The rich history, warm hospitality, stunning landscape, and authentic Irish food and drink define Ireland as one of the world’s most visited destinations. Friendly Planet Travel, a leading tour operator of high-quality and affordable vacation packages, offers a seven-day A Taste of Ireland tour for $1,799.
“Ireland is one of the world’s most stunning destinations with outstanding scenery, brilliant castles, and green, rolling hills,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “It’s no surprise that this picturesque island is referred to as the “emerald isle.”
A Taste of Ireland includes round-trip airfare, including fuel surcharges, from Newark (many additional departure cities available for an additional cost); all ground transportation and transfers; accommodations in superior and deluxe hotels; daily Irish breakfast and two dinners; a comprehensive touring program including entrance fees; a professional, English-speaking driver and guide, and more.
The tour begins in Ireland’s capital city of Dublin, before traveling to Ireland’s Midlands in County Kerry. Travelers then stop in the little field town of Blarney for a visit to Blarney Castle and a chance to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the gift of gab. They continue to the Iveragh Peninsula to take in the breathtaking scenery, mountains, and magnificent views of the Ring of Kerry. The tour passes through Killorglin, famous for its unusual street festival, Puck Fair, and the village of Glenbeigh, with panoramic views of the Dingle Peninsula and Dingle Bay. Passing through the peat bogs, the group arrives in Waterville and continues on to Sneem Village, famous for its brightly colored houses. A stop at the renowned Muckross House, in the heart of the Killarney National Park, rounds out the day.
The journey continues northward to Tarbert with a short boat ride across the mouth of Ireland’s longest river, River Shannon, bringing travelers to the village of Killimer. Travelers experience a view of the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher along the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoy a tour of the Burren Region, known for its impressive scenery and numerous castles and monastic ruins. After a relaxing day in Limerick, travelers head back to Dublin, stopping in the medieval city of Kilkenny. Stops at the Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice’s Cathedral are the culmination of the Ireland experience before travelers take a departing flight from Dublin.
Friendly Planet’s seven-day A Taste of Ireland tour is available for $1,799 on the departure dates of October 8. And for travelers with a little more time, the nine-day Discover Ireland tour, from $2,099, includes nearly all of the highlights of A Taste of Ireland, plus a visit to the old stone city of Galway, known for its narrow streets and busy pubs and the Connemara region, where Gaelic is still spoken. A tour of the Benedictine Monastery, Kylemore Abbey, and the Monastery of Clonmacnoise brings travelers back to Dublin to enjoy their remaining time in “Dublin’s Fair City” and explore Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university.
Friendly Planet Travel, www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com