Ireland, England & Scotland
See the highlights of three distinct countries on this wonderful and fun tour of the British Isles. Travel to London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Dublin, Waterford and more. See famous sites in London, such as Windsor Castle, the closely guarded Crown Jewels, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and even ride the London Eye, a 443 ft. Ferris wheel. Visit a farm outside London and see the “Heart of England” as we journey into the Cotswold Region, which encompasses West Central England’s lovely hills. Enjoy a wonderfully scenic ride filled with famous Irish panoramic views including seacoasts, mountains, and lake vistas on the famous path known as the Dingle Peninsula. While visiting Blarney Castle, take your chance at kissing the Blarney Stone. Experience other popular sites such as Stonehenge, Roman Baths, and the Titanic Museum. Tour the historic and contemporary cultural center of Ireland, the capital city of Dublin. Known for its modern education, arts, economy and industry, Dublin has the fastest population growth rate in all of Europe. The famous Guinness Brewery will surely give you a favorable impression of Dublin as well! In Scotland’s famed capital of Edinburgh, tour the ancient Edinburgh Castle, a natural and romantic fortress perched high above the city. See the charming coastal town of St. Andrews, site of the world famous St. Andrews golf course. Visiting a farm in Scotland will help you to compare operations “across the pond.” This trip is filled with fun!
- July 17 - 31, 2025
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA
Meet your Rupiper Tour Manager and fellow travelers at New York JFK Airport for your included international flight to London Heathrow. (In-flight meal service)
Day 2: London
Upon arrival in London, we are greeted by our local tour guide and travel by private coach to Windsor, where we visit their famous castle. Windsor Castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen, which has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. The castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements of the castle loom large from every approach to the town, creating one of the world’s most spectacular skylines. No other royal residence has played such an important role in the nation’s history. Free time for lunch in Windsor and arrive at the hotel in London by midafternoon. Welcome dinner at the hotel, our home for the next two nights. (In-flight meal service, D)
Day 3: London
Get acquainted with this historic city, also known as the “Square Mile,” with a guided tour of the oldest region of London. Originally founded as a Celtic fishing village, it was expanded by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago to become the city of Londinium. We visit the Tower of London, a fortress built by William I, dating back to the 11th century. This fortress has been a prison and place of execution for criminals, as well as for kings and queens. Upon visiting the Jewel House, see the closely guarded Crown Jewels. In the afternoon we tour London’s West End. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and visit the glorious Westminster Abbey, where nearly all of England’s kings and queens have been crowned since William the Conqueror in 1066. In addition, pay your respects to the Unknown Warrior of WWI buried here on November 11th, 1920. To cap off the day’s adventures, enjoy the wonderful sights from atop the famous London Eye, a Ferris Wheel that stands 443 feet high. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon, before departing for our evening dinner at a fun and lively London restaurant. (B, D)
Day 4: London / Stonehenge / Bath / Swindon
This morning we head south to Wiltshire County, where we visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World, Stonehenge. This mysterious megalithic stone circle has stood witness to 4000 years of history. Following our visit to Stonehenge, we drive to the city of Bath, which reveals the finest Georgian architectural ensemble in the land. This area became famous in Roman times when they built elaborate Baths around a natural spa. Here we visit these famous Roman Baths and also see the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridges. We travel north to the Cotswolds, a lovely range of hills in West Central England, often referred to as the “Heart of England.” Enjoy your evening at a quaint hotel in the city of Swindon, located in Wiltshire, Southwest England. (B, D)
Day 5: Cotswolds / Farm / York
We begin the day traveling to the nearby town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where we visit the birthplace and childhood home of William Shakespeare. Tour his home, which is a great representation of living conditions in the mid-1500s. Continue our journey north to Bosworth to visit a local grain farm with a small cattle herd. See their storage, grain dryer, equipment, and their crops. This multigenerational farm was also the location of the Battle of Bosworth. Hear stories of the battle and discuss farming with the family. If we have time, we are invited to the nearby twelfth-century-pub for a pint. We end the day heading north to the county of Yorkshire, where we stay overnight in the lovely city of York. (B, L)
Day 6: York / Scotland / Edinburgh
This morning is yours to sleep in or explore the charming walled-city of York. No other city in northern England says “medieval” quite like York, a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth that has lost little of its pre-industrial luster. After lunch we continue north to the Scotland Woolen Mills, a great spot to maybe find a kilt in your color and size. Our final destination is Scotland’s glorious capital, Edinburgh, which is now a designated World Heritage site. (B, D)
Day 7: Edinburgh
This morning we meet our local Scottish guide, who shares their wealth of Scottish knowledge and humor with us. As we tour the city of Edinburgh, see the unique old town and the Royal Mile with its tall houses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Visit ancient Edinburgh Castle, a natural and romantic fortress perched high above the city with views over the whole community as well as the Firth of Forth. Visit Edinburgh’s New Town, a fine Georgian architectural creation of wide streets, garden squares and sweeping crescents. The afternoon is yours to checkout The Scotch Whisky Experience, take-in the National Museum of Scotland, or simply explore Edinburgh’s unique shops and pubs. The famous Royal Mile and other attractions are only steps from our hotel, so there are many options for everyone! (B)
Day 8: Edinburgh / Farm / St. Andrews / Edinburgh
Travel northeast along the coast to Ardross, where we visit a farm that operates a type of farmer’s market, offering 40 different vegetables, all grown on their farm. The real success of their shop is down to the traditionally grown produce harvested every morning from their fields and control over beef quality coming from their own herd. See their beef cattle and discuss the differences of farming in Scotland. Meet Claire, the young daughter who recently left her career as an accountant to return to the family farm, and hear how she is making an impact on the farm in this digital age. Next, we head north of Edinburgh to the coastal town of St. Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university town, and also something of a pilgrimage center for golfers from all over the world. The town, founded in the 4th century, is best absorbed on foot. Almost the entire center consists of listed buildings, with plenty of time for us to discover the delights of this charming town and also visit St. Andrews Cathedral. Return to Edinburgh to prepare for a fun Scottish Dinner Show, where we enjoy various examples of traditional Scottish singing and dancing. Here you can try the famous Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish. Of course this is only an appetizer, so the less-adventurous eaters will still have dinner, whiskey and wine to fall back on. (B, D)
Day 9: Edinburgh / Northern Ireland / Belfast
We leave Edinburgh to Stranraer, where our motor coach boards a ferry that offers multiple dining areas, lounges, and shopping options. This smooth cruise transits the North Channel, just north of the Irish Sea, where we disembark in Larne. Transfer to Belfast, the birthplace of the famous Titanic. We learn about the rich history of Northern Ireland, which includes a violent past. See points of interest on a city tour and enjoy commentary from our local guide. Overnight in Belfast. (B, D)
Day 10: Belfast / Republic of Ireland / Dublin
Begin the day with a visit to the official Titanic Museum, a relatively new addition to Belfast, where the Titanic Ship was built. Meander through this informative museum at your own pace while gaining insight from an audio tour guide. Upon arrival in Dublin we are welcomed with a pint at one of Ireland’s most recognizable brands, the Guinness Brewery. Learn their interesting history and more importantly, try their brew! Gain a lofty perspective of Dublin from the Gravity Bar, Guinness’ 360-degree observatory bar, offering expansive views of the city. Spend early afternoon exploring Grafton Street, the pedestrian strip filled with a variety of restaurants, shops, and pubs. Our hotel is right in the middle of the action, so you can enjoy it all! (B)
Day 11: Dublin
Embark on a leisurely city tour of this historic and contemporary cultural center of Ireland, which is also a modern center for education, the arts, administration, economy and industry. The afternoon is yours to see the Book of Kells and Trinity College, visit the National Museum of Ireland, or enjoy all of the activity in the city center. All available only steps from our conveniently located hotel. (B)
Day 12: Dublin / Waterford / Blarney Castle / Killarney
This morning we make our way south to Waterford for a tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory, where they have produced some of the world’s finest crystal since 1783. Watch the master craftsmen heat, carve, and etch beautiful crystal ornaments all by hand. See for yourself if the labor warrants the price tag. Whether you are in the market for crystal or not, this tour is always found to be very interesting. We depart Waterford heading west, stopping for a visit at the medieval Blarney Castle. Here is your chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone and receive the Gift of Gab. We also have time to visit the wonderful Blarney Woolen Mill, selling everything from beautiful Aran knit sweaters to fine pottery and glass. Continuing west, we reach our home in Killarney for the next two nights, our favorite lakeside hotel offering spectacular views from your room. (B, D)
Day 13: Killarney / Farm / Dingle Peninsula / Killarney
Enjoy your relaxing day with a journey to the western coast of Ireland for the panoramic views of Dingle Peninsula. Here we enjoy a leisurely drive around the coastline, stopping along the way for great photo opportunities of dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Upon completion of our grand circle, we travel back to the neighboring town of Killarney for time to shop or simply enjoy the surroundings of our beautiful hotel’s property. (B)
Day 14: Killarney / Cliffs of Moher / Shannon
This morning enjoy a scenic drive to Adare, where its multi-colored thatched roof cottages make it one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Continue towards the western coast to one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, the Cliffs of Moher. Standing over 700 feet at their highest point, they stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. From the Cliffs of Moher on a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. The river channels that cut through these cliffs are over 300 million years old, and have been slowly shaping them the entire time. Later arrive in Shannon at your hotel near the airport, and prepare for your morning flight home. (B, D)
Day 15: Shannon / Depart to USA
Transfer by private coach to the airport for our flight, arriving in the afternoon on the same day. (B, In-flight meal service)
What's Included
International Airfare • All Admissions
First Class Hotel Accommodations
Meals as indicated B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
Professional Tour Manager & Local Guides
Deluxe Motor Coach • Porterage One Bag per Person
Transfers • Ferry Across the Irish Sea
Special Events and Sights
Windsor Castle • Tower of London • Crown Jewels
London Eye • Westminster Abbey • Roman Baths
Stonehenge • English Grain Farm • Woolen Mills
Cotswolds (English Countryside Hotel)
Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive • Edinburgh Castle
Cliffs of Moher • Guinness Brewery • Titanic Museum
Blarney Castle • St. Andrews Golf Course
Scottish Dinner Show • Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Scottish Grain & Cattle Farm • Fun Pubs
Waterford Crystal Factory • Much More!
Testimonials
2018 Ireland, England & Scotland Traveler Testimonials
“We had a wonderful experience. Everything was first class. We enjoyed the Irish and Scottish dinners. Lunch at the wheat farm was a neat experience. We saw and did so much – I don’t thing we missed anything. We have gone on other tours and feel Rupiper went above and beyond in all areas. The group size was nice and we enjoyed all the travelers.”
- Bob & Sheryl C. (Nebraska)
“This was our first trip overseas and we enjoyed it immensely. Our only regret is that the tour guide and driver set the standard and we’re not sure others will measure up. Everything was well organized, on schedule, and ran smoothly. We would consider doing a Rupiper tour again, and I would certainly recommend one to our friends.”
- Bob & Sue D. (Colorado)
“Thank you for the DVD – so much fun reliving our trip. Incredible to actually see Stonehenge, it is so much bigger than I pictured. Edinburgh is a beautiful city. Ireland is beautiful and London was a surprise to me, did not feel like a huge city at all. Thank you for going to the farms. I follow one of them on Facebook – so interesting to see what they are up to. Thanks for planning a great trip!”
- Lane & Kathy T. (Iowa)
“Thank you again for putting together a super fantastic trip – the amount of people was perfect, the extras that were thrown in were special, and Brent doing all he did to make it perfect - Stopping for travelers to visit ancestors’ towns – Brent is the best. Very caring for everyone. We will go with Brent again & again.”
- Dave & Marsha D. (Colorado)
“It was all new and wonderful. Ireland was beautiful and the hotel on the lake was an excellent place to finish our trip. Great mix of food - I loved the gourmet meals and my husband loved the bar meals.”
- Naomi & Paul B. (Minnesota)
“Excellent! It was good enough that we would and want to go again.”
- Ron & Sue S. (Ohio)
“Excellent quality tour at all levels. Very nice accommodations in all locations.”
- Virgil & Noel O. (North Dakota)
“Brent was friendly, organized, and answered questions. Sandra was very knowledgeable on the places and countries we visited. Loved Stonehenge and Windsor Castle. We enjoyed the trip!”
- Larry & Rebecca D. (Indiana)
“Tour manager did a great job, friendly, always willing to help. Sandra was very knowledgeable, she knew everything. We enjoyed it very much.”
- Robert & Melanie B. (Michigan)
“We truly enjoyed everything including the farm tours! Excellent communications. Loved the cathedrals, Cliffs of Moher, and the pubs!”
- Charles B. & Patty P. (Indiana)
“Everything was perfect. I can’t say enough about our trip! Brent was and is One-of-a-Kind!”
- Don & Joanne S. (North Dakota)
2017 Ireland, England & Scotland Traveler Testimonials
“Top Notch! You were very helpful when our credit cards weren’t working!! We are so happy to have had this experience. Thank you for a wonderful tour.”
- Ken & Christa D. (Ohio)
“This was our first time in these countries, and we really enjoyed it. We appreciated not having to stand in lines. The food was very good, and the Riverdance performance was a most superb surprise. Thank YOU! Great job! We will definitely recommend Rupiper Tours to others. Hawaii, here we come??”
- Stuart & Shirley K. (South Dakota)
“We are always happy to travel with Larry. Your trips are well organized and has very good tour guides, and very good accommodations. We really enjoyed the places we visited. We always enjoy the scenery, historical sites, and information about the country.”
- Jim & Sharon H. (Nebraska)
“The group we traveled with was great! We enjoyed time with them and also enjoyed our time solo. We loved scenic Ireland, Cliffs of Moher, and Stonehenge. All the guides were knowledgeable, articulate and interesting… and fun!!”
- Anonymous
“We have loved our trips with Rupiper! When asked which is best – they all have highlights that won’t be forgotten. You put together a wonderful tour. Sights, scenery, hotels and food were excellent. And Riverdance was such a nice surprise. Going to have to start planning our next tour with you!”
- Dave & Sue R. (Ohio)
“Riverdance was AWESOME!!”
- Nancy C. (Missouri)
“Thank you for the excellent trip to the UK and Ireland. Everything was great – the meals, the rooms, and the special tours. We enjoyed Riverdance and being so close to the Temple Bar area! Thank your office staff for helping Greg & I book the trip, I did get my aisle seat!”
- Debbie & Greg R. (Iowa)
"Jim and I loved the trip. It was well planned for our enjoyment, safety, good food, nice accommodations. I could say it was the trip of a lifetime, but we want to go on more of your tours!"
- Jim & Barb M. (Indiana)
"The guide was excellent! Very organized, competent, friendly and very knowledgeable. She made the tour such a positive experience! The driver was nothing short of a magician the way he maneuvered that big motor coach in and around many tight spaces! Ending the tour with Riverdance was fabulous! That was a highlight!!"
- Lloyd & Loretta S. (Saskatchewan)
"Larry is wonderful to travel with. Great sense of humor and very kind and compassionate to all guests. His first concern is that every guest have a wonderful trip. The guide was wonderful too. She was a wealth of knowledge and honest in her opinions. She gave us a great overview of the countries, their history, and their culture. We liked everything but absolutely loved Ireland. It truly is 40 shades of green. So beautiful, especially the rugged coast. Loved Riverdance too! Thank you for arranging the cheap airline tickets from our home airport. It was a wonderful trip all around!"
- Doug & Nancy S. (Illinois)
"We received first class treatment, have traveled with you before and certainly will again! Can't say enough good things about Rupiper Tours."
- Harvey & Anne W. (South Dakota)
"I loved so many of the activities, especially enjoyed meeting the farm families. The tour manager was always very friendly. Thanks for the DVD!"
- Bev P. (Missouri)
"Our tour guide was amazing in her knowledge of everywhere we went. Truly enjoyed our driver too. Enjoyed the tour manager very much, he was very considerate of everyone. We really enjoyed the farms and St. Andrews."
- Jim & Sue E. (Iowa)
"We enjoyed the whole tour and were thankful for the good driver, tour leaders and the pleasant fellow passengers!!! We were very satisfied! You planned it very well. Better than if we tried to go on our own!"
- Wesley & Corrine A. (South Dakota)
"This tour, like all the others we have had the privilege to go on with you, was an outstanding experience. The sights we saw, the folks we met, the wonderful tour manager! All were just beyond great. Larry is just the best! Always willing to help, willing to go above and beyond! So glad we met this man!!"
- Daniel & Zada C. (Texas)
"Thank you for a wonderful trip to Ireland, England & Scotland. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and well organized. Our drier was the best. Thank you Brent for all the extra surprises you added into our tour and for the special treats and Irish coffee. It was a trip of a lifetime. People were wonderful and food was great. Our fourth trip with Rupiper and we can't wait to go again. Thank you for the DVD, it was great!!"
Kevin & Ellen S. (Wisconsin)
"Thank you Brent for a memorable trip. I have no negative comments and was so pleased that the couples we invited were also impressed with our choice. We have more new people joining our Rupiper Travel Group!"
- Jerry & Vicki L. (Iowa)
2016 Ireland, England & Scotland Traveler Testimonials
“Every day was a new adventure, and I loved staying in the heart of Dublin. I would recommend your trip to any & everyone! The tour manager was great taking care of us, she always made sure we were all there. She did a great job!!”
- Debbie R. (Iowa)
“This was our second trip with Rupiper. We absolutely loved the trip! It exceeded our expectations – Excellent hotels, food & staff. Tour guide and bus driver were both super! Sandra was very knowledgeable and Richard was a very safe driver who got us around all the narrow streets and tight places! We would definitely travel with Rupiper again!”
- Tom & Carolyn K. (Ohio)
“Everyone was excellent! I liked everything! I rate your tour a 5 out of 5!”
- Leslie D. (Kentucky)
“We liked all the included visits! The tour manager was just like our best friend, really liked her. Made the tour great!! The guide was always available for questions – very kind. We liked her very much.”
- Donna & Darlas L. (South Dakota)
“Great tour! We had a wonderful time. Tour manager did an excellent job – whenever an issue arose she took care of it. Always very friendly. The guide was very knowledgeable wherever we went. Had a great sense of humor, and the “extras” she arranged were great.”
- Joe & Joanne R. (Pennsylvania)
“The stop at the John Deere dealer was appreciated and was a hit with the group. The staff were very helpful and kept us informed of any changes. The guide was very professional and knowledgeable, well organized and friendly. She made the trip very enjoyable. “
- Byron & Cheryl K. (Wisconsin)
“The tour manager was great. She was friendly, helpful, and always positive. The driving ability of the motor coach was phenomenal. The guides made themselves available for questions, which I liked.”
- Regina D. (Virginia)
“We enjoyed the whole trip – Ireland the best. The tour manager took great care of us. Enjoyed getting to know her. Good at details and information. The guide was excellent – good information with detail and stories. Made the trip for us. Thanks for the trip of a lifetime!”
- Jim & Becky H. (Ohio)
“Our favorite sites were the Crown Jewels, Stonehenge, the countryside throughout all three countries, the Cliffs of Moher (eastern Atlantic Ocean) and the farms. The guide and tour manager both did a very good job.”
- Lloyd & Ruthann Z. (Pennsylvania)
“The DVD was amazing. It was perfect timing! Wonderful to relive the trip. We were thrilled with Riverdance – Such a delight! Our tour manager was always upbeat and pleasant. The guide and driver were excellent with information and friendliness.”
- Tom & Carol L. (Minnesota)
“The guide was well informed. She also had a good sense of humor. The driver was most helpful.”
- Mary A. (Virginia)
2015 Ireland, England & Scotland Traveler Testimonials
"This tour has always been on my Bucket List and Rupiper Tours has delivered another home run. Congratulations!"
- Bill & Karen S. (Illinois)
"I highly recommend Rupiper Tours, which I have done for years. Excellent service. Our driver was fantastic!! He drove us into spaces I would not have thought possible. Felt very safe with him. Brent was excellent! He was so organized and helpfull!! He is great! I liked meeting fellow travelers and making new friends - great group! Our hotel properties were great!! Restaurants delicious. Everything was Perfect!!"
- Dale & Jan E. (Illinois)
"Another one of Rupiper's great trips! Really enjoyed the farms, Waterford Crystal and Guinness Brewery. Thanks Brent."
- Bill & Gloria S. (Iowa)
"Excellent job - stayed on schedule, well organized. The guide and driver were both excellent - very knowledgeable and organized. Our favorite visits were the farms, Titanic Museum, and Edinburgh Castle."
- Terry & LaDonna T. (Nebraska)
"Brent was friendly and easy to approach. He was very knowledgeable and always willing to answer our questions. His efforts in getting us tickets to Riverdance were greatly appreciated. Brent was professional and personable. Great tour manager! All guides were very knowledgeable and pleasant. Wish we could remember half of what they said! The whole staff, especially Tracy, was friendly and helpful. We especially appreciated being able to fly to & from Chicago. We really appreciated Rupiper purchasing pounds and euros in advance for us. Thanks for the DVD. I think you captured most everything!"
- Bob & Marilyn O. (Illinois)
"Brent did another great job as he was really on top of everything. Thanks Brent. Our guide was really great also, she really knew all the surrounding areas, was always friendly, and very organized. Our driver was top notch, what a great job."
- Jim & Carol S. (Wisconsin)
"We have already recommended this trip to others! Sandra had an unbelievable knowledge of the complete tour area. Could make comments and give facts anywhere without consulting books. Enjoyed riding the "Eye". Appreciated opportunity Brent took advantage of, for us to go to "Riverdance" in Dublin on the last night. Thank you for pictures and list of names, addresses and emails of those on the trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip and travelers."
- Janet & Larry R. (Missouri)
"A great experience and a great group of people. Tour manager and guide did great jobs. Very efficient and knowledgeable. The driver was excellent. Thank you for the video - really a good job."
- Lois & Dave D. (Illinois)
"Brent was very friendly, professional and organized. We always felt safe and well cared for. Our tour guide was a wealth of information and our driver was the best!"
- Anonymous
"Really appreciate Sandra and Brent always getting tour tickets and hotel room keys immediately upon arriving at our destinations. Beautiful hotels - very nice accomodations. Riverdance - What a bonus!! So grateful to have seen it! Thank you so much for the DVD! What great memories!"
- Gene & Jean H. (Illinois)
Ireland, England & Scotland Past Traveler Testimonials
“Just wanted to write and say thank you for the DVD. Vernon & I just found a few minutes this weekend to watch it and we thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing and seeing all the beautiful pictures you took. It was such a wonderful tour of the United Kingdom. We always recommend Rupiper to all our friends. Thanks again for the wonderful time.”
- Vernon & Mary Lou G. (Illinois)
“Received the DVD on Friday and enjoyed reliving our trip to Great Britain and etc. We thought our pictures were good until we saw yours...great job! Have a great fall, wonderful holidays and we'll see you in February for the trip to Hawaii.”
- Georgeanna & Robert W. (Missouri)
“It was a terrific trip & we loved having you “direct” our trip. So much fun & so many good memories!! Hope we get to join you on another tour someday. If you’re ever in N.C., look us up! And thanks for the photo DVD – Love it!”
- Norma & Rex M. (North Carolina)
“Thank you for doing more research into the Rossdhu castle and accommodating our wishes to go see it. I know you had to do a lot of extra work to make it happen for us. To get the who, what, when and wheres for us. You did a great job and we really enjoyed and were delighted in what we saw. The beautiful grounds and lake, the mansion with all the preserved furnishings and portraits of the Colquhouns. The staff drove us out to the 19th hole to the ruins. The wall with a doorway – it was a beautiful sight.” As Sandra would say, “Good job, Well Done.”
- Richard and Naoma E. (New Mexico)
“Reviewed your DVD and wanted to thank you. We’ll be able to remember our trip for many years. It is great, thanks again. The trip was super and you made it special.”
- Willie & Carol L. (Illinois)