Love Letters to Our Tour Guides
As anyone who has traveled with us knows, our local guides and drivers are the heart and soul of any CIE Tours vacation. Natural storytellers, they are eager to share the secrets and side roads of the destinations they know so well. And, they are dedicated to delivering an enlightening, entertaining and memorable experience for every guest in their care.
But don’t just take our word for it. Our guides get fan mail to rival the latest Hollywood heartthrob. Here are just a few of the many “love letters” guests have posted on CIE Tours’ Facebook page in the past. We’ve paired each with a favorite love song title.
Unforgettable (That’s What You Are)
I just finished the Irish Gold tour on July 12th, I took my parents and my two teenagers along. Our guide Marian Kelly was so knowledgeable and entertaining and our driver Paul was excellent and had a great sense of humor and I just loved them both. My family and I had a wonderful trip. I already miss Marian and Paul, Ireland and all the other great people we met on our tour. I'm definitely coming back and would love to have the same guide and driver the next time. Please pass on my comments and praise to both Marian and Paul and that I'd like to keep in touch with them. I will absolutely recommend CIE tours and them to anyone looking for a great trip. – Alisha Christian
Nothing Compares 2U
My wife and I took the Irish Gold Tour as a gift to ourselves for our 25th Wedding Anniversary, it was everything we could have imagined and more. So much history and culture to absorb in one week, along with the panoramic views of Ireland itself. The weather for Ireland was unreal, every day sunny and in the 80's. Our guide Lloyd was awesome; lots of jokes, some Irish songs, and plenty of history for each area we saw. He showed a genuine concern for everyone's well-being as we journeyed across the country. Our driver, Brendan, made travel on the narrow roads look easy. These two gentlemen make a great team. I would definitely use CIE again, thank you for a great vacation. – James Foster
A Kiss to Build a Dream On
My daughter and I took the CIE Gold tour with my mom, sisters, brother, sister-in-law, and niece from June 24-July 1. What a great time we had! We had a very lively group of 44. We were blessed with a tour guide Lloyd and an exceptional driver Brendan. Never a dull moment. Everything went so smoothly with lots of entertainment. Many happy moments. I would recommend this any day! Special thanks to our group. Our highlight was watching our 84-year-old mother kiss the Blarney Stone. Special thanks to our driver Brendan for making extra time in our packed schedule so she could do this--a dream of her lifetime. – Brenda Burns Lewis
Oh, You’re My Best Friend
I fell in love with the whole experience...Bob Reid was so much fun. Knowledgeable... entertaining... real!!! His personal touch to all the things he taught us was like traveling with your best friend through the most beautiful place on earth!!! He took CARE of us... and I will never forget it! – Nathalie Chadwick
The Way You Make Me Feel
Just returned from the Castle and Clans tour 9/5 -9/15 with Graham as our guide. He was terrific and Christine was our driver and she was awesome. She got that bus through the most difficult situations and never lost her cool! We had a wonderful group of travelers, made friends and feel as though I have left two friends in Scotland. Thank you so much Graham and Christine, you made this a fun, interesting trip for everyone. – Deborah Wolman
I’ve Had the Time of My Life (And I Owe it All to You)
We just finished the Best of Ireland South tour on Sat. And it was absolutely amazing!!!!! Denis O'Sullivan was our tour guide for the week—my word!!! He truly helped us fall in love with this beautiful country!!! It was an action-packed week; we saw so many wonderful sights—Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, jaunting car (horse drawn wagon) tour through a spectacular national park, Cliffs of Moher, the Japanese gardens at the Irish National Stud Farm.... We could not have asked for better weather nor a better itinerary. Denis was a fountain of information throughout the journey. He really went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible time!! Can't wait to return to Ireland and hopefully would get Denis again. It was a magical vacation. – Lisa Raine
My Funny Valentine
Hubby and I had a fabulous time on our Scottish Dream Tour at the end of April...would definitely book another to go back to the Isles! Can't say enough about our guide Gordon...consummate professional with a wide-ranging encyclopedic knowledge of anything and everything he was asked, and a "proper Edinburgh Gentleman" with a great sense of humor. Our driver Peter was wonderful, funny and professional. Never a doubt that we were in good, safe hands with him behind the wheel. They made for a great pair to travel with! Breathtaking scenery and stops! Gorgeous lodgings, wonderful food... there just wasn't anything negative! Even the sun shone for us almost every day! Looking forward to next year’s brochure? Maybe another adventure...but would recommend CIE to anyone! – Tanya Murray
All You Need is Love
My mother and I took the October 3rd tour. Oh my gosh, it was so amazing. Marlene Sullivan, our tour guide, was unbelievably amazing. She alternated seats every day so everyone could get to know each other better. So much history and love for her country. Our driver Colin was the best. He took his job seriously, safety was his number one priority. He was the sweetest man and took care of all us old ladies (lol). His secret talent was his love of writing poems. – Glenda Scott-Koops
I Get a Kick Out of You
CIE TOURS really took care of us. They have thought of everything. I got back from their Irish Adventure tour on October 4th. What an amazing trip!! Our driver/guide was Tony. What a man! His knowledge, passion, humor and genuine care were unsurpassed. I am planning my next trip already! It will always be CIE TOURS for me!! – Jennifer Stermer-Keck