Pot of Gold
Riches of Ireland
July 3 – 11, 2004
THE LUCK O’ THE IRISH
Blarney! Like the story about a Leprechaun who hid
a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, and covered it with dross so
that humans could never find it. Utter nonsense? Perhaps not, if the
tale is viewed as a parable about Ireland itself—a priceless tourist
destination that often has been obscured by inclement weather and political
strife.
It is said that Ireland, once visited, is never
forgotten, and for once the blarney rings true. The Irish landscape
has a mythic resonance, due as much to the country’s almost tangible
history as its claim to being the home of the fairies and the “little
people.” Sure, the weather may not always be sunny, but the dampness
ensures there are fifty shades of green to compensate—just one
of the reasons Ireland is called the Emerald Isle. It is also home to
one of the most gregarious and welcoming people in Europe. With their
curious tales, captivating conversation and unique way with a phrase—before
you know it, they’ll be having you in for a cup of tea and a chat.
Walking is one of Ireland’s biggest attractions,
and we’ll take many beautiful walks—along the banks of Lough
Corrib, on the Cliffs of Moher, in Killarney National Park and the Ring
of Kerry. Jigging an evening away to Irish folk music is one of the
joys of a trip to Ireland. Most traditional music is performed on fiddle,
tin whistle, goatskin drum and pipes. Almost every village seems to
have a pub renowned for its music where you can show up and find a session
in progress, even join in if you feel so inclined.
In Ireland, the past is a living spirit.
You’ll see it everywhere, and encounter it in the people you meet.
Ancient relics remind you of a thrilling Celtic age of warriors and
myth. Stately homes and mediaeval monasteries tell of times gone by.
Modern architectural wonders offer a glimpse of the new, thriving society.
But to appreciate the astonishing diversity of this island, all you
really have to do is to look around you. Everywhere you go, you’ll
find spectacular scenery that will stay with you long after you’ve
returned home.
All the don’t-miss spots of Ireland are
delivered by this in-depth package. You’ll sightsee in Dublin,
walk the Cliffs of Moher, drive around the spectacular Ring of Kerry,
kiss the Blarney Stone, see how crystal is created in Waterford, wander
the narrow medieval streets of Galway, and much more! Join Toto Tours
in Ireland to discover the gay nightlife, the magnificent scenery and
sweeping views, the fascinating history, the friendly people, and the
whole “Pot of Gold” that is Ireland.
ITINERARY
Saturday, July 3, 2004
Departure
Take an overnight flight from your home city that is scheduled to
arrive in Dublin, Ireland early tomorrow morning.
Sunday, July 4, 2004
Independent “Independence” Day
We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel this morning.
Today is free to rest from the long flight, and to do independent sightseeing.
This evening we get acquainted during a Welcome Dinner at our hotel,
Chief O’Neill’s. (Welcome
Dinner)
Monday, July 5, 2004
Touring Dublin
Enjoy an Irish Breakfast at our hotel this morning, followed by a half-day
guided tour of some of the city’s most important sights. The tour
includes entrance to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and while touring
Trinity College we will be able to enter the Library to view The Book
of Kells. Our afternoon and evening are free for independent adventures. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, July 6, 2004
By the Banks of Lough Corrib / Galway
After breakfast we cross the country (which can be done with amazing
ease) to the small town of Cong on the edge of Lough Corrib. In 1951
director John Ford came here with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara
to film The Quiet Man, which we recommend viewing before the
tour. Take a cruise on Lough Corrib and enjoy time to walk on its banks.
We proceed to Galway for free time and overnight at the Connemara Coast
Hotel. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, July 7, 2004
Cliffs of Moher / Killarney National Park
After breakfast we travel further south to Clare County and Liscannor
Bay, where the tiny village of Lahinich sits on a beautiful beach. Close
by are the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most spectacular
sights. We take time to hike along the cliffs with the booming sound
of waves crashing far below. Then we’re off to Killarney, situated
at the edge of beautiful Killarney National Park in Kerry County. En
route we enjoy a ferry crossing from Killimer to Tarbert, and a stop
in Tralee for lunch. Continuing to Killarney National Park we have time
to enjoy an optional 2-hour bicycle or horseback riding experience in
the Park prior to hotel check-in and dinner. The evening is free. Overnight
at the International Hotel. (Breakfast)
Thursday, July 8, 2004
The Ring of Kerry
Beginning and ending in Killarney, the 110-mile circuit road around
the Iveragh Peninsula, known as the Ring of Kerry, is one of Ireland’s
premier excursions. We devote a full day to exploration of this circuit
in a leisurely fashion, stopping frequently to enjoy the views and walking
paths. In the spirit of Adventure Travel, the interests of the group
and the suggestions of our guide will determine our course. Enjoy dinner
together at our hotel this evening. Overnight at the Killarney International
Hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Friday, July 9, 2004
Blarney Stone / Waterford Crystal
After breakfast this morning we transfer to Cork City to tour the
famous Blarney Castle and have a look at the Blarney Stone (kissing
it is optional). The legend that anyone who kisses the Stone will be
blessed with the gift of gab originates from Queen Elizabeth I, who
became exasperated with Lord Blarney’s ability to talk endlessly
without ever actually agreeing to her demands. After lunch we proceed
to Waterford where we enjoy a guided tour of the famous Waterford Crystal
Factory. Overnight in Waterford at the Tower Hotel. (Breakfast)
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Powerscourt Waterfall / Farewell Dinner
We return to Dublin today, skirting the Wicklow Mountains and stopping
at Enniskerry, an elegant, picturesque village built to adorn the Powerscourt
Estate. We enjoy viewing the Powerscourt Waterfall (entrance to the
estate gardens is optional) before continuing on to Dublin. Check in
at the Plaza Hotel and enjoy time for last-minute souvenir shopping
before our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Departure
The tour officially concludes after breakfast at the hotel this morning.
We will provide one group transfer to the airport this morning for those
who are departing today. (Breakfast)
We will be happy to arrange additional nights at our Dublin hotels
for anyone who wishes to arrive early or stay longer after the tour
concludes.
ACCOMMODATIONS
(click on the hotel name to visit its website)
Dublin: Chief
O’Neills. (At beginning of tour.)
Galway: Connemara
Coast.
Killarney: International
Hotel.
Waterford: Tower
Hotel.
Dublin: Plaza
Hotel. (At end of tour.)
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For U.S. Citizens a valid
passport is the only document required to enter Ireland for stays of
up to 60 days.
Immunizations—No immunizations are currently
required for travel to Ireland, but it is wise to update your inoculations.
Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements—There is currently no separate
departure tax required of visitors.
WHAT TO BRING
In July the weather is cool in Ireland, with average high temperatures
ranging between 54 and 67 degrees F. Think clothing that can be layered!
Try to bring only two small soft-sided pieces of luggage. Mix and match
outfits! Pack any medications you need in a carry-on bag and leave expensive
jewelry at home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ Passport.
____ Nice, casual wear for dinners.
____ Shorts (2 pairs).
____ Short-sleeve shirts (3 or 4).
____ Long pants (4 pairs, w/ one jeans).
____ Socks, underwear for 8 days.
____ Sweater for cool days & nights.
____ Windbreaker / rain jacket.
____ Umbrella or other rain protection.
____ Waterproof hiking shoes.
____ Daypack or fanny pack.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Camera, film, batteries or digital memory.
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
The Irish currency is the Euro, the common currency of many of the
member countries of the European Union. Banks generally give the best
exchange rates, but change bureaus are open longer hours. ATMs are relatively
easy to find, and credit cards are widely accepted, though many B&Bs
and some smaller remote petrol stations will only take cash. As of November
11, 2003, the interbank exchange rate was .87 Euro to the U.S. $1. We
suggest that you exchange some currency upon arrival at the Dublin airport.
There should be an ATM available there.
Fancy hotels and restaurants usually add a
10% or 12% service charge and no additional tip is required. Simpler
places usually do not add service; if you decide to tip, just round
up the bill or add at most 10%. Taxi drivers don't have to be tipped,
but if you want to, 10% is fine. Tipping in bars is not expected. We
will make a collective tips to our guides and drivers throughout the
tour as appropriate.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to
accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and
to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed
departure with a minimum of 10 participants.
Toto Tours is not responsible for
airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour
participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the
tour is a confirmed departure. It may be necessary to charge a supplement
if the interbank exchange rate falls below .78 Euro per Dollar prior
to departure.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The
balance of $1,195 (double) or $1,495 (single) is due 80 days prior to
departure (by April 14, 2004). Tour registration is not complete until
we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address
is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753.
Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences different from tours
in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages)
you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain
traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and positive outlook.
- good natured realists who accept situations as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like an occasional delay or bad weather;
- willing to forego some amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things and test limits;
- punctual
- not whiners!
Join Toto Tours in the exciting quest for the elusive Pot of Gold at
the end of the rainbow on the Emerald Isle of Ireland. If you have any
questions, please call us at: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $1,695 double occupancy
Deposit: $500
Private Room: $300 if available. (Not required. Toto
Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer
to share a room.)
Final Payment: $1,195 double / $1,495 single
Final Payment Due: April 14, 2004
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included: Eight nights hotel accommodations;
one airport/hotel transfer at the beginning of the tour; one hotel/airport
transfer at the end of the tour; motorcoach travel between destinations;
Welcome Dinner; Farewell Dinner; meals, activities, and transportation
as listed in the itinerary; fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation
to/from Dublin, Ireland; meals and activities not specifically included
in the itinerary; insurance; all alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; bottled
water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; any other expenses of a personal
nature. Tips to drivers and guides not included.
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