Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure Day

Your adventure to the United Kingdom and Ireland begins! Board your overnight flight to London, excited to explore royal palaces, dramatic coastlines, ancient castles, and vibrant cities alongside your fellow Girl Scouts. Over the next 12 days, you’ll experience a journey filled with adventure, leadership, cultural connection, and unforgettable memories.

Day 2: Arrival in London

Arrive in London and meet your Travel Director before transferring to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, head out on an orientation walk through some of London’s most famous neighborhoods, including Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, where giant digital billboards, historic theaters, and bustling crowds create an unforgettable first impression of the city.

This evening, enjoy a traditional fish and chips dinner before exploring Covent Garden, one of London’s most lively areas, filled with street performers, musicians, local shops, and historic market buildings. It’s the perfect introduction to the energy and excitement of London.

Day 3: Exploring London

Today, discover London’s incredible history and global influence on a guided sightseeing tour. See iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, and St. Paul’s Cathedral while learning how London grew into one of the world’s most important cities.

Visit Buckingham Palace and, if timing allows, witness the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the King’s Guard marches in full uniform accompanied by a military band. Throughout the day, hear stories about British royalty, wartime resilience, and the traditions that continue to shape modern London.

Day 4: Tower of London & West End Theater

Step into nearly 1,000 years of history at the Tower of London, one of England’s most famous landmarks. Led by a Beefeater guide, hear stories of kings, queens, prisoners, betrayals, and executions while exploring the ancient fortress. You’ll also see the dazzling Crown Jewels, still used today during royal ceremonies.

Later, head to Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most famous food markets, where you can sample international foods and local specialties while exploring the lively stalls and historic streets nearby.

This evening, experience the magic of London’s West End theater district with a live performance in one of the city’s historic theaters. Whether it’s a musical, comedy, or drama, this is a true London experience students will never forget.

Day 5: London to Belfast

This morning, fly to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Upon arrival, visit the award-winning Titanic Belfast Museum, located at the exact site where the Titanic was designed, built, and launched.

Through interactive exhibits, recreated ship interiors, and immersive displays, follow the Titanic’s story from its construction in Belfast to its tragic maiden voyage. The museum also explores Belfast’s shipbuilding history and the impact the Titanic continues to have on the city today.

Spend the evening getting to know Belfast’s vibrant atmosphere, where historic buildings, colorful murals, and modern energy come together.

Day 6: Belfast & Cultural Connections

Today, gain a deeper understanding of Belfast’s complicated history during a guided city tour. Visit the Peace Wall and the city’s famous murals while learning about The Troubles, the decades-long conflict that shaped Northern Ireland, and the ongoing efforts toward peace and reconciliation.

In the afternoon, connect with local students through Sport Changes Life, an inspiring organization that empowers young people through education, mentorship, and athletics. Share experiences, participate in activities together, and learn about life for teens growing up in Northern Ireland today. This meaningful exchange offers a chance to build global connections and see how sports and leadership can create positive change.

Day 7: Giant’s Causeway & Derry

Travel along Northern Ireland’s stunning coastline, beginning with a stop at the Dark Hedges, a dramatic avenue of twisting beech trees planted over 250 years ago. The tunnel-like road became internationally famous after appearing in Game of Thrones.

Continue to the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the site is made up of over 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns stretching into the sea. According to Irish legend, however, the rocks were created by the giant Finn McCool as a pathway to Scotland.

Later, cross the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended nearly 100 feet above crashing Atlantic waves. Originally built by salmon fishermen, the bridge offers incredible coastal views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

Continue to Derry, where a local guide will lead you through the historic city walls, the Bogside neighborhood, and the famous murals while sharing the story of Bloody Sunday and the Northern Ireland civil rights movement.

Day 8: Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

Today, journey into western Ireland to experience one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders: the Cliffs of Moher. Rising more than 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, the cliffs stretch for miles along Ireland’s rugged coastline and offer incredible panoramic views.

Continue into The Burren, a fascinating landscape unlike anywhere else in Ireland. This rocky national park is filled with rare plants, ancient stone ruins, caves, and sweeping scenery. Alongside a local guide, learn about the region’s geology, folklore, and wildlife. Many believe this dramatic terrain inspired J.R.R. Tolkien while creating the landscapes of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Day 9: Dingle Peninsula & Killarney

Travel along the scenic Dingle Peninsula, one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal regions. Explore the colorful harbor town of Dingle, known for its traditional Irish charm, local shops, fishing boats, and lively atmosphere.

Later, head to Inch Beach, a wide stretch of sandy coastline surrounded by mountains and Atlantic waves. Spend time walking along the beach, relaxing with friends, and taking in the incredible scenery before continuing to Killarney.

Day 10: Killarney National Park Adventure

Today, experience the beauty of Killarney National Park on a guided bike tour through forests, lakes, waterfalls, and historic sites. Visit Ross Castle, a 15th-century tower house overlooking the lake, and explore the ruins of Muckross Abbey, where monks once lived hundreds of years ago.

Continue to Muckross House & Gardens, a stunning Victorian mansion surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds, before hiking to the impressive Torc Waterfall, where rushing water cascades through the forest.

This afternoon, enjoy free time exploring Killarney’s lively streets filled with colorful storefronts, local cafés, and traditional Irish music.

Day 11: Dublin

Travel to Dublin and discover Ireland’s vibrant capital city on a guided sightseeing tour. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of Ireland’s most important historic landmarks, and Trinity College, home to the famous Book of Kells and one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Continue to the EPIC Museum, an interactive experience that tells the story of Irish emigration and how Irish culture spread around the world.

Later, enjoy free time on Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s most famous shopping areas, filled with musicians, cafés, and local boutiques. Take a walk through St. Stephen’s Green before gathering with your group for a special farewell dinner celebrating your unforgettable journey together.

Day 12: Departure Day

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, bringing back unforgettable memories, stronger friendships, and a deeper understanding of the cultures, history, and landscapes of the United Kingdom and Ireland.