Signature Ireland: Splendors of the Emerald Isle

Welcome to the beautiful Emerald Isle, where beautiful landscapes and gorgeous destinations go hand-in-hand. As your flight arrives in Dublin, make your way to the Dylan Hotel in the posh Grand Canal Area. This five-star hotel is surrounded by all the tree-lined plazas and enticing amenities for which this neighborhood is known, and your afternoon is free to begin exploring them. Perhaps wander along the sun-dappled canal walkways or visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. This evening, meet your fellow travelers and Tour Manager for a welcome drink at a local pub ahead of our first group dinner at the luxurious Eddison Restaurant in our hotel. Overnight Dublin.

• Dinner

Your first Full Irish is served at the hotel this morning ahead of the day's adventures. We set out into the city on a brief panoramic tour featuring some of Dublin's most famous attractions, then continue to the famous Guinness Storehouse. Our excursion here introduces us to "the black stuff", including its 250-year-plus story, how the beer is brewed, and how it is stored. Wander through the facility's seven floors to experience Guinness' living history, and enjoy tastings along the way. Highlights of the tour include learning the six necessary steps of the perfect pour at the Guinness Academy and visiting the roof-top Gravity Bar, where you can sip a pint or two while soaking in 360-degree views of Dublin. Following the tour, the remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy the city's ambiance. You may wish to taste authentic Irish whiskey at a local pub or to seen Dublin Castle glowing in its evening lights. Overnight Dublin.

• Breakfast

Our first train trip lies ahead this morning as we transfer to Dublin's rail station to join the Enterprise Train to Belfast. Settle into your First Class seat with a complimentary newspaper and orange juice, and watch the Irish landscapes unfold as we climb the Irish Sea coast and cross into Northern Ireland. As we arrive at Lanyon Station in Belfast, we are greeted by Conor, an award-winning local guide whose innovative walking tour introduces us to hidden Belfast, including its significant sites and tucked-away treasures. This afternoon, we continue our explorations at Titanic Belfast. This museum recounts the tale of the RMS Titanic, from her ideation to the building and her first - and only - journey. Each of the museum's nine exhibits provides deep insight into the ship's features and passengers, among other things. This evening, we continue to our hotel, the exquisite Grand Central Hotel in the heart of Belfast, to dine at its AA Rosette onsite restaurant, the Seahorse. Overnight Belfast

• Breakfast, Dinner

We begin our day on the road, driving north along the picturesque Antrim Coast, a region acclaimed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Our first stop is in Glenariff National Forest at one of Ireland's most scenic coffee shops: Glenariff Teahouse. Sip your brew while looking over incredible ocean views, then collect your packed lunch from the shop and continue toward Giant's Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site destination is truly magnificent, with its 40,000 massive basalt columns rising from the water. Enjoy lunch on the rocky shore overlooking the water before we continue our route.

Look upon ruined Dunluce Castle, which you may recognize as Castle Greyjoy from Game of Thrones, and then it is on to Derry City. The first thing we see here is the twelve Bogside Murals, also called the "People's Gallery", mainly painted on the sides of personal residences. We then stroll along the city's 17th-century walls. Our final destination today is Lough Eske Castle in Donegal, originally built in 1474 but constructed as we see it today in 1863. Once a private residence, this authentic Irish castle is now a five-star hotel and our home for the night. Enjoy dinner here and the evening to explore the castle and its grounds. Overnight Donegal.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Take to one of the nation's most scenic byways, the Wild Atlantic Way, for a day filled with breathtaking scenery. Gaze upon Muhhaghmore Head, Ireland's premier surfing destination, and marvel at the gorgeous coastline as we cross in County Leitrim and head to Parkes Castle. A guided tour introduces this 17th-century fortress, which was utterly neglected from 1677, when a tragedy occurred on the property, until 20th century. Explore its Banquet Hall, Family Room, and Courtyard, among other sites.

Following, we board the Rose of Innisfree tourboat for a cruise to the town of Sligo. This idyllic destination is incredibly scenic, nested between the mountains, Atlantic, and Lough Gill. This city is quickly gaining popularity for its culinary prowess, as well, with many award-winning restaurants and gourmet food trucks illustrating the region's flavors. Our route continues south to the vibrant city of Galway, a gem of Ireland's west coast and our base for the next two nights. We check into our Deluxe Room at the Hardiman Hotel. Enjoy dinner with the group and the evening to relax or explore as you wish. Overnight Galway.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Back on the Wild Atlantic Way, we continue into the windswept landscape of Connemara and toward Kylemore Abbey. Built as a private residence in 1867, this impressive property was converted to a monastery in 1920 by nuns escaping Belgium during the First World War. Its building is surrounded by over 1,000 acres of beautiful grounds, making both a joy to discover. After our visit, we continue to Maam Cross Station to join one of Ireland's newest heritage trains, the Galway to Clifden Railway, in exploring the coast. This line first opened in 1895 to traverse the precipitous coastline between Galway and Clifden and now showcases the region's beauty one slow mile at a time. Board your restored vintage carriage, and enjoy tea and scones in the dining car as the route is brought to life once more. We return to Galway this evening, where you have the evening to enjoy the city as you please. Galway's main thoroughfare, Shop Street, is a fantastic place to sample the local flair through shops, restaurants, and pubs. Overnight Galway.

• Breakfast

A pinnacle of your Irish adventure comes today as we venture to the Cliffs of Moher. But another experience is on the docket before seeing this UNESCO World Geopark. The first stretch of our travels takes us into County Clare to the Burren Smokehouse. This family-run business has operated for over 30 years, providing the Emerald Isle with fresh, organic, smoked salmon. We learn its art today on arrival and, naturally, taste the fruits of their labors in the form of salmon tapas. Then we head to Doolin Pier, from which we will cruise out onto the wild Atlantic and to the Cliffs of Moher. Seeing these mighty cliffs from below is an experience like none other, and you have the best seat in the house. They seemingly scrape the sky, towering over 700 feet overhead in some places.

Following the excursion, we dock back at the pier and then join the Shannon Ferry in crossing the Shannon Estuary that separates Counties Clare and Kerry. The day wraps up as we arrive at the Dunloe Hotel and Gardens, a luxury hotel overlooking Dunloe Gap in Kerry. Enjoy dinner once you have checked into your accommodations and a night of relaxation on this opulent property. Overnight Killarney.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Tradition holds firmly in Ireland, and you will experience it first-hand as you set out into Killarney National Park aboard an authentic jaunting car (horse-drawn carriage). Headed by a local jarvey, your ride takes you through the verdant parklands and past some of the historical structures found upon them to the heritage town of Kenmare. The small town's name means "Head of the Sea," and its waterside ambiance matches the title. Enjoy some time to grab lunch in one of the local eateries or wander through its main distinct, popping in and out of shops. After, we transfer to Killarney via the incredible Ring of Kerry Road. The ever-scenic route is awash in natural beauty, with rolling hills and lush mountains bleeding into blue water. Our course ventures through Moll's Gap, a narrow road that winds past the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountains, eventually arriving at a sheep farm for a demonstration of traditional practices. Dinner, music, and the lively Irish spirit are yours to enjoy this evening as we dine at Quill's Farmhouse. Overnight Killarney.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Grab your camera for this morning's scenic drive through the Dingle Peninsula. The mountains and foothills of the inland give way to craggy cliffs and pristine beaches, making the peninsula postcard-perfect. Our route reveals it all as we join Slea Head Drive on its epic journey along the coast, driving past Dunquin Harbor and onto the small town of Dingle. This destination's fishing town roots show through its colorful, artistic exterior, making it a fantastic place to explore. You have some free time here to look upon the boats in its harbor, grab a bite in one of the sixty-five pubs that call this small town home, or shop the local wares. We follow the Dingle Peninsula to Killarney, where you are at leisure to visit any of the local eateries, grab a pint, or sightsee without the crowds of mid-day. Overnight Killarney.

• Breakfast

Leaving the ocean behind, we venture through County Kerry's rugged mountainscapes and head inland to the Rebel County itself, County Cork. En route to Cork City, we pause at the world-famous Blarney Castle. While much of this castle is in ruins, there is still much to explore, from its underground tunnels to its dungeon, second-floor murder hole, and immaculate grounds filled with interesting gardens, including one of Ireland's only (known) poison gardens. Kiss the Blarney Stone yourself to get the "gift of eloquence" before setting out on the road once more. We are introduced to the city at its old jail as we arrive in Cork. Cork City Gaol was built in a castle-like fashion and opened in 1824. Over its 100 years of operation, it gained some fascinating and harrowing tales, which we learn today as we tour. The evening takes us to our hotel, the Montenotte. While this fine establishment now boasts stunning designs and modern amenities, it began its journey as a family mansion in 1820. Enjoy dinner with the group in the restaurant, then perhaps head up to the Glasshouse Cocktail Bar for an inspiring city view. Overnight Cork.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we travel to Cobh, a Victorian village known as Queenstown until 1920. While it is awash in charm, with its colorful buildings and gorgeous cathedral, you may better know it as the final port of call for the RMS Titanic. We explore this earmark in the village's history at the Titanic Experience. On arrival, you are given a replica ticket with the name of an actual passenger from its 1912 voyage. Spend some time exploring the exhibits with an expert guide to learn about the conditions on the ship and the things the passengers got to experience - including the ship's most tragic night. At the end of your visit, discover the fate of your passenger before departing for our next adventure.

The mood lightens this afternoon with a visit to the Old Midleton Distillery. This property has buildings dating to 1790 and is a wonderful place to learn the craft of Irish whiskey. Tour the facility, and learn about the distilling process from mash to bottle before tasting some of its most delicious products. Following the tour, you may continue exploring Cork at your pace. You could sample your way through the English Market or stroll along the Shandon Walk, a mile-long trail that immerses you in the architecture of Cork's oldest parts. Overnight Cork.

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we transfer to Cork Kent Station to take the train to Portlaoise, deep in the heart of Ireland's interior. A coach awaits our arrival and takes us to Kildare, where a VIP visit to the Irish National Stud & Gardens teaches us the history and significance of the Irish thoroughbred in horse racing. Interactive technology takes us on this journey, during which you select and train your horse, choose the color of your jockey's silks, and see your thoroughbred during a simulated race. After, you are guided outside to the property's lush gardens. Its Japanese Garden is nearly 120 years old and symbolizes the life of man, whereas its St. Fiachra's Garden, dedicated to the patron saint of gardeners, pays tribute to Ireland's natural landscape. Lunch is available in the Japanese Garden should you have worked up an appetite.

Afterward, we continue to the village of Straffan in County Kildare to Barberstown Castle, a fortress built in 1288 and now an elegant hotel. During your stay this evening, you may even follow in the footsteps of Eric Clapton while exploring, as he owned this Irish castle for nearly a decade. Toast to a spectacular journey with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers with a pre-dinner drink, and then sit down for a sumptuous private dinner in the Barton Room. Ending your expedition with modern fare in an age-old setting is a poetic representation of the country itself. Overnight Kildare.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Your exciting tour through the Emerald Isle comes to a close this morning. Enjoy a final Full Irish surrounded by 13th-century ambiance, then bid farewell to your Tour Manager and newfound friends. A private executive car or taxi can be arranged for your transfer to Dublin Airport.

• Breakfast