10 nights. Ireland, United Kingdom

Day 1

london (tower bridge),uk

Departure: 16:00

Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

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Day 2

dunmore east (waterford)

Arrival: 14:00 - Departure: 21:30

Waterford is in the South-East of Ireland and is part of the province of Munster. It is the oldest and the fifth most populous city in the country. Waterford City and County Council is the local government authority for the city. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Waterford Crystal. Waterford Crystal is a famous export of this city. Glass is hand blown and hand cut in the new. Waterford Crystal showrooms are situated just down from Reginalds Tower in The Mall. • Medieval Museum. • Bishop’s Palace. This magnificent Georgian residence is a must-see attraction. Experience authentic grand eighteenth century living in this beautiful Georgian building. • Reginald's Tower. Reginald’s Tower is named after the Viking leader who founded Waterford in 914, making Waterford Ireland’s oldest city. • Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre. It is dedicated to the memory of Brother Edmund Rice, founder of the Presentation and Christian Brothers.

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Day 3

cork, ireland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 19:00

Cork is Ireland’s second city, but for some people it is the country’s number-one Gaelic city and the real capital of Ireland. Cork is hospitable, cosmopolitan and energetic. The River Lee flows through the city and joins one of the world’s largest natural harbours, and it takes some 29 bridges to connect its most distinctive features together. Cork is an important cultural and artistic hub which has important film, jazz, and poetry festivals such as the Cork Midsummer Festival. Cork was named European Capital of Culture in 2005. South of the River Lee, towering over the rest of the city is St Finbarr 's Cathedral, a lush limestone building equipped with three impressive spires dedicated to the founder and patron of the city. Visit St. Anne’s church in Shandon district for the view from the tower and the 200-year-old bells. Shandon neighbourhood has retained its authenticity and is brimming with narrow streets and colourful shops. St Patrick's Street, a covered canal, is the main artery of the city and is known for the architecture of its buildings. Between St Patrick’s Street and Grand Parade rises The English Market, a covered fruit and vegetable market, recently restored, which has been operating since 1610, although the present building dates from 1786. Rebellious and nationalistic, Cork smells of sea breeze and has managed to retain its authenticity. The oceanic vivacity and a carefree joie de vivre are Cork’s most cherished characteristics.

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Day 4

Dingle, Ireland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 19:00

Dingle is a town in County Kerry, on the Atlantic coast of the Republic of Ireland, about 50 km southwest of Tralee and about 80 km northwest of Killarney. The village is situated in a natural bay under Slievanea Mountain on the Dingle Peninsula, with the River Shannon to the north and the Ring of Kerry to the south.

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Day 5

foynes, ireland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 19:00

Shannon is quite a new town, built in the 1960s as a satellite to nearby Limerick. Located on the river Shannon, it is home to the county’s major access point: Shannon International Airport, Ireland’s second-largest airport and home to the world’s first duty free shop. Due to its young age, the city lack the old-world charm of many Irish towns, nonetheless it makes a convenient base to explore the beautiful County Clare region. County Clare is famous for its beauty and spectacular landscapes, which include Bunratty Castle, Craggaunowen Castle and the Cliffs of Moher, among others. Shannon is also a good starting point for walking tours of Dingle and the Ring of Kerry, or cruises on the river. Dolphin watching is a popular activity from Carrigaholt pier. While the town of Shannon isn't as cosmopolitan as larger cities like Dublin or Galway, there are leisure facilities and a leisure centre, golfing activities, river walks and trails, shopping opportunities and the chance to sample delicious cuisine in the bars and restaurants. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and that curious small town trait of everyone knowing everyone else and always ready to make a stranger feel at home.

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Day 6

galway, ireland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 19:00

Gateway to Connemara, Galway is a charming and lively port city, located on Ireland’s west coast. During the 14th century, the town was an important trading spot under the Anglo -Norman rule. Extensive trade with Spain led to Spanish flavour of certain architectural remains in Galway. Yet, for all its history of international influence, Galway remains more Irish than other cities in the west. Known as the "city of tribes", Galway is full of rich Irish culture and historical significance. The town meanders between river and sea, full of old merchant houses, odd leaded windows above stone doorways, and aged stone walls set off modern storefronts. Eyre Square is very much the town’s focal point, with scattered monuments to patriots and countless interesting passers-through. Shop Street, the main drag, is always alive with street music and performers. Shop Street also takes you past Lynches Castle, an elegant stone mansion dating from the early 16th century. Walk up the banks of the Corrib River towards Salmon Weir Bridge. Stroll back through the narrow streets to the Spanish Arch, the only surviving gateway to the old trading town and a remnant of the days when Spanish trade flourished and sherry was brought in huge merchant carracks through this arch. Today, Galway is a university town that is always bustling with continuous exhibitions and festivals. Crowds chatting on riverside pubs, enjoying live music. That is the true essence of Galway.

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Day 7

donegal (killybegs), ireland

Arrival: 08:00 - Departure: 19:00

Killybegs (Irish: Na Cealla Beaga)[2] is a town in County Donegal, Ireland. It is the largest fishing port in the country and on the island of Ireland. It is located on the south coast of the county, north of Donegal Bay, near Donegal Town. Its Irish name Na Cealla Beaga means 'little cells', a reference to early monastic settlements.[2] The town is situated at the head of a scenic harbour and at the base of a vast mountainous tract extending northward.[3] In the summer, there is a street festival celebrating the fish catches and incorporating the traditional "Blessing of the Boats" Fintra beach (registered blue flag) is located on the outskirts of Killybegs town. It consists entirely of fine golden sand and receives large numbers of day-trippers during the peak of the tourist season. It is lifeguarded throughout the bathing season. Killybegs is famous for its tapestries and carpets, some of which were produced on the biggest carpet loom in the world at the "Donegal Carpet Factory". The carpets, known as Donegals, are hand-knotted in the Turkish style

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Day 8

belfast, northern ireland

Arrival: 07:30 - Departure: 20:30

Belfast, the once battle-scarred city, has regained its true condition, as the hidden treasure of Ireland. With all its attractions and its newfound fame as nocturnal city, it has become a vibrant destination. Belfast City Hall is a must-see when visiting the city. Located at Donegall square, the heart of the city, this Renaissance building has on the inside beautiful stained glass windows and murals that depicts Belfast history. On the docks of the river you can see the curious statue of a huge fish. Behind it the Titanic Belfast rises. The Titanic Belfast is an interactive attraction opened to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the vessel. It is located in the modern Titanic Quarter, Europe's largest waterfront development, is a futuristic mix of residential, commercial, tourism, education and retail space that has provided Belfast with a new urban quarter. One of the undeniable attractions of the city are its political murals on Shankill Road, there are over 700 and they reflect the city’s painful past. But Belfast definitely is looking at the future. Stylish bars and restaurants abound in the city and its warm and friendly people will make you fall in love with Belfast.

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Day 9

dublin, ireland

Arrival: 07:00 - Departure: 19:00

Dublin has been the setting for many novels and it’s no wonder since its written tradition goes back to 800 A.D. with The Book of Kells, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city is the birthplace for many literary figures such as Joyce, Beckett, Yeats, Shawn and Wilde to name a few. The city’s Georgian elegance blends perfectly with the medieval and modern architecture that gives Dublin its distinctive personality. One can’t deny that Dublin is a cultural city; the UNESCO designated Ireland’s capital as the city of literature in 2010. Culture vultures are also spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries. From the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library to the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin containing the lecturn that US president JFK used to address the National Parliament in 1963, there is plenty to absorb. Not forgetting of course the magnificent Dublin Castle dating back to the 13th century. Aside from its glorious riches, the best thing about this city is its people. Dubliners are friendly, warm, surprisingly outgoing and witty, even more so after a couple of pints of Guinness. In its more than 1000 pubs one makes friends easily. It should be mandatory for tourists to spend some time in a pub since it is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Ireland. Dublin is as well a young city, it has one of the youngest population in Europe, around half of its inhabitants are believed to be under the age of 25. This fact has made the city vibrant, dynamic, energetic and ambitious. Dublin is overflowing with funky bars, sophisticated restaurants and lively clubs, the epicenter being the buzzing Temple Bar area. Live music is a religion in Ireland and Dublin is its mecca. The city’s live music scene is superb and has given the world a number of global musical superstars from U2 and Westlife to The Script and Sinead O’Connor. Everyone is welcome in this nowadays multicultural city, but beware, Dublin, as its people, is so charismatic and infectious that you may never want to leave.

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Day 11

london (tower bridge),uk

Arrival: 05:00

Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

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10 nights. Ireland, United Kingdom

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