GLENN WHEELER’S

ESSENCE OF IRELAND

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11 DAYS, DEPARTING 28 JUNE 2015 ONE DEPARTURE

ONLY

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DAY 1: SUN 28 JUNE 2015 Arrive Dublin

Welcome to Ireland – a land of legends, misty mountains, lovely lakes and a warm friendly greeting wherever you go! Upon arrival into Dublin airport a transfer will take you to your hotel at 8:00, 11:00 and 13:30. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle in. Later meet your Tour Director, host Glenn Wheeler and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception, followed by the opportunity to get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. (WD)

DAY 2: MON 29 JUNE 2015 Dublin Sightseeing

After a restful night’s sleep, join your local guide for a city tour that brings to life Dublin’s architectural treasures and history stretching back more than 1,000 years. See St Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1190,

famous O’Connell Street, Custom House and Dublin Castle. Tour Dublin’s beautiful Georgian squares and walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College to its famed library to admire the 9th century Book of Kells, its delicate paintings one of the treasures of the Middle Ages. Upstairs in the barrel-vaulted Long Room, walk from one magnificent oak bookcase to the next containing 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. This afternoon we pay a visit to the world famous Guinness Storehouse where they have been brewing the ‘black stuff’ since 1759. One of the most famous Irish exports! Tonight we dine at O’Connells Restaurant, established by husband and wife Tom and Annette O’Connell, who are happy to share their family’s passion for food of the island of Ireland, along with plenty of atmosphere! (FB,HD)

DAY 3: TUE 30 JUNE 2015 Dublin – Ashford Castle (Cong)

Leaving Dublin today we set off through the ‘forty shades of green’ landscape of the Emerald Isle. We stop to enjoy a guided tour of Kilbeggan Distillery, finished with a tasting of unique Irish whiskeys! Continue past the former fortress town of Athlone on the River Shannon and then on to board ‘The Isle of Inisfree’ for an exclusive scenic cruise of Lough Corrib. The Captain, also the author of “A Voyage of Discovery” (the history of Ashford Castle), will share his wealth of local knowledge with you. Lunch and some traditional music add to this unique experience. As you disembark, a lone piper escorts you over the drawbridge to majestic Ashford

Castle where we stay for the next two nights. Your Signature Hotel provides a romantic backdrop in superior surroundings, offering guests both relaxation and comfort. Tonight we meet for a Cocktail Party before our Highlight Celebration Dinner. Dining at Ashford Castle ranks among the finest culinary experiences in the world. Creative cooking, seasonal ingredients and an innovative menu await! (Gentlemen, a jacket and tie are required). (FB,L,HD)

DAY 4: WED 1 JULY 2015 Timeless Luxury At Ashford Castle

Today we travel to the scenic Connemara region and visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, set in the most idyllic location and occupied today by a Benedictine community of nuns who came from Ypres after World War 1. This afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy your stay at Ashford Castle. There are many opportunities to explore the vast estate, pamper yourself at the spa, or simply relax in the castle’s luxurious interiors and enjoy your favourite novel. Tonight we dine at Cullen’s at the Cottage Restaurant, a restaurant in the setting of a traditional thatched cottage with a relaxed atmosphere, located on the Ashford Estate, a short stroll over the bridge from the castle. Dinner is followed by a whiskey tasting, a perfect way to end our evening! (FB,HD)

DAY 5: THU 2 JULY 2015 Cong – Limerick

We travel to Galway,’City of the Tribes’, where we see the infamous Lynch Memorial and the Church of St Nicholas, where

Cliffs of Moher

Powerscourt House

Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his discovery of America. We also see the aged Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F Kennedy. Then we take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, riddled with underground caverns and streams and known for its rare flora. Stop at the Exhibition Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast. Now on to Bunratty Folk Park where Ireland’s rural heritage comes to life. Walk through the cobbled streets lined with buildings from a bygone era. Nearby is the town of Limerick, famous for rhymes, lace and Georgian houses. Here we see King John’s Castle, St Mary’s Cathedral and the Treaty Stone. (FB)

DAY 6: FRI 3 JULY 2015 Limerick – Killarney

Continue through the picturesque thatched village of Adare. We then take to the wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end and then continue to the bustling town of Killarney. Tonight we enjoy the great atmosphere (the Irish call it ‘craic’) during a fabulous dinner and traditional ceilidh evening. Experience the best of traditional Irish music, dance and the chance to sing along to some familiar Irish melodies. (FB,HD)

DAY 7: SAT 4 JULY 2015 Ring Of Kerry Excursion

In the morning, travel the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry. It is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in all of Ireland. Here mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lake lands and around towering cliffs affording sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s ‘Ladies View’. Return to the three

peaceful Lakes of Killarney for a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local ‘Jarvies’. (FB)

DAY 8: SUN 5 JULY 2015 Killarney – Cork

Journey through the rugged Derrynasaggart Mountains to the pretty riverside village of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Centre which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Then drive to visit the 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence, once kissed – never forgotten! You also have a chance to shop for woollens at the Blarney Mills, before continuing along spacious Grand Parade and South Mall of Cork, seeing the Court House and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. (FB)

DAY 9: MON 6 JULY 2015 Cork – Waterford

Today takes you along the coast via Youghal, where tradition says Sir Walter Raleigh planted the first potatoes in Ireland. Continue via Dungarvan to Waterford for a guided visit of the world famous crystal showroom and to meet a master Craftsman. Then see the 9th century Reginald’s Tower and the remains of the old city walls. (FB)

DAY 10: TUE 7 JULY 2015 Waterford – Powerscourt

Head north to visit the Irish National Stud at Kildare. Get a behind the scenes look at one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres and visit the fabulous Japanese Gardens. Continue to County Wicklow, also known as the Garden of Ireland and visit Powerscourt House and Gardens, which has a sublime blend of formal gardens, sweeping terraces, statuary and ornamental lakes with secret hollows, rambling walks, walled gardens and over 200 variations of trees and shrubs; one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland. We then continue to our final overnight stop, located on Ireland’s beautiful east coast. Powerscourt Hotel is a

5-star hotel tucked away in the woodlands of County Wicklow and the property features stunning spa facilities. Time this afternoon to relax at leisure. This evening please join us for pre dinner drinks to raise your glasses and then revel in rich flavours at our Farewell Celebration Dinner! (FB,CD)

DAY 11: WED 8 JULY 2015 Depart Dublin

Our memorable tour comes to an end today with a transfer to Dublin airport for our onward flight and where we bid farewell to our Tour Director! (FB)

Please do not schedule flights before 1:00 pm

Meal Key: (FB) = Full Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (HD) = Highlight Dinner, (CD ) = Celebration Dinner, (WD) = Welcome Dinner

The Celtic Sea

IrishSea

Galway Bay

AtlanticOcean

Kylemore Abbey

Lough Corrib

Ireland

DUBLIN(Day 1, 2 and 11)

Sneem

ASHFORDCASTLE

(Day 3 and 4)

Bunratty

Adare

CORK(Day 8) Cobh

Blarney

YoughalDungarvan

Athlone

Cliffs of Moher

Ring of Kerry KILLARNEY(Day 6 and 7)

TheBurren

DerrynasaggartMountains

ShannonRiver

Dingle

ShannonEstuary LIMERICK

(Day 5)

Galway

WATERFORD(Day 9)

POWERSCOURT(Day 10)

Lough Corrib

Slea HeadKildare

Wick

low M

ounta

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Media personality Glenn Wheeler lives life to the full, so when it comes to ‘time out’ he loves to travel. Glenn’s busy schedule as a presenter on radio 2CH 1170, 2GB 873 and the Seven Network’s The Morning Show certainly keeps him on his toes 7 days a week.

Glenn also presents The Travel Show on Sunday mornings on 2GB which, as he says, is the next best thing to actually doing the travelling yourself!

From the Oodnadatta Track in outback Australia, to the fjords of Norway – the autobahns of Germany to China and beyond – Glenn is a seasoned traveller with many stories and experiences to share. He lives by the motto “carpe diem” (seize the day) because as he says – “one day there won’t be a tomorrow!”

HOSTED BY:GLENN WHEELER

TOUR INCLUSIONS = Signature Experiences, = Dining, = Hotels

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Tips & Taxes & Porterage: Insight hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage. All tips are included for services on tour provided by dining-room waiters, chambermaids and porters at hotels.

What’s Not Included: Airfares, airport taxes and charges imposed by third parties, passports and applicable visa fees, laundry, phone calls, items of a personal nature, beverages, meals and sightseeing not detailed on the itinerary, tips and gratuities to the Tour Director, coaches drivers and local city guides, excess baggage,optional excursions and travel insurance. Please note that travel insurance is highly recommended.

Deposit: A non refundable deposit of $200 per person is required within 7 days of booking.

Final Payment: Required no later than 70 days prior to departure.

Price: The advertised price is in Australian dollars. No surcharges in regards to cost or currency fluctuations will be made once deposit is received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or its agencies.

Discounts: Frequent Traveller & 2nd tour Discount apply only. No other discounts are available on this tour. Refer our 2015 brochure for conditions of these.

Cancellation Fees: The following scale of charges apply when cancellation is notified: No. of days prior to tour commencement. Cancellation fee a % of total tour price

More than 70 days loss of deposit Between 69 & 30 days 38.5% Between 29 & 8 days 55% Between 7 days to departure 100% of fare

Amendments: A fee of $50 may apply to any change made to your booking once confirmed.

Refunds: No refund is available if cancellations occur after the tour has commenced or in respect of any tours, accommodation, meals or any other services not utilised.

Itinerary Changes & Tour Cancellation: Insight Vacations reserves the right to vary itineraries should circumstances dictate, as well as cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, or circumstances beyond its control. The advertised tours require minimum numbers to depart. Should these not be met Insight Vacations reserves the right to alter or cancel arrangements.

Hotels: The hotels confirmed are subject to change for reasons beyond our control.

Rooming Arrangements: Please note that single accommodation is usually limited. Occupying a single room either by choice or circumstance is subject to the applicable supplement.

Tour Membership: Any person aged 8 years or more is eligible, though if under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The Tour Director may, at his or her discretion, require any person to withdraw from any tour if he or she deems the person’s acts or conduct offensive or a nuisance to other passengers, and we shall have no further liability.

Porterage: for one suitcase on tour is included in the tour price and at arrival or departure from each tour hotel. Due to limited coach capacity this single bag should have a weight not exceeding 30kg (66lbs) and dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Charges will be levied in the event these limits are exceeded and our promise to transport you as indicated may be invalidated. Note: Airlines may restrict check-in baggage to 20kgs per person.

Documentation: Approximately 2 weeks prior to departure from Australia, documentation will be provided including a tour itinerary, a full Hotel list, an Optional Experiences list, baggage labels & ticket wallet.

Holidays & Changes: During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited. In such instances, and whenever possible, slight itinerary adjustments are made by Insight Vacations to minimise inconvenience to our passengers. If, however you feel your enjoyment might be diminished by such minor limitations please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific departure. Similarly, holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled highlight dinners, sightseeing or other activities. Due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling, religious festivals, and other unforseen circumstances, the itineraries, hotels or order of sightseeing may change at short notice. Pre or post tour accommodation is subject to availability. If not available, an alternative may be offered.

Booking Terms and Conditions: These conditions incorporate the basis upon which bookings are accepted by your Travel Agent and Insight Vacations. By making a booking you are agreeing to these terms & conditions. Insight is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or re-scheduling of any tour departure. For further information about Insight Vacations please refer to Insight’s brochure. These conditions must be carefully studied prior to making the commitment of paying the deposit as they must be referred to. Additional terms and conditions may be applicable to group bookings and will be advised. IV2805

11 DAY TOUR PRICE$4195 per person twin share

Single Supplement: $1240 per person

Please ask about our Earlybird Airfare deals

Bookings & EnquiriesPlease contact Insight Vacations on

1300 237 886 or see your travel agent

Additional 5 Star Services• 10 nights in Premium & Luxury Hotels

• Baggage handling on tour

• Escorted by an expert Insight Tour Director

• Business class legroom onboard your 40 seat luxury coach

• Included airport transfer service

• Hotel and restaurant tips included

Included Quality Dining• Welcome Reception including dinner (WD), 10 Full Breakfasts (FB),

1 Lunch (L), 4 Highlight Dinners (HD), 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)

Dublin: Breathe the air thickened by the musty tomes of Trinity College Library and see the lavish 9thC Book of Kells. Then visit the world famous Guinness Storehouse.

Kilbeggan: Enjoy a guided tour and whiskey tasting at Kilbeggan Distillery

Lough Corrib: Join a local historian to cruise the serene waters of Lough Corrib. Take in the breath-taking scenery and excellent views of the Connemara mountains. Lunch and some traditional music add to this experience.

Connemara: Visit the Neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey, steeped in history and tales of tragedy and romance.

Cliffs of Moher: Stop by the Exhibition Centre and look out over the Atlantic Ocean from these majestic cliffs.

Bunratty: Explore the Folk Park, a living museum which takes you back to the days of old Ireland.

Killarney: Venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lake lands and remote villages, as you tour the magical Ring of Kerry.

Killarney: A local ‘Jarvie’ informs you of the history, legend and folklore of Killarney aboard a famous jaunting car ride.

Cobh: The Queenstown Story at Cobh retraces the steps of Irish emigration from the famine of 1845 to the great ocean line era of the 1950’s. A must for those with Irish ancestors who crossed the Atlantic at this time.

Blarney: Dangle from the ramparts to kiss the Stone of Eloquence and never be lost for words again!

Waterford: A guided visit of the crystal showroom.

Kildare: Experience a behind the scenes look at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens.

Enniskerry: Visit Powerscourt House & Gardens

Dublin: Join your Tour Director & host Glenn Wheeler, for a Welcome Reception with dinner and drinks

Dublin: Enjoy an Irish dinner at O’Connells Restaurant

Ashford Castle: Simply one of the finest culinary experiences in the world. Join your Tour Director and host Glenn Wheeler for a Cocktail Party, before a convivial evening of dinner and wine.

Ashford Castle: Dine at Cullen’s at the Cottage Restaurant in the Ashford Castle Estate, followed by a whiskey tasting

Killarney: The Irish call it a ‘craic’ – the warm feeling resulting from the confluence of music, drink, good food and laughter and conversation. Enjoy a fabulous dinner and traditional ceilidh evening.

Enniskerry: Join your Tour Director & host Glenn Wheeler, for pre dinner drinks and a Farewell Celebration dinner at Powerscourt Hotel

Ashford Castle: The famous medieval castle is your home for two nights. Enjoy the beautiful grounds and exemplary service of this stunning Signature Hotel.

Powerscourt Hotel: This 5 star hotel tucked away in the woodlands of County Wicklow, featuring stunning spa facilities, is where we enjoy our final night stay on tour.

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