Shades of Ireland

Day One

Overnight Flight - Anticipation mounts as you make your way toward the Emerald Isle and its many wonders. Rich history, rolling hills and warm smiles lie ahead in Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Limerick. With tomorrow comes quintessential Ireland.

Day Two

Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins. Get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.

Day Three

Dublin - Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park. What follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.

Day Four

Dublin | Kilkenny | Waterford - Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

Day Five

Waterford | Blarney Stone | Killarney - The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence - give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle, by navigating the 128 narrow steps to the top. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants.

Day Six

Killarney | Ring of Kerry | Killarney - Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.

Day Seven

Killarney | Cliffs of Moher | Limerick - Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.

Day Eight

Limerick | Galway | Limerick - Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.

Day Nine

Limerick | Kilbeggan | Kingscourt - You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland’s whiskey territory. Your journey brings you to Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the stately grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a memorable trip during an elegant dinner.

Day Ten

Kingscourt - Tour Ends Your journey ends in Kingscourt.

FB=Full Breakfast, D=Dinner