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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: SHANNON ARRIVAL
After landing at Shannon 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. Drive a short distance to the Inn at Dromoland and stop to enjoy breakfast with your group. Then 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. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: GALWAY SIGHTSEEING
This morning join a local guide for a gentle walking tour of Galway. See the medieval city walls Lynchs Castle and the narrow streets. Head back to your nearby hotel and enjoy the balance of the day free to explore the city on your own. You may want to visit the Claddagh Ring Museum Lynchs Castle or the Computers and Communication Museum of Ireland. You might also like to visit the Galway Aquarium Bunowen Castle or simply just walk through Eyre Square. Tonight you might like to dine in one of the citys lively dinner venues.
Day 4: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Leaving Galway pass through the Burren an area of rocky limestone hills where several unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs. Continue your 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. Transfer to your hotel in Adare check in and settle into your room. This evening meet your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 5: ADARE SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast set off on a guided walking tour of Adare to see the highlights of the village. Adare is famous for its attractive main street of thatched houses and colorful gardens. Return to your hotel and spend the balance of the day at leisure to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 6: CORK SIGHTSEEING
Today admire the changing scenery as you travel by rail en route to Cork Irelands second largest city set on the River Lee. Upon arrival embark on a guided walking tour of the city to see Shandon Church a famous Cork landmark dating from 1722 and Crawford Art Gallery. Also view Paul Street known for its trendy restaurants and shops of all types. After drive into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Return to your hotel in Adare in time to dine in the hotel restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Day 7: DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE
This morning discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula once described by the National Geographic Traveler as the most beautiful place on earth. Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains sandy stretches of beach stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Next head to a local venue to enjoy a traditional Irish lunch with your group. Then learn about local and maritime history during a leisurely cruise on Dingle Bay. After journey into the village of Annascaul and stop at the South Pole Inn to enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers and to learn about the Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Head back to your hotel in Adare where the rest of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 8: RING OF KERRY
Today set off to explore a section of the breath-taking Ring of Kerry. Enjoy scenic views as you journey through Kenmare and towards Molls Gap. Stop to enjoy views over the Killarneys lakes before heading to Ladies View for another spectacular view over the lakes and mountains. Then travel to the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriartys Gift Shop. Since the shop opened in 1964 Moriartys has become a landmark destination for shoppers. Continue your drive into Killarney and embark on horse drawn jaunting car ride through the beautiful grounds of Killarney National Park to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Return to your hotel in Adare and enjoy some free time before dining in the hotel restaurant with your group.
Day 9: ROCK OF CASHEL
Departing Adare travel into County Tipperary to visit the Rock of Cashel. While here see majestic church ruins that are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. After continue your drive through Irelands green pastures into Dublin and set off on an orientation drive around the city center. See the main thoroughfares of OConnell Street Nassau Street and some lovely public parks as you pass by many historical sites. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. In the evening you might like to dine in one of the many traditional or modern dinner venues scattered around the bustling city.
Day 10: HOP ON HOP OFF DUBLIN
Spend the day completely at leisure in Dublin where you can choose from a wide variety of pursuits. Use your Hop on Hop off pass to visit a number of places so you can get better acquainted with the city. Also using your voucher you may either visit the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery for a tour and sample of the finished product. This evening you may like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer.
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
Galmont Hotel, Galway 2 nights
Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel, Adare 5 nights
Radisson Blu Royal 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)
Lunches (01)
Dinners (04)
Welcome get-together drink
Guided walking tours of Galway, Adare & Cork
Train to Cork
Dingle Bay Cruise
Drink at South Pole Inn
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Dublin open-top bus tour with a visit to either Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery
Visits and admission fees to:
Cliffs of Moher
Blarney Castle
Moriarty's Gift Shop
Rock of Cashel
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap