Meals

8 breakfasts

Transport

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. LONG TRAVEL DAYS: As we cover lots of ground on this trip, expect some long travel days on local trains and buses. This is an opportunity to mix with the locals and enjoy the scenery out the window. Travel schedules are known to change with little notice. Not all transport may have air conditioning. Train , Public bus , Private vehicle , Ferry

Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Others

Giant’s Causeway - Day Trip Derry - Bogside History Tour Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry Cliffs of Moher Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)

Accommodation

OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

Others

Other activities and services not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Flights

International flights are not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Belfast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Belfast

Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, take some time to wander the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, explore the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or visit the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Consider stopping at the revitalised waterfront area, home to the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship’s ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.
Day 2 Day 2: Belfast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Belfast

Today is a free day in Belfast to explore at your own pace. Perhaps start with a Black Cab Tour, where your driver will provide a comprehensive overview of Northern Ireland’s political history as you cruise around the city. Then, you can visit The Ulster Museum to meet Takabuti, an Ancient Egyptian mummy, before taking a stroll through the nearby Botanical Gardens. Feel free to ask your local leader for restaurant recommendations for dinner.
Day 3 Day 3: Derry / Giant’S Causeway
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Derry / Giant’S Causeway

Travel along the scenic wild coast north of Belfast in a private transfer to the Giant’s Causeway, home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns that have inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on your school of thought, these formations are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a legendary conflict between rival giants. After, head to Derry – home of the critically acclaimed sitcom Derry Girls – and get your bearings with a Bogside History Tour, giving you a unique insight into The Troubles.
Day 4 Day 4: Galway
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Galway

This morning, travel by private vechicle to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you’re in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.
Day 5 Day 5: Aran Islands / Galway
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Aran Islands / Galway

Today you’ll head out on a daytrip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still used in everyday life (i.e. a Gaeltacht). With a population of under 2,000 people, the islands feel like a respite from real life. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, and the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and more exploration (or a Guinness).
Day 6 Day 6: Cliffs Of Moher / Adare / Killarney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Cliffs Of Moher / Adare / Killarney

The Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their views over the Irish coastline. From April to late July, adventurous souls can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face. Learn about the history of this famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next, stop in the village of Adare, colloquially known as Ireland’s prettiest village, before arriving in Killarney. Locals affectionately refer to Kerry as ‘God’s Own County’ because of its natural beauty. Ask your leader for bar recommendations if you’d like to soak up more of the Irish pub culture tonight. Maybe try some classic pub fare like Irish stew, chowder and fish and chips, or sample less familiar dishes, like coddle (potato and sausage stew), boxty (potato pancake) or champ (mashed potato and scallions).
Day 7 Day 7: Ring Of Kerry / Killarney
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ring Of Kerry / Killarney

This morning brings green hills and salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. You’ll pass through bucolic villages with views across some of Ireland’s greatest beaches, lakes and rivers. Make stops at numerous outlooks along the way for photos. After, visit a sheep farm to see a sheep herding demonstration, where skilled border collie dogs round up the sheep under the farmer’s command. Return to Killarney in the early afternoon. If time allows, perhaps head out to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.
Day 8 Day 8: Dublin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Dublin

This morning, grab a last coffee in Killarney before boarding a train, this time bound for Dublin. Once checked in, your tour leader will show you around and afterwards you are free to explore on your own. Must see is a St Patrick Cathedral founded in 1191, currently the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Must do, however is to unwind with a pint and some lively conversation on the pedestrianised streets in The Creative Quarter. In the evening, perhaps get your group together for the final evening.
Day 9 Day 9: Dublin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Dublin

Say goodbye to your group over one last breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Dublin, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

9 days tour

Northern & Southern Ireland

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Northern & Southern Ireland

Day 1: Belfast

Day 2: Belfast

Day 3: Derry / Giant’S Causeway

Day 4: Galway

Day 5: Aran Islands / Galway

Day 6: Cliffs Of Moher / Adare / Killarney

Day 7: Ring Of Kerry / Killarney

Day 8: Dublin

Day 9: Dublin

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