Professional Development in Ireland and Scotland A private tour designed by C.L.A.S.S., in conjunction with EF Customized Tours Requested departure date: Monday, July 8, 2013 (Dates below are subject to change. Required date flexibility of 4 days on either side of requested departure date) Day 1 Monday, July 8, 2013 Board your overnight flight to Shannon! Day 2 Tuesday, July 9, 2013 Arrive in Shannon and Transfer to Killarney Home to the longest river in Ireland (the Shannon) this region is dominated by water with its many beautiful lakes and rivers. Elsewhere, the gentle rolling hills of the region provide a scenic and pleasant welcome to this enchanting isle. Upon arrival, you will transfer through County Kerry to the Killarney Region, gateway to the Iveragh Peninsula. Enjoy the hundred shades of green of the opulent countryside in an area formed by glacial action following the last Ice Age. Overnight in Killarney Day 3 Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Excursion to the Ring of Kerry Experience the mystical beauty of Ireland as you journey the 112 miles around the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. Encounter magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Lakes of Killarney, and Macgillycuddy s Reeks (the tallest mountains in Ireland) as you traverse one of Europe s most spectacular coastal routes. Bog Museum Learn more about the formation and farming of the local landscape and its importance to the local way of life as you stop along the Ring of Kerry close to Glenbeigh. The bogs, or peat as they are locally called, still provide one of the central sources of power in the region. The museum is a scaled recreation of an 18th century village, allowing clearer insight into local culture and tradition. Group Leader-Arranged School Visit Today, your Group Leader has arranged for you to visit a local school in the Killarney Region. This school visit is a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse into the world of education in a different country. Feel free to interact with both the teachers and students during this unique experience. Overnight in Killarney
Day 4 Thursday, July 11, 2013 Transfer to Dublin via the Blarney Castle and Rock of Cashel On your way to Dublin, stop for a visit to the Blarney Castle. To reach the legendary stone and to receive the gift of the gab, you ll have to climb the steps of the castle, lean backward under the parapet wall and kiss the stone upside down. You ll also see the ancient ruins of the Rock of Cashel. Originally home to a round tower, abbey and cathedral - surrounded by defensive walls - the rock has played a vital part in the territorial struggles within Ireland over the centuries. Founded by a follower of St. Patrick, the Cashel Rock was also once a stronghold for Brian Boru and other Irish kings. Arrive in Dublin Arrive in literary Dublin, one-time home of James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, and W. B. Yeats! Dublin is also the setting for Joyce s Ulysses, one of the 20th century s greatest literary works. In recent years Dublin has also developed as one of Europe s busiest entertainment centers. Overnight in Dublin Day 5 Friday, July 12, 2013 Guided Sightseeing of Dublin Begin your tour of the Irish capital by viewing some of Dublin s celebrated Georgian squares. From here you will visit St. Patrick s cathedral to see the beautiful interior. Believed to have been born sometime between 370 and 380 AD, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. The churchthe largest in Ireland-is over 800 years old and is a history of religion in the republic. Elevated to cathedral status in 1870, following the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland, previous Deans include Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver s Travels, whose grave is located near the entrance to the cathedral. You will then head past the Post Office, site of the 1916 rebellion, before continuing along the banks of the River Liffey. Continue your tour in Phoenix Park which houses the residence of the President of Ireland. Your tour of Dublin concludes with a visit to the city s renowned Trinity College. Visit Trinity College and Book of Kells Trinity College was established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. Trinity alumni include playwright Samuel Beckett and satirist Jonathan Swift. In the Long Room of the Old Library, view the illuminated 8th-century Book of Kells, written by Irish monks and found buried in the ground in 1007. You ll also see a harp that originally belonged to the aforementioned famous Irish warrior, Brian Boru. Free Time in Dublin s Temple Bar District Stroll through Dublin s artsy Temple Bar area or down Grafton Street-Dublin s most popular and liveliest destinations for shopping and entertainment. Overnight in Dublin Day 6 Saturday, July 13, 2013 Transfer to Belfast Travel north on to Belfast, Northern Ireland s capital and largest city.
Guided Sightseeing of Belfast Your tour of the capital of Northern Ireland allows you to see all of the city s famed landmarks. Starting at Donegall Square, presided over by the white stone city hall, you will also pass Belfast Castle with its huge estate rolling down the slopes of Cave Hill. Later, learn more of recent events and see the peace-line - a blockade of iron that divides Protestant and Catholic communities. Visit the Titanic Belfast Visit the largest Titanic visitor attraction in the world this afternoon. The Titanic Belfast is a museum dedicated solely to the ill-fated cruise ship. Exhibits range from everything to the building of the massive ship all the way to its maiden (and only) voyage. Overnight in Belfast Day 7 Sunday, July 14, 2013 Board a Ferry to Scotland This morning, transfer to the Belfast port and board a ferry to Stranraer. Transfer to Edinburgh Arrive in the Scottish port city of Stranraer. Upon arrival, you will head east to Scotland s capital city of Edinburgh. On your way, stop at the famous Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. A famous Scottish-born poet, Robert Burns has been adopted as Scotland s favorite son. Find out why today, as you visit the site where he was born. Overnight in Edinburgh Day 8 Monday, July 15, 2013 Guided Sightseeing of Edinburgh Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour that offers panoramic views of Edinburgh s New Town, constructed in the 18th century during a time of rapid expansion, known as the Scottish Enlightenment. See Charlotte Square, the center of New Town, then pass by the homes of Alexander Graham Bell and Robert Louis Stevenson, and view a monument to Robert Burns, Scotland s national poet. Visit Calton Hill, which offers splendid views of the Firth of Forth to the Lomond Hills of Fife. Pass the Palace of Holyroodhouse, still the Royal Family s official residence in Scotland, and the city s monument to Lord Nelson. Visit the Edinburgh Castle Your guided tour of Edinburgh includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Situated atop an extinct volcano, the castle is the enduring symbol of Scotland s capital and home to many of the nation s storied events. Ownership of the fortress changed hands on numerous occasions over the centuries, from Scottish to English and back again. Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth in the castle to James VI of Scotland, who would later rule England as James I. Enter the castle through the Esplanade and see the Stone of Scone, the coronation stone that was returned to Scotland in 1997 after 700 years of English possession. You ll also see tiny St. Margaret s Chapel, the oldest part of the castle, dating back to the 11th century.
Walking Tour of Edinburgh Edinburgh provided the setting for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Stroll through Charlotte Square, pass by the homes of Alexander Graham Bell and Robert Louis Stevenson, and view a monument to Robert Burns, Scotland s national poet. From here, cross to the Royal Mile to learn more about this charming city s history. Overnight in Edinburgh Day 9 Tuesday, July 16, 2013 Transfer to the Highlands Head to the famous Highlands Region of Scotland. The Highlands are well known for their dominating mountains and high concentration of lakes. Of course, the region is also known for its mythical monsters! Visit the Loch Ness Centre A full-scale replica of the legendary Loch Ness monster, as well as an audio-visual exhibit on the myths, sightings and history surrounding it, are highlights of your stop at the Loch Ness Centre. Take a Loch Ness Boat Ride Enjoy a cruise around this deep, mysterious lake, as you await an appearance by Nessie herself. Overnight in the Highlands Day 10 Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Return to Edinburgh via a Visit to the Glencoe Visitor s Centre Visit Glencoe, site of the notorious 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan. Here, the fusion of natural beauty and historical preservation offer some of the most magnificent views in Scotland. Arrive in Edinburgh Arrive back in the Scottish capital this evening. Be sure to do any last minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping, as you will be heading back home tomorrow! Overnight in Edinburgh Day 11 Thursday, July 18, 2013 Transfer to the airport for your return flight Your tour director assists with your transfer to the airport, where you ll check in for your return flight home. Itinerary is subject to change For complete financial and registration details, please refer to the Booking Conditions at www.eftours.com/bc.
Tour Highlights and Details Overnight stays: Killarney (2) Dublin (2) Belfast (1) Edinburgh (2) Highlands (1) Edinburgh (1) Comprehensive sightseeing tours led by an expert local guide of the following: Dublin Belfast Edinburgh Entrances included to the following sites: Bog Museum Blarney Castle Rock of Cashel Book of Kells St. Patrick's Cathedral Titanic, Belfast Robert Burns Cottage and Museum Edinburgh Castle Loch Ness Visitor's Centre Boat Cruise Loch Ness Glencoe Visitors Centre Included in the Program Fee: Round trip airfare Transfers to and from the airport and hotel and between destination cities (as per program itinerary) Overnight in hotels with private bathrooms Continental breakfast daily Dinner daily Daily Professional Development with C.L.A.S.S. Curriculum Director Jim McMillan Full-time services of an EF Tour Director Not included in the Program Fee: Customary gratuities for your tour director, local guide and driver estimated to be $88 per participant Porterage Personal Insurance Beverages and lunches Public transportation to free time activities
TOUR INFORMATION Group Leader Name C.L.A.S.S. / Jim McMillan Requested Departure Date Monday, July 8, 2013 Requested Return Date Thursday, July 18, 2013 Number of Days 11 Days, 9 Overnights Departure Gateway Indianapolis, Indiana TOUR COSTS FOR EDUCATORS / TRAINERS Program/Instructional Fees* $2689 Departure Fees** $616 Total Cost of Tour $3305 *Program Fee listed above is valid for Educators and Trainers. An additional Program Fee charge of $800 is applicable for Non-Educators and Trainers. Program fees valid through February 15, 2013. **Departure fees and surcharges are imposed by airlines and governmental agencies. They cover federal or foreign imposed landing fees, security fees, and energy/fuel increases. Departure fees are subject to change and can fluctuate. They are finalized 30 days prior to the departure of your tour. Additional Tour Items Available (Not Included in Total) EF Tours All Inclusive Insurance Plan $145 / per participant