Saturday, June 2nd
We begin our 10-day tour of the Emerald Isle with an overnight flight from VANCOUVER to DUBLIN. Dinner will be served on-board the plane. D

Sunday, June 3rd
This morning before our arrival, we will be served a breakfast snack 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. We will 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 our tour, we will arrive at our hotel where we will check-in and relax.The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight we will enjoy a special “welcome dinner” at our hotel before retiring for the evening. B, D

Monday, June 4th
This morning, following a hearty breakfast, our tour will take us to the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. We leave the city behind and head for the heathery hills of the Wicklow Mountains that spring up at the edge of Dublin’s southern suburbs. We drive south through Enniskerry to Glendalough where St. Kevin founded his 6th Century monastic settlement. From there we will travel to AVOCA, made famous by Thomas Moore’s song, “The Meeting of the Waters.” Enjoy the roads that wind through the mountain passes, cross over the high glens, and thread their way to the sandy beaches. We will visit a wonderful yarn mill and have an opportunity to shop in their quaint gift shop. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy! B

Tuesday, June 5th
This morning after breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and head south to KILLARNEY. Along the way, we will stop in 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! Later in the afternoon, we will arrive in Killarney and check-in to our first-class hotel. Tonight we will enjoy dinner together at our hotel. B, D

Wednesday, June 6th
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, you can participate (for a nominal fee) in one of the most popular attractions here in Killarney, a Jaunting Cart ride! Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the rest of your afternoon and evening. 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! 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 Sharon Pederson! 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

Saturday, June 9th
This morning after a delicious breakfast, you will have another opportunity to enjoy the festival (admission cost included). Tonight, we are offering a very special “optional dinner” at 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

Sunday, June 10th
This morning after breakfast, you will have one final opportunity to visit the festival (admission cost included). In the early afternoon, for those that might be interested, we will be offering an optional tour to visit the KYLEMORE ABBEY & GARDENS, and the CONNEMARA MARBLE FACTORY! Tonight, we will bring our adventure to a close with a very special “farewell dinner” at our hotel. B, D

Monday, June 11th
This morning, following breakfast, we will say goodbye to the enchanting Emerald Isle and drive to the SHANNON AIRPORT for our flight back to the VANCOUVER. Lunch and a snack will be served onboard the airplane. B, L, Snack

Optional Post Festival Package

Monday, June 11th
This morning, following breakfast, we will say goodbye to the enchanting Emerald Isle and drive to the SHANNON AIRPORT for our flight to LONDON. Upon our arrival at the London Airport, we will collect our luggage and meet our driver/tour guide who will take us on a PANORAMIC TOUR OF LONDON. We will drive past many recognizable sights like the Tower of London, Harrods Department Store, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Temple Station, Notting Hill, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, the West End, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalger Square, and more. Following the tour, we will check into our first-class hotel where we will unpack and relax. Tonight, we will all enjoy a special “welcome dinner,” and have an opportunity to meet our fellow travelers. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B, D

Tuesday, June 12th
This morning, following breakfast, we will visit the famous VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM, where we will have an opportunity to view their outstanding collection of patchwork quilts and tapestries. A private curator from the museum will provide an extraordinary tour for our group. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy on your own. B

Wednesday, June 13th
This morning after breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the bustling city of BATH. Along the way, we will see the famous tourist attraction of STONEHENGE, the most famous standing-circle stones in the world. There will be a brief stop for photographs. We will continue our drive to the American Museum, which houses American woven coverlets, Navajo weaving and an extensive array of quilts. Later in the afternoon we will check into our hotel and the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy. B

Thursday, June 14th
Following breakfast this morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive northeast through the Cotswolds, until we reach the quaint town of STRATFORD UPON AVON, the home to William Shakespeare. We will check into our first-class hotel where we will unpack and relax. You will have time on your own to visit some of the sights related to this famous author, including Shakespeare’s home. There are also specialty shops with great shopping and charming restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy a delicious meal. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. B

Friday, June 15th
This morning after breakfast, we will wave farewell to England as we drive to the London Heathrow Airport for our flight to VANCOUVER. Lunch and a snack will be served onboard the plane. B, L, Snack