HEART OF THE VALLEY 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 set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin The city has been molded through the centuries by economic political and artistic influences that has shaped its architecture Stop to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and the Old Library Motor a short distance with your hotel check in and enjoy some free time before tonights welcome festivities
In the evening head to Nancy Hands Restaurant to enjoy an authentic Irish dinner with your group
Day 3: EPIC IRELAND
This morning 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 Next visit the nearby 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 hotel where you might like to freshen up before a festive evening with your group
Tonight drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs dancing and music
Day 4: KILKENNY CASTLE
Leaving Dublin journey 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 Next drive 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 Continue into Cork check into your hotel and settle into your room This evening join your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant
Day 5: CORK SIGHTSEEING
Today embark on a panoramic tour of the main areas of Cork 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 Gothic-revival St Finbarrs Cathedral named for the patron saint of the city Next drive into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence Then 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 continuing to Ladies View for another spectacular view over the lakes and mountains Transfer to your hotel in Killarney check in and spend some time at leisure before dining in the hotel restaurant with your group
Day 6: DINGLE PENINSULA DRIVE
After breakfast take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park Then set off to 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 visit Gabriel Kavanagh Farm where you will have the opportunity to see some sheepdogs work in their natural environment Head back to your hotel in Killarney and enjoy the balance of the day free for independent exploring and dining
Day 7: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Killarney journey into Listowel and stop at John B Keanes Bar which is where the author who the pub is named after wrote many of his famous masterpieces While here enjoy a cup of tea and fresh baked scones with your group Next take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary Then 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 After continue your travel 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 Tonight dine in the hotel restaurant with your fellow travelers
Day 8: CONNEMARA SIGHTSEEING
This morning 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 hand-cut peat for home heating Next set off on a cruise along Lough Corrib which is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland Measuring 68 square miles and with 365 islands this lake is one of the cleanest and most scenic in all of Europe Lough Corrib contains many islands with historic ruins and a wealth of wildlife While on-board enjoy a cup of Irish coffee with your group After head to 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 Return to your hotel in Galway and enjoy the remainder of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own
Day 9: BALLINTUBBER ABBEY
Today visit Ballintubber Abbey which is known as the Abbey that refused to die The abbey has the unique status of being Irelands only royal Abbey which has been in continuous use for more than 780 years Then journey into Belleek and stop to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory to see how skilled craftspeople form and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain masterpieces Continue your drive into Donegal check into your hotel and spend some time at leisure before having dinner with your group in the hotel restaurant
Day 10: DERRY SIGHTSEEING
Leaving Donegal travel to the famous Devenish Island Monastic Site which includes the best-preserved round tower in Ireland many ruins ancient graveyards and high crosses Continue your 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 Transfer to your nearby hotel check in and enjoy some free time before this evenings festivities
Tonight head to the Walled City Brewery which has offered locally flavored craft and artisan beers for over a decade While here enjoy an authentic Irish dinner with your fellow travelers along with a flight of beer
Day 11: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
After breakfast 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 Continue your drive into Belfast and set off with a local guide on walking tour of the city See the Albert Memorial Opera House Crown Liquor Saloon and many other buildings that are in the historic city center Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and settle into your room In the evening you might like to dine in one of the many traditional or modern dinner venues located within the area
Day 12: TITANIC BELFAST
This morning visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her ill-fated end in 1912 Next journey to Long Meadow Cider to enjoy a tour and tasting of the finished product Continue your travel into Kingscourt and check into the beautiful Cabra Castle Hotel Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy Cabra Castles exceptional service Experience what its like living as a Landed Gentry while also surrounded by wonderful scenery and complete luxury You may wish to play a round of golf horseback ride or even fish There is also tennis and archery available for guests who stay at the hotel In the evening join your fellow travelers for a superb farewell dinner in Cabra Castles fine hotel restaurant
Day 13: 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
Hyatt Centric The Liberties Hotel, Dublin 2 nights
River Lee Hotel, Cork 1 night
Scotts Hotel, Killarney2 nights
Galmont Hotel, Galway2 nights
Mill Park Hotel, Donegal 1 night
Maldron Hotel, Derry 1 night
Grand Central Hotel, Belfast 1 night
Cabra Castle Hotel, Kingscourt 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 11 nights
Full breakfasts (11)
Dinners (08):
Table d'hôte dinners (05)
Welcome dinner at Nancy Hand's Restaurant
Dinner at Taylor's Three Rock
Dinner at Walled City Brewery
Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Sheepdog trials along Dingle Peninsula
Tea & scones at John B. Keane's Bar
Lough Corrib Cruise w/Irish coffee
Walking tours of Derry & Belfast with a local guide
Visits and admission fees to:
Trinity College (Book of Kells)
Epic Ireland
Kilkenny Castle
House of Waterford Crystal
Blarney Castle
Cliffs of Moher
Kylemore Abbey
Ballintubber Abbey
Belleek Pottery
Devenish Island
Giant's Causeway
Titanic Belfast
Long Meadow Cider
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap