About Taste of Northern Ireland & Dublin

Brace yourself for the most fun you’ve had in a long time! Our Irish tour director shows us how to “do Ireland” the right way! Amidst breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, culinary delights and truly captivating cities, our tour is filled with love and laughter among STI members and locals alike.

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Our Northern Ireland with Dublin program was custom designed for STI members featuring several culinary jewels of Ireland while offering a semi active itinerary getting us out into nature and spending time with the locals. We’ve infused plenty of good times by night, with 2 pub events and days filled with historic and scenic tours and delicious opportunities that will delight your palate.  Our Labor Day weekend departure helps you make the most of your vacation days!

Inclusive Features of Our Tour:

  • 7 Nights, 4-Star Hotel Accommodations with Private Bath or Shower; 3 Dublin, 2 nights in Belfast, 2 nights in Derry
  • Daily Sightseeing by Luxury Motorcoach with Services of a Professional, Local, Driver/Guide, Including Visits with Admissions to Titanic Belfast, Old Bushmills Distillery, Giants Causeway, Slieve League Cliffs, Trinity College & Book of Kells, Guinness Brewery Storehouse with sample pint.      
  • Walking tour of Derry City Walls with Local Guide
  • Fabulous Food Trail Tour & Tasting in Dublin
  • Canoe tour on Carlingford Lough with Views of the Mountains of Mourne Sweep
  • 14 Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Daily (except Day 2 in Dublin and Day 5 in Derry): 7 Full Irish Breakfasts (FB); 1 Lunch (L); 2 Tastings (T), Including a Cooking Demonstration at the Mourne Seafood Cookery School; 5 Three-Course Dinners (D), Including a Musical Pub Crawl and Farewell Dinner & Live Entertainment Brazen Head Pub
  • Porterage (Gratuity to Hotels) for 1 Suitcase Only
  • All Taxes and Gratuities for Hotels & Meals
  • Special Attention from Experienced, Professional Singles Travel Director/Concierge*
  • Private and Secure Chat Reserved Exclusively for Members on Your Vacation
  • Great Times with other Singles!

*At the time of introduction of this tour, we have committed to having an STI Concierge on site. In the rare event that there are less than 30 guests, a frequent traveler of STI will serve as “ambassador” for the first day’s activities in lieu of our travel concierge. In all cases, we will operate the tour with a professional local tour director who will be with the group throughout the tour.

Inclusive features are subject to revision at the discretion of STI. Ages listed are not meant as a restriction, but are simply used as a guideline. Singles Travel International does not guarantee the number of guests, ages or ratios

Itinerary

Saturday, Sep 1:  Dublin, Ireland – Extra Night Package Members Arrival
Sunday, Sep 2:  Dublin, Ireland – Main Tour Members Arrival
Monday, Sep 3:  Dublin to Belfast
Tuesday, Sep 4:  Belfast
Wednesday, Sep 5:  Belfast to Derry
Thursday, Sep 6:  Slieve League Cliffs
Friday, Sep 7:  Derry to Dublin
Saturday, Sep 8:  Dublin
Sunday, Sep 9:  Dublin – End of Tour 
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Day 1 – Friday, August 31
(Extra Night in Dublin Package)

Board your overnight transatlantic flight to Dublin.

Day 2 – Saturday, September 1
Extra Night in Dublin Members Arrival in Dublin, Ireland (B aboard aircraft)

Arrive at Dublin Airport and transfer to our hotel at your own expense.  See the FAQ tab for instructions or click BOOK NOW to add an arrival transfer to your tour.

The day is at leisure to explore Dublin and have an extra day to work on your jet lag.  Members who arrive early will meet early evening for a get together and optional dinner in town.  It’s Saturday night and we may just bump into some of our STI members living in Dublin!

Overnight at the Gresham Hotel Dublin

Day 3 – Sunday, September 2
Main Tour Members Arrival in Dublin, Ireland (B aboard aircraft, D)

Arrive at Dublin Airport and transfer to our hotel at your own expense.  See the FAQ tab for instructions or click BOOK NOW to add an arrival transfer to your tour.

The day is at leisure to explore Dublin and get settled at our hotel.

This evening, join your fellow travelers to meet our guide, receive an orientation for our week together and enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Overnight at the Gresham Hotel Dublin

Day 4 – Monday, September 3
Dublin to Belfast (B, T)

After breakfast, we depart Dublin and head North to Belfast with 2 not so ordinary stops along the way. You might say we’re getting off the beaten track.

Weather permitting enjoy a relaxing tour in a canoe where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea. Carlingford Lough with its sheltered waters, and the more adventurous Mourne Coastline, offer some of Ireland’s most scenic and varied canoeing.  Enjoy a 2 hour session beginning in Warrenpoint and touring a short distance along the coastline of the Lough. Wetsuits and bouyancy aids are provided.  Along the way we may get close to a seal colony and if we’re lucky, catch sight of some larger marine mammals that frequently show up on our wonderful shores. Our guide will run through a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of kayaking before beginning. Equipment rental and qualified guide are included. Wear some old sneakers, bring a towel and toiletries.

Wow, that was fun, let’s keep this party going.  Next stop is a 60 minute cooking demonstration at Mourne Seafood Cookery School in Belfast with tasting.  

We’ll check into our hotel late this afternoon with a glow on our cheeks and wonderful flavors on our lips.

Overnight at the Europa Hotel Belfast.

Day 5 – Tuesday, September 4

Belfast (B, D)

Breakfast at our hotel and then we are off to enjoy a panoramic tour of Belfast and all it has to offer.

A guided city tour is an excellent way to discover Belfast City. The tour will take in the leaning Albert Memorial Clock tower (Irelands answer to the Tower of Pisa) and the Opera House, which is one of Belfast’s great landmarks. Your tour will pass by the City Hall, the Opera house, The Crown Bar (dates from 1885), Queens University and the Botanic Gardens.  You will also see the Harland and Wolfe Shipyard, where the Titanic was built and launched in 1912.  A visit to the Shankill and Falls road will be of interest as it will give the visitor an indication of how life was in Belfast during the troubles.

Visit Titanic Belfast

Located in the heart of Belfast, the Titanic Belfast recreates the story of the world’s most famous ship in a new iconic, six floor building right beside the historic site of the original ship’s construction. Opened in April 2012 to coincide with the centenary of its launch, the self-guided journey begins on entering the building’s giant atrium, where the visitor is surrounded by the four ‘ship’s hull’ shaped wings which house the Titanic Experience. As we journey through the nine large galleries of the interactive exhibition, we will uncover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900’s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Highlights include breathtaking views to the slip-ways where the Titanic was launched and the Voyage to the bottom of the sea in the unique Ocean Exploration Centre with live links to contemporary undersea exploration.

This afternoon we have 2 choices: Crumlin Road Gaol (Included) or Meet the Brewers behind the Beer Tour.
Click “Book Now” or “Price My Trip” to add your preference.

Crumlin Road Gaol
Grasp the wonderful opportunity to experience the history inside the former prison, Crumlin Road Gaol which dates back to 1845. Closed in 1996, it also played a significant role during the troubles in Belfast. Designed by Charles Lanyon at a cost of £60,000, it was one of the most advanced prisons of its day and was built within a five sided wall on ten acres. It was the first prison in Ireland to be built according to the “separate system”, intended to separate prisoners from each other with no communication between them. The prison was designed to hold between 500-550 prisoners but during the civil unrest in Northern Ireland especially during 1970′s as many as 900 prisoners were held here. The Gaol has now been turned into a major visitor attraction and conference centre. We will be able to take a tour of the prison and hear the varied history of the Gaol that dates back to 1845. We will be taken to the execution cell where 17 men were executed between 1854-1961. We will also be shown the Governors office and the restored cells of C wing. There will be an opportunity to walk along the underground tunnel that links the Gaol to the courthouse where the prisoners were led to the Gaol after being sentenced. The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and is fully guided.

OR

Meet the Brewers behind the Beer Tour – $79
Come with us to not only meet the brewer, but discover ‘the three ages of brewing’ as we visit three very different breweries. We hop on a bus at Belfast City Hall and over the course of 3.5 hours, we meet three local brewers, sample 11 of their beers and have some nibbles along the way! We stop at Ireland’s oldest independent brewery, Belfast’s first co-operative brewery and finish at a digital brewery.

This evening we enjoy dinner is at a local restaurant and transfer back to our hotel.

Overnight at the Europa Hotel Belfast.

Day 6 – Wednesday, September 5
Belfast to Derry (B, D)

After breakfast this morning, we depart Belfast and travel to the scenic north Antrim Coast.

First today we’ll visit the Old Bushmills Distillery
The Old Bushmills Distillery in north County Antrim is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery having received its licence to distill in 1608. The present distillery was built in 1885 after the original had been destroyed by fire. A guided visit commences with an excellent short film on the history and distillation of Irish whiskey, followed by a 20-minute tour of the distillery. The visit finishes in the distillery pub where all are invited to partake of a wee Bush (a sample of Bushmills Whiskey). The duration of the formal tour is 45 – 60 minutes. Note: The tour is not suitable for persons with walking difficulties or wheelchair users. The distillery has a restaurant and a shop for those unable to join the tour,

Next visit the Giants Causeway
Encounter Northern Ireland’s favourite giant Finn McCool at the new Giants Causeway Visitor centre on the North Antrim coast which opened in the summer of 2012. According to legend Finn McCool created the Giants Causeway by building stepping stones to Scotland to challenge the Scottish giant Benandonner! The new Visitor centre explores the major themes of mythology, geology, landscape, ecology, culture and social history based on the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of 40,000 basalt polygonal columns formed 60 million years ago after a volcanic eruption. There are various interactive exhibits and short video presentations within five designated interpretive exhibition areas and the self-guided visit will culminate with a spectacular two minutes audio-visual projection of a volcanic eruption flowing over the walls and onto the floor.

Here we have the opportunity to avail of a mini bus to and from the site or alternatively for the more adventurous, walk to the site via an easy route and then come back to the visitor centre via a medium to difficult steep walking route with spectacular views of the Giants Causeway from above.

Continue to Derry and check into our hotel near the Foyle River.

Overnight at the Maldron Hotel Derry

Day 7 – Thursday, September 6
Slieve League Cliffs (B, L)

After breakfast today, we will travel to County Donegal to visit the Slieve League Cliffs.

Europe’s highest sea cliffs, although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Slieve League’s Cliffs reach almost three times higher, but you won’t really notice. The site is largely untouched by tourism and walks through a largely unspoilt landscape give visitors a spectacular view of the coast and the cliff face. There is a minibus service from the visitor centre but you can also choose to walk. There are terrific views of the sea and the Sligo Mountains. Donegal Bay may be clearly seen as we walk towards the terrifyingly high top of Slieve League and there is a small lake at eye level. A short walk will take us to the right of the amazing cliff face of Bunglas (which literally means end of the cliff). One Man’s Path will take us to the summit of Slieve League but the climb must be approached with extreme caution as it is very dangerous. The ruins of a church with some early Christian hermitages lie near the pass. Returning from the summit by foot, one will pass the ruin of a watchtower at the end of Carrigan Head. Walking on the eastern side of Slieve League there is a magnificent wilderness of rocks, streams and a deep rugged valley to your left.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Derry for the balance of the day at leisure. Dinner is on our own but our local guide is on hand to assist and join us for a night out like a local.

Overnight at the Maldron Hotel Derry

Day 8 – Friday, September 7
Derry to Dublin (B, D)

Breakfast is served at our hotel, meet up with others in the group and before departing Derry, enjoy a walking tour of the Derry City Walls with local guide

Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. These famous walls which date back to the early part of the seventeenth century have been a place of several sieges. There are fine views from the top of the walls, which encircle the old city, a circuit of one mile. By walking on Derry’s Walls, you have splendid views of cathedrals and churches, we will learn about the historical events that shaped the city and explore attractions such as The Bogside, The People’s Gallery: The Murals, The Diamond, the Tower Museum and the Guildhall.

Travel to Dublin (approximately 3 hours) and check into our hotel. A nap may be just the ticket to prepare for our Musical Pub Crawl dinner!

The Traditional Irish Musical Pub Crawl is led by two professional musicians who perform tunes and songs while telling the story of Irish music as we move through a few of Dublin’s famous pubs and finish for dinner at an Irish restaurant.  After dinner, we all transfer back to our hotel or stay and hang out for more revelry.

Overnight at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin.

Day 9 – Saturday, September 8
Dublin (B, T, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll visit one of the highlights of Dublin, Trinity College.

Trinity was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth 1st on grounds confiscated from an Augustinian priory and is the oldest university in Ireland. The Campanile, erected in 1852, was built on what is believed to be the centre of the monastery. Built to further the education of the ruling Anglo-Irish families, restrictions were imposed to prevent Catholic from attending courses. These restrictions were not fully lifted until the 1970’s. Trinity however admitted women in 1902, earlier than most British universities. Most of the main buildings off the main square were built during the Georgian period, some of which replaced older buildings. Within its walls, visitors will be able to admire Parliament Square and its 18th Century edifices. Trinity College has had many famous students such as Jonathan Swift and Samuel Beckett who later became a lecturer in French at the university. The inter-denominational Church is very much worth a visit.

Next enjoy a Fabulous Food Trail for a yummy experience, tasting the flavors of Dublin.

A wonderful food and cultural experience off-the-beaten-track in Dublin that offers STI Members the opportunity to discover hidden tastes and be a local for the afternoon! It is also a great introduction to a lively but largely ignored part of the city. Soak in the history and culture; enjoy delicious foods in historic neighbourhoods within a stone’s throw of the city centre. Meet the people whose family have traded in one spot for generations, and meet the people who have introduced new products to us reflecting the modern Irish table. Walk takes a gentle 2 ½ hours, and is led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide with a food background. We’ll visit food halls, fruit and flower stalls, cheese mongers, fishmongers, butchers and bakers and lots more.  Food tastings (6-8) are included in our tour.

Spend some time at leisure exploring Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green.

Our last night together is fitting for a typical and traditional dinner and storytelling at the Brazen Head Pub.  

A short walk from Christchurch Cathedral and The Guinness Brewery, the Brazen Head is well worth a visit for both its historic value and its reputation as one of Dublin’s best Irish music venues. Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head is officially Ireland’s oldest pub. Enjoy live music and wholesome food in any of the pubs’ cosy rooms, or during the summer in the enclosed cobblestone courtyard. The brick outside hints at the age of the pub, and the low ceilings and the kegs turned into bar tables make for a wonderful old style atmosphere that hasn’t changed in years.

Transfer back to our hotel and overnight at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin.

Day 10 – Sunday, September 9
Dublin (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. Ample time allowed for duty free shopping before boarding our flights. Arrive home the same day. See our FAQ tab for important, specific information about scheduling your flight times.

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our local operators without compensation. Singles Travel International is not responsible for the consequences of any changes.

 

FAQs

Once you make your online reservation you will receive a final invoice from us confirming your reservation details.  Our STI reservation specialists are available to review your reservation and recommend additional services. Depend on them for assistance with airfare, proper protection, pre and post tour services, etc.  Contact us with your travel requests.

READ your invoice and the FAQ page very carefully and advise if any changes need to be made.

REVIEW the Trip Options and make your reservations early to get in on promotions and so you don’t miss out on any limited or time-sensitive Add-Ons.

SOCIALIZE
Say hello to your fellow travelers on the chat and see “Who’s Going”.

PASSPORT MANDATORY
A passport is required for US citizens and be sure to confirm that your passport is current and will be valid at least six months after your departure. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit their website.  Non US Citizens are responsible for verifying their own required documentation for this cruise.

FINAL PREPARATION
Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group will be posted here 14 days prior to trip start date. Questions? Email us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

 

The tour begins in Dublin at 5:00 p.m. on September 2, 2018, and ends the morning of September 9. Therefore the tour is 7 nights/8 days. Note: Flights from North America must depart on September 1 in order to arrive in Dublin on September 2. Your return flight from Dublin arrives in North America on the same day, so the actual length of the trip is 8 nights/9 days (first night on airplane).

Beat jet-lag! Add an extra day in Dublin so you’re fresh and ready to go on Sunday when our tour officially begins. Click BOOK NOW or PRICE MY TRIP to add the package.

Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In 24 years, we have perfected the singles vacation experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you join our tour, our STI Concierge is waiting to meet you. Our first day begins with an orientation and the camaraderie builds as we go along. The object of your vacation is trying something new, seeing new places and making new friends. The bonds that develop on our tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.

Absolutely. Our site is so popular that we guarantee to find a roommate for you or the single room is on us! In order to take advantage of our offer, you must be paid in full by June 4, 2018. Of course, single accommodations are available at an additional rate of $700, which is assessed by the hotel. Single room availability is very limited and reservations will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Roommate matches are based on the same sex, general age range and smoking preference whenever possible, but not guaranteed. STI reserves the right to make any match up until day of departure, including roommate changes once on tour for members who select the Share & Save option.

We highly recommend that our guests contact their roommates in advance. Booked members have access to our private online chat. Meet your roommate as well as the other members on your vacation. Singles Travel International makes every effort to accommodate requests, but does not guarantee the satisfaction or success of a roommate match. It’s the responsibility of the guest to contact his/her roommate and ask the appropriate questions.

Optional pre and post cruise/tour stays are not eligible for the guarantee. Chances are excellent that we’ll find you a match, but if no match found by 30 days prior to departure, member pays the single supplement.

Read more about Roommate Matching on our Frequently Asked Questions found at the Help Center.

Our “Baby Boomer” vacations cater to singles in their 50s and 60s but you will often meet singles ranging anywhere from 45-75. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee ratios or ages.

We recommend that you meet the members of the STI Community online where you may view and interact with members via “Who’s Going” on every trip page. This is the best way to find out exactly who will be on your vacation.

Make sure your flight lands at Dublin Airport (DUB) any time before 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 2 in order to join us for our welcome dinner and orientation at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by STI. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate without paying an equivalent fee to the rest of the group that made the reservation with STI. Your credit card on file will automatically be charged.

Of course, a pre tour package is available. Click BOOK NOW or PRICE MY TRIP to add to your vacation. If you need other arrangements, please call us, we’d be happy to assist with your vacation plans. Remember that if you arrive early or stay late, transportation to and from the hotel is not included in our package. Public transportation is reliable and available.

A deposit is due at time of reservation. Final payment is due in our office by June 4, 2018, and your card will automatically be charged. A reminder will be emailed to you 7 days prior to due date. If you make a reservation after June 4, full, non-refundable payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply.

Yes. All cancellations must be made in writing to Singles Travel International and are subject to per person penalties as follows:

After deposit and at anytime of cancellation, a minimum charge of $100 plus credit card charges will apply in addition to other penalties listed below.

Between June 4 and July 3, 2018 – $500 penalty applies.

After July 3, 2018  – 100% penalty applies

Note that if you elect to take a roommate and he/she cancels after our cut off date, we will do everything to find a new match. However, if no match is found, the difference in cost for a single cabin/room is the responsibility of the guest who cancels. No refund will be given to the guest who cancels, regardless of cruise or tour company policy as stated above. Singles Travel International is not responsible for costs related to cancellations after our cut off date.

In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours and cruises are priced as land/cruise only. Therefore, airfare is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares.

In order to be ready to begin the tour at 6:00 p.m. on September 2, you may be required to depart your home city on the day before. Please make sure that your flight lands in Dublin (DUB) by 3:00 p.m. and allow 1 hour for customs and immigration after you land.

The trip concludes on the morning of September 9 and a transfer is included in our package. Please schedule your return flight, from Dublin (DUB), any time after 10 a.m. so that you qualify for our group transfer at approximately 7:00 a.m. A 3 hour window is required for international flights.

Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

Airport transfers on the first and last days of the tour are not included in our package

There are several options. STI offers, safe, private car transfers for $90 each way and the driver will meet you with a sign at arrival. If you don’t mind carrying your luggage and a little adventure, we recommend AIRCOACH. The AIRCOACH bus service stops (O’Connel Street) just across the street from our the hotel, the Gresham (30 seconds walk) and operates to the airport approximately every 15 minutes. The service runs 24 hours, every day and tickets may be purchased from the bus driver at a cost of approximately €6 (one way). A taxi from the airport should cost approximately €30. Approximate driving time to the hotel is 20 minutes and distance is 10 kilometres. A taxi stand is located within 1 minute of the hotel for your convenience.

Our tour does not include airfare, 2 dinner and 5 lunches. You are responsible for alcoholic beverages (except when included in STI events), incidentals such as laundry and phone calls, plus gratuities to STI Concierge ($70-$105 US total) and your local Driver/Guide ($70 US total). You may also be charged a delivery fee, imposed by our vendors for special delivery of documents including international and expedited documents.

Yes and be sure to confirm that your passport is current and will be valid at least six months after your departure. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit http://www.travel.state.gov/. We recommend that you also make copies of your passport, driver’s license, photo identification card and/or birth certificate in case of loss, and carry them with you on your trip separate from your passport.

Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for required documentation. Please check with your local consulate for any needed passports or visas for entry into each country on our itinerary.

We use 4-Star hotel accommodations in a centrally located area whenever possible. See the Itinerary section for direct links to each hotel.

 

The Irish weather works on the ‘four seasons in a day’ principle, which basic­ally means that you can’t predict a thing when it comes to the behaviour of the sky. Some basic assumptions, however, can be made.

In summer, from May to July, the days are reasonably warm and – most importantly – very long: at the height of summer you won’t need to turn on lights until after 10pm. It is also peak tourist season, which means there are far more people just about everywhere but the most remote corners of the island, and prices are at their highest.

The short answer? The last two weeks in April and beginning of May tend to be sunny with warmer weather (12-16C). Translation: Daytime high temperatures to be in the mid to upper 60s. Evening temperatures are low to mid 50s.

Currently, most airlines will allow you to check two bags, weighing 50 pounds each, for a fee. In addition you may carry-on one bag plus a personal item such as a purse or briefcase. Please check with your air carrier for up-to-the minute regulations and fees for checked baggage. IMPORTANT: On tour, only ONE bag weighing 50 pounds (22kg) measuring 30x21x11 is allowed. NOTE: Only one bag is allowed on on the tour.

Bring along Fall clothing and we recommend that that you pack slacks and a sweater or jacket as temperatures might be chilly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Your best Irish brogue and a smile!

Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.

– A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes.
– A pair of shoes for restaurants (loafers, sandals, etc).
– Swim wear, most of our hotels have an indoor pool and/or spa.
– Collapsible umbrella (which can double as a sunshade parasol) and/or lightweight raingear.
– Ladies will want to bring a nicer warm wrap, and gentlemen a nicer jacket, for evening wear.
– Sunglasses, sun block, sun hat or visor.
– Toiletries: all your daily essentials.
– Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
– Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.
– Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, money or other anti-bacterial medication.
– Travel alarm clock with illuminated face, especially for guests in an inside cabin.
– Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!
– Travel journal/notepad and reading material.
– Home address book for sending postcards. A useful tip to avoid bringing your entire address book is to pre-write names and addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards on sheets of self-adhesive labels. It saves time and space in your luggage.
– Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember to pack scissors in your checked bag!
– Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of film and extra batteries.
– Electrical Adapter/Converter for the UK

The currency used in Ireland is the Euro. Save $5 on your first order when you purchase Euros in advance with Travelex.

Exchange Rates: The exchange rate for the Euro fluctuates often. You may find the current exchange rates in the financial sections of newspapers and on the Internet. You may also find a number of websites by typing “foreign exchange rates” in your search engine. Two specific websites are: xe.com and money.cnn.com/markets/currencies.

Currency Exchange: Many locations will accept major credit cards, but for incidentals and small vendors you will need some local currency. ATM machines will dispense local currency for internationally accepted ATM cards and/or credit cards. They are usually conveniently located in large cities, but are limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

You may exchange cash and traveler’s checks for local currencies at hotels, banks and exchange bureaus. Banks offer the best rates.

Credit Cards: Your credit card will be accepted to settle your incidentals bill at all hotels and in major shops and restaurants. MasterCard and Visa are most widely accepted.

Travel Insurance is available through Travel Guard and in addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation. If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call us, if you have not received your quote within 3 days.

No inoculations are required for travel from North America to Ireland. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. In addition, we suggest that you have a physical check-up before your trip, and discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician.

You and your physician may access much more, very detailed health information for travelers (including tips on staying healthy while traveling).

Two excellent websites outlining the major precautions are: CDC, click here or call toll-free 24-hours at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) and Who International which are the official sites for the centers of disease control prevention and the World health organization respectively.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. In addition, we suggest that you have a physical check-up before your trip, and discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician.

Your Final Vacation Details & Meetup Info Documents will be available here on FAQ (question #1), 14 days prior to departure and will include phone contact numbers for each hotel listed in your daily itinerary. We suggest you leave a copy of this with your family.

Check with your mobile phone provider. You will likely be able to establish a data, text and phone plan and we recommend that you check before departure.

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please contact Tammy Weiler at 815-715-6998.

 

All countries you will visit have laws against the purchase and export of certain items, including antiquities, national cultural property and certain animal products, especially endangered species (ivory, rhino horn, tortoise shell, coral, feathers, etc.). Additionally, the United States has laws prohibiting the import of certain items, which include many of the same things. You face having your purchase confiscated and/or heavy fines for exporting or importing prohibited items.

On return to the U.S., your baggage is subject to search by U.S. Customs. Currently, you are permitted to bring back $800 of goods duty free. Persons aged 21 or over may also bring in one liter of liquor and one carton of cigarettes. If you plan to purchase a lot of souvenirs or expensive items, it is important to retain all purchase receipts. However, please note that U.S. Customs may not accept a receipt as true cost if it seems unusually low for the estimated value of the item. You may access the regulations and restrictions governing US Customs on their official website, click here to learn more.

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What Our Members Are Saying

Mary and Matt were fantastic Tour Directors! Not only was Mary excellent at organizing everyone, listing to complaints (always with a happy smile), and moving everyone along, she was a joy to travel with, in fact, I can’t wait to share a room with her for the New Year’s Cruise. Mary not only made sure everyone was included, she made sure that everyone was happy. I have traveled around the world on escorted tours and have never felt as welcomed. I really don’t know how she did it all, considering she probably slept perhaps 4 hours a night and always on call. Touché Mary! Matt was a blast! As a new Tour Director he brought energy to the group (which some of the older people needed), and didn’t have any problems joining in on the fun. I spent the last day with Doug, Shelley, and Matt sitting by the pool, waiting for our late flights, talking about the fun we had (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas), and planning our next trip together.

Fotolia_58389435_Subscription_Monthly_M_04    Amy B.
    Sunnyvale, CA

When I walked in the door after having been in Crete and Santorini for 10 days, I had the urge to dump all of my 'self-help' and 'finding your life's purpose books' out and fill my shelves with travel books, and books on how to live off the land, books on growing a garden, making olive oil and raising honeybees...Mediterranean cookbooks. My trip to Greece with STI taught me many lessons: Less is more, take your time, live naturally, and the mind is like a parachute, it only works when open (to new cultures, ideology, food, experiences). I have committed to nurturing the feeling I brought home of new possibilities and living a less-chaotic lifestyle. Lingering over coffee with friends, leaving the office or any contrived environment whenever possible for walks and to enjoying the details of nature around me, shopping at the local farmer's stands for my produce, eggs and cheese whenever possible. Most importantly, not stressing :)

Fotolia_58389435_Subscription_Monthly_M_04    Else R.
    Boca Raton, FL