Itinerary for: Irish Experience 2012 (IREX)
Day 1 : ARRIVE DUBLIN
Welcome to Dublin, the capital of Ireland! Relax or take time to explore this wonderful city. This evening, meet and get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical pub meal and drinks.(Welcome Reception)
Accommodation : Mespil (First Class)
Day 2 : DUBLIN - BELFAST
Your Local Guide takes you on a morning sightseeing tour starting at Trinity College, where you see the ancient illuminated manuscript the 'Book of Kells'. View St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Phoenix Park. See the Boyne Valley, site of the famous battle, on your way to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.(Full Breakfast)
Accommodation : Stormont (Superior First Class)
Day 3 : BELFAST - GIANT'S CAUSEWAY - LONDONDERRY/DERRY (2 NIGHTS)
See City Hall, Queen’s University and the historic Stormont Castle, which is home of the Northern Ireland Executive, on your sightseeing tour with an expert Local Guide. Travel along the beautiful Antrim coast road through scenic glens and arrive at Ballycastle, famous for its annual Lammas Fair dating back 400 years. Walk across the huge basalt columns rising from the sea when you visit Giant’s Causeway. Join your companions this evening for a Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Accommodation : Everglades (Superior First Class)
Day 4 : LONDONDERRY/DERRY SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Walk along the walls of Derry - the last walled city in Ireland - with commentary from your expert Local Guide. View the 17th century St. Columb's Cathedral and the quay from which Irish emigrants sailed to the New World. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Consider an excursion to the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 : LONDONDERRY/DERRY - BALLINA
Travel south through lush countryside to Omagh. At Ulster-American Folk Park learn about the lifestyle and experiences of the immigrants who left Ulster for the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit the famous pottery factory at Belleek in County Fermanagh, where delicate hand-crafted porcelain has been produced for over 100 years. Dine tonight at your hotel in Ballina.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Downhill House (First Class)
Day 6 : BALLINA - CONNEMARA - GALWAY
Admire the spectacular scenery around Connemara, renowned for its beauty and tranquility. The picture-postcard scenery continues along the shores of Lough Corrib to Galway, where your orientation shows you the main sights of the city including the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral.(Full Breakfast)
Accommodation : Maldron (First Class)
Day 7 : GALWAY - KILLARNEY (2 NIGHTS)
View St. Mary’s Cathedral, King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone in Limerick. See Adare, one of the prettiest villages in Ireland, which once boasted three monasteries.(Full Breakfast)
Accommodation : Eviston House (First Class)
Day 8 : RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
Your drive around the 'Ring of Kerry' is scenic and memorable. Plunging cliffs, picturesque lakes, granite mountains and a jagged coastline make this a photographer’s paradise! Admire Dingle Bay, the South Kerry Mountains and Ladies View. Tonight, experience a delicious Be My Guest dinner in an Irish home. Meet the family members and hear about their history.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Day 9 : KILLARNEY - BLARNEY - WATERFORD
Visit Blarney Castle in County Cork. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone - it will give you the ‘gift of the gab’! See Youghal, the quaint fishing village where Moby Dick was filmed. Visit the Waterford Crystal Showroom and buy some famous sparkling crystal!(Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Accommodation : Fitzwilton (First Class)
Day 10 : WATERFORD - DUBLIN
See the medieval town of Kilkenny on the banks of the River Nore. Visit the Irish National Stud and the stunning Japanese Garden. In Dublin, celebrate with your companions and Travel Director at a Farewell Dinner.(Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Accommodation : Maldron Cardiff Lane (First Class)
Day 11 : DEPART DUBLIN
Bid a fond farewell to your fellow travellers at the end of this wonderful Irish experience, as you prepare to return home with memories to cherish. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.(Full Breakfast)