Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Ireland

Meet your guide and fellow tour members at our hotel around 5 p.m. After a group meeting, we'll enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Dublin (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: The Historic Heart of Dublin

Ireland's historic capital is easy on foot. This morning we'll meet a local guide for a walking tour of Dublin, followed by a visit to see the beautiful Book of Kells. You'll then have free time to soak in Dublin's grand Georgian past, and feel the pulse of a city thriving with street poets and musicians. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Emerald Gardens and Ruins

This morning we'll drive through the beautiful Wicklow Mountains to the lush Powerscourt Gardens. In the afternoon we'll see the evocative ruins of the Rock of Cashel, an important ecclesiastical center from St. Patrick's time. Our day will end in the historic harbor town of Kinsale, where we'll sleep (2 nights). Bus: 8 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Harborside Kinsale and Charles Fort

After a morning walking tour of Kinsale, we'll visit what was once Britain's biggest star-shaped fort. You'll have the afternoon and dinner on your own in Kinsale, known as Ireland's gourmet capital. Bus: ½ hr. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: Killarney to Dingle

Today we'll drive through the Killarney National Park with scenic views of the lakes. We'll end our day in Dingle, where we'll enjoy one of the country's best traditional music scenes. Sleep in Dingle (3 nights, groups may be split between two B&Bs). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: Exploring Dingle's Heritage

Today we'll experience some of Europe's wildest natural beauty and most ancient Christian sights. Our local guide will take us on the famous Slea Head Drive, our vote for the most beautiful road in Ireland. Visiting the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre, we get an intimate look at a traditional Irish community. Tonight we're back at our home village, Dingle, with as much dancing and singing with new friends as we can handle. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Roam the Dingle Peninsula

Today is all yours...free on the Dingle Peninsula. You could take a long walk, hire a bicycle or a horse, sail to the Blasket Islands, or just savor your 'Irish breakfast' and hang out in town. No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 8: The Towering Cliffs of Moher

On our way to Galway, we'll visit the dramatic, end-of-Europe Cliffs of Moher and drive through the fascinating limestone moonscape of the Burren. Sleep in Galway (2 nights, groups may be split between three B&Bs). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 9: Galway and the Aran Islands

This morning we'll hop aboard the ferry to Inishmore (weather permitting), the largest of the Aran Islands. There you'll be free to join a shared minibus tour, hire a pony cart, or rent a bike to explore the island and its 2,000-year-old Celtic fort. Bus: 2 hrs. Boat: 1½ hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 10: Connemara Countryside

Today we drive through the Connemara region, enjoying the beautiful Irish countryside and its small-town charms. Then it's north to County Mayo and Westport, where we'll settle in for the evening. Sleep in Westport (1 night). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 11: To Northern Ireland

Today we go international, driving to the north coast of Northern Ireland. On our way, we'll stop in Derry, where a local guide will enlighten us about 'the Troubles.' We'll then continue to Portrush, the Coney Island of Ulster. Sleep in Portrush (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Antrim Coast and Old Bushmills

The spectacular Antrim Coast is ours to explore, including the bizarre basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway and a cliff-hanging castle. We'll also make time for a tour and wee sample at the venerable Old Bushmills Distillery. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 13: Belfast and Return to Dublin

We'll drive to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, for a quick tour to learn about Northern Ireland's progress toward peace. Tonight we'll kick up our heels at a farewell supper. Sleep in Dublin (1 night). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

Fly out of Dublin's handy airport or take the ferry to Wales for further adventures in the British Isles. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Sláinte!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Choose a date and sign up for your tour online