Classical Educational and Private Guided Tours
From USA to Italy & Beyond
Ireland Orchestra Trip
Ireland's history dates back to 6,000 BC and with its breathtaking landscapes, rocky shorelines, vibrant cities, and historical sights, there is something for everyone.
Itinerary
Day One - Let the Adventure Begin!
Today marks the start of our epic journey! We'll bid farewell to Denver, CO and hop on a plane to the enchanting land of Dublin, Ireland.
Day Two - Welcome to Dublin!
We'll land at Dublin Airport and be greeted by the one and only Lorna Holland, our fantastic Tour Director. After a quick refresh, we'll board our motorcoach and set off for the vibrant city of Belfast, just 2.5 hours away. Once we arrive at our Belfast hotel, we'll check in and freshen up before embarking on an exciting intro tour of this charming city. And of course, we'll enjoy a delicious dinner before resting up for more adventures!
Day Three - Exploring Giants Causeway and the Seven Kingdoms
After a hearty breakfast at our hotel, get ready for an unforgettable day exploring the dramatic landscapes of Northern Ireland. We'll embark on a journey through the Seven Kingdoms, visiting Game of Thrones filming locations that will make us feel like Arya Stark or Jon Snow. The highlight? Marveling at the stunning Giant's Causeway and braving the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. We'll wrap up this epic day with a delightful dinner.
TOUR
INFORMATION:
What's Included:
24/7 Tour Director from VaFeltre Tours
24/7 Irish local Tour Guide Escort
5 Local Guides as listed on Itinerary
3 Nights in Belfast Hotel
2 Nights Hotel in Galway
2 Nights Hotel in Killarney
3 Nights Hotel in Dublin
All Breakfasts as listed
MotorCoach and Professional Driver throughout the tour (11 Days)
7 Traditional Dinners
3 Dinners with entertainment
Lunch on Day 3 and Day 9
entrances as listed on Itinerary
Instrument Rental for Performances (8 Cellos and 4 Bases)
1 Guest Conductor for Clinic
Travel Insurance
Dante Zambrano Cassella
Master Tour Director, Guru,
Sloth Whisperer
Tel. 703.209.0669
Day Four - Titanic Tales and a Performance
Our day starts with breakfast at the hotel before we head to the Titanic Belfast museum, the world's largest Titanic exhibition. Afterward, we'll have some time for lunch and shopping. VaFeltre Tours has something special in store for us - a workshop and a place for our group to perform! After an exciting day, we'll savor a delicious dinner back at the hotel.
Day Five - Galway's Musical Magic
Say goodbye to Belfast and hello to Galway, a city with a rich musical heritage. As we drive for 4.5 hours, take in the scenic views and anticipate the lively music scene awaiting us. Lunch on the way will fuel our spirits. Upon arrival, we'll check in and meet our local guide for a captivating tour of Galway. For dinner, we'll immerse ourselves in the tradition of a local Pub in downtown Galway before retiring to our hotel.
Day Six - Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher
After a scrumptious breakfast, get ready for a thrilling day trip to the Aran Islands and the majestic Cliffs of Moher. We'll cruise beneath the towering cliffs, taking in the breathtaking views. Back in Galway, we'll enjoy a Medieval Dinner at Bunratty Castle, adding a touch of historical charm to our evening.
Day Seven - Killarney's Charm and Celtic Steps
Today, we'll depart for Killarney after breakfast, with lunch on the way. Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel and embark on an introductory tour of this charming city. The evening promises an enchanting experience with Celtic Steps The Show, a fusion of Irish dance and traditional music, followed by a cozy night at the hotel.
Day Eight - Star Wars Adventure on the Ring of Kerry
Fuel up with breakfast before embarking on an all-day adventure to the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Islands, a place where even Star Wars celebrities have ventured. We'll explore the islands by boat, visit picturesque spots, and return for a satisfying dinner back at the hotel.
Day Nine - Return to Dublin with Castle Stop
Our journey takes us back to Dublin today, but not before stopping at the magical Kinnitty Castle for lunch and entertainment. Arriving in Dublin, we'll check in, freshen up, and meet our local guide for an exciting intro tour. Dinner awaits us back at the hotel.
Day Ten - Dublin Exploration and Music
After breakfast, we'll dive into Dublin's history and music scene, with some surprise activities in store for the morning. After a leisurely lunch, we'll have some free time to explore the city. Later in the evening, VaFeltre Tours has arranged a workshop and a place for our group to perform, creating lasting memories over dinner and music.
Day Eleven - Castle Tour and Irish House Party
A half-day trip to Malahide Castle and the charming village of Howth awaits us after breakfast. We'll return to Dublin for our final dinner at an Irish House Party, featuring traditional food, diverse music, dancing, and storytelling. It's the perfect way to end our adventure!
Day Twelve - Farewell to Ireland
Our last breakfast in Ireland will be bittersweet. We'll transfer to the airport, reminiscing about our incredible journey and the memories we've created. As we check in for our flights home, we'll surely shed a tear, but we'll also carry the magic of Ireland in our hearts forever.
F.A.Q.
The temperature in Ireland between May and September tends to be in the 60s -- sometimes a bit warmer (into the 70s) and sometimes a bit cooler (high 50s). Planning to wear layers is key to smart packing for Ireland. Also, Irish weather is quite changeable - it can be windy, sunny, and rainy all in one day!
We recommend you bring one medium-sized suitcase (smaller is fine!) and a day bag (example: small back pack or purse). A medium-sized suitcase is about 28 in. (height) x 17 in. (width). You can keep the day bag with you on the mini-coach (there's a nice overhead area above your seat) and your other suitcase will go in the back of the mini-coach which you can access during the day if needed.
To enter Ireland, you need a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months after your return date. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a Visa to enter the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland (U.K.).
Tipping
Ireland is somewhat of a non-tipping country. If you think someone did an excellent job and you want to tip, people would accept the tip with much gratitude.
In pubs, the bartender does not expect a tip. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip.
In nicer restaurants, you may see a "Service Charge" on the bill. This equals a tip.
For your tour guide, tipping is optional. If you decide to tip, a suggested amount is €5 - 10 per day of the tour.
WiFi
Ireland is a very connected country! WiFi is available in the majority of your accommodations and at bars, coffee shops, etc.
Ireland Facts & Customs
From the 2011 census, there are about 4.6 million people in the Republic of Ireland and about 1.8 million people in Northern Ireland (U.K.) making the total population of the isle approximately 6.4 million people.
Facts
Dublin is the capital of the Republic of Ireland (commonly abbreviated ROI) and the most populous with approximately 1.1 million people.
Dublin was originally a Viking settlement and was founded in approximately 800 A.D.
The official Irish name for Dublin is Baile Átha Cliath, meaning "town of the hurdled ford".
The English name for the city is derived from the Irish name 'Dubhlinn' meaning "black pool". Dublin is situated in the province of Leinster near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey.
Irish and English are the official languages of Ireland. In primary and secondary schools, children are taught both languages.
There are four provinces in the Republic of Ireland: Leinster (in the east), Ulster (in the north), Connacht (in the west), and Munster (in the south).
There are 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland and 6 counties in Northern Ireland.
Largest cities on the island by population:
Dublin (1.1 million)
Belfast (286,000)
Cork (198,500)
Limerick (91,000)
Galway (76,700)
Ireland achieved independence from Great Britain in 1922 and ratified the Republic of Ireland constitution in 1937.
Ireland's head of government is the Taoiseach and has a parliamentary system.
Driving is on the left side of the road. The steering wheel is mounted on the right.
A good tip to remember to stay left: Keep the driver in the center of the road and the passenger on the edge.
Driving speeds are in kilometers per hour in the Republic and in miles per hour in Northern Ireland.