11 Days/10 Nights

Ireland: A Celtic Jaunt

From the traditional food, music and dancing to the breathtaking scenery and bustling cities, this route through Ireland and Northern Ireland has plenty to offer. Revel in the gorgeous scenery as you travel along the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the 60 million-year-old "lunar" landscape of the Giant's Causeway, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Enjoy an overnight in a historic castle. In Northern Ireland, take a historical tour of Belfast, the capital city, offering awe-inspiring views of the Lagan River Valley and the famous Falls and Shankill Road regions.

Tour Highlights

• Revel in breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Cliffs of Moher.
• Discover the 60 million-year-old lunar landscape of Giant's Causeway.
• Take a historical tour of Northern Ireland's capital city, Belfast.
• Experience traditional Irish food, music and dancing.

Itinerary

Days 1-2—Chicago/Dublin: Welcome to Ireland! You'll meet up with your tour director at the Dublin airport. Your first view of Dublin will be a picturesque drive including lush Phoenix Park, Europe's largest and most impressive city park, plus Trinity College, Ireland's oldest university and home to the famous Book of Kells.

You'll enjoy a guided tour through  Old Jameson Distillery, gift shop and restaurant. Then we're off to Clontarf Castle for our welcome reception and a traditional Irish dinner. Meal included: D.

Day 3—County Meath/Belfast: Feel "Irish for a day" when the folks at Causey Farm delight you with delicious regional foods, traditional Irish music and Ireland's favorite outdoor activities. You'll experience hurling and jig dancing.

Next, we're off to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, for a fascinating city tour offering awe-inspiring views of the Lagan River Valley, the historic City Hall and the famous Falls and Shankill Road regions. We'll be offered insights into the turbulent history of the city and the reconciliation of its people. Meals included: B, D.

Day 4—Antrim Coast/Belfast: After a delicious breakfast, we'll travel to the Antrim Coast to see majestic cliffs and Giant's Causeway, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." We'll return to Belfast for the evening. Meals included: B, D.

Day 5—Donegal/Sligo: Discover how world-renowned Parian China is molded, fired and decorated by artists at the Belleek Factory. Take home a souvenir from the excellent ­retail shop or grab a bite to eat in the cozy café.

In Donegal we'll visit Magee Tweed, manufacturer of the famous Irish tweed used to make top-quality garments sold worldwide. Then it's on to Sligo for more gorgeous pastoral Irish scenery including rolling hills, crystal-clear streams and lake-lapped ­valleys. Meals included: B, D.

Day 6–Connemara/Galway: Relish another day of tremendous scenery! The Connemara and Galway regions feature an inspiring combi­nation of lakes, bogs and majestic mountains. At the Connemara Smoke-House we'll hear the secrets of smoking Irish salmon—and enjoy a tasty sample!

Later, watch master craftsmen at work in the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory during a glass cutting demonstration. Meals included: B, D.

Day 7—Burren National Park/Killarney: We'll explore Burren National Park ­today, which contains ruins dating back to the 12th century and is known for magnificent scenery. The highlight of our visit is a stop at the majestic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most spectacular sights.

Later, we'll take a ferry across the River Shannon from Killimer to Tarbert and continue on to Killarney, where you'll be able to savor a variety of traditional Irish dishes in one of its many restaurants. Meal included: B

Day 8—Kerry/Killarney: Enjoy a wee bit of Irish country life ­today at the Adopt a Sheep Farm. You can view gifted sheepdogs herding the sheep and even try your hand at sheep shearing.

On our way to Killarney, you'll be mesmerized by breathtaking scenery including Ladies View, Molls Gap and the magnificent Kerry Mountains. You will have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in Killarney. Meals included: B, D.

Day 9—Blarney/Kilkenny: Delight in a day of exploring castles and kings! You'll journey to the historic Blarney Castle, famous for its Blarney stone, which you'll have a chance to kiss for good luck. We'll stop in to shop at Blarney Woolen Mills, ­before heading to Kilkenny Castle, where you'll learn about Ireland's colorful monarchies. Meals included: B, D.

Day 10 – Kilkenny/Ashford/Dublin: While in Ashford, you'll be treated to a tasty lesson in making scones at the Ballyknocken Cookery School. We'll break for tea and scones before traveling back to Dublin for an afternoon of leisure and last-minute shopping. Later enjoy a farewell dinner and storytelling at Brazen Head Pub in Dublin. Meals included: B, D.

Day 11—Dublin/Chicago: This morning you'll enjoy your final Irish breakfast before heading to the Dublin airport. You'll take home marvelous memories of amazing Ireland, the Emerald Isle. Meal included: B.

Accommodations

• Day 1: en route to Dublin
• Day 2: Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin
• Days 3&4: Park Avenue Hotel, Belfast
• Day 5: Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo
• Day 6: Oranmore Lodge, Galway
• Days 7&8: Killarney Towers Hotel, Killarney
• Day 9: Kilkenny Ormonde, Kilkenny
• Day 10: Mont Clare Hotel, Dublin