April 10, 2008

Croatia and Slovenia Are the Focus of - Dalmatian Sunshine Vacation from CIE Tours

Expanding its escorted tour repertoire for Eastern Europe, CIE Tours International has introduced the new Dalmatian Sunshine vacation, a 10-day/8-night escorted tour of Croatia and Slovenia, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. 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.

Interest is on the upswing for travel to the emerging destinations of Eastern Europe, Stack states. Clients are curious about these new countries with old histories, and the ageless appeal of the Dalmatian Coast a beautiful area with chains of islands close to the mainland.

The itinerary, which follows the Dalmatian coastline, 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.

Information: CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or book 24/7 on www.cietours.com.

April 3, 2008

Reserved Seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Are Featured in CIE Tours Scottish Dream Vacation

For clients requesting tickets to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo Scotlands annual must-see summer event, CIE Tours International is providing reserved seats as part of the nine-day in-depth escorted Scottish Dream vacation (for departures July 26 through August 16), according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours. The tour is priced from $1,760 for land-only or from $2,427 with airfare from NY.

The itinerary combines Scotlands castles, gardens, palaces, great houses, and panoramic countryside, with the relaxing pace of three two-night hotel stays, Stack states, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a real bonus for clients traveling in late-July to mid-August.

Hotels, which are all in the superior first class (4-star) category, include the following or similar: Thistle Hotel, Glasgow (1 night); Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Argyll (2 nights); Ardoe House Hotel, Blairs - Aberdeen (2 nights); and Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights).

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 clients with less time or money, CIE Tours also offers the Taste of Scotland, a 6 day/4 night shorter 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).

Contact CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

March 28, 2008

CIE Tours Announces $200 Client Discounts on European River Cruises for 2009

To encourage early bookings for 2009 on its popular European river cruises, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $200 per couple ($100 per person), according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

"We at CIE Tours have always claimed that our coach tours are like cruises but without the water," Stack states. "Now we also provide vacations on the blue waters of the Danube, Rhine, and Moselle, as well as the Black Sea. Clients 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."

More than a dozen different cruises are offered including The Legendary Danube, a 9-day/7-night cruise that starts in Nuremberg, priced from $1,899 for land only in 2009. The itinerary 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 for clients 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, all meals (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 book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

March 13, 2008

CIE Tours International Stresses the Affordability of Escorted Tours with All-Inclusive Guaranteed Prices

Recognizing client hesitation to book summer travel in the era of the declining dollar vs. the rising euro, CIE Tours International is pointing to the affordability of its escorted tours – providing all-inclusive guaranteed US dollar prices, so there are no surprises or extra charges subject to currency fluctuations, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

"Everything is included on escorted tours – hotels, meals, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and more," Stack states. "Once a deposit is paid, clients can be reassured that they won’t have surcharges or added expense when on vacation."

To prove his point, Stack cites 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.

Similar inclusive price deals with guaranteed departures are offered on all CIE Tours International’s vacations in Ireland as well as Ireland combined with Britain, plus Britain, Italy, Eastern Europe and European River Cruises.

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com

March 06, 2008

CIE Tours Designs Atlantic Ireland & Islands Tour To Reach the Outposts and Shorelines of the Emerald Isle

For clients seeking a broader experience of Ireland beyond Blarney and Bunratty, CIE Tours International is offering the Atlantic Ireland & Islands vacation, a 12-day escorted tour that focuses on the offshore islands of Inis Mor, Achill, and Garinish as well as the Atlantic seascapes and cliffs from Antrim to Cork, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Departures run on selected Saturdays, May 10 to October 18.

To encourage early bookings, CIE Tours is providing a discount of $300 per couple ($175 per person) 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, are subject to availability, are not combinable, and certain restrictions apply. Before the discount, prices start at $2,047 for land-only, $2,562 from JFK or Boston.

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 CIE Tours International at 800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

March 04, 2008

CIE Tours International Introduces "Irish Gold" Escorted Tour – With Relaxing 3-night Hotel Stays in Galway & Killarney

For bookings made from March 1 through 31, CIE Tours International is offering a $350 discount per couple ($175 per person) on a new escorted tour, Irish Gold, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. 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.

Designed for clients seeking a relaxing vacation, this tour provides 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 CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

February 27, 2008

CIE Tours Announces Discounts Of up to $300 per Couple for April-July Travel to Britain

For reservations made from March 1st through March 31st, CIE Tours International is offering 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, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

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; $150 discounts per couple on the 9-day Scottish Dream and the 7-day London Experience.

To obtain the discount for clients, reservations must be made by March 31 for tours departing between April 1st and July 25th, and 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 CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 on www.cietours.com.

CIE Tours Offers Discounts up to $300 per Couple On Spring/Summer Escorted Tours of Italy

To boost its growing business to Italy, CIE Tours International is giving discounts of up to $300 per couple ($150 per person) on its escorted tours to Italy, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

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 CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

February 25, 2008

CIE Tours Announces Discounts up to $400 per Couple – Book March 1st - March 31st for Spring/Summer Travel to Ireland

For reservations made from March 1st through March 31st, CIE Tours International is offering a discount of $400 per couple ($200 per person) on its deluxe Irish Supreme tour, a 10-day fully escorted vacation that includes two overnights at legendary Ashford Castle, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

Before the discount, the tour sells from $3,168 for land-only or from $3,683 including airfare from New York-JFK.

To obtain the discount for clients, 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.

Also for March bookings, CIE Tours is giving discounts on four other Ireland escorted tours as follows: $350 per couple on the 11-day Irish Gold; $300 per couple on the 13-day Emerald Isle and the 12-day Atlantic Ireland & Islands; and $150 discount on the 8-day Irish Discovery.

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

For more information, contact CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 on www.cietours.com.

February 20, 2008

CIE Tours Offers Sicilian Spirit for Spring & Fall Travel

CIE Tours International is offering the Sicilian Spirit, a new 9-day/7-night escorted vacation on April 5-13, priced at $1,454 for land-only, or from $2,541 with airfare from JFK/Boston, according to Brian Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. In addition to April, 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.

"Designed for clients seeking a different aspect of Italy, this vacation explores Sicily in depth, with opportunities for relaxing, sightseeing, and savoring the delightfully mild weather of the spring and fall months," Stack states. The itinerary stays at first class hotels for three nights in Taormina, three nights in Palermo and one night in Agrigento.

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, service charges, and porterage.

For clients 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 CIE Tours International at 800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

February 8, 2008

CIE Tours Appoints Ursula Blackburne as Director of Sales - Southwest Region

CIE Tours International has appointed Ursula Blackburne as Director of Sales for the Southwest Region of the U.S., according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The appointment is effective immediately.

"With travel to Ireland expanding rapidly from the southwest, this appointment gives CIE Tours on-site representation in these key states," explains Jim Kelly, Vice President - Sales for CIE Tours International. Mrs. Blackburne is now responsible for marketing and promoting CIE Tours in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, from her base in Houston.

A native of Ireland, Ursula has worked with CIE Tours for 14 years. She previously was East Coast Manager, covering the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

CIE Tours International, now in its 76th year of business, offers over 50 escorted coach tours of Ireland, Britain, Italy and Eastern Europe, as well as over a dozen deluxe European river cruises. The CIE Tours vacation program also provides independent self-drive and city-based vacations in Ireland, as well as independent city-based vacations in London and Edinburgh.

In meeting southwest agents, Ursula stresses the unique advantages of booking with CIE Tours. "CIE has a policy of providing "inclusive" motorcoach tours, so that our guides can focus on making their vacation a success rather than selling optional tours."

"Our well-informed guides look after clients every step of the way," she explains. "We guarantee our land tour prices once the deposit is paid. This eliminates any concerns about currency fluctuations between the dollar, pound sterling and euro."

Travel agents can reach Ursula as follows: email at u.blackburne@cietours.com; or tel: 1-281-292-5466, fax:1-281-292-7176.

For more information about CIE Tours International, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

February 4, 2008

CIE Tours International Announces $400 Discounts on Summer Travel to 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, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

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 other offers - 55 'n Smiling - save $150 per couple; Combine 2 coach tours - save $200 per couple; Youth discount - save $100 per person under 21.

To get the discount for clients, travel agents should 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.

More information: CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

January 24, 2008

CIE Tours Introduces Irish Greeting Escorted Tour Providing Clients with "Meet the People" Experiences

Combining accommodations at hotels with family home stays, CIE Tours International has launched the Irish Greeting, a new 9-day/7-night escorted tour, 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, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Departures begin March 27 and continue weekly on Thursdays through October 30.

"The focal point of the Irish Greeting is that it enables clients to experience Irish hospitality first-hand - to get to know the Irish people by staying at family homes in Killarney and Waterford and enjoying meals in each home," Stack explains. In addition, accommodations are provided at superior and first class hotels in Dublin and Galway.

"The Irish Greeting is similar to our long-successful Irish Welcome tour except that the new tour starts and finishes in Dublin instead of Shannon," Stack states. "This facilitates booking in conjunction with new flights into Dublin for 2008, as a result of the Open Skies agreement."

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.

Contact CIE Tours, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

January 15, 2008

CIE Tours Appoints Jennifer Joy Smith as Director of Sales - Western Region

CIE Tours International has appointed Jennifer Joy Smith as Director of Sales for the Western Region of the U.S., according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The appointment is effective immediately.

"With new flights to Ireland from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, this gives CIE Tours an enhanced sales force in the Western states," explains Jim Kelly, Vice President - Sales for CIE Tours International. Jennifer, who is now responsible for marketing and promoting CIE Tours in the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada and Colorado, from her base in San Francisco, joins Gregg Abbott who represents CIE Tours in Southern California.

CIE Tours International, now in its 76th year of business, offers over 50 escorted coach tours of Ireland, Britain, Italy and Eastern Europe, as well as over a dozen deluxe European river cruises. The CIE Tours vacation program also provides independent self-drive and city-based vacations in Ireland, as well as independent city-based vacations in London and Edinburgh.

Ms. Smith brings 19 years of experience in the travel industry to her new position. Prior to joining CIE Tours International, she worked for two years as Business Development Manager for the Globus Family of Brands, covering the San Francisco Bay area and Washington state; and for a year as Territory Manager for Access America responsible for all of Northern California. Before that, she held various positions at other travel insurance firms as well as cruise lines including 10 years as Business Development Manager for Carnival Cruise Lines and three years as District Sales Manager for American Hawaii Cruises.

Travel agents can reach Jennifer at the following address: Jennifer Joy Smith, Director of Sales - Western Region, CIE Tours International, 4104 24th Street, #423 San Francisco, CA 94114, tel. 415-601-9019, email: j.smith@cietours.com

For more information about CIE Tours International, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

January 15, 2008

CIE Tours Appoints Roger Kraemer as Director of Sales - Midwest

CIE Tours International has appointed Roger Kraemer as Director of Sales for the Midwest Region of the U.S., according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The appointment is effective immediately.

"Significantly expanding CIE Tours' presence in the Midwest, Roger Kraemer is now responsible for marketing and promoting CIE Tours in Illinois (Chicago South and Southern Illinois), Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, and Southern Ohio," explains Jim Kelly, Vice President - Sales for CIE Tours International. Kraemer joins Mary Pat Flanagan who has long represented CIE Tours as Director of Sales - Midwest.

CIE Tours International, now in its 76th year of business, offers over 50 escorted coach tours of Ireland, Britain, Italy and Eastern Europe, as well as over a dozen deluxe European river cruises. The CIE Tours vacation program also provides independent self-drive and city-based vacations in Ireland, as well as independent city-based vacations in London and Edinburgh.

Mr. Kraemer brings more than 37 years of experience in the travel industry to his new position. Prior to joining CIE Tours International, he worked for two years as Business Development Manager for Almond Resorts. Before that, he was Regional Sales Manager - Midwest and West Coast for Air Jamaica. His other travel industry experience included sales positions with the Canadian Tourism Commission and Japan Airlines.

Travel agents can reach Roger at the following address: Roger Kraemer, Director of Sales - Midwest, CIE Tours International, 97 Devon Lane, Naperville, IL 60540, tel. 630-470-9766, email: R.Kraemer@cietours.com.

For more information about CIE Tours International, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

January 14, 2008

CIE Tours Offers Discounts to Mature Clients On 117 Departures of 2008 Escorted Tours

For mature travelers (age 55 and over) heading to Europe in 2008, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $150 per couple (or $75 per person) on 117 departures of escorted vacations to Ireland, Britain, and Italy, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

"Ireland, Britain and Italy have long been favored countries for mature travelers," Stack states, "and our 55 & Smiling discounts give agents a tool to make these destinations more affordable."

Leading the program is a $75 discount 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 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 Ireland's most scenic areas, starting and ending at Dublin.

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, boat trips and a horse-drawn jaunting car ride; fully escorted sightseeing tour by luxury motorcoach including all admission/visits per the itinerary; and service charges, baggage handling, and taxes.

The $75 discounts are also applicable 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 CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

December 12, 2007

CIE Tours Offers Prague, Vienna, Budapest Tour At $1,399 Land-only Price for January-March

To help agents attract clients for its new Eastern European vacation program, CIE Tours International has launched the new Prague, Vienna and Budapest 11-day escorted tour, with an introductory rate for January-March departures of $1,399 land-only or from $2,072 from New York or Boston, or from $2,153 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Higher rates, from $1,958 land-only, prevail from April 3rd onward. Departures are scheduled for selected Thursdays, January 17 through October 30.

"The new tour, known simply as Prague, Vienna & Budapest, provides the best of these three historic and popular capitals," Stack states, "with relaxing three-night stays at first class hotels in each city." Hotels used include the Ambassador in Prague; Savoy or Ananas in Vienna; and the Mercure Korona in Budapest.

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 CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

December 5, 2007

CIE Tours International Offers Independent Vacations in Ireland for Self-Drive & Chauffeur-Drive Clients

For cost-conscious clients, CIE Tours International is offering self-drive vacations to Ireland starting at $699 for one week in January-February or from $799 in March-April including airfare from JFK-NY, Boston, or Washington, DC, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

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).

"This product provides all the necessary components of an affordable vacation," Stack states, "with the freedom of a 'go-as-you-please' itinerary -- and arranged by one easy booking."

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; plus 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.

"We recognize that not all clients want to stay in B&Bs homes, travel without reservations, or drive themselves," Stack continues, "so we have thought of that too, with added choices."

To cater to every client need, 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 information, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

November 14, 2007

CIE Tours International Launches "Romantic Ireland" Escorted Tour for Honeymoons, Anniversaries & More

Responding to the growing allure of Ireland as a honeymoon, anniversary, and special occasion destination, CIE Tours International has introduced the 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, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Departures commence March 3, 2008 and continue through November 29, 2008, on Mondays and most Saturdays.

"Designed with traveling twosomes in mind, this vacation focuses on the scenic south and west coasts of Ireland," Stack states. "It also stays in romantic old world deluxe hotels, with candlelight dinners or pub and restaurant meals and music."

The itinerary starts and ends in Dublin, visiting Galway, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford and Kilkenny. Activities include 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.

Contact: CIE Tours, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com

November 10, 2007

CIE Tours International Launches 2008 Vacations to Eastern Europe, Balkans, Dalmatian Coast, Baltics, Russia

Expanding its successful vacation program to Ireland, Britain, Italy and European River Cruising, CIE Tours International has added Eastern Europe to its 2008 repertoire, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The new escorted and hosted vacations are featured on the CIE Tours' web site and in a new 40 page brochure Italy & Eastern Europe 2008.

The new program includes 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. Departures commence on May 16 and continue every second Friday through October 3.

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.

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).

More information: contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or book 24/7 on www.cietours.com.

November 9, 2007

CIE Tours International Appoints Anthony G. Agostinelli as Sales Manager - PA, DE and OH

CIE Tours International has appointed Anthony G. Agostinelli as Sales Manager - Pennsylvania, Delaware and Ohio, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The appointment is effective immediately.

With more than 17 years of experience in the travel industry, Mr. Agnostinelli is responsible for marketing and promoting CIE Tours International throughout the Pennsylvania, Deleware and Ohio areas from his base at Eynon, PA.

CIE Tours International, now entering its 76th year of business, offers over 50 escorted coach tours of Ireland, Britain, Italy and Eastern Europe, as well as over a dozen deluxe European river cruises. The CIE Tours vacation program also provides independent self-drive and city-based vacations in Ireland, as well as independent city-based vacations in London and Edinburgh.

Prior to joining CIE Tours International, Mr. Agostinelli worked for eight years as Regional Sales Manager - Celtic Tours, covering NJ, PA, MD and DE. Before that, he was District Sales Manager for Wainwright Vacations of Bethlehem, PA for 10 years.

Travel agents can reach Anthony at the following address: Anthony Agostnelli, Sales Manager - PA, DE and OH, CIE Tours International, 301 George Avenue, Eynon, PA 18403; tel. 570-876-2009; cell 570-466-8459; e-mail: A.Agostinelli@cietours.com.

For more information about CIE Tours International, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

October 12, 2007

CIE Tours International Launches Expanded Program for 2008 European River Cruising

After successfully testing the waters last year, CIE Tours International has launched an expanded program of European River Cruising, as well as new cruises into the Black Sea, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

Itineraries, which range from 9 to 16 days, take in the sights of the mighty Rhine, Moselle and Danube Rivers with varying tours each day. Passengers experience a carefree way of travel with incomparable scenery, fresh air, charming towns and welcoming locals. All gourmet meals are served on board. There's no constant unpacking, no traffic jams, no monotonous motorways, no noisy nightlife. Best of all, 2008 departures are guaranteed.

"We at CIE Tours have always claimed that our coach tours are like cruises but without the water," Stack explains. "Now we are extremely pleased to provide vacations on the popular European rivers - 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."

Leading the list of cruises is the The Legendary Danube, a 9-day/7-night vacation that starts in Prague and includes a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. The itinerary, which includes all meals on board the ship, meanders through the "nonstop scenery" of 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. Departures are on Fridays and some Saturdays, beginning April 25, 2008, and continuing through November 7, 2008. Prices start at $1,499 for land only.

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 the following other European river cruises in 2008:

Black Sea Voyage - a 9-day/7-7 night deluxe river cruise, from $1,899, traveling from Rousse to Budapest. Also available in reverse direction.

Europe's Heartland - 9-day/7-night deluxe river cruise, from $1,499, traveling from Nuremberg to Luxembourg. This vacation is also available in a longer 14-day itinerary, with two nights in Prague and three nights in Paris, from $2,449. Both vacations are also available in reverse.

Blue Danube Discovery - 9 days/7 nights deluxe river cruise, from $1,499, traveling from Budapest to Nuremberg. Also available in reverse direction. This trip can also be extended to a 14-day itinerary, adding two nights in Budapest and three in Prague, from $2,449.

Black Sea Voyage - 15 day/13 night deluxe river cruise, from $2,999, starting with two nights in Istanbul, one at a Black Sea resort, a 7-night deluxe river cruise from Rousse to Budapest, and two nights in Budapest. This trip is also available in revere direction.

Magnificent Europe - 16-day/14 night deluxe river cruise, from $3,399, traveling from Amsterdam to Budapest, cruising along five countries - the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

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 as outlined in itineraries, and onboard amenities such as fitness center, massage and beauty salon, souvenir shop and lounge with nightly piano entertainment.

"This large selection of European river cruises builds on 76 very successful business years 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.

October 12, 2007

CIE Tours International Markets 15 Escorted Vacations to Britain Including Two New Tours in 2008

Anticipating strong bookings for 2008 travel, CIE Tours International has launched its largest-ever vacation program with 15 escorted tours to Britain including eight escorted tours that combine Britain with Ireland, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

The new vacations are described in Ireland, Britain … with a Taste of Europe 2008, a new 100-page brochure and on the CIE Tours web site, www.cietours.com.

Specifically, the CIE Tours International 2008 program offers seven proven-seller tours of Britain, ranging in duration from 6 to 12 days, such as "British Heritage," "English & Scottish Discovery," "Scottish Isles and Glens," and "Scottish Dream & London." In addition, there are six established tours that combine Britain with Ireland, ranging in duration from 10 to 15 days, such as "British & Irish Grandeur," "British & Irish Voyager," and "Taste of Scotland & Ireland."

For 2008, CIE Tours is also introducing two new Britain and Ireland vacations:

London & Romantic Ireland - 12 days/10 nights/16 meals - Ideal for a honeymoon or anniversary trip, this vacation starts with three days and nights in London including a sightseeing tour and a theater ticket, based at the centrally located Jurys Kensington Hotel. This is followed by a week on the scenic south and west coasts of Ireland, starting and ending in Dublin, 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 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. Departures are on Fridays and most Wednesdays, February 29 through November 26. Prices start at $1,797 land-only, or from $2,407 with airfare.

Irish Spirit & London - 14 days/12 nights/18 meals - This vacation pairs a five-night London-based tour with a seven-night tour of Ireland's prime sightseeing areas in the east, south and west. While in London, the itinerary includes city sightseeing with admission to the Tower of London and a theatre evening, as well as excursions to Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Stonehenge and the Roman Baths. Activities in Ireland include a tour of Dublin with a local guide; kissing the Blarney Stone; a Shannon River ferry ride; and a catamaran cruise on Killary Fjord. 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. Departures are on Wednesdays, April 23 through October 22. Senior discounts of $75 per person are available for departures on May 7, June 4, July 2, August 13, September 10, and October 8. Prices start at $2,372 land-only or from $2,976 with airfare.

In addition, CIE Tours International's 2008 program offers two independent city-based vacations in Britain:

London At Leisure - from $398, for three nights at a superior or first class hotel, with continental breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, theatre pass, sightseeing tour, and discount booklet, and all hotel services charges and taxes.

Edinburgh At Leisure - from $248, for two nights at a superior or first class hotel, with full Scottish breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, open-top bus sightseeing tour, and walking tour of Edinburgh, and all hotel services charges and taxes.

For more information on all CIE Tours International tours of Britain, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

October 10, 2007

For 2008, CIE Tours International Adds Eastern Europe Escorted Tours

Building on the success of its vacation programs to Ireland, Britain, Italy and European River Cruising, CIE Tours International is adding escorted vacations in Eastern Europe to its 2008 repertoire, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The tours are featured on the CIE Tours web site and in Ireland, Britain … with a Taste of Europe 2008, a new 100-page brochure and CIE's largest-ever vacation program. CIE Tours also plans to produce a second 44-page brochure concentrating solely on vacations in Italy & Eastern Europe for 2008.

The new Eastern Europe tour, known simply as Prague, Vienna & Budapest, is an 11-day/9-night/12-meal vacation using first class hotels. Departures are on selected Thursdays, January 17 through October 30, with land-only prices from $1,399, or from $1,981 with airfare from NY/JFK or from $2,119 from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

"This vacation starts in Prague and ends in Budapest, with Vienna in the center, providing the best of three capitals, with relaxing three-night stays in each city," Stack explains.

Activities aim to impart the ambiance and cultural highlights of each city, 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 first class 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.

Information: contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

October 10, 2007

CIE Tours 2008 Program Offers Two New Italy Escorted Vacations

After successfully branching out from Ireland and Britain into Italy two years ago, CIE Tours International is expanding further into Italy with two new vacations for 2008, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

The new vacations are described in Ireland, Britain… with a Taste of Europe 2008, a new 100-page brochure and on the CIE Tours web site, www.cietours.com.

The 2008 Italy program offers tours ranging in duration from 6 to 11 days, including two new choices, as follows:

Sicilian Spirit - 9 days/7 nights/12 meals - This itinerary concentrates on the SW Italian island of Sicily, staying at first class hotels for three nights in Palermo, three nights in Taormina, and one night in Agrigento. Activities include half-day sightseeing with local guides to the Valley of the Temples, the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse; plus an excursion to the slopes of Mt. Etna, tour/wine tasting in Marsala, and visits to the Palace of the Normans, Palatine Chapel, Palermo Cathedral, Benedictine Abbey of Monreale and Segesta Archaeological Site and Greek Theater in Syracuse. Departures are on Saturdays, April 5 to December 13. Prices start at $1,398 for land-only, or from $2,282 from JFK, or from $2,348 from Chicago.

Rome Experience - 6 days/4 nights/4 meals - Immerse yourself in Rome on this hosted vacation, staying four nights at the same hotel (with a choice of the 3-star Hotel Colosseum or the 4-star Hotel Michaelangelo). The itinerary includes round-trip private transfers on arrival and departure, hospitality desk on day of arrival, four buffet breakfasts, and two half-day guided tours of Rome, and ample free time for independent sightseeing. Departures are available year-round. January 2 through December 18, priced from $798 for land-only.

CIE Tours will also be repeating its successful Italian Tradition vacation, an 11-day/9-night/16-meal fully escorted tour, priced from $2,438 for land-only, or with airfare from $3,199 from New York or Boston or $3,186 from Chicago.

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.

CIE Tours' escorted tours of Italy are 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 also includes transportation by deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach; all hotel rooms with private bath; buffet breakfast with a selection of cold dishes; dinners as specified in each itinerary; all admissions, activities, and visits as outlined; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and porterage for one suitcase per person.

Information: contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

October 5, 2007

CIE Tours International Introduces 2008 Escorted Vacation Program Including Eight New Ireland Tours

Planning optimistically for 2008 travel, CIE Tours International has launched its largest-ever vacation program including six new escorted tours of Ireland and two new escorted tours of Ireland & Britain, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The new vacations are introduced in Ireland, Britain, with a Taste of Europe 2008, a new 100-page brochure and on the CIE Tours web site, www.cietours.com.

The 2008 program includes a total of 24 escorted coach tours of Ireland, ranging in duration from 6 to 14 days, including six brand new tours as follows:

Irish Folklore & Music - 8 days/6 nights/11 meals - Celebrating the essence of Ireland, this vacation focuses on music, history and folklore with many unique experiences including a music session with Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Ireland's premier cultural ensemble; a traditional evening of storytelling, music and step-dancing at the Corn Barn of Bunratty Folk Park; and a tour of historic Kilmainham Gaol echoing with memories of Ireland's great patriots. Starting at Shannon Airport, the itinerary takes in the Cliffs of Moher, Limerick City, Adare, Galway, the Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Blarney, Cashel and Dublin. Departures are on Wednesdays, March 19 through November 19. Prices start at $975 land-only, or from $1,421 with airfare.

Romantic Ireland - 9 days/7 nights/13 meals - 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 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. Departures are on Mondays and most Saturdays, March 3 through November 29. Prices start at $1,298 land-only, or from $1,744 with airfare.

Irish Greeting - 9 days/7 nights/13 meals - Experience Irish hospitality by staying at family homes in Killarney and Waterford along with first class hotels in Dublin and Galway. The itinerary, which begins and ends in Dublin, also includes some vibrant meet-the-people experiences such as a tour in Dublin with a local guide, a "Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong, and a "Titanic" walking tour of Cobh, plus traditional music/dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the Gap of Dunloe and dinner/show at Shindig in Dublin. The tour also visits The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Birr Castle Gardens, Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Experience and Waterford Crystal Factory. Departures are Thursdays, March 27 through October 30. Prices start at $1,248 land-only or from $1,728 with airfare.

Irish Castles & Gardens - 9 days/7 nights/14 meals - Luxury is the keynote on this vacation featuring accommodations at four of Ireland's top deluxe and castle hotels - from Carton House near Dublin to Glenlo Abbey in Galway, Dunloe Castle in Killarney and Killashee House in Kildare, as well as gourmet dining experiences at the Pullman Restaurant (on an Orient Express railway car), and dinner/entertainment at Shindig in Dublin. The itinerary, which begins and ends in Dublin, also offers an array of gardens and castles, with visits to Dublin Castle, National Botanic Gardens, Birr Castle Gardens, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, Muckross House & Gardens, the Irish National Stud & Gardens, and more. Departures are Thursdays, April 10 to October 30. Prices start at $1,698 land-only or from $2,178 with airfare.

Irish Gold - 11 days/9 nights/ 16 meals - True to its name, this vacation is a golden opportunity to experience three-night stays in two of Ireland's prime scenic areas - Galway (at the Radisson SAS Hotel) and Killarney (at the Malton, formerly Great Southern Hotel). In addition, the itinerary, which starts and ends in Dublin, includes a two-night stay at the new Radisson SAS Hotel in downtown Dublin and a final night at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Co. Meath. All of the hotels offer top class leisure and spa facilities. The sightseeing presents many special places, too, from a trip to the Aran Islands including Dun Aengus Fort and a full day tour of the Dingle Peninsula, to the Boyne Valley with a visit to Newgrange or Knowth. Activities include a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, a Quiet Man walking tour of Cong, a ferry ride across the Shannon River, and more. Departures are on Fridays, April 4 through October 31. Prices start at $1,898 land-only or from $2,378 with airfare.

Emerald Isle - 13 days/11 nights/21 meals - Traversing the four Irish provinces, this vacation presents the entire island of Ireland in a relaxed itinerary using deluxe and superior first class hotels. Starting and ending in Dublin, the circular route goes to Wicklow, Kildare, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney, Kenmare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Knock, Sligo, Belleek, Donegal, the Atlantic Drive, Glens of Antrim, Belfast, Mountains of Mourne, Downpatrick and Tyrellstown. Activities include a tour and a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, ferry rides across the Shannon River and Strangford Lough, catamaran cruise of Killary fjord, horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, walking tours in Kinsale and Derry, and admissions to over a dozen attractions including Dublin Castle, Glendalough, Irish National Stud, Muckross House & Gardens, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle, St. Patrick Centre and Down Cathedral. Departures are on Sundays, April 6 through October 26. Prices start at $2,098 land-only or from $2,578 with airfare.

All escorted vacation prices include a fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach and the services of a professional driver/guide; all admission charges as outlined in each itinerary; all local taxes, hotel service charges and more.

The 2008 Ireland program also includes two new vacations that combine Ireland escorted tours with London.

For the independent traveler market, CIE Tours is offering "Go-as-you-Please Ireland," priced from $699 for a week including rental car, accommodations and airfare on Aer Lingus from New York, Boston or Washington, D.C. In addition, there are land-only self-drive packages with pre-booked hotels, as well as city-based packages for Dublin, and elegant hotel stays (castles/manors/resorts).

Information: contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR, or book 24/7 at 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

CIE Tours Offers Lowest Prices on Nov./Dec. Departures of Escorted "Irish Welcome" Vacation

From November 1st and extending through December 6th, CIE Tours is rounding off its 75th anniversary year by offering its lowest prices for the 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, according to Brian W. Stack, CIE Tours International's President and newly named Managing Director-Worldwide. Departures are on Thursdays and some Saturdays.

"This tour gives clients the experience of real Irish hospitality by staying three nights in B&B homes (two nights in Killarney and one night in Waterford), with the best of traditional cooking and time to chat with host families," Stack states, "and the itinerary also includes three overnights at superior and first class hotels (two nights in Dublin and one night at Bunratty)."

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.

Contact CIE Tours, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

September 14, 2007

CIE Tours International Promotes 8-Day "Irish Pub & Folk Tour" for Fall/Winter Travel

For clients seeking a real deal on a November/December getaway, CIE Tours is offering the Irish Pub & Folk Tour, a fully escorted 8-day vacation priced from $848 for land-only or from $1,146 from New York-JFK or Boston or from $1,182 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, CIE Tours International's President and newly named Managing Director-Worldwide. Departures are running weekly on Thursdays through December 13th.

"As most travel agents know, Ireland's pubs are not just for drinking. They are the local meeting places for families and friends -- hubs of Irish social life, music, dancing, or chatting about the events of the day," Stack states, "and our tour introduces visitors to some of Ireland's most memorable (and smoke-free) pubs at a very affordable price."

"The pace is relaxed, with opportunities to settle in and get to know the people and places," Stack says, "and ample time for individual pub visits."

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.

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at 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 24, 2007

CIE Tours Stresses Ireland's Affordability With Choice of Tours in November/December

CIE Tours International is reaching out to cost-conscious clients with low prices on November/December departures for four of its most popular tours, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International.

"These tours - which have the lowest prices and the longest season - are the Irish Welcome, Irish Adventure, Irish Spirit and Irish Pub & Folk tours," Stack states.

The Irish Welcome is a prime example of building a tour with money-saving features, such as using B&Bs. Specifically, the Irish Welcome gives clients 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 and Bunratty. Land-only prices for the 8-day/6-night/11-meal vacation start at $958 in November/December and $1,256 from New York./Boston or from $1,292. Departures are on Thursdays and some Saturdays.

Similarly, a longer tour, the Irish Adventure, a 9-day/7-night/13-meal program, starts at $898 for land only or from $1,379 from New York/ Boston or from $1,454 from Chicago. The cost is kept low by including off-the-beaten path areas of Ireland such as Donegal, Sligo, Lough Erne, and Enniskillen - areas that don't usually see many tourists in the off-season.

Two other tours, both with 8-day/6-night/11-meal itineraries, are the Irish Pub & Folk Tour starting at $848 for land only, and the Irish Spirit, from $748 land-only.

In all cases, prices cover accommodations in rooms with private bath; full Irish breakfast daily; most dinners including entertainment; welcome get-together drink; all sightseeing admissions and visits; full sightseeing program with professional Irish driver/guide; and all taxes and service charges.

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

August 20, 2007

CIE Tours Sells November Departures of "Irish Spirit" from $798 for Land or $1,096 with Air from East Coast

Stressing Ireland's affordability in the era of the weak dollar, CIE Tours International is marketing five November departures of the fully escorted eight-day "Irish Spirit"tour from $798 land-only or from $1,096 with air from New York or Boston, or from $1,132 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International.

December prices are even lower - $748 land-only and $1,046 from New York or $1,082 from Chicago. October prices are slightly higher.

"These Fall prices represent big savings over summer travel - approximately $400 (land-only) and $800 (air/land)," Stack states. "Designed for cost-conscious travelers eager to see the highlights of Ireland in a short time, this tour runs the gamut, from Dublin to Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway and Connemara."

Departures run weekly on Wednesdays and some Fridays.

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 the itinerary covers a lot of ground, 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 includes 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.

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

August 17, 2007

CIE Tours Extends 50% Discount to Travel Agents on Ireland & Britain Escorted Tours

For travel November 1, 2007 through March 9, 2008, CIE Tours International is offering accredited travel agents a 50% discount on any of its Ireland & Britain escorted tours, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. The discount is also valid for a companion.

More than a dozen tours of Ireland are available at this 50% discounted price, as well as a tour of Ireland with Scotland, and tours to Scotland and London.

"For example, accredited agents can take our 6-day Taste of Ireland Tour departing December 15, for just $299 land-only," Stack states. "This tour is perfect for agents who have not been to Ireland before and want to experience a sampling of the popular highlights." This itinerary starts in Dublin and visits Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty.

The price includes accommodations at superior/first class hotels with private bath/shower for 4 nights; 4 full Irish breakfasts; 3 dinners including a Medieval banquet and entertainment in Bunratty Castle; tea and scones at a farmhouse; tour of Dublin with a local guide; ferry ride across the River Shannon; and visits/admissions to Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Skellig Experience and Cliffs of Moher.

In addition, the tour provides group transfers on arrival and departure; sightseeing by luxury coach throughout; services of a professional Irish driver/guide; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap; and all local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person.

Hotels include the following or similar: Burlington Hotel, Dublin (1 night); Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney (2 nights); and Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty (1 night).

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

July 31st, 2007

CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES "SPRING PREVIEW 2008" VACATIONS IN IRELAND, BRITAIN & ITALY

Booking has begun for 2008 vacations to Ireland, Britain and Italy, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. The wide range of 2008 vacations from CIE Tours features 18 different escorted tours in Ireland including five brand new tours; two escorted tours for Ireland with Britain; three escorted tours of Britain; and two escorted tours of Italy; plus self-drive vacations in Ireland and city-based packages for Dublin. All of these vacations are featured in Ireland & Britain with a Taste of Europe - Spring Preview 2008, a new 32-page brochure.

"This Spring Preview brochure is a forerunner to our full 2008 program which is set to launch in October," Stack states. "The real crux of this new brochure is that clients can start planning and booking their 2008 trips now, earlier than ever."

Putting the spotlight on January - June prices, these Spring Preview trips are ideal for first-time visitors who want to sample Ireland, Britain, and Italy without the summer crowds.

"Cost-conscious repeat visitors will also be attracted to prices that are up to 30% lower than high season prices," Stack states. The 2008 land prices start at $658 per person for a fully escorted six-day/four-night vacation, and from $698 for a six-day/five-night self-drive vacation with rental car, accommodations and airfare from New York or Boston.

In addition, the Spring Preview line-up introduces five brand new fully escorted vacations to Ireland:

Romantic Ireland - 9 days/7 nights/13 meals - 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 pub and restaurant meals/music, and includes an open-top bus tour of Dublin, a horse-drawn jaunting car ride, ferry ride across the Shannon River, kissing the Blarney Stone, a walking tour of Waterford, and visits to Kylemore Abbey, Clonmacnoise, Muckross House & Gardens, and The Book of Kells at Trinity College. Departures are on Mondays and most Saturdays, March 3 to June 30. Prices start at $1,316 land-only.

Irish Greeting - 9 days/7 nights/13 meals - Experience Irish hospitality by staying at family homes in Killarney and Waterford along with first class hotels in Dublin and Galway. The itinerary, which begins and ends in Dublin, also includes some unique meet-the-people experiences such as a tour in Dublin with a local guide, a "Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong, and a "Titanic" walking tour of Cobh, plus traditional music/dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the Gap of Dunloe and dinner/show at Shindig in Dublin. The tour also visits The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Birr Castle Gardens, Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Experience and Waterford Crystal Factory. Departures are Thursdays, March 27 - June 26. Prices start at $1,248 land-only.

Irish Castles & Gardens - 9 days/7 nights/14 meals - Luxury is the keynote on this vacation featuring accommodations at four of Ireland's top deluxe and castle hotels - from Carton House near Dublin to Glenlo Abbey in Galway, Dunloe Castle in Killarney and Killashee House in Kildare, as well as gourmet dining experiences at the Pullman Restaurant (on an Orient Express railway car), and dinner/entertainment at Shindig in Dublin. The itinerary, which begins and ends in Dublin, also offers an array of gardens and castles, with visits to Dublin Castle, National Botanic Gardens, Birr Castle Gardens, Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, Muckross House & Gardens, the Irish National Stud & Gardens, and more. Departures are Thursdays, April 10 to June 19. Prices start at $1,798 land-only.

Irish Gold - 11 days/9 nights/ 16 meals - True to its name, this vacation is a golden opportunity to experience three-night stays in two of Ireland's prime scenic areas - Galway (at the Radisson SAS Hotel) and Killarney (at the Malton, formerly Great Southern Hotel). In addition, the itinerary, which starts and ends in Dublin, includes a two-night stay at the new Radisson SAS Hotel in downtown Dublin and a final night at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Co. Meath. All of the hotels offer top class leisure and spa facilities. The sightseeing presents many special places, too, from a trip to the Aran Islands including Dun Aengus Fort and a full day tour of the Dingle Peninsula, to the Boyne Valley with a visit to Newgrange or Knowth. Activities include a horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, a Quiet Man walking tour of Cong, a ferry ride across the Shannon River, and more. Departures are on Fridays, April 4 to June 27. Prices start at $1,898 land-only.

Emerald Isle - 13 days/11 nights/21 meals - Traversing the four Irish provinces, this vacation presents the entire island of Ireland in a relaxed itinerary using deluxe and superior first class hotels. Starting and ending in Dublin, the circular route goes to Wicklow, Kildare, Blarney, Kinsale, Killarney, Kenmare, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Knock, Belleek, Sligo, Belleek, Donegal, the Atlantic Drive, Glens of Antrim, Belfast, Mountains of Mourne, Downpatrick and Tyrellstown. Activities include a tour and a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, ferry rides across the Shannon River and Strangford Lough, catamaran cruise of Killary fjord, horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney, walking tours in Kinsale and Derry, and admissions to over a dozen attractions including Dublin Castle, Glendalough, Irish National Stud, Muckross House & Gardens, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle, St. Patrick Centre and Downpatrick Cathedral. Departures are on Sundays, April 6 to June 29. Prices start at $2,098 land-only.

All escorted vacation prices include a fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach and the services of a professional driver/guide; all admission charges as outlined in each itinerary; all local taxes, hotel service charges and more.

The Spring Preview program also includes well-established tours that are popular year-round, but with reduced prices, such as the "Taste of Ireland" (from $658 for land-only); "Irish Spirit" (from $898 for land-only); "Irish Pub & Folk Tour" (from $1,148 for land-only); "Irish Welcome" (from $1,088 for land-only); "Irish Heritage" (from $1,198 for land-only); "Scottish Dream" (from $1,598 for land-only); "Italian Tradition" (from $2,585 for land-only), and more.

Clients who prefer driving can avail of "Go-as-you-Please Ireland," priced from $699 for a week including rental car, accommodations and airfare on Aer Lingus from New York or Boston. In addition, there are city-based land-only packages for Dublin, starting at $298 for two nights.

When the 2008 program launches in October, it will include additional tours for Ireland, Britain and Ireland, and Britain-only, as well as Italy tours, an expanded repertoire of European River Cruising and new escorted tours to Eastern Europe.

Details of all January-June vacations are in the new 32-page brochure, Ireland & Britain with a Taste of Europe - Spring Preview 2008, available by contacting CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR. Full information is also available 24/7 the CIE Tours International interactive booking web site, www.cietours.com.

July 31st, 2007

CIE Tours International Markets Self-Drive Ireland 2008 Vacations From $699 for Air/Land

Targeting cost-conscious clients, CIE Tours International is offering self-drive vacations to Ireland starting at $699 in January and February or from $799 in March including airfare from JFK-NY or Boston to Shannon or Dublin, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International.

"Spring comes early to Ireland (February 1st), making the early part of the year a delightful time to visit the Emerald Isle, and prices average 30% less than high season," Stack states. "This product provides all the necessary components of an affordable vacation, with the freedom of a 'go-as-you-please' itinerary -- and arranged by one easy booking."

The price, based on a six-night stay, includes first night pre-booked at the Bunratty Castle Hotel near Shannon or at the Jurys Custom House Inn in Dublin, and five night accommodations on a voucher basis at a choice of more than 1,700 bed and breakfast homes in rooms with private bath/shower and full Irish breakfast (1,400 town and country homes or 300 farmhouses).

The price also includes the 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.

Clients 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 information, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

July 2nd, 2007

CIE Tours Features a Stay at a Dublin Castle as Finale for the "Irish Explorer" Vacation

Combining affordability with luxury, CIE Tours International is marketing the "Irish Explorer" tour, a 10-day escorted vacation that covers the prime sightseeing highlights of Ireland along with an overnight at a Dublin castle, priced from $1,168 for land-only, or $1,466 from New York or Boston or from $1,502 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. Departures are weekly on Saturdays now through November 10th.

"This vacation seamlessly blends the east, south and west of Ireland with the northwest region," Stack states, going from Dublin and the Boyne Valley to Enniskillen, Belleek, Donegal, Killybegs, Glencolumbkille, Ardara, Ballybofey, Sligo, Galway, Cong, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cashel, and back to Dublin.

This itinerary proceeds at a relaxing pace with several 2-night stays at hotels including the Mill Park Hotel in Donegal Town, Connemara Coast Hotel overlooking Galway Bay, and Killarney Avenue Hotel in the heart of Killarney, with the first night at Jurys Hotel in Dublin, 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.

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 CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

June 27th, 2007

"Scottish Dream" from CIE Tours International Provides Tickets to Edinburgh Military Tattoo

For clients requesting seats at the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo, CIE Tours International is providing tickets as part of the nine-day in-depth escorted "Scottish Dream" vacation (for departures July 28 through August 18), according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours. The tour is priced from $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.

"The itinerary combines castles, gardens, palaces, and great houses with a panorama of rural countryside, with a relaxing pace and three two-night hotel stays," Stack states. Hotels, which are all in the superior first class (4-star) category, include the following or similar: Thistle Hotel, Glasgow (1 night); Isles of Glencoe Hotel, Ballachulish Hotel (2 nights); Ardoe House Hotel, Blairs (2 nights); and Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights).

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.

Contact CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

June 21st, 2007

CIE Tours Announces Expanded Program for 2008 European River Cruising

Getting a head start on 2008, CIE Tours International has launched an expanded program of European River Cruising, as well as into the Black Sea, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International.

Itineraries, which range from 9 to 16 days, take in the sights of the mighty Rhine, Moselle and Danube Rivers with varying tours each day. Passengers experience a carefree way of travel with incomparable scenery, fresh air, charming towns and welcoming locals. All gourmet meals are served on board. There's no constant unpacking, no traffic jams, no monotonous motorways, no noisy nightlife. Best of all, 2008 departures are guaranteed.

"We at CIE Tours have always claimed that our coach tours are like cruises but without the water," Stack explains. "Now we are extremely pleased to provide vacations on the popular European rivers - 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."

Leading the list of cruises is the The Legendary Danube, a 9-day/7-night vacation that starts in Prague and includes a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest. 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. Departures are on Fridays and some Saturdays, beginning April 11, 2008, and continuing through November 17, 2008. Prices start at $1,499 for land only.

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 the following other European river cruises in 2008:

Black Sea Voyage - a 9-day/7-7 night deluxe river cruise, from $1,899, traveling from Rousse to Budapest. Also available in reverse direction.

Europe's Heartland - 9-day/7-night deluxe river cruise, from $1,499, traveling from Nuremberg to Luxembourg. This vacation is also available in a longer 14-day itinerary, with two nights in Prague and three nights in Paris, from $2,449. Both vacations are also available in reverse.

Blue Danube Discovery - 9 days/7nights deluxe river cruise, from $1,499, traveling from Budapest to Nuremberg. Also available in reverse direction. This trip can also be extended to a 14-day itinerary, adding two nights in Budapest and three in Prague, from $2,449.

Black Sea Voyage - 15 day/13 night deluxe river cruise, from $2,999, starting with two nights in Istanbul, one at a Black Sea resort, a 7-night deluxe river cruise from Rousse to Budapest, and two nights in Budapest. This trip is also available in revere direction.

Magnificent Europe - 16-day/14 night deluxe river cruise, from $3,399, traveling from Amsterdam to Budapest, cruising along five countries - the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

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 as outlined in itineraries, and onboard amenities such as fitness center, massage and beauty salon, souvenir shop and lounge with nightly piano entertainment.

"This large selection of European river cruises builds on 75 very successful business years 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.

May 23rd, 2007

CIE Tours International Markets Self-Drive Ireland Vacations From $744 for Air/Land

Targeting cost-conscious clients, CIE Tours International is offering self-drive vacations to Ireland starting at $744 for one week in October or from $810 in September including airfare from JFK-NY or Boston to Dublin, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International.

"Fall is a delightful time to visit Ireland, and prices average 35% less than high season," Stack states. "This product provides all the necessary components of an affordable vacation, with the freedom of a 'go-as-you-please' itinerary -- and arranged by one easy booking."

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 voucher 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.

Clients 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 clients who want the freedom to create their own sightseeing itinerary, combined with the certainty of confirmed hotels each night. Clients can select from three pre-set itineraries with a choice of two hotel categories, traveling from one place to the next and with mainly two-night stays, and enjoying 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 information, contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

May 16th, 2007

CIE Tours Promotes 8-Day "Irish Heritage" Vacation From $1,296 Including Airfare from East Coast

From now though December 7th, CIE Tours International is offering its most popular vacation - the 8-day fully escorted Irish Heritage - from $998 for land-only or from $1,296 including airfare from New York or Boston, or from $1,332 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. Guaranteed departures operate most Fridays and Wednesdays.

"This vacation provides a fun-filled overview of Ireland that connects with Americans of every lineage," Stack explains. "Whether a client's name is Kelly or Klein, they enjoy experiencing the heritage of Ireland, and that includes the friendliness of the people and good times for all."

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.

The "Irish Heritage" is one of over 45 different vacations featured in CIE Tours' 100-page brochure, Ireland, Britain, Italy & European River Cruising 2008.

For full details, contact CIE Tours toll free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com

May 16th, 2007

CIE Tours International Publishes Group Travel Planner for 2008

Now is the time to book group travel for 2008 to Europe, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. To simplify the selling and booking process for travel agents, CIE Tours has published a new 20-page brochure, Ireland, Britain, Italy Group Travel Planner, valid through December 2008, a vital tool in assisting agents to make group sales.

By using the new planner as a guide, travel agents can earn a hefty 16% commission and up to three complimentary tour conductor places for booking groups to Ireland, Britain, Italy, and Eastern Europe.

The Planner outlines two ways for travel agents to create new income - booking on scheduled groups or creating a custom-made tour.

Booking passengers on CIE's scheduled tours requires no prior experience in group travel. The tours are already set up and hotels are confirmed, so agents can start to promote and sell immediately. Agents can select just the right program from a wide choice of ready-made itineraries - Ireland and Britain, as well as Italy and a new tour to Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

All prices include accommodations at first class or superior first class hotels in rooms with private bath/shower, most meals, fully escorted sightseeing program, admission charges, entertainment, and more - all for the one basic price; and CIE's policy of "no optional extras" insures that a tour director is totally focused on client welfare.

"If you are new to group travel," Stack explains, "using a scheduled tour is an excellent way to start. You can purchase programs for 16 to 48 passengers. Book a minimum of 16 seats, but, if you sell fewer passengers than expected, your clients can still travel on the tour with no surcharge. If you sell more, simply ask for additional seats from us."

All of CIE Tours group arrangements can be purchased on a land-only basis or combined air and land. CIE Tours works with the following carriers from many US gateways - Aer Lingus, Continental, Delta, US Airways, British Airways, Icelandair, Virgin Atlantic, and Alitalia.

"Since our main destination is Ireland, we use Aer Lingus more often than other carriers," Stack states. "We are delighted to learn that between September and October, 2007, Aer Lingus is introducing service from three new US cities - Washington, DC, Orlando, and San Francisco, which will make getting to Ireland easier from these regions."

In addition, the CIE Tours Group Planner provides suggested "create-your-own-tour" itineraries, booked according to clients' specifications with costs quoted on a net basis.

"We will set up exactly what you want," Stack states, "the sky's the limit here, depending on your budget." The following proposed themes only scratch the surface of possibilities: Original Irish Pub Tour, Historic Ireland Tour, Holy Places of Ireland, English Castles & Gardens, Rogues & Heroes of Scotland, Roman & Tuscan Adventure, and Holy Places of Italy.

"Also check out the Group Travel section of our web site for more selections and information on customizing groups," Stack continues. "Our Group Department will work with you to set up the exact tour you require."

"Our programs, either scheduled or customized, are ideal for agents to sell group travel to community organizations, social and sports clubs, churches and other groups," according to Stack.

For copies of CIE Tours International's new Ireland, Britain, Italy Group Travel Planner, contact CIE Tours toll free at 800-243-8687 or request a copy online at www.cietours.com. To talk to a Group Travel Specialist, call 800-223-6508.

April 10th, 2007

CIE Tours International Gives Agents a Head Start on 2008 Group Business with New Ireland, Britain, Italy Travel Planner

Get a head start on 2008 group travel business with CIE Tours International's new Ireland, Britain, Italy Group Travel Planner for September 2007 - December 2008, a vital tool in assisting agents to make group sales, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. As a new dimension for 2008 travel, CIE Tours has added a scheduled group program to Prague, Vienna and Budapest.

By using the new planner as a guide, travel agents can earn a hefty 16% commission and up to three complimentary tour conductor places for booking groups to Ireland, Britain, Italy, and Eastern Europe.

"This means that on a two week tour, typical commission is $16,000," Stack explains.

All of CIE Tours group arrangements can be purchased on a land-only basis or combined air and land. CIE Tours works with the following carriers from many US gateways - Aer Lingus, Continental, Delta, US Airways, British Airways, Icelandair, Virgin Atlantic, and Alitalia.

"Since our main destination is Ireland, we use Aer Lingus more often than other carriers," Stack states. "We are delighted to learn that between September and October, 2007, Aer Lingus is introducing service from three new US cities - Washington, DC, Orlando, and San Francisco, which will make getting to Ireland easier from these regions."

The new '07-'08 Planner outlines two ways for travel agents to create new income - booking on scheduled groups or creating a custom-made tour.

For scheduled group departures, CIE Tours offers the largest selection of motorcoach tours to Ireland and Britain, as well as Italy and a new tour to Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Scheduled tours are pre-booked and ready to sell, and CIE's policy of "no optional extras" insures that a tour director is totally focused on client welfare.

The Planner outlines a sampling of nine easy-to-book land-only fully escorted itineraries on scheduled tour series departures, priced from $819 for a six-night Ireland tour; from $1,579 for a seven-night Scotland tour; from $2,488 for a nine-night Italy tour; and from $1,893 for a nine-night Prague, Vienna and Budapest tour. Additional tours can be downloaded from the CIE Tours web site, www.cietours.com.

All prices include accommodations at first class or superior first class hotels in rooms with private bath/shower, most meals, fully escorted sightseeing program, admission charges, entertainment, and more - all for the one basic price.

In addition, the CIE Tours Group Planner provides suggested "create-your-own-tour" itineraries, booked according to clients' specifications with costs quoted on a net basis.

"We will set up exactly what you want," Stack states, "the sky's the limit here, depending on your budget."

To give agents some start-up ideas, the Planner outlines sample land-only itineraries, priced from $295 for a three-night tour in Ireland; from $1,029 for a six-night tour of Scotland; from $1,219 for a six-night tour in Britain; and from $1,398 for a seven-night tour of Italy. The following themes are suggested but only scratch the surface of possibilities: Original Irish Pub Tour, Historic Ireland Tour, Holy Places of Ireland, English Castles & Gardens, Rogues & Heroes of Scotland, Roman & Tuscan Adventure, and Holy Places of Italy.

"Also check out the Group Travel section of our web site for more selections and information on customizing groups," Stack continues. "Our Group Department will work with you to set up the exact tour you require."

"This new program is ideal for agents to sell group travel to community organizations, social and sports clubs, churches and other groups," according to Stack. "And with commissions of up to 16% for the land arrangements, earnings soar quickly."

For copies of CIE Tours International's new Ireland, Britain, Italy Group Travel Planner, contact CIE Tours toll free at 800-243-8687 or request a copy online at www.cietours.com. To talk to a Group Travel Specialist, call 800- 223-6508.

April 2nd, 2007

"Irish Discovery" Vacation from CIE Tours Geared for Clients with Limited Time

Appealing to clients who are limited to one week of vacation time, CIE Tours International is offering the "Irish Discovery," a six-night fully escorted trip to Ireland priced from $1,098 land-only or from $1,488 including airfare from JFK-NY or Boston; or from $1,538 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. Departures are weekly on Sundays, April 15th through October 21st.

"Designed for travelers who want to see the best of Ireland in a week, this trip provides a leisurely tour of the scenic southern coast," Stack states. "The itinerary starts in Dublin, the Irish capital, and takes in Glendalough, New Ross, Waterford, Cobh, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Bunratty, and ends in Shannon."

"This vacation also packs in many unique experiences in a short time," Stack continues, "from kissing the Blarney Stone, feasting at a medieval castle banquet, seeing Waterford Crystal in-the-making, and boarding a 19th century emigrant ship, to cruising across the Shannon River."

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.

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

March 7th, 2007

CIE Tours Promotes "Mystical Ireland" Vacation Combining Dublin with North and West Coasts

In sync with a growing interest in Northern Ireland, CIE Tours International is offering Mystical Ireland, a 9-day fully escorted tour that combines a week in Ireland's northern and western areas along with two days in Dublin. Prices start at $1,198 for land-only or $1,542 including airfare from New York or Boston, or from $1,585 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. Departures begin April 6 and run weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays, through October 31.

"This vacation focuses on the scenic, historic, and cultural highlights of the island of Ireland," Stack states, "with emphasis on the north and northwest -- areas that are often missed."

The itinerary, which begins in Dublin and ends at Shannon, 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.

Contact CIE Tours toll free at 800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com

March 2nd, 2007

CIE Tours International Markets 8-Day "Irish Pub & Folk Tour" from $848

For clients seeking a fun-filled getaway, CIE Tours is offering the Irish Pub & Folk Tour, a fully escorted 8-day vacation priced from $848 for land-only or from $1.146 from New York-JFK or Boston or from $1,182 from Chicago, according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International. Departures are running weekly on Thursdays through December 13th.

"As most travel agents know, Ireland's pubs are not just for drinking. They are the local meeting places for families and friends -- hubs of Irish social life, music, dancing, or chatting about the events of the day," Stack states, "and our tour introduces visitors to some of Ireland's most memorable (and smoke-free) pubs at a very affordable price."

"The pace is relaxed, with opportunities to settle in and get to know the people and places," Stack says, "and ample time for individual pub visits."

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.

A longer 9-day tour that includes more time in Galway, and a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, costs an extra $198 (April 26 - October 11) or $150 for other departures.

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

March 2nd, 2007

CIE Tours International Presents National Awards of Excellence

Ireland's Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, John O'Donoghue, T.D., recently announced 27 winners of the National Awards of Excellence, sponsored by CIE Tours International.

"These annual awards, now in their 17th year, recognize excellence in all aspects of Irish tourism in 12 categories, from hotels and bed and breakfasts, to entertainment venues and tourist attractions," according to Brian W. Stack, President of CIE Tours International.

The winners of the National Awards of Excellence are chosen from an independent evaluation by CIE Tours International customers and are designed to acknowledge the high level of service and the warm welcome received by the 44,000 clients that CIE Tours International brought to Ireland in 2006. Over 25,000 detailed questionnaires were completed last year and the awards are based on these results.

In presenting the awards, Minister John O'Donoghue stated: "The CIE Tours National Awards of Excellence give due recognition to the suppliers of tourism products and services in the country and I am delighted to present them to the people behind the scenes who are, in a very real sense, promoting Ireland as a tourist destination. I would also like to compliment CIE Tours and its wonderful group of suppliers, nearly 500 in all, which includes over 150 hotels in Ireland, from modern city hotels to historic castles and over 100 different tour visits and features that not only promote tourism in Ireland but also reflect the rich diversity of Irish culture."

In addition, Brian Dowling, Managing Director, CIE Tours International, explained: "The National Awards of Excellence present a wonderful opportunity to recognize and reward a wide range of businesses operating in the services and tourism sector for their tireless dedication to excellence."

(A complete listing of the CIE Tours National Awards of Excellence for 2006 is attached).

Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

The CIE Tours National Awards of Excellence for 2006 are as follows:

February 20th, 2007

CIE Tours Slates Senior Discounts On "Italian Tradition" Vacation

As an incentive for senior clients, CIE Tours International is offering "55 & Smiling" discounts on nine departures of its "Italian Tradition" vacation, an 11-day/9 night fully escorted tour, priced from $2,488 for land-only, or with airfare from $2,948 from New York or Boston or $2,962 from Chicago, according to Brian Stack, President of CIE Tours International.

Senior discounts of $75 per person ($150 per couple) apply for the following departures: March 10, April 14, May 5, June 9, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, and November 10.

Expanding into Italy is an outgrowth of CIE Tours' 75 successful years of operating tours to Ireland and Britain, according to Stack. "Passengers who have taken our Irish and British tours are eager to explore Italy with us, knowing they will experience the same high standards."

Suitable for first-time clients 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 pro