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Gardens
& Historic Houses 2009
This
delightful tour will captivate you with some of Ireland's most impressive
estates, gardens, and follies and is designed for an intimate group
of twelve whimsical people. This tour will delight those interested
in Classical architecture, as well as those who wish to explore the
beauty of Irish gardens. Enjoy the splendor of these magnificent gardens
and historical estates.
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Included:
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Tour
Dates 2009
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| Depart
US |
Arrive
Dublin |
Return
US |
Price* |
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- 6 nights manor
house hotels
- 2 nights 5-star
hotels
- Full Irish
breakfast daily (B)
- 5 table d'hote
dinners (D)
- Services of
an experienced Irish driver
- 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 information
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| May
19 |
May
20 |
May
28 |
$3250 |
| June
23 |
June
24 |
July
2 |
$3250 |
| Sept
15 |
Sept
16 |
Sept
24 |
$3250 |
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Single
Supplement $1255
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*Land
only, based on 12 people double occupancy
Legend:
B = Breakfast D = Dinner
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ITINERARY |
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Day
1 |
Arrive Dublin
Airport and meet your driver. A short drive will take you
to Killashee House, which is set amidst 200 acres of manicured
gardens, for tea and scones. After a refreshing break
you will continue to Powerscourt Estate, a magnificent
property well recognized as one of the world's greatest gardens.
An early afternoon arrival to your country estate leaves time
to explore and visit with the hounds, one of the most adoring
attractions of this intriguing mansion. Enjoy an intimate
group dinner. Overnight: Mount Juliet, Kilkenny (D)
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Day
2
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Today is filled
with fascinating garden features. Lose yourself in the intricate
yew hedge maze of Dunbrody Abbey or the Monkey Puzzle Walk
at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum. The garden tour
concludes at Newtownbarry House & Gardens with a tour
of the grounds and afternoon tea. Dinner will be at
the estate this evening. Overnight: Mount Juliet, Kilkenny
(B, D)
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| Day
3
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| Journey
into the heart of the Blackwater Valley with a stop at Longueville
House for a stroll on the grounds. The mighty oak trees on the
front lawn date from 1815 and are planted in the formation of
the Battle of Waterloo. Continue on to Seaview House in Ballylickey,
your home for the next two nights. Remainder of afternoon will
be free to relax before dinner. Overnight: Seaview House,
Cork (B, D)
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Day
4
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Following breakfast,
you will travel to Garnish Island, an island garden
of rare beauty and a highlight of this trip. The gardens are
landscaped with Neo-Classical follies and planted with sub-tropical
flora. Then you are off to Bantry House for a self-guided
tour of the house and gardens before returning to your hotel
for the evening. Overnight: Seaview House, Cork (B,
D)
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Day
5
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Journey through
the Kingdom of Kerry as you head towards the quaint village
of Adare, stopping along the way to explore Muckross House
and Gardens, an imposing Victorian mansion in the Elizabethan
style. Arrive mid-afternoon at Adare Manor, a luxurious hotel
that occupies a magnificent Victorian Gothic mansion. Tonight
you will dine and sleep in one of the great houses of Ireland.
Overnight: Adare Manor, Adare (B, D)
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| Day
6 |
The once forgotten
Vandeleur Walled Garden at Kilrush House is where you
visit today. This garden specializes in many unusual plants
that thrive in the area's unique climate. Afterwards, you
will cross the Shannon River by car ferry and continue on
to Glin Castle for lunch and a stroll through its beautiful
garden. Overnight: Adare Manor, Adare (B)
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| Day
7 |
| In
route to Dublin, you will visit Castletown House, which
is said to have influenced the design of the White House. There
are two follies on the grounds, The Conolly Folly, or Obelisk,
and The Wonderful Barn. Arrive at your city center hotel with
time to relax and explore this thriving cosmopolitan city independently.
Overnight: Westin Dublin, Dublin City (B) |
| Day
8 |
| After
breakfast, enjoy a driving tour of the city that concludes with
a tour of Dublin Castle. The remainder of your afternoon
is free to shop, tour, or stop in one of the many quaint pubs
for a taste of the local fare. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Overnight: Westin Dublin, Dublin City (B) |
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Day
9
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Depart
for the airport following breakfast with time for last minute,
duty-free shopping and a leisurely airport check-in. (B)
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