2010 IRISH CLASSIC TOUR
Superior First Class Hotels - 11 Nights/21 Meals

13 days including air from USA
or 12 days land only from Dublin to Dublin

Itinerary

13 Day Itinerary Including Airfare from USA

Day 1: Overnight Flight to Dublin
Depart your North American gateway city and travel through the night to Dublin. Land only tour starts on day 2.

Day 2: Arrive Ireland & 6th Century Glendalough
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete immigration formalities and pick up your luggage. Go to the SPECIALIZED TRAVEL SERVICES desk in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. Your hotel, an elegant Victorian mansion, overlooks Dublin Bay and Dun Laoghaire Harbour. At 2:00 pm drive through the lovely scenery of the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, a 6th century monastic site founded by St. Kevin. Learn about early Christian Ireland and walk through the many church ruins. In the evening meet your fellow travelers over a welcome drink and your tour director will help you choose a restaurant to dine independently.

Day 3: Dublin Castle & Taylor's Three Rock Evening
Tour the city center to see elegant Georgian townhouses, pass St. Stephen's Green and cross the River Liffey to view the Famine Memorial and drive along O'Connell Street. Visit Dublin Castle's State Apartments where a guide will relate events from Irish history as you walk through gracious Georgian chambers. The afternoon is at leisure so return to Dun Laoghaire to relax or stay in the city center to take an independent open-top bus tour with a visit to Guinness or Jameson. This evening's destination is Taylor's Three Rock Pub for dinner with traditional Irish songs and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)

Day 4: Downpatrick & Mount Stewart
Drive north past the Mourne Mountains to visit Down Cathedral and learn about St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. Cross Strangford Lough by ferry to explore Mount Stewart House and Gardens. The famous gardens at Mount Stewart were planted in the 1920's by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and have been nominated a World Heritage Site. The house tour includes world-famous paintings and stories about prominent political visitors. Check in to your hotel in Belfast. (B, D)

Day 5: Belfast, Giant's Causeway & Derry
A local guide will show you Belfast's Victorian buildings, the Harland and Wolff Shipyards, where the Titanic was built, the Shankill and Falls Road. Drive north along the "Nine Glens of Antrim," for lovely views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Stop at the Giant's Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity which have spawned legends about the mythical giant, Finn McCool. Continue to Derry and join a local guide for a short walk around the city center and its medieval walls. (B, D)

Day 6: Ulster American Folk Park & Belleek China
Take a walk through the Ulster American Folk Park, which traces the story of Ulster emigrants and shows rural lifestyles in Ireland and Colonial America. See many cottages including that of Thomas Mellon, who emigrated to Pittsburgh in 1818 and founded the Mellon Bank. A guided tour around the Belleek Pottery Factory will show you craftspeople making ornate fine china. Travel through Counties Sligo and Mayo to your hotel in the center of Westport. (B, D)

Day 7: Achill Island Excursion & Westport
After a late breakfast travel around Clew Bay to Achill Island, joined to the mainland by bridge. Follow the Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful views of steeply-sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Near Slievemore see the Deserted Village, the remains of nearly 100 stone cottages abandoned around the time of the 1840's Famine. Return to Westport for stroll around this attractive estate town, which was laid out in 1780. (B, D)

Day 8: Cliffs Of Moher & Bunratty Medieval Banquet
Travel to Galway City for a panoramic tour and free time. Drive through the limestone hills of the Burren to view the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a pre-Christian burial site. Walk along the majestic Cliffs of Moher, a rocky wall that rises nearly 700 feet above the foaming Atlantic Ocean. At Bunratty check in to your hotel, right beside 15th century Bunratty Castle, the Bunratty Folk Park and Durty Nelly's Pub. Head to Bunratty Castle for a jolly medieval-style dinner where the lords and ladies serenade you¬. (B, D)

Day 9: Flying Boat Museum & Dingle Peninsula
Drive through the outskirts of Limerick and alongside the River Shannon to visit Foynes Flying Boat Museum. During the 1930's and early 1940's, Pan Am Clippers from the United States and Europe landed here and the museum's memorabilia recreates this era. Journey into County Kerry and along the Dingle Peninsula for glorious scenic views. Stop in the town of Dingle before going up the Connor Pass for more panoramas. Then head to your hotel in the center of Killarney. (B, D)

Day 10: Jaunting Car Ride & Moll's Gap
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane, Killarney's largest lake. Drive to the delightful town of Kenmare where gaily-painted buildings are enhanced with flowers. Enjoy mountain views at Moll's Gap and continue along part of the Ring of Kerry, pausing at Ladies' View. Take a guided tour through 19th century Muckross House to admire elegant antiques and learn about the history of the mansion. Return to Killarney for free time before dinner. (B, D)

Day 11: Cobh Heritage & Traditional Music Session
Travel through the mountains of Kerry and make a brief stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills. Next visit Cobh Heritage Centre, located in the old train station through which all emigrants passed when traveling to the United States. Displays show the many hardships that travelers endured. Drive to Dungarvan to the Marine Bar for a creamy Irish coffee and an informal traditional music session. Continue to Waterford, check in to your hotel and join a local guide for a stroll around the historic city center. (B, D)

Day 12: Medieval Kilkenny & National Stud
Stop in Kilkenny for a look around. This was a prosperous medieval trading city and the narrow streets still follow ancient routes. Visit the Irish National Stud to learn about the valuable horse breeding industry. Walk through the Japanese Gardens, which symbolize the "Life of Man" through plants and rocks. Then head to the village of Dunboyne, on the outskirts of Dublin. Check in to Dunboyne Castle Hotel and relax before enjoying a farewell dinner with informal music. (B, D)

Day 13: Depart Dublin Airport
Complimentary group transfers to Dublin Airport are provided to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After check-in, shop at the duty-free stores before boarding your flight for the journey home. (B)

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