Discover, Plan & Go!

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart US

Board your aircraft and settle down for an overnight flight across the Atlantic with inflight meals and entertainment

Day 2: Dublin Castle Guided Tour

Arrive at Dublin Airport, reclaim your baggage and head to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. At 2:00 pm a local tour guide will introduce you to Dublin's historic buildings, Georgian streets, parks and monuments. Tour Dublin Castle to learn about Ireland's history and see priceless furnishings in the dignified State Apartments. Enjoy a welcome get-together drink with your fellow travelers and the balance of the evening is free.

Day 3: Jerpoint Abbey & Medieval Kilkenny

Depart Dublin this morning and head out into the countryside to see some of the "Forty Shades of Green." Drive south to visit Jerpoint Abbey to see romantic ruins with Romanesque details and a delightful cloister arcade with unique carvings. Continue to Kilkenny, a medieval city where narrow streets still follow the centuries-old pattern while thriving shops, businesses and restaurants are firmly placed in the 21st century. You will have time to explore medieval Rothe House or the 12th century Black Abbey. Drive to your country home, meet your host family and settle in for a 2-night stay. Enjoy a home-style dinner and learn about life in rural Ireland. (B, D

Day 4: Waterford Crystal & Irish Evening

Drive to Waterford to tour the Waterford Crystal Factory and watch skilled craftspeople create elegant masterpieces. In the showrooms see a huge collection of tableware and trophies. In the center of this ancient city meet a local guide who will take you on a walk around the narrow and ancient streets and make the local history come alive. Return to your country home to relax and in the evening head out to dinner at nearby Brod Tullaroan, followed by some lively traditional entertainment and music. (B, D)

Day 5: Titanic Tour & Cork City

Travel south, pausing for photos at the Rock of Cashel, a magnificent collection of ecclesiastical ruins perched on a rocky outcrop. Drive south to Cobh, the main port for emigration from the 18th to mid-20th centuries and today an attractive hillside town with brightly painted houses. Take a "Titanic" walking tour to discover places, including the docks, associated with the famous liner which made its last stop in Cobh. Continue into Cork city and take a drive around the main streets and places of interest before checking into your downtown hotel. Relax or take a walk before dinner. (B, D)

Day 6: Blarney Castle & Muckross House

Take a short drive to Blarney Castle, where you may climb to the ramparts to gain the "Gift of Eloquence" by kissing the famous stone. If you wish, you may shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills, which offer excellent Irish-made products under one roof, before driving along the River Lee Valley through Macroom. Continue into the mountainous countryside of County Kerry to Killarney. In the afternoon visit Muckross House, located in the Killarney National Park, a few miles outside Killarney. Tour the mansion to see valuable furnishings and learn how wealthy Californians purchased the house as a wedding gift. Check into your hotel in Killarney and after dinner you may like to check out some of its famous "singing pubs." (B, D)

Day 7: Ring of Kerry

Experience highlights of Ireland's natural scenery on the Ring of Kerry tour. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountains on one side and the Atlantic coast on the other. Stop at the Gap of Dunloe to view the "Essence of Kerry", an audio visual showing many aspects of the Ring of Kerry. As you drive along panoramic vistas change constantly and frequent stops will permit plenty of photo opportunities. Pass through Killorglin and the remote villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville at the end of the peninsula. On the return, pass through the colorful village of Sneem and stop at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Day 8: Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Drive north from Killarney to Tarbert. Take a ferry across the River Shannon to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock which extend five miles along the coast. Drive through part of the Burren, a unique region of rounded limestone hills, where rare wildflowers thrive in sheltered crevices. There are many prehistoric dolmens, large capstones erected on two uprights. Travel into the city of Galway and check into your charming hotel, surrounded by gardens. (B, D)

Day 9: Aran Islands & Dun Aengus

Take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for traditional fishing and farming communities and also the popular intricate fishermen's sweaters. The Irish language is still spoken widely. Take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs. In Kilronan, the main town, visit the Aran Heritage Centre to learn about local customs before returning to the mainland. This trip will operate from April 1 to October 7 departures; outside those dates take a drive through the scenic region of Connemara. Stop in Cong for a walking tour to see movie locations of "The Quiet Man" and tour the lovely public rooms and church at Kylemore Abbey. (B, D)

Day 10: Return to the U.S.A.

Depart Galway and take a group coach transfer to Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30 am. Check in for your flight and visit the duty-free stores before passing U.S. Immigration pre-clearance and boarding your aircraft. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport before 10:30 am, your guide will arrange an early group transfer once you are on tour. (B)