of Kells; Giant's Causeway
Visitor Center; Robert Burns Cottage and Museum; Edinburgh Castle;
Scottish Ceilidh Stirling Castle; York Minster; Chatsworth House
(House & Gardens); Anne Hathaway's House; Shakespeare's
Birthplace; Christ Church College; Brasenose College, Oxford; Tower
of London; Kensington Palace; Westminster Abbey, Evening Theatre
Performance
Overnight Stays:
Galway Region (1)
Killarney Region (1)
Dublin (2)
Belfast (1)
Edinburgh (3)
York (1)
Stratford (1)
London (3)
NOT INCLUDED ON TOUR
Optional excursions; Insurance coverage; Beverages and lunches (unless
otherwise noted); Transportation to free-time activities; Customary
gratuities (for your Tour Director, bus driver and local guide); Porterage;
Adult supplement (if applicable); Weekend supplement; Shore excursion
on cruises; Any applicable baggage-handing fee imposed by the airlines
(see efcst.com/baggage for details); Expenses caused by airline
rescheduling, cancellations or delays caused by the airlines, bad weather
or events beyond EF’s control; Passports, visa and reciprocity fees
SIGN UP TODAY
efcst.com/1792328FB
YOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Board Your Overnight Flight to Shannon!
Day 2: Shannon | Galway Region
Arrive in Shannon and Transfer to the Cliffs of Moher (time
permitting)
Enjoy an excursion to the Cliffs of Moher, which tower an imperious
750 feet above the Atlantic. This region is considered to have some of
the most haunting and stunning beauty in a country filled with natural
wonders. (If visiting in Fall or Winter add: Be sure to dress warmly-the
winds at the top of the cliffs can be very strong!)
See the Rock of Cashel
Stop to view one of the most imposing and beautiful sites in Ireland.
Originally home to a round tower, abbey and cathedral - surrounded
by defensive walls - the rock has played a vital part in the territorial
struggles within Ireland over the centuries.
Arrive in Dublin
Arrive in literary Dublin, one-time home of James Joyce, George
Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, and W. B. Yeats! Dublin is also the
setting for Joyce's Ulysses, one of the 20th century's greatest literary
works. In recent years Dublin has also developed as one of Europe's
busiest entertainment centers.
Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
Built in 1520 by Hynes Clan, this 17th century castle takes you back
to medieval times in Ireland. It was also visited by WB Yeats, George
Bernard Shaw and other literary revivalists. Enjoy a medieval dinner at
this venue tonight.
Dinner at Brazen Head Pub
Tonight you will immerse yoursself in Irish Culture with a traditional
dinner accompanied by Irish folklore and storytelling in one of Dublin's
oldest pubs, the Brazen Head.
Overnight in the Galway Region
Dinner is included this evening.
Day 3: Galway | Ring of Kerry | Killarney
Overnight in Dublin
Transfer to Killarney via the Ring of Kerry
Experience the mystical beauty of Ireland as you journey the 112
miles around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of
Kerry. Encounter magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Lakes
of Killarney, and Macgillycuddy's Reeks (the tallest mountains in
Ireland) as you traverse one of Europe's most spectacular coastal
routes.
Day 5: Dublin
Visit the Kissane Sheep Farm
Visit the fun and adventurous Kissane Sheep Farm located directly in
the middle of the Ring of Kerry. Situated near Moll's Gap and Ladies'
View, the Kissane Sheep Farm has been a family owned sheep dog
farm for 150 years. Today, you'll see a variety of entertainment,
including sheep dog demonstrations and marked mountain walks.
Arrive in the Killarney Region
Welcome to the gateway to the Iveragh Peninsula. Enjoy the `hundred
shades of green' of the opulent countryside in an area formed by
glacial action following the last Ice Age.
Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight in the Killarney Region
Day 4: Killarney | Dublin
Transfer to Dublin via Blarney and Cashel
Visit Blarney Castle
Next, you'll visit Blarney Castle. To reach the legendary stone and to
receive the “gift of the gab,” you'll have to climb the steps of the
castle, lean backward under the parapet wall and kiss the stone
upside down. You'll also see the ancient ruins of the Rock of Cashel.
Founded by a follower of St. Patrick, the rock was once a stronghold
for Brian Boru and other Irish kings.
Guided Sightseeing of Dublin
Begin your tour of the Irish capital by viewing some of Dublin's
celebrated Georgian squares. From here you will visit St. Patrick's
cathedral to see the beautiful interior. You will then head past the Post
Office, site of the 1916 rebellion, before continuing along the banks of
the River Liffey. Continue your visit in Phoenix Park which houses the
residence of the President of Ireland. Your tour of Dublin concludes
with a visit to the city's renowned Trinity College, established by
Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. Here you will view the illuminated 8th
century Book of Kells, written by Irish monks and found buried in the
ground in 1007.
Free Afternoon in Dublin
Take some time to explore the city by the Liffey on your own. You
may wish to re-visit Trinity College, any of the city's fine museums or
the James Joyce Centre. Stroll through Dublin's artsy Temple Bar
area or down Grafton Street-Dublin's most popular and liveliest
destinations for shopping and entertainment.
Overnight in Dublin
Day 6: Dublin | Giant's Causeway | Belfast
Transfer to Belfast via Giant's Causeway
Journey to Ireland's northernmost point to view the amazing Giant's
Causeway. This fascinating geological phenomenon comprises
thousands of 55-million-year-old hexagonal basalt columns that form
a honeycomb pathway into the sea. Explore rock formations including
the Wishing Chair, the Punchbowl, and the Giant's Granny, and learn
the legend of Finn MacCool, the Irish giant said to have built the
columns so that his true love could cross the water from Scotland.
Near here, the Spanish Armada's flagship Girona sank in 1588.
Arrive in Belfast
Welcome to Belfast, the administrative capital of Northern Ireland.
Guided Mural Tour
Learn the history of the struggle between the IRA and the loyalists
through the art of murals that are located throughout the city. A local
guide will explain the meaning behind these murals while giving you
insight to the lives and struggles of former Belfast residents.
Free Afternoon in Edinburgh
Enjoy some free time this afternoon in Edinburgh. For a glimpse at
Scotland's literary history, stop in to the Writers' Museum and see
exhibits on Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns. Or, spend some time
browsing Edinburgh's chic and eclectic shops.
Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight in Belfast
Scottish Ceilidh
Partake in a traditional Scottish Ceilidh featuring haggis, neeps, and
tatties, as well as authentic Scottish sword dancing!
Day 7: Belfast | Cairnryan | Edinburgh
Overnight in Edinburgh
Board a Ferry to Cairnryan
Board a ferry which will take you across the North Channel to
Cairnryan on the west coast of Scotland. From here you will drive
inland towards Edinburgh - capital of Scotland.
Day 9: Edinburgh
Visit The Robert Burns Cottage and Museum
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a truly unique encounter with
Scotland's favorite son. Set among 10 acres of the poet's cherished
Alloway countryside, the museum comprises the famous Burns
Cottage where the poet was born, the historic landmarks where he
set his greatest work, the elegant monument and gardens created in
his honor and a modern museum housing the world's most important
collection of his life and works.
Arrive in Edinburgh
Travel to Edinburgh, and admire the rolling hills and dazzling
seascapes that surround the Scottish capital. The entire city is built on
a series of extinct volcanoes providing an almost lunar environment
complemented by varied and subtle architecture.
Excursion to Stirling and the Trossachs
Visit to Stirling Castle
There has been a castle fortification in Stirling for over 800 years and
today there is a chance to explore these varied histories and eras.
Learn about the turbulent measures imposed by many English
invaders as well as the combined efforts of British forces in 19th and
20th century wars overseas.
See the William Wallace Monument
Long before he was portrayed by Mel Gibson in Braveheart, William
Wallace was a Scottish national hero. Snap a photo in remembrance
of the legendary Scotsman.
See the Trossachs and Loch Katrine
During your time in the Scottish Highlands today, you will see the
beautiful Trossachs Region and the famous Loch Katrine.
Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight in Edinburgh
Overnight in Edinburgh
Day 10: Edinburgh | York
Day 8: Edinburgh
Transfer to York
Continue on to York- many of England's secrets lie hidden tightly
behind its gated Roman walls.
Guided Sightseeing of Edinburgh
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour that offers panoramic views of
Edinburgh's New Town, constructed in the 18th century during a time
of rapid expansion, known as the “Scottish Enlightenment.” See
Charlotte Square, the center of New Town, then pass by the homes
of Alexander Graham Bell and Robert Louis Stevenson, and view a
monument to Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet. Visit Calton Hill,
which offers splendid views of the Firth of Forth to the Lomond Hills of
Fife. Pass the Palace of Holyroodhouse, still the Royal Family's official
residence in Scotland, and the city's monument to Lord Nelson.
Visit to Edinburgh Castle
Your guided tour of Edinburgh includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
Situated atop an extinct volcano, the castle is the enduring symbol of
Scotland's capital and home to many of the nation's storied events.
Ownership of the fortress changed hands on numerous occasions
over the centuries, from Scottish to English and back again. Mary,
Queen of Scots, gave birth in the castle to James VI of Scotland, who
would later rule England as James I. Enter the castle through the
Esplanade and see the Stone of Scone, the coronation stone that
was returned to Scotland in 1997 after 700 years of English
possession. You'll also see tiny St. Margaret's Chapel, the oldest part
of the castle, dating back to the 11th century.
Guided Sightseeing of York
Stroll along 14th-century medieval defense walls that encircle the city
of York on your guided sightseeing tour. If it's springtime, look for
clusters of daffodils that grow along the embankments of the city
walls. Pass by Clifford's Tower, an imposing stone fortification and
one of the last remaining structures from York Castle. Continue on
through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Old Town and venture
down the Shambles, a street that was a bustling meat market in
14th-century York.
Visit the York Minster
Great Britain's largest Gothic cathedral is also York's treasured
trademark. Constructed between 1220 and 1470, the Minster stands
as a testament to medieval faith. Gaze up at the vaulted ceilings and
stone pillars as you tour the cavernous interior of the cathedral. The
Minster's east window, which depicts the beginning and end of the
world in 100 individual scenes, is the largest piece of medieval glass
in the world.
Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight in York
Day 11: York | Chatsworth House | Stratford
Transfer to Stratford via the Chatsworth House
Chatsworth House is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire
and has over five centuries of architecture and 30 rooms to explore. In
the Guest Bedrooms, you might choose to dress in a period costume.
Chatsworth also contains an art collection ranging from Old Masters
to artifacts from Ancient Egypt, as well as modern sculpture and
computer portraits.
Arrive in Stratford
Continue onto legendary Stratford, the birthplace of William
Shakespeare.
Walking Tour of London
Stroll through the heart of London on your Tour Director-led walking
tour of the city, which begins along the banks of the River Thames. As
you walk along the ancient embankment, note that these shadowy
waters gave the city its name, which derives from Llyn-Dyn, Celtic for
“city of the lake.” Walk along the Strand and see the spot from which
all distances to London are measured. Enter Trafalgar Square, where
you're sure to meet the world's most famous pigeons, and pause at
Nelson's column, a symbol of Britain's once unrivaled naval power.
Continue on to Leicester Square and end your walk at chic Covent
Garden, where street performers (or “buskers”) amuse the lively
crowds. (The exact walking route may vary, depending on your hotel
location and the day's other activities.)
Walking Tour of Stratford
“It is something, I thought, to have seen the dust of Shakespeare.”
Discover what inspired Washington Irving's famous words as you tour
Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born, raised, and
buried. Step back into the Elizabethan age as you visit the
half-timbered home in which the Bard was born, as well as the Anne
Hathaway Cottage, a picturesque thatched farmhouse where
Shakespeare's wife spent her childhood.
Fish and Chips Dinner
Tonight you will dine on one of England's most famous meals.
Originally made popular in the 19th century by Dickens' reference to a
“fried fish warehouse” in Oliver Twist, the first fish and chips dinners
were served with bread and butter and a cup of tea, all for just nine
pence.
Dinner is included this evening.
Day 13: London
Overnight in Stratford
Visit the Tower of London
The history of London comes to life at this complex of 20 towers
surrounding Tower Green. The oldest tower, known as the White
Tower, was completed in 1097, when it was the tallest building in
London. The Tower buildings have had many uses over the years;
perhaps the most infamous was as a jail for political prisoners, not to
mention two of Henry VIII's wives. The most famous exhibits at the
Tower are the British Crown Jewels. Aside from a short interruption
during WWII, these splendid baubles have been locked behind the
Tower's walls for centuries.
Day 12: Stratford | Oxford | London
Transfer to London via Oxford
Walking Tour of Oxford
Travel through the Chiltern Hills to ivy-draped Oxford. A mecca of
learning for over 800 years, Oxford is the oldest university in the
English-speaking world (alumni include 14 prime ministers; former
president Bill Clinton spent a term here as well). Walk through the
peaceful quads and cloisters of Brasenose College, and gaze up at
the town's “dreaming spires.”
Visit Christ Church College
Christ Church is a unique institution, one of the largest colleges in the
University of Oxford and the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of
Oxford. It has a world famous Cathedral Choir and scholarly
collections of books and art. Christ Church has a fascinating history
and many distinguished people have studied here including John
Locke, Robert Hooke, John Wesley, Robert Peel, William Gladstone,
W.H. Auden, David Dimbleby, Rowan Williams, Richard Curtis and
Howard Goodall. Also, follow the footsteps of the world's favorite
wizard through Oxford's most spectacular College. Many of the
scenes in the Harry Potter feature films are shot in various locations of
the College and as you walk around the cloisters and quadrangles it is
easy to see why. The Great Hall was replicated in the film studios to
create Hogwart's Great Hall.
Arrive in London
Ranging from the North Sea in the east to the playing fields of Eton in
the west, London covers an area of some 620 square miles and is
home to over 8 million people. Prepare to observe the stunning
architecture, vibrant street life and royal majesty of this bustling
metropolis.
Overnight in London
Guided Sightseeing of London
A local guide leads you on a panoramic tour of London. Begin in
Grosvenor Square; site of the U.S. embassy and the house where
Eisenhower once lived, this area is sometimes called “Little America.”
Continue to Hyde Park Corner, located at the southeast corner of
Hyde Park, one of London's largest parks. At bustling Piccadilly
Circus, the intersection of five busy streets, check out the bright lights
and big city displays, before heading to Trafalgar Square, site of
Nelson's Column, built to commemorate his 1805 victory in the Battle
of Trafalgar. Pass Speaker's Corner, where anyone with something to
say is invited to speak his mind. Snap a photo of the Houses of
Parliament and continue along London's South Bank for views of the
famous Tower of London and London Bridge. View St. Paul's
Cathedral, the magnificent 17th-century Baroque church designed by
Sir Christopher Wren. Finally, witness a London tradition: the
Changing of the Guard. (Subject to scheduling)
Evening Theatre
Participate in London's vibrant drama scene as you attend an evening
theater performance in the West End. London has over 80
mainstream theaters-the largest array in the world-featuring everything
from traditional classics to cutting edge works by new writers.
Overnight in London
Day 14: London
Day 15: Board Return Flight Home
Visit Westminster Abbey
The present abbey was built over three centuries, starting during the
13th century. With the Confessor's Shrine, the tombs of Kings and
Queens, and countless memorials, it has also been the setting for
every Coronation since 1066. Neither a cathedral nor a parish church,
Westminster Abbey remains a "royal peculiar" under the jurisdiction of
a Dean and Chapter, subject only to the Monarch.
Transfer to the Airport for Your Return Flight
Your Tour Director assists with your transfer to the airport, where
you'll check in for your return flight home.
Visit Kensington Palace
The palace has been a royal home for over 300 years and continues
to be a private residence for members of the royal family today. Enjoy
a visit to the opulent State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial
Dress Collection.
Optional: Guided Excursion to Windsor
This half-day guided excursion to the town of Windsor features a visit
to Windsor Castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070,
Windsor has been the preferred retreat of British monarchs for over
900 years and is still in use by the royal family. While there, take a look
at the Royal Apartments, the setting of regal festivities. Also see the
castle's collection of historical treasures, including the queen's
porcelain and Henry VIII's suit of armor. Queen Victoria loved to
entertain at Windsor, but ultimately ended up in seclusion within the
castle mourning the death of her beloved Albert. Visit, too, Queen
Mary's Dolls' House and St. George's Chapel, final resting place of
many monarchs-including Henry VIII and Charles I. (If the royal family
is in residence, some of the Royal Apartments may be closed. On the
rare occasion that Windsor Castle is closed, you'll instead visit Henry
VIII's extravagant retreat, Hampton Court.) Upon your return to
London you'll pass by Runnymede; here on the Thames King John
was forced to sign the Magna Carta in 1215, guaranteeing that royal
power could not overrule basic human rights. Those who do not
participate in the optional excursion will enjoy free time in London.
Dinner is included this evening.
Overnight in London
Itinerary is subject to change
For complete financial and registration details, please refer to the
Booking Conditions at www.efcst.com/bc.
THE EASIEST WAYS TO
CONNECT WITH US
Enroll today
Get social
abroad.efcollegestudytours.com
facebook.com/collegestudytours
Enroll on our website
efcollegestudytours.com/1792328FB
@efcollegestudy
@efcollegestudytours
Enroll by mail, find the enrollment form at
efcollegestudytours.com/enrollmentbook
Enroll by phone
877-485-4184