Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is back for 2025 with a brand-new theme - "Heroes Who Made Us!". From August 1 to August 23, hundreds of military bands, dancers, and musicians from around the world will come together at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to present a stunning display of music, dance, and light, weaving together tales from different cultures and traditions. This show will mark 75 years of the Tattoo.

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.

I Know That House: Finding Family—and Childhood Letters—on an Irish Tour

The desire to connect with one’s roots has surged with the rise of home DNA kits - but for CIE Tours, connecting travelers with their family lore is nothing new. We've been bringing people back home to Ireland for over 90 years, and our legacy in Ireland makes us the tour company to trust for travelers who want to experience firsthand the people and places that are part of their family lore.

Resolve to hop the pond in 2020: January 2-for-1 airfare sale

Traveling twosomes must book by Jan. 31 with promotion code 2FOR120 for departures April 1 – May 31 and Sept. 15 – Dec.

Top 5 Places to Enjoy an Irish Coffee

If you’re looking for a liquid lift and a bit of cheer, a classic Irish coffee is tough to beat. This warm and creamy potion with a bit of a kick has a storied history.  It’s a great drink to enjoy at home, but here at CIE Tours, we have a few suggestions of other places you might enjoy savoring one. Here's our countdown:  

Celebrating Robert Burns

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And never brought to mind?Should auld acquaintance be forgot,And auld lang syne!Every year at the stroke of midnight on January 1, many groups of friends and family in English-speaking countries around the world sing “Auld Lang Syne” to usher in the new year. The song written by the famous 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns is an annual tradition in Scotland and around the globe.

Fast Facts about St. Brigid

St. Patrick isn’t the only saint that gets a day of global celebration. Ireland’s second-most beloved saint, Brigid, has her special day on February 1. Brigid is associated with many miracles related to healing, and it's fitting that the day to commemorate her is also the traditional first day of spring in Ireland. Celebrations have been going on in Ireland for centuries, and in recent years have spread to the Irish diaspora.

Attraction Spotlight: GPO Museum

One place that history lovers visiting Dublin should put on their must-see list is the  General Post Office, or the GPO, as it’s more commonly known. Many of CIE Tours' Irish vacations offer the opportunity to visit this building in the heart of the city. There is no more iconic building in Ireland - and a fascinating museum inside tells its story. 

Celebrating British Hospitality: The CIE Tours Awards of Excellence for our 2024 season

 Every year, CIE Tours acknowledges the best of British hospitality through our Annual Awards of Excellence. On April 8, 2025, we gathered at Ardoe House Hotel in Aberdeen to honor the hotels and tourism experience providers that have made our travelers' experiences truly exceptional. These awards celebrate the warmth and outstanding service our partners offer to our guests.

Why Risotto alla Milanese Is Milan in a Bowl

A Glimpse into Its Golden HistoryLike many beloved Italian recipes, Risotto alla Milanese has a legendary origin.According to 16th-century lore, a young artist working on the stained-glass windows of Milan’s Duomo used saffron as a pigment enhancer. For his wedding, his friends added it to the rice dish as a prank — and the result was unexpectedly delicious.While charming, the legend likely overlays a more practical truth: saffron was already in use among Northern Italy’s wealthier classes, prized for its deep golden color and celebratory fragrance.

Why Choose a Walking & Hiking Tour with CIE Tours?

For nearly a century, CIE Tours has been sharing the magic of Ireland and beyond with travelers from around the world. We’re now thrilled to introduce a brand-new way to experience the Emerald Isle: our first-ever walking and hiking tours - available for the 2026 season. These immersive journeys invite you to step beyond the usual sights and into the heart of Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes—offering a slower, more personal, and truly unforgettable way to explore the country.

CIE Tours Introduces a New Way to Explore Ireland With Small-Group Walking & Hiking Tours