ESCURSIONI A TERRA

OVERVIEW

Goditi una visita al leggendario Castello di Blarney e una presentazione di Cork, la seconda città dell'Irlanda - o la sua vera capitale, come la chiamano da queste parti! Raggiungi il piccolo villaggio di Blarney, posto all'ombra del Castello di Blarney. It has remained one of the most legendary places in Ireland, nestled in breathtaking scenery and rich in folklore and legend. Enjoy your visit to the castle and if you feel adventurous during your free time, you may try to kiss the renowned Blarney Stone. Those who do so are said to be gifted with the power of eloquence. Or instead, you can enjoy a walk through the gardens. Blarney is also home to Blarney Woollen Mills, one of the finest craft and gift centers in Ireland. Enjoy an Irish Coffee here and browse through the wide range of Irish clothing, crystal, linen and handicrafts. A panoramic tour introduces you to Cork. The River Lee flows through the city, connected by many bridges, that gives the city its distinctively continental air. It's a University City with a unique character, a city of jazz, film, opera and theatre. However, it manages to retain the charm and friendliness of a country town. See the spires of St Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon./p>

ATTRATTIVE

• Travel through Ireland’s picturesque countryside to the legendary village of Blarney, rich in folklore and nestled in beautiful surroundings.
• Explore this historic and romantic ruin, with the option of climbing and kiss the famous Blarney Stone to gain the "gift of eloquence."
• Enjoy peaceful paths and scenic beauty. Relax with a warm Irish coffee in the mill's café.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Designed for the first time visitor to Ireland, this tour allows you to experience its beautiful scenery, charming towns, flavors and musical tradition. Start with a scenic drive through the Irish countryside, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide. Soak up the beautiful scenery with its rolling hills, expansive farmland and colorful houses, before arriving at Kinsale. Kinsale is a heritage town of Ireland, rich in history, charming lanes and picturesque waterfronts. Spend time independently exploring the town, browsing the small shops or relaxing at one of the many cafes. Visit Blarney Castle set up high above the village. Set in a sprawling park, this romantic ruin was once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan and features 18-foot thick stone walls. After visiting the castle ruins, if you're feeling adventurous, you many climb to the top of the castle to enjoy the amazing views, and to kiss the renowned Blarney Stone. Those who do so are said to be gifted with the power of eloquence. If you don't wish to kiss the stone, you can stroll to the nearby Blarney Woollen Mill Shop. Set in a converted mill, it offers high quality traditional Irish goods. Midday, enjoy a traditional Irish lunch at a local hotel accompanied by a wonderful group of musicians. You’ll find your feet tapping and your hands clapping as the infectious Irish music entertains you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Begin your journey through Ireland’s stunning rural landscape with rolling hills, green farmland, and colorful village homes.
• Enjoy free time in this charming heritage town known for its rich maritime history, quaint shops, and beautiful harbor views.
• Discover this iconic fortress with massive stone walls and a storied past tied to the McCarthy clan.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

A relaxed pace of life and beautiful scenery blend together on this tour through the picturesque Irish countryside with a visit to the sailing village of Kinsale. Travel via the Lee tunnel and the Five Mile Bridge to Charles Fort where you’ll stop for a perfect photo opportunity of Kinsale Harbour. You’ll drive to the nearby village of Kinsale. Admire magnificent Georgian homes and the Dutch influence of its architecture. With its broad harbor and rich maritime past, Kinsale is the perfect town in which to stroll. There are several small gift and souvenir shops where you can browse for that special memento of Ireland during your free time. The changing scenery unfolds at each bend of the road on your return.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a relaxed pace as you travel through rolling landscapes and picturesque rural views.
• Journey along key landmarks on your route south toward the coast.
• Pause for a stunning photo opportunity overlooking Kinsale Harbour from this historic 17th-century fort.
• Browse quaint local shops for unique gifts and soak in the coastal town’s relaxed vibe.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Irish whiskey is world famous and today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Ireland’s most famous distilleries and enjoy an orientation tour of the city of Cork. Cork, a city of steeples and bridges, is a compact city in size yet diverse in its range of activities. Its quays that stretch all the way from Cork Harbour into the heart of the city welcome ships from the seven seas. The city center is actually a small island between two channels of the river with streets lined with shops, arcades and boutiques. Your panoramic tour introduces you to Cork. You’ll see the spires of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon. A visit to the Jameson Experience in Midleton, takes you right into the heart of the cherished whiskey-making tradition. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of this beautifully restored 18th-century industrial complex, which includes a fully operational water-wheel and a copper still - the largest in the world. An audio-visual presentation breathes life into the Irish whiskey legend. You are invited to sample a glass of Ireland’s finest whiskey. Afterwards, why not visit the craft shop or the coffee shop at the Jameson Experience where you can lose yourself in the charm of another age.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover Ireland’s “real capital,” a city defined by its steeples, bridges, and riverside charm.
• Step into the world of Irish whiskey at one of the country’s most iconic distilleries.
• Relax in a traditional-style Irish pub and sample a glass of Jameson’s finest whiskey.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Discover the legend of the Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle while immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Irish countryside. Leave Cork behind and travel north to picturesque Tipperary. It is Ireland’s largest inland county, with breathtaking scenery in its hills and mountains, its plains and river valleys and is renowned for its rich pasturelands which boast the best Irish dairy products. Rich in ancient heritage, Tipperary was once the home to Ireland’s High Kings. Before you reach the town of Cashel, the rock that bears its name appears on the skyline, rearing up from the landscape in a series of limestone ridges and topped by the serenely beautiful Cathedral of St. Patrick. Visit the Rock of Cashel, an impressive pre-Christian settlement. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant nearby. Travel to Cahir, located on the River Suir to visit Cahir Castle. Rooms in the keep are whitewashed and contain armor displays and period furnishings from the 16th and 17th centuries. The scenic return route climbs in a zigzag course to the gap, with a series of magnificent views and descends into County Waterford and on to Cobh.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Journey north from Cork through Ireland’s lush dairy heartland, filled with rolling hills, river valleys, and rich farmlands.
• Visit this iconic ancient site, once the seat of Ireland’s High Kings, featuring stunning medieval ruins perched on dramatic limestone ridges.
• Admire the historic cathedral that crowns the Rock, offering panoramic views and deep spiritual heritage.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Depart from the pier and travel to the city of Cork. Cork is a compact, vibrant Irish city, filled with history, culture and creativity, famous for its people, sports and festivals. Today the Lee flows through the city on two main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. In fact, it is this feature of the city that gives it its distinctively continental air. As well as offering the many amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. During your free time you might like to explore The English Market, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon or St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral whose spires dominate the city skyline. Take some time to enjoy this city independently with the comfort of knowing that there will be a luxury coach awaiting you for your return journey to port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by comfortable coach from the pier to the heart of Cork, one of Ireland’s most vibrant and welcoming cities.
• Discover a compact city where the River Lee splits into two channels, creating a network of charming bridges and a uniquely continental atmosphere.
• A renowned covered food market known for local specialties and artisan products.
• Notable civic landmarks that reflect Cork’s historical and political heritage.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

A walking tour of the lively city of Cork and a stop for a drink at a traditional pub is a perfect way to enjoy the charms of Ireland. Your guided tour enables you to discover the rich historical past of this vibrant city. Historic Cork is a city of steeples and bridges and was truly made for walking. Although its compact size makes it entirely visible from many vantage-points, this charming city offers an abundance of lovely Old-World sites for you to discover. Drive through the rolling countryside to the city of Cork and begin your walking tour. The tour takes you inside one of Cork’s most breathtaking landmarks, Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This magnificent Neo-Gothic masterpiece, with its intricately carved stonework and soaring spires, offers a stunning blend of art, architecture, and history. As you explore this cathedral, your guide will highlight the rich symbolism and the cathedral’s connection to Cork’s early Christian heritage, leaving you with a deep appreciation for this spiritual center. Begin your walk by seeing such sights as Elizabeth Fort, a 17th-century star-shaped fort that offers panoramic views of the city. Your guide will share stories of Cork’s turbulent past, from its military role to its transformation into a vibrant hub of activity. From here, stroll through the bustling streets with the Holy Trinity Church on view in the distance, an architectural gem that stands as a symbol of Cork’s spiritual heritage. This stunning Gothic Revival church, with its ornate interior and towering spire, invites you to pause and appreciate the craftsmanship and serenity it beholds. Continue to Cork's bustling main thoroughfare. The classical limestone façade of the Courthouse, located in a street full of red brick buildings, is one of Cork's most enduring sights. You will also stop at a local pub for a refreshing beer before the return to Cobh.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through Ireland’s picturesque rolling countryside in route to Cork.
• Explore Cork on foot, ideal for its compact and charming layout.
• Step inside this breathtaking Neo-Gothic landmark, known for its detailed stone carvings, soaring spires, and deep historical and spiritual significance.
• Visit this 17th-century star-shaped fort and enjoy panoramic views of Cork while hearing tales of its military and civic past.
• Admire the stately classical limestone façade of this landmark, standing proudly among the city’s iconic red brick architecture.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Join your expert guide on a walking tour through a town rich in seafaring history and traditions. Follow the footsteps of the last people to board the ill-fated Titanic, visit the Cobh Heritage Center and sample an Irish coffee at a typical pub. You’ll learn of the great ships and majestic liners that sailed from this port, full of emigrants in search of a better life. This was the last port of call of the RMS Titanic. As you walk through town, you’ll stop to admire many historical buildings and monuments, including the Annie Moore sculpture, the Lusitania Peace Memorial and the Titanic Memorial. You’ll also visit St Colman’s Cathedral, and your guide will provide you with insightful information and share some stories of the Titanic and Lusitania with you. Stop at a typical pub and enjoy an Irish coffee. Visit the Queenstown Story in the Cobh Heritage Center and its exhibition tracing the story of emigration and the great liners that graced Cobh’s harbor in the past.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the historic seaport town of Cobh, rich in maritime traditions and poignant history.
• Discover exhibits detailing Ireland’s emigration history and the great ocean liners that once departed from Cobh.
• Walk in the footsteps of the last passengers to board the RMS Titanic at its final port of call.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat or umbrella.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.