|
|
| 
|

|
| Highlights
of Ireland
2012 Enjoy
touring Ireland while our experienced driver takes you on a leisurely journey
through beautiful towns, villages, and other dramatic scenery. Ireland truly is
a magical country. Prepare to be amazed by her breathtaking scenery and the many
interesting attractions you will encounter, including Trinity College, Muckross
House, Rock of Cashel, Ireland's only fjord, and the Guinness Storehouse. This
is our most requested escorted tour for over 10 years. This
tour is limited to 25 participants. | |
|
Included: |
| Tour
Dates 2012 | Depart
USA | Arrive
Dublin | Depart
Dublin | Land
Only | | |
- 7 nights first class hotels
- Full
Irish breakfast daily(B)
- 5
table d'hote dinners(D)
- Special
dinner with entertainment in Dublin at The Merry Ploughboy(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
|
| |
| April
28 | April
29 | May
06 | $1435 | SOLD
OUT | | June
23 |
June 24 | July
01 | $1565 | SOLD
OUT | | August
18 | August
19 | August
26 | $1589 | |
| October
06 | October
07 | October
14 | $1385
| GUARANTEED
DEPARTURE | | November
03 | November
04 | November
11 | $1335 | |
| Single
Supplement $399 |
* Tour pricing is per person, land-only, & based on double
occupancy.
Legend:
B = Breakfast D = Dinner
| |
| ITINERARY |
| Day
1 |
Saturday
- Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. Our travel
planners are available to assist with your flight arrangements and any pre- or
post-tour arrangements. |
| Day
2 |
Sunday
- Fáilte go h-Éirinn! Meet your Irish driver/guide in the arrivals
hall and start your journey. Your early arrival should have you ready for some
tea and scones. Afterwards, enjoy the scenic views of Ireland's wild green
countryside as you venture to the medieval city of Kilkenny. You will have free
time to explore the city before dinner in your hotel. Set in the heart of the
city, your hotel is steps from countless pubs and shops were you can enjoy a few
pints and perhaps exchange some banter with the locals of Kilkenny. Overnight:
Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny (B, D) |
| Day
3 |
Monday - Leaving Kilkenny travel a short distance to Cashel, in County
Tipperary. Here visit the Rock of Cashel, home to the ruins of a great
Celtic cathedral. Legend associates the Rock of Cashel with St. Patrick, but the
name comes from Caiseal, meaning "stone fort", and the hill was originally
the residence of the king of Munster. Excavations have revealed some evidence
of burials and church buildings from the 9th or 10th century, but it was in the
early 12th century that the Rock began to develope into a major Christian center.
Next, continue on to Blarney Castle, in County Cork, where those energetic
enough will have an opportunity to climb the 104 steps to kiss the stone located
in the battlements and gain "the gift of the gab." Arrive in Killarney
in the early evening and check-in to your hotel. Overnight: Killarney Avenue
Hotel, Killarney (B, D) |
| Day
4 |
Tuesday
- Today your driver/guide will take you on a tour with such beautiful scenery,
the memories will last a lifetime. First, you will stop for a visit at Muckross
House, a Victorian mansion, once visited by Queen Victoria and one of Ireland's
finest stately manors. Next, you will drive the majestical Ring of Kerry, one
of the most spectacular scenic drives in all of Ireland. Above all, the Ring of
Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland - see the
Iron Age Forts & Ogham Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out
of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Return to Killarney with time to
explore the town, or enjoy a drink in the hotel pub before dinner with your group.
Overnight: Killarney Avenue Hotel, Killarney (B, D) |
| Day
5 |
Wednesday
- As you journey to Galway, you will travel along the beautiful coast of Clare
and the lunar landscapes of the Burren with a stop at the breathtaking Cliffs
of Moher. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as
The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South.
The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined promontory fort "Mothar"
which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower.
Arrive Galway with time to explore the city before reuniting with your group for
a delicious dinner in the hotel. Overnight: Menlo Park, Galway (B,
D) | 
|
| Day
6 |
Thursday
- Relax and enjoy the scenery of the wild and wonderful Connemara region. Today's
journey takes you to Killary Harbor, Ireland's only fjord, for a delightful cruise
including complimentary tea and scones as you take in some of Ireland's most
rugged scenery. Back on land, continue to Kylemore Abbey, one of the most
photographed locations in Ireland. Originally built in 1867, Kylemore Abbey and
the surrounding mountains and lakes are steeped in history including engineering
initiatives, model farms, tragedy, royal visits, gambling debts, a hideaway during
Ireland's troubled history as well as excellence in education. Return to Galway
in early evening with time to explore, relax, or discover the perfect spot for
a pint. Overnight: Menlo Park, Galway (B, D) |
| Day
7 |
Friday
- Today's journey will take you to the vibrant city of Dublin. Stop en route for
a tour of Clonmacnoise; a guided tour of this site will reveal some of
the best examples of high crosses and round towers in Ireland. Tonight enjoy dinner
and authentic Irish entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy from start to
finish, this show is based on fantastic interaction between the performers and
the audience live music, comedy, song, and dance. Overnight: Alexander Hotel,
Dublin (B, D) |
| Day
8 |
Saturday
- After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Dublin City, one of the most
vibrant capitals in the world. Explore the elegant Georgian squares and houses,
colorful parks, and bustling shopping areas. Then, onto the Guinness Storehouse,
filled with 250 years of history, seven floors of exhibits, and topped with a
complimentary pint of Guinness and panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity
Bar. Your tour culminates with a visit to Trinity College for a glimpse
of the world-renowned 9th century Book of Kells. The remainder of the day is free
to explore this historic city and dine in one of the many traditional pubs or
restaurants. Overnight: Alexander Hotel, Dublin (B, D) |  |
| Day
9 |
Sunday
- Arrive Dublin airport with time for last minute duty-free shopping and airport
check-in. . (B) |
| |