Irish Escape
Jan 24-30, 2013
Itinerary
DAY
1 USA – DUBLIN
Fly transatlantic overnight to
Dublin Ireland. Dinner is served and in-flight entertainment is provided.
DAY
2 ARRIVE IN DUBLIN IRELAND
Welcome to Ireland. Your
transfer to Kilkenny will depart at approximately 8:30am. While you wait to
begin your transfer, there are restaurant and coffee shop areas in the arrivals
area of the airport, where you might wish to lounge before departing to
Kilkenny. At 8:30am, meet with your professional driver/guide in the arrivals
hall, and shortly afterwards, begin your transfer south to Kilkenny,
undoubtedly Ireland’s loveliest inland city. Upon arrival in Kilkenny, you will
have time to explore on your own, prior to checking in to your hotel at
approximately 2:00pm. In medieval times this was a prosperous
trading center and the narrow streets still follow ancient routes. This
afternoon, you might like to take an optional visit to Kilkenny Castle, built in the 13th
century and home to the powerful Butler
family for almost 600 years. Tonight you are free to explore some of Kilkenny’s many
fine dining options and lively pubs.
DAY
3 KILKENNY – BLARNEY – KILLARNEY
Departing Kilkenny, you travel
south towards County Cork for an optional visit to Blarney Castle with its
magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss. There is time to
stop at Blarney Woollen Mills to shop before continuing on to bustling
Killarney. The town on the lakes is famous for its lively pubs and open,
cheerful atmosphere, full of what the Irish call “craic!” – Gaelic for fun.
Enjoy dinner in your hotel. (B/D)
DAY
4 THE RING OF KERRY
Travel the road that winds
around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. It
is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all Ireland. Here mountains,
valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond
words. A number of stops will allow you to marvel at the spectacular scenery;
walk around the colorful village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap for amazing
views of the Lakes of Killarney. Later the motorcoach will return you to
Killarney, where the balance of the day is free. Later, return to your hotel
for dinner. (B/D)
DAY
5 KILLARNEY – CASHEL – DUBLIN
You depart from Killarney early
this morning, and travel towards Dublin, via the small town of Cashel where you
will have a photo stop and a chance to view the unforgettable Rock of Cashel.
The dramatic limestone rock crowned with secular and religious buildings
dominates the flat countryside for miles around. Travel on through the Curragh,
the heart of Ireland’s equestrian country, and arrive in Dublin early this
afternoon. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a panoramic city tour, introducing
Dublin’s grand architectural treasures, beautiful Georgian squares and history
stretching back more than 1,000 years. You will also stop at the Guiness
Storehouse for a tour and a pint. Afterward You will have some free time to
enjoy the city on your own. Your evening is free, and your guide will have
recommendations for a fitting farewell to Ireland. (B)
DAY
6 DEPART DUBLIN
Farewell
to Dublin and Ireland. Transfer to Dublin airport, where after check-in you
will have plenty of time for your last minute duty free shopping. Your flight
to the US arrives the same day. (B)
Vacation
features &
highlights
- Private
luxury motorcoach with services of a professional driver / guide
-
Complete
sightseeing program as detailed in the itinerary, including: Kilkenny; Ring of
Kerry; Blarney Woollen Mills; *Blarney Castle; Panoramic Dublin City Tour to
include *Guinness Storehouse
-
All
local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
