Superior First Class Hotels - 11 Day Coach Tour
This vacation combines the fun of Ireland with the excitement of London. A favourite with our North American clients, this fully escorted tour is designed to introduce you to Ireland's many attractions. Feast at a banquet in an Irish castle, ride a jaunting car in Killarney and visit Blarney Castle and Muckross House. Stop at a working farm where owners serve afternoon tea and scones. Fly to London where a three-day stay at the Jurys Kensington Hotel with independent arrangements gives you flexibility for sightseeing.
Day 1: Depart for Shannon
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to Shannon. Relax with inflight entertainment and meal service.
Day 2: Shannonside & Medieval Feast
Land at Shannon Airport and after immigration, pick up your luggage and locate the Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall where our staff will arrange a group transfer to your nearby hotel. If you have arranged flights independently, complimentary transfers will be offered from Shannon Airport between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives later than noon, you will transfer to the hotel at your own expense. This afternoon you may rest or take a stroll through Bunratty Folk Park, which is located close to your hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a welcoming drink before heading to the 15th century Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style meal and entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Then cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Castleisland to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, head out to view some of the scenery. Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of Killarney National Park to Muckross House & Gardens. Tour the house with a local guide to learn about its history and lifestyle of previous owners and perhaps stroll through the gardens that are laid out on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry Tour
Embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive - the Ring of Kerry. This circular tour will reveal constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. Drive through the remote towns of Cahirciveen and Waterville and return through the colorful village of Sneem. Enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty all along the way. At Moll's Gap, stop to view the three lakes with the mountains and town in the background. Return to Killarney and enjoy some free time to look around the town before dinner. After dinner you may like to visit some of the many pubs that offer live entertainment. (B, D)
Day 5: Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage Centre
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Walk through the grounds and climb the steps of fabled Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Bypass Cork city as you drive to the port town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on the early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route and stop near Youghal for tea and scones at a dairy farm before driving to Waterford for dinner and overnight stay. This evening a local guide will take you for a brief walk of this old city. (B, D)
Day 6: Waterford Crystal & Abbey Tavern
Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings and stop to stroll through the narrow streets or view the massive castle from its rose gardens. Drive to Dublin and check into your hotel. This evening drive to the Abbey Tavern, where a delicious dinner of Irish specialties is finished off with an Irish coffee. Sit back and listen to the Abbey Tavern Singers with their repertoire of popular Irish songs - you may even like to join in! (B, D)
Day 7: Book of Kells & Jameson Whiskey
This morning tour Dublin city center to see the prominent public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and peaceful gardens. Note the contrasts between centuries-old historic places and modern streets, which pulse with activity. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. Then tour the Old Jameson Distillery, where you can see the many steps needed to create Irish whiskey and sample some. The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse, shop, sightsee and dine on your own. (B)
Day 8: Fly to London
Transfer to Dublin Airport to check in for your flight to London which takes just over one hour. (Dublin to London fligth is not included in land only price - please ensure that you have an airline ticket for this segment.) Land in London's Heathrow Airport to start your independent vacation. Transfer from the airport to your hotel with a coach voucher provided.
Days 8, 9 & 10: London
You may schedule your time as you wish for these three days. London has many attractions to choose from whatever your interests - history, art, theater, sports, shopping - it's all waiting for you. Take a half-day sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to see the main attractions and find your way around the city. Use the included theater pass to choose from a selection of exciting shows in the West End, London's theater area. Your "London for Less" card offers discounts on a variety of 200 attractions and eateries in central London. (CB)
Day 11: Depart for Home
As this is the final day of your vacation, transfer from your hotel to your departure airport. Use the Independent transfer voucher for the coach service and be sure to allow plenty of time to reach the airport and check in for your flight back to the United States. (CB)
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
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