Trip Itinerary

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

Pre-tour: Saturday, July 16, 2022: Depart
We will gather at the St. Louis airport and set off for Dublin, Ireland. Those not doing the pre-tour night will depart on Sunday, July 17, 2022. (IF)

Day 1: Sunday, July 17, 2022: Dublin
On arrival in Dublin, we will transfer to our hotel. This afternoon we will visit the Guinness Storehouse at St. James’ Gate Brewery as well as the book of Kells. We will check in to our hotel and have a free evening in Dublin, with the option of visiting pubs with live music. (IF)

Day 2: Monday, July 18, 2022: Dublin, Waterford
This morning we will welcome the  rest of the group.  Our expert Irish tour director will welcome us to Ireland and take us on a city orientation tour. We will see the Georgian Squares with their 18th Century houses, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Phoenix Park (biggest town park in Europe), statue filled O’Connell Street, and the fashionable Grafton Street. We will visit EPIC Ireland, the award-winning Irish Emigration Museum. Then we will enjoy lunch at The Brazen Head Pub. In the afternoon, we will have a guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol, where political prisoners were housed. We will check in to our hotel in Waterford this evening and dine in the hotel. (IF/L/D)

Day 3: Tuesday, July 19, 2022: Waterford
This morning, we will have a tour of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, which was founded by Vikings in 914, including a visit to the world-famous Waterford Crystal Factory. In the afternoon, we will visit the beautiful coastline and have an hour’s horseback ride at Lake Tours Stables. We will return to Waterford for dinner. (B/D)

Day 4: Wednesday, July 20, 2022: Blarney Castle, Killarney
No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, said to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who dare. We will have free time to explore Cork and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Franciscan Wells Brewery for a tour and tasting. We will spend two nights in Killarney. (B/D)

Day 5: Thursday, July 21, 2022: Killarney, Dingle Peninsula
Today, we embark on one of Ireland’s most famous tours around the Dingle Peninsula, which has some breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline,. The highlight of the day will be a visit to Muckross House and Gardens, one of Ireland’s leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the House. The Gardens at Muckross House are renowned world-wide for their beauty. We will also see a number of skilled craft workers using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery in the adjacent walled garden center. This evening, we will have dinner and enjoy a show at the Celtic Steps before returning to our hotel. (B/D)

Day 6: Friday, July 22, 2022: Galway
This morning, we bid farewell to Killarney and 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 coast line. We will have fabulous views from the vantage point of O’Brien’s Tower. Following some free time to view the cliffs, we will travel through 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 enjoy lunch at Gus O’Connor’s Pub before continuing on to the Galway area where we will stay for 2 nights. (B/L)

Day 7: Saturday, July 23, 2022: Aran Islands
Located off the Connemara coast, the three Aran Islands are a time capsule of traditional Irish culture. We will take the ferry to Inis Mor and have spectacular view of the coastline and the wild Atlantic Ocean. Our day trip will include a bike ride to see the prehistoric hill fort, Dún Aonghasa. We will visit Kilmurvey Beach with turquoise water and stunning views of Connemara. The Kilmurvey craft village is an ideal place to buy genuine Irish souvenirs, including the famous Aran sweaters. We will return to Galway in the evening for dinner at Busker Brownes and enjoy some traditional Irish music. (B/D)

Day 8: Sunday, July 24, 2022: Belfast
The partitioning of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland was finalized on 3 May 1921 and today we will travel up into Northern Ireland, which is part of United Kingdom. The capital city is Belfast, a center of industry and shipbuilding.  We will tour Titanic Belfast, Winner of Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction (World Travel Awards, 2016). Housed in an iconic, six-floor building, Titanic Belfast is located in the heart of Belfast, right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction. We will spend two nights in Belfast. (B)

Day 9: Monday, July 25, 2022: Belfast
Today’s day trip is to the exciting coastline of North Antrim. Giant’s Causeway is a geological outcropping of hexagonal basalt columns, which are fun to climb. We will also hear the legend of the giant, Finn MacCool. The Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge hangs 80 feet above the sea and is made of planks and wires. Brave members of the group can walk across to the tiny island with a salmon fishery. Our final stop is the Old Bushmills Distillery. We will dine in our hotel this evening. (B/D)

Day 10: Tuesday, July 26, 2022: Dublin, Edinburgh
On our way back to Dublin, we will visit Newgrange (subject to availability), which dates back to 2300 BC, before the Pyramids of Egypt. It’s a recognized place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  At Causey Farm, we will have fun learning how to dance the traditional Irish céilí, watch a sheepdog demonstration and learn how to make Irish bread. After some delicious Irish stew, we will continue on to Dublin for our evening flight to Edinburgh. (B/L)

Day 11: Wednesday, July 27, 2022: Edinburgh
This morning we will have free time to explore Edinburgh. We will have a guided tour of the city in the afternoon ending at the Cellar Door restaurant. This evening we will have dinner and storytelling before returning to our hotel. (B/D)

Day 12: Thursday, July 28, 2022: Isle of Skye
Our  driver and guide will pick us up from our hotel in Edinburgh and we will travel west, past stunning views of the Forth Bridge and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers, and mountains. We will visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay.  Traveling north we will enter the Great Glen. At Fort Augustus there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and a chance to spot Nessie. We will visit the spectacular Eileen Donan Castle before crossing the bridge over to the Isle of Skye. We will stay in Portree for 2 nights (B)

Day 13: Friday, July 29, 2022: Isle of Skye
Today is a flexible day on Skye; and our driver-guide will ensure we take a unique route that suits the weather, the local events, and our group’s interests. We can travel north to the Trotternish Ridge and beyond. Here we will find the geological wonders like Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the stunning mountain pass of the Quiraing. As an alternative, our guide may take us back in time and teach us about the legends and clan culture surrounding the 13th-century home of the Clan MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle. We will return to our accommodations in the evening. (B)

Day 14: Saturday, July 30, 2022: Isle of Skye, Edinburgh
We will have the chance to explore the castle and gardens of Clan Donald Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig. Here we will board the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. We will head south through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, with Rannoch Moor, then the heart of Rob Roy country, before arriving back in Edinburgh in the evening. (B/D)

Day 15: Sunday, July 31, 2022: Return
We will transfer to the airport this morning to return to the USA. (B/IF)

Please note that the itinerary is subject to slight changes.

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

Flights can be arranged once this tour is a guaranteed departure. We will let you know as soon as we have reached the minimum number of participants.

Group Air: We will be arranging group air from St. Louis. Payment is due with the final payment. The flight from Dublin to Edinburgh on RyanAir is included in the tour price. This includes priority boarding and 2 carry-on bags.

Individual Air: If you would like assistance with alternative flights, please visit our Book a Flight page.  Please wait until the tour is a guaranteed departure before booking non-refundable airfare and send 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.

Arrival: Please arrange to arrive in Dublin no later than 10:00 am on Monday, July 18, 2022

Departure: You are welcome to depart from Edinburgh at any time on Sunday, July 31, 2022

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

What’s included in the land price (pending)?

Price based on a minimum of 25 participants. Tour cost for Ireland only (pending).

Your Tour Includes

•   Land transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
•   Accommodations (double-occupancy) in superior 3 and 4-star hotels
•   Meals as indicated in the itinerary
•   Professional tour director and local guides
•   Arrival and departure transfers
•   All taxes and tips

Your Tour Does Not Include

•   Pre-tour night in Dublin
•   Round-trip air transportation from St. Louis, including taxes and fees (group air will be available)
•   Single supplement
•   Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
•   Insurance (see below for details)
•   Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas.  Passports must be valid for six months beyond return date.

Payment Schedule

Please make checks payable to “Reformation Tours” send all payments to Reformation Tours, 64 Fiesta Circle, St. Louis, MO 63146.  If you would like to pay by credit card (3.5% surcharge), click here.
•   Deposit of $350 will secure your place on the tour.
•   Final invoices will be sent in April 2022.
•   Final payment due May 2, 2022
•   Reservations will be accepted after May 2, 2022, subject to availability, and must be paid in full

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 and we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance:

From time of deposit to until 100 days before departure (if not canceled by us): $100
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.

Terms and Conditions