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Southern Gems CIE7S3

2010 Southern Gem 7 days
Highlights:

• Taylor's Three Rock Irish Night
• Glendalough Monastic Site
• Tour Dublin
• Historic Kinsale Walking Tour
• Foynes Flying Boat Museum
• Scenic Dingle Peninsula

Itinerary:
Day 1 - Fri: Dublin Castle & City Tour
Arrive in Dublin Airport and take a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. At 2:00 pm tour Dublin city's highlights with a local guide and tour the State Apartments of Dublin Castle. Back at your hotel enjoy a welcome drink and discuss your tour.

Day 2 - Sat: Glendalough Monastery & Taylor's Three Rock
This morning drive south to visit St. Kevin's 6th century monastery, picturesquely set in a peaceful valley between two lakes. Walk through ruined churches, round tower and Celtic crosses. In the afternoon take an independent open-top bus tour and Guinness or Jameson visit. Head to Taylor's Three Rock Pub for dinner and a great traditional show. (B, D)

Day 3 - Sun: Rock of Cashel & Historic Kinsale Walk
Drive south to visit the Rock of Cashel, to see the 12th century Cormac's Chapel, the cathedral and a round tower. Continue past Cork to Kinsale, a delightful old town.. Check in to your waterfront hotel and join a local guide for a short walk around Kinsale's historic places. (B, D)

Day 4 - Mon: Muckross House & Killarney
This morning drive to Kenmare and along part of the Ring of Kerry route for splendid views of lakes and mountains. Tour the 19th century Muckross House before heading into Killarney for some free time. Drive out along the Dingle Peninsula and check in to your hotel, overlooking Dingle Bay. (B, D)

Day 5 - Tue: Dingle Peninsula & Gallarus Oratory
Today discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula. Tour the Blasket Experience to learn about the Blasket Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy islanders. Visit Gallarus Oratory, a small church dating from the 6th to 9th centuries. Travel up to the Conor Pass for sweeping views before returning to Dingle. (B, D)

Day 6 - Wed: Flying Boat Museum & Cliffs of Moher
Visit the Foynes Flying Boat Museum to learn about the early days of air travel between the United States and Europe. Travel to Ennis and check in to your hotel. At 2:30 pm depart for the Cliffs of Moher, a dramatic wall of rock that plunges to the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Ennis for dinner with informal entertainment. (B, D)

Day 7 - Thu: Home from Shannon
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Shannon Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. (B)

Tour Inclusions:
·  Group transfers on arrival and departure
·  Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
·  Dublin open-top bus tour
·  Visit and a drink at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery
·  Services of a professional Irish driver/guide
·  Superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 6 nights
·  6 full Irish breakfasts (B)
·  5 dinners (D) including
- Dinner and traditional Irish entertainment at Taylor's Three Rock Pub
- Dinner with music at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis
- 3 table d'hote dinners
·  Welcome get-together drink
·  Tour of Dublin with a local guide
·  Walking tour of Kinsale with a local guide
·  Visits and admissions to Dublin Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Rock of Cashel, Muckross House & Gardens, Blasket Experience, Gallarus Oratory, Foynes Flying Boat Museum and Cliffs of Moher
·  Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
·  All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

Your Hotels:
Stay at the following (or similar):

• Davenport Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
• Trident Hotel, Kinsale (1 night)
• Skellig Hotel, Dingle (2 nights)
• Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis (1 night)

Dates & rates:
May 7 – Sept 17: $1358
Oct 1 & oct 8: $1258
Oct 22: $1178

Single Supplement: $328

Prices in US Dollars
Tour departs Dublin Fridays and Returns to Shannon Thursdays