Getting to Know England, Scotland & Ireland
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| In this corner of Europe, travel is person-to-person — not just place-to-place. |
Let's face it: a language barrier gives every traveler a handy excuse to be shy. Fall into this trap, and before you know it, those spontaneous interactions with locals — which make travel most rewarding — become a rarity.
Not so for travelers to England, Scotland and Ireland: sharing a common language (well, pretty much) means that you can strike up a conversation with practically anyone, and learn a lot more about the places you've traveled so far to see. And, you'll remember those face-to-face experiences long after "Whatever Castle" fades from your memory.
If you've assumed this corner of Europe was for less adventurous travelers, think again. For it's here that your conversations can go beyond transactions and directions, and delve into politics, humor, family stories and common bonds.
It's that deeper dimension of person-to-person travel that makes us especially proud of our five itineraries within England, Scotland and Ireland.
Learn about Rick Steves' Best of...
Ireland in 14 Days
Our Ireland tour is so popular we've started calling it 'Italy with rain.' It's a land — and a tour — that celebrates life. Your local guide (with the gift of gab) might pause along a path to tell tales of St. Patrick as if he knew the man. In a village pub, you'll help "stomp the paint off the floor" to the rhythm of a fiddle, tin whistle and goat-skin drum. And the friendliness of this land — where the smell of peat fires perfume the evening air — will surely steal your heart.
Scotland in 11 Days
Our Scottish journey will take you along mossy mountains, salty isles, bottomless lochs and heathered meadows. You'll taste the haggis, hear the bagpipes and feel the winds of history blowing through the glens. You'll time-trip through stone castles, wander the lanes of Edinburgh and gaze across Loch Ness for the one monster you secretly wish were real. Scotland will also treat you to heroic tales, heartfelt hospitality and pub music that puts a knowing glint in every eye.
England in 14 Days
Our Best of England tour delivers just the right mix of urban Brit-thrills and thatch-happy village charm. From bustling London to the Cotswold hills to the castles of Wales — you're in for the best two weeks England has to offer. In the Lake District you'll wander far from the madding crowds, hiking along ponds where the words of poets still ripple. Just imagine reviewing each splendid day over a pint, tossing a few darts with your new pub chums. And if you're looking for a shorter getaway, check out London in 7 Days.
Online Articles:
Ireland's Dingle Peninsula
Where traditions run deep, and stress is a foreign word
The Essential Pub
Food + drink + tunes + craic = travel magic
England's Fascinating York
Where historians run 'round like kids in a candy shop
British-Yankee Vocabulary
Raise eyebrows with your mastery of English...English
Guide Interviews:
Get to know Ireland's Stephen McPhilemy and Tim Collins; England's Roy Nicholls; and London's Gillian Chadwick
Magic and Raves:
Ireland's Magic Moments
Tour members dive right in and come up grinning
Raves about Rick's Brit-Guides
What they're saying about our England and Scotland travel teachers
Radio Show Podcasts:
Getting the Most from London
Best of London tour guides Gillian Chadwick and Tom Hooper clue us in on what's new in their home town, and offer tips for finding characteristic neighborhoods. And we'll compare notes with listeners on budget tricks and free attractions that make London one of the world's top travel destinations (originally aired 1/5/2008).
- Listen to the entire show (Windows Media)
Ken Hanley's Scotland
Rick and tour guide Ken Hanley discuss the tensions Scotland has had over the years with England, and take listener calls about visiting the trendy cities and lonely outer islands that make Scotland so special (originally aired 8/12/2006).
- Listen to the entire show (Windows Media)
Today's Ireland
Rick talks with Ireland guides Declan Field and Stephen McPhilemy about how much Ireland has changed in recent years due to its economic surge. The cost of travel has gone up for Americans, but as Rick's guests and callers confirm, it's the Irish people that make visiting a priceless experience (original airdate 6/11/2005).
- Listen to the entire show (Windows Media)