April 10, 2008

Explore the Best of Croatia and Slovenia - On New Dalmatian Sunshine Escorted Tour

Long synonymous with vacations to Ireland and Britain, CIE Tours International has extended its expertise into Eastern Europe, offering a new Dalmatian Sunshine vacation, a 10-day/8-night escorted tour of the fast-emerging destinations of Croatia and Slovenia. Departures start on April 18th and continue weekly on Fridays through November 7th, priced from $1,548 for land-only or from $2,635 with airfare from New York or Boston.

The itinerary, which follows the Dalmatian coastline a beautiful area characterized by chains of islands close to the mainland, includes seven half-day sightseeing tours with local guides in Dubrovnik, Split, Plitvice Lakes, Postojna Caves, Bled, Ljubljana and Zagreb.

Scenic highlights include the Adriatic Sea, artisan island of Trogir, Bay of Kvarner, and the Julian Alps, plus medieval squares, walled towns, open air markets.

Admissions are provided to Rectors Palace and Franciscan Monastery Pharmacy in Dubrovnik; Diocletians Palace at Split, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural site; Plitvice Lakes National Park; Postojna Caves; Bled Castle, one of the oldest medieval fortresses in Slovenia; and Zagreb Cathedral.

The price includes first class hotel accommodations with private bath for eight nights; eight buffet breakfasts and five dinners; all sightseeing tours and admissions as specified in the itinerary; group transfers on arrival and departure; transport by luxury motorcoach with the services of a professional tour director; all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or visit www.cietours.com.

April 3, 2008

Experience the Lochs, Glens, Isles & Cities of Scotland - Including Reserved Seats at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A performance of the spectacular annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a guaranteed highlight of the Scottish Dream vacation (for departures July 26 through August 16), offered by CIE Tours International and priced at $1,760 for land-only or from $2,427 via British Airways from JFK or Newark.

In addition to coveted seats at the Tattoo, this 9-day/7-night vacation provides an in-depth experience of Scotland from its vibrant cities and picturesque villages to glens, lochs and remote islands. Conducted at a leisurely pace with mostly two-night hotel stays, the itinerary blends castles, gardens, palaces, and great houses with a panorama of rural countryside.

Scenic highlights range from a cruise on Loch Lomond and a ferry excursion to the Isle of Mull, to touring Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Falls of Feugh, St. Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The cost covers superior first class hotel rooms with private bath/shower for seven nights; full Scottish breakfast daily; six dinners including a Scottish banquet with entertainment; reserved seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo; welcome get-together drink; tea and freshly home-baked scones; sightseeing via luxury motorcoach with professional driver/guide and local guides; admissions and visits to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Duart Castle, Culloden Visitor Centre, Crathes Castle, Glamis Castle, St. Andrews, and Edinburgh Castle; and all hotel service charges and taxes.

In addition to the Tattoo performance departures, the Scottish Dream operates throughout the summer and fall, weekly on Saturdays and most Mondays, from now through October 25th.

For travelers with less time, CIE Tours also offers the Taste of Scotland, a 6 day/4 night vacation, priced from $898, land-only, operating now through October 27. This tour also provides reserved seat tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (for departures July 28 August 18).

For full information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

March 28, 2008

Save $200 on 2009 CIE Tours European River Cruises

Get a head start on travel savings for 2009. CIE Tours International is making a big splash by offering discounts of $200 per couple ($100 per person) on Europe's popular river cruises, exploring the waters of the Danube, Rhine or Moselle rivers as well as the Black Sea.

Leading the list of over a dozen different cruises is The Legendary Danube, a 9-day/7-night cruise that starts in Nuremberg, priced from $1,899 for land only. The itinerary, which includes all meals on board the ship, meanders through medieval Regensburg, Passau or Salzburg, Linz, Melk, Vienna, and ends at Budapest.

Highlights include folklore dances, lectures, theme dinners, on board music performances, afternoon and evening piano music, and use of bicycles to explore local areas, as well as crossing the Continental Divide, a Benedictine Abbey Tour in Melk, the Main/Danube Canal, Wachau Valley cruise, an optional excursion to Salzburg.

Departures in 2009 start on May 2 and operate through November 15. Once a deposit is paid, the land cost is guaranteed, providing a smart way to lock in dollar costs in spite of currency fluctuations.

To qualify for the discount, reservations must be made by May 31 of this year, using the code 053108RCEBD. A CIE Tours travel protection plan must be purchased together with the cruise. Discounts are valid for new reservations only, subject to availability, not combinable with other offers and certain restrictions apply.

All cruises provide deluxe accommodations, full breakfasts, dinners and lunches on board ships, quality wines with dinners, cocktail reception on first night, sightseeing activities as outlined in itineraries, and onboard amenities such as fitness center, massage and beauty salon.

For information, contact CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

March 13, 2008

It's not a Fairytale: How to Save Money on Travel to Europe This Summer

Summer travel to Europe can be affordable with an escorted tour, even with the declining value of the US dollar compared to the euro. Escorted tours provide all-inclusive guaranteed US dollar prices, so there are no surprises or extra charges subject to currency fluctuations. Everything is included – hotels, meals, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and more.

For departures starting May 1st, CIE Tours International is offering the 8-day “Irish Spirit” tour, priced from $1,367 land-only or from $1,927 including airfare from New York or Boston.

The all-inclusive price provides first class hotel accommodations with private bath for six nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; and five dinners including the Abbey Tavern dinner/entertainment in Dublin and a fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

Activities include a ferry ride across the Shannon river and a catamaran cruise on Killary Fjord, tour of Dublin with a local guide. Admission fees to leading attractions are also included – from The Book of Kells at Trinity College, to Blarney Castle, the Skellig Experience, Cliffs of Moher and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, and Clonmacnoise.

Focusing on the main highlights of Ireland, this tour visits Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway and Connemara.

"Irish Spirit" departures run weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays and some Thursdays.

CIE Tours International also offers escorted tours with all-inclusive guaranteed dollar prices to Britain, Italy, Eastern Europe and European River Cruises.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

March 06, 2008

Venture Beyond the Usual Tourist Track – Explore Ireland's Islands, Seacoasts & Cliffs

Step out onto the edge and enjoy Ireland from a different perspective on the Atlantic Ireland & Islands vacation, a 12-day escorted tour from CIE Tours International, focusing on the offshore islands of Inis Mor, Achill, and Garinish as well as the Atlantic seascapes and cliffs from Antrim to Cork. Prices start at $2,047 for land-only, or $2,562 with airfare from JFK or Boston. Departures run on selected Saturdays, May 10 to October 18.

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, CIE Tours is offering a discount of $300 per couple ($175 per person), available for summer departures from May through August. To qualify, tours must be booked before March 31, and a travel protection plan must be purchased with the tour. Offers are valid for new reservations only, and are subject to availability, are not combinable, and certain restrictions apply.

The itinerary, which starts and finishes in Dublin, also includes many remote scenic areas such as the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe, Croagh Patrick, subtroptical paradise of Glengarriff, and the Inishowen, Beara and Curraun Peninsulas, as well as popular places such as the Giant's Causeway, Yeats Country, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park and the Rock of Cashel.

Activities include a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; ferry rides across Lough Foyle and the River Shannon; catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord; guided walking tours of Derry and Westport; day tours to Inis Mor and Achill Islands; boat excursion to Garinish Island Gardens; tour of Dublin with a local guide; a tour and a pint at the Guinness Storehouse.

The price includes superior first class hotel rooms with private bath; full breakfast daily; 9 dinners including dinner and entertainment at the Abbey Tavern; welcome get-together drink; admissions to Dublin Castle, Ulster American Folk Park, Giant's Causeway, Slieve League cliffs, W.B. Yeats' Grave, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Dun Aengus Fort, Aran Heritage Centre, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, and Rock of Cashel; sightseeing by luxury motorcoach with professional driver/guide; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes and service charges.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

March 04, 2008

"Irish Gold" Tour Provides 3-night Hotel Stays, Island-Hopping, Castle Finale, and a $350 Discount

As St. Patrick's Day approaches, CIE Tours International is offering a $350 discount per couple ($175 per person) on a new escorted tour, Irish Gold, for bookings made between March 1 and 31. Prices before the discount are from $1,898 land-only or from $2,413 with airfare from New York. Departures begin April 4 and run through October 31.

True to its name, this tour is a golden opportunity to experience three-night stays in two of Ireland's prime scenic areas – Galway (Radisson SAS Hotel) and Killarney (Malton Hotel).

The itinerary, which starts and ends in Dublin, also includes a two-night stay at the new Radisson SAS Hotel in downtown Dublin and a final night with farewell dinner at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Co. Meath. All of the hotels offer top class leisure and spa facilities.

The sightseeing presents many off-the-beaten track experiences, from a trip to the Aran Islands and a day tour of the Dingle Peninsula, to a visit to prehistoric Newgrange or Knowth.

The price covers deluxe accommodations for 9 nights, 9 full Irish breakfasts and 7 dinners including dinner/entertainment at the Abbey Tavern; welcome drink; Quiet Man walking tour at Cong; Shannon ferry ride; horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; sightseeing program via luxury coach with professional Irish tour director; admissions to Dublin Castle, Boyne Valley Visitor Centre, Newgrange or Knowth tomb, Clonmacnoise, Dun Aengus Fort, Aran Heritage Centre, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, Blasket Centre and Rock of Cashel; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, and luggage tags and strap; service charges; tips, and all local taxes.

To qualify for the discount, reservations must be made by March 31 for tours departing between April 1 and August 31, and a travel protection plan must be purchased together with the tour. Discounts are valid for new reservations only, subject to availability, not combinable with other offers and certain restrictions apply.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

February 27, 2008

"Book Now & Save Later" For Discounts up to $300 per Couple on Spring/Summer Travel to Britain

CIE Tours International is inviting travelers to "book now and save later," with discounts of up to $300 per couple ($150 per person) on six of its escorted tours to Britain as well as Britain tours paired with Ireland.

Leading the list with a $300 discount per couple is the popular British & Irish Voyager, a 15-day/13-night escorted tour combining England and Scotland with Ireland, and staying in superior and first class hotels. The itinerary takes in London, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, Whitchurch, Chester, the Lake District, Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, Oban, Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Dingle, Bunratty, Birr and Dunboyne.

Before applying the discount, the tour sells from $2,744 for land-only or from $3,369 including airfare from New York.

Other offers and eligible tours include: $300 per couple discounts on the 15-day British & Irish Grandeur, the 14- or 15-day Scottish & Irish Dream, and the 12-day Scottish Isles & Glens; and $150 discounts per couple on the 9-day Scottish Dream, and the 7-day London Experience.

To obtain the discount, reservations must be made by March 31 for tours departing between April 1st and July 25th. A travel protection plan must be purchased together with the tour. Offers are valid for new reservations only, are subject to availability, and certain restrictions apply.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

Book a Trip to Italy Now For Spring/Summer Travel And Save $300 per Couple

For travelers who book an escorted tour to Italy in March, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of up to $300 per couple ($150 per person).

Leading the list with a $300 discount per couple is the popular Italian Tradition, an 11-day/9-night with 16 meals. This tour stays at 4-star hotels and covers all the must-see destinations including Venice, Florence, Ravenna, Siena, Assisi, Naples, Isle of Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii, Rome and the Vatican. The following activities are also provided: local walking tours in Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Siena, and Assisi; half-day tour of Vatican Museums; roundtrip ferry transport to the Isle of Capri and cable car ride to Anacapri with local guide; and complete sightseeing program with admissions to Basilica San Marco, Doges' Palace, Church of St. Vitale, Accademia Gallery, St. Francis Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Pompeii.

Before applying the discount, the tour sells from $2,578 for land-only or from $3,380 including airfare from New York.

In addition, CIE Tours is offering a $200 per couple ($100 per person) on the Sicilian Spirit, a 9-day/7 night tour with 12 meals.

To obtain the discount, reservations must be made by March 31 for tours departing between April 1st through August 31st. A travel protection plan must be purchased together with the tour. Offers are valid for new reservations only, are subject to availability, and certain restrictions apply.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

February 25, 2008

Live Like a King & Queen at an Irish Castle – Book in March and Save $400 Per Couple

In the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of up to $400 per couple ($200 per person) on five of its escorted Ireland tours including the deluxe Irish Supreme tour, a 10-day fully escorted vacation that includes two overnights at legendary Ashford Castle. Before the discount, the tour sells from $3,168 for land-only or from $3,683 including airfare from New York-JFK.

To qualify for the discount, reservations must be made by March 31 for tours departing between April 1 and August 31, and a travel protection plan must be purchased together with the tour.

The itinerary, which starts and finishes in Dublin, follows a coastal circuit visiting the highlights of Ireland's scenic south and west coasts including Tipperary, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Adare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, and Mayo. Activities include a horse drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; catamaran cruise on Killary Fjord; and a “Quiet Man” walking tour in Cong.

In addition to the two nights at Ashford Castle, accommodations are provided in the following deluxe manors and 5-star hotels: Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney; Adare Manor, Adare; and the Westin and Westbury Hotels in Dublin.

The price covers deluxe accommodations for 8 nights, 8 full Irish breakfasts; welcome cocktail reception; 7 dinners including award-winning private restaurants; music and song at the Abbey Tavern; welcome cocktail reception; sightseeing program via luxury coach with professional Irish tour director; admissions to Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Blarney Castle, Muckross House, Flying Boat Museum, Cliffs of Moher, and Clonmacnoise; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, and luggage tags and strap; service charges; tips, and all local taxes.

Expanding the spirit of St. Patrick into its other destinations, CIE Tours is also offering similar discounts of $150 to $300 per couple for tours of Britain, Britain combined with Ireland, or Italy.

Offers are valid for new reservations only, subject to availability, and certain restrictions apply.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

February 20, 2008

Savor Spring in Sicily - One Week from $1,454

For April 5-13 travel, CIE Tours International is offering Sicilian Spirit, a new 7-night tour of Sicily, priced at $1,454 for land-only, or from $2,541 with airfare from JFK/Boston. In addition to the April trip, there will also be departures on September 13 and 20, October 4 and 18, and November 15, priced from $1,517 land-only or $2,401 with airfare from JFK/Boston.

The itinerary concentrates on the SW Italian island of Sicily, staying at first class hotels for three nights in Taormina, three nights in Palermo and one night in Agrigento.

Planned in harmony with the delightful weather of spring and fall, activities include a Marsala winery tour with tastings, an excursion to the slopes of Mt. Etna, and half-day sightseeing tours with local guides to the Valley of the Temples, the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, and the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, In addition, the itinerary includes visits and admissions to the Palace of the Normans, Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, Benedictine Abbey of Monreale and Segesta Archaeological Site and Greek Theater in Syracuse.

The price includes first class hotels with private bath/shower for seven nights; seven buffet breakfasts; four dinners including a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Taormina; professional English-speaking tour escort; and complete sightseeing program via private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach; admissions to all attractions specified in the itinerary; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and porterage for one suitcase per person.

For travelers who can stay longer, CIE Tours also offers Italian Tradition, an 11-day/9-night vacation that covers the mainland destinations of Rome, the Vatican, Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Ravenna, Naples, Sorrento, and a boat trip to the Isle of Capri. A third choice is Roman Experience, a six-night Rome-based vacation.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

February 4, 2008

Book Now & Save $400 per couple On Summer Vacations in Ireland

Starting today, February 4th, CIE Tours International is giving discounts of $400 per couple ($200 per person) on all escorted tours and self-drive vacations to Ireland during July and August.

In addition, for escorted and self-drive travel to Ireland in April, May and June, a similar discount $200 per couple ($100 per person) will be provided.

Packages must be booked with airfare on Aer Lingus through CIE Tours - from the following gateways: NY-JFK, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

These offers are valid for all new bookings made from February 4 through February 29.

Discounts may be combined with CIE's other offers including a senior discount of $150 per couple on selected coach tour departures; a youth discount of $100 per person for travelers under 21; and a $200 per couple discount for people who take two coach tours.

To get the discounts, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When air results appear, choose Aer Lingus (EI) flights with the special "CIE" class of service outlined in green for both departing and return flights. Enter passenger information, and enter these codes in the promotion code box FEB400 for departures July 1 - August 31; FEB200 for departures April 1 - June 30th.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

January 24, 2008

"Irish Greeting" Tour Invites Visitors to Meet & Stay with the Irish People

Experience Irish hospitality first-hand on an "Irish Greeting" Tour, a new 9-day/7-night escorted tour available from CIE Tours International, priced from $1,248 land-only or from $1,728 from New York, Boston, Washington or Orlando, or $1,830 from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Departures begin March 27 and continue weekly on Thursdays through October 30.

The "Irish Greeting" vacation enables visitors to get to know the Irish people by staying at family homes in Killarney and Waterford and enjoying meals in each home. In addition, accommodations are provided at superior and first class hotels in Dublin and Galway.

The itinerary, which begins and ends in Dublin, takes in Birr, Galway, Cong, Connemara, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cobh, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Listowel and the Clare Coast.

The route provides varied meet-the-people experiences such as a tour in Dublin with a local guide; a tour and a pint at the Guinness Storehouse; a "Quiet Man" walking tour in Cong; a "Titanic" walking tour of Cobh; a pub lunch on the Ring of Kerry; traditional music/dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the Gap of Dunloe; and dinner/show at Shindig in Dublin.

The price includes accommodations for seven nights in rooms with private bath; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners; welcome drink; ferry ride across the Shannon River; admissions/visits to The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Birr Castle Gardens, Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Experience, Blarney Woollen Mills and Waterford Crystal Factory; full sightseeing program with professional Irish driver/guide; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; and all taxes and service charges.

For full details, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

January 14, 2008

55+ Travelers Qualify for 2008 Discounts on Vacations to Ireland, Britain and Italy

Mature travelers (age 55 and over) can save $150 per couple (or $75 per person) on more than 115 escorted vacation departures to Ireland, Britain, or Italy in 2008 by participating in CIE Tours International's "55 & Smiling" discount program.

For example, the $75 discount is valid on seven departures of CIE's new Emerald Isle vacation, a fully escorted 13-day vacation that covers the coastal circuit of Ireland, priced from $2,098 land-only or from $2,578 including airfare from New York, Boston, Washington, and Orlando, or from $2,680 from Los Angeles and San Francisco. The mature traveler discount applies to departures on April 6, May 11, June 15, July 13, August 17, September 21, and October 19.

Conducted at a leisurely pace, with many two-night hotel stays, the itinerary provides a kaleidoscope of the most scenic parts of Ireland, starting and finishing at Dublin, and taking in Glendalough, Kildare, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Cong, Connemara, Knock, Sligo, Belleek, Donegal, Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim, Belfast, Downpatrick and Tyrellstown.

The price covers deluxe and superior first class hotel rooms with private bath for 11 nights; 11 full Irish breakfasts; 10 dinners including a dinner/show in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; walking tours of Kinsale and Derry; The Quiet Man walking tour of Cong; ferry rides across the River Shannon and Strangford Lough; catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour; horse-drawn jaunting car ride; fully escorted sightseeing tour including all admission fees; service charges, baggage handling, and taxes.

The $75 discounts are also offered on 9 departures of the 10-day Irish Legends tour; 7 departures of the 13-day Irish Classic tour; 8 departures of 10-day Irish Explorer; 7 departures of the 11-day Irish Gold tour; 9 departures of 12-day Irish Odyssey; 7 departures of the 14-day Irish Tradition; 5 departures of the 12-day Atlantic Coast & Islands ; 7 departures of 15-day British & Irish Grandeur; 6 departures on 15-day British & Irish Voyager; 8 departures on 13- or 14-day British & Irish Jaunt, 5 departures of the 12-day Scottish Isles & Glens; 9 departures of the 11- or 12-day Taste of Scotland & Ireland; 9 departures of the 14- or 15-day Scottish & Irish Dream; 6 departures of the 14-day Irish Spirit & London; as well 8 departures of the 11-day Italian Tradition.

Early booking is essential, since discounts are limited to the first 15 seats requested for each date. Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

December 12, 2007

Combine Prague, Vienna and Budapest Into One Escorted Tour Vacation - Introductory Prices in January-March from $1,399

Long known for vacation programs to Ireland and Britain, CIE Tours International is branching out to Eastern Europe in 2008, combining the historic and popular cities of Prague, Vienna and Budapest into one new 11-day escorted tour vacation, with introductory prices in January through March from $1,399 land-only or from $2,072 from New York or Boston, or from $2,153 from Chicago. Higher rates, from $1,958 land-only, prevail from April 3rd onward.

The new Eastern Europe tour, known simply as Prague, Vienna & Budapest, provides the best of three capitals, with relaxing three-night stays at first class hotels in each city (the Ambassador in Prague; Savoy or Ananas in Vienna; and the Mercure Korona in Budapest). Departures are scheduled for selected Thursdays, January 17 through October 30.

The itinerary offers activities that aim to impart the ambiance and cultural highlights of Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, such as visits to landmark palaces and castles, a Strauss & Mozart Concert in Vienna, an opera performance in Prague, a walk around Prague's Old Town, a Czech folkloric dinner, and dinner at a "csarda" restaurant in Budapest.

The price includes hotel accommodations with private bath for nine nights; nine buffet breakfasts and three dinners; entertainment and sightseeing including admissions to Royal Castle of Hradcany, St. Vitus Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Kunsthistorische Museum, Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church; sightseeing by luxury motorcoach with professional tour director; all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or visit www.cietours.com.

December 5, 2007

Begin 2008 with a Bargain - A Week in Ireland From $699

Ring in the New Year with a visit to one of Europe's friendliest countries. Take to the open road, meet the people, and explore Ireland at your own pace on a CIE Tours International self-drive vacation, starting at $699 for travel in January-February or $799 in March-April including airfare from JFK-NY, Boston or Washington, DC, to Shannon or Dublin.

The first night is pre-booked at a first class hotel in the Shannon or Dublin area, followed by five nights of staying at friendly B&B homes with private bath/shower and full Irish breakfast daily, on a go-as-you-please basis with a choice of more than 1,700 approved homes (1,400 town and country homes or 300 farmhouses).

In addition to airfare and accommodations, the price includes a voucher for an open-top bus tour of Dublin, the rental of a current model Hertz car for six days with standard shift (or an automatic car, at additional cost); third party insurance, unlimited mileage, and government tax (VAT) on car rental; service charges and all local taxes.

Passengers also receive an Ireland guidebook with map (one per car); a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 2-for-1 admissions to attractions; and accommodations directories; and a Waterford Crystal Factory guided tour with 10% discount on purchases at the factory retail shop.

To suit every taste, starting in March, CIE Tours is also offering self-drive vacations designed for travelers who want the luxury of hotels with confirmed reservations each night as well as the freedom to create their own itinerary. Select from two pre-set land-only itineraries with a choice of first class or superior first class hotels. Prices start at $598 for six nights or from $828 for eight nights. And for those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else, chauffeur-driven vehicles are available, either for a couple, or for a small group of 8 or more in a minibus.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

November 14, 2007

Just three months till Valentine's Day: Give the gift of "Romantic Ireland" For Valentine's Day or Any Day

Looking for a special present to give to your loved one for Valentine's Day? CIE Tours International is offering a new Romantic Ireland vacation, a 9-day/7-night escorted trip to the most romantic settings of the Emerald Isle, priced from $1,298 for land only or from $1,744 with airfare from New York-JFK, Boston, Washington or Orlando; or from $1,868 from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Departures are available soon after Valentine's Day, starting March 3 and continuing through November 29, on Mondays and most Saturdays.

Ideal for a honeymoon or anniversary trip, this vacation focuses on the scenic south and west coasts of Ireland, starting and ending in Dublin, and visiting Galway, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford and Kilkenny.

Designed with traveling twosomes in mind, the itinerary stays in romantic old world deluxe hotels, with candlelight dinners or pub and restaurant meals/music, and includes a horse drawn jaunting car ride, ferry ride across the Shannon River, kissing the Blarney Stone, tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory, and admissions to Kylemore Abbey, Clonmacnoise, Muckross House & Gardens, and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

The price covers deluxe and superior first class hotel accommodations in rooms with private bath for 7 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; 6 dinners including romantic Killeen House Hotel in Killarney, and dinner with entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub or the Abbey Tavern in Dublin; full sightseeing program with professional Irish driver/guide; welcome get-together drink; and all taxes and service charges.

For full details, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

November 10, 2007

Explore Eastern Europe in 2008 On an Escorted Tour with an Irish Twist

Long synonymous with vacations to Ireland and Britain, CIE Tours International is extending its expertise eastward in 2008, with a new program of 11 escorted tours going to Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Dalmatian Coast, the Baltics, and Russia. Leading the list is the Eastern European Explorer, a 10-day/11-night escorted tour of Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, priced at $1,428 for land only, or from $2,187 with airfare from New York-JFK or from $2,389 with airfare from Los Angeles.

The itinerary, which includes relaxing two-night stays in the cities of Vienna, Budapest, Cracow and Warsaw, also takes in the scenic countryside of Austria, the Transdandubian region, the Slovakian hills, the Tatra Mountains, and the great agricultural plains of Poland. Highlights include sightseeing tours with local guides in Vienna, Budapest, Cracow and Warsaw, as well as visits/admissions to Hofburg Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Fisherman's Bastion, Matthaias Church, the Royal Cathedral and Yasna Gora Monastery.

The price includes first class hotel accommodations with private bath for eight nights; eight buffet breakfasts and four dinners; all admissions as specified in the itinerary; sightseeing by luxury motorcoach with the services of a professional tour director; all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap.

Departures commence on May 16 and continue every second Friday through October 3.

In addition to escorted tours of Eastern Europe, CIE Tours is also launching a series of hosted vacations based in cities, such as Imperial Cities of Eastern Europe (three nights each in Budapest, Vienna and Prague); Budapest & Prague (three nights in each city); and The Best of Croatia (3 nights in Dubrovnik and two nights each in Split and Zagreb).

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or visit www.cietours.com.

October 5, 2007

CIE Tours International Introduces 2008 Program: Ireland, Britain, Italy, European River Cruising Plus New Eastern Europe Escorted Tour - 100-Page Brochure Offers 50 Vacations including 11 New Tours

CIE Tours International has launched its largest-ever vacation program, Ireland, Britain, with a Taste of Europe 2008, in a new 100-page brochure, for a total of 50 different vacation choices including 11 brand new tours, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

The 2008 program includes 24 escorted coach tours of Ireland, ranging in duration from 6 to 14 days, and including six new tours; eight escorted tours combining Ireland with Britain, ranging in duration from 10 to 15 days, and including two new tours; seven escorted tours of Britain, ranging in duration from 6 to 12 days; three escorted tours of Italy, ranging in duration from 6 to 11 days, and including two new tours; and a selection of deluxe European River Cruises. In addition, CIE Tours is adding Eastern Europe to its repertoire, with a new 11-day escorted tour of Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

The program also provides four types of independent vacations in Ireland, featuring go-as-you-please and pre-booked self-drives, based Dublin City itineraries, and elegant pre-booked hotels (castles/manors/resorts); and two independent vacations in Britain, with itineraries based London or Edinburgh.

"This large selection of travel programs - including new Eastern Europe escorted tours and Danube cruises, along with our expanded programs into Italy - is building on a very successful business year for CIE Tours," Stack states.

For information about the CIE Tours International vacation program for 2008 or to request supplies of brochures, contact CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

September 21, 2007

Meet the Irish People on an "Irish Welcome" Tour

From now through December 6th, CIE Tours International is celebrating its 75th anniversary by offering money-saving deals for fall/winter departures of its 8-day/6-night/11-meal escorted Irish Welcome vacation. Land-only prices start at $958; or from $1,256 from New York/Boston or from $1,292 from Chicago. Departures are on Thursdays and some Saturdays.

The Irish Welcome gives travelers the experience of real Irish hospitality by staying three nights in Irish homes (two nights in Killarney and one night in Waterford), with the best of traditional cooking and time to chat with host families, as well as overnights at superior and first class hotels in Dublin (two nights) and Bunratty (one night).

The itinerary starts at Shannon and takes in Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Listowel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Dublin.

Activities include a tour/tasting at the Guinness Storehouse; city sightseeing tour of Dublin with local guide; "Titanic"-themed walking tour of Cobh; ferry ride across the Shannon River; and admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Experience, Waterford Crystal Factory, and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

The price covers accommodations in rooms with private bath for 6 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; 5 dinners including a medieval banquet with entertainment at a castle, dinner/show at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the Gap of Dunloe, Abbey Tavern dinner with ballad session, and two Irish home-style dinners; full sightseeing program with professional Irish driver/guide; welcome get-together drink; and all taxes and service charges.

An alternative 10-day trip, adding 2 nights at the Galway Bay Hotel, 2 dinners, and sightseeing in the West of Ireland to the itinerary, costs from an additional $225 per person.

For full details, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

September 14, 2007

For Warm Hospitality in Fall/Winter, Join an Irish Pub & Folk Tour from $848

With cool fall/winter weather settling in, there are no better places for warm hospitality than Ireland's pubs. From now through December 13th, CIE Tours International is offering the Irish Pub & Folk Tour, a fully escorted 8-day vacation, priced from $848 for land-only or from $1,146 including airfare from New York-JFK or Boston, or from $1,182 from Chicago, for all sightseeing, first class hotel accommodations, most meals, entertainment, and visits to some of Ireland's best pubs. Departures run weekly on Thursdays.

Visiting Ireland's pubs is not only one of the best ways to enjoy the country, but also to get to know the people. Pubs are the local meeting places and hubs of Irish social life -- for music, dancing, or chatting about the events of the day. And Ireland's pubs are also smoke-free.

The itinerary, which begins in Dublin and ends at Shannon, goes to Cashel, Blarney, Kinsale, Macroom, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, The Burren, Connemara and Galway.

Activities include tours/tastings at the Guinness Storehouse, Old Jameson Distillery; walking tour and "ghost tour" of Kinsale; Shannon River ferry ride; free time for individual pub visits; and admissions to Dublin Castle, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, new Cliffs of Moher Centre, and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory.

The price covers accommodations for six nights at first class hotels with private bath/shower; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including a dinner and ballad session at the Abbey Tavern in Dublin; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach and the services of a professional driver/guide; all admission charges as outlined in the itinerary; and all local taxes and service charges.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

September 5, 2007

BRIAN W. STACK PROMOTED TO TOP MANAGEMENT POST WORLDWIDE AT CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International, has been named to the top management post as Managing Director of CIE Tours International. He will be responsible for the worldwide operations of CIE Tours, and will continue to be based in Morristown, NJ. The appointment takes effect at the end of September following the retirement of the company's current managing director, Brian Dowling in Dublin.

In the 17 years since Brian Stack took over the helm of CIE Tours International in North America, the company has grown to be Ireland's leading tour operator and is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary. CIE Tours offers over 45 escorted, self-drive, and independent vacations from North America including 20 escorted coach tours of Ireland, ranging in duration from 7 to 14 days; seven escorted tours combining Ireland with Britain, from 10 to 15 days; seven escorted tours of Britain, from 6 to 12 days; three escorted tours of Italy, from 8 to 11 days; over a dozen European River cruises, from 9 to 16 days; four types of independent vacations in Ireland, featuring self-drive, based itineraries, or castles and deluxe hotel packages; and three choices of independent self-drive or based vacations in Britain.

In addition, Stack's new worldwide portfolio will include overseeing and marketing CIE Tours International's extensive program out of Ireland to the US, Canada, Europe, Africa etc., as well as inbound operations from Britain, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, Japan, and will be expanding to China and other areas.

A native of Dublin, Ireland, Brian Stack brings over 35 years of varied experience to his new role. He launched his travel career in the late 1960's with Aer Lingus in Britain and remained with the airline for 10 years. He spent the following decade in executive positions with the Irish Tourist Board (now Tourism Ireland) both in Ireland and in the US.

In addition to his work in the Irish travel field, Mr. Stack has a broad background with American companies. In 1984, he was named Vice President of Marketing for the Ocean Reef Club, a 4,000-acre resort in Key Largo, FL., and in 1989, he founded Stack International, a New York-based specialist marketing service that represented a diverse range of clients, from the Ocean Reef Club and the St. James Club, to The Homestead of Virginia, Doyle Hotels of Dublin, and Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny. In November of 1990, he was named to his current position as President of CIE Tours International.

Throughout his career, Brian Stack has also been a leader in the travel industry including serving in 2004 as Chairman of the United States Tours Operators Association (USTOA), the major travel industry organization of tour operators conducting business in the US.

He has also served a two-year term as President of SITE (Society of Incentive Travel Executives). He was both the first Irishman and the first European to head this international group. His awards over the years have included "Man of the Year" for the Incentive Travel Industry, and "International Executive of the Year" by the organizers of the World Congress on Marketing and Incentive Travel.

Mr. Stack is also active in many organizations in the US serving as a vice president and board member of the Ireland - US Council, a business organization, and as a director of the Irish American Cultural Institute, a charitable foundation.

For more information about Brian Stack and CIE Tours International, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

August 20, 2007

Keep Travel Costs Down: Take an "Irish Spirit" Tour in the Fall

Here's a real money-saver for Fall travel. In November, CIE Tours International is offering a fully escorted 8-day "Irish Spirit" tour priced from $798 land-only or from $1,096 including airfare from New York or Boston; or from $1,132 from Chicago.

Departures run weekly on Wednesdays and some Fridays. The December prices are even lower - $748 land-only and $1,046 from New York or $1,082 from Chicago. These Fall prices represent big savings over summer travel - approximately $400 (land-only) and $800 (air/land).

Designed to cover the major highlights of Ireland, this tour visits Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway and Connemara.

Activities include tour of Dublin with a local guide; tour and a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin's highest pub; kissing the Blarney Stone; and a Shannon River ferry ride. The price also includes admissions to St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Blarney Castle, Skellig Experience, Cliffs of Moher and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory.

Although there's never a dull moment, the pace is relaxed with three 2-night hotel stays - at the Mespil Hotel, Dublin; Killarney Towers Hotel; and the Courtyard Marriott, Galway.

The price provides first class hotel accommodations with private bath for six nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; and five dinners including "Shindig" dinner/show at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

July 31st, 2007

"Early Birds" Get the Best Deals in Ireland: Plan a Week's Vacation Now for 2008 from $699

Planning ahead for travel to Ireland in 2008 can save money. Book now for a CIE Tours International one week self-drive vacation, starting at $699 in January and February or from $799 in March including airfare from JFK-NY or Boston to Shannon or Dublin.

Take to the open road and tour the Emerald Isle at your own pace, driving a current model Hertz car with standard shift (or an automatic car, at additional cost). The price includes third party insurance, unlimited mileage, and government tax (VAT) on car rental.

The first night is pre-booked at the Bunratty Castle Hotel near Shannon or at Jurys Custom House Inn Dublin (or similar hotels), followed by five nights staying at friendly B&B homes with private bath/shower and full Irish breakfast, on a go-as-you-please basis with a choice of more than 1,700 approved homes (1,400 town and country homes or 300 farmhouses).

The price, based on a six-night stay, also includes service charges and all local taxes.

Passengers also receive an Ireland guidebook with pull-out map (one per car); a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 2-for-1 admissions to attractions; and accommodations directories.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

July 2nd, 2007

Stay at a 12th Century Castle in Dublin On a 10-Day "Irish Explorer" Vacation

From Blarney to Belleek, Dublin to Donegal, and the Lakes of Killarney to Lough Erne, CIE Tours International's 10-day "Irish Explorer" tour presents the prime sightseeing highlights of Ireland at an affordable price topped by a night in a castle, from $1,168 for land-only, or $1,466 from New York or Boston or from $1,502 from Chicago. Departures are weekly on Saturdays now through November 10th.

This fully escorted tour covers a complete circuit of Ireland - east, south, west and northwest, at a relaxing pace with many 2-night stays at hotels, and ending with a farewell dinner and overnight at Clontarf Castle in Dublin, dating back to the 12th century and now a 4-star hotel.

Commencing and ending in Dublin, the itinerary goes to the Boyne Valley, Enniskillen, Belleek, Donegal, Killybegs, Glencolumbkille, Ardara, Ballybofey, Sligo, Galway, Cong, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, and Cashel.

Activities include kissing the Blarney Stone; a tour of Dublin with local guide; guided tour of Newgrange or Knowth passage graves; "Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong; and ferry ride across the Shannon River.

In addition to airfare, the cost includes accommodations in superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 8 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; 7 dinners including dinner/traditional entertainment at Kate Kearney's Cottage and finale dinner at Clontarf Castle; welcome get-together drink; visits and admissions to Dublin Castle, Boyne Valley Visitor Centre, Belleek Pottery Factory, Donegal Castle, W.B. Yeats' Grave, Knock Shrine, Ballintubber Abbey, Connemara Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House and Blarney Castle; sightseeing in luxury motorcoach, with the services of a professional Irish tour director; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; baggage handling, local taxes and hotel service charges.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

June 27th, 2007

Explore the Highlands & Lowlands of Scotland including the famed "Edinburgh Military Tattoo"

A performance of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a guaranteed highlight of the Scottish Dream vacation (for departures July 28 through August 18), offered by CIE Tours International and priced at $1,758 for land-only or from $2,464 via British Airways from JFK or Newark; or from $2,720 via British Airways from San Francisco or Los Angeles.

In addition to coveted seats at the Tattoo, this 9-day/7-night vacation provides an in-depth experience of Scotland from its cities to remote islands. Conducted at a leisurely pace with mostly two-night hotel stays, the itinerary blends castles, gardens, palaces, and great houses with a panorama of rural countryside.

Scenic highlights range from a cruise on Loch Lomond and a ferry excursion to the Isle of Mull, to touring Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Dee Valley, St. Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

In addition to airfare, the cost covers superior first class hotel rooms with private bath/shower for seven nights; full Scottish breakfast daily; six dinners including a Scottish banquet with entertainment; reserved seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo; welcome get-together drink; tea and freshly home-baked scones; sightseeing via luxury motorcoach with professional driver/guide and local guides; admissions and visits to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Duart Castle, Culloden Battlefield, Crathes Castle, Glamis Castle, St. Andrews and Edinburgh Castle; and all hotel service charges and taxes.

Besides the Tattoo performance departures, the Scottish Dream operates throughout the summer and fall, weekly on Saturdays and most Mondays, from now through October 20th.

For full information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

June 21st, 2007

Cruise the Danube With Irish Hospitality

Long known for its award-winning tours of Ireland and Britain, CIE Tours International is making a big splash in European waters in 2008 by offering a dozen choices for European river cruises. Leading the list is The Legendary Danube, a 9-day/7-night vacation that starts in Prague and includes a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. Prices start at $1,499 for land only.

Departures are on Fridays and some Saturdays, beginning April 11, 2008, and continuing through November 17, 2008.

The itinerary, which includes all meals on board the ship, meanders through medieval Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna, and ends at Budapest. Highlights include folklore dances, lectures, theme dinners, on board music performances, and afternoon and evening piano music, as well as crossing the Continental Divide, a Benedictine Abbey Tour in Melk, the Main/Danube Canal, Wachau Valley cruise, an optional excursion to Salzburg and an optional evening concert in Vienna.

A longer 12-day version of the The Legendary Danube begins with three nights in Prague followed by the cruise, from $2,074. Reverse itineraries of both cruises are also available.

In addition, CIE Tours is offering a variety of other European river cruises that explore the waters of the Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers as well as the Black Sea.

All cruises provide deluxe accommodations, full breakfasts, dinners and lunches on board ships, quality wines with dinners, cocktail reception on first night, sightseeing activities as outlined in itineraries, and onboard amenities such as fitness center, massage and beauty salon.

For information, contact CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

May 23rd, 2007

Vacation in Ireland for a Week: Airfare/Car/Lodgings From $744

For travelers planning to visit the Emerald Isle, the price is right for a Fall visit. Take to the open road and tour Ireland on a CIE Tours International self-drive vacation, starting at $744 in October or $810 in September including airfare from JFK-NY or Boston to Dublin. Rates are slightly higher for June, July and August.

The price, based on a minimum six-night stay, includes first night pre-booked at the Mont Clare Hotel in Dublin, and five night accommodations on a go-as-you-please basis at a choice of more than 1,700 bed and breakfast homes in rooms with private bath/shower and full Irish breakfast; use of a Hertz self-drive car with standard shift (or an automatic car, at additional cost), third party insurance, unlimited mileage, and government tax (VAT) on car rental; service charges, and all local taxes.

Passengers also receive an Ireland guidebook with pull-out map (one per car); a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 2-for-1 admissions to attractions; accommodations directories; and a Waterford Crystal Factory guided tour with 10% discount on purchases at the factory retail shop.

In addition, new this year, CIE Tours is offering a selection of pre-booked self-drive vacations designed for travelers who want the freedom to create their own sightseeing itinerary, combined with the certainty of confirmed hotels each night. Select from three pre-set itineraries with a choice of two hotel categories. Travel from one place to the next and with mainly two-night stays, and enjoy a more leisurely pace on this vacation. Each tour is offered at two price levels - Bronze hotels (3- and 4-star properties) or Gold (4- and 5-star properties), starting at $598 land-only for 8 nights.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

May 16th, 2007

Experience "Irish Heritage" On 8-Day Escorted Vacation

Appealing to Americans of every lineage, CIE Tours International is offering its most popular vacation - the "Irish Heritage" tour - from $998 for land-only or from $1,296 including airfare from New York or Boston, or from $1,332 from Chicago.

Guaranteed departures are slated throughout the summer and fall through December 8th on Fridays and Wednesdays. This is one of over 45 different vacations featured in CIE Tours' 100-page brochure, Ireland, Britain, Italy & European River Cruising 2008.

Focusing on the scenic highlights of the Emerald Isle, the itinerary takes in the Clare coast and the Cliffs of Moher, Shannon River Estuary, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney and the port of Cobh, as well as the cities of Dublin, Waterford, and Kilkenny.

Activities include kissing the Blarney Stone, traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride around Killarney's Lakes, visit to an Irish farmhouse for tea and scones, whiskey tasting and tour of Old Jameson Distillery, guided walking tour of Waterford city; and admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Cobh Heritage Centre, Muckross House & Gardens, Waterford Crystal Factory, and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

In addition to airfare, the price covers superior first class hotel accommodations for six nights with private bath/shower, full Irish breakfasts each day, five dinners including a medieval banquet at a 15th century Irish castle and dinner/entertainment in Dublin, welcome get-together drink, fully escorted sightseeing program, all baggage handling, government taxes, and hotel service charges. It is also possible to extend this tour by one extra day/night to visit Galway, Connemara, and Clonmacnoise, for an additional fee starting at $128 per person.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

April 2nd, 2007

Travel Around Ireland's Southern Coast On an 8-Day "Irish Discovery" Vacation

Kiss the Blarney Stone, feast at a medieval castle banquet, see Waterford Crystal in-the-making, step on board a 19th century emigrant ship, and cruise across the Shannon River -- these are just a few of the experiences featured on CIE Tours International's 8-day fully escorted "Irish Discovery" vacation, priced from $1,098 land-only or from $1,488 including airfare from JFK-NY or Boston; or from $1,538 from Chicago. Departures are weekly on Sundays, April 15th through October 21st.

Designed for travelers who want to visit the "not-to-be-missed" sites and scenery, this one-week trip provides a leisurely tour of the southern Irish coastline, starting in Dublin, the Irish capital, and taking in Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Cobh, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Bunratty, and ending in Shannon.

The cost covers accommodations in superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 6 nights; 6 full Irish breakfasts; 5 dinners including a medieval banquet at 15th century Bunratty Castle and an Irish cabaret/dinner in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; ferry ride across the River Shannon; walking tour of Waterford; admissions to The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Dunbrody emigrant ship, Waterford Crystal Factory, Cobh Heritage Centre, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach and the services of a professional tour director; service charges and local taxes; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap.

This tour also departs from Los Angeles via Aer Lingus, and starting in September and October, it will be available from Aer Lingus' new gateways of Orlando, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

March 7th, 2007

"Mystical Ireland" Vacation Combines Best of Ireland with Northern Ireland

In the unifying spirit of St. Patrick's Day, CIE Tours International is offering Mystical Ireland, a 9-day fully escorted tour that combines Dublin with the northern and western coasts of the Emerald Isle. The price starts at $1,198 for land-only or from $1,542 including airfare from New York or Boston; or from $1,585 from Chicago. Departures begin April 6 and run weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays, through October 31.

The itinerary begins in Dublin and provides two days/nights in the Irish capital including a visit to Glendalough, and then travels via Drogheda, Newry, and the Mountains of Mourne to Downpatrick, Belfast, Glens of Antrim, Derry, Donegal, Sligo, Westport, Connemara, Cong, Galway, the Clare Coast with a visit to the new Cliffs of Moher Centre, and Bunratty.

Activities include a catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord; ferry ride across Strangford Lough; "Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong; tour of Belfast with a local guide; and a walking tour of Derry with a local guide.

The price covers superior first class hotel accommodations in rooms with private bath/shower for 7 nights, full Irish breakfast daily, 6 dinners including dinner/entertainment at the Abbey Tavern Dublin and a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle; welcome get-together drink; fully escorted sightseeing program with Irish tour director; admissions to Dublin Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre, St. Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, Mount Stewart House and Gardens, Giant's Causeway, Triona Designs, Donegal Castle and the Cliffs of Moher; service charges, tips, and taxes; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

March 2nd, 2007

Participate in the Fun of St. Patrick's Day At Any Time of Year in Ireland - Join an Irish Pub & Folk Tour from $848

With St. Patrick's Day almost here, CIE Tours International is offering a vacation that celebrates the "wearing of the green" well beyond March 17th - the Irish Pub & Folk Tour, a fully escorted 8-day vacation, priced from $848 for land-only or from $1,146 including airfare from New York-JFK or Boston, or from $1,182 from Chicago, for all sightseeing, first class hotel accommodations, most meals, entertainment, and visits to some of Ireland's best pubs. Departures are now under way and run weekly on Thursdays through December 13th.

Visiting Ireland's pubs is one of the best ways to enjoy the country and to get to know the people. Pubs are the local meeting places and hubs of Irish social life -- for music, dancing, or chatting about the events of the day. And Ireland's pubs are also smoke-free.

The itinerary, which begins in Dublin and ends at Shannon, goes to Cashel, Blarney, Kinsale, Macroom, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, The Burren, Connemara and Galway.

Activities include tours/tastings at the Guinness Storehouse, Old Jameson Distillery; walking tour and ghost tour of Kinsale; Shannon River ferry ride; free time for individual pub visits; and admissions to Dublin Castle, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, new Cliffs of Moher Centre, and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory.

The price covers accommodations for six nights at first class hotels with private bath/shower; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including a dinner and ballad session at the Abbey Tavern in Dublin; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach and the services of a professional driver/guide; all admission charges as outlined in the itinerary; and all local taxes and service charges.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

February 20th, 2007

Savor The Traditions of Italy On 11-Day Escorted Tour

Focusing on the best of Italy's past and present, CIE Tours International is offering "Italian Tradition," an 11-day/9 night fully escorted tour of Italy, priced from $2,488 for land-only or with airfare from $2,948 from New York or Boston or $2,962 from Chicago. Departures run twice-monthly on Saturdays, from March 10th through November 10th.

An ideal vacation for first-time visitors to Italy, this tour stays at 4-star hotels and covers all the must-see destinations from Venice to Rome including Florence, Bologna, Tuscany, Assisi, Siena, Monte Cassino, Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, and Naples. Each tour is accompanied by a professional English-speaking tour escort who is not only a guide, but also a companion who explains local customs and menus choices, arranges VIP entry into attractions, and smoothes the itinerary path every step of the way.

The price includes superior first class (4-star) hotels, all centrally located with uniquely Italian ambiance, for 9 nights (including relaxing 2-night stays at the Hotel Residenza Cannaregio in Venice, Hotel Cavour in Florence, Hotel Jolly in Naples, and Hotel Visconti Palace in Rome, and a night at the Hotel Subasio mountain-top resort in Assisi); nine buffet breakfasts and five dinners including a farewell dinner at a typical Roman restaurant; and a welcome get-together with a glass of prosecco, Venetian wine.

The following activities are also provided: local walking tours in Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi and Rome; half-day tour of Vatican Museums; roundtrip ferry transport to the Isle of Capri and cable car ride to Anacapri with local guide; and complete sightseeing program with paid admissions to Basilica San Marco, Doges' Palace, Accademia Gallery, St. Francis Basilica, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Monte Cassino, and Pompeii.

As an added incentive for seniors, travelers over 55 can avail of a "55 & Smiling" discount of $75 per person ($150 per couple) for departures on March 10, April 14, May 5, June 9, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, and November 10.

This is the second year that CIE Tours International, a company with 75 years of experience in providing tours of Ireland & Britain, is operating tours into Italy.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

February 16th, 2007

Drive Carefree Around the Emerald Isle with Hotels Pre-Booked in Key Locations

Taking to the open road in a self-drive car has long been one of the special joys of travel in Ireland, although picking a place to stay can sometimes be daunting. Now CIE Tours International has come to the rescue with a new series of pre-booked self-drive vacations, priced from $598 land-only for 8 days. Departures are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, now through November 28.

These new pre-booked self-drive vacations are designed for travelers who want the freedom to create their own sightseeing itinerary, combined with the certainty of confirmed hotels each night. Travelers can select from three pre-set itineraries with a choice of two hotel categories so they can easily travel from one place to the next and with mainly two-night stays to give a more leisurely aspect to the tour. Each tour is offered at two price levels - Bronze hotels (3- and 4-star properties) or Gold (4- and 5-star properties). The itinerary choices are:

"Emerald Sampler" - 8 days/6 nights - from $598 land-only, provides a night in Bunratty or Ennis, two nights in Killarney, one night in Waterford, and two nights near Dublin.

"Emerald Escape" - 10 days/8 nights - from $796 land-only, with two nights at Galway, Dingle, Cork and Kilkenny.

"Emerald Dream" - 15 days/13 nights - from $1,298 land-only, a complete coastal tour of Ireland, with two nights at a castle or manor house near Dublin, and at hotels in Waterford, Killarney, Galway, Westport, Derry with a final night at a hotel or castle near Dublin.

All of these vacations include use of a Hertz rental car with unlimited mileage, VAT and collision damage waiver, theft protection and third party insurance; free pick-up and drop-off at Shannon or Dublin; pre-booked rooms with bath at first class hotels (3- and 4-star properties) or superior first class hotels (4- or 5-star properties); full Irish breakfast daily; guide to Ireland with map (one per car); booklet with discounts to attractions; hotel service charges and all taxes.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

February 7th, 2007

Live Like a King or Queen at a Castle in Ireland

Living like a king or queen in a castle is one of the perks of CIE Tours International's Irish Supreme tour, a 10-day fully escorted vacation, priced from $2,098 for land-only or from $2,396 including airfare from New York-JFK or Boston, or from $2,432 from Chicago, with accommodations for two nights at Ireland's legendary 5-star resort, Ashford Castle in Cong, Co. Mayo. Departures are weekly on Thursdays, March 15th through November 22nd.

The itinerary, which starts and finishes in Dublin, follows a coastal circuit visiting the highlights of Ireland's east, south, and west coasts including Wicklow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Galway, Connemara, and Mayo.

In addition to the two nights at Ashford Castle, accommodations are provided in the following deluxe manor house hotels: Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny; Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney; Carton House, Maynooth, and the Berkeley Court Hotel in Dublin.

The price covers deluxe accommodations for 8 nights, 8 full Irish breakfasts; welcome cocktail reception; 7 dinners including a private dinner at Malahide Castle, dinner at the prize-winning Killeen House Restaurant in Killarney, and a farewell dinner at Carton House; ferry ride across the Shannon River; horse drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; catamaran cruise on Killary Fjord; sightseeing program via luxury coach with professional Irish tour director; admissions to Dublin Castle, the National Gallery, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross House, and the Cliffs of Moher; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, and luggage tags and strap; service charges; tips, and all local taxes.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

January 18th, 2007

Tour Britain & Ireland in Grand Style On Two Week Deluxe Escorted Vacation

Focusing on the luxuriant highlights of four countries - England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, the 15-day "Irish & British Grandeur" vacation is available from CIE Tours International, priced from $2,598 for land-only or with airfare from $3,040 from New York or Newark, or from $3,204 from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Departures will be weekly on Saturdays from April 21 through October 20.

The itinerary presents in-depth sightseeing in four capital cities - London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin, along with a variety of countryside attractions including castles, stately houses, and gardens, plus Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, the Crown Jewels of England and Scotland, and the Stone of Destiny.

Conducted at a leisurely pace, with many two-night hotel stays, the itinerary provides a kaleidoscope of the most scenic areas of all four countries, starting in London, and taking in Cambridge, York, Chester, Bath, Stonehenge and the Lake District of England; Cardiff and North and South Wales; Edinburgh and Moffat in Scotland; and Dublin, Kildare, Cashel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford and Rosslare in Ireland.

The price covers round trip ferry transportation between Wales and Ireland; deluxe and superior first class hotel rooms with private bath for 13 nights; 10 full breakfasts and 3 continental breakfasts in London; 8 dinners including a Scottish Cabaret and dinner in Edinburgh and an Irish Cabaret and dinner in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; tea and scones at a farmhouse near Cashel; walking tours of York and Chester with local guides; and reserved seats at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (for departures August 4 to 18).

The following activities and admissions are also included: Tower of London, York Minster, Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Abbotsford House, Edinburgh Castle, Moffat Woollen Mills, Chester Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, Muckross House, Blarney Woollen Mills, Waterford Crystal Factory, Cardiff Castle, Roman Baths & Pump Room, and Stonehenge.

CIE Tours International guarantees all 2007 land prices, once the initial deposit is paid for any tour arrangements from its current brochure or web site. CIE Tours also guarantees tour departure dates for 2007, and lists all of the guaranteed departure dates on its web site, www.cietours.com.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

December 14th, 2006

Savor Sicily with an Irish Twist from $898

After successfully launching tours into Italy last year, CIE Tours International is expanding its Italian repertoire by introducing a new one-week tour to Sicily, priced from $898 for land-only, or from $1,529 from JFK/Boston, or from $1,656 from Chicago.

Departures are on selected Saturdays, from February 17th through December 22nd.

Ideal for travelers who have been to the Italian mainland before, this itinerary concentrates on the SW Italian island of Sicily, staying at first class hotels for three nights in Taormina, two nights in Palermo and one night in Agrigento.

Activities include a tour and wine tasting in Marsala, and visits with local guides to the Benedictine Abbey of Monreale, Valley of the Temples, the slopes of Mt. Etna, and Neapolis Archaeological Park Greek Ruins in the ancient city of Syracuse.

The price includes first class hotels with private bath/shower for six nights; six buffet breakfasts; four dinners including a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Taormina; professional English-speaking tour escort; and complete sightseeing program via private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach; admissions to all attractions specified in the itinerary; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and porterage for one suitcase per person. For an extra charge, CIE Tours also offers a three-night extension to Malta.

For travelers who can stay longer, CIE Tours also offers Italian Tradition, an 11-day/9-night vacation that covers the mainland destinations of Rome, the Vatican, Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Bologna, Tuscany, Monte Cassino, Naples, Pompeii, and a boat trip to the Isle of Capri. A third choice is Italian Gourmet & Lake Tour, a leisurely-pace vacation that explores northern Italy in depth, with emphasis on gourmet food and the scenic northern lakes adjacent to the Alps and Switzerland.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

December 1st, 2006

55+ Travelers Qualify for 2007 Discounts on Vacations to Ireland & Britain or Italy

In celebration of its 75th Anniversary in 2007, CIE Tours International is offering mature travelers (age 55 and over) a $75 discount per person ($150 per couple) on 75 escorted vacation departures to Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, or Italy.

For example, the $75 discount is valid on eight departures of CIE's Irish Odyssey, a fully escorted 12-day vacation that covers the coastal circuit of Ireland, regularly priced from $1,398 for land-only or from $1,696 including airfare from New York or Boston, or from $1,732 from Chicago. The mature traveler discount applies to departures on March 4, April 15, May 18, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 21, and October 21.

Conducted at a leisurely pace, with many two-night hotel stays including a night at a castle, the itinerary provides a kaleidoscope of the most scenic parts of Ireland, starting at Dublin, and taking in 6th century Glendalough, Blarney, Cashel, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Foynes, Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Sligo, Donegal, Derry, Giant's Causeway, Omagh, Sperrin Mountains and Cavan.

The price covers superior and first class hotel rooms with private bath for 10 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; nine dinners including dinner/show at the Abbey Tavern, Bunratty Ceili, and farewell dinner at Cabra Castle; welcome get-together drink; tour of Dublin with local guide, walking tour of Derry; fully escorted sightseeing tour via luxury motorcoach including admission fees to 16 attractions; service charges, baggage handling, and taxes.

The $75 discounts are also offered on 7 departures of the 14-day Atlantic Ireland & Islands tour; 8 departures of the 13-day Irish Tradition; 7 departures of the 13-day Irish Classic; 8 departures of 10-day Irish Explorer; 7 departures of 15-day British & Irish Grandeur; 6 departures on 15-day Irish & British Voyager; 5 departures of the 12-day Scottish Islands & Glens; and 6 departures on 9-day English & Scottish Discovery, as well as two of CIE's tours of Italy - 9 departures of the 11-day Italian Tradition, and 4 departures of the 10-day Italian Lake & Gourmet.

Early booking is essential, since discounts are limited to the first 15 seats requested for each date.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

November 26th, 2006

New Escorted Tour Features Gourmet Food and Scenic Lakes of Northern Italy

After successfully branching out from Ireland and Britain into Italy last year, CIE Tours International is marking its 75th anniversary by expanding further into Italy with the Italian Gourmet & Lake vacation, a new 10-day escorted tour with emphasis on gourmet food and the scenic northern lakes adjacent to the Alps and Switzerland. Prices start at $2,198 for land-only or from $2,933 from JFK or Boston, or from $2,979 from Chicago. Departures begin on April 12th and continue on selected Thursdays through October 25th.

This leisurely-paced vacation explores northern Italy in depth, with two nights in Milan, three nights in Bologna, one night in Mantua and two nights in Stresa. Activities include a cheese-making tour; balsamic vinegar-making tour; meals at local restaurants; half-day guided walking tours of Milan, Verona, Ravenna and Bologna; two days in the lakes region with a drive around Lake Como and a full-day boat excursion on Lake Maggiore to the Stresa Islands.

The price includes the services of an English-speaking tour guide throughout the tour; transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach; superior first class hotel rooms with private bath/shower for eight nights; eight buffet breakfasts with a selection of cold dishes; six dinners including dinner in a local restaurant in Isola del Pescatori; lunch at a Parmigiano-Reggiano Factory; welcome get-together glass of wine; visits and admissions to Milan Cathedral, Castello Sforzesco, Basilica St. Appollinare and Basilica St. Vitale; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and porterage for one suitcase per person.

For more information, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

November 14th, 2006

Visit Scotland's Off-the-Beaten Path Places On New 12-Day Escorted Vacation

To coincide with its 75th anniversary, CIE Tours International is introducing the Scottish Isles & Glens vacation, a new 12-day escorted tour focusing on the off-the-beaten-path islands and remote upper Highlands of Scotland, and priced from $1,998 for land-only or from $2,493 including airfare from New York-JFK or Newark, or from $2,657 from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Departures begin May 5th and run on selected Saturdays through October 13th.

The itinerary incorporates a daytrip to the Isle of Orkney, two overnights on the Isle of Skye, and a visit to John O'Groats, the most northerly village in the British mainland, as well as visits to Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Inverness, Glen Coe, Nairn, Thurso, Ullapool, and Glasgow.

Activities include a Loch Ness boat cruise, afternoon tea with clootie dumplings, and a whisky tasting and tour of Talisker Distillery. On August 4th, 11th and 18th departures, the tour provides reserved seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The price includes superior and first class hotels for 10 nights; full Scottish breakfast daily; nine dinners including a Scottish dinner/cabaret; welcome get-together drink; ferry trip to Orkney; and visits and admissions to four castles (Edinburgh, Urquhart, Dunrobin, and Eilean Donan), plus Inverewe Gardens, Speyside Heather Centre, Culloden Visitor Centre, Skara Brae, Italian Chapel, and Spean Bridge Woollen Mills; sightseeing by luxury motorcoach with services of a professional driver/guide; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage.

For more information, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

October 18th, 2006

New 14-Day Escorted Vacation Explores the Islands of Ireland

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2007, CIE Tours International has launched its largest-ever travel program including a new Atlantic Ireland & Islands vacation. This 14-day escorted tour focuses on the Emerald Isle's Atlantic seascapes from Antrim to Kerry as well as visits to the offshore islands of Inis Mor and Achill. Prices start at $1,798 for land-only, $2,142 from JFK or Boston, or $2,185 from Chicago. Departures run on Fridays, April 6 to October 26.

The itinerary, which is the longest of CIE's 20 different escorted tours of Ireland, includes many remote scenic areas such as Malin Head, Ireland's most northerly point, and the Inishowen and Dingle Peninsulas, as well as popular places such as the Giant's Causeway, Yeats Country, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park and Bunratty.

Activities include a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; ferry rides across Lough Foyle and the River Shannon; guided walking tour of Derry; day tour to Inis Mor on the Aran Islands (April 6-Sept. 28 departures) or Connemara excursion with Quiet Man walking tour.

The price includes superior first class hotel rooms with private bath; full breakfast daily; 11 dinners including a medieval castle banquet; welcome get-together drink; admissions to Monasterboice, Armagh Cathedral, Ulster American Folk Park, Fort Dunree, Grianan of Aileach, Giant's Causeway, Tower Museum, Donegal Castle, W.B. Yeats' Grave, Museum of Country Life, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Aran Heritage Centre, Cliffs of Moher, Blasket Centre, Muckross House & Gardens, and Foynes Flying Boat Museum; sightseeing by luxury motorcoach with professional driver/guide; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges and suitcase porterage.

For more about CIE Tours' 75th Anniversary Ireland, Britain, Italy & European River Cruising 2007 vacations, contact CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

October 6th, 2006

Cruise the Danube With an Irish Twist

Marking its 75th anniversary of operating tours to Ireland, CIE Tours International is celebrating by adding a new horizon to its travel portfolio - Danube River cruising.

"We have always claimed that our coach tours are like cruises but without the water," explains Brian Stack, President of CIE Tours. "Now we are pleased to provide vacations on the famous blue waters of the Danube - travel aboard intimate deluxe ships with superb cabins, all meals with a full sightseeing program, and experienced staff and guides each step of the way."

The Legendary Danube, a 12-day/10 night vacation, begins with three nights in Prague in the Czech Republic, followed by a seven-day cruise from Nuremberg through medieval Regensburg, Passau or Salzburg, Linz, Melk, Vienna, and Budapest. A total of 23 meals are part of the package. Departures are on Wednesdays, beginning April 4 and continuing through November 14. Prices start at $1,499 for the cruise only, $2,049 for cruise and land, or $2,457 for land, cruise and air from JFK-New York.

For those with more time, CIE Tours is offering Blue Danube Discovery - a 14 day/12 night/25 meal vacation that adds two nights in Budapest. Departures are on Thursdays, beginning March 29 and continuing through to November 15. Prices start at $1,499 for cruise only, $2,399 for cruise and land, or $2,807 for land, cruise and air from JFK-New York.

All cruises provide deluxe accommodations, full breakfasts, dinners and lunches on board ships, quality wines with dinners, cocktail reception on first night of cruise, sightseeing activities, and onboard amenities. Packages with Prague or Budapest hotel stays include buffet breakfasts, city sightseeing tours, and all transfers to/from hotels and cruise docks and airports.

For information, contact CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

September 18, 2006

For a Romantic Springtime Sojourn - Indulge in an "Irish Castles & Manors" Tour

For a romantic getaway or a honeymoon next spring, treat yourself to the Irish Castles & Manors tour, an 11-day escorted vacation that focuses on the premier castles and manors in the South and North of Ireland, offered by CIE Tours International and priced from $1,898 for land-only and from $2,288 for air/land from JFK or Boston. Departures are slated on Tuesdays, starting April 17 and continuing weekly throughout 2007.

The itinerary begins with two nights at the posh Carton House, a newly restored manor house near Dublin, followed by two nights each at the Dunloe Castle Hotel, Killarney, Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Galway, and Radisson SAS Roe Park Resort in Limavady, culminating with a final night at Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin, a fairytale castle dating back to 1172.

Activities include a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, a catamaran boat cruise on Killary Fjord, a walking tour of Derry City; visits to three castles (Dublin, Blarney and Donegal), two abbeys (Kylemore and Ballintubber), and the World Heritage Site at the Giant's Causeway. Admissions are also included to Muckross House & Gardens, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Cliffs of Moher, W.B. Yeats' Grave, Tower Museum and Ulster American Folk Park.

The price provides deluxe and superior first class hotel accommodations with private bath for nine nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily and nine dinners including "Shindig" dinner/entertainment at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and dinners at top class restaurants in Killarney, Galway and Limavady, plus a farewell dinner at Clontarf Castle; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

September 8, 2006

Visit Old World Towns & Off-the-Beaten-Path Places on New 9-Day "Irish Charm" Tour

Looking for a different travel path in 2007? The old world towns of Ennis and Dingle and the medieval city of Kilkenny are featured as overnight stops on the CIE Tours International "Irish Charm" vacation, a new nine-day escorted tour of Ireland, priced from $998 for land-only or from $1,296 with airfare from New York or Boston. Departures will debut on Saturday, March 10th and run on Saturdays throughout 2007.

The itinerary also incorporates many unique activities such as a "Titanic" walking tour at Cobh, and visits to the Flying Boat Museum at Foynes, the Blasket Centre and Louis Mulcahy Pottery on the Dingle Peninsula, Kilkenny Castle, and the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens in Kildare.

In addition to the off-the-beaten-path towns, a pair of popular cities - Cork and Dublin - are also included. Other well-known activities on the itinerary range from a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney and a tour of Dublin with a local guide, to a ferry trip across the Shannon River, and visits to the Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, and Blarney Woollen Mills.

The price provides superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath for seven nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including a traditional Irish evening with dinner/entertainment at the Abbey Tavern in Dublin; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

August 29,2006

Embark on a 9-Day "Irish Adventure" from $878 - Escorted Tour, 1st Class Hotels, 13 Meals & More

Here's a "real deal" for Fall/Spring travel. CIE Tours International is offering a fully escorted nine-day "Irish Adventure" tour, priced from $878 for land-only or from $1,140 with airfare from New York or Boston. Departures run from September 12th through December 3rd and start again for the 2007 season on February 11th.

Following a coastal route around the island of Ireland, this tour visits Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway, Connemara, Sligo, Donegal, Lough Erne, and the Boyne Valley.

Activities include Dublin sightseeing tour with a local guide, tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse, walking tour of Waterford with a local guide, and a ferry ride across the Shannon River, as well as admissions to Dublin Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, Blarney Castle, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, W.B. Yeats' Grave, and the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre.

The price includes superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath for seven nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; and six dinners including a dinner/music evening at the Abbey Tavern; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, and luggage tags and luggage strap.

This tour is also available as a 10-day/8-night/14-meal vacation, with an extra night in Dublin, priced from $76 to $108 extra, depending on date.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

August 17, 2006

Experience the "Irish Spirit" on a One-Week Escorted Tour

Proving the affordability of a trip to Ireland, CIE Tours International is offering a fully escorted 8-day "Irish Spirit" tour priced from $698 land-only or from $960 including airfare from New York or Boston. Departures run weekly on Wednesdays and many Fridays, September 6th to December 6th; and Wednesdays and some Fridays, January 24th through April 27th.

Designed for budget-minded travelers eager to see the highlights of Ireland in a short time, this tour does it all - Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway and Connemara.

Activities include kissing the Blarney Stone; tour and a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin's highest pub; a Shannon River ferry ride; and a catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord (September, October and April departures only). The price also includes admissions to St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory.

Although there's never a dull moment, the pace is relaxed with three 2-night hotel stays - at the Mespil Hotel, Dublin; Killarney Towers Hotel; and Salthill Hotel, Galway.

The price provides first class hotel accommodations with private bath for six nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; and five dinners including "Shindig" dinner/show at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

June 28, 2006

Combine Three Nights in London with One Week Tour of Ireland

A three-night stay in London is paired with a week in Ireland in the "Irish Heritage & London" vacation from CIE Tours International, priced from $1,493 for land-only or from $1,941 from New York or Newark, or $2,157 from San Francisco or Los Angeles. The price includes round-trip airfare via British Airways, fully escorted sightseeing tour of Ireland, three days in London, all hotel accommodations, most meals, and air travel between the two countries.

The Ireland portion of the trip, conducted via luxury motorcoach with a professional tour director, takes in Shannon, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, Athy and Dublin. The tour provides superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for six nights; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including a medieval banquet at a 15th century castle and dinner/entertainment at the Abbey Tavern; welcome get-together drink; tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse; Shannon River ferry ride; horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; walking tour of Waterford; whiskey tasting and tour of Old Jameson Distillery; admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Muckross Gardens, Blarney Castle, Cobh Heritage Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory; and The Book of Kells at Trinity College; hotel service charges, tips and taxes; and deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap.

The three nights in London are based at the centrally located 4-star Jurys Kensington Hotel with continental breakfast daily; round-trip coach transfers to/from hotel; theater pass for selected shows; half-day sightseeing tour; and a London for Less discount card.

Departures are scheduled weekly on Fridays and most Wednesdays through December 8.

Information: CIE Tours International, web site: www.cietours.com e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com or tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR.

June 28, 2006

Limited Time or Money? Try a 5-Day "Taste of Scotland"

For travelers with limited time or money, CIE Tours International is offering a Taste of Scotland, a compact five-day/four-night escorted coach tour of Scotland, priced from $718, plus airfare from the US.

This fully escorted mini-tour is designed as a complete vacation, although it can also be used as an add-on for a visit to London, Ireland, or other transatlantic destinations.

A tour of Glasgow begins the itinerary, followed by a circular scenic route that takes in Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Fort William, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Grampian Mountains, Blair Atholl, and ending at Edinburgh.

Activities include a scenic cruise on Loch Ness, a whisky distillery tour and tasting, tour of Edinburgh with a local guide, and reserved seats at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 2-23 departures); as well as admissions to the Burrell Collection, Spean Bridge Woollen Mills, Blair Castle, and Edinburgh Castle.

The price includes accommodations for four nights in first class hotels with private bath/shower, full Scottish breakfasts, three dinners including a traditional banquet and cabaret entertainment, welcome get-together drink; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with driver/guide, hotel gratuities, and taxes; and deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap.

The tour operates weekly on Fridays and Wednesdays, through October.

Information: CIE Tours International, web site: www.cietours.com e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com or tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR.

June 5, 2006

“Irish Classic” Vacation Takes Visitors to the Four Provinces of Ireland

For an in-depth visit to the Emerald Isle, CIE Tours International is offering the Irish Classic vacation, a 13-day fully escorted tour that covers the whole island - north south, east and west, priced from $1,698 for land-only or from $1,996 including Aer Lingus airfare from New York or Boston; or from $2,024 from Chicago. Departures are scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays through October 27th.

The itinerary, which starts and finishes in the capital city of Dublin, presents a complete circular tour of all of the prime sightseeing highlights of Ireland including Downpatrick, Mountains of Mourne, Belfast, Glens of Antrim, Giant's Causeway, Derry, Bushmills, Belleek, Donegal, Sligo, Westport, Galway, Connemara, Clare Coast, The Burren, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, and Glendalough.

Activities and special experiences include a catamaran cruise of Killary Harbor; ferry ride across Strangford Lough; tour of Belfast with a local guide; walking tours in Derry and Waterford; and whiskey-tasting and tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery.

The price covers superior first class hotel accommodations in rooms with private bath/shower for 11 nights; 11 full breakfasts; 9 dinners including dinner/entertainment at the Abbey Tavern, Dublin; welcome get-together drink; complete sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with the services of a professional tour director; admissions to Dublin Castle, National Botanic Gardens, St. Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, Mount Stewart House & Gardens, Giant's Causeway, Ulster American Folk Park, Belleek Pottery, Cliffs of Moher, Essence of Kerry AV Show; Muckross House;  Cobh Heritage Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, Hook Lighthouse and Glendalough Visitor Centre; all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, and luggage tags and strap.

For more information click here, or e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com or tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR.