12 Day Taste of Wales & Ireland Tour
Itinerary
Day 1 : Dublin & Russborough
House
Your tour starts at Dublin Airport with a transfer to your
hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later, transfer to
the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm drive through the lovely Wicklow
Mountains for a guided tour around stately Russborough House, noted for its art
and photography collections. In the evening discuss your itinerary with your
tour director over a welcome drink and dine independently.
Day 2 : Ferry to Wales &
Conwy
Take a short ferry ride across the Irish Sea from Dublin to
Holyhead. Stop in Conwy, a compact medieval town which is dominated by its huge
castle with ramparts and towers. Take a walk around the narrow streets with
ancient houses and take a look at Britain's smallest house on the docks. Drive
to your hotel in Caernarfon, another delightful town with a huge castle, and you
may like to take a walk before dinner.
(B, D)
Day 3 : North Wales & Snowdonia
Train
Tour North Wales, starting with a train ride on a narrow-gauge
steam train from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog to admire the beautiful
scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. View Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in
Wales, and drive by coach through more of the park. Pause in the village of
Betws-y-Coed before heading to the National Slate Museum which relates the tough
working conditions of this region's slate industry, developed in Victorian
times.
(B, D)
Day 4 : Harlech Castle &
Tenby
Today experience the magnificent Welsh coastline as you travel
south. Visit the mighty Harlech Castle, one of the “Iron Ring Castles” that were
built along the coast by the English in the 13th century to control the unruly
Welsh. Take a look around the attractive Georgian town of Aberaeron. Continue to
the picturesque town of Tenby, featuring a little harbor, a castle and town
walls. Check in to your hotel and take a ghost walk after dinner.
(B, D)
Day 5 : Green Bridge & Pembroke
Castle
Drive through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park today to
view the Green Bridge of Wales, a natural arch formed by eroding limestone
cliffs, and the Stack Rocks, that provide a haven for sea birds. Tour Pembroke
Castle, an imposing 12th century fortress to explore the labyrinth of
passageways and towers and enjoy views from the Great Keep. Watch the ancient
Welsh tradition of hand carving at the Lovespoon Workshop before returning to
Tenby where the evening is free.
(B)
Day 6 : St David's &
Waterford
Journey through colorful coastal villages on the way to St
David's, the smallest city in Britain. Visit the imposing 12th century St
David's Cathedral, named for the patron saint of Wales, to view the magnificent
carvings and take a look through the nearby art galleries, craft shops and tea
rooms. From Fishguard take a ferry ride to Rosslare and head to your hotel in
Waterford. After dinner, see the historic town on a gentle stroll with a local
guide.
(B, D)
Day 7 : Waterford Crystal &
Killarney
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about glass
blowing and cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Travel to Blarney Castle
to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” and shop at the nearby Blarney Woollen
Mills. Then journey west through rugged countryside to Killarney and settle in
to your hotel. See Killarney's lakes in the traditional manner, by horse-drawn
jaunting car with a driver who will tell you lots of stories.
(B, D)
Day 8 : Dingle Peninsula &
Dingle Brewing Company
Today discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula,
famous for scenic views of mountains and coastline. Drive to the westernmost tip
and tour the Blasket Centre overlooking the Blasket Islands. See displays on the
rugged lifestyle of the islands which were inhabited until 1953. Stop in the
town of Dingle to view brewing techniques and sample local beer at the Dingle
Brewing Company. Return to Killarney and enjoy some time to browse around the
town.
(B, D)
Day 9 : Cliffs of Moher &
Bunratty Banquet
Take a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary
to visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of rock, which extend five miles
along the coast. You may walk to O'Brien's Tower at the highest point. Journey
through part of the Burren to your hotel on the outskirts of Limerick. In the
evening head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable medieval-style feast while the
lords and ladies serenade you with song and harp music, evocative of the Middle
Ages.
(B, D)
Day 10 : Spend Time in
Dublin
This morning travel to Galway for a scenic cruise on Lough
Corrib aboard the Corrib Princess. Take a panoramic tour around the principal
areas of Galway city before traveling to Dublin. In the evening drive to
Taylor's Three Rock Pub for dinner and a lively show with traditional Irish
music, story-telling and step-dancing.
(B, D)
Day 11 : Dublin
Sightseeing
Today explore Dublin on your own with an independent
open-top bus tour around central Dublin. You may stay on the bus for the entire
loop or get on and off at whichever attractions and places interest you. Also
included is a visit to either Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery with
a drink included.
(B)
Day 12 : Head Home from
Dublin
Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your
flight home.
(B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner