4 SEASONS VACATIONS, INC
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 driverguide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next 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 Dublins Customs House which was used during the War of Independence by the Irish Republic Army (IRA). Later the IRA burned the Customs House because many Irish saw it as a manifestation of British rule in Ireland. Motor a short distance to your hotel check in and enjoy some free time before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome drink. After spend the remainder of the day at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 3: GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE
Leaving Dublin drive 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. Then journey into New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship a replica of a sailing vessel built in 1845 to transport emigrants from Ireland to North America. The visit will give you an insight as to what life on board ship was like as well as filling you in on the history of the famine years. Continue your travel into Waterford check in and enjoy some free time before meeting your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
After dinner set off on a leisurely evening walking tour with a local guide. Stroll along Merchants Quay before passing the Clock Tower Reginalds Tower City Hall Theatre Royal and many other historical places.
Day 4: HOUSE OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL
Today 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. Next drive into Cobh and embark on a guided walking tour known as the Titanic Trail which will show you around the streets of the town. The tour reveals locations and incidents directly connected to the Titanic and many other aspects of the ports history. After journey into Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. Transfer to your hotel in Killarney check in and settle into your room. This evening meet your fellow travelers in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 5: RING OF KERRY
This morning 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 takein the scenery and to snap photos. Continue your 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. After drive into Waterville and stop to enjoy an authentic Irish lunch with your group at Dooleys Seafood Restaurant. Return to your hotel in Killarney and spend the rest of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 6: CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Killarney 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. After 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 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. Tonight dine in the hotel restaurant with your group.
Day 7: ATLANTIC SHEEPDOGS
After breakfast head to Atlantic Sheepdogs where you will have the opportunity to experience farm life and see some of the worlds smartest sheepdogs working in their natural environment. Then set off on a panoramic tour of County Donegal which is renowned for wool production. Continue your drive into Donegal town and check into the stunning Lough Eske Castle. You may like to rest or explore some of the castle grounds before joining your group for a wonderful dinner in Lough Eske Castles restaurant.
Day 8: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
Leaving Derry 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. After drive into Belfast and stop to visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her illfated end in 1912. Continue your journey through Irelands green pastures into Dublin check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure for independent activities and dining.
Day 9: HOP ON HOP OFF DUBLIN
Spend the day at leisure in Dublin where you can choose from a wide variety of pursuits. Use your Hop on Hop off pass to visit several places so you can get better acquainted with the city. There are also plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum the National Gallery or the Writers Museum. You may also want to shop along Nassau Street the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street. Later in the day you might like to return to your hotel to freshen up before tonights farewell festivities.
This evening head to Taylors Three Rock for quality Irish food that is accompanied with lively music and dance.
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
Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin 1 night
Dooley's Hotel, Waterford 1 night
Brehon Hotel, Killarney 2 nights
Galway Bay Hotel, Galway 1 night
Lough Eske Castle & Spa, Donegal 1 night
Herbert Park 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 08 nights
Full breakfasts (08)
Lunches (01)
Dinners (05):
Table d'hôte dinners (04)
Dublin Irish Night w/dinner & entertainment
Welcome get-together drink
Evening walking tour of Waterford with a local guide
“Titanic” walking tour of Cobh
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Sheepdog trials at Atlantic Sheepdog
Dublin open-top bus tour
Visits and admission fees to:
Custom's House
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Dunbrody Emigrant Ship
House of Waterford Crystal
Blarney Castle
Moriarty's Gift Shop
Cliffs of Moher
Giant's Causeway
Titanic Belfast
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap