April 2008
30 Wed Leave Canada
Evening departure from Toronto Airport by Air France overnight flight via Paris.
May 2008
01 Thu Arrive Carnlough
In Dublin meet your escort and driver; leave for Northern Ireland to stay 3 nights at the Londonderry Arms in Carnlough. [D]
02 Fri Belfast
Take the short drive into Belfast where your local guide will show you their city. Hear stories of C S Lewis and his love affair with Belfast as well as the story of the Titanic. And don't miss Belfast's own leaning tower! Following the tour there will be time for personal exploration before returning to the hotel.[BD]
03 Sat Giant's Causeway
Spend the day with your local guide exploring the Glens of Antrim - twenty or so square miles which includes glacial valleys, sandy beaches, vertical cliffs, tundra plateau, wooded glens, waterfalls and picturesque villages - ancient sites and places of intrigue abound. The Giants Causeway become widely known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World' from the 1700s when large numbers of visitor's came to view this amazing array of basalt columns, it is estimated that there are around 40,000 in total. Add to this tales of the Spanish Armada for a great day out. [BD]
04 Sun Carnlough Derry Donegal Westport
Drive to Derry where your one-mile stroll though the inner city includes the Walls - among the best preserved city fortifications in the Western World . They rise to a height of 8m ( 26ft) and in places are 9m (30ft) wide. Completed in 1618 to defend the Plantation city , the walls have never been breached in three major sieges - even during the 105 day siege of 1689 when 7,000 of the 30,000 population died of starvation. In the afternoon continue on through Donegal to Westport to stay at the Wyatt Hotel for two nights. [BD]
05 Mon Connemara
From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. Enjoy a cruise on Ireland's only fjord - Killary Harbour - and visit Clifden, Connemara's 'capital'. And keep your eyes open for the tough little Connemara pony. [BD]
06 Tue Westport Galway
The morning at leisure in 18th-century Westport, one of the few planned towns in Ireland. It stands on the Carrowbeg River in the shadow of Croagh Patrick (one of Ireland's major pilgrimage places). Take a stroll along the riverside Mall or golfers can get in a quick 18-holes at the local course. In the afternoon drive south through Cong and along the shore of Lough Corrib. The drive ends along the shore of Galway Bay to Galway and Flannery's Hotel. /
This evening enjoy dinner at entertainment at Dunguaire Castle. [BD]
07 Wed Galway
Many claim that Galway is Ireland's most vibrant city; it certainly is the fastest growing city in Europe. Visit the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre - and keep an eye open for those great Aran sweaters, knitted on the nearby islands. The afternoon at leisure. [BD]
08 Thu Galway Killarney
Driving south pass the impressive Cliffs of Moher, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through Lahinch and then by ferry across the Shannon River through Listowel and Tralee. In the late afternoon arrive in Killarney to stay 3 nights at the Castlerosse Hotel. [BD]
09 Fri Ring of Kerry
The Ring of Kerry - it even sounds attractive, but reality is better than words. Washed by the warm Gulf Stream and moist southerly winds even palm trees and bamboo flourish here. [BD]
10 Sat Killarney
This morning enjoy the ultimate in Irish transport - the jaunting car; a leisurely drive through part of Killarney and its park are part of the morning tour. The afternoon is free - but golfer's may be tempted by the hotel's golf course. [BD]
11 Sun Killarney Cork Kilkenny
Drive through Macroom and see the gateway of the Castle, all that is left of the Castle, once owned by Sir William Penn whose son founded Pennsylvania. At Blarney the brave-hearted can kiss the famous Blarney Stone before continuing on to Cork. Built on an island in the River Lee, just upstream of Cork Harbour, the two channels of the River Lee which embrace the city centre are spanned by many bridges, giving Cork a distinctive continental air. On through historic Clonmel to Kilkenny to stay two nights at the Kilkenny River Court Hotel. [BD]
12 Mon Kilkenny
Long renowned as Ireland's Medieval Capital, Kilkenny demonstrates the great building prowess of the Normans - St. Canice's Cathedral, the imposing Butler castle, the four surviving medieval abbeys. It was the seat of the national parliament for a six-year period, the infamous Oliver Cromwell invaded the city in 1650 and Jonathan Swift attended Kilkenny College. The afternoon at leisure. [BD]
13 Tue Kilkenny Avoca Dublin
Avoca was the setting for the popular BBC TV series 'Ballykissangel' and stands in the heart of the beautiful Vale of Avoca. Nearby is the famous Meetings of the Waters, which Thomas Moore immortalised. Glendalough - a valley with two lakes - was where , in the 6th century, St. Kevin founded a monastery which became famous as a centre of learning throughout Europe. The spectacular Round Tower in the Monastic City is over 110ft high and over 50ft around.
Continue on to Dublin and the Academy Plaza Hotel to stay 3 nights. [B]
14 Wed & 15 Thu Dublin
Dublin is yours to explore. A ticket for the Hop On/Hop Off bus service will be provided. Sit back and relax while you are chauffeur driven to over 19 of Dublin's most popular attractions on one of the open top buses. The 1 hr 15 mins fully guided tour provides live commentary throughout Dublin City, while your 48 hour ticket allows you to hop on and off at your leisure.
On Thursday evening a Farewell Dinner party at the famous Abbey Tavern in Howth.[B + BD]
16 Fri Homeward bound.
Morning departure via Paris to Toronto where arrangements end on arrival.[B]
NB: for those who wish - a stopover in Paris on the return journey can be arranged at no extra air fare.
Tour Costs include:
- Air Travel - Toronto Dublin Toronto by economy class scheduled flights.
- Accommodation - Carnlough 3 nts; Westport 2 nts; Galway 2 nts; Killarney 3 nights; Kilkenny 2 nts; Dublin - 3nts.
- Meals -15 full breakfasts; 13 table d'hote dinners including two with wine
- Escort: a Canadian tour escort will travel with the group in Ireland
- Ground transportation - by private, deluxe touring coach plus boat rides, visits and other sightseeing features
- Entrance fees to selected places of interest
- Local taxes - on all ground transportation, accommodation and meals.
- Tips are included to hotel porters for the handling of one bag per person; to waitresses and waiters for included meals and to coach drivers and local guides
- Travel Arrangements by Jeff Barlow, Compass Custom Holidays Tel: (800) 465 3724. E-mail - jeff@customholidays.com
Tour Costs do not include
Passport and visa fees; travel insurance; flights except as specified; personal items (laundry, bar bills etc); meals except as specified. Any other item not specified above or in the itinerary
| Pricing per person in Canadian dollars from Toronto |
In a twin |
In a single |
| Basic Tour April 30 to May 16 Minimum 14 passengers |
CA$4495 |
CA$5195 |
| Group size - maximum 26 passengers |
| Rates quoted are based on tariffs and rates of exchange in effect at October 3, 2007 |
| Prices quoted to not include airport/airline taxes which are estimated at CA$275.00
|
Deposits and Final Payments
Deposits: at time of booking CA$600 per person + insurance premium if applicable
Final Payment: invoices will be issued March 5 for payment by March 19 2008
Payments may be made by personal cheque, Visa or MasterCard.
Cancellation Charges:
Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply: (Note that insurance premiums, once paid, are non-refundable)
Until March 5 2008 Deposits paid
From March 16 to 27 2008 40% of final invoice
March 28 to April 18 2008 60% of final invoice
April 19 2008 or later 100% of final invoice.
- Singles and Sharing - Single room supplements are expensive, as the cost provides, in most cases, a double room for single occupancy. If you wish to share a twin-bedded room, we will try to find a suitable room-mate for you, but cannot guarantee this. If one cannot be found, the single supplement will apply.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance - All passengers must be properly insured against costs of cancellation, trip interruption and overseas medical costs. You may provide your own insurance or purchase our programme offered by RBC Insurance.
- Good Health - Some locations present difficulties for people with disabilities or medical problems. We ask that you advise us of these limitations before booking so that we can plan how best to accommodate your needs.
- Baggage - Please note: one bag per person (maximum 44 lbs) is allowed on coach holidays plus one carry on bag.
- Itinerary and Final Documents - Final documents include ticket wallet, baggage tags, itinerary, mailing address/passenger contact sheets to be left with friends/relatives, air tickets where appropriate etc.
- Passports & Visas - Check your Passport. It should be valid up until after 6 months after your RETURN to Canada Later we will ask you to complete forms with passport numbers and other information. At the present time Canadians do not require visas for Ireland.
- General Information - Our members meet each other casually at the dinner table, or in the lounge before and after dinner. Singles especially find this helpful. Bulletins issued each day will indicate any changes in the itinerary. Your final itinerary will include all-important information to guide you through the Departure and Arrival procedures.
- Clothing - Casual wear on day trips and smart casual for dinner including Farewell dinner. Comfortable sandals, walking shoes.
- Cameras - If you plan on buying a new camera we suggest that you do so at least 6 weeks before departure and familiarise yourself with it before leaving. Check batteries, have you camera cleaned if need be.
In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact:
Jeff Barlow 613 386 7777 or 800-635-3724
