BRIDGEWATER STATE UNIVERSITY
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:
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 to CityNorth Hotel to enjoy an authentic Irish breakfast with your group. Then travel to visit Monasterboice which dates from the 5th century and is famous for its collection of Celtic high crosses which are intricately decorated. Continue your drive into Belfast check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: BELFAST SIGHTSEEING
This morning set off with a local guide on walking tour of Belfast to see the Albert Memorial Opera House Crown Liquor Saloon and many other buildings that are in the historic city center. Also view Belfasts Peace Wall built during the Troubles to deter violence and today is an area for messages and art. Next visit Crumlin Road Gaol to explore over 150 years of Northern Irelands dark history from political prisoners to everyday citizens imprisoned during the Troubles many of which still live in Belfast to this day. Head back to your nearby hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free for independent exploring and dining.
Day 4: TITANIC BELFAST
Today visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the evolution of the Titanic from concept until her illfated end in 1912. Return to your hotel and spend the balance of the day free to sightsee shop and dine on your own.
Day 5: GIANTS CAUSEWAY
Leaving Belfast travel north 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. Then journey to just outside of Portrush to visit Dunluce Castle. This splendid structure sits on basalt rock jutting out over the sea reached by a wooden walkway. During the 16th century it was home to the MacQuillans and later the MacDonnells. Continue your drive into Derry check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to freshen up before tonights festivities.
This evening 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.
Day 6: DERRY SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast join a local guide for a walking tour of Derry to see the principal sights of the city and learn interesting fact on the Bloody Sunday Massacre which occurred in 1972 and was the start of troubles for many years. Also see the largescale murals scattered around the city which were created by local artists to protest political policies. Then take a walk along the Peace Bridge which offers wonderful panoramic views. After drive through the Irish countryside into Dublin check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Tonight meet your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
Day 7: DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING
This morning 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. Then visit the nearby Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this worldfamous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the rooftop bar where you can sample a draft of Guinness. Head back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for individual pursuits and dining.
Day 8: OLD JAMESON DISTILLERY
Today visit the James Joyce Centre located in a restored Georgian house in the heart of Dublin city. The exhibits celebrate Joyces life and offers insights into the world in which he lived. Continue on to visit the nearby Old Jameson Distillery which was voted Worlds leading Distillery Tour in 2018 and 2019. While here enjoy a fully guided immersive tour to learn about the history and process of whiskey making. Finally end with a comparative whiskey tasting and complimentary Jameson cocktail. Next 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. Return to your hotel where you might like to relax or freshen up before this evenings farewell festivities.
In the evening head to Nancy Hands Restaurant to enjoy an authentic Irish dinner with your group.
Day 9: 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
Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast 3 nights
Everglades Hotel, Derry 1 nights
Ashling Hotel, Dublin 3 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 07 nights
Full breakfasts (08)
Dinners (04):
Table d'hôte dinners (02)
Dinner at Walled City Brewery
Farewell dinner at Nancy Hand's Restaurant
Guided walking tours of Belfast & Derry
Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Visits and admission fees to:
Monasterboice
Crumlin Road Gaol
Titanic Belfast
Giant's Causeway
Dunluce Castle
Trinity College (Book of Kells)
James Joyce Centre
Guinness Storehouse
Kilmainham Goal (not confirmed until within 30 days of departure)
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap