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 Worry-Free Cancellation

Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travellers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

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 At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.

A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.

A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a certain amount of these available.

A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.

We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees. In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in North America.

Here are a few details to keep in mind:

Check-in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances, the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service.

Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.

Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.

Hotel membership programs are not applicable.

 You’re in for a treat as you discover the flavours of Ireland. While cooking in Ireland can be considered simple, it’s also quite modern and tasty.

In Ireland, they value the high quality of their produce and other native products like salmon and beef.

Irish butter is regarded as the best in the world and butter and cream make frequent appearances in regional cooking.

Some dishes that we might regard as "typically Irish" are actually rare finds, such as corned beef.

Other favourites like fish and chips, Irish breakfasts, potatoes prepared in various ways, soda bread, Irish stew and shellfish are quite common. Most restaurants offer variations of local cuisine with other European influences.

All in all you will eat very well during your time exploring Ireland, the unparalleled Emerald Isle.

Be sure to pair various Irish whiskeys and beer with your food.

 A light handshake and friendly hello are customary when greeting someone in Ireland.

Pubs play a central role in Irish culture and life, as it is a gathering place for friends, music and community. Taking turns buying drinks in “rounds” is the tradition in Ireland. Everyone takes turns treating one another to a drink.

For non-included meals, a 10% tip is customary in Ireland.

Irish dining etiquette is not as strict as other countries, but elbows should be kept off the table in a more formal setting and your knife and fork should be placed together to denote you have finished yourmeal.

In Ireland, don’t be surprised if conversations turn humorous and witty—laughter and funny banter are woven into Irish social interactions rather than formality.

A slow and laid-back pace is valued. Don’t rush your meals and visits.

It is wise to avoid political topics in casual conversation, such as the conflict with Northern Ireland.

 It used to be when travelling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.

You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport. Many exchange bureaus in Europe will not accept 50 or 100 US dollar bills. You may need local currency for lunch, gratuities or for smaller purchases.

If you exchange any US dollar to Sterling before you travel, please make sure that it is 'polymer' rather than paper money, as paper money is no longer valid currency in the UK.

You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.

If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic stripe. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.

If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in Ireland is the Euro and in the United Kingdom is the British Pound.

 When travelling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.

To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.

In Ireland and Northern Ireland, the plug type is G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangle pattern. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.

Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.

The voltage in Ireland is 230V and Northern Ireland is 240V. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.

If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter.

 If you have some extra time before your tour begins to explore Dublin, you'll find plenty to do! A good public bus service allows you to easily make your way around, or perhaps hop on a double decker sightseeing bus which loops through the city, giving you access to some of the city’s highlights.

Consider seeing some of the following sights: Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Temple Bar district or the Grafton Street shopping area.

Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our travellers, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.

If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.

 Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. Tipping is discretionary and should be on an individual basis.

Gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and your Tour Manager are not included in the price of your tour.

The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. Plan to convert the total US Dollar amounts into the equivalent local currency, which is generally the preferred option when giving.

Tour Manager: equivalent of $10 US Dollars per person for each travel day, given at the end of your tour. For this 12-day tour, this would amount to $120 US Dollars total per person.

Local Guide: equivalent of $2-3 US Dollars per person, given at the end of your day or time with them. There are 4 local guides on this tour.

On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: equivalent of $5 US Dollars per person for each travel day, provided at the end of your tour or time with your driver.

Hotel Housekeeping: equivalent of $1 US Dollar per day, per room, left each morning.

Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person.

 Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.

Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. Your tour package includes luggage handling for one checked bag per person. You will be responsible for your backpack or tote bag as you travel between destinations. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.

Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.

Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 00 CAD per bag per hotel.

We recommend you consider using a TSA-approved lock, as a theft prevention measure during transit and during your tour.

It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.

The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.

Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.

Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.

Travellers flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

 The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavours, usually with a modern twist or with other European influences.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 7 to 15 US Dollars for breakfast, 10 to 20 US Dollars for lunch and 15 to 40 US Dollars for dinner.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning of your tour.

Special Diet

North America offers diverse dietary options due to ingredient availability and acceptance of alternative diets. However, travelling abroad may pose challenges as menus reflect local tastes, alternative diets may not be common, and medical conditions requiring dietary adjustments may not be understood. Group meals typically offer a pre-fixed menu that cater to diverse travellers. It’s important to note that while some dietary requests can be accommodated, options may be limited.

 Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature-controlled.

While some coaches may have a toilet facility, it is for emergency use since local laws require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons. Rest assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.

Please note, outlets for charging devices may not be available on the coach. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks.

Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all travellers to change seats. This ensures that every traveller has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. Depending on availability, single passengers may be seated next to another traveller. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.

 As you prepare to explore Ireland — the verdant Emerald Isle — enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers and can be added or removed as the temperature changes. In the instance of rain, it is suggested you pack rain gear such as a raincoat, collapsible umbrella and waterproof shoes for your trip to Ireland. Packing several washcloths for your tour is recommended as hotel properties do not always offer them.

When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.

In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re travelling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.

Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.

In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.

If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

 We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our travellers. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a traveller who has special mobility or other like needs. 

 Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.

Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Travellers are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

 We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.

If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.

If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.

 At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for servers of included meals as outlined in your itinerary, bellmen, and door attendants.

 Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though it may not reach rooms in hotels. Wi-Fi will not be available onboard motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.