Day 1: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Overnight Flight
The Emerald Isle is a land of green hills, warm people, stately castles and rollicking fun. Visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick as this comprehensive tour introduces Ireland's natural beauty, turbulent history and hospitable culture.
Day 2: Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Dublin - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Dublin. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a fun-filled Irish House Party where everyone has the opportunity to join in the song and dance. Today dinner will be included.
Day 3: Thursday, May 7, 2009
Dublin
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the “Fair City.” Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and see the city’s trademark - magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the cultural offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. You may wish to tour Dublin’s fabled Kilmainham Jail or lighten your spirits with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 4: Friday, May 8, 2009
Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford
This morning you travel to Kilkenny for the chance to explore this medieval city. Later today you will visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. Take a tour of the facility to learn how these exquisite treasures are crafted and marvel at the impressive collection of crystal in their glittering showroom. This evening, learn about the historic city of Waterford during a leisurely-paced walking tour. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
Today, journey to historic Blarney Castle where you can take the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone are bestowed with the gift of eloquence. In Killarney you will be treated to a time-honored Irish jaunting car ride*. A tour of the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens offers a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Victorian gentry. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Sunday, May 10, 2009
Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney
Travel along one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, the Ring of Kerry. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Enjoy spectacular ocean scenery as you pass through picturesque villages. Continue on through rugged mountain passes into “Ladies View” where you will see breathtaking views of the Lakes of Killarney. Tonight, use your leisure time to sample a true taste of Irish culture. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7: Monday, May 11, 2009
Killarney - Limerick
Today, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable visit to the Molanna Dairy Farm. Continue to Limerick where you will enjoy a city tour showcasing King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone while learning about the fascinating history of the “city of the violated treaty.” Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Limerick - Cliffs of Moher - Galway - Limerick
A most interesting day is ahead of you. Journey to the stunning, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for awe-inspiring views of the mighty Atlantic and the Aran Islands. Then, travel through the vast limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue past scenic countryside into Galway, where a brief city tour introduces “The City of Tribes.” Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9: Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Limerick - Tullamore - Kingscourt
Today, a pleasant picturesque drive through the countryside of central Ireland brings you to the town of Kingscourt. En route, make a visit to Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre where you will learn how Irish Whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting. Your day is then topped off with an overnight stay on the grounds of a castle and dinner in the castle. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Thursday, May 14, 2009
Kingscourt - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Kingscourt.
Today breakfast will be included.
Please Note:
• *Jaunting car ride is included, weather permitting.
• Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.
• Collette air passengers will arrive and depart from Dublin airport. All Collette transfers will arrive into and depart from Dublin airport.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• Days of features are interchangeable.
• On day 10, due to flight schedules, you may require an early morning departure from your hotel. Return flights should not be booked prior to 9:00 AM.
• This itinerary includes activities where moderate to heavy walking, possibly on uneven terrain, is required. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. |
May 5 - 14, 2009
10 days • 13 meals
8 Breakfasts • 5 Dinners
Highlights…Dublin • Irish Evening Kilkenny • Waterford Crystal
Blarney Castle • Jaunting Car Ride*
Ring of Kerry • Killarney • Farm Visit Limerick • Cliffs of Moher
Galway • Castle Stay
Per person rates*:
Double $3,129
Single $3,679 • Triple $3,099
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