Sun, May 24

DEPART THE UNITED STATES

Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.

Mon, May 25

GAME OF THRONES

After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. At 9am, join your group in the Arrivals Hall before meeting your CIE Tours driver/guide and boarding your luxury motorcoach. Next, travel to visit the Games of Thrones Studio, where you will see iconic costumes, props, weapons and even some of the famous sets from the hit television show. Then, journey through the Mourne Mountains, which is the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland, and its summits are crowned by granite tors. Continue into Belfast, check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.

OVERNIGHT: GRAND CENTRAL, BELFAST

Tues, May 26

NINE GLENS OF ANTRIM, A CASTLE ON A CLIFF AND A DROP OF THE PURE

Departing Belfast, drive along the coast to experience one of Ireland's popular scenic routes. Here, you'll see the "Nine Glens of Antrim" which offer wonderful views of mountains, valleys and coastline. Continue on to visit the Giant’s Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava, which has given rise to many legends.

Then, travel to just outside of Portrush to visit Dunluce Castle. This splendid structure sits on basalt rock jutting out over the sea, reached by a wooden walkway. During the 16th century it was home to the MacQuillans, and later the MacDonnells. Following, drive into Bushmills and stop to visit the Bushmills Distillery, which is Ireland's oldest whiskey distillery. See how whiskey is distilled and then a sample at the end of your tour. Transfer to your hotel in Derry, check in and enjoy some free time before tonight’s festivities.

This evening, head to the Walled City Brewery, which has offered locally flavored craft and artisan beers for over a decade. While here, enjoy a sample of their fine product followed by an authentic Irish dinner with your group.

OVERNIGHT & DINNER: EVERGLADES HOTEL, DERRY

Wed, May 27

A STROLL AROUND LEGENDERRY!

This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour of Derry to see the Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Diamond and the 16th century walls. Along the way, also see the large-scale murals scattered around the city, which were created by local artists to protest political policies. Return to your nearby hotel and spend the balance of the day at leisure to sightsee, shop and dine on your own.

OVERNIGHT: EVERGLADES HOTEL

Thur, May 28

THE WILDS OF DONEGAL

After breakfast, travel to visit Slieve Liar Sea Cliffs, where the highest point reaches 1,972 feet making them the highest in Europe. The cliffs drop straight down to the wild Atlantic waves below and you will see marvelous vistas. While here, have a cup of tea and freshly baked scones with your group. Then, continue your journey through craggy scenery to visit Glencolmcille Folk Park. Here, see traditional cottages showing period furnishings and farming equipment to get a flavor of country life in past centuries. Transfer to your hotel in Donegal, check in and settle into your room. In the evening, meet your group in the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal. This spot is a big favorite of Michael’s. He raves about the breakfasts here,

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: HARVEYS POINT HOTEL, DONEGAL

Fri, May 29

CASTLES & CROWNS

Today, visit Donegal Castle, which incorporates the gabled tower of a 15th century house built by the O’Donnell family. Partially restored, the castle reflects a long and turbulent history. Then, visit the nearby Hanna Hats, world famous for its tweed hats, woven wool, and other fine apparel. Return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day free to explore around the busy shopping town on your own. Michael recommends this town for souvenirs in the town ‘square’ known as “The Diamond” Tonight, you might like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered around the area. The pub in the hotel usually has music at the weekends.

OVERNIGHT: HARVEY’S POINT HOTEL, DONEGAL

Sat, May 30

BELEEK FINERY, THE BEST OF GIN & A NIGHT IN A CASTLE,

Leaving Donegal, travel into Belleek and stop to visit the Belleek Pottery Factory to see how skilled craftspeople form and decorate clay to produce delicate porcelain masterpieces. Then, journey to The Shed Distillery, home of the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin, for a tour and tasting of the finished product. Following, drive into Ballyfarnon and check into the luxurious Kilronan Castle Hotel. Spend the balance of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy Kilronan Castle. This evening, have dinner in Kilronan Castle’s fine restaurant with your group.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILRONAN CASTLE HOTEL, BALLYFARNON