| Day 1 BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT. | Dublin, Ireland |
| Day 2 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN, IRELAND. | Dublin, Ireland |
| Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a Welcome Dinner. (D) |
| Day 3 TOUR HISTORIC DUBLIN. | Dublin, Ireland |
| See Georgian squares and pass Christ Church on your way to stately St. Patrick's Cathedral. On to the seat of learning at the heart of Dublin - Trinity College. Walk across the cobbled squares to the old library and see one of Ireland's greatest treasures - the 8th century Book of Kells. Spend the rest of your day exploring the city's shops, galleries and museums or relax in a cafe or pub. (FB) |
| Day 4 DUBLIN / GLENDALOUGH / WATERFORD / CORK. | Cork, Ireland |
| Travel through the serene Wicklow Mountains to the monastic ruins at Glendalough. On to the ancient town of Waterford with its colorful terrace houses, cafes and bars overlooking the quayside. At the Waterford Crystal Factory, watch master craftsmen at work in the centuries-old tradition of glass cutting and engraving, then stroll through the splendid showrooms. On to Cork, the largest city on Ireland's south coast. (FB,D) |
| Day 5 CORK / BLARNEY / KILLARNEY. | Killarney, Ireland |
| Your first stop today is Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. Stroll across to the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for fine Irish knitwear and handicrafts. Then on to Killarney, famous for its cheerful atmosphere and what the Irish call "craic!" - Gaelic for fun. (FB) |
| Day 6 THE RING OF KERRY. | Killarney, Ireland |
| Journey along the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as "The Ring of Kerry." This is one of the most beautiful and magical places in Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. After dinner, you are free to stroll through Killarney town. (FB,D) |
| Day 7 KILLARNEY / CLIFFS OF MOHER / LIMERICK. | Limerick, Ireland |
| Departing Killarney, cross the Shannon estuary by ferry and enter County Clare to walk along the Cliffs of Moher: a magical vista awaits you. Then north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape dotted with rare flora. Afterward, head to your hotel in Limerick. Tonight, why not attend an optional Medieval Castle Banquet. (FB) |
| Day 8 LIMERICK / RATHBAUN FARM / GALWAY / CONNEMARA. | Connemara, Ireland |
| This morning visit Rathbaun Farm for refreshments and to meet an Irish farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Continue to medieval Galway. Visit Galway Cathedral before heading out to your hotel on the coast. (FB,MC,D) |
| Day 9, Fri. CONNEMARA EXCURSION. | Connemara, Ireland |
| In the west of Ireland, the starkly beautiful mountains of Galway and Mayo drop down to the coast. Little whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of mountains, brooks and rivers. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied by the Irish Benedictine community of nuns who came from Ypres after World War I. The balance of the evening is free. (FB,D) |
| Day 10 CONNEMARA / SLIGO / DONEGAL. | Donegal, Ireland |
| First stop is the Shrine at Knock, a place of modern pilgrimage for millions. In 1879, the figures of Mary, St. Joseph and St. John are reported to have miraculously appeared here in a vision to 15 local people. In County Sligo, bid your own farewell to W.B. Yeats, Ireland's great poet at Drumcliff churchyard. Next, watch skilled craftsmen design and produce fine china of renowned delicacy at the Belleek China Factory. Tonight enjoy the warmest of welcomes in the twin towns of Stranorlar and Ballybofey in the heart of picturesque Donegal. (FB,D) |
| Day 11 GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION. | Donegal, Ireland |
| Travel north to Glenveagh National Park. Covering nearly 40,000 acres, the Park is Ireland's largest. It encompasses scenic lakes, forested hills, and majestic mountains, including the two highest peaks in Donegal. This is also home to the largest herd of red deer in Ireland. Board minibuses for the trip to Glenveagh Castle, a 19th century mansion. You may want to take a guided tour of the sumptuous interior or stroll through the formal gardens and rhododendron woods or along one of the many trails. (FB,D) |
| Day 12 DONEGAL / DUBLIN. | Dublin, Ireland |
| Today, travel south. From the Heritage Centre at Bru-na-Boinne, visit the awe-inspiring Neolithic tombs at Knowth which predate the pyramids by 1000 years. (Some tours may substitute this with a visit to the historic Hill of Tara.) This peaceful place contrasts the final destination of your tour - Dublin. (FB) |
| Day 13 DEPART DUBLIN. | Dublin, Ireland |
| Your homebound flight arrives the same. day. (FB) |
