Explore Northern IRELAND and beyond!

Transcription

1 Giant's Causeway Explore Northern IRELAND and beyond! May 17 26, 2019 Fri, May-17 DEPART THE UNITED STATES Depart Chicago O Hare with Aer Lingus at 8:20pm Arrive Dublin at 9:50am 18-May Sat, May-18 DUBLIN ARRIVAL After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. You will be welcomed by our tour driver/guide to Ireland and escort you to your luggage to the coach. Stop for a traditional Irish breakfast at a local restaurant with the group. Next, travel into County Meath and stop to visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre. Learn about the nearby passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth constructed over 5,000 years ago. Next, visit the actual tomb of Newgrange, which is aligned to the mid-winter sunrise so that the beam of the rising sun falls directly into the chamber. Continue your drive through Ireland s rolling hills and into Belfast. Upon arrival, embark on a panoramic tour around Belfast. In the city center see the Albert Memorial, the Opera House and Crown Liquor Saloon. In Donegal Square visit the imposing City Hall, completed in The richly decorated interior contains stained glass portraying Belfast s principal industries. Drive a short distance to your hotel, check in and relax or freshen up before dinner at the hotel restaurant. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: Belfast Grand Central Hotel

2 Sun, May-19 GIANTS CAUSEWAY Today, visit the Giant s Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava which has given rise to many legends. Stop just outside of Portrush for phtos of Dunluce Castle. During the 16 th century it was home to the MacQuillans, and later the MacDonnells. Stop en route to visit the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which spans a chasm of some eighty feet deep. This swinging rope bridge is not for the faint-hearted, but the coastal views are wonderful, even without crossing the bridge. Return to Belfast and enjoy a free evening. OVERNIGHT: Belfast Grand Central Hotel Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Mon, May-20 BELFAST to DONEGAL After a wholesome Irish breakfast, you will head to the Titanic Quarter, visit Titanic Belfast to embark on a journey through the life of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast to her tragic end. Continue your drive through Ireland s rolling hills and into Donegal. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour around County Donegal, which is renowned for woolen production and tweeds. Drive a short distance to your hotel, check in and settle into your room. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel restaurant. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: Donegal Central Hotel Donegal Tue, May-21 WILD ATLANTIC WAY Today explore the western coast of Ireland, which consist of marvelous scenery, stretching from Donegal to Cork. See golden beaches, rocky headlands and a lot more breathtaking landscape with strategic photo stops along the way. Drive along the Mullaghmore Peninsula. Stop to view Classiebawn Castle, a country house which was built on 10,000 acres for Viscount Palmerston in the Baronial style. The gable ranged central tower has a beautiful conical roofed turret. The estate of Hugh Tunney, a businessman from County Tyrone who passed away now owns the castle and its surrounding lands. Continue your journey through the rugged countryside of Ireland and into the bustling city of Galway and check into your hotel. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers for an authentic Irish dinner at the hotel restaurant. Classiebawn Castle Head out for a night of Irish entertainment at the Trad on the Prom Show, which features the best of Irish music, song and dance. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: Galway Hotel Meyrick

3 Kylemore Abbey Wed, May-22 CONNEMARA SIGHTSEEING Today, travel through the Connemara Region to admire the sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. As you drive along you will see many sheep that graze freely and also tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. Stop at Kylemore Abbey for a tour of the elegant mansion and church, set beside a tranquil lake. Learn of the tales and tragedy, romance and royal visits. Also walk through the magical Victorian walled garden. Return to your hotel and relax before a festive evening. Tonight, head to Dunguaire Castle, a beautifully, restored 15 th century castle for a sumptuous meal and fun program, that focuses on Ireland s literary heritage. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: Galway Hotel Meyrick Thu, May-23 ARAN ISLANDS & DUN AENGUS After breakfast, take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming. The Irish language is still spoken widely. Next, take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Have a look around Kilronan, the main town, before heading back to your hotel and enjoying a free evening. OVERNIGHT: Galway Hotel Meyrick Dun Aengus, Inishmore, Aaron Islands

4 Fri, May-24 CLIFFS OF MOHER After a hearty Irish breakfast, drive along the coast of scenic County Clare and stop to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland s most beloved, natural landmarks. See magical vistas, overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Ireland s Western coastline. Continue your journey through many market towns and into the metropolitan area of Dublin. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day free for independent activities and dining options. OVERNIGHT: Dublin Camden Court Hotel Cliffs of Moher Sat, May-25 DUBLIN GUIDED TOUR This morning, set off with a local guide who will show you around Dublin. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences. Stop at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, an 8 th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and see the Old Library. Next, tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, where you can sample a draft of Guinness. Return to you hotel and spend the balance of your afternoon free to relax, sightsee or shop on your own. Tonight, head to Brazen Head, which is Dublin s oldest pub, dating back to Enjoy an evening of Food, Folk and Fairies, where story-telling will reveal Ireland s myths and beliefs in times past. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: Dublin Camden Court Hotel Old Library, Trinity College Guinness Storehouse

5 Sun, May-26 RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES All too soon, your vacation to Ireland has come to an end. Transfer to Dublin Airport in plenty of time to check in for your flight, clear security and claim your VAT refund. Depart Dublin with Aer Lingus at 11:30am Arrive Chicago O Hare at 2:00pm Christine Jansen from Heart of the Valley Travel has CUSTOMIZED this TOUR just for you! LIMITED SPACE! Sign up now! Christine Jansen Christine@heartofthevalleytravel.com Phone: (920) TOUR INCLUDES Exclusive transport by motorcoach with a driver/guide Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure (8) Nights Hotel accommodations with private bath Breakfast (8): (1) Local restaurant (7) At Hotel Dinners (5): (3) At Hotel (1) Dunguaire Castle meal and entertainment (1) Brazen Head meal and entertainment Tour of Belfast & Dublin with Local Guide Irish show in Galway Trad on the Prom Show Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge experience Aaron Island & Dun Aengus experience Trinity College (Book of Kells) Guinness Storehouse Hotel porteage, service charges and government taxes Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap Hosted by Christine Jansen from Heart of the Valley Travel TRAVEL PACKAGE COST $2,295 per person DOUBLE Occupancy Airfare is additional PAYMENT INFORMATION: Deposit: $350 per person Due immediately Final Payment: February 14, 2019 CANCELLATION POLICY -Per Person January 9, 2019 until departure NO REFUND Flight Information / Aer Lingus At time of booking air will be confirmed at going rate TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance must be purchased at the same time as the deposit. Travel insurance quote from Travel Guard will be presented with the details of the policy and cost. Bus transportation to Chicago will be offered $75 per person / roundtrip Payment must be by check / cash only