Carroll University
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Day 2: DUBLIN ARRIVAL
After landing at Dublin Airport complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles reflecting the economic political and artistic influences. Stop to visit the GPO Museum a unique exhibit piecing together the events in the lead up during and aftermath of one of the most influential moments in Irish history - the 1916 Easter Rising. Then continue onto tour St. Patricks Cathedral which is almost as old as the city itself and famous for its connections with the brilliantly eccentric Dean Jonathan Swift. After drive a short distance to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and see the Old Library. Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
This morning visit EPIC Ireland which celebrates the dramatic story of the spread of Irish culture around the globe and how Ireland has changed throughout the years. Next travel to visit the Glasnevin Museum Irelands national necropolis for a guided tour of the final resting place of some of the most prominent people in Irelands history. After continue on to visit the National Museum on Kildare Street. See the Tara Brooch Ardagh Chalice Shrine of St. Patricks Bell Cross of Cong and many priceless works. Return to your nearby hotel where the remainder of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 4: BELFAST SIGHTSEEING
Leaving Dublin journey into Belfast and set off on a guided tour to see the Albert Memorial the Opera House and Crown Liquor Saloon. In Donegall Square view the imposing City Hall completed in 1906. The richly decorated interior contains stained glass portraying Belfasts principal industries. Continue into the Titanic Quarter and stop to visit Titanic Belfast. While here embark on a journey through the life of the Titanic from her conception in Belfast to her tragic end. After your visit travel along Shankill and Falls Road the main Protestant and Catholic areas to see the battle grounds of the Troubles. Today these areas are commemorated with murals and a high wall/fence with gates that shut the one side off from the other at night. Drive a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy some free time before dining with your group in the hotel restaurant.
Day 5: CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL
Today enjoy the morning at leisure for self-arranged visits. In the afternoon visit Crumlin Road Gaol to explore over 150 years of Northern Irelands dark history from political prisoners to everyday citizens imprisoned during the Troubles many of which still live in Belfast to this day. Return to your nearby hotel where the balance of the day is free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 6: CARRICKFERGUS CASTLE
After breakfast travel to visit Carrickfergus Castle which was first built in the 12th century by John de Courcy who conquered East Ulster. Then head back into Belfast and stop to visit the City Hall located in the center of Belfasts Donegall Square. This outstanding Edwardian has not only a rich interior but also a vibrant history. Return to your nearby hotel where the rest of the day is spent at leisure. In the evening you may like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered around the city.
Day 7: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
Departing Belfast travel to visit the Giants Causeway an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava which has given rise to many legends. After your visit continue your journey into Derry and join a local guide for a walking tour around the ancient city to see the Guildhall St. Columbs Cathedral the Diamond and the 16th century walls. Drive a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room. Tonight dine with your group in the hotel restaurant.
Day 8: DERRY SIGHTSEEING
This morning visit Guild Hall the seat of Londonderrys local government and the venue for arts. It was built in 1890 and has got a Gothic architectural style similar to its counterpart in London. Next embark on a Bogside tour to see the epicenter of troubles and the site of the Bloody Sunday Massacre in 1972 which was the start of troubles for many years. After return to your nearby hotel where the balance of the afternoon is free for self-arranged visits. This evening you may like to dine in one of the citys lively dinner venues.
Day 9: FLORENCE COURT
Leaving Derry drive via Omagh and into County Fermanagh. Upon arrival stop to visit the grounds of Florence Court which is known as the home of the Irish Yew. The original tree discovered in 1760 can still be viewed on the grounds. After enjoy scenic views as you travel around the lower section of Lough Erne. Continue a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room. You may like to relax or freshen up before dining with your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant.
Day 10: ST. PATRICKS CATHEDRAL
Today travel into Armagh and stop to visit the Roman Catholic St. Patricks Cathedral named after Irelands patron saint. After your visit continue your drive through Irelands countryside into the bustling city of Dublin check into your hotel and settle into your room. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure for individual sightseeing shopping dining pubs and much more.
Day 11: RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
All too soon your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin - 2 nights
Europa Hotel, Belfast - 3 nights
Maldron Hotel, Derry - 2 nights
Westville Hotel, Enniskillen - 1 night
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin - 1 night
TOUR INCLUDES
Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide
Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport
Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed for 09 nights
Full breakfasts (09)
Dinners (04):
Tours of Dublin & Belfast with a local guide
Walking tour of Derry with a local guide
Visits and admission fees to:
GPO Museum
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Trinity College
Kilmainham Gaol (subject to availability)
Glasnevin Museum
National Museum
Titanic Belfast
Crumlin Road Gaol
Carrickfergus Castle
City Hall Museum, Belfast
Giants Causeway
Guild Hall
Florence Court
St. Patrick's Cathedral Armagh (Roman Catholic Church)
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap