VIKING TRAVEL
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 head to the Whitefriar Carmelite Church to celebrate Mass with your fellow travelers While here view the stunning Shrine of Our Lady of Dublin a wood sculpture dating back to the 16th century Then continue on to visit the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland Founded in 1795 the gardens contain wonderful Victorian glasshouses along with plants and trees from all over the world Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room In the evening join your group for a delightful welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant
Day 3: GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
Today head to St Marys Pro Cathedral to celebrate Mass with your group Next visit the nearby Legion of Mary to learn about the life and work of founder Frank Duff Then continue on to visit Kilmainham Gaol (not confirmed until within 30 days of departure) to see what punishment was like during its years of operation from 1796 to 1924 Learn about political prisoners especially from the 1916 Rising detained here because of their efforts to shape Irelands history Next 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 Head back to your hotel in time to join your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant for dinner
Day 4: ST PATRICKS CATHEDRAL
After breakfast 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 Next 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 While here celebrate Mass with your fellow travelers Then drive into Kilkenny 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 Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy some time at leisure to freshen up before dining in the hotel restaurant with your group
Day 5: COBH HERITAGE CENTRE
Leaving Kilkenny travel into County Tipperary for photos of the Rock of Cashel These majestic church ruins are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside Next 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 Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence Continue into Killarney check into your hotel and settle into your room Tonight meet your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal
Day 6: RING OF KERRY
This morning journey to St Marys Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire to celebrate Mass with your group After 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 and embark on a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park Return to your 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 7: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Today head to Killarney Cathedral to celebrate Mass with your fellow travelers After 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 Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and settle into your room In the evening join your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant
Day 8: APPARITION SHRINE CHURCH
After breakfast celebrate Mass at the Apparition Shrine Church which depicts the event on August 21 1879 when the Virgin Mary appeared to 15 people Then travel through Irelands rugged countryside into Cong and stop at the spectacular Ashford Castle While here discover the ancient form of falconry at the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland You will be introduced to the lovely Harris Hawks along with other beautiful captive bred birds Head back to your hotel in Galway in time to dine in the hotel restaurant with your fellow travelers
Day 9: CLONMACNOISE
Departing Galway travel to the center of Ireland to visit Clonmacnoise This monastic settlement was founded in 545 and is delightfully set on the banks of the River Shannon Learn about the history of the site and take a walk around to see the ancient monuments Next drive into Athlone and stop at Seans Bar Irelands oldest Pub to have a drink with your fellow travelers After journey into Enfield and check into the beautiful Johnstown Estate Spend the balance of the afternoon free to relax or enjoy the amenities the Estate offers In the evening join your fellow travelers for a wonderful farewell dinner in Johnstown Estates fine restaurant
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
Ashling Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny 1 night
Great Southern Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Galmont Hotel, Galway 2 nights
Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield 1 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 08 nights
Full breakfasts (08)
Dinners (08):
Table d'hôte dinners (07)
Kate Kearney's Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Falconry demonstration at Ashford Castle
Drink at Sean's Bar
Visits and admission fees to:
White Friar Carmelite Church
National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
St. Mary's Pro Cathedral
Legion of Mary
Kilmainham Goal (not confirmed until within 30 days of departure)
Guinness Storehouse
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Kilkenny Castle
Rock of Cashel (Photo Stop)
Cobh Heritage Centre
Blarney Castle
Cliffs of Moher
Apparition Shrine Church
Clonmacnoise
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap