ef guided tours

Ireland tours discovery guide

Step into a world steeped in folklore and bewitching landscapes. Wander along windswept cliffs that guard the Atlantic, lose yourself in the electric streets of Dublin, and experience the warmth of the country’s famous hospitality on our Ireland tours.

4.6 out of 5 stars

4.7 out of 5 stars

4.8 out of 5 stars

What to know before you go

Only 5 million residents call Ireland home—but an estimated 80 million people of Irish descent span the globe.

Dublin boasts Europe’s largest city green space, the 1,750-acre Phoenix Park, as well as more than 750 pubs to tuck into. All are a great way to pass the time during the quiet moments of your Ireland travel.

The Irish weave their tales through literature, music, and dance, and share them with visitors through unmatched hospitality and that famous craic (pronounced “crack”)—the locals’ gift of good banter.

With an English-speaking population and a welcoming atmosphere, this nation offers a gentle introduction to international travel. And that’s before the otherworldly scenery you’ll relish on our trips to Ireland!

IRELAND BESTSELLER

See it all on our Grand Tour

Sheep-dotted green vistas and untamed terrain coexist with spirited, contemporary cities on one of our most popular tours., extraordinary éire escapes, a week in ireland.

Waste no time getting to the sparkling, vivacious, and, yes, emerald heart of Irish culture with a tour through Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

What to see, eat, pack, and bring back

Ireland offers so much more than castles and a lush countryside. Check out our tips for making the most of your time.

A season-by-season guide to Ireland

When’s the best time to visit Ireland? Whenever you’re ready to go.

Traditions of the Emerald Isle

Venture through the pristine lake wilderness of Killarney National Park and the patchwork verdant quilt of the Ring of Kerry—plus mainstays like Dublin and Cork, with an extension to Northern Ireland.

An Irish feast of flavors

Sip, savor, toast, nibble, and devour your way through Ireland on this signature Small Group Tour celebrating the country’s robust culinary traditions.

Dublin dining

If you don’t think of the Irish capital as a hotbed of culinary innovation, think again. Treat yourself to upstarts and old favorites in Dublin and beyond.

SOLO, NOT ALONE

Ireland for solo travelers.

Dive into Irish culture— from contemporary cities to the country’s Ancient East—with new friends by your side.

Once-a-year tours for once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Halloween in dublin, edinburgh & london.

Ghost tours, macabre mysteries, and the chance to attend the Samhuinn Fire Festival (the original Halloween celebration) await—if you dare.

St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

Sheer revelry, an electrifying atmosphere, and the unbridled joy of celebrating Irish culture on one of its biggest days? We’ll toast to that.

Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...

Kiss the Blarney Stone

For a chance to gain that legendary gift of gab. Try it on our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour .

Feast like royalty in a castle

For a sip from a goblet of mead and a sumptuous, four-course dinner. Try it on our Grand Tour of Ireland .

Learn to Irish dance

For joining in on the fun of traditional music and fancy footwork. Try it on our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour .

Visit the lakeside Kylemore Abbey

For the romance of Victorian gardens. Try it on our A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway tour .

Experiential travel made easy

You dream it. We’ll take care of every last detail.

We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one of our group tours when you sign up for AutoPay . Plus, you can pay in interest- free, monthly installments.

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about .

Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.

What travelers say about their Ireland trips

Ireland—and beyond.

Stay a little longer! You’re already across the pond, so why not check a few more countries off your list?

4.4 out of 5 stars

4.5 out of 5 stars

Travel tips for Ireland trips

The length of the guided tour of Ireland you choose plays a big factor in what you can see and do. Before choosing, it's helpful to think about which specific sites you’d like to see on your trip. Ireland is a relatively small country and easy to explore, but it can take some time to get around. On our Ireland tours, you can choose a number of different ways to experience the country according to your interests. Here are some of our favorite places to visit in Ireland.

• Dublin. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest, offers beautiful stained glass windows and a rich history. But don’t miss Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, or Trinity College, either.
• County Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel is a must-see. This group of ancient buildings on a limestone outcrop above the town of Cashel offer a glimpse into Ireland’s medieval history.
• County Cork. Blarney Castle, home to the famous Blarney Stone, isn’t the only reason to visit County Cork. Ireland’s largest county is also known for having the country’s best food.
• County Kerry. This region is home to the Ring of Kerry, a 112-mile coastal route that winds through some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Those views are rivaled in Killarney National Park, which is dotted with lakes and dominated by Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil.
• County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher, offering some of the most purely beautiful vistas in all of Ireland, are the big draw here. You can also check out the traditional music scene in the quaint village of Doolin, not far from the cliffs.
• County Donegal. The towering Slieve League cliffs, rising nearly 2,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, are some of the highest in Europe. You won’t find a better place to snap incredible photos.

In the land of cozy pubs, green landscapes, and rich culture, there’s a lifetime of attractions to explore. Here are some of the top sites to visit in Ireland:

• Ring of Kerry. One of the most scenic drives in Ireland passes through charming villages and treats you to stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and coastline.
• Grafton Street in Dublin. A great place to experience Irish culture, this vibrant pedestrian street is home to pubs, cafes, high-end boutiques, and souvenir shops.
• Glendalough. Located in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and lakes, Glendalough is home to an ancient monastic settlement founded in the sixth century by Saint Kevin.
• The Wild Atlantic Way. The western coast of Ireland is home to some of the Emerald Isle’s most magnificent scenery and is a great way to experience the country’s beauty and diversity.
• Kilkenny Castle. Originally built in 1195, this historic castle is a beautiful example of medieval architecture and offers stunning views from its ramparts.
• Cliffs of Moher. This nearly nine-mile stretch of towering sea cliffs is breathtaking when the rushing waves of the Atlantic Ocean crash against the coastline.
• Dublin Castle. Once the seat of British power in Ireland, the castle is now a popular tourist destination and houses a number of museums and art galleries.
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The largest cathedral in Ireland, and one of the largest in Europe, is known for its beautiful stained glass windows.
• The Dingle Peninsula. Our trips to the Dingle Peninsula allow you to get to know this incredible part of Ireland, from scenic drives with views of the coastline to the charming, colorful town of Dingle.

Several of our tours will take you from Ireland to Northern Ireland. The island of Ireland is separated into two jurisdictions. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. As such, you’ll use the pound sterling (GBP) when you cross over into Northern Ireland. While there is no physical border, it’s important to remember that they are two separate countries.

Some of our favorite activities in Northern Ireland include visiting:

• Giant’s Causeway.   This jaw-dropping geological site is made up of 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic activity more than 50 million years ago.
• The Titanic Museum. A dramatic tribute located in Belfast, where the famed ship was designed, built, and launched.

The best time of year to go on a tour of Ireland depends on your preferences. The summer months (June to August) are generally the warmest and most popular, but they can also be the busiest and most expensive. The spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months are less crowded and can offer more affordable prices. Winter (December to February) can be cold and rainy, but it can also be a good time to visit if you want to experience the festive holiday season.

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Ireland has a temperate climate. Typically, the summers are warm and the winters are mild. No matter what time of year you visit Ireland, be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. The weather there can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for rain.

• March, April, and May. Many consider spring the best time to go to Ireland. Ireland’s weather in March includes drizzles of rain and longer days. With spring flowers blooming and Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in full swing, this is a great time to travel on any of our tours to Ireland.
• June, July, and August. Summer in Ireland isn’t scorching hot like many other parts of the world. The temperature in August and throughout the summer rarely breaks 70 F. With flora at its greenest, summer is considered one of the best times of year to visit.
• September, October, and November. Ireland’s fall weather brings mild days in the 50s. With summer tourists home, the lush hills still green, and all top attractions still open, fall comes highly recommended as one of the best times to book any of our Ireland trip packages.
• December, January, and February. The weather in Ireland is mild compared to many other parts of the world during winter. It rarely snows, and the temperatures in Ireland can reach up to 60 degrees. You will need to pack a coat, but the hearty stews of Ireland taste even better with a chill in the air. Local traditions and fewer crowds make this one of the best times to visit.

One trip isn’t enough to experience all that Ireland has to offer. From visiting rolling sheep-dotted hills to lively centuries-old towns, sunny beaches to vertigo-inducing cliffs, there’s so much to do and see on group tours of Ireland. You can get the full scoop on the Emerald Isle in our Ireland Travel Guide , but some of the most popular activities include:

• Listening to traditional Irish music. A “trad session”—a loosely organized, sometimes impromptu live performance—at an old-fashioned pub is the best way to go.  Our favorite pubs in Ireland  will do the trick.
• Driving the Wild Atlantic Way.  True to its name, this winding, 1,550-mile route along Ireland’s western coastline is rugged and untamed. But the  Wild Atlantic Way  has more than just scenic views. Between long stretches of natural splendor are little clifftop villages and seaside towns and cities that offer a window into the Irish way of life.
• Walking along the Cliffs of Moher. Offering uninterrupted views of the Aran Islands from hundreds of feet above the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs are a longtime favorite among travelers who have gone on our tours.
• Learning how to pour the perfect pint. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin involves more than enjoying a pint of Ireland’s favorite beer. You can also learn the six-step ritual for pouring a Guinness, including what type of glass to use and the perfect temperature for pouring.
• Touring the Kilmainham Gaol . First opened in 1796, this infamous jail once held Nelson Mandela, among other revolutionaries and political prisoners. A tour offers a sobering, fascinating window into Ireland’s history.
• Exploring the medieval town of Kilkenny.  Walking the central Medieval Mile will have you feeling like a time traveler. Don’t miss the nearby ancient hilltop fortress, the Rock of Cashel.
• Kissing the Blarney Stone. Millions of pilgrims have climbed the Blarney Castle's steps, leaned backward, and kissed the legendary stone in hopes of gaining the gift of gab. Thanks to the installation of an iron railing, you no longer have to be held by the ankles and lowered down to kiss the stone.
• Traveling around the Ring of Kerry.  This 112-mile coastal route winds through some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, including Killarney National Park.

Centuries-old towns, towering cliffs, ancient castles, and that rolling, green landscape: You’ll take it all in during your trip. But it’s those experiences you can only have in the Emerald Isle that make for lifelong memories. In addition to these 10 amazing things to do in Ireland, here are some other unique experiences you can have on our tours of the country:

Kiss the fabled Blarney Stone outside Cork

Tour the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Irish dishes

Take stunning photos at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare

Enjoy a pint in the world’s oldest bar in County Westmeath

Celebrate the winter solstice in Newgrange

Feast like royalty in the banquet hall of a castle

Ireland is a friendly and welcoming country. The Irish people are known for their warm hospitality and their love of conversation. They are also known for their sense of humor and their love of music and dance. Still, it’s helpful to be aware of their customs and etiquette while visiting Ireland.

• Greetings. When greeting someone in Ireland, it’s customary to shake hands.
• Phrases to know. “What’s the craic?” (pronounced “crack”) is how the Irish ask, “What’s up?” At a pub, ask for a “pint of gat”—that is, a pint of Guinness. And to toast the new friends you’ll undoubtedly make in Ireland, say “sláinte!” (pronounced “SLAWN-cha”).
• Tipping. Though not expected in Ireland, tipping is appreciated. A tip of 10% is considered appropriate for good service.
• Be punctual. Punctuality is important in Ireland, and being late is considered rude.
• Dress appropriately. Ireland is a relatively casual country, but it’s still important to dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, you wouldn’t want to wear shorts and a T-shirt to a nice restaurant.
• Learn a few basic Irish phrases. Even if you don’t speak much Irish, it’s always appreciated when visitors learn a few basic phrases. This shows that you’re making an effort to connect with the local culture.
• Politics. Ireland has a long and complicated history, and politics can be a sensitive topic. It's best to avoid discussing politics with people you don’t know well.
• Be respectful of culture and customs. Ireland is a diverse country with a rich culture, and it’s important to be respectful of their customs and beliefs.

We recommend you spend at least six days in Ireland. While our most popular Ireland tours run nine days or more, you can enjoy a shorter trip if you limit your tour to one or two cities.

English is Ireland’s main language, and all native Irish people can speak English. However, you’ll also see some signs and place names in Irish Gaelic.

Ireland uses the euro. To stock up on local currency, order some euros from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the euro while on our trips to Ireland, check out our blog on currency exchange .

Traditional Irish cuisine is comforting and hearty. And, yes, many dishes are made with potatoes, which are a staple crop in Ireland. But the real joy in Irish food is enjoying it along with good company in the local pub or restaurant. While you’ll find plenty of great food in Ireland’s major cities, here are some traditional dishes to savor while on our Ireland tours:

• Irish stew.  This hearty stew is made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables. It’s typically cooked in a slow cooker or on the stovetop until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
• Soda bread. This traditional Irish bread uses baking soda instead of yeast as a leavening agent, giving it a slightly sour flavor that’s balanced by the sweetness of the buttermilk. Topped with butter and jam, it’s a great accompaniment to soups, salads, and stews.
• Boxty.  The Irish version of the fried potato pancake was originally made to use up leftover potatoes. The key to its trademark consistency is finely grated potato mixed with flour and buttermilk. Enjoy it plain or topped with bacon, cheese, or eggs.
• Scones. Rich, buttery Irish scones (pronounced “scons” locally) may be the best you’ve ever tasted. They’re made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including stone-ground flour, Irish butter, and buttermilk. They’re often paired with homemade jam, clotted cream, or butter.
• Shepherd’s pie.  You’ll find this hearty baked pie at nearly every pub in Ireland. The popular (and delicious!) comfort food is made with a mix of ground lamb and vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes and cheese.
• Fish and chips.  This classic dish, and popular fast-food option, is made with fried fish and french fries. It’s best enjoyed by popping into a pub for some conversation with locals as you dig into your meal.
• Guinness.  Brewed in Dublin, Guinness is known for its smooth, creamy texture and its roasted, chocolatey flavor. At pubs all over Ireland, they’ll pour it correctly to create its iconic creamy head. It’s a beer that pairs well with Irish food—especially fish and chips.

Even though the weather can be quite unpredictable, we recommend packing light for our trips to Ireland. One suitcase and one carry-on per person is a good guideline to follow; you should feel comfortable managing your baggage at the airport. After you’ve booked one of our tour packages, we’ll give you information about how to prepare for your particular trip and even share a packing list in our mobile app.

• Layers.  We recommend packing lots of layers to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• Travel umbrella. You’ll appreciate having a packable umbrella handy in case of spot showers.
• Comfortable walking shoes.  Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking while on our guided tours to Ireland, a comfortable pair of walking shoes, sneakers, or boots is essential to have. Those walking shoes will come in handy in a country best explored on foot.
• Dressier attire.  You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• Sun protection.  For all our trips, especially during the summer months in Ireland, we recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck.
• An RFID money belt or wallet.  These are always a great idea when traveling internationally, especially through airports and crowded city streets. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) can protect your credit card info from electronic theft, and a money belt will conceal your cash without ruining your outfit.

Once you’ve reserved one of our Ireland tour packages, we’ll send you detailed information about what to bring with you. Don’t forget to download the  Go Ahead Tours mobile app  before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.

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Washington, D.C. & New York

Day 1: Washington, D.C.

Explore Washington, D.C. highlights:

• Photo stop at the White House
• Lafayette Square and Black Lives Matter Plaza
• Photo stop at the Washington Monument
• WWII Memorial

Visit the Smithsonian museum of your choice, which may include:

• National Museum of Natural History
• National Museum of African Art
• National Museum of American History
• National Museum of the American Indian

Discover the wonder of air and space as you visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, which maintains the world’s largest and most significant collection of aviation and space artifacts. 

Take a guided night tour of Washington, D.C.

• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Day 2: Washington, D.C.

See the U.S. Capitol and Visitor Center

Make a photo stop at the Library of Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court

Explore the Tidal Basin

• FDR Memorial
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial

Listen to the stories of the enslaved people who built and operated Mount Vernon as you explore the real spaces in which they lived and worked. Conclude your tour with a tribute at the Slave Memorial and Cemetery.

Visit Mount Vernon

• Estate, museum, and education center
• Mansion (subject to availability)
• George Washington's tomb
• The Slave Memorial

Enjoy an evening activity

Day 3: Washington, D.C. • New York City

Visit Arlington National Cemetery

• Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Kennedy gravesites
• Women In Military Service For America Memorial

Make a photo stop at the Marine Corps War Memorial

Travel to New York City

Enjoy views of New York City from one its iconic skyscrapers, which may include:

• Edge at Hudson Yards
• Empire State Building Observatory
• One World Observatory

Day 4: New York City

Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

• Marvel at the 151-foot model engineered by Alexandre Gustav Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame
• Explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Take a walking tour of the Financial District

• Bowling Green Park
• Wall Street and Charging Bull sculpture
• Federal Hall
• Trinity Church
• National September 11 Memorial

At the 9/11 Museum, learn more about the events surrounding September 11 through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and personal narratives from those who were there that day.

Take a guided tour of the 9/11 Memorial and hear powerful stories from survivors as they share their experiences before, during, and after the September 11 attacks.

Visit Times Square

Attend a Broadway show (based on a select list of current shows)

Day 5: New York City

Take a guided tour of Midtown

• United Nations Headquarters
• Chrysler Building
• Grand Central Terminal
• Bryant Park
• Rockefeller Center
• St. Patrick's Cathedral
• Fifth Avenue

Make a photo stop in Central Park

Depart for home

Experience even more

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Grab a seat at one of New York City's theaters and experience the city's famous theater scene firsthand with a live performance.

Day 6: New York City

Take a tour of Madison Square Garden or Radio City Music Hall 

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Your experience includes

Round-trip transportation, hotel accommodations, overnight security, all gratuities, guided tours and activities, full-time tour director, training and support, traveler resources, 24-hour emergency service.

Round-trip transportation on major carriers; comfortable motorcoach throughout the tour.

Overnight stays in safe, quality hotels.

Security guards on watch nightly.

Breakfast and dinner daily; lunch can also be included.

Tips included for your Tour Director, bus driver, licensed guides, restaurant and hotel staff.

Sightseeing tours led by expert and licensed local guides; tickets to all activities.

Your Tour Director stays with your group 24/7, providing local insight and knowledge, while handling every on-tour detail.

We prepare new Group Leaders on a free Training Tour and provide personal support every step of the way.

We offer travelers flexible payment options as well as a dedicated support team to manage finances and answer tour questions.

Travelers and their families can count on EF's dedicated emergency service team while on tour.

Expert Tour Planning

Your dedicated EF team provides expertise every step of the way—from recruiting and enrolling travelers to planning and managing your tour.

Personalized Learning Support

Our personalized learning experience engages students before, during and after tour, with the option to create a final, reflective project for academic credit.

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The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies for 2023

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Executive Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Caroline has a passion for adventure travel and has hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the bottom of the Grand Canyon in pursuit of a good story. Follow her around the world on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

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For those truly epic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations, you want to leave your itinerary to the experts. Whether your dream is to see the Big Five on an African Safari, trek tall mountains, explore European cities, or something even wilder, a group tour is the easiest way to do it.

However, picking the wrong group tour company is the quickest way to ruin your trip. Make sure you choose a tour company that aligns with your goals and travel styles. Do you want an intimate group tour or do you prefer to make lots of new friends in a big group? Does the price line up with what you like (luxury vs. budget)? Is the itinerary going to all the places you want to see? 

We’ve done the research and found the very best group travel tour companies for 2023 for every type of traveler.

Best Overall Group Travel: Exodus Travels

With trips on every continent, Exodus Travels covers anywhere on this planet that you could possibly want to go, from popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast to well off-the-beaten path adventures like Tajikistan. This award-winning group travel company boasts thousands of repeat customers who sign up for trips year after year (97% of past participants would recommend Exodus Travels to a friend). 

These small group tours operate with only around 12-16 people, and always feature experienced local leaders who can give you a unique insight into your destination. Exodus Travels caters to any type of travel style, including trips broken down by type of activity (think walking, cycling, multi-adventure, winter, or cultural) as well as type of traveler (family, age group, etc.). There are curated collections (coastal, “away from it all”, European wilderness, and trips of a lifetime) to inspire you, as well as self-guided options for when you want all the benefits of a group tour planner without the actual group. Looking for that special safari? Exodus Travels just partners with the African Wildlife Foundation to create carefully curated luxury adventures that go above and beyond the standard safari. 

Exodus Travels tours work for almost any budget, with options that range from affordable to premium. 

Top Trip: Explore under-the-radar Europe by foot on Exodus Travels’ Lakes & Mountains of Slovenia walking tour .

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Best Adventure Group Travel: World Expeditions

World Expeditions has been taking adventurous travelers to remote locations all over the world ever since its first group trek through Nepal in 1975. Today, World Expeditions offers active itineraries on every continent. Intrepid travelers can opt for trips themed around mountaineering, rafting, cycling, hiking, and more. 

World Expeditions aims to leave communities and places where they operate tours better than they found them. Trips are created using the company’s Thoughtful Travel Charter as a guideline, which emphasizes respect for the environment, sustainability, having a positive impact on local communities, protecting wildlife, and more. 

World Expeditions’ trips are capped at just 16 people to provide a good experience for participants, and there are no single supplements for solo travelers willing to share a room with someone of the same gender. 

Top Trip: Summit Africa’s tallest mountain on a fully-supported trek up Kilimanjaro on World Expeditions’ eight day trip up the beautiful Lemosho Route . 

Best Budget Group Travel: G Adventures 

For travelers on a budget, G Adventures offers cheap group tours that make dream destinations accessible to nearly anyone. (Think: sailing the Galapagos for just $1,124 , criss-crossing India’s Golden Triangle for $559 , or spending 8 days in Bali for less than $800.)

G Adventures is one of the best tour companies for solo travelers as well, as most trips don’t have a single-supplement. You can choose to share a room with another G Adventures solo traveler, or pay extra to have your own space.

G Adventures keeps costs down by opting for cheaper hotels and local meals, and making certain activities optional (for an additional cost). Pick your travel style—options range from “basic” to more luxe tours run in partnership with National Geographic. Family tours, local living tours (featuring homestays), and wellness-focused tours are also available. 

Top Trip: G Adventures’ China Express trip is a great way to see the highlights of China if you’re short on both time and budget. 

8 Trending Destinations to Visit in 2023

Best Educational Group Tours: EF Go Ahead Tours

When you really want to learn about a destination, consider a group trip with EF Go Ahead Tours . EF is the world’s largest private education company, and the Go Ahead Tours arm capitalizes on the company’s relationships with local educators, historians, and tour guides to create group trips that take you deep into a destination. 

These small group tours generally cap at 38 travelers, and feature unique educational experiences. For a bucket list trip, EF Go Ahead Tour’s special event tours are particularly enticing, as they offer behind-the-scenes access to tough-to-plan trips like Oktoberfest in Munich or Cherry Blossom season in Japan. 

Intimidated by solo travel? EF Go Ahead Tours is a great option for solo travelers, since it offers designated trips for solo travelers , where everyone is traveling alone, making it less intimidating.  

Top Trip: Bring the tastes of Italy home with you on EF Go Ahead Tours’ Food & Wine: Piedmont & Tuscany tour (operated in partnership with America’s Test Kitchen), where you’ll learn how to make local dishes. 

Best Responsible Group Travel: Intrepid Travel

Looking for a responsible group travel operator that focuses on bettering the communities and destinations they visit? Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest travel B Corporation, a certification for companies doing good. 

Intrepid Travel’s tours focus on sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and sustaining communities. The company has its own charity, The Intrepid Foundation , which has donated over 7 million dollars to over 130 community organizations. 

Intrepid Travel’s small group tours attract a wide range of travelers, but they are especially great for younger travelers, as they have a large number of trips designed for people aged 18-29 . (Other trips, including family-focused trips, are geared toward any age.)

Top Trip: Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on Intrepid Travel’s Premium Uganda & Rwanda trip which includes time with the mountain gorillas of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. 

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Best Private Group Travel: Kensington Tours

Whether your group consists of just two people or involves taking the entire extended family, Kensington Tours will take all the hassle of planning out of the equation. This private group operator creates personalized trips and itineraries tailored to your preferences, while their experts handle all the logistics and bookings. 

Plans are entirely flexible, and can even be changed while on the trip on a whim. Need some inspiration? Browse Kensington Tours’ travel ideas , to get some ideas for your next adventure. 

Top Trip: Sail around the stunning shores of Croatia and the Dalmation Islands on a private luxury catamaran on Kensington Tours’ fully customizable tour . 

Best Polar Group Travel: Chimu Adventures

Whether you’re headed north to the Artic or south to Antarctica, Chimu Adventures has the perfect polar group trip for you. Chimu Adventures has some of the most variety for polar trips, with options to fly, cruise, or a combination of both to get to your destination.

For an ultra-unique Antarctica trip, Chimu Adventures offers cruises departing from Australia or New Zealand (most Antarctica trips depart from Argentina). Can’t stay long? Book one of Chimu Adventures’ scenic flights to Antarctica , which fly as far as the south pole in one spectacular 16-hour day.

Chimu Adventures is one of the cheapest group trips to Antarctica, with rates starting under $5,000.

Top Trip: If you’re pressed for time (or simply don’t have the stomach for the Drake Passage), Chimu Adventures’ Antarctica Fly Cruise will get you to the ends of the earth quickly and smoothly.

Program These Numbers Into Your Phones Before Traveling Internationally

Best Group Tours for Solo Travelers: For the Love of Travel

Group tours can be a great way to meet new people, but they can sometimes skew on the older age range. If you’re between 25-39 and a solo traveler looking to meet new people, you’ll love For the Love of Travel . All participants on the trips are between 25-39, and according to the company, 80 percent are solo travelers—so you’ll make friends fast. Hoping to meet someone who will be more than just a friend on your next trip? Trips include a balanced number of “gal and guy spots” to ensure an even balance of genders within groups (and of course, non-binary genders are always welcome). 

For the Love of Travel offers weeklong (or longer) international trips as well as shorter weekender trips to nearby destinations like Mexico or Denver—perfect for people without a lot of vacation time.

Top Trip: Sleep in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, go sledding with huskies, and warm up in traditional saunas on For the Love of Travel’s Lapland tour , already booking dates for 2024.

Best Biking Tours Group Travel: DuVine Cycling

Biking through the rolling hills of Italy or across the mountain roads of Chile sounds like a dream, but the logistics seem daunting (especially if you don’t want to haul all your own stuff from point-to-point). Enter: DuVine Cycling , a luxury small group tour company that specializes in bike trips. 

With trips across Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the United States, DuVine Cycling is a cyclist’s dream. Choose from all-biking trips or mix things up with a cycle and sail bike tour or a multi-sport adventure —no matter what, everything is included, from luxury boutique accommodations to top-quality name brand bikes. 

Top Trip: DuVine’s Holland Bike Tour promises “tulips, windmills, beer, and cheese”—what more could you need?

Best Luxury Group Travel: Abercrombie & Kent

Abercrombie & Kent has been delighting discerning travelers since 1962. Today, they take travelers on unforgettable adventures across over 100 different countries and all seven continents. Although Abercrombie & Kent’s trips are pricey, they encompass once-in-a-lifetime experiences like private jet tours around the world or luxury chartered cruises .

There are trips designed for solo travelers and families , and the small group journeys max out at around 14-18 guests.

Top Trip: Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, feed proboscis monkeys in Malaysia, and photograph wild tigers in India on Abercrombie & Kent’s Wildlife Safari: Around the World by Private Jet trip , already booking dates into 2024.

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Eggheads Self-Guided Tours

Event Date May 27, 2024 - Dec 20, 2034 @ 8:00am - 8:00pm

Go for an Egghead Art Walk on the UC Davis campus. Download the Egghead Art And Merch Finder map or drop by the Manetti Shrem Museum on campus to pick up a copy. All five Egghead installations include informational labels with historical background and a QR to scan for more background and fun facts.

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Yury Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre (Zvezdny Gorodok - Star Town) (7 hours)

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The Yuri A. Gagarin State Scientific Research-and-Testing Cosmonaut Training Center is a Russian training facility responsible for training cosmonauts for their space missions. It is in Star City of Moscow Oblast, a name which may refer to the facility itself or to its grounds. (Read more about Yury Gagarin Cosmonauts training center )

The secret Star City was built to train Soviet cosmonauts, including Yuri Gagarin, the 1st man in space. Many other famous Russian cosmonauts trained here with Gagarin: German Titov, Valentina Tereshkova, the first female cosmonaut, and Alexei Leonov, the first cosmonaut to exit the spaceship into space . The best facilities were built for them: the world’s largest centrifuge and hydro laboratory. Many cosmonauts from other countries (USA, Japan, Germany and many others) also have trained here together with Soviet Russian cosmonauts. On this Star (Space) City Tour you will see:

• Models of Soyuz Soviet spacecraft 
• World's largest centrifuge with an 18-meter radius 
• Hydro laboratory, with the model of the International Space Station in water, which allows to simulate the weightlessness and many more

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• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Roundtrip transportation to and from your central hotel (Comfortable car/minivan with A/C)
• Fully private tour to ensure a personalized experience
• Entrance fee to Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre (territory)
• Entrance fee to Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre Museum
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Food  / Drinks
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• Gratuities to guide/driver (optional)

The tour price already includes all the taxes & fees, you will not see any of them later during the checkout.

Adult pricing applies to all travelers

IMPORTANT! To book the tours please provide us with the copy of your passport (scan of page with photo) and the following information (for all the travellers):

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This information is required to get access to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, as per their security policy.

If it took Gagarin 1 year to get prepared, now it takes 7 years to become a cosmonaut, and 50 days to pass  security  check for foreign visitors.

Due to the security policy of the Centre, the guided tours are to be arranged in 50 days before the tour date. Last-minute arrangements are not available. 

Departure: from your Moscow hotel

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Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get 5% discount and get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis. In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

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Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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Moscow Raceway

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Moscow Raceway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

12 Incredible Tours That Show Off America’s Most Famous Landmarks Like Never Before

N o matter where you are in the United States, there are plenty of options for incredible tours. There’s so much to see here, from our canyons to our magnificent oceans, and regardless of which of the 50 states you’re in, you’ll find natural and man-made wonders to admire. The huge variety of experiences on offer can be pretty overwhelming: how do you even begin to choose which ones belong on your bucket list? We’ve done the work for you and gathered up some of the most incredible guided tours in the US, from coast to coast.

1. Fort Sumter Self-Guided Tour and Ferry: Charleston, South Carolina

2. tour of both sides of niagara falls: niagara falls, new york, 3. half-day tour of sedona: sedona, az, 4. small group tour of revolutionary boston: boston, ma, 5. la jolla sea cave kayak tour: la jolla, ca, 6. behind the scenes cowboys stadium tour: arlington, tx, 7. scenic plane tour: twin cities, mn, 8. historical walking tour: grand rapids, mi, 9. mount vernon cruise from d.c.: mount vernon, va, 10. big bus one-day tour: philadelphia, pa, 11. grand circle island and haleiwa 9 hour tour: o'ahu, hi, 12. wildlife whale watching: juneau, ak.

What’s your favorite guided tour you’ve ever taken? Share your experiences in the comments – we always love to hear about new recommendations!

The post 12 Incredible Tours That Show Off America’s Most Famous Landmarks Like Never Before appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

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Live Like A Local In Paris - Self Guided Audio Walking Tours

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