Itinerary

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 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 who will make arrangements for your transfer via taxi or van to your London hotel (transfer time approximately 60 minutes depending upon traffic). Your VBT representative will also confirm your transfer time for your flight 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.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of London

Enjoy your first day of independent exploration in England's capital city amid 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 theater or stroll along London's bustling streets.

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 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of London

Continue your independent exploration of London.

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 that your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so 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).

In Ennis, take the rest of the day to explore the town and have dinner on your own.

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

This morning, transfer from your hotel to London's Heathrow 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 London's Heathrow 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 that 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).

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/$52 USD) or travel on Bus Eirean (service number 344) from Shannon airport to Ennis Town (approximately 6.50 euros/$9.75 USD, 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 Ennis is scheduled later than 12:30 p.m. or if you are delayed, you must transfer at your own expense (approximately 60 euros/$90 USD for a taxi, travel time approximately 45 minutes) 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 hour). 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.

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 Gaelic), is one of the few places on Earth where arctic, Mediterranean and alpine plants thrive side by side. You might also spot prehistoric monuments scattered throughout this otherworldly landscape, whose limestone plateau has been compared to the surface of the moon. 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.

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

Choose to ride or shuttle by van to Kilfenora, known as the City of Seven Crosses, and the site of a 6th-century monastery. Then pass over rolling hills, through green countryside and past old stone walls on your way to Noughaval, where you may stop to visit medieval churches, Neolithic tombs and sacred sites. Continue on to Carran, once home to Cistercian monks who resided at the isolated Corcomroe Abbey. The cross-shaped abbey, now in ruins, functioned for about 400 years.

From Carran, we take a private motorcoach to Galway, an ancient harbor town that is now a thriving city. Your Trip Leaders can provide tips on favorite eateries, pubs and shops. Eat lunch and dinner on your own in Galway. In between, walk to Eyre Square in the center of town to shop for woolens, classic books and other treasures. Or choose to explore historic sites such as Lynch's Castle, churches and the Roman Catholic Cathedral.

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

Eat a full, traditional Irish breakfast before catching the shuttle and ferry to Inishmor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Bikes are available today, though some guests 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.

Tonight, we stay at an island guesthouse, where we'll enjoy an authentic taste of the islands over a home-cooked meal.

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

The ferry takes us to Rossaveel, where we ride by bike or shuttle into Connemara, one of the last towns to be built in Ireland. The “Real Emerald of Ireland” offers us rugged and magical countryside, framed by the Twelve Ben mountain range, Roundstone Bog and glittering beaches. There are many lakes, rivers and peat bogs in Connemara, as well.

After time spent touring the rocky terrain and picturesque meadowlands of Ireland's “Wild West,” we join the locals for conversation, perhaps sprinkled with Gaelic, and a pub lunch.

Later on, we arrive at our inviting hotel set on the shores of Lough Inagh. Enjoy time to relax and freshen up before we gather for dinner, prepared by the hotel chef.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Kylemore Abbey & Renvyle Peninsula

Cycle along Lough Inagh towards Kylemore Abbey, this is the oldest Benedictine abbey in Ireland. Built 350 years ago, today it is home to a community of nuns. Enjoy views of this iconic structure, roll past stunning vistas of ocean waves, silver bays and rocky coastlines along the unspoiled, tranquil Renyvle Peninsula. Perhaps you'll stop and trace your toes in the sand, or take a picnic break along the beach. Pedal back to the hotel at your own pace, then relax a while at the hotel before a festive farewell dinner.

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/$216 USD for a taxi; we recommend Noel King for transfers, email: info@kingcabs.com) 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 one of the city's many restaurants, pubs or outdoor cafés for lunch and dinner on your own.

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 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.

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 Packet, which includes helpful tips and recommendations on what to see and do in Dublin.

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 colorful 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.

Day 3 (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 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.

Ireland: Galway & Connemara Coast 2010

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

London 2010 - 3 nights for only $395

Explore romantic, history-rich London on your own and at your own pace. Cruise the Thames past Big Ben and London Bridge, or stroll the beautiful grounds of Kensington Gardens. Tour the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Gallery, or catch the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Browse and buy at Harrods, the world-famous department store. Take in a show at a London theater, then mingle with Londoners in the pubs of the lively West End. Britain’s capital city is filled with limitless opportunities for discovery.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $195.

Post-Trip Extension

Dublin 2010 - 2 nights for only $345

Charming Dublin is among Europe’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, with a stunning legacy in literature and art to history and architecture. Explore according to your own curiosities, which may lead you to Trinity College, where you can see the Book of Kells, and Merrion Square, a Georgian-era delight. Visit the Dublin Writers’ Museum, which pays tribute to Irish literary figures including Wilde, Shaw, Joyce, Yeats and Beckett. See a show at the Abbey Theatre, or shop on Grafton Street. In the evening stop in for a pint at one of the many pubs and chic restaurants in the historic Temple Bar area.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $245.

Accommodations

Old Ground Hotel

The Old Ground Hotel is a former manor house dating back to the 18th century. A magnificent ivy-clad exterior retains the splendor of a by-gone age while the inside boasts the conveniences of a modern hotel.

Sheedy's Country House and Restaurant

Experience one of Ireland’s 'best loved small hotels and restaurants'. Built in the early 1700s, it is the second-oldest building in town and is located next to Ireland’s only natural spa.

Park House Hotel

At the Park House Hotel, Galway you are guaranteed a warm welcome, exceptional service, luxury accommodation and an experience that will bring you back for more. With it’s superb and convenient location in the heart of city centre Galway, the Park House Hotel also offers a private secure car-park on hotel grounds. This Galway Hotel blends the warmth and personality of a boutique hotel with the style and luxury of a contemporary 4 Star international hotel.

Kilmurvey Guesthouse

This small, quaint, family-run guesthouse is located at the base of Dun Aengus, a famous Druid site. Call one of the 18th-century stone-built house’s 12 cozy rooms home while you explore the beautiful and historic Aran Island of Inís Mór, off the Galway coast.

Lough Inagh Lodge

This elegant and intimate lodge sits in a pristine setting on the shores of Lough Inagh. Every room looks out over the lake or the Twelve Ben Mountains.

The Schoolhouse Hotel

Unique, intimate and ideally located within a 10 minute walk of Dublin city center, Grafton Street and the city’s main tourist attractions, this four star hotel exudes a warm friendly atmosphere.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills. Our VBT van support is always available for those who need assistance with the hills. Ideal for enthusiastic beginners to experienced cyclists.