Inspiring Ireland Awaits You! with Swanstone Gardens April 27 ~ May 7, 2021
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Inspiring Ireland Awaits You! With Swanstone Gardens April 27 ~ May 7, 2021 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Register now —this popular tour sells out! Trip dates: April 27 – May 7, 2021 This Exclusive & Customized Tour Includes: ❖Roundtrip motorcoach transfers from Green Bay to Chicago O’Hare ❖Roundtrip flights from Chicago to Dublin, Ireland ❖Meet and Greet Services upon arrival in Dublin. ❖Exclusive transportation by luxury motorcoach in Ireland ❖Services of a professional English Speaking Driver/Guide in Ireland ❖ Superior-First class hotels in Ireland (9 nights): 1 Night – Dublin, 2 Nights – Kilkenny, 2 Nights – Killarney, 2 Nights – Galway, 1 Night – Derry, 1 Night - Bunratty ❖Daily full Irish breakfasts (9), 3 two-course lunches, 7 dinners, INCLUDING ~ ❖ 3 Nights of Entertainment, Traditional Pub Dinner, Gaelic Roots Show, Tea & Scones, Welcome Dinner Party in Dublin and lots of fun. ❖ Admissions & Visits to: Giants Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Bridget’s Garden, Malahide Castle, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, Leap Castle, Medieval Mile Walk and Museum, Mt. Congreve Gardens, Lissadell House, Doolin Cave, Michael Skellig boat ride, Shannon Ferry Crossing plus more! ❖Hosted & Escorted by David Calhoon ~ Swanstone Gardens ❖Pre-trip informational group meeting ❖ Document Party & Reunion Party Custom Designed by ELJO Travel LLC ITINERARY Tues, Apr 27—Day 1: DEPARTURE FROM THE USA: Your tour starts as you board your private motorcoach from Sturgeon Bay, with a stop in Green Bay to Chicago O’Hare, with a stop in Milwaukee. Overnight flights to Dublin, Ireland. Enjoy in-flight meals and entertainment as you start your inspiring and energetic adventure to the Ireland. Wed, Apr 28—Day 2: DUBLIN, IRELAND (Welcome to the Beautiful Enchanted Isle!) Early arrival in Dublin, your Irish driver/guide will meet you outside of baggage claim and direct you to your private motorcoach. After everyone is onboard your adventure starts with a visit to Malahide Castle and Gardens where you might have a chance encounter with an 800 year old spooky resident or run into a fairy on the trail in the garden and visit the only butterfly house in Ireland. Head to the Capital city of the Republic of Ireland ~ Dublin. Stops at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle and the famous Guinness Storehouse for a wee taste of nector before checking into the hotel. The afternoon is free for walking around the city streets of Dublin. Tonight we will enjoy a special Welcome to Ireland evening with brilliant Irish music, a three course dinner and a bit of craic. Overnight ~ Camden Court Hotel (D) Thur, Apr 29—Day 3: DUBLIN ~ KILKENNY Breakfast this morning. Then off to our next adventure. Leap Castle is Ireland’s most haunted castle. We will meet Sean Ryan, the owner, musician and story teller. Lots of fun and a bit creepy. As we depart from this part of history we head toward Kilkenny. A stop in Cashel to have a panoramic view of the awe-inspiring Rock of Cashel. We will stop in and see our friends for tea & scones at the Rock House Café. In Kilkenny we will check into the hotel before heading out on the adventures of the Medieval Mile Walk. The Medieval Mile is a discovery trail running through the centre of Kilkenny city linking the 13th-cetury St Canice’s Cathedral and the Anglo-Norman Castle with much more in between. See Kilkenny Castle, Medieval Mile Museum, Rothe House, Smithwick’s Experience, St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower. You will also receive discounts in various cafes and restaurants along the mile. Dinner & Overnight~ Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel (B, D) Fri, Apr 30—Day 4: KILKENNY ~ MOUNT CONGREVE ESTATE & GARDENS ~ KILKENNY After breakfast we board the motorcoach for our drive south of Kilkenny to the home of the largest collection of plants in Ireland. Mount Congreve Estate Gardens is one of the greatest gardens of the world with stunning views, a pagoda, a temple and a dramatic magnolia walk. Be sure to stop in at the beautiful Georgian Glass House. Lunch is included in the Gardens. Return to Kilkenny where the balance of the day is at your leisure. Overnight ~ Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel (B, L) Sat, May 1—Day 5: KILKENNY ~ KILLARNEY Early breakfast and departure for Killarney. Upon arrival into Killarney, you will enjoy the beauty of this Vibrant little town. Brim full of history, heritage, activities and world class hospitality. Dinner is at our hotel before we venture out to a night of entertainment. Gaelic Roots is an award- winning show featuring first class Irish music and dance and showcases all that is magical about the Emerald Isle. Dinner & Overnight ~ Killarney Towers Hotel. (B, D) ITINERARY, Continued … Sun, May 2—Day 6: KILLARNEY ~ DINGLE PENNISULA ~ KILLARNEY After an early breakfast, we depart for the Dingle Pennisula. Dingle is truly one of Irelands’ most beautiful coastlines sculpted by the Atlantic Ocean with sweeping vistas and breathtaking photo opportunities. At the tip of Dingle you will find Skellig Michael, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we will encounter a dramatic boat tour to a magnificent island rising high above the sea, as we watch for playful dolphins and a large variety of sea birds, including puffins. Lunch will be in Dingle today for some time to walk around. On our return to Killarney, we will stop for Dinner & the Entertaining Show at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Overnight ~ Killarney Towers Hotel. (B, L, D) Mon, May 3 – Day 7: KILLARNEY ~ CARRIGAHOLT ~ GALWAY This morning, after breakfast, we head north to cross the River Shannon by ferry. Enjoy the sea air as we ferry across to the northside of the river. We reboard the motorcoach and drive to the little town of Carrigaholt. Here is where we will experience one of the most exciting activities and wildlife attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way ~ Dolphin Watch. With over 25 years of experience dolphin watching here at the Mouth of the Shannon, is rated as one of the highest in the world and the best opportunity to see dolphins in Ireland. Doolen Cave is a stunning underworld experience, the Great Stalactitie at Doolin Cave is one of Europe’s most compelling cave attractions. It is truly unique and breathtaking. Lunch is included at Doolen, before heading to Galway. Check into our hotel before heading into Galway for leisure time and dinner on your own. Overnight ~ Galway Bay Hotel (B, L) Tues, May 4 – Day 7: GALWAY. Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will take a magical journey to the award-winning Brigit’s Garden and Visitor Center. This garden is regarded as one of the most spectacular and enchanting places on the Island; complete with a ring- fort, round house, standing stones, café and gift shop. On our return toward Galway we will head toward the sea to the little town of Spiddal. Here we will spend time at the Spiddal Craft Village and Café. The village features fine hand-crafted items like wearable art, pottery and baskets. Return to Galway late afternoon. Dinner is at the hotel tonight. Dinner & Overnight ~ Galway Bay Hotel (B) Wed, May 5—Day 8: GALWAY ~ DONEGAL ~ DERRY After breakfast, we depart Galway and head north towards Donegal. Today we will enjoy a delightful tea at the historic Lissadell Private Estate. Our tour will include a visit to the picturesque grounds, and an exhibit of the great poet Yates, all in one of the premier horticultural estates in Europe. We continue on to Donegal Town for some shopping and lunch on your own. We arrive into LondonDerry late afternoon to check into the hotel. Relax before dinner. Dinner and Overnight ~ City Hotel. (B, D) ITINERARY, Continued … Thur, May 6—Day 9: DERRY ~ GIANTS CAUSEWAY/CARRICK-A-REDE BRIDGE ~ BALLYGALLY CASTLE HOTEL We depart Derry after breakfast and head to the north coast of Ireland. Today we will visit a truly unique place: The Giant’s Causeway, one of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, a geographical wonder formed 50 million years ago that created 40,000 interlocking columns and formations and the legend of Finn McCool. Sway with the wind on the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge as we take in one more stunning view high above the swirling waves below, an unforgettable experience. Our special hotel tonight is the Ballygally Castle built in 1625 and steeped in history. The castle is haunted by Lady Isobel (Isabella) Shaw. You might see her in the tower or she may knock at your door. Relax on the beautiful walled grounds and dine in their awesome restaurant. All right on the shores of the Antrim coast. Dinner & Overnight ~ Ballygally Castle Hotel (B,D) Fri, May 7—Day 10: RETURN TO THE USA. After your final breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the beautiful land of Ireland as we transfer to the Dublin Airport for return flights. Upon arrival into Chicago, you will get your luggage and head to your transfer coach waiting to take you back to Wisconsin.(B) Terms & Conditions: Price: This tour is based on a minimum of 30 persons and incudes planning, handling and operational charges and is quoted on the current rate of exchange, tariff rates and airfares based on October 2019. In the event of a marked increase or decrease in foreign currency or in tariff rates, the cost is subject to revision. This is a customized package tour in which land tour costs and special group airfares have been / will be combined in the most advantageous way. Should you wish to take the land tour only or deviate from the package tour by changing your departure and / or return dates of travel, this will eliminate the advantages of the package tour price and special group airfares.