Itinerary - Cara Group Travel

Ireland, UK &
Europe
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Families & Friends
PRESENT ROSES & ESCORTS
Rose of Tralee International Festival
Escorted by Cara Group Travel
10 Nights ----- 2017
Sample Day by Day Itinerary
The Rose Of Tralee International Festival is one of Ireland’s largest and longest running festivals, celebrating 58 years
in 2017. The heart of the festival is the selection of the Rose of Tralee which brings young women of Irish descent from
around the world to County Kerry, Ireland for a global celebration of Irish Culture.
Friends and family members are welcome to soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful carnival festival and be there
every step of the way to cheer on your Rose of Tralee.
From the International Rose Ball, to Roses Parades, Fashion shows to the Rose of Tralee International Selection, to
street entertainment, live concerts, theatre, circus, markets, funfair, fireworks not to mention the Wild Atlantic Way
awaiting your exploration…………….
Let Cara Group Travel escort your family & friends, so they can be with the Present Roses & Escorts every step of
the way……………
Sample Itinerary:
Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon/Tue: 8 Nights: Tralee County Kerry
Wed/Thu:
2 Nights: Dublin – Ireland’s Capital City
Tuesday August 15 – Welcome to Ireland………………….
This morning we land in Shannon airport. Once you go through passport control, you collect your
bags and head out into the arrivals area where your very friendly Irish Tour Director will meet and
transfer you to the all-important destination, Tralee in County
Kerry.
On route to Kerry, we will visit the mighty Cliffs of Moher in
Co. Clare. The Cliffs are over 700 feet high at the highest
point and range for over 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean.
O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic
Cliffs. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands, Galway
Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains
in Connemara and Loop Head to the South.
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We will then continue heading south along the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the stunning coastal
scenery before arriving into Tralee and checking into our accommodation. Tralee will be a lively hub
over the next week, with festival activities taking place daily and traditional music session held
nightly.
Use the rest of your afternoon and evening to get ready for your first event of the festival, The
Welcome Ceremony, the official launch of the 2017 Festival which introduces all Roses, Escorts,
family and friends. Dinner is included in your hotel this evening. Dinner & Overnight: Tralee
Wednesday August 16 – The Dingle Peninsula…………..
After breakfast this morning, we will head out to enjoy a scenic day of beautiful beaches and
mountains of the Dingle Peninsula. National Geographic once
called it “ the most beautiful place on earth”. It suffered the
Vikings, welcomed Hollywood and has its own famous Dolpin
called “Fungie”. The Dingle Peninsula is one of Ireland’s most
rugged Peninsulas with breathtaking views and mysterious huts
called ‘clochans’ that line the road built by 7th century monks.
Stop in the small fishing town of Dingle with its eclectic little
fashion and jewelry shops on Green Street and the intimate
cozy pubs such as Ashes and Foxy Johns, there is something
for everyone to enjoy. A very special place, with a great atmosphere where you can hear Irish Gaelic
being used fluently.
Later this afternoon, we will return to Tralee so you may get
ready for the first of two Rose of Tralee Qualifier
Nights, where the 65 Roses will be put through their paces!
Dinner & Overnight: Tralee
Thursday August 17 – The Gap of Dunloe..…………..
Once
breakfast
is
finished up, we will set
out for on a fun filled
adventure through the famous Gap of Dunloe. The Gap of
Dunloe in Killarney National Park is a mountain pass that was
carved out two million years ago by slow moving glacial ice.
Stunning, breathtaking, unique and beautiful are some of the
expressions used in earnest by tourists who experience the area's
panoramic views. We will travel out to Kate Kearney’s Cottage
where we will meet our pony and trap and travel through the breathtaking Gap to Lord Brandon’s
Cottage. Here, we enjoy some lunch (on own) before we continue our adventure as we take to the
lakes in open top boats – enjoying the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world! There is so
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much to see, the majestic oak woods of Derrycunnihy and
Tomies Mountains, the Meeting of the Waters (where the
three lakes meet), Dinis Cottage on Dinis Island, the Old
Copper Mines, where copper was mined in Killarney three
thousand years ago and the historic Inisfallen Island, with its
ruins dating back to the 6th century, where the Monks wrote
‘The Annals of Inisfallen’.
Later today, we will return to Tralee to prepare for this
evenings events; the final night of Rose of Tralee Qualifier,
where 65 Roses will be reduced to 32!
Dinner is included at your hotel this evening. Dinner & Overnight: Tralee
Friday August 18 – Killarney & Muckross House
Refuel on a hearty Irish Breakfast this morning as we head out to
discover more of the sights and sounds of County Kerry. Our first
stop this morning is in neighboring town, Killarney, which is
famous for its mountains and lakes, hospitality, fantastic nightlife,
traditional Irish music and entertainment. We will spend some
time in this lively town before departing for our next stop,
Muckross House and Gardens. Muckross House and Gardens
contains elegantly furnished rooms which 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. In
particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas
and rhododendrons, an extensive water garden, and an
outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone.
We Return to Tralee in the afternoon in plenty of time to get ready for this evenings events; The
International Rose Ball, which involves all Roses and Escorts as well as great food, fun, spectacle,
music and dance for all to enjoy, if you do not wish to attend the Ball alternative festival events will
be taking place.
Overnight: Tralee
Dinner: At the International Rose Ball (additional cost)
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Saturday August 19 – A Day Well Spent in Tralee………….
Fill up on a breakfast as we get to know our bearings of our host town a little better. This morning,
we will visit the Kerry County Museum to take a stroll through
the Kingdom’s rich history at the award winning museum.
You will find plenty of enriching lessons here about Tralee and
Co. Kerry to go from a tourist to a local.
After that, get involved with the events throughout today.
Catch up with your loved one at the Rose Twinnings this
afternoon, a chance for family and friends to spend time with
their Rose. In the evening, check out the Family Saturday
Parade, which is sure to be as enjoyable as it is vibrant or other weekend performances. Dinner is
included in your hotel this evening. Dinner & Overnight: Tralee
Sunday August 20 - Tralee Festivities……….
Finish up with breakfast this morning and hit the streets of
Tralee because with so much happening, there is surely
something for everyone. Make time for prayer and reflection
and attend Mass and Service with the Roses this AM. Be
consumed in the afternoon by the Stunning Sunday Parade
which will echo throughout the town. See the Roses and
Escorts strut their stuff on the runway at The Rose of Tralee
Fashion Show this evening. On Stunning Sunday, there is so
much happening be sure to check out the full program of
events. Overnight: Tralee
Monday Sunday August 21 - Day Tripping to Cork………..
Enjoy your breakfast today, reflect on a great few days and
prepare to create even more memories. This morning, we will
head eastwards to embark on County Cork. The first stop will be
the village of Blarney to gain the ‘Gift of the Gab’ with a visit to
Blarney Castle. Climb the winding stairs of this nearly
impenetrable fortress, kiss the Blarney Stone and be granted the
“Gift of Gab”. Explore the beautiful grounds and gardens that
lead to Rock Close, Blarney Castle’s secret treasure. Once we
have walked up an appetite for shopping, head inside the “Blarney Woolen Mills”—30,000 square
feet of retail space within one of Ireland’s oldest and most authentic woolen mills. Next, we will visit
Cork City to take a tour of this city which was originally a monastic settlement founded by Saint
Finbar in the 6th century. It is steeped in history and has been an important trading center over the
years. Corkonians often refer to the city as the “real capital” in reference to the city’s role as the
center of the anti-treaty forces during the Irish Civil War.
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We return to Tralee to get ready for an exciting evening either at Rose of Tralee International
Selection, the first of two televised broadcast
showcasing the 2017 finalists or opt to attend the many
events on the program this evening. Enjoy dinner at
your hotel before tonight’s activities. Dinner &
Overnight: Tralee
Tuesday August 22 – Ringing Out the Festival in
Kerry
After finishing up breakfast this morning, we set out to explore
the beauty of an area that has attracted visitors for centuries.
We travel west where we will see countryside surrounded by
mountains, lakes, woods and rugged coastline as we meander
around the 110 mile route of the Ring of Kerry. The Ring of
Kerry is the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland with its
spectacular beauty which is beyond question. It is a natural
center for outdoor pursuits and it also contains some of the Europe's finest beaches. Above all, the
Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient
heritage of Ireland - see the Iron Age Forts & Ogham
Stones, Old Monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock
by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago.
After that scenic day, join in on the evening celebrations as
the 2017 Festival comes to a close. Attend the Rose of
Tralee International Selection, the final night which will
crown the 2017 Rose of Tralee. Go out in style at the 2017
Celebration Parade, where the winner and all Roses
celebrate a successful week. Overnight: Tralee
Wednesday August 23 - Onto Ireland’s Capital ……………..
This morning, we prepare to depart Tralee and Co. Kerry.
Over breakfast, reflect on the great memories created here and
get ready to create even more as we travel to the capital of
Ireland, Dublin. Before we reach this small capital which has a
huge reputation, we will stop in Co. Tipperary at the iconic
Rock of Cashel.
Over the years, the Rock has fallen under many different
regimes, though nowadays the only invasions come from
tourists. The majority of buildings you see now date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, but the
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stories go back even further. According to legend, this is where Saint Patrick converted Aenghus the
King of Munster in the 5th century.
Later, we will reach Dublin City where we shall check-in at our hotel and spend the evening
experiencing Irish hospitality. Tuck into some Dublin favorites like coddle and European-style
quick eats in the city’s cafés, restaurants and gastro-pubs. Or enjoy a more refined type of dining
experience in our surprisingly affordable Michelin-starred restaurants. Of course, you simply can't
visit Dublin without popping your head inside some of its brilliant pubs. Filled to the rafters with
chatter, laughter and lots of characters, this is where the city goes to unwind. Overnight: Dublin
Thursday August 24 – Dublin’s Fair City……………
Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning as we will step out to take a panoramic sightseeing tour of
Dublin’s Fair City. As we drive through the main
thoroughfare we see historic buildings like the GPO
(General Post Office) on O’Connell Street and Trinity
College, housing the Book of Kells, we see the vast
Georgian Squares, such as Merrion Square where Oscar
Wilde’s house can still be found (today owned by the
American College. We will see St. Patrick’s Cathedral,
built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s
Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where
tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin. Saint Patrick's Cathedral has
contributed greatly to Irish life throughout its long history (it was founded in 1191). Jonathan Swift
was Dean from 1713-1745 and is buried inside the Cathedral. We also see the Phoenix Park, the
largest public park in Europe and home to Aras an Uachtarain (the Irish President’s Residence) as
well as the American Ambassador’s Residence.You are then free this afternoon to further explore
the city as you wish:
Suggestions (Optional Tours):
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Explore the lush expanses of the National Botanic Gardens or Phoenix Park and find
Dublin Zoo.
Enjoy the peace of a quiet stroll through St Stephen’s Green.
Engage in unique experience of the National Museum of Ireland or Jameson Distillery.
Marvel at the ancient illuminated manuscripts on show at Trinity College.
Walk the streets of Temple Bar and check out some of the best Irish hospitality.
Visit Ireland’s famous shop street and experience the craic of Grafton Street.
Discover the symbolic importance in Irish history of The General Post Office.
Receive a history lesson at the former prison, Kilmainham Gaol.
Explore all the main attractions of Dublin at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off tour.
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Learn about the Irish sporting and cultural organization at Croke Park Stadium Tour &
GAA Museum.
Call into the Chester Beatty Library or Glasnevin Cemetery Museum for an intriguing
distraction.
Later this evening we gather to toast our trip to Ireland and enjoy a four
course Irish dinner, including Irish coffee, followed by an evening of
Sparkling Irish Song, Music, Laughter and Dance. This enchanting evening
will leave you with memories of Ireland that will remain with you for many
years to come.
Overnight: Dublin
Dinner& Entertainment: Irish Cabaret
Friday August 25 - Homeward bound……
Pack your bags and head for Dublin Airport where you will board your flight for home. Carry on
your photos and memories and bring a bit of the Emerald Isle home with you. ‘The Land of One
Hundred Thousand Welcomes’ will be expecting you again soon!
What’s included?
Hotels:
 10 Night Hotel stay – sample itinerary based on 4 star hotels
Meals:
 Full Irish Breakfast each day (except morning of arrival)
 5 hotel dinners and last night dinner with Irish Entertainment
Sightseeing & Inclusions:
 Visit to the Cliffs of Moher and the Atlantic Edge Exhibition
 Ferry Ride Across the River Shannon
 Sightseeing on the Dingle Peninsula
 The Gap of Dunloe Tour – pony and trap ride to Lord Brandon’s Cottage and boat ride on
the Lakes of Killarney
 Visit to Killarney and Muckross House and Gardens
 Visit to Kerry County Museum
 Visit to Blarney Castle & Gardens
 Sightseeing on the Ring of Kerry
 Visit to the Rock of Cashel
 Panoramic Sightseeing tour of Dublin City
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Optional Events to Attend:
 The International Rose Ball (opportunity to purchase tickets to the Rose Ball)
 Attend the Rose of Tralee Qualifier Night (opportunity to purchase tickets)
 Attend the Roses Parade
 Attend the Rose of Tralee Fashion Show (opportunity to purchase tickets to this event)
 Attend the Rose of Tralee International Selection (opportunity to purchase tickets)
Other Inclusions:
 Luxury Air Conditioned Coach throughout
 Professional Cara Group Travel Tour Director throughout
 All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
 Hotel Porterage for 1 bag per person
Pricing:
$1,925.00 per person sharing a twin or double room
$899.00 single traveler supplement
**(the above pricing is based on 4 star hotel stays similar to the below and a minimum of 30 pax travelling together)**:
Sample 4 Star Hotel Itinerary:
Aug: Tue/Wed/Thurs
Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon/Tues:
Wed/Thurs:
8 Nights: Tralee – The Rose Hotel or similar
2 Nights: Dublin – The Trinity City Hotel or similar
**(the above sample hotels are based on 4 star standard)**
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