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Of Great Vacations

ESCORTED COACH TOURS - IRELAND & BRITAIN


Irish Heritage
& London
11 Days

Superior First Class Hotels

From $1,557
(Including Land & Air)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Knappogue Castle Medieval Banquet
  • Doyle's Irish Cabaret & Dinner
  • National Folk Theatre
  • Old Jameson Distillery
  • Waterford Crystal Factory
  • Farmhouse Tea & Scones
  • Half-day Tour of London
  • London Theater Pass

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Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney

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"We wanted to let you know that the Irish Heritage trip far surpassed our expectations, as we were a little skeptical about taking a group tour. We were happy with the accommodations and service at all hotels and we felt welcome everywhere we went. The London stay at the end was great."
~ Robert G., Ronkonkoma NY


Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to Shannon. Relax with in-flight entertainment, dinner and continental breakfast.

Day 2: Shannonside & Medieval Feast
Land at Shannon Airport and after immigration, pick up your luggage and locate the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall where our staff will arrange a transfer to your nearby hotel. If you have arranged flights independently, complimentary transfers will be offered from Shannon Airport between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than noon, you will transfer to the hotel independently. At 3:00 pm tour the Bunratty Folk Park, a collection of historic cottages and an 18th century country town in the shadow of impressive Bunratty Castle. Join your fellow travelers for a welcoming drink before heading to the 15th century Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style meal and entertainment. (D)

Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
This morning drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Then enjoy a short ferry ride across the wide estuary of the River Shannon to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Castleisland to Killarney. This little town is famous for its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. Check into your hotel and then see Killarney. Take a horse drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the National Park and enjoy a guided tour of 19th century Muckross House, a fully furnished mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry Tour
Today embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive - the Ring of Kerry. This full day tour will reveal constantly changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. Drive through the remote towns of Cahirciveen and Waterville and return through the colorful village of Sneem. Enjoy plenty of stops to admire the natural beauty all along the way and at Moll's Gap see the three lakes with the mountains and town in the background. Return to Killarney and after an early dinner head to Tralee to Siamsa Tire, a show portraying Irish country life through mime and dance (April 19 - October 09 departures). (B, D)

Day 5: Blarney Castle & Waterford
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Here you can walk through the grounds and climb the steps of fabled Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "stone of eloquence." Travel past the outskirts of Cork to Cobh to visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Follow the coastal route via Youghal, where Sir Walter Raleigh was once mayor, to Waterford for dinner and overnight stay. This evening a local guide will take you for a brief walk of this old city. (B, D)

Day 6: Kilkenny Castle & Doyle's Cabaret
Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Then head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings. Take a guided tour around Kilkenny Castle, built in the early 13th century. Stop in the countryside near Athy for tea and scones in a farmhouse before driving to Dublin. Tonight in your hotel dine on Irish specialties at Doyle's Irish Cabaret. Afterwards sit back and enjoy a light-hearted show with song, dance and storytelling. (B, D)

Day 7: Dublin Sightseeing
This morning tour Dublin city center to see the prominent public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and peaceful gardens. Note the contrasts between centuries-old historic places and modern streets which pulse with activity. Tour Dublin Castle to see the magnificently furnished State Apartments and learn about historic events that have taken place there. Then visit the Old Jameson Distillery where you can see the many steps needed to create Irish whiskey and then sample some. The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse, shop and sightsee on your own. (B)

Day 8: Fly to London
Transfer to Dublin Airport to check in for your flight to London which takes just over one hour. (Dublin to London flight is not included in land only price - please ensure that you have an airline ticket for this segment.) Land in London's Heathrow Airport to start your independent vacation. Transfer from the airport to your hotel using your voucher provided for a coach service. (B)

Days 8, 9 & 10: London
You may schedule your time as you wish for these three days. London has many attractions to choose from whatever your interests history, art, theater, sports, shopping it's all waiting for you. Take a half-day sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to see the main attractions and find your way around the city. Use the included theater pass to choose from a selection of exciting shows in the West End, London's theater area. Your "London for Less" card offers discounts on a variety of attractions and eateries. (CB)

Day 11: Depart for Home
As this is the final day of your vacation, transfer to your departure airport. Use the independent voucher for the coach service and be sure to allow plenty of time to reach the airport and check in for your flight back to the United States. (CB)

What Your Tour Includes

11 days/9 nights/14 meals

  • Round trip flights from U.S. and flight between Dublin & London
  • Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
  • All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

In Ireland:

  • Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
  • Services of a professional Irish tour director
  • Superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 6 nights
  • 6 full Irish breakfasts (B)
  • 5 dinners (D) including
    - Medieval banquet and entertainment in a 15th century Irish castle
    - Doyle's Irish Cabaret and dinner
    - Table d'hote dinners in Killarney and Waterford
  • Welcome get-together drink
  • Tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse
  • Ferry ride across the River Shannon
  • Performance at Siamsa Tire (National Folk Theatre) in Tralee (Apr 19 - Oct 09 departures)
  • Horse drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
  • Walking tour of Waterford with local guide
  • Whiskey tasting and tour of Old Jameson Distillery
  • Visits and admissions to Bunratty Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House, Blarney Castle, Cobh Heritage Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, Kilkenny Castle and Dublin Castle

In London:

  • Accommodation at Kenilworth Hotel with private bath/shower for 3 nights
  • 3 continental breakfasts (CB)
  • Independent coach transfers to & from hotel
  • Theater pass for selected shows (restrictions apply)
  • Half-day city sightseeing tour by open-top bus
  • "London for Less" discount card for shopping, tours and restaurant

Your Hotels

Stay at the following (or similar):

  • Great Southern Hotel, Shannon (1 night)
  • Great Southern Hotel, Killarney (2 nights)
  • Granville Hotel, Waterford (1 night)
  • Burlington Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
  • Kenilworth Hotel, London (3 nights)

Departure Dates & Rates

Early Payment Discount

Inclusive air prices reflect savings of between $85 & $170 per person when airfare is paid at least 90 days prior to departure. Book early and save. For travel from Chicago ask about special airfares with Aer Lingus.

General Conditions for All Tours


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