VALERIE WILSON TRAVEL
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy inflight 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 journey through the Irish countryside into Dungarvan and check into your independently arranged hotel. Spend the remainder of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 3: WATERFORD SIGHTSEEING
Today drive into Waterford and set off on a leisurely walking tour of the city with a local guide. Stroll along Merchants Quay before passing the Clock Tower Reginalds Tower City Hall Theatre Royal and many other historical places. Next add a bit of sparkle to your day by touring the House of Waterford Crystal. While here learn about glass blowing cutting and see oneofakind masterpieces. After enjoy some time at leisure to explore around the historic city on your own. Return to your independently booked hotel in Dungarvan for a free evening.
Day 4: OLD MIDLETON DISTILLERY
This morning travel into Midleton to visit the Midleton Distillery Experience. Discover how whiskey is made as you walk through the old buildings. At the end of your tour enjoy a sample of the finished product. Next drive into Cork and embark on a panoramic tour to see the main areas of Irelands second largest city. Cork is built on many hills with many steeply sloping streets. See Shandon Church which dates to 1722. Also view the Gothicrevival St. Finbarrs Cathedral named for the patron saint of the city. Head back to your individually arranged hotel in Dungarvan where the rest of the day is free for independent exploring and dining.
Day 5: ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Today will possibly be the highlight of your tour the St. Patricks Day Parade. March with your group as independently arranged alongside the colorful bands and decorated floats which takes over the center of Dungarvan. This is Irelands national holiday so join in the fun! This evening you might like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered around the area.
Day 6: DUNGARVAN TO GALWAY
Departing Dungarvan travel through County Tipperary and into the bustling city of Limerick. Upon arrival embark on a panoramic tour of the city which features the sights made famous in Frank McCourts biography Angelas Ashes. Pass the 13th century King Johns Castle in the center of the city. This imposing fortress with its massive walls and towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700 years. Continue your journey into Galway check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 7: GALWAY SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast 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 spend the balance of the day free for independent sightseeing shopping dining pubs and more.
Day 8: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Day 9: CONNEMARA SIGHTSEEING
Today travel through the 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 handcut peat for home heating. Stop to 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. Then journey into Cong and embark on a walking tour of the village a place made famous by the 1952 movie of The Quiet Man featuring John Wayne and Maureen OHara. Discover places featured in the movie and see some of the movie memorabilia in the Quiet Man Heritage Cottage. Head back to your hotel in Galway and enjoy the rest of the day free individual pursuits and dining.
Day 10: GALWAY TO DUBLIN
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
Own Accommodations, Dungarvan 4 nights
Park House Hotel, Galway 4 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 05 nights
Full breakfasts (05)
Dinners (02):
Table d'hôte dinners (01)
Dublin Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Guided walking tours of Waterford & Galway
St. Patrick's Day in Dungarvan
'The 'Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong
Visits and admission fees to:
House of Waterford Crystal
Old Midleton Distillery
Cliffs of Moher
Kylemore Abbey
Guinness Storehouse
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap