Trip Itinerary

Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner 

Day 1: Thursday, September 9, 2021: Departure
Our journey will begin as we board our international flight bound for Dublin, Ireland. (IF)

Day 2: Friday, September 10, 2021: Meeting Brigid, Glendalough, Dublin
On arrival in Ireland, we will meet our tour director Samuel, who will welcome us to Ireland and escort us to our waiting motor coach. We will have a relaxing drive to visit St. Brigid’s Cathedral to explore this site and examine the role women played in the early Irish church. We will then visit the ancient 6th century monastery in Glendalough founded by St. Kevin and its visitor center. The remains of the monastery, including the landmark round tower, are set in a glaciated valley with two lakes. We will dine in our hotel in Dublin. (D)

Day 3: Saturday, September 11, 2021: A Day for Kells, Guinness, Food, Fairies, and Folklore
We will explore the historic, Christ Church Cathedral and Trinity College where we will be able to see the Book of Kells, a 9th century, illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. We will uncover the pagan context into which Patrick shared Christ and explore what the church can learn from this today. There will be leisure time to enjoy the city in the afternoon. In the evening we will enjoy an ‘Evening of Food, Folklore and Fairies’ where we will experience an enchanting evening of Irish folklore, storytelling and music while enjoying a traditional Irish candlelit dinner in Dublin’s oldest Pub, The Brazen Head. (B/D)

Day 4: Sunday, September 12, 2021: Church and Ireland’s Ancient East
We will attend the morning service at Immanuel Church in Dublin this morning. After time for lunch, we will travel to Northern Ireland. En route we will visit various historical sites including: Monasterboice High Crosses and Fourknocks Tomb. We will then travel to the medieval village of Carlingford nestled at the foot of the Cooley Peninsula with enchanted views of ‘Narnia’. There will also be some time to explore the village before our meal in the award-winning Ghan House this evening, a beautifully preserved 17th century guest house. (B/D)

Day 5: Monday, September 13, 2021: A Day in Narnia with C.S. Lewis
Today we will be visiting the area that inspired Lewis’s Narnia. We will visit the Narnia Trail in the morning, and the Fairy Glen before making our way over to visit Legananny Dolmen,  the ancient, pre Celtic, megalithic structure used as Aslan’s Table. We will be staying overnight in Murlough House, a Christian conference center. There will be time to explore and meditate in the peaceful surroundings, including woods and a beach. Discover Mr Beaver’s House, Prince Caspian’s throne and the still unspoiled surroundings that Lewis would have enjoyed as a boy. It was here that the beginnings of the world of the Chronicles of Narnia was born!  (B/D)

Day 6: Tuesday, September 14, 2021: A Day with St. Patrick
We will begin our day by visiting the underground chamber of Drumena Cashel. This walled settlement dates back to the early Christian era, just after the time of St. Patrick. Castlewellan Forest park includes one of Northern Ireland’s most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle and incredible panoramic views. We will also find the Peace Maze, one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. In the afternoon we will visit the Saint Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, Struell Wells and Saul Church, built on the site of St. Patrick’s first church. We will have opportunity to do a deep dive into the real man behind the legend that is St Patrick. We will stop in Dundrum on our way back to Murlough House. The castle in Dundrum dates back to around 1177 and was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defence. This evening is the perfect time to try authentic fish and chips. (B)

Day 7: Wednesday, September 15, 2021: How the Irish saved civilization
We will learn more today about the untold story of Ireland’s role in maintaining Western culture while the Dark Ages settled on Europe. St. Patrick not only brought Christianity to Ireland, but he also instilled a sense of literacy and learning that would create the conditions that allowed Ireland to become “the isle of saints and scholars” – and thus preserve Western culture while Europe was being overrun by barbarians.  Nendrum is the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland. It was set up by St Machaoi in the 5th century. In Belfast we will visit the Peace Wall, then check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. (B)

Day 8: Thursday, September 16, 2021: “The Troubles” and Thin Places
Today we will tour the world-renowned Titanic exhibition. We will then head North to explore the Antrim coast along with its Giants and almost true myths! On our way north we will drive past Mount Slemish, the location believed to be where Patrick spent his 6 years while tending sheep in Slavery. The Giant’s Causeway is a stunning outcropping of basalt columns. We will also visit nearby Bushmills Distillery, including an optional tour and tasting. We will be based in Londonderry for the next two nights. (B/D)

Day 9: Friday, September 17, 2021: Amazing Grace and Londonderry
On the border with the Republic of Ireland, the city is a great base to explore the stunning beaches and hills of Donegal. We will start our day in Ireland’s most northernly point, Malin Head, next stop New York! On our way back to Derry we will visit Glendowen craft shop for some authentic Donegal crafts.  This is Amazing Grace country and we will hear the story behind Isaac Newton’s conversion at Buncranna. Back in Derry there are an abundance of options available to visitors. We can learn about local history at one of the many Derry museums, take the famous walking tour of the ancient still intact walls, or enjoy the town.  (B)

Day 10: Saturday, September 18, 2021: The Great Hunger and the New World
The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum just outside Omagh, in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. With more than 30 exhibit buildings to explore, the museum tells the story of three centuries of Irish emigration to America. We will then continue to Galway. Arty, bohemian Galway (Gaillimh) is one of Ireland’s most engaging cities. Remnants of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments, bridges arch over the salmon-stuffed River Corrib, and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill, on Galway Bay, the source of the area’s famous oysters. We have a free evening to enjoy Galway. (B)

Day 11: Sunday, September 19, 2021: The Wild Atlantic with O’Donohue
This morning we will have a fellowship time including John O’Donohue poetry in the lunar type landscape of the Burren which takes its name from the Irish word ‘bhoireann’ meaning, ‘a stony place’ or ‘a rocky place’. We will then take the coast road to the majestic Cliffs of Moher standing 702 feet at their highest point. They stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic coastline. We will have fabulous views from the vantage point of O’Brien’s Tower. In the afternoon we will visit Clonmacnoise monastery and share communion. This ancient monastic site on the banks of the Shannon was a large and thriving community by the 9th century, which attracted scholars from all over Europe. We will end our tour in Dublin with traditional music and dining at the Merry Ploughboy pub in Dublin. (B/D).

Day 12: Monday, September 20, 2021: Return
We will fly back to the USA from Dublin Airport (B/IF)

Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.

What are accommodations like?

Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!

Arrival and Departure Transfers

Transfers are automatically included if we have booked your flights.

If you have booked your own flights, we can still provide transfers, as long as we have your flight details on file and a phone number to give to the driver. We will include your transfer information in your final packet. Transfers will be arranged for each arrival, so that you won’t have to wait for other tour members if their flight is delayed. Transfers can be arranged for the day of your choosing, but we can’t arrange transfers if you arrive or depart by train.

Please note that individual transfers are booked through a third-party and you will be responsible to communicate with the company in case of delays.

Flight Information

Various flight booking options are available for this tour. Please read our printable guide to booking your flight to better understand these options.

Option 1: Group air will be available soon from Portland, OR.

Option 2: You may request a flight quote from us by filling out this form. Payment is due at the time of booking.

Option 3: Book your own flights, making sure you land on the morning of September 11, 2021 no later than 10:00 AM.  If you would prefer to arrive earlier, we can arrange a pre-tour hotel night in Dublin. You are welcome to depart at any time on September 20. Please wait until the tour is a guaranteed departure before booking non-refundable airfare, and send us a copy of your flight itinerary for our records as soon as you have booked it.

Please note that if you would like to use air miles you will need to book directly with the airline.

We can arrange pre-and post-tour nights in Dublin, but due to the volume of tours, we are not able to arrange additional travel within Europe.

What’s included in the land price of $3,499?

Price based on a minimum of 25 participants

Your Tour Includes

•   Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
•   Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3-star and moderate 4-star hotels
•   Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•   Professional Tour Director throughout the tour
•   Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
•   Entrance fees included as per itinerary
•   Arrival and departure transfers
•   Insurance during the tour (pre-tour coverage upgrade available)
•   Baggage handling (1 piece of baggage per guest)
•   All taxes and tips except as indicated below

Your Tour Does Not Include

•   Round-trip air transportation (group air will be available from Portland)
•   Transfers for those not on the group flights
•   Single supplement
•   Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
•   Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond return date.
•   Pre-tour cancellation insurance 
•   Gratuities for tour director and driver

Payment Schedule

•   Deposit of $350 will secure your place on the tour. Please make all checks payable to “Reformation Tours” and mail to 64 Fiesta Circle, St. Louis, MO 63146
•   Final invoices will be sent in May 2021
•   Final payment is due by June 26, 2021
•   Reservations will be accepted after June 26, 2021, subject to availability

Insurance

We will continue to assist clients who have a current policy with Roam Right Insurance, a division of Arch Insurance Company. Policies are now transferable to tours in 2021 and 2022.

If you don’t have insurance yet, we are now partnering with an award-winning company called Squaremouth, which helps travelers search, compare, and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. They offer excellent customer support and can help you find the best policy for your trip.

Cancellations

Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs the following fees will apply, plus any non-recoverable expenses to our suppliers:

From time of deposit to 100 days before departure: $100 cancellation penalty
From 99-15 days prior to departure: $350 cancellation penalty plus any non refundable deposits
14 days or less prior to departure: No refund– Cancellation charges also apply to additional accommodation reserved prior to and after the tour.
– Cancellations must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. central time on the last business day of the applicable time period.
– For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply.
– Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found.
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended.
Reformation Tours cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through Reformation Tours.

Please note that this is a private tour, and we can only accept reservations from clients of And Away We Go Travel (Patti Ryall) at the current time.