VACATIONS BY DESIGN
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 stop to have breakfast with your group at a local restaurant or pub. Then journey into Belfast and set off on a panoramic tour to see the Albert Memorial the Opera House and Crown Liquor Saloon. Travel along such routes that may include Donegall Street the famed Great Victoria Street and even along the waterfront. Stop to visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her ill-fated end in 1912. 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: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
Today 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. Then journey into Derry and join a local guide for a walking tour to see Guildhall St. Columbs Cathedral the Diamond and the 16th century walls. Drive a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy some free time before meeting your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 4: DONEGAL AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure with the coach at your disposal to explore family ancestry in the area. Tonight you may like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered around the town.
(Coach will be at groups disposal within EU driving regulations)
Day 5: KYLEMORE ABBEY
This morning visit Kylemore Abbey for a tour of the elegant mansion and church set beside a tranquil lake. Learn of the tales of tragedy romance and royal visits. Also walk through the magical Victorian walled garden. After travel through Connemara Region to admire the sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. As you drive along you will see many sheep that graze freely and tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. Continue your drive into Galway check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening dine in the hotel restaurant with your group.
Day 6: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Leaving Galway 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. Then take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary before continuing your travel into Killarney. Upon arrival check into your hotel settle into your room and enjoy some free time before dining in the hotel restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Day 7: 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 stops to take-in the scenery and to snap photos. Head back into Killarney to visit Muckross House a 19th century mansion built for the Herbert family. View elegant rooms and rich furnishings before strolling through the gardens. Return to your nearby hotel where you might like to relax or freshen up before tonights festivities.
This evening travel to Kate Kearneys Cottage which is situated at the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe. Your Irish Night will consist of a superb meal and entertainment.
Day 8: COBH HERITAGE CENTER
Today drive 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. After journey 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 settle into your room. In the evening have dinner with your group in the hotel restaurant.
Day 9: KILKENNY TO DUBLIN
Departing Kilkenny drive through the Irish countryside into Waterford and stop to enjoy some free time to explore around the historic Viking city on your own. After tour the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about glass blowing cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Continue your journey into Dublin check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day free to sightsee shop and dine independently.
Day 10: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
This morning 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 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. Then continue on 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. Return to your nearby hotel and spend the rest of the day free for individual pursuits and dining.
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 back to the United States.
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Clayton Hotel, Belfast 1 night
Mill Park Hotel, Donegal 2 nights
The Hardiman Hotel, Galway 1 night
International Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
River Court Hotel, Kilkenny 1 night
Ashling Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
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 (10)
Dinners (05):
Table d'hôte dinners (04)
Kate Kearney's Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Walking tour of Derry with a local guide
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Visits and admission fees to:
Titanic Belfast
Giant's Causeway
Kylemore Abbey
Cliffs of Moher
Muckross House & Gardens
Cobh Heritage Centre
Kilkenny Castle
EPIC Ireland
Guinness Storehouse
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap