The Traveling Professor Presents a Preview Tour Ireland

PRELIMINARY ITINERARY

Come Back to Erin: 9 Days Southern Ireland Discovery Tour

 Day 1:  Arrive in Dublin, Ireland

Private pick-up at the Dublin airport.   After check-in we have a guided city tour.  Visit Trinity College and view the famous “Book of Kells”.   If time permits we’ll do a guided tour of Christchurch Cathedral.   Get together with traveling companions at dinner.

Accommodation: The Davenport Hotel.  2 nights.  Website:  http://www.davenporthotel.ie

Day 2:  Wicklow Excursion & Dublin

After a hearty Irish breakfast, set off to Powerscourt Gardens in Wicklow often described as one of Ireland’s most beautiful gardens. Situated on over 47 acres, the gardens are said to have over 200 different varieties of trees, shrubs and flowers. Next is a visit to the legendary Guinness Storehouse where a pint of the famous blackstuff may be lifted by all.  See why everyone says it tastes better in Ireland than it does in the U.S.  The balance of the day is at leisure to discover this wonderful city.  Take part in an optional Dublin Literary Pub Crawl. This lively walk visits some of Dublin’s famous pubs where writers like James Joyce and Samuel Beckett were frequently seen.

 

Day 3:  Cashel, Blarney & Cork

En-route to Cork enjoy a tour to the town of Cashel. The impressive Rock of Cashel appears in the distance as we approach the town.  This cathedral/fortress dates to the time of St. Patrick when he used the shamrock as the symbol of the Holy Trinity while converting the King of Munster to Christianity.  Travel to Blarney where Blarney Castle, a 15th century McCarthy Castle, is legend.   Visit the estate then climb to the top and kiss the Blarney Stone.  Legend says those who kiss the Stone will be given the gift of eloquent speech. Continue to the quaint harbor town of Kinsale where colored houses dot the landscape. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Accommodation: Trident Hotel, Kinsale 2 nights.  Website:  http://tridenthotel.com/

Day 4:  Kinsale & Cobh

Take pleasure in a visit to the 14th century, star shaped Charles Fort in Kinsale before heading to Cobh Heritage Centre. Cobh was one of the major embarkation points of emigrants during the 19th and 20th centuries.  It was the last port of call for the Titanic before she sank on her maiden voyage.  On to Midleton to visit the Old Midleton Distillery, home to Jameson Irish whiskey.  Learn about craftsmanship and complete the tour with a tasting. Tour on through Cork City, a city more than 800 years old poised on the River Lee. It is the second largest city of the Irish Republic, lively and prosperous with a keen sense of its own cultural identity. Return to Kinsale to enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Day 5:  Kenmare & Killarney

Drive through the scenic West Cork country side as we travel to Glengarriff and cross the spectacular Caha Pass into Kenmare situated on the Kenmare River.  Head north through Moll’s Gap and enjoy the ‘Short Ring of Kerry,’ and stop at Ladies View for a panoramic view over the Lakes of Killarney and Killarney town.  

Accommodation: The Malton, Killarney, 3 nights.  Website:  http://www.themalton.com

Day 6:  Killarney

Head to Killarney National Park and take in the stunning scenery set on over 24,000 acres.  Visit Muckross House and Gardens, a 19th century mansion depicting life in Ireland during this period.  The balance of the day is at leisure in Killarney.

Day 7:  Dingle Peninsula

Experience the spectacular Dingle Peninsula, one of Ireland’s most picturesque spots.  Afterwards, we drive around Slea Head and admire its rugged beauty. Visit the Blasket Island Center. Stop at the Gallorus Oratory and other Early Christian sites. The Gallarus Oratory is a 7th century stone chapel used by pilgrims going to Mount Brandon.

Day 8:  Adare to Shannon/Limerick

Depart for Shannonside and enjoy a stop at one of Ireland’s prettiest villages Adare.  Next on the program we drop in on Bunratty Folk Park, a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago.  Roam through the park and see the rural farmhouses, village shops and streets which have been recreated and furnished to a time that once was. This evening enjoy a feast and entertainment at the Bunratty Medieval Banquet.  Accommodation: Bunratty Castle Hotel.  Website:  http://www.bunrattycastlehotel.com/

 

Day 9:  Depart Ireland

This morning you are transferred to Shannon airport for your return flight home.  Slan Leat!

What’s Included:

·         4-star quality hotels with full Irish breakfast. We have hand-picked hotels for their convenience, level of service, cleanliness, size, and quality. 

·         Dinners:  Welcome dinner in Dublin on first evening, medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle, one other dinner.  All other lunches and dinners on your own.

·         Transportation:  Sightseeing by private luxury motor coach.  We do not share the coach with other tour groups.  Professional driver/guides throughout.  

·         All guided tours including admission to Trinity College, Christchurch, Guinness Storehouse, Powerscourt Gardens, Glendalough, Waterford Crystal, Midleton Distillery, Cobh Emigration, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher

·         Hotel Service charges and local taxes.

·         Private limo pickup from Dublin airport for transfer to hotel

·         Tips for baggage handling.

What’s Not Included:

·         Airfare between North America and Ireland.

·         Personal expenses

·         Meals other than specified on the itinerary.

·         Travel insurance.   The Traveling Professor can refer you to a licensed travel insurance agent.

·         Tips (tipping is minimal) and The Traveling Professor does not accept tips

·         Fees for Individual Activities

Notes Regarding Airfare:

·         Book your own transatlantic airfare to Dublin and from Shannon.   

·         DO NOT purchase airfare until your space has been confirmed and it is designated as a “go”.

·         Most flights from North America are overnight flights.

 

What is a “Preview Tour?”

A preview tour is offered to a select group of experienced travelers before it is offered to the general public, if at all.   While Professor Anderson has been to Ireland many times, we have not taken a group to Ireland previously.    The tour is well-planned but a few minor “glitches” might occur.   We do our best to stick to the itinerary and published hotels, but changes may be made without notice.  The Professor will also request your positive input on hotels, itinerary, and recommendations if the program is offered to the general public.  Preview tours are generally offered at a reduced price from what may be offered to the general public.

Notes:

·         Leading this tour is Professor Marynita Anderson, an expert on Irish history.   She is on this tour from start to finish.

·         Travelers need to be in good health, ambitious, and energetic.  Everyone is expected to handle their own luggage without assistance, walk 2-3 miles daily, up and down stairs and on rugged terrain.  This tour is NOT recommended for those with mobility issues. 

·         Most of our travelers are in their 40’s through 70’s.  Usually about half are solo travelers and others have travel partners.

·         Experienced travelers are preferred for The Traveling Professor’s Preview Tours.  Tour is limited to 12-14 participants.

·         Carry-on luggage is STRONGLY recommended.  Please pack light.

Tour Dates:

·         The tour starts on May 24, 2015 in Dublin. 

 

Pricing:

·         Double Occupancy:  $3,499 per person.

·         Single Occupancy: $3,950 per person.

·         Please see note regarding airfare

To Reserve Places on this Tour:

·         Please send a deposit of $350 per person made out to TRAVELING PROFESSOR LLC and mail to:  STEPHEN SOLOSKY, TRAVELING PROFESSOR, PO BOX 747, GREAT BARRINGTON MA 01230. 

·         Deposits are FULLY REFUNDABLE up until 75 days before the trip begins.  After that time, deposits may be applied to any available Traveling Professor tour in 2015 or 2016

·         For cancellations within 60 days of the tour, all effort will be made to refund any monies that have not been committed to non-refundable services (transportation tickets, event admissions, hotel charges, etc.). 

·         Credit card and PayPal payment is available.  However, banks assess a 3% surcharge which must be added.

For more information, see www.travelingprofessor.com