Itinerary

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

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 PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Cork

Upon arrival at the Cork 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 Cork hotel (transfer time is approximately 20 minutes depending upon traffic). Your VBT representative will also confirm your transfer time to Ennis at the conclusion of your Cork extension.

VBT provides you with a City Information Packet in your Final Travel Booklet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Cork 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 Cork

Enjoy your first day of independent exploration in the Republic of Ireland's second largest city. The bustle of the Victorian English Market is probably the best place to experience the essence of the city. It's an indoor covered market owned by the Cork City Council and situated on the Grand Parade, a very short walk from the hotel. After exploring the rest of the downtown area you may wish to take a short walk (just over a mile) from the city center up to the restored and atmospheric City Gaol, complete with furnished cells. Both the exhibition and multimedia display trace the lives of individual inmates imprisoned here during the 19th and 20th centuries. At the same location is the Cork Heritage Centre depicting life in Cork during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

You may wish to head farther afield and visit one of the several tourist attractions in the close vicinity. Blarney Castle, about 5 miles from Cork city center was built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, including a host of American Presidents, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures. Here you will find the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our Tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be at a loss for words.

About 14 miles away is Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic on her maiden voyage. Here you can visit the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre that tells the story of emigration from Cobh from the 1845 famine up to the era of the great Liners in the 1950s and the historical role which Cobh harbor has played as a port.

The day is yours to enjoy!

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 Transfer to Ennis/Join VBT Air Package guests

We check out of our hotel mid morning and transfer by coach to Ennis (about 2 ½ hours).

After checking into our Ennis hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. You may wish to wander around the narrow streets of this small market town or even arrange a round of golf at the Ennis Golf Club (an immaculately manicured 18-hole, par 70, parkland course. Clubs, cart, and buggy can be rented – we recommend you contact the club in advance http://www.ennisgolfclub.com/index.html).

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 (transfer time is approximately 30 minutes, depending upon traffic).

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

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 47 euros/$61 USD) or travel on Bus Eirean (service number 344) from Shannon airport to Ennis Town (approximately 7.00 euros/$9.00 USD, departing 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 120 euros/$155 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. Plan to eat lunch or a snack on your own before meeting your VBT Trip Leaders, as the next scheduled meal is dinner. Meet 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, we 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 is 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.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Discover the Burren and County Clare

Today, we 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. We'll 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 sixth-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 Cycle or walk the Aran Islands

Eat a full, traditional Irish breakfast before catching the shuttle and ferry to Inishmore, 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. 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, Ireland's “Wild West.” In this rugged and magical countryside, framed by the Twelve Bens mountain range and Roundstone Bog, we'll encounter glittering beaches, shimmering lakes and rivers and Ireland's famous peat bogs.

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, 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 toward Kylemore Abbey—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, and then roll past stunning views 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 Dublin airport, arriving at approximately 1 p.m. The tour ends here or you can continue to the Schoolhouse Hotel, Dublin with the rest of the group. Important: Departures from Dublin airport prior to 4 p.m. are not recommended. If you depart earlier, you must make transfer arrangements at your own expense from the last hotel to the Dublin airport (travel time is approximately 4 hours; cost is approximately 550 euros for a taxi; we recommend Noel King for transfers, email: info@kingcabs.com, tel. ++353 87 958 2398). If you have a flight from Shannon airport you must make your own arrangements, approximately 315 euros for a taxi, travel time approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

VBT Air Package and Post-Trip Extension guests: Depart at 8 a.m. on your transfer to the Schoolhouse Hotel, Dublin by coach (approximately 5 hours). There is no VBT representative on the coach ride. 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 cities 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.

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Dublin provides visitors with a multitude of cultural riches, from the ancient to the avant-garde. Whatever your interests—history, architecture, literature, art, archaeology or the performing arts—you'll find something here to delight you. 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.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Dublin

Continue your independent exploration of Dublin today. 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. Or walk along the River Liffey or through one of the many shopping squares.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION: Dublin Extension conclud 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 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Cork 2012 - 2 nights for only $245

Everywhere in Cork there is evidence of the city’s history as a great mercantile center, with grey stone quaysides, old warehouses and elegant, quirky bridges spanning the River Lee to each side of the island core. But the city’s lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere combined with a vibrant social and cultural scene, are equally powerful draws. You will have time to explore it all, including some of the surrounding sights such as Blarney Castle and its famous stone … or Cobh (formerly Queenstown) the last port visited on the Titanic’s maiden voyage and its interesting Heritage Centre.

Available only with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $145.

Post-Trip Extension

Dublin 2012 - 2 nights for only $295

Charming Dublin is among Europe’s oldest and most culturally rich cities, from its stunning legacy of literature and art to its history and architecture. During your two nights here, follow your own curiosities, which may lead you to Trinity College, where you can see the Book of Kells, and Merrion Square. 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 $195.

Accommodations

The Imperial Hotel

This is one of Cork’s most exclusive properties. Historic architecture merges with contemporary design to create a magical environment. The Imperial Hotel has been serving Cork since 1813, when the Cork Committee of Merchants commissioned architect Sir Thomas Deane to design and build The Commercial Rooms. In 1816 the merchants requested Deane to extend the original building along Pembroke Street to serve as a hotel and coach-yard. The Imperial Hotel, originally the place where merchants met to discuss business, remains the most popular business and social center in the city today.

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 interior 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 its superb and convenient location in the heart of the city center, 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. Its 12 cozy rooms are tucked away in an 18th-century stone-built house. And you’re invited to call one of them home while you explore the beautiful and historic Aran Island of Inís Mór, off the Galway coast.

Lough Inagh Lodge

On the shores of Connemara’s sparkling Lough Inagh, this elegant lodge boasts spectacular views. The warm hospitality you’ll enjoy is borne of the true Irish friendliness that is so typical of this region. After exhilarating cycling days, put you feet up in front of an open-log fire in the library or hoist a pint in the oak-paneled bar. Hikes, fly-fishing and golf are also available. All 12 rooms offer a view of either the lake or the Twelve Bens mountain range and are furnished to the highest standards. Your room features a TV, private sitting area and private bath with shower.

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.