Press Releases

June 12, 2009

CIE Tours Launches "Irish Pub Tour" For Group Sales in November/March

Build group tour sales this fall with CIE Tours International's new "Irish Pub Tour," a 5-day/3-night short break program, priced from $475 for land only or $747 with airfare from NY-JFK, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

"Focusing on the southwest corner of Ireland, this trip is designed for clients who want a quick getaway at a reasonable cost, " Stack states.

The itinerary spends two nights in the town of Killarney, known for its great array of music pubs and stunning scenery, as well as one night in Bunratty, home of Bunratty Castle.

Activities include a scenic tour of the Dingle Peninsula and visits to the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Woollen Mills and the famous Durty Nelly's Pub.

The price includes hotels with private bath/shower for three nights; full Irish breakfast daily; two table d'hôte dinners; all sightseeing via luxury coach; and the services of a professional Irish driver/guide.

Tour organizers can earn one free place with a group of 20 paying passengers, and two free places with 30 paying passengers.

Prices, based on a minimum group size of 20 passengers, are valid from November, 2009 through March, 2010. Airline taxes of approximately $100 are additional.

Other new group programs including longer itineraries with final night stays at Dromoland Castle are also available.

For more information or to set up a customized itinerary, contact the Group Department at CIE Tours, tel. 1-800-223-8687 or book 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

June 10, 2009

CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL JOINS EZGUIDER BOOKING PLATFORM

CIE Tours International has joined the EZguider leisure booking platform, expanding its electronic distribution of escorted tours for Ireland, Britain and Europe, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. EZguider is a division of Vacation.com®, a leading North American travel services marketing organization.

With this new relationship, Vacation.com member agents have access to CIE's escorted tour product via EZguider's advanced search engine, which captures real-time prices and availability from numerous tour providers and displays them side-by-side. Once a tour is selected from the search results, EZguider then provides rich content about the trip to close the sale.

Through EZguider, agents can choose land-only packages or bundle with CIE's air for air-and-land packages. Agents can also make a deposit or pay for the entire trip in full directly through EZguider. Deposit and full-payment reservations return a confirmation number directly from CIE's in-house reservations system.

This new direct connection with CIE's central reservation system brings nearly 2,500 escorted tours available for shopping, quoting and booking through EZguider.

"Once I saw a demonstration, it became a top priority to get our product into EZguider," said CIE Tours Managing Director Brian Stack. "I've never seen anything like it, and I was delighted to see that it supports our air options, too."

"CIE Tours adds more escorted tours to an already robust selection of preferred supplier products found in EZguider, which also includes Viking Tours, Cosmos and Globus, along with cruises, insurance and scheduled air," said Steve Tracas, Vacation.com's president & CEO. "No other reservation system offers so many bookable escorted tour products in one place, and our members can use it to search and book for free."

CIE Tours International offers more than 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. With more than 77 years of experience, CIE Tours International has built a golden reputation for expertise, security and reliability – more than one million very satisfied customers over the years.

Agents can visit www.EZguider.net to learn more about the leisure-selling tool, while Vacation.com members can visit AgentNet to launch EZguider.

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

June 4, 2009

CIE Tours Offers Discounted "West of Ireland" Trip from $799 One Week with Airfare, Car, Pre-Booked Hotels & More

Providing a jump-start for Fall travel, CIE Tours International's has announced a discount of $150 per couple ($75 per person) on November and December departures of its "West of Ireland" self-drive vacation. If booked by June 30, with the discount, the prices start from $799 including airfare from New York, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Other dates are available at slightly higher prices.

"This vacation appeals to independent clients who want to take to the open road, meet the people, and explore Ireland, one of Europe's friendliest countries, but they also seek the security of pre-booked first class hotels," Stack states. The package provides a scenic itinerary to follow with discounted admissions to attractions along the way.

The itinerary starts with arrival at Shannon Airport and pick-up of a Hertz economy standard rental car with unlimited mileage. The first two days are devoted to exploring Galway, the "capital" of the West, along with the scenic Connemara region, a place that epitomizes "the real Ireland." For the next three days, head south along the Co. Clare Coast, setting for the Cliffs of Moher, to Killarney and Cork with a choice of hotels in Killarney, Cork City, or Kinsale. The final day and night are spent in the Shannon area, with a choice of accommodations in Bunratty or Limerick City.

In addition to airfare and rental car, the vacation includes pre-booked stays at first class hotels with private bath/shower for six nights, full Irish breakfast daily, hotel service charges and local taxes, third party insurance, and government tax (VAT) on rental car. Discounted rates of up to 30% are also available for the purchase of collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP) at the time of booking.

Clients receive a copy of a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per room); and a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 50% discounts to attractions.

To get the discounted price for clients, book by June 30 and use discount code 063009WOI. This offer is valid for new bookings only and may be revised at any time. It is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion.

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

May 6, 2009

CIE Tours Sells One-Week Irish Spirit Self-Drive from $699 - Independent Vacation with Pre-Booked Hotels, Car & Airfare

Looking ahead to Fall travel, CIE Tours is sparking interest in its new Irish Spirit independent self-drive vacation with pre-booked hotels by offering a special air/land deal of $699 for the November 12, 19, 21 and 26 departures from New York, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Bookings must be made by May 31st to get this price. Other dates are available at slightly higher prices.

"This vacation appeals to independent clients who want to take the open road, meet the people, and explore Ireland, one of Europe's friendliest countries, but they also seek the security of pre-booked first class hotels," Stack states. The package provides a scenic itinerary to follow with discounted admissions to attractions along the way.

The vacation starts with arrival at Dublin Airport and two days devoted to exploring the Irish capital including tickets for a hop-on/hop-off bus tour and admission to the Guinness Storehouse and a free pint. On the third day, travelers pick up a Hertz economy self-drive car downtown and then embark on a tour into the countryside with unlimited mileage, following a pre-arranged route to Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula, and then on to Galway and Connemara before ending for the last night at Dublin.

May 4, 2009

CIE Tours Offers "Early Bird" Prices for Taste of Ireland November Departures, from $998 including Airfare

For budget-conscious clients who can book now for Fall travel, CIE Tours International is offering an "early bird" price of $998 on the six-day four-night fully escorted Taste of Ireland trip including roundtrip airfare from New York, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Departure dates at this special "early bird" price are slated for November 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. This tour also departs three times per week in October, priced from $1,050 and the rest of the year at slightly higher prices. This early bird offer ends May 31.

"Aimed at clients with limited time who want to experience Ireland for an affordable price, this tour is an ideal short break," Stack states. "It's a complete vacation for one easy booking -- at an unbeatable price including airfare," Stack adds.

Focusing on the sightseeing highlights of Ireland, the itinerary starts in Dublin, and then goes to Cashel, Blarney to kiss the famous stone, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty.

The price provides superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath/shower for four nights; full Irish breakfasts daily; four dinners including a medieval banquet and entertainment at Bunratty Castle and a dinner/traditional entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; Dublin sightseeing tour with local guide; ferry ride across the Shannon River; visits and admissions to Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle and Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Muckross Gardens and the Cliffs of Moher; fully escorted sightseeing via luxury motorcoach; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; and all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

Accommodations are at these three hotels or similar: Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin (one night); Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre (two nights); and Bunratty Castle Hotel Hotel, Bunratty (one night).

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

April 16, 2009

CIE Tours Offers Discounts up to $800 per Couple On Fall Departures of Escorted Tours to Italy

To promote its growing business to Italy, CIE Tours International is giving discounts of up to $800 per couple ($400 per person) on selected departures of its Italian Classic, an 8-day/6-night/9 meal escorted tour, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Before applying the discount, the price starts at $1,698 per person for land-only. CIE Tours can also arrange low airfares such as a $522 roundtrip fare via British Airways from New York.

Staying in 4-star hotels, this tour visits Venice, Verona, Florence, the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, Rome and the Vatican. The $800 per couple ($400 per person) discount applies to departures on September 5 and 19, and October 3 and 17. For departures on November 7 and 21, the discount is $680 per couple ($340 per person). Bookings must be made by May 14th to qualify for the discount.

Activities on the itinerary include: half-day walking tours in Venice and Florence with local guides; glass-blowing demonstration in Venice; tour/tasting at Lungarotti Vineyards; panoramic tour of Rome with stop at the Colosseum; guided tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica; and visits and admissions to Basilica San Marco, Doges' Palace, and Academy of Fine Arts.

In addition, CIE Tours is offering discounts from $800 per couple ($400 per person) on its Italian & Sicilian Classic, a 14-day/12 night/20 meal escorted tour; or discounts from $500 per couple ($250 per person) on the Sicilian Spirit, a 8-day/6 night/11 meal tour.

To obtain the discount, tours must be booked by May 14th, together with flights or travel insurance. Discounts apply to new bookings only, are not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion, and certain restrictions apply. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. To book, log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 051509SNA400 for departures on September 5 and 19, October 3 and 17; and code 051509SNA340 for the November 7 and 21 departures.

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

April 9, 2009

CIE Tours Announces $1,000 Client Discounts on European River Cruises for 2009

To boost bookings on its popular European river cruises for 2009, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $1,000 per cabin ($500 per person) on selected departures, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. For clients traveling solo, the single supplement will be waived in lieu of a discount.

"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."

Leading the list of over a half-dozen different cruise itineraries is The Legendary Danube, a 12-day/10-night cruise that starts with three nights in Prague, followed by a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg, and priced from $2,559 for land only before the discount. Eligible departures in 2009 include July 6, 13 and 26, August 10 and 24, and November 9.

The itinerary, which includes all meals on board the ship, meanders through medieval Regensburg, Passau or Salzburg, Linz, Melk, Vienna, and ends at Budapest.

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

To qualify for the discount, reservations must be made by April 30. Discounts are valid for new reservations only, subject to availability, not combinable with other offers and certain restrictions apply.

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

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

April 8, 2009

CIE Tours Adds a Discount for April Bookings On the 9-Day "Irish Adventure" Tour

Encouraging more Americans to book a summer/fall trip to Ireland, CIE Tours International is offering a $150 per room discount (or $75 per person) on a fully escorted nine-day "Irish Adventure" tour, if booked before the end of April, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The regular price starts at $1,158 plus airfare, but with the discount it starts at $1,083. Departures run at least weekly through December 6th.

"This all-inclusive trip follows a scenic circuit around the Irish coastline," Stack states, "providing a panorama of the Emerald Isle at a very affordable price for 9 days/7 nights/13 meals."

The itinerary, which begins and ends in Dublin, visits Wicklow, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway, Knock, Sligo, Donegal, Derry and Omagh.

Activities include a Dublin sightseeing tour with a local guide, walking tours of Waterford and Derry with local guides, and a ferry ride across the Shannon River, as well as admissions to The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Muckross Gardens, Cliffs of Moher, Knock Shirne, W.B. Yeats' Grave, and the Ulster American Folk Park.

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

To get the discount, book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. There are great deals available on airfares to Ireland and CIE Tours will search for the best possible rate when booking the coach tour. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires April 30, 2009. To book, log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 043009SPRING.

This tour is also available as a 10-day/8-night/14-meal vacation, with an extra night in Dublin, open-top bus tour, and Guinness visit, priced from $128 to $148 extra, depending on date.

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

April 6, 2009

CIE Tours Promotes 8-Day "Irish Heritage" Vacation With a $150 Per Couple Discount for April Bookings

CIE Tours International is offering a $150 discount per room (or $75 per person) for all 2009 departures on its most popular vacation - the 8-day fully escorted Irish Heritage, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Normally sold from $1,476 per person, the price will start at $1,401, plus airfare. Departures run weekly on Fridays through November 20th.

"This vacation provides an 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 the Emerald Isle, and that includes the friendliness of the people, charming hotels, and good times for all."

Focusing on the south of Ireland's scenic highlights, the itinerary takes in the Cliffs of Moher, Shannon Estuary, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Cobh, as well as Dublin, Waterford, and Kilkenny.

Activities include a ferry ride across the River Shannon, historical presentation on Waterford City; Essence of Kerry AV show; and admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Cobh Heritage Centre, Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross House & Gardens, Waterford Crystal Factory, and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

The price covers deluxe and superior first class hotel rooms 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 with traditional entertainment at a Dublin pub; welcome get-together drink, fully escorted sightseeing program, all baggage handling, government taxes, and hotel service charges. This tour can also be extended by an extra day to visit Galway, Connemara, and Clonmacnoise, for an additional fee starting at $148 per person.

To be eligible for the discount, book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. There are great deals available on airfares to Ireland and CIE Tours will search for the best possible rate when booking the coach tour. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires April 30, 2009. To book, log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 043009SPRING.

For full details, contact CIE Tours toll free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

March 10, 2009

CIE Tours International Offers $200 Discounts for England & Scotland Tours of 9 Days or More

To boost March bookings, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $200 per couple ($100 per person) on any departure of 2009 escorted tours of England and Scotland, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

This special offer applies to 15 different vacations of nine days or more including the popular English & Scottish Discovery, normally priced from $1,361 plus airfare. With the discount, the price starts at $1,261. Bookings must be made by March 31.

"This vacation is ideal for first-time travelers - it combines the panoramic vistas of the Scottish Highlands and the medieval mileposts of the English countryside," Stack states, "and everything is included - hotels, meals, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and more."

The itinerary starts in London and then goes to the most scenic parts of England including Woodstock, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District, before continuing on to Scotland to see Edinburgh, Stirling, Ballachulish, the Trossachs, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Inveraray, and Glasgow.

Activities include a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond, walking tour of Chester, reserved seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (for August 13th departure); and admissions to the Tower of London, Blenheim Palace, Chester Cathedral, Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, and Kilmahog Woollen Mill.

The price provides superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath for seven nights; welcome get-together drink; breakfast daily (5 full breakfasts and 2 continentals); four dinners including a Scottish cabaret/dinner in Edinburgh; and a fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

For a discount, clients must buy the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires March 31, 2009. To book, log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 033109SPRING. Contact CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or book online 24/7 at www.cietours.com.

March 4, 2009

CIE Tours International Offers New Discounts for March Bookings on Ireland Tours of 9 Days or More

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, CIE Tours is extending its discount of $400 per couple ($200 per person) for May-September departures on its "Irish Fling," according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The discount, which was slated to expire at the end of February, will now run through March 31. In addition, CIE Tours is extending new discounts of $200 per couple ($100 per person) on 23 other escorted coach tours of Ireland, if booked before the end of March.

"Everything is included on our 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." Discounts are applicable for all 2009 departures.

Among the tours eligible for the new March $200 per couple discount is the 9-day "Irish Spirit," visiting Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway and Connemara. It is normally priced from $1,044 plus airfare. With the discount, the price starts at $944.

The price covers first class hotel accommodations with private bath for seven nights; welcome get-together drink; full breakfast daily; 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 Rock of Cashel, Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross Gardens, Cliffs of Moher and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, and Clonmacnoise.

February 13, 2009

CIE Tours Discounts "Irish Fling" Departures By Up to $400 Per Couple

As a pre-St. Patrick's Day incentive, CIE Tours International is offering a $400 per couple discount ($200 per person) on the 7-day/5-night "Irish Fling" escorted tour, normally priced from $1,198 per person plus airfare, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The discount applies to departures from May 5th to September 29th. Before May 5th and after September 29th, the discount is $280 per couple or $140 per person. All bookings must be made by March 17.

"This vacation enables clients to travel around the Emerald Isle and see the highlights at an affordable price," Stack states. "The itinerary visits all the most popular places such as Bunratty, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Kenmare, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Dublin."

The price provides superior first class hotel accommodations with private bath for five nights including a final night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, a luxury property near Dublin; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle and a farewell dinner at Dunboyne Castle Hotel; welcome get-together drink; walking tour of Waterford with local guide; horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; fully escorted sightseeing tour with admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Flying Boat Museum, Muckross Gardens, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh Heritage Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, and Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; and all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

To be eligible for the discount, clients must book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and this promotion may be revised at any time.

To arrange a client discount for the May 5th - September 29th departures, log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional code: 09FLING. Check with CIE Tours for promotional code for other dates.

For clients with more time, a longer 9-day version of this tour, adding two extra nights in Dublin, is also eligible for the same discounts.

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

February 11, 2009

CIE Tours Reduces Rates On Self-Drive B&B Program

For independent clients, CIE Tours International has just announced a reduction of up to 5% in rates on its popular Go-As-You-Please Ireland self-drive programs featuring Bed & Breakfast home stays, with land prices starting at $468 for travel in March-April or from $516 in May-June, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

"With some current airfares at 40-50% lower than at this time last year, these value-for-money programs are more attractive than ever," Stack emphasizes.

The package provides open vouchers for six nights' accommodations at a choice of over 1,100 friendly B&B homes. A room with private bathroom (at no extra cost) is provided at each home, as well as a full Irish breakfast, service charges and all taxes.

Clients pick up a self-drive current standard shift model car from Hertz at Shannon or Dublin Airports - and then create their own itinerary at their own pace with unlimited mileage. Arrangements are for a minimum of six days/six nights, but can be for longer. Third party insurance and government tax (VAT) on the car rental are included in the price. CIE Tours also quotes rates for prepaid comprehensive car insurance, which delivers significant savings over buying insurance separately.

In addition to car and accommodations, the price includes many added-value extras such as an open-top sightseeing bus tour of Dublin; admission to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin with a free pint; and admission to the Waterford Crystal Factory and tour with a 10% discount on purchases.

Passengers also receive a copy of the Definitive Irish Bed & Breakfast Guide; a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per car); and a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 2-for-1 admissions to attractions.

To suit every taste, CIE Tours is offering a number of other self-drive arrangements with pre-booked hotels so that clients can "mix and match" to create their perfect vacation. The hotels, which range from first class to 5-star castles and manor houses, can be interspersed with B&Bs.

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

February 5, 2009

CIE Tours Announces New Discounts For 2009 Travel to Ireland, Britain, and European River Cruises

Providing clients with an added incentive to book in the month of February, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $200 per couple ($100 per person) on 2009 vacations to Ireland, Scotland and England or European River Cruises, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

In addition, CIE Tours has also just published the 2nd edition of its 2009 vacation program, with reduced prices on many vacations to Britain, Britain & Ireland and some tours to Ireland, thanks to the strengthening of the US dollar against the euro and British pound. These new lower prices are also shown on CIE Tours web site, www.cietours.com.

To be eligible for the $200 discount, clients must book an escorted motorcoach tour of nine days or longer or a European River Cruise, for travel anytime in 2009, together with either flights or travel insurance.

The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. This promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires on February 28th.

To process a discount, contact CIE Tours International via phone, at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or log on to www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional code: 022809SPRING.

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

January 28, 2009

CIE Tours Offers Discounts to Senior Clients On Over 100 Departures of 2009 Vacations

For mature traveler clients (age 55 and over) heading to Europe in 2009, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $200 per couple (or $100 per person) on over 100 departures of escorted vacations to Ireland and Britain, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International.

"Ireland and Britain 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 $100 discount on seven departures of CIE's Irish Odyssey, a fully escorted 12-day vacation that covers the coastal circuit of Ireland, regularly priced from $1,598 for land-only or from $1,982 including airfare from New York or Boston. The mature traveler discount applies to departures on March 26, May 3, June 4, July 2, August 13, September 3, and October 1.

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

The price covers superior and first class hotel rooms with private bath for 10 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; nine dinners including dinner with traditional Irish entertainment in Dublin, and farewell dinner with music at Cabra Castle; welcome get-together drink; tour of Dublin with local guide; "Titanic" walking tour of Cobh and walking tour of Derry; fully escorted sightseeing tour via luxury motorcoach including admission fees to 14 attractions; service charges, baggage handling, and taxes.

The $100 discounts are also offered on three departures of the 10-day Irish Legends tour; six departures of the 13-day Irish Classic tour; two departures of 10-day Irish Explorer; seven departures of 12-day Irish Odyssey; five departures of the 13-day Irish Tradition; and one departure each for the 10-day Irish Interlude, 9-day Mystical Ireland, and 7-day and 9-day Irish Fling.

In addition, the discount applies to three departures of the 10-day British & Irish Delight; 15 departures of the 11- or 12-day Taste of Scotland & Ireland; four departures of the 11- or 12-day Scots Irish Tour; two departures of the 13-day Scottish & Irish Dream; six departures each for the 15-day British & Irish Voyager and the British & Irish Grandeur; nine departures of the Scottish Isles & Glens; two departures of the 6- or 7-day Taste of Scotland; seven departures for the 8-day Scottish Dream and four departures for the 9-day Scottish Dream; and one departure of the English & Scottish Discovery.

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.

January 26, 2009

CIE Tours Offers Taste of Ireland - 6-Day 2009 Escorted Vacation from $698 Land-Only or $1,082 with Air

For budget-conscious clients, CIE Tours International is offering a six-day four-night fully escorted Taste of Ireland trip, priced from $698 for land-only or $1,082 with airfare from New York-JFK or Boston, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. Departures are slated from February 28th through December 5th.

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

January 22, 2009

CIE Tours Enables Clients to Ireland & Britain To Avoid Travel's Costly Optional Extras

To boost 2009 sales, CIE Tours International is focusing on the added value of its inclusive tour price policy that covers sightseeing, accommodations, meals, entertainment and more, according to Brian W. Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. The policy also allows a tour director/guide to focus on client needs rather than selling optional extras.

"While many tour companies expect customers to purchase optional extras, such as dinner cabarets, castle banquets, walking tours and more, CIE Tours provides all the components of a tour in one price," Stack states. "Do the math - a medieval banquet costs $85 per person and an Irish Night averages $74, so a few extra meals with entertainment plus added sightseeing can really add up. We reckon clients can save up to $550 per couple per week, based on an 8-day vacation for two people, such as the Irish Heritage tour. This is a big saving if it had to be added to the tour's selling price from $1,328 for land-only or $1,712 including air from NY."

Among the special features that are included in the Irish Heritage vacation are: a medieval banquet/entertainment at a 15th century castle; dinner/traditional music at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin; tour of Dublin via open-top bus; tour/tasting at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery; tour of Waterford Crystal Factory; and admissions to attractions such as The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, and Cobh Heritage Centre. 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.

The price also covers superior first class hotel accommodations for six nights with private bath/shower, full Irish breakfast each day, five dinners, welcome get-together drink, fully escorted sightseeing program, all baggage handling, government taxes, and hotel service charges.

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