Depart Australia for Prague, the first stopover in this magical tour.
Don't forget to pack your passport, camera (or Mobile) and credit card.
A travel sim comes in handy so you don't come home and are surprised by an enormous phone bill.
Have you told your credit card company (Bank) that you are travelling overseas?
Do you have a photocopy of you passport and all you important documents or have you got a copy on your phone (and left one at home with your emergency contact).
Arrival flights from Australia for your first day of this fabulous tour. Day a Leisure.
Reduce jetlag by trying to get as much sleep on the plane as you can. If you arrive early in the morning and need to sleep, only allow yourself 2 hours and then try and stay up as long as you can in the evening.
Welcome dinner.
Half Day Morning Sightseeing
Duration: 4 hours
Come along for a discovery tour of the main historic landmarks of the wonderful city of Prague.
Known as the city of a hundred spires, Prague is a fantastic place for the sightseer. On every corner there is some beautiful building or famous monument to see and as we tour around on our comfortable bus you will get a great overview of the main sites. Relax as you are driven around and take in the lively atmosphere as people go about their daily business and tourists amble around.
As we drive past Wenceslas Square contemplate the vibrant shops, restaurants and hotels that now stand in the place that was once the scene of a famous uprising in 1989. Admire the elegant National Theatre standing pride of place along the banks of the Vltava River and then catch a glimpse of possibly one of the most romantic spots in the city, the magnificent 14th century Charles IV Bridge, alive with the sounds of musicians, and street artists.
Take in the Mala Strana, also known as the lesser or small town, one of Prague’s most picturesque districts with its quaint cobbled streets and baroque architecture. See the Old Town Square where the superb Gothic Church of Our Lady before Tyn with its iconic spires is located and where you can gaze in wonder at the famous astronomical clock on the Town Hall. Then learn all about the Jewish quarter, scene of many sad events before going up to Prague Castle to enjoy the beautiful views.
Explore the south Bohemian countryside and the stunning city with this full day excursion from Prague. See picturesque villages and scenic lakes before stepping back in time at Cesky Krumlov, a wonderfully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the beautiful burgher houses, with their fascinating facades, and visit the castle known as the Renaissance Pearl.
Highlights
- Visit the State Castle of Český Krumlov
- Meander around the cobbled Medieval streets
- Free time to relax, unwind or even do some shopping!
Discover the large fairy tale-esque village of Cesky Krumlov, filled with architectural heritage, boasting more than 300 historic houses built around a stunning castle and chateau. Dating back to the 13th Century you will see Gothic, Renaissance and even Baroque elements throughout the town. The Baroque theatre and the fresco-ed facades, in particular, are a sight to behold. Below the castle, nestled on the opposite banks of the horseshoe bend of the River Vltava, the town branches out around a central square. You will be entranced and enthralled by the authentic charm and history of this picturesque town as you wander along its winding cobbled alleys, explore the castle grounds and visit other historical sights.
Recognized by UNESCO for the quality and inexactness of its buildings and towns-cape for more than five centuries, Cesky Krumlov’s historical value lies in it being a great illustration of how towns and cities in central Europe developed during the medieval and Renaissance periods. With considerably little conservation and restoration having taken place, this charming town is a gem that has remained untarnished by the passing of time.
Money
Be sure to bring plenty of cash with you as many places in Cesky Krumlov do not take card. If you are running low on cash be sure to ask before ordering your food if they take cards. Do not exchange cash here, if you need to get more cash use an ATM.
Full Day Tour Cesky Krumlov
Lunch included today.
Transfer by coach for Lunch at a local Restaurant before being transported to the airport for your flight to Dublin.
Flight to Dublin.
Dublin AM - Howth Cliff Path Loop Walk (6km) (All walks on the tour are optional, alternatives will be available)
Howth Cliff Path Loop Walk, is located on Howth Head, a peninsula 15km northwest of Dublin City, has been immortalized in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Take in the stunning views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye, and be overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounds you each and every step of the walk.
Enniskerry PM - Free time to explore on the way back to hotel.
Glendalough Lake Walk (6km) – Morning
Glendalough is a glacial valley in County Wicklow, renowned for an early medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin. The present ruins in Glendalough tell only a small part of its story. The monastery in its heyday included workshops, areas for manuscript and copying, guest houses, an infirmary, farm buildings and dwellings for both the monks and a large lay population. The buildings which survive date from between the 10th and 12th centuries. The Glendalough Lake Walk is a most beautiful easy walk taking in both lakes.
Free Afternoon - to explore beautiful County Wicklow.
Avoca ‘Ballykissangel’ – Tullow (Bishop Daniel Delany) – Carlow
Avoca is a small town in County Wicklow. It is situated on the River Avoca. The Avoca area has been immortalized by Thomas Moore in the famous song ‘The Meeting of the Waters’. Avoca is also famous for its handweaving. Avoca is the village where the BBC series ‘Ballykissangel’ was filmed. We will then travel to
Tullow, the story behind Bishop Daniel Delany and the Brigidine Sisters, pay a visit to beautiful Carlow and head into Kilkenny City, our medieval base for a couple of days.
BRIEF SIGHTSEEING TOUR ON FOOT
Kilkenny City Tour – Afternoon City Walk
Kilkenny is a medieval town in southwest Ireland. Its grand Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by Norman occupiers. The town has deep religious roots and many well-preserved churches and monasteries, including imposing St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Black Abbey Dominican priory, both from the 13th century. It’s also a crafts hub, with shops along its winding lanes selling pottery, painting and jewellery. Be warned, Kilkenny loves to party! An endless stream of arts festivals celebrating theatre, comedy and dance is constantly pumping the city with new life, toe-tapping energy and international flavour. Pack your dancing shoes!
CALLAN - SIGHTSEEING - includes lunch - VISIT EDMUND IGNATIUS RICE BIRTHPLACE
Callan - Waterford
We will begin our day visiting the quaint market town of Callan, just south of Kilkenny close to the border of County Tipperary. We will visit the birthplace of Edmund Ignatius Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers. Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city – it was founded in the 9th century by the Vikings. Of course, it’s not just history that makes Waterford such a compelling destination. The city is also known for its craftbeers, fine bread, and Waterford Crystal, one of the world’s most prestigious cut-glass brands. (Bring your credit card!)
VISIT EDMUND IGNATIUS RICE BIRTHPLACE
Cobh – ‘Titanic Experience’ – ‘Cobh Heritage Centre’ (Irish – Australian Emigration Story)
Old Head of Kinsale Loop Walk (6km)
Cobh is a pleasant waterside town, with brightly coloured houses where its streets climb the steep slope of a hill, the top of which is crowned by the imposing St. Coleman’s Cathedral with its carillon of 47 bells. It’s also known as the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. We will visit the ‘Titanic Experience’ attraction. Learn about the Irish Emigration story, trace your ancestors, hear about the ill-fated Titanic and immerse yourself in Irish naval and military history at Cobh Heritage Centre. This beautiful, informative and sometimes emotive cultural centre is situated within Cobh’s beautifully restored Victorian railway station. The Old Head of Kinsale Loop Walk is an easy 1.5 hour loop walking route on the famous Old Head of Kinsale with spectacular views at every turn.
Blarney Castle – Ballygriffin (Nano Nagle) – Free afternoon in Killarney
Blarney Castle, built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower. Kiss it and you’ll never be lost for words. Killarney is a very special place indeed. Brim full of history, heritage, activities, and world class hospitality.
Ring of Kerry via Torc Mountain Walking Route (7km)
The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive around the Iveragh Peninsula in southwest Ireland’s County Kerry. Its 179km long, circular route takes in rugged and verdant coastal landscapes and rural seaside villages. Skellig Michael, a rocky island with an abandoned 7th-century Christian monastery, is a major destination point. Torc Mountain is an extremely popular and scenic 7km walking route to the summit of Torc Mountain with spectacular 360 degree views of Killarney town and the surrounding countryside of County Kerry.
Adare Village – Limerick – Free afternoon to explore Limerick
Adare is a small town in County Limerick, located southwest of the city of Limerick. Renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest towns, Adare is designated as a heritage town by the Irish government. A delightful little spot for souvenir shopping and morning tea! Limerick is a major city in the Republic of Ireland, set in Munster province in the south of the country. Its compact old town is known for the medieval-era. St Mary’s Cathedral and St. John’s Square, which is lined with Georgian townhouses. Standing along the River Shannon the 13th-century King John’s Castle is one of the city’s most recognisable sites.
VISIT TO CLIFFS OF MOHER INCLUDING VISITOR CENTRE WITH ATLANTIC EDGE EXHIBITION.
The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk is a moderate 4 – 5 hour (14km) walking route along a new spectacular coastal path from Liscannor in the south, to Hags Head and the world famous Cliffs of Moher. The walk is fairly flat with only a slight and gradual rise to the higher cliffs. We will allow plenty of time to stop for photos, breaks and take in the scenery with views to the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean well below your feet! You can do the entire walk or just a section of the walk starting at a number of different vantage points along the way. Visit to the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre with the Atlantic Edge Exhibition.
FULL DAY TOUR - INCLUDES LUNCH
EXCURSION TO ARAN ISLAND BY FERRY
DEPARTING ROSAVEAL AT 10:30AM FERRY
DEPARTING INIS MOR AT 5:00PM
Aran Islands Excursion
The Aran Islands are 3 rocky isles guarding the mouth of Galway Bay. They’re known for their ancient sites. The largest island, Inishmore, is home to the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched on top of a high cliff. Nearby is the Worm Hole, a rectangular natural pool. The medieval ruins of the Seven Churches are in the northwest. Clochán na Carraige is a stone structure with a beehive roof. A delightful day awaits.
RETURN FERRY FROM ROSSAVEAL TO INIS MOR ON ARAN
HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING
ENTRANCE TO CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK.
TRAD ON THE PROM SHOW (GROUND SEATING)
LOCAL TRANSPORT TO MEET CLIENTS ON DEPARTURE FROM THE RESTAURANT FOR TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
Connemara, in the northwest of County Galway, West Ireland stretches from Galway Bay in the south to Killary Harbour in the north. Famously described by Oscar Wilde as ‘a savage beauty’ this region is regarded as one of the most spectacularly wild, rugged and unspoiled pieces of wilderness in the world. Boasting secluded beaches, rocky hills, windswept bogs and innumerable shimmering black lakes, the area is perfect for horse riding, cycling and hiking through the towering Twelve Bens mountains; as well as fishing, golfing and various watersports. Connemara is strewn with some fascinating historic attractions such as the Alcock and Brown Memorial, Kylemore Abbey and the Walled Victorian Gardens, Connemara History & Heritage Centre in Clifden, Glengowla Mines in Oughterard, and the 40,000-acre Connemara National Park.
HALF DAY EXCURSION CLONMACNOISE
ENTRANCE TO CLONMACNOISE MONASTERY AND GUIDED TOUR IS INCLUDED.
Clonmacnoise Monastery (ancient site) – Athlone – Kildare (St Brigid)
The monastery of Clonmacnoise is situated in County Offaly, on the River Shannon. Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St. Ciarán, a young man from Rathcroghan. In the modern day, the site stands as a preserved ruin. Athlone is a town in central Ireland. The medieval Athlone Castle offers views from its
battlements, plus displays of local history. Rich in heritage and history, Kildare dates from the 5th century, when it was the site of the original ‘Church of the Oak’ and monastery founded by St. Brigid. This became one of the three most important Christian foundations in Celtic Ireland.
HALF DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR WITH GUIDE (ENGLISH SPEAKING) GUIDE
DURATION 3:00 HOURS.
Dublin City Tour – Catherine McAuley – Free afternoon – Dinner/ Show
Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its historic buildings include Dublin Castle, dating to the 13th century, and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. City parks include landscaped St. Stephen’s Green and huge Phoenix Park, containing Dublin Zoo. Dublin Castle where you have an included guided tour. Entrance to Phoenix Park visitor centre and Ashdown Castle with an Audio-Visual show telling of its history. The National Museum of Ireland explores Irish heritage and culture. We will visit Catherine’s house, the first House of Mercy built by Catherine McAuley in response to the needs of the poor in Dublin. A great day of exploring this magnificent city awaits
before we head out for dinner and Irish show.
SHOW & DINNER AT: TAYLORS THREE ROCK
TRANSPORT TO MEET CLIENTS AT HOTEL FOR AIRPORT TRANSFER
Invest in a good travel pillow, earplugs, and sleep mask for those long flights.
