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Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast 2008 - Detailed Itinerary

TBA

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart the U.S. and begin your crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

Depart from the U.S. for England. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive London

Upon arrival at the London airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area: VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. (Please note: Also make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so that your VBT representative can identify you.) After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign and will make arrangements for your transfer via taxi or van to your London hotel (transfer time approximately 30 minutes depending upon traffic). Your VBT representative will also confirm your transfer time for your light to Shannon at the conclusion of your London extension. VBT provides you with a city information packet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in London during your stay. You have the rest of the day to relax or to begin your exploration of the city. Please note: VBT may modify times in accordance with each tour's flight arrival time to assure that each air package guest has access to the VBT Representative. Upon arrival at the airport, please reconfirm the times that VBT's representative will be available for your assistance.

Hotel: Millennium Baileys Hotel

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of London

Enjoy your first day of independent exploration in England's capital city amidst boundless culture and history. Explore on your own and see Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and many museums and galleries. You may also wish to shop, go to the theatre or stroll London's bustling streets.

Meals: B  Hotel: Millennium Baileys Hotel

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of London

Continue your independent exploration of London.

Meals: B  Hotel: Millennium Baileys Hotel

Day 5 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Shannon transfer to Ennis/Join VBT Air Package guests

This morning, transfer from your hotel to the London airport for your flight to Shannon (via Dublin). Please be waiting in the hotel reception area 15 minutes prior to your transfer time; you received this time from your VBT representative on your first day in London. Once you have arrived at the London airport, please check in and proceed to the departure lounge. Upon arrival at Shannon airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. (Please note: Also make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so that your VBT representative can identify you.) As you enter the arrival hall, look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Please wait here while your representative helps make arrangements for your transfer to your hotel in Ennis (approximately 30 minutes). Please note: VBT may modify times in accordance with each tour's flight arrival time to assure that each air package guest has access to the VBT representative. Upon arrival at the airport, please reconfirm the times that VBT's representative will be available for your assistance. VBT Air Package guests arrive throughout the day.

Meals: B  Hotel: Old Ground Hotel

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart U.S./Fly overnight to Shannon Airport

Depart from the U.S. for Ireland. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Shannon/Transfer to Ennis

Upon arrival at the Shannon airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. (Please note: Also make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so that your VBT representative can identify you.) As you enter the arrival hall, look for your VBT representative or driver, who will be holding a VBT sign. Please wait here while your representative helps make arrangements for your transfer to your hotel in Ennis (approximately 30 minutes). Please note: VBT may modify times in accordance with each tour's flight arrival time to assure that each air package guest has access to the VBT representative. Upon arrival at the airport, please reconfirm the times that VBT's representative will be available for your assistance. In Ennis, take the rest of the day to explore the town and have dinner on your own.

Hotel: Old Ground Hotel

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR All guests meet in Ennis/Transfer to Lisdoonvarna

VBT No-Air Package guests: After an early lunch on your own, meet your VBT Trip Leaders at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis at 12:30 p.m. (address: Ennis, County Clare, Republic of Ireland; telephone +353 [0] 65 682 8127). To reach the hotel, you can take a taxi from Shannon airport to Ennis (approximately 35 euros/ $45 USD) or travel on Bus Eirean (service number 344) from Shannon airport to Ennis Town (approximately 6 euros*, departs every 2 hours beginning at 8 a.m., for more details go to www. buseireann.ie). Your VBT Trip Leaders will be wearing VBT staff garments and carrying a VBT sign. Please note: Plan to eat lunch or a snack on your own before meeting your VBT Trip Leaders, as the next scheduled meal is dinner. If your arrival at Shannon airport is scheduled later than 11:30 a.m., or if you are delayed, you must transfer at your own expense (approximately 110 euros/$125 USD for a taxi, travel time approximately 1½ hours) to the first hotel in Lisdoonvarna. Please contact your first hotel to advise of any travel delays or changes so the staff can pass the message on to your VBT Trip Leaders. VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: You are free to relax or explore Ennis after breakfast this morning. If you like, visit its 19th-century cathedral or medieval friary before meeting your VBT Trip Leaders in the hotel lobby at 12:30 p.m. They will be wearing VBT staff garments and carrying a VBT sign. Once the group has gathered, transfer by private motorcoach from Ennis to Lisdoonvarna via the famous Cliffs of Moher. Rising up to 600 feet above the Atlantic Ocean's crashing waves, the Cliffs of Moher are western Ireland's most dramatic vantage point. Then, continue on to Sheedy's Country House & Restaurant in Lisdoonvarna (total travel time approximately 1½ hours). This historic hotel is truly an Irish institution. Sheedy's Country House & Restaurant recently was voted one of Ireland's best-loved small hotels and restaurants. Chef/owner John Sheedy, a seventh-generation owner, is considered one of Ireland's finest chefs! After settling in, attend a group safety and bike-fitting session and take a warm-up ride. Later, get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome reception and dinner.

Meals: B,D  Hotel: Sheedy's Country House and Restaurant

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Discover the Burren and County Clare

Begin cycling west along the rocky coastline toward the ocean, enjoying views of Galway Bay. This region, known as the Burren (“rocky coast” in Irish), is one of the few places on Earth where arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants thrive side by side. You ride around Black Head, a famous angling point. Later, have lunch on your own in the quaint harbor village of Ballyvaughan and continue to admire the rugged beauty of this region. During the day, meet up with a local expert, for a walk and talk on the Burren's archaeology, agriculture and local history — delivered in a delightful brogue! After dinner at the hotel, enjoy live music in Lisdoornvarna, a center for traditional Irish folk music.

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Sheedy's Country House and Restaurant

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Explore ancient and mystical sights in Kilfenora and Carran/Discover Galway

Today, ride or shuttle by van to Kilfenora, the site of a 6th-century monastery, and continue through Noughaval past medieval churches, dolmens, and sacred sites. You are headed to Carran and the remains of its 12th-century Cistercian Corcomroe Abbey. The scenery here is quite stunning — vast, green, rolling landscapes with stone walls and quintessential Irish countryside. From here, shuttle by private motorcoach to Galway, known for its picturesque harbor and boats, spirited nightlife and historical sights. Stroll the streets in Galway to gain an insider's perspective on this lively city, including where to shop, grab an authentic meal or get a pint of Guinness. Then eat lunch and dinner on your own. Your hotel is only a five-minute walk from the center of town, Eyre Square. Explore Galway's many woolen shops, bookstores and churches.

Meals: B  Hotel: Park House Hotel

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR DISCOVERY DAY! Cycle or walk the Aran Islands

Eat a traditional “full Irish breakfast” before catching the shuttle and ferry to Inishmor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Many visitors enjoy this as a non-cycling day, choosing instead to walk or hike around the Aran Islands. Inhabited for centuries, the remote Aran Islands contain some of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe. Today, make an included visit to Dun Aengus, among the most remarkable Druid sites. This sacred site is at least 2,000 years old. While you're here, wander among some of the other mystic Celtic stones, monuments and holy wells. If you choose to explore the eastern end of the island near Kilronan harbor, you may opt to visit the Ionad Aran, the island's Heritage and Interpretive Center. Lodging tonight is in one of the guesthouses on the island, where we also enjoy a home-cooked meal. Please note: Plan to use your daypack for all of your overnight needs. Your larger luggage will not accompany you to the islands, but will be sent ahead and will be waiting in your room in Connemara.

Meals: B,D  Hotel: Kilmurvey Guesthouse

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Ferry to Rossaveel/Shuttle or cycle to Connemara

After breakfast, catch the ferry to Rossaveel, where you may board a shuttle or begin cycling into the heart of Connemara, with a stop for an included lunch. This Irish county is heralded by its residents as the “jewel of Ireland.” Continue your ride through this stunning landscape, eventually arriving at your inviting hotel set on Cashel Bay. After free time to freshen up, gather with the group for a delicious meal made by the hotel's chef.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Zetland Country House Hotel

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Clifden

Follow the coastline to the 19th-century fishing village of Roundstone, admiring fantastic coastal views along the way. Here you'll learn how a bodhran, the traditional drum of Ireland, is produced. Continue cycling to Clifden, passing pristine white beaches, silver bays and rocky coastlines. Have a leisurely lunch and spend free time on your own in Clifden. Afterward, cycle back to the hotel at your own pace. Tonight, celebrate over a farewell dinner with our fellow travelers.

Meals: B,D  Hotel: Zetland Country House Hotel

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Transfer to Dublin/Free time/VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: Transfer to the Shannon airport, arriving at approximately 11 a.m. The tour ends here. Important: Departures from Shannon airport prior to 1 p.m. are not recommended; if you depart earlier you must make transfer arrangements (at your own expense, approximately 144 euros/$200 USD for a taxi) from the last hotel to the Shannon airport (travel time approximately 2½ hours). VBT Air Package and Post-Trip Extension guests: Transfer to the Galway train station for your train ride (approximately 3 hours) to Dublin. There is no VBT representative on the train ride; a VBT representative will meet you on arrival in Dublin and help you transfer to your hotel (approximately 25 minutes). Important: Upon arrival at the hotel, please reconfirm with the hotel receptionist the time of your transfer to the Dublin airport for your return flight to the U.S. You have the remainder of the day free to take in a bit of the atmosphere of Dublin and to seek out an interesting pub or restaurant for dinner on your own.

Meals: B  Hotel: The Schoolhouse Hotel

Day 8 of AIR PACKAGE Depart for U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Dublin airport for your return flight. Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served. VBT recommends that you check the time of your transfer in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport is at your own expense.

Meals: B

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Dublin

If you have chosen the optional, independent post-trip extension, you remain in Dublin for an additional two nights on your own. VBT provides you with a city information booklet, which includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Dublin.

Meals: B  Hotel: The Schoolhouse Hotel

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Dublin

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Dublin provides visitors with a multitude of cultural riches, from the ancient to the avant-garde: history, architecture, literature, art, archaeology and the performing arts. Monuments in literature and in stone commemorate the writers, poets, statesmen, soldiers and ordinary people who make Dublin a place like no other. Medieval, Georgian, and modern architecture provide a backdrop to a friendly, bustling port that claims literary giants such as Wilde, Shaw, Joyce, Yeats, Beckett and O'Casey as native sons. Spawned by the need to ford the River Liffey, fortified by the Danes, developed by the Normans and adorned with Anglo-Irish architecture, the city has grown in stature and elegance over the centuries. On your own, you may want to explore Trinity College, the Dublin Writers' Museum, or Christ Church Cathedral. Take in a show at the Abbey Theatre or at one of the city's many other venues. Hoist a pint with Dubliners at a traditional Irish pub, or stop in at a trendy wine bar in the Temple Bar area. Walk along the River Liffey or through one of the many shopping squares.

Meals: B  Hotel: The Schoolhouse Hotel - Post Trip Hotel

Day 12 (POST-TRIP EXTENSION) Dublin Extension concludes, depart for home!

After breakfast*, transfer to the Dublin airport for your flight home. *Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served. VBT recommends that you check the time of your transfer in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport is at your own expense.

Meals: B