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SUMMER ESCAPE TO IRELAND and SCOTLAND With optional 3 day extension to London and an option for tickets to 4 exciting Olympic events!
JOIN US FOR A ONE OF A KIND SUMMER GETAWAY AS WE HEAD THE EMERALD GREEN ISLAND OF IRELAND TO SEE SUCH SITES AS THE FAMOUS BLARNEY STONE, THE STUNNING CLIFFS OF MOHER, THE FAMOUS GUINESS BREWERY the pubs of Dublin and Galway, plus a boat ride on scenic Lake Corrib to the island of Inchoagill and a visit to the charming village of Cong, made famous by the John Wayne film “The Quiet Man.) WE WILL ALSO VISIT THE SITES OF SCOTLAND SUCH AS THE SCENIC LOCHS AND TROSSACHS of LOCH LOCMOND NATIONAL PARK, THE FABULOUS CASTLES OF SCOTLAND - EDINBURGH CASTLE & STIRLING CASTLE plus the quaint town of St. Andrews, where Prince William met Princess Kate and the hip town of Glasgow. A day in Northern Ireland will provide our travelers with a chance to stroll through Belfast, where the Titanic first sailed from and visit the Titanic Quarter and immerse themselves in the fact and the fiction that surrounds the mysteries, tragedies and romance of the Titanic, as well as enjoy a scenic drive along the Giants’ Causeway, a World Heritage site of amazing natural formations and scenic beauty, created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.. PLUS, IF YOU WISH MORE EXCITEMENT, JOIN US FOR A VISIT TO THE 2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS IN LONDON WITH A CHANCE TO ATTEND 4 OF THE TOP OLYMPICS EVENTS (yes we are the only group tour company that has offered singles trips to 5 Olympics – summer and winter, so don’t miss your chance to see 4 of the most popular events at the London Olympics.)
July 18, 2012 - depart USA for Edinburgh on Lufthansa flight 403 at 5:50pm from Newark New Jersey airport.
July 19, 2012 – After a connection in Frankfurt, we will arrive Edinburgh at 1pm. After proceeding through baggage and customs, we will be met by our local guide and assisted with our bags onto our chartered air conditioned coach. This afternoon we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, the highlight of which is a visit to Edinburgh Castle Perched on an extinct volcano, this instantly recognizable fortress is a powerful national symbol and part of Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. Its story is Scotland's story.
After our tour, we will proceed to our 4 star hotel for check in. A welcome dinner is included this evening at our hotel.
July 20 - After breakfast, we will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour including a visit to the Lochs and Trossachs highlighted by a visit to Loch Lomand National Park, followed by a visit to the stunning Stirling Castle.
Within Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond is the UK's largest freshwater expanse and one of its most picturesque. Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park extends into the beautiful Trossachs where you'll find wild glens, sparkling lochs and the pretty towns of Callander and Aberfoyle, which are useful bases for walkers to this area. Moderate Walks Free time will be provided to explore at leisure the foot paths in the national park and to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Stirling Castle Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence & a source of national pride. The Castle's long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past such as William Wallace & Mary Queen of Scots. Step into a world of plots, passion, intrigue and high fashion with the people of the palace. From great battles to famous films – Stirling Castle has seen its share of the action. Queen Anne Gardens
Highlights
At the end of our tour we will return to our 4 star hotel for a 2nd night in Edinburgh. Overnight Edinburgh. .
July 21, 2012 - after breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and enjoy a visit to the towns of Glasgow and St. Andrews. Glasgow combines urban mayhem and black humor and is so friendly– throw off the shackles of urban restraint and immerse yourself in a down-to-earth metropolis that is all about fun. Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. The city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. Glasgow boasts world famous art collections and the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London. You can find designer fashions as well as specialty trend stores in Glasgow. We will enjoy free time here to explore at your leisure. St. Andrews is one of the oldest cities in Scotland with a rich medieval history. It was in St. Andrews, while attending college, that Prince William met his future Princess, Kate Middleton. You will have the chance to visit the university where they met and hear about it from locals. St. Andrews is also a wonderful place to shop for Scottish items such as clothing and other items of a Scottish flair. You will have a half day at leisure to explore this quaint town, enjoy its sites, shops, water front and enjoy lunch at leisure. For anyone that is a golf enthusiast, you may wish to enjoy here a round of golf at one of the 6 courses at legendary St. Andrews (we can make the tee time reservations for anyone wishing to play a round of golf at arguably the most famous golf course in the world and unquestionably, the birthplace of golf.)
At the end of the day, we will proceed directly to Edinburgh airport for our short evening flight to Belfast, N. Ireland. On arrival, we will be met by a local guide and transferred to our centrally located 4 star hotel.
July 22, 2012 - After breakfast, we will enjoy the day sightseeing in and around Belfast. Belfast has a wealth of visitor attractions which provide the ideal opportunity for an enjoyable day out and a chance to soak up a little of the local culture and heritage. The city is compact and intimate, with a rich legacy of Georgian, Victoria and Edwardian architecture which includes Belfast City Hall, The Grand Opera House and Queen’s University Local museums and places of interest including The Titanic’s Dock and Pumphouse and the Ulster Folk Transport Museum offer an insight into the history, industrial heritage and times gone by. Belfast has a rich maritime history and a long and distinct pedigree in building ships of elegance, grace and power. This morning we will have time at leisure. If you wish, you can take a walking tour through the Titanic Quarter, from where, on April 2nd, 1912, the titanic sailed from Belfast’s Lough Harbor. Immerse yourself in the fact and the fiction that surrounds the Titanic. You can learn about Harland & Wolff, the firm that built not only the Titanic but up to 70 proud ships for Titanic’s White Star line alone. You can visit the many locations in Belfast associated with the world’s most famous ship like Titanic's Dock and Pump-House, once the beating heart of Harland & Wolff’s operation. You can also visit the transport museum with its fabulous Titanic exhibition Our sightseeing tour will visit the Stormont area to learn more about the history, architecture and day to day business of the stunning Parliament Buildings
Later today, we will proceed on our chartered coach to travel along the most scenic Giant’s Causeway. Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site The Giant's Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has attracted visitors for centuries. It harbors a wealth of local and natural history. The formation of the Giant's Causeway was due to intense volcanic activity. Lava welling up through fissures in the chalk bed formed a "lava plateau". Three periods of volcanic activity gave rise to the Lower, Middle and Upper Basalts, and it's the Middle Basalt rock which forms the famous amphitheatres of hexagonal columns in the Causeway. Weathered formations have created circular structures round a core of basalt which are known locally as "giant's eyes". Some other formations with popular names are the Chimney Stacks, The Harp, The Organ and the Camel's Hump. Sea birds can be seen off the coast around the causeway, with species such as fulmar, petrel, cormorant, shag, redshank guillemot and razorbill being frequently observed. Rare and unusual plant species including sea spleenwort, hare's foot trefoil, vernal squill, sea fescue and frog orchid can be found on the cliffs and nearby rock formations.
At the end of the day we will coach across the border of Northern Ireland into Ireland and on to the town of Galway, a scenic town of the Irish coastline that has both beautiful sea vistas as well as being one of the most lively towns for Irish nightlife. Galway is known as Ireland's Cultural Heart (Croí Cultúrtha na hÉireann) and is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome to Ireland dinner in Galway.
July 23, 2012 - After breakfast, we will enjoy a full day tour visiting Galway, Lake Corrib, Cong Village and Ashford Castle The streets and buildings of ancient Galway have many interesting features, and its position on the edge of the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) makes it the gateway to magnificent areas such as Connemara, Corrib country, and the Aran Islands. Recently, the city centre of Galway has been closed to traffic in order to allow for the enjoyment of the city's narrow shopping streets.
Next we will visit the charming village of Cong (made famous by John Wayne's movie "the Quiet Man") followed by a boat ride on Lake Corrib to the island of Inchagoill, past the spectacular Ashford Castle. In 1951 John Ford's greatest movie "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara and Barry Fitzgerald was made. It was set in the beautiful west of Ireland with filming being centered in the village of Cong on the Mayo-Galway border. Quiet Man Cottage Museum is a novel concept which will give the visitor a total Quiet Man experience as if they were actually 'on-set'. Located by the river at Circular Road, Cong, between actual locations used for the filming, the ground floor of the cottage has been designed as an exact replica of 'White-o-Mornin' Cottage in the film. Although you can retrace the steps of the actors throughout the town, there is much more to Cong than just a movie set. The village is small and intimate with excellent pubs. Also, there is an authentic famine house nearby and the ruins of an old abbey right in the town. Adjacent to the abbey, you will find a path along the river where you can stroll through one of the loveliest forests in Ireland. And, best of all, a short distance outside the village is magnificent Ashford Castle, perhaps the most dramatic castle in Ireland. Ashford Castle dates from the 12th Century and just its sight gives a feeling of what Ireland was like hundreds of years ago. We will enjoy the opportunity to walk the outer grounds of the castle and even climb along its ramparts if you wish. Of all the 365 islands on Lough Corrib Inchagoill is the most famous and most visited. The name Inchagoill comes from 3 Irish words "Inis An Ghaill" meaning the Island of the stranger. Situated approximately half way between Cong Co. Mayo and Oughterard Co. Galway (4.5 miles from each) this special island is home to a number of ancient monastic ruins, some dating back to the 5th Century. This island was owned by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, until it was taken over by the Forestry. Within the graveyard, stands the ruins of two ancient churches, both of the small Irish type but of far different styles and dates. After our visit we will return to Galway - Dinner is again included tonight. After dinner, if you wish, check out a traditional music session in one of the many pubs in Galway’s Eyre Square.
July 24, 2012 - After breakfast, we will depart Galway for the beautiful Cliffs of Moher The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions and are a designated UNESCO Geo Park. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometers over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South. The Cliffs of Moher take their name from a ruined promontory fort “Mothar” which was demolished during the Napoleonic wars to make room for a signal tower. The cliffs rise 120 meters (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head (Ceann na Cailleach in traditional Irish), and reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, eight kilometers away. The views from the cliffs attract close to one million visitors per year. On a clear day one can see the Aran islands in Galway Bay as well as seeing the valleys and hills of Connemara. O'Brien's Tower is a round stone tower at the approximate midpoint of the cliffs. It was built by Sir Cornelius O'Brien, a descendant of Ireland's High King Brian Boru, in order to impress female visitors. From atop that watchtower, visitors can gain a panoramic view of the cliffs, the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Maum Turk Mountains and the Twelve Pins to the north in Connemara, and Loop Head to the south.[3] The Cliffs of Moher hold the only mainland colony of breeding Atlantic Puffins in Ireland, where the population is increasing (about 1,300 adults). The Cliffs of Moher are an internationally important site for Razorbills where numbers are increasing (about 7,700 adults). The largest number of Razorbills in Ireland are found at the Cliffs of Moher. Choughs are declining dramatically in other parts of Europe but appear to be stable in Ireland. They are declining in population in Clare and can be found all along the Clare coast such as at the Cliffs of Moher. Also present are hawks, gulls, guillemots, shags, ravens . Over 30,000 birds, representing more than 20 species, make the Cliffs their home.
In 2007, raised viewing platforms and walkways were built to enable visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the cliffs, its bird life and the natural atmosphere of the area best. A visitor’s center also provides further opportunities to learn about the special birdlife, the history of the cliffs and why they provide such dramatic opportunities for visitors to enjoy one of Ireland’s natural wonders. A walk along the paved pathways near the cliffs edge cliffs is not to be missed.
Jagged rock faces along The Cliffs of Moher
Looking over the cliffs Feral Bilberry goats on the cliffs Branaunmore a sea stack at the cliffs
Click here to watch a short 1 minute video of the Cliffs of Moher http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/TakeTheTour.aspx Click here to view an impressive 2 minute YouTube video of the Cliffs of Moher http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvw0zpJtxgk If time permits, following our visit to the Cliffs of Moher, we will make a short visit to see a part of the Dingle Peninsula. Once cited as 'the most beautiful place on earth' by the National Geographic, the Dingle Peninsula is stunning. Famed travel author Rick Steves referred to the Dingle Peninsula as his favorite spot in Ireland where traditional culture and the old Irish ways are protected. In Steves’ words “The Dingle Peninsula is green, rugged, and untouched”. At the end of the day, we will coach to the town of Cork.
Why is Bunratty Castle a popular tourist attractions in Ireland? Because visitors love to pretend they are living in the 1500s and are invited to enjoy a rowdy medieval banquet dinner inside the castle. Singers, dancers and period musicians in costume will make you feel like you've gone back in time for a night. Bunratty Castle, where we will have the option of enjoying a medieval banquet dinner with song and dance.
July 25, 2012 - After breakfast, we will enjoy a morning visit to Cobh Harbor (The last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic on her maiden voyage). Cobh (pronounced "Cove") is a picturesque harbor town just a few miles from Cork. Maritime history buffs will know that Cobh was the last port of call on the Titanic's tragic maiden voyage, and the Lusitania was sunk off Cork Harbor during World War I. The Titanic Memorial and Lusitania Memorial are both just a few blocks from the cruise ship terminal in Cobh Harbor . Cobh was also the emigration point for 2.5 million Irish citizens who left Ireland for the United States or Australia. The first immigrants processed at Ellis Island started their journey to a new life in Cobh. The stop on our visit is to the famed Blarney Castle. Here you will have the chance to walk the winding staircase to kiss the famed Blarney stone.
For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate. Blarney Castle. Climb its steps for a scenic view and the chance to kiss the famed Blarney stone, bestowing the “Gift of Eloquence”. This afternoon we will make a stop at the Blarney Woolen Mills, the home of the largest display of Irish goods available for purchase. The Mills offer such traditional items as Waterford Crystal, Irish wool, Celtic jewelry and much more. Overnight in Cork with dinner included.
July 26, 2012 - After breakfast we will coach to Dublin with stops along the way to visit the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny and Glendalough.
Legend associates the Rock of Cashel with St. Patrick, but the name comes from Caiseal, meaning "stone fort," and the hill was originally the residence of the kings of Munster. Excavations have revealed some evidence of burials and church buildings from the 9th or 10th century, but it was in the early 12th century that the Rock began to be developed into a major Christian center. Situated inland in the 'sunny south-east' of Ireland, Kilkenny is known as the medieval capital of Ireland. It is a county of gentle hills and fertile agricultural land, bordered by the Barrow and Suir rivers. Glendalough (Irish: Gleann Dá Loch, meaning "Glen of Two Lakes") is a glacial valley located in County Wicklow, Ireland, renowned for its Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin, a hermit priest, and destroyed in 1398 by English troops. Overnight in Dublin with a welcome to Dublin dinner included. After dinner, if you wish, join us for an optional Pub Crawl tour visiting some of Dublin’s best pubs, or enjoy at your leisure the hopping nightlife of Dublin’s many pubs. July 27, 2012 - After breakfast we will enjoy a full day of sightseeing in and around Dublin including Kilmainham Jail, Trinity College and Book of Kells, plus a visit to the famed Guinness Brewery where we will learn about how the famed beer is brewed, sample it on site if you wish and pick up a Guinness souvenir for home if you wish. Your Guinness experience starts by standing in the Atrium, a hall that by its shape, forms the world’s largest pint glass, spanning 7 stories high, which if filled, would hold over 14 million pints of Guinness beer. When we reach the top floor Gravity Bar, enjoy a Guinness pint while overlooking a panoramic view of Dublin and its surroundings. Later today, we will also visit Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park at 707 hectares (1752 acres) is one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city. It contains sites such as the Papal Cross, erected for the visit of Pope John Paul in 1979, The Magazine Fortress, The Phoenix Monument and the Victorian People’s Flower Gardens Overnight Dublin –Tonight enjoy dinner at leisure to explore Dublin. July 28 - after breakfast we will be transferred to the Dublin Airport for our flight back to USA arriving Newark at 3:45pm, or for those taking our optional 3 night extension to the 2012 Summer Olympics, we will fly today to London. We will have the opportunity to attend any Olympics events beginning with tonight’s evening event sessions (highlighted by the Swimming events tonight), as well as the opportunity to attend events in several sports on July 29th and 30th, during the day and or evening sessions as you desire. Passengers continuing onto London will receive information approx. 3 months prior to the trip with an event schedule for all events taking place at the Olympics July 28, 29 and 30. All passengers with then have the opportunity to request a price quote for any desired event taking place during our 3 days in London. Price quotes will be provided to all passengers for their requested events and all passengers will then have the opportunity to at that time purchase tickets to any desired events at the quoted prices. This ensures all passengers that desire tickets will have them confirmed well before you leave the US. You will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to even the most popular events such as men’s swimming featuring the USA’s Golden Boy Michael Phelps, Winner of 8 gold medals at the 2008 summer Olympics, or the always popular gymnastics events, Tennis at London’s famed Wimbledon, Beach Volleyball and soccer at famed Wembley stadium.
Click the links below to view the schedule of all Olympic events in all sports each day of the Olympics. http://www.tickets.london2012.com/browse or http://www.trackandfieldtours.com/schedule.html
click the following link to view all Olympic events in the evening session of July 28th
events on July 29th day and evening sessions – click the following link
events on July 30th day and evening sessions –click the following link
FEATURED OLYMPIC EVENT TONIGHT - SWIMMING FEATURING MICHAEL PHELPS AND THE US OLYMPIC SWIM TEAM
July 29 – Free day to explore the Olympic events and sites of London – today’s featured events – Tennis at Wimbledon, or Beach Volleyball Tonight’s featured events: Soccer at famed Wembley Stadium or more Swimming
July 29th daytime featured events
or
July 29th (evening featured events)
or
July 30th Free day to explore the Olympic events and sites of London
July 31st – Return to USA on Lufthansa airlines arriving Newark New Jersey at 3pm
One sample Olympic events itinerary that we suggest to maximize your viewing pleasure would be: July 28th – evening Swimming Prices for Olympic events will be provided to all trip participants approx 90 days prior to travel and all will have the chance to purchase tickets to the events each individual desires at that time. Your Summer Escape to Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland Includes:
TRIP COST including all of the above: Only $2999 + air taxes/fuel charges Air taxes/fuel charges totaling $593 for passengers returning from Dublin July 28th OR Air taxes/fuel charges of $675 for passengers returning from London July 31st (air taxes/fuel charges are subject to change by the airline) Trip cost subject to a maximum of $100 total currency fluctuation increase, in the event of a drop in value of the US dollar against the British Pound (the currency of Ireland, N. Ireland and Scotland) OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR ANYONE WISHING NOT TO TAKE OUR FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING SERVICE, BUT INSTEAD PREFERS THE PRIVACY OF HIS/HER OWN ROOM: $549 (LIMIT OF 6 SINGLE OCCUPANCY RESERVATIONS ON THIS TRIP SO BOOK EARLY IF YOU WISH YOUR OWN ROOM) 4 star hotels on our tour: Edinburgh - - Marriott Dalmahoy or similar Optional 3 night extension to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics: Optional single room supplement for the 3 night London stay: $299 INCLUDES:
A deposit of $200 is due within 7 days of reservation for the Ireland/Scotland tour A deposit is due within 7 days of booking for the 3 night London extension for the 2012 Summer Olympics. This is refundable if cancelled by December 20th, 2011. Balance payments are due March 20th and are non refundable. |
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This evening, enjoy an optional medieval banquet dinner inside the Bunratty castle if you wish.
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