12 Day Tour with Alan Tremain

Friday, June 1st - Tuesday, June 12th, 2012

Package Includes: Round-trip airfare from the Sydney, Australia airport, and transfers to and from the airport in Ireland.

Package Includes: First-class hotel accommodations, private motorcoach and drive, 17 meals, a 3-day pass to the International Quilt Festival of Ireland, a class with Alan Tremain during the festival, sight-seeing as listed in the itinerary, and personally escorted by Alan Tremain!

View the trip itinerary

Friday, June 1st
We begin our 12-day tour of the Emerald Isle with a late-night flight from SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA to DUBLIN. Dinner will be served onboard the plane. D

Saturday, June 2nd
This afternoon before we arrive, a breakfast and lunch will be served onboard the airplane. Upon our arrival in to the Dublin Airport, we will be met by our driver/guide and brought to our private coach. From there we will be taken to our first-class hotel where we will check in and relax for the remainder of the afternoon. This evening, we will enjoy a special “welcome dinner” at our hotel before retiring for the evening. B, L, D

Sunday, June 3rd
This morning following a delicious Irish breakfast, we will board our motorcoach, drive through the city and enjoy a PANORAMIC TOUR OF DUBLIN. Although Dublin has blossomed into a modern, bustling city, it still retains the graceful, charmed atmosphere of an earlier time. The Georgian squares, terraces, and the walk along River Liffey are evidence of this. Following the tour, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax, sight-see or shop! B, D

Monday, June 4th
This morning after a hearty breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive southwest to KILLARNEY and check into our first-class hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free at your leisure. B

Tuesday, June 5th
This morning following breakfast, we will depart on one of Ireland’s most popular and beautiful drives, the RING OF KERRY. Traveling from Killarney, we come to the town of KILLORGLIN, famous for the “Puck Fair”. We will continue our drive along the coastline of the broad Iveragh Peninsula, through the towns of GLENVEAGH, WATERVILLE, CAHIRCIVEEN and SNEEM. The scenery includes spectacular wind-swept cliffs, still lakes, lost valleys and rocky mountains blended amongst the awesome beauty. As one looks around it is easy to agree with the old Irish saying, “Even if a man has only a small bit of earth here, he has a lot of the heavens.” We will return to Killarney later in the afternoon. For those who are interested, this afternoon we are offering an "optional tour" that includes one of the most popular attractions here in Killarney, a Jaunting Cart ride, along with a visit to the famed 19th century Tudor mansion, Muckross House and Gardens. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the rest of your evening! B

Wednesday, June 6th
This morning following breakfast, we will head towards the well-known village of BLARNEY. Here we’ll have a chance (for a nominal fee) to kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle. We will also visit and explore the Blarney Woollen Mills, renowned for Irish crystal, china, woollen clothing, and all sorts of wonderful souvenir items. This is one of the greatest shopping stores during our entire trip, so be sure you have your credit cards ready to enjoy some retail therapy! We will return to Killarney later in the afternoon where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. B

Thursday, June 7th
This morning after a delicious breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to GALWAY. Along the way, we will stop at Ireland’s prettiest village, ADARE, famous for its thatched roof boutique shops. Following Adare, have your cameras ready as we stop along the way to admire the stunning and picturesque Cliffs of Moher. Upon our arrival in Galway, we will check in to our first-class hotel and get settled in. Tonight, for those who have signed up to participate, the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND kicks off with a very special Grand Reception. This special event consists of a champagne reception, a welcome presentation by festival director and Sew Many Places founder, Jim West, a keynote address by quilt legend Jinny Beyer, followed by a delicious formal dinner, and a one-hour Riverdance review show by Trad on the Prom!. Trad on the Prom is Ireland's #1 music, song and dance show. Their performers hold 15 World Titles and the show is one of the holiday highlights for thousands of visitors each year. Space is limited for this GRAND RECEPTION and cost is 125 Euros per person. Reserving your space early is highly recommended as this will sell out with no uncertainty! B

Friday, June 8th
This morning after a delicious breakfast, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the festival (admission cost included). You will also receive free admission to a class with Alan Tremain. Tonight, we will drive to the famous BUNRATTY CASTLE for a medieval banquet and show! For more information on all the activities that are available tonight be sure to check out our website at http://store.iqfoi.com. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your day at this spectacular festival! B & Dinner at Bunratty Castle

Saturday, June 9th
This morning after a delicious breakfast, you will have another opportunity to enjoy the festival (admission cost included). For more information on all the activities that are available tonight be sure to check out our website at http://store.iqfoi.com. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your day at this spectacular festival! B

Sunday, June 10th
This morning following breakfast, you will have the entire day to enjoy the festival. This will be your final day at the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND! B

Monday, June 11th
Following breakfast this morning, for those who might be interested, we are offering an “optional tour” to the Kylemore Abbey & Gardens and the Connemara Marble Factory! Tonight, we will bring our amazing Ireland tour to a close with a special “farewell dinner” at our hotel. B, D

Tuesday, June 12th
This morning, following breakfast, we will say goodbye to the enchanting Emerald Isle and drive to the DUBLIN AIRPORT for our flight back to SYDNEY. Lunch and a snack will be served onboard the airplane. B, L, Snack

Looking for the complete package with airfare? Contact us for pricing and options.

Ireland Tour Only Rate

$2,500.00* per person based on double occupancy

Rate is based no airfare or transfers to and from the airport. You will meet the group at the hotel to begin your tour.

RECEIVE 3% off the entire cost of your tour if you make a one check payment paid in full at the time of booking.

Make your reservation here or call us toll free at 877-887-1188.

*Please note: The prices we receive from the tour operators in Ireland are quoted to us in Euros and the prices of these tours reflect the Euro exchange at 1 Euro = 1.45 USD. As the Euro fluctuates, the price in USD can change. Upon final payment date the price in USD may be adjusted to reflect the current Euro exchange rate.

Depending on weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control, the itinerary, pricing and escorts are subject to change. We will make every attempt to adhere to the program, but we ask that you be flexible if alternative choices are made to enhance the schedule. Space is limited to 40 people and on a first come-first served basis. Terms and Conditions apply once first deposit is made and can be found here. Optional tour costs, craft workshops, and hands on quilting classes are not included in this price and must be paid with final payment. Gratuities will be accepted as a check only, and collected in March, 2012. Insurance is available and highly recommended. Single rates are available upon request and not as expensive as you may think. We are also very available to helping single travelers find a roommate, so please let us know if we can assist with that request.