| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1
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Depart Home / Arrive New York / Transfer to Brooklyn Pier / Embark on Queen Mary 2
Your journey begins with a flight to New York City. You'll transfer from the airport to Brooklyn Pier to embark the Queen Mary 2.
Queen Mary 2 (L, D) |
2-6
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Transatlantic Crossing on the Queen Mary 2
Enjoy the luxury and the many amenities of the world's most famous ocean liner! During your days at sea, you'll be surprised just how much there is in the way of activities to choose from. Fill your days with fascinating lectures and class, or let them unfold slowly with leisurely coffees on deck, and a fine novel on a chaise lounge. Each morning your Daily Programme lists everything there is to do, from sun up to sun down. You can plan in all these activities and time for relaxation too. Or, you can simply see what your mood dictates from day to day, hour to hour. That's the beauty of being rich with time, to spend only as you please!
Queen Mary 2 (5B, 5L, 5D) |
7
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Southampton, England / Disembark QM2 / Transfer to Limerick, Ireland
Today, you'll disembark the QM2 and transfer by motorcoach to London's Heathrow Airport where you'll fly to Shannon, Ireland for the start of your Ireland experience. Transfer to Limerick and check in to your First-Class hotel, the new Hilton Limerick. The afternoon is yours to relax and explore this storied city, home of Pulitzer Prize winning author of Angela's Ashes, Frank McCourt. This evening, after an orientation briefing, meet fellow Vantage travellers for a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Strand Hotel Limerick  (D) |
8
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Limerick
Following breakfast this morning, a very special sightseeing excursion awaits ... a full-day tour through some of the most scenic countryside in County Clare, with a visit to the majestic Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast; a drive through The Burren region; and a panoramic city tour of Galway. The drive from the Cliffs to Galway City is regarded by the Automobile Association as one of the top 10 coastal drives in Europe. While in Galway, enjoy free time to stroll the medieval streets of this artistic and prosperous city. You'll also have time for lunch on your own. Later, your private motorcoach takes you back to Limerick. Your evening is at your leisure.
Strand Hotel Limerick (B) |
9
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Limerick
Explore the scenic and historic delights of Limerick on your included panoramic city tour, followed by an exclusive guided visit to the Hunt Museum, which displays Ireland’s finest private collection of arts and antiquities.
You’ll also visit Bunratty Folk Park, located on the grounds of Bunratty Castle. Set amidst 26 acres of beautiful land, this park recreates an authentic 19th-century Irish village complete with houses, shops, a post office, school, and of course, a pub! Perhaps you’ll even meet the “Bean a Ti” (woman of the house) as you explore. Plus, enjoy a light buffet lunch while at Bunratty Folk Park.
This evening, get ready for a grand experience as you attend a Welcome Reception and Gala Welcome Dinner Dance at stunning Dromoland Castle, once the ancestral home of Gaelic royalty. You’ll be treated to a sumptuous meal, with traditional Irish music provided.
Strand Hotel Limerick (B,L,D) |
10
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Limerick / Killarney
En route to your next destination, Killarney, you’ll stop in Tralee, the vibrant center of County Kerry at Ireland’s scenic southwest coast. This town is filled with kind and hospitable people, and is justly famous for “The Rose of Tralee” festival, which takes its inspiration from a 19th-century Irish ballad about a woman named Mary, who was called “The Rose of Tralee” for her beauty. Each year in August, the festival is held to choose a new young woman to be crowned The Rose.
For your first Vantage Exclusive Cultural Connection on this journey, you’ll enjoy a surprise “behind the scenes” event with included lunch in the vicinity (we are keeping this a secret!)
After lunch, your coach will proceed to Killarney, where you’ll check in to your hotel — one of Ireland’s finest overlooking the famous “Gap of Dunloe.” As a courtesy, shuttle service will be provided into town for dinner on your own and evening at leisure.
Hotel Dunloe Castle (B,L) |
11
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Killarney
After breakfast, you’ll have a choice of two tours this morning. Take your pick of a Ring of Kerry tour featuring the magnificent MacGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. Or, enjoy a Dingle Peninsula tour, famous for its many archaeological sites. You’ll also have free time for lunch on your own. Then enjoy your first Dine Around evening — you’ll join a smaller group to dine on authentic Irish delicacies at a local restaurant.
Hotel Dunloe Castle (B,D) |
12
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Killarney
Today you’ll be treated to a guided tour of Muckross House, which preserves in real life the traditions of historic Ireland. You’ll get there in an Irish Jaunting Car — similar to a horse-drawn carriage — whose driver is an expert in telling stories about the area. You’ll enjoy free time afterwards to shop and seek out lunch.
Next, you’ll venture back to your hotel, where you’ll enjoy local entertainment featuring typical Irish music played by a traditional Ceilidh band.
Hotel Dunloe Castle (B,D) |
13
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Killarney
Your day is at leisure — you can relax at your hotel, sightsee in town or join an optional full-day tour to Blarney Castle and Cobh, one of Ireland’s most famous towns. In Cobh, you’ll learn about the history of transatlantic voyages at the Queenstown Experience, a museum celebrating the illustrious history of the original starting point for all Irish emigration to the United States. This evening you’ll do as the locals do and go on a pub crawl led by your Program Manager. Raise a couple of pints, have a shot of whiskey, and sing an Irish ballad or two in celebration of your trip!
Hotel Dunloe Castle (B) |
14
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Killarney / Dublin
In the morning, you’ll take a motorcoach transfer to Dublin, via the towns of Tipperary and Cashel. County Tipperary is known for its lush pastureland, and is home to one of the largest horse breeding operations in the world. Perhaps the greatest attraction in County Tipperary is the historic Rock of Cashel that rises dramatically above the town of Cashel. After free time for lunch, you’ll continue on to Dublin, where you’ll check in to the Deluxe The Westin Dublin, an impressive hotel housed in a classic 1863 Georgian-style building. Later, enjoy your second Dine Around evening in cozy neighborhood restaurants that showcase Dublin’s finest foods.
Westin Dublin  (B,D) |
15
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Dublin
This morning, depart for a half-day panoramic tour of Dublin, including a stop at Trinity College to view the Book of Kells, an ancient biblical manuscript created by medieval Celtic monks. Known for its extraordinary array of pictures, interlaced shapes, and ornamental details, the Book of Kells is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Western art, and is a symbol of Irish nationalism. Then delve further into Irish history and culture with a choice of included tours. Your first tour choice reveals Ireland’s rich literary history and importance in the arts. Your second tour choice showcases Ireland’s important musical heritage. After your day of touring, you’ll enjoy free time for lunch on your own.
Your evening begins on a festive note, with cocktails in the beautiful Banking Hall at your hotel. Then, in celebration of Vantage Deluxe World Travel’s 25th Anniversary, we’ll continue the festivities at Trinity College for a delicious meal and Gala Farewell.
Celebrate in true Irish fashion, with dancing, singing, and local entertainment, including a cabaret performance, Irish step-dancing, and children’s choir.
This will be one extraordinary party event you won’t soon forget!
Westin Dublin (B,D) |
16
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Dublin
Your final day in magical Dublin is designed to help you recover — should you require it — from the previous night’s climactic proceedings. Discover Dublin’s many charms as you explore on your own today, perhaps visiting a museum or doing some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, take part in another Irish tradition as you enjoy lunch today at a high tea at The Westin Dublin hotel.
Westin Dublin (B,L) |
17
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Dublin / Return Home
Bid farewell to all the new friends you have made — including local ones — and begin dreaming about your next Vantage Memorable Journey®. You’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or, join us on our 5-night optional Northern Ireland extension
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