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Proposed Itinerary :
DAY 1
THURSDAY
New York, Shannon
Today we depart the USA on our transatlantic flight to Shannon.
DAY 2
FRIDAY
Shannon, Bunratty, Limerick
This morning we arrive in Shannon and are met by our escort. Our first stop in Ireland is Bunratty Castle a Viking Trading Camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. We will see the Bunratty Folk Park a living reconstruction of the homes and environment of Ireland of over a century ago. Continue on to our hotel where we check in for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3
SATURDAY Limerick, Killarney This morning we depart for the Cliffs of Moher, where we look out over the Atlantic Ocean. Standing over 700 feet above the sea, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing ciewws in Ireland. Continue on to Adare, one of Ireland's most picturesque villages with thatched roof cottages throughout the town. It was here that John Wesley preached to the people of Adare in 1765 from the shade of an ash tree. Today a stone makes the spot where the tree stood. Our next stop will be Ballingrane where we visit the Embuty Heck Memorial Church, built in 1766, where John Wesley visited thirteen times over the years. Continue to out hotel in Killarney, ‘Heaven’s Reflex’, one of Ireland’s most lovely districts. Poets, painters, writers and musicians have never fully succeeded in conveying the varied beauty of form and color of this wonderland of mountains and lakes. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
SUNDAY Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Killarney Today after breakfast it is off on one of the most beautiful rides you will ever have . . . a full day tour of scenic contrasts from golden coastline to majestic mountains. En route you will see in the distance, 9 miles off Valentia Island, The Great Skellig, an enormous mass of precipitous rock rising sheer out of the ocean to a height of 700 feet. Stone steps, hewn by the ancient monks lead from the ocean to the monastic ruins on the summit. As you continue your Ring of Kerry tour, you will see Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, who was known as ‘The Liberator’ because of his efforts to secure Catholic Emancipation in the 18th-19th centuries. Enjoy a visit to Kenmar where we will have a sheepdog demonstration. Pass through the the unique and lovely country town of Tralee before returning to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5
MONDAY Killarney, Blarney, Cork Today we begin our day with a to visit to Blarney Castle, one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles. Here we can visit the Gardens and the famous Blarney Stone, believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it. Treat yourself to quality Irish-made goods at the Blarney Woolen Mills. Continue on to the port city of Kinsale where we will visit St Multose Church, built in 1190 and which remains in use to this day. The courthouse was used for the inquiry over the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. Continue on to Cobh where we will visit the Cobh Heritage Center, situated within a beautifully restored Victorian railway station. Here we will learn about Irish Emigration and hear about the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania. Continue on to. Continue on to Cork for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6
TUESDAY Cork, Kilkenny, Dublin We begin our day with a brief walking tour of Cork and the English Market. Continue on to Kilkenny. The medieval heritage is evident in the city’s treasure trove of historical buildings and landmarks, exemplified by the magnificent Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny is arguably the pre-eminent medieval city in Ireland. Our tour of the city will include the Castle and Cathedral, and the Church of St. Canice. Continue on to Dublin where our panoramic tour of the city will include Christ Church Cathedral, built in 1172, and Phoenix Park with its many monuments. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7
WEDNESDAY Dublin Today our tour of “Dublins Fair City” includes St. Patrick’s Cathedral, built next to the well where Patrick baptized converts on this visit to Dublin. In 1789, Wesley led a large number of Dublin Methodist to the Cathedral for Holy Communion. Next we stop at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church, the first Methodist chapel in Ireland, and visit St. Mary’s Church, where John Wesley’s first sermon was preached in what was called Evening Prayer. Continue on to the Church Pub, a church Wesley preached at in Ireland. We will view the National Gallery of Ireland, O’Connell Street, then a visit to Trinity College, housing the 9th century Book of Kells. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8
THURSDAY Dublin, USA We transfer to the airport for our flight home with unforgettable memories to cherish always.
Day by Day
PRE-TOUR: NORTHERN IRELAND EXTENSION
DAY 1
SUNDAY New York, Dublin Today we will meet at JFK International airport for our flight to Dublin, Ireland via wide-body aircraft arriving the next day. Meals served on board.
DAY 2
MONDAY Dublin, Belfast This morning we arrive in Dublin where we will be met by our escort. Upon arrive will head north to Malahide Castle, set on 250 acres of park land. This was fortress where the Talbot family lived from 1185 to 1973, when the last Lord Talbot died. Continue to Downpatrick where we will visit what is known as St. Patrick’s final resting place. Here we visit the Heritage Center, giving you a glimpse into the life of St. Patrick. Check into your Belfast area hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3
TUESDAY Belfast This morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Belfast to view C. S. Lewis’ birthplace and other childhood sites. Belfast has been the scene of much conflict between the Roman Catholics and Protestants, culminating in the “Troubles”. While visiting Belfast, we will see the remains of the famous ship yards where ships like the Titanic were built. Visit the East Belfast Mission where Wesley’s emphasis on reaching the poor and working class people is put into action. The remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.
DAY 4
WEDNESDAY Belfast, Londonderry Today we travel along the Antrim Coast where we will experience breathtaking views of the Irish Sea as well as hauntingly beautiful moorlands. The grand finale however is the Giant’s Causeway. Sometimes dubbed “The 8th Wonder of the World”, the Causeway is an amazing sight with its 40,000 basalt columns rising from the sea. Legend has it that the Causeway was the path built by Irish giant Finn McCool to enable him to fight the giant across the Irish Sea in Scotland. We end our day in Londonderry where our tour will help us discover the history of this ancient city which retains its medieval fortification walls dating from 1613. Check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5
THURSDAY Londerry, Limerick This morning we travel through the charming town of Donegal, with its windswept hills, on our way to Slingo, described by William Butler Yates as the “land of heart’s desire”. Here surrounded by the Ox Mountains, the great poet spent many years of his life. Continue south to Knock, where it is said that villagers saw the vision of the Virgin Mary in 1879 and then on to Galway for a brief stroll through the twisting streets of the old city. Continue on to Limerick where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6
FRIDAY Limerick This morning we will join those arriving from the USA and begin our tour of Bunratty.
Day by Day
POST-TOUR: SCOTLAND EXTENSION
DAY 1
THURSDAY Dublin, Larne, Glasgow This morning head north through scenic countryside to Northern Ireland, making our way to Larne, just outside of Belfast, where we will enjoy a 2 hour ferryride across the Irish Sea to Cairnryan, Scotland. Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to Glasgow where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
FRIDAY Glasgow, Loch Ness, Iverness This morning our tour of Glasgow begins at the Glasgow Cathedral, also called the High Kirk of Glasgow, and then on to the Burrell Collection Museum. We continue on through Scottish Highlands to Loch Ness, fabled home of the elusive water monster, Nessie! Here we will visit the Visitor Centre and Exhibition and take a 1 hour cruise on Loch Ness. Continue on to Inverness for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3
SATURDAY Iverness, Pitlochry, Edinburgh This morning we make our way to Pitlochry, visiting Blair Castle, where you will see Scottish history through the collection of the Atholl Family, and it’s Gardens with impressive walled gardens, wooded groves and sculpture trail. Continue through scenic countryside to Perh where we will cisit Dunkeld Cathedral, begun in 1260 and completed in 1501, and St. John’s Kirk, one of Scotland’s most important burgh churches, and Perth’s most ancient building. Continue on to Edinburg where we check into our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
SUNDAY Edinburgh Today our tour of the city will include a visit to Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood House Palace, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen of Scotland. Next we visit John Knox House, reputed to have been owned by John Knox in the 16th century, Princes Street, and St. Giles Cathedral with its distinctive crown steeples. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 5
MONDAY Edinburgh Today will be free to explore the city on your own, shop, or to relax at the hotel. This evening we will enjoy the Spirit of Scotland Show with dinner, featuring Scottish dancing and music. Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 6
TUESDAY Edinburgh, USA This morning we transfer to the airport where we board our flight home, filled with fond memories of the places we have seen and the friends we have made.
*The trip will take place in case of a group of 16 people
* * The route, as well as the order of visiting places, may be changed due to quarantine restrictions, as well as for safety reasons or due to the weather, road repair work etc.