DREAM VACATIONS
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 on an orientation drive around Dublin city center See the main thoroughfares of OConnell Street Nassau Street and some lovely public parks as you pass by many historical sites Stop to tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world-famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today Finish your visit in the roof-top bar where you can sample a draft of Guinness Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant
Day 3: GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE
Leaving Dublin journey into County Wicklow to visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough The visitor centre explains how St Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland Next travel into Kilkenny and stop to visit Kilkenny Castle home of the Butlers Earls and Dukes of Ormonde The castle estate boasts both formal and informal gardens which overlooks the Nore River Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and enjoy some free time to freshen up before dining in the hotel restaurant with your group
Day 4: HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
Today drive into New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship a replica of a sailing vessel built in 1845 to transport emigrants from Ireland to North America The visit will give you an insight as to what life on board ship was like as well as filling you in on the history of the famine years Following journey into Waterford and stop to tour the House of Waterford Crystal While here learn about glass blowing cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces Head back to your hotel in Kilkenny for an evening at leisure
Day 5: COBH HERITAGE CENTER
This morning journey into Cobh to visit the Cobh Heritage Center which depicts the varied history of emigration from Ireland and many European countries to the United States over the past 150 years Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic and many liners that carried emigrants to the New World Then continue into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence Transfer to your hotel in Killarney check in and spend the rest of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own
Day 6: RING OF KERRY
After breakfast set off to explore the Ring of Kerry which consist of over 100 miles of marvelous scenery See some of Irelands highest peaks on one side of the road and a coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other There will also be plenty of pauses to take in the scenery and to snap photos Stop to visit the Skellig Six18 Distillery where you can see beautiful views of the Skellig Coastline While here enjoy a guided tour of the distillery followed by a tasting of the finished product Return to your hotel in Killarney and spend some time at leisure to relax or freshen up before tonights festivities
This evening head to the Celtic Whiskey Bar to enjoy a traditional dinner with your group followed by whiskey and chocolate pairing
Day 7: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Killarney travel into Tarbert and take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary Next drive along the coast of scenic County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher one of Irelands most beloved natural landmarks See magical vistas overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Irelands Western coastline Continue your journey into Galway and embark on a panoramic tour to see the principal sights of the city See the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area the City Museum and the Cathedral of Our Lady which is built on the site of the former county jail Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room Tonight meet your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal
Day 8: ARAN ISLANDS & DUN AENGUS
Today embark on a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor the largest of the three Aran Islands These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming The Irish language is still spoken widely Next take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below Have a look around Kilronan before heading back to your hotel in Galway for a free evening
Day 9: SEANS BAR
Leaving Galway drive into Athlone and stop at Seans Bar Irelands oldest Pub to have a drink with your fellow travelers Following journey into Kilbeggan to visit the Kilbeggan Distillery which was established in 1757 and is one of the oldest licensed distilleries in the world While here enjoy a tour and tasting of the finished product Continue your travel through Irelands rolling hills into Dublin check into your hotel and settle into your room In the evening you may like to dine in one of the citys lively dinner venues
Day 10: 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 back to the United States
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Camden Court Hotel, Dublin 1 night
River Court Hotel, Kilkenny 2 nights
Brehon Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Park House Hotel, Galway 2 nights
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 08 nights
Full breakfasts (08)
Dinners (04):
Table d'hôte dinners (03)
Dinner at Celtic Whiskey Bar w/chocolate & whiskey pairing
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Drink at Sean's Bar
Visits and admission fees to:
Guinness Storehouse
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Kilkenny Castle
Dunbrody Emigrant Ship
House of Waterford Crystal
Cobh Heritage Centre
Blarney Castle
Skellig SIX18 Distillery
Cliffs of Moher
Kilbeggan Distillery
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap