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Forming Faithful Families presents:
Shrines of Ireland
Day 1: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Overnight Flight
Discover the most revered sites of the Emerald Isle. Visit Dublin, Kinsale and Galway as you experience Ireland's natural beauty, rich history and religious heritage.

Day 2: Thursday, August 01, 2013 Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins
Arrive in Dublin, Ireland’s historic capital city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a fun-filled welcome dinner at the Brazen Head, one of Dublin’s oldest pubs. (D)

Day 3: Friday, August 02, 2013 Dublin
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dublin, the “Fair City,” that includes an inspiring visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. You’ll also see O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, Phoenix Park and the city's magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Afterwards, enter the scholarly grounds of Trinity College to view the Book of Kells, one of medieval Ireland’s religious masterpieces. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring the cultural and spiritual offerings of delightful Dublin on your own. (B)

Day 4: Saturday, August 03, 2013 Dublin
Travel into the rugged Wicklow Mountains south of Dublin. Here, each pass reveals a remarkable vista, revealing some of the wonders of creation. Continue to Glendalough, the “Valley of the Two Lakes.” In the 6th century, Saint Kevin, who legend says lived until age 120, founded a thriving monastic community in this beautiful place. Today, see the remains of that early center of Christian life. Pay a visit to the Avoca Handweaving Mill before returning to Dublin. (B)

Day 5: Sunday, August 04, 2013 Dublin - Rock of Cashel - Cork - Kinsale
This morning, drive into Ireland’s beautiful Curragh region, a place well-known for Irish horse breeding and training. In the center of the country, you pause to visit the historic Rock of Cashel. Here, Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, personally carried out baptisms. In this mystical place you can still feel the power of his belief. Continue on to Cork, the second city of Ireland. Later, arrive in the charming fishing town of Kinsale, known for its spectacular restaurants and art galleries. Settle into your waterfront hotel for a two-night stay. (B, D)

Day 6: Monday, August 05, 2013 Kinsale - Cobh - Midleton - Kinsale
Begin your day with a trip to the port of Cobh and the Cobh Heritage Centre. Come to know the personal stories behind the millions of Irish emigrants who have carried their strong faith and vibrant culture around the globe. Later, visit the Old Midleton Distillery and discover the secrets of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey. Then, enjoy time in Kinsale to independently explore more of this lovely town. (B)

Day 7: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 Kinsale - Limerick - Bunratty - Galway
Depart this morning for Limerick. Upon arrival, visit Saint Mary’s Cathedral. Although it dates back to 1168, this magnificent structure is still used for its original purpose and remains a pillar which holds the local community together. Continue to Bunratty and visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. This intriguing site offers a window into the life of the Ireland of yesteryear. Later, experience the customs and daily life of a traditional Irish family during a special visit to Rathbaun Farm. Enjoy a guided tour of the farm and join the farmers for tea and scones and stories of life in this peaceful place. Then, travel to the great city of Galway on Ireland’s West Coast. Perhaps tonight you will take advantage of the chance to enjoy Galway‘s charms. (B, D)

Day 8: Wednesday, August 07, 2013 Galway - Knock - Galway
Today you have the chance to worship at the Marian Shrine of Knock. On August 21, 1879, 15 witnesses beheld an apparition of the Blessed Virgin with Saints John and Joseph. The site of this vision is visited by 1.5 million pilgrims each year. Pope John Paul II worshipped at the Shrine in 1979 to mark the centenary of the vision. After this moving experience, return to town for some time at leisure. (B)

Day 9: Thursday, August 08, 2013 Galway - Clonmacnoise - Athlone - Dublin
Depart Galway and pass the village of Athenry, inspiration for the famous song, “The Fields of Athenry.” Journey to the stirring ruins of Clonmacnoise, site of Ireland’s greatest monastic settlement. Tour this holy site and learn about the great Celtic Christian tradition of the Irish. Then, travel to the nearby town of Athlone. Since medieval times, this place has been an important crossing point of the River Shannon. Pay a visit to Sean’s Pub, recorded as the oldest pub in Europe. Toast the fellowship of travel and the end of a life-changing trip at a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Day 10: Friday, August 09, 2013 Dublin - Tour Ends
Your tour comes to a close in Dublin. (B)




July 31 - August 9, 2013
10 Days • 12 Meals
8 Breakfasts • 4 Dinners
Highlights: Dublin, Brazen Head Pub Dinner, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Cashel, Kinsale, Cobh Heritage Centre, Old Midleton Distillery, Bunratty Folk Park, Farm Visit, Galway, Knock Shrine, Clonmacnoise, Athlone
"Religious Tours" are competitively priced journeys that focus on the needs of our faith-based travelers. Featuring three star hotels and more modest meals, these packages are designed to capture the reflective and humble surroundings of the world-famous spiritual sites they visit. With an emphasis on religious inclusions, these tours also include other culturally appropriate attractions and the services of a professional Tour Manager.

Rates Per Person
Double: $3549, Single: $3899,
Triple: $3519
*Included in Price: Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers, Round Trip Air from OHare Intl Airport
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $220 per person
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 4 Burlington Hotel Dublin, Dublin
Day 5 - 6 Trident Hotel Kinsale, Kinsale
Day 7 - 8 Hotel Meyrick, Galway
Day 9 Citywest Hotel, Dublin
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Experience Mass at the Marian Shrine of Knock
  • Enjoy a guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
  • Spend two nights in the charming waterside village of Kinsale, renowned as Ireland’s “gourmet capital.”
  • Meet an Irish family during a visit to a working Irish farm. Sample homemade tea and scones while they explain their everyday life.
  • Behold the spectacular beauty of Glendalough, site of the monastery of St. Kevin.
For more information call
 De Paulo Travel, Inc
(815)469-2200
depaulotravel@aol.com
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
Galway
Dunguaire Castle Banquet • $95.00
On the shores of Galway Bay, enter a world filled with lords and ladies, knights and damsels as you experience a true medieval banquet hosted in Dunguaire Castle, standing proud for 400 years! Sip honey-rich mead and admire the ornate tapestries and royal furnishings before sitting down for a sumptuous four-course meal and some fine wine suitable for toasting the royal court. Then enjoy a performance of song, story and poetry which highlights the rich cultural heritage of this region of Ireland.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $220 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Shrines of Ireland
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
Arrival Day Suggestions
Due to varied flight schedules and different arrival times of our tour guests, your tour will not have any scheduled activities prior to dinner on Day 1. Should your flight schedule allow for an earlier arrival time that day, enjoy the great opportunity for some independent exploration.
Clothing & Packing Tips
As you prepare to explore Ireland – the verdant Emerald Isle – enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers which may be added or removed as the temperature changes. In the instance of rain, it is suggested to pack rain gear such as a raincoat, collapsible umbrella and waterproof shoes for your trip to Ireland. Packing several washcloths for your tour is recommended as hotel properties do not always offer them.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Electricity
Voltage for Ireland is 220.
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Bring a camera, memory cards, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Luggage
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour. We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both the outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Miscellaneous
Any person entering or leaving the EU and carrying cash of a value of €10,000 or more must declare it. The term "cash" includes currency notes, coins, bankers' drafts, checks and travelers' cheques. Travelers who fail to declare any amount over €10,000 will face stiff sanctions and could face penalties of as much as €8,000.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? We have pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/46/r/CV/mcms.html
Seat Belts
The European Union (EU) has adopted a directive (2003/20EU) regarding the compulsory wearing of seatbelts while traveling on your vehicle when equipped. Failure to comply could result in a PERSONAL fine of up to Euro 750. Collette Vacations will NOT issue refunds to passengers who may be fined for non-compliance. Our tour managers will remind you again while on tour, but we feel that advising you in advance is beneficial.
Shopping
If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that it is compatible with your PC or other home equipment.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
Ireland is 5 hours ahead of (EST) Eastern Standard Time.
Transportation
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.