Day 1, Saturday - Depart USA Overnight flight to Dublin.

Day 2, Arrive Dublin Welcome to a land of legends, of misty mountains, lovely lakes and a warm friendly greeting wherever you go! If you have purchased our Air & Land package you are transferred to your tour hotel. This afternoon, our sightseeing tour of Dublin takes us past the Customs House and along O' Connell Street and through Phoenix Park. Then we travel alongside the river Liffey to see the Guinness Brewery and we visit Dublin Castle (when open) Before admiring the 18th century buildings surrounding the courtyards of Trinity College. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and a highlight dinner in a traditional venue. (Highlight dinner)

Day 3, Dublin - Galway This morning we cross the Boyne river, its name a reminder of the battle where William of Orange sowed the seeds of future strife in his defeat of the Catholic King James. We pass through the former fortress town of Athlone, built to defend the strategic crossing of the Shannon, on our way to the historic town of Galway. With our Tour Director we see the Church of St Nicholas (where Columbus reputedly heard mass before sailing for America), the massive Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late President John F Kennedy. (Breakfast)

Day 4, Galway - Tralee This morning we take the scenic route through the 'Burren' to the awesome Cliffs of Moher, soaring up 668ft from the seal below. Next stop is fascinating Bunratty Folk Park, where old Ireland comes alive in the thatched cottages and cobbled streets of the museum. Nearby lies Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and elegant Georgian houses. Here we see King John's impressive castle and the 800 year old St Mary's Cathedral, then continue via the charming town of Adare through the land of song and legend to Tralee. (Breakfast/ Dinner)

Day 5, Ring of Kerry Excursion A leisurely excursion today takes us along the magnificent Ring of Kerry with breathtaking views over mountains and sea. We follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs and through delightful villages like Sneem. We cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll's Gap and admire Queen Victoria's 'Ladies View'. We arrive at Killarney, where we enjoy a memorable highlight ride on a jaunting car before returning to Tralee. (Breakfast)

Day 6, Tralee - Waterford We cross the Derrynassagart Mountains this morning as we make our way to the ancient castle of Blarney. Will you dare to hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the Blarney Stone, and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? We also visit the Blarney Mills to enjoy their enticing displays of crystal and other Irish crafts, then continue through the town of Cork and the ports of Youghal (setting for the film Moby Dick) and Dungarvan. Our destination is Waterford, where we tour the famous crystal works.

Day 7, Waterford - Dublin We see Waterford's ruined city walls and Reginald's Tower this morning. Then a beautiful drive takes us through the Vale of Avoca to see the 'Meeting of the Waters' memorial to Ireland's poet laureate Thomas Moore. We continue to the lochs and glens of Glendalough, where we visit the ruined 6th century monastery of St Kevin, nestled in a setting of total tranquility. Finally we return to Dublin. Why not enjoy a farewell dinner and Irish cabaret tonight? (Breakfast)

Day 8, Return to USA Our tour ends today after breakfast. Transfers to Dublin Airport are included in the Air and Land package. (Breakfast)