Shades of Ireland

Day 1

Overnight Flight
Anticipation mounts as you wind your way towards 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 2

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 3

Dublin
Today, it's your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick's Cathedral, O'Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city's historic center, exploring St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, and the General Post Office. Either way, 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 4

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 glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor's Wine Vault.

Day 5

Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney
Live the legend. The story goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. This morning, give it a shot at historic Blarney Castle. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park before boarding a boat and sailing through the breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman (weather permitting). Tonight, it's Diner's Choice...choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney's great restaurants.

Day 6

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 7

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 tour to a Medieval Banquet dinner, which is hosted in a castle.

Day 8

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 9

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

Day 10

Kingscourt - Tour Ends
Your journey ends in Kingscourt.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner