10 Day Best of Ireland 2012

10 Day Best of Ireland Tour 2012
Highlights

• Dublin
• Kildare
• Kilkenny
• Blarney
• Killarney
• Ring of Kerry
• Adare
• Limerick
• Bunratty
• Cliffs of Moher
• Galway Bay
• Knock
• Drumcliff

Itinerary:
Day 1
ARRIVE DUBLIN (2 NIGHTS)
Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Relax and unwind. This evening, meet and get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical Irish pub meal and drinks.

Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)
Hotel: Maldron Cardiff Lane (F)
 
Day 2
DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Your expert Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour including views of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park. Visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, an extravagant illuminated manuscript dating from the 8th century. Enjoy an included visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration. This evening, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a traditional Irish night out!

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
 
Day 3
DUBLIN - KILDARE - CORK
See some of the finest stallions in the world during your wonderful walking tour of the Irish National Stud, followed by a visit to the Japanese Garden. In Kilkenny, view the medieval city dominated by the Norman Castle and ancient Cathedral. Dine tonight at your hotel in Cork.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: River Lee (SF)
 
Day 4
CORK - YOUGHAL - BLARNEY - KILLARNEY (2 NIGHTS)
This morning visit the bustling and picturesque seaport town of Youghal where part of the filming of the John Huston movie Moby Dick took place. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle where you can also shop for Irish souvenirs. Travel to scenic Killarney for a two night stay. Tonight enjoy a delicious Be My Guest dinner at an Irish family's farmhouse.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Hotel: Riverside (F)
 
Day 5
RING OF KERRY EXCURSION
Follow the Ring of Kerry around the Iveragh Peninsula. Admire plunging cliffs, shimmering lakes, granite mountains and rugged coastlines. Pass through Killorglin (of Puck Fair fame), Daniel O'Connell's Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap in the Black Mountains.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
 
Day 6
KILLARNEY - LIMERICK
Cross the Glanaruderry Mountains into County Limerick, pausing on the way at Adare, known as one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. See St. Mary's Cathedral, King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone during your orientation of Limerick. Visit Bunratty Castle and explore the Folk Park, a living museum dedicated to life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Radisson Blu (SF)
 
Day 7
LIMERICK - CLIFFS OF MOHER AND THE BURREN - CONNEMARA - SLIGO (2 NIGHTS)
Stop to admire the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, towering high above the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy splendid views of Galway Bay and the Arran Islands as you follow the coast. See the Burren, whose remarkable flora and fauna attracts geologists and botanists. Your orientation of Galway includes the Spanish Arch and Galway Cathedral on the banks of the River Corrib. Then head north to Sligo for a two night stay.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Sligo Park (F)
 
Day 8
SLIGO - EXCURSION TO KNOCK AND DRUMCLIFF
Enjoy the beautiful Irish countryside and stop to visit the village of Knock, a popular place of pilgrimage ever since the Virgin Mary appeared to locals in the 19th century. Visit Drumcliff to see the church where Yeats is buried.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
 
Day 9
SLIGO - DUBLIN
Travel along the valley of the mighty River Shannon and arrive back in Dublin. There may be time to consider an optional visit to the monastic settlement at Glendalough this afternoon. Tonight, join your new-found friends for a Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Mespil (F)
 
Day 10
DUBLIN - CANADA
After a hearty Irish breakfast, say farewell to your Travel Director and fellow travelers as your Irish vacation comes to an end. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

What's Included
Sightseeing Highlights

• Dublin Visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. View St. Patrick's Cathedral and Phoenix Park.
• Kildare Visit the Irish National Stud Farm and the Japanese Garden.
• Kilkenny Visit the medieval city.
• Blarney Visit the castle and kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
• Killarney See the beautiful lakes.
• Ring of Kerry Visit Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Waterville and Moll's Gap.
• Adare Visit one of the prettiest villages in Ireland.
• Limerick See St. Mary's Cathedral and King John's Castle.
• Bunratty Visit the Castle and Folk Park.
• Cliffs of Moher See the stunning cliffs and the Burren.
• Galway Bay Panoramic views and an orientation tour of Galway.
• Knock Visit this pilgrimage town.
• Drumcliff Visit the church where Yeats is buried.

Insider Highlights

• Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.
• Be My Guest Delicious dinner and drinks at an Irish family farmhouse.
• Local Speciality Visit the Irish National Stud and gain an insight into horse breeding.
• Local Speciality Enjoy a visit to the Guinness Brewery for a Storehouse tour and pint-pulling demonstration.

Dining Highlights

• Welcome Pub Reception in Dublin, which includes a Traditional Irish pub meal and Welcome Drinks.
• 9 full breakfasts.
• 2 three-course dinners.
• Be My Guest dinner in a farmhouse.
• Farewell Dinner with wine in Dublin.

First Class Travel Highlights

• A choice of hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach on sightseeing tours and transfers.
• The services of a Trafalgar Local Host at Trafalgar’s recommended hotels.
• A qualified Local Guide in Dublin.
• Audio Headsets on all guided visits and included sightseeing.
• Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.
• A stylish wallet, travel documents, keepsake booklet and map.

Dates & Rates:
Tour leaves Dublin Friday, and returns to Dublin Monday.
April 20 – August 31: $2199
September 7 – 28: $2250
October 5 – 19: $ 2199

All rates are based on Double Occupancy and in Canadian Dollars.
Single Supplement: Please call us to inquire
Triple Reduction: Please call us to inquire