Virginia Choral Society

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The Virginia Choral Society

April 13, 2011

VCS frequently sponsors trips to various locales in Europe.  Mr. James Powers, our Artistic Director organizes each trip and joins you on the trip.  The next trip is planned for Ireland and Scotland in 2012.  There will two tours, as follows:

Tour # 1: Depart June25 via NYC to Edinburgh via Dublin.  Tour starts in Edinburgh and ends in Dublin.  Return July 9 from Dublin to NYC.

 

Tour # 2: Depart July 10 via NYC to Dublin.  Tour starts in Dublin and ends in Edinburgh.  Return July 24 from Edinburgh to NYC via Dublin.

 

Included in the price of this trip will be round-trip airfare from New York, all hotels, all breakfasts, most dinners, hotel porterage, deluxe motorcoach with full-time driver and tour manager, local guides, and all entrance fees.  Your only out of pocket expenses will be for lunches (we will be out sightseeing), tips for our driver and tour manager, and your shopping needs.  Your domestic round-trip flights from you local airport to our international departure airport are your responsibility.

 

The pricing of this tour is pending.  (Posted April 13, 2011)


Your point of contact is:

Mr. James Powers

email: ecutenor@nc.rr.com

Telephone: (252) 243-6404

Please contact Mr. Powers for any questions, a detailed itinerary or other information that may be required.

Details for Tour # 1. (Working Itinerary) Begins June 25 and ends July 9, 2012

Starts in Edinburgh and ends in Dublin. (See left column below)

 

Details for Tour # 2 (Reverse schedule) Begins July 10 and ends July 24, 2012.

Starts in Dublin and ends in Edinburgh.

(See right column below)

DAY OF TRIP

TOUR 1(EDINBURGH TO  DUBLIN)

CITY-SITES

MEALS

DAY OF TRIP

TOUR 2(DUBLIN TO EDINBURGH)

DAY 1

EDINBURGH

 Arrival in Edinburgh. Transfer to hotel.

(D)

Dinner

DAY 14

DEPART TO USA

Day 2

EDINBURGH

 Morning sightseeing of Edinburgh with a local guide, including visit to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Holyroode Palace.

Afternoon free

(B)

 

DAY 13

Day 3

EDINBURGH - FORT WILLIAMS

 Drive via Stirling for visit to the castle, where you can look right down on the famous William Wallace battlefield. On to Dunblane to see the cathedral. In the afternoon continue to Fort Williams.

(B)

 

DAY 12

Day 4

FORT WILLIAMS - ISLE OF SKYE - FORT WILLIAMS

 Full day excursion to the Isle of Skye. Free evening upon return.

(B)

DAY 11

Day 5

FORT WILLIAMS - LOCH NESS - FORT WILLIAMS

 Morning excursion to Loch Ness hopefully getting a glimpse of the elusive Nessie.

Afternoon free in Fort Williams.

(B)

DAY 10

Day 6

FORT WILLIAMS - BELFAST

 Heading south via Glasgow to Stranraer where we take the ferry over the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland and the city of Belfast, where the R.M.S. Titanci was built.

(B)

DAY 9

Day 7

BELFAST - GALWAY

 Morning sightseeing of Belfast seeing the imposing City Hall before we drive to Ireland and the city of Galway

(B)

DAY 8

Day 8

GALWAY

 Morning sightseeing with a local guide of Galway. The center of Galway lies on the banks of the River Carrib, and following an extensive restoration in the early 70,s, the narrow and winding streets of this once- walled city have been brought back to life, we continue the day by travelling to the rugged yet serene Connemara region, a rocky land of broad-backed mountains and pearl-like lakes. on our return, we visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion occupied by Benedictine nuns. 

(B)

DAY 7

Day 9

GALWAY- KILLARNEY

 Today we depart Galway . Follow the coast to the cliffs of Moher. Even when shrouded in mist or buffeted by gales, the Cliffs of Moher are a breathtaking sight as they rise to a height of 650 feet from out of the Atlantic. Extending for almost five miles, the sheer rock face with its contrasting layers of black shale and sandstone provide sheltered ledges for many of Ireland's flora and fauna. At Killimer, we board a ferry for the crossing of the Shannon River Estuary to Tarbet in county Clare. Late afternoon arrival in Killarney.

(B)

DAY 6

Day 10

KILLARNEY - RING OF KERRY - CORK

 Explore the 100-mile circle of beautiful scenery that is one of Western Europe's most travelled drives - The famous Ring of Kerry. Pass through quaint fishing villages and a patchwork quilt of small farms outlined by stone fences. Stunning mountain and coastal views greet you. On the way to our overnight in Cork, built on water as its heart lies on an island between two arms of the river Lee, we will stop at Blarney Castle for a visit.

(B,D)

 Dinner at our hotel

 

DAY 5

Day 11

WATERFORD

 After breakfast, we head east to the city of Midleton for a visit the distillery Old Midleton where they produce the most famous of the Irish whiskey labels, including Powers Gold Label Whiskey. On to Waterford, established in 853 by Danish Vikings. Here we visit the world-famous Waterford Crystal factory to see the artisans at their crafts of blowing and polishing glass. Since 1723 Waterford has produced ornate handcrafted tableware and decorative pieces.

(B,D)

 Dinner at a local restaurant.

 

DAY 4

Day 12

WATERFORD - DUBLIN

 Today's destination is Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Dublin is surrounded by Dublin Bay to the east, the Wicklow Mountains to the south, and the River Liffey flowing right through the heart of the city. Upon arrival, a local guide will give a sightseeing tour of Dublin. Our tour includes the Bank of Ireland built in 1729 and formerly the Irish Parliament, the National Museum, Dublin Castle and Four Courts built in the l8th century and now housing the High Courts of Justice. We'll also visit Trinity College's Old Library and see the Book of Kells, the most richly decorated of Ireland's medieval illuminated manuscript.  The final stop on the tour will be at the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. At the rooftop bar, you will sample a draft Guinness and enjoy a view overlooking the city.

(B)

 

DAY 3

Day 13

DUBLIN

 The entire day is free to explore Dublin on your own. Southeast Dublin is the heart of the modern city' Southwest Dublin is the site of the old city around Dublin Castle, and north of the Liffey River is the area along imposing O'Connell Street, the city's main thoroughfare and home to many of its colorful and lively markets. Whatever you choose to do, Dublin has something for everyone!

(B,D)

Dinner at a local restaurant with entertainment.

 

DAY 2

Day 14

Day 14 DUBLIN - U.S.A

 Transfer to Dublin International Airport in time for our return flight to the U.S

 

DAY 1

ARRIVE DUBLIN