Day 1 - Depart USA
Overnight flight to Dublin.
Day 2 - Arrive Dublin
Welcome to Ireland! After check-in, time to relax. Later an included sightseeing tour with a local guide visits Trinity College, to admire the ancient Book of Kells, and views St. Patrick’s and Christchurch Cathedral. Then on to Phoenix Park and the Wellington Memorial. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink together with your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Hotel: Maldron Cardiff Lane
Day 3 - Dublin – Waterford
We have a guided walking tour of the Irish National Stud Farm and visit the Japanese Garden. Our Tour Director tells us to watch out for a Hidden Treasure today! Next to Kilkenny to see the castle before an included visit to the Waterford Crystal Showroom (when open). Then to our hotel for dinner. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: The Belfry
Day 4 - Waterford – Kenmare (2 nights)
This morning we drive to the fishing village of Youghal where Moby Dick was filmed and on to Cork. Then to Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the ‘gift of the gab’. Later via Macroom where we see the remains of its castle before traveling to Kenmare. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Kenmare Bay
Day 5 - Ring of Kerry
Enjoy a drive around the Ring of Kerry through Moll’s Gap and down over the Black Valley to Ladies View. Next is Killorglin to Cahirciveen with the memorial to St. Brendan, the Navigator, and views of Dingle Bay and the South Kerry Mountains. We see Charlie Chaplin’s hideaway, Waterville and
Derrynane, home of Ireland’s liberator Daniel O’Connell. Later we return to our hotel in Kenmare. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Day 6 - Kenmare – Cliffs of Moher – Limerick
First across the Shannon by ferry and to County Clare to see the magical Cliffs of Moher where we visit the new Visitors’ Center. Then we drive to our hotel in Limerick. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Radisson SAS
Day 7 - Limerick – Dublin
This morning we visit Bunratty Castle before we travel via Ennis and across County Clare to Galway Bay for panoramic views, stopping at Galway Cathedral before returning to Dublin. Tonight we celebrate the end of our Irish tour together at a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and new-found friends. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Camden Court
Day 8 - Dublin – USA
Time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and fellow travelers as our tour comes to an end. (Full breakfast)
Free airport transfers
Transfers on Day 2 at Dublin Airport will operate at 08.00, 11.00 and 13.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Dublin Airport at 07.30, 09.30 and 11.30.
Irish Highlights 2010 What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights
- Dublin: View St. Patrick's Cathedral and visit Trinity College.
- Kildare: Visit the National Stud Farm.
- Kilkenny: Visit the medieval city.
- Waterford: Visit the crystal showroom.
- Blarney: Visit the famous castle.
- Kenmare: Ring of Kerry excursion.
- Bunratty: Visit the Folk Park and Castle.
- Galway: See the Cathedral.
Dining Highlights
- 6 full Irish breakfasts
- 2 three-course dinners
- Farewell dinner with wine in Dublin.
9 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)
First Class Travel Highlights
- First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach.
- Top professional Tour Director.
- Qualified guide in Dublin.
- Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 8, conditions apply.
Irish Highlights 2010