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Celtic
Footsteps 2011
Celtic
Footsteps is a creative blend of real Irish history and fantastical
folklore. Follow in the footsteps of legendary giants, and walk the
path of the illustrious builders in the shipyard of the ill-fated Titanic.
Explore the dramatic coastal scenery of the majestic Cliffs of Moher,
and the extraordinary history of Ireland's most notable cities. Cruise
along Ireland's only fjord, and walk atop Ireland's only remaining walled
city. Discover the megalithic passage graves of Newgrange, and delight
in some of Ireland's liveliest entertainment in Dublin. This entertaining
and educational journey will leave you wondering why you didn't plan
to stay longer.
Please
note this tour is limited to 26 participants.
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Included:
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Tour
Dates 2011
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| Depart
USA |
Arrive
Shannon |
Depart
Dublin |
Land
only |
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- 7 nights first
class hotels
- Full
Irish breakfast daily (B)
- 5 table d'hote
dinners(D)
- Special dinner
with entertainment in Dublin (D)
- Services of
an experienced Irish driver/guide
- Admissions as
highlighted on the itinerary
- Porterage
of one suitcase
- All service
charges & local government taxes
- Isle Inn Tours
flight bag & luggage tag
- Deluxe document
holder with informational booklet
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| May
28* |
May
29 |
June
5
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Sold
Out |
| June
18 |
June
19 |
June
26
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Sold
Out |
| August
6 |
August
7 |
August
14
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Sold
Out |
| September
3* |
September
4 |
September
11
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Sold
Out |
| November
5 |
November
6 |
November
13
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$1295 |
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Single
Supplement $399
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Prices
are per person sharing
Legend:
B = Breakfast D = Dinner
Dates noted with * will use the 5-star Culloden Hotel in
Belfast
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ITINERARY |
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Day
1 |
Depart
US for your overnight flight to Shannon, Ireland. Our travel
planners are available to assist with your flight arrangements
and any pre- or post-tour arrangements.
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Day
2
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Upon arrival
at Shannon Airport you will be meet by your experienced Irish
driver/guide in the Arrivals Hall. Once everyone has convened,
your driver will escort you to the motorcoach to begin your
tour of Ireland. Journey northward along the coast of Clare
to Galway, en route the group will stop for a refreshing walk
along the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic
cliffs plunge 700 feet into the lashing Atlantic Ocean and
offer a spectacular backdrop for one of your first photo-opportunities
in Ireland. Continue through the Burren region and on to Galway
City. Arrive with time to relax in your room or roam the bustling
streets before gathering with your group for a delicious dinner
in your hotel. Overnight Westwood Hotel, Galway (B,
D)
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| Day
3 |
After
a hearty Irish breakfast, drive west into the wild and wonderful
Connemara region for a visit to the Connemara History &
Heritage Center. The Center offers a unique insight into
the history and heritage of this beautiful part of the West
of Ireland. The drive continues through the Inagh Valley,
passing heather covered mountains and picturesque lakes. The
vista is ever changing as the slightest change in the weather
is reflected in the lakes and mountains of this region. The
highlight of the day will be a cruise along Ireland's only
fjord, Killary. Sit back and enjoy some of Ireland's finest
scenery from the comfort of this luxurious catamaran. Complimentary
tea and scones will be served on board. Return to Galway
in the late afternoon where you can enjoy some free time before
dinner. Overnight Westwood Hotel, Galway (B, D)
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| Day
4 |
Enjoy some
free time in Galway before heading north to Donegal; along
the way you stop in County Mayo to visit Knock Shrine.
The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our
Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared at
the south gable of Knock Parish Church. The apparition was
witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous
apparition, Knock has grown to the status of an internationally
recognized Marian Shrine. Arrive in Donegal in the late afternoon
to visit Donegal Castle, one of the finest Gaelic castles
in Ireland. Join your fellow group members for a delightful
dinner in your charming traditional Irish hotel. Overnight:
Kee's Hotel, Donegal (B, D)
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Day
5
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En route to
Belfast, you will have the opportunity to explore a city which
remains nearly completely encircled by medieval stone walls.
Derry, a city of great historical significance, is among the
best-preserved city fortifications in the Western World. A
charismatic, local guide will take you on a walking tour
of the city, atop the walls, and provide detailed insight
of the fascinating, and complex, history of this medieval
city. Continue around the Antrim Coast to the spectacular
Giant's Causeway, one of the amazing natural wonders
of the world. Discover the legend of Finn MacCool and ponder
the creation of the past before you. The more pragmatic may
take interest in the geological changes that contributed to
the creation of this mass of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns
which were formed over 60 million years ago. The tops of the
columns form stepping stones that lead from the cliff foot
and disappear under the sea. Journey along the spectacular
Glens of Antrim, nine wooded river valleys running down to
the shore, it's a coastline sprinkled with historic castles,
churches, and forts. Continue onto Belfast City where you
will enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening. Overnight:
Europa Hotel, Belfast (B, D)
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| Day
6 |
Today
a local guide will take you on a tour through Belfast
City, rich in Victorian and Edwardian architecture. See major
points of interest including Stormont House, Belfast City
Hall, Queen's University, and areas around the Shankill and
Falls Roads. Your tour will conclude with a visit to the
Titanic's dock and pump house for a tour of this impressive
maritime marvel. The tour will give you an in-depth understanding
of the story of the dock; as you walk the length of it you
will better comprehend the size and magnitude of the Titanic.
The remainder of the afternoon and is free to explore this
capital city. Enjoy dinner with your group in the hotel this
evening. You might consider a visit to the Crown Liquor Saloon,
a restored national landmark located across the street from
your hotel. Overnight: Europa Hotel, Belfast (B, D)*
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Day
7
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After
breakfast you will board the motorcoach and begin the scenic
drive to Dublin. The drive will take you to the Boyne Valley
to the Bru Na Boinne Visitor Center where you will learn
about the fascinating Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange,
Knowth, and Dowth. Enjoy a coveted tour of the site at Newgrange,
a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Arrive Dublin and check-in
to your hotel with free time to explore the city independently
and dine in one of the many traditional pubs or restaurants.
Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Dublin (B)
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| Day
8 |
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Enjoy
a full Irish breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing tour
around Dublin City. You will see elegant Georgian squares and
houses, colorful parks, and bustling shopping areas. Take a
guided tour of Trinity College, one of the oldest centers
of learning, dating back to the 16th century. The library is
home to the world-renowned nineth-century Book of Kells, an
illuminated manuscript containing meticulous artwork. Next,
visit Christchurch Cathedral, which was founded in 1038
by the Christian Norse King, Sitric. Part of the structure dates
back to the twelfth-century. The remainder of this afternoon
and evening is free to explore this vibrant city. Tonight, a
fun-filled night of music, song, and dance awaits you as you
are transported to Taylors Three Rock for an evening
of dinner and authentic Irish entertainment. Overnight:
Alexander Hotel, Dublin (B, D)
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Day
9
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Depart your hotel after breakfast for a short drive to Dublin
Airport arriving with plenty of time for last minute duty-free
shopping before boarding your flight home to the US.(B)
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