St Patricks Cathedral in Ireland

Feast your eyes and spirits on St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, there has been a church on the site since the 5th century. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland with a 140 foot spire and is one of two Church of Ireland cathedrals.

It is said that St. Patrick’s story began here when he was baptized in a well close the cathedral’s location. Other sources say that St. Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin.

Though a wooden structure was first built on the site; the present building dates from 1220. In the late 1800s a major rebuilding took place, explaining the Victorian styled decoration and architecture.

Breathtaking and immense; whether interested in the art and architecture or the historical significance, St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland is well worth a visit. Today St. Patrick’s Cathedral is open to the public as an architectural and historical site, but principally as a place of worship. Visitors are charged a nominal fee.

This year, to mark Saint Patrick’s festival, St. Patrick’s Cathedral will be going green from March 16th through the 20th. The Cathedral will be bathed in green light every evening to honor Ireland’s national saint and will present all visitors with a sprig of Irish shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day.

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral on your next Celtic Tours Dublin Vacation. Start planning today!

Rathbaun Farm, a truly Irish experience

If you are looking for a traditional Irish experience, plan a visit to Rathbaun Farms in County Galway. Here you’ll learn about traditional farming methods, watch the resident border collie herd sheep and chat over tea and scones.

The Burke and Connolly family have been farming Rathbaun Farms for over 200 years. The main livestock are sheep, but the barns contain a wide variety of animals. Fintan Connally will describe the various breeds of sheep and cattle. Visitors are invited to hand feed the new lambs with bottles of milk, between March and November. Early Summer visitors will witness sheep shearing. Fintan gives a skilled demonstration of this task.

Afterwards, Frances and her team will welcome you into the cottage for some home baked and freshly prepared scones, soda breads and preserves along with the best pot of Irish tea you’re likely to experience anywhere in the country. Here you can chat with the family. Visitors will be enchanted by the cozy thatched cottage home, turf fire, stonewalls and an array of animals.

Visit Rathbaun Farms for a truly traditional Irish experience on a number of Celtic Tours escorted tours of Ireland. Our Celtic Dream tour is a thorough look into traditional and contemporary Irish life. Along with Rathbaun Farms, visitors on our Celtic Dream Tour with visit Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Kilkenny Castle, Cobh Heritage Center, Blarney, Dingle Peninsula, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Galway Crystal Factory and much more!

Irish Rose Motorcoach Tour

Enjoy this scenic 10 day / 8 night tour of Ireland with an updated 2011 itinerary with added attractions. Here are some of the highlights of this Irish Vacation:

Experience the magic of the Dingle Peninsula, located in the southwest of Ireland.

Fly back in time with the Foynes Flying Boat Museum: Foynes, a small town and major port in County Limerick, Ireland, is noteworthy for having been, in the early years of aviation, the last port of call on the eastern shore of the Atlantic for flying boats, a fixed-winged seaplane with a hull, allowing it to land on water.

The Cliffs of Moher stand 702 feet high at its highest point, stretching roughly 5 miles, offering breathtaking views of the beauty of Ireland’s west coast and the sheer power of the Atlantic Ocean. Even on a calm day, the great ocean waves ceaselessly pound the shore with white surf continually showing white surf at the base of the cliffs.

During a visit to Rathbaun Farm there are many opportunities for everyone to experience farm life. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and participate along the way. Fintan will talk about the animals and give an insight into the daily chores of a rural farmer.

Galway Irish Crystal has long been one of the world's best known and loved brands of traditionally crafted Irish lead crystal. Nestled in the heart of the West of Ireland, on the shores of Galway Bay, Galway Irish Crystal is steeped in the rich and diverse heritage of this unique hinterland.

Established in 1857 Belleek Pottery holds a very special place in the cultural and commercial heritage of County Fermanagh. Nestling on the banks of the River Erne this imposing building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian china and also to one of Irelands top five visitor attractions.

Glenveagh Castle and National Park is one of six national parks in Ireland. Situated in the Northwest of Co. Donegal, Glenveagh encompasses some 16,000 acres in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. Such a great wilderness is the haunt of many interesting plants and animals. These lands were managed as a private deer forest before becoming a national park in 1975. With the completion of public facilities Glenveagh National Park was officially opened to the public in 1986.

Fort Dunree is a military museum and wildlife center located at the mouth of Lough Swilly in County Donegal, about 30 minutes from the city of Derry. It is one of Donegal's premier tourist attractions, with its stunning scenic walkways and is a featured stop on many of Celtic Tours escorted motorcoach tours of Ireland including the Celtic Dream Tour, the Irish Rose Tour and the Celtic Sojourn Tour.

The Giant's Causeway, the source of legends of gigantic proportions, is a 50 to 60 million year old landmark of Ireland’s natural and mystical beauty. Located in County Antrim, the Causeway was named the fourth greatest natural wonder of the United Kingdom and is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland.

Discover the story behind Belfast’s maritime magic at the site of the Thompson Dry-Dock and Pump-House, once the beating heart of Harland &Wolff during the construction of the great White Star Liners – the Britannic, Olympic and most famously, the Titanic.

This is one Irish Tour you do not want to miss! With summer departures still available, visit Celtic Tours website for more information on our Irish Rose Tour of Ireland

Plan your summer vacation with Celtic Tours!

Haven't planned your summer vacation yet? Here are a few of Celtic Tours summer escorted motorcoach tours for you to choose from:

Celtic Dream: Our premier tour offers you an updated itinerary in 2011. This tour has added attractions for 2011 and features most of the major historic and scenic attractions of Ireland. The Celtic Dream is acknowledged by visitors and Travel Agents as being the best value tour offered to Ireland.

Irish Rose: Enjoy this scenic 10 day / 8 night tour of Ireland with an updated 2011 itinerary with added attractions. Highlights include: Dingle Peninsula, Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Medieval Castle Banquet, Galway Bay, Glenveagh Castle, Inishowen Peninsula, Giants Causeway, Belfast and the Titanic Tour.

Celtic Sojourn: Tour Highlights include Medieval Castle Banquet, Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay, The Giants Causeway, Glenveagh Castle, Inishowen Peninsula, Belfast and the Titanic Tour.

Ancient Ireland: For those with limited time to spend in Ireland, we bring you the 6-day/4-Night Ancient Ireland Tour. A breathtaking shorter tour that brings you the best of scenic and Ancient Ireland! This is a great tour to combined a self-drive tour to extend your stay and make it a vacation of a lifetime.

West of Ireland: Discover the majestic West of Ireland. Travel back in time as you visit Achill Island with its wild views of mountains and beaches. See the remains of deserted cottages from the famine years. In Donegal, we will see the highest cliffs in Europe at Slieve League. See spinning, knitting and weaving as we travel along scenic routes to Ardara and Glenties.

The Amazing South of Italy: Journey through southern Italy and experience its rich scenery, art, culture, food and wine! Witness the breathtaking scenery of the Amalfi Coast, discover the ruins of Pompeii, and visit the stunning trulli village of Alberobello. Sail to enchanting Capri and sip coffee in the Piazza.

Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast: The Amalfi Coast, Italy (la Costiera Amalfi tana) is a breathtaking 35-mile stretch of mountainous coastline situated on the Sorrento peninsula, just south of Naples, in the region of Campania. Considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, it is characterized by very steep, rocky hillsides plunging dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea. Precariously perched on these hills are charming old fi shing villages. Around every turn of this “road of a thousand bends”, one catches a new view of the seaside more spectacular than the last. Across the water lies the Isle of Capri, or the Blue Island. The Isle of Capri is renowned the world over as an exclusive holiday destination.

Tuscan Experience: Tuscany enchants us today because it holds a special link between traditions of the past and present. Villa Casagrande, a wine-producing villa constructed in 1392, will serve as our host for six nights. We will find ourselves strolling down quiet lanes bound by stone walls, cypress trees and cream-colored villas. A true Tuscan Experience!

Treasures of Italy: Enjoy the best of Italy during your unique journey highlighting the rich history and spectacular beauty of this majestic country. You will enjoy the best of traditional cities including Florence, Venice and Rome.

Visit Ireland and Italy on these great escorted motorcoach tours with Celtic Tours!

Benefits of Escorted Tours with Celtic Tours

Have you tried one of Celtic Tours premier escorted tours yet? Escorted tours are an ideal way to discover some of the world's most fabulous sights, as you can rest assured that your tour guide will be able to direct you to the safest and best ways to enjoy attractions. Choosing an escorted tour doesn't only mean you'll be able to feel safer during your trip, there are other benefits too. For example, your tour guide is also sure to be able to provide you with a little background and information about the sites you visit, meaning you can get even more out of the experience and ensure you don't miss out on unusual facts or places to enjoy.

When you choose an escorted tour you'll also have the peace of mind in getting the chance to experience a destination without having to worry about all of the little details. With escorted tours, all of the travel details have been worked out for you. At Celtic Tours, we have got you covered from transfers and conveyance, to accommodations and sightseeing.

At Celtic Tours, our travel experts have hand selected hotels, sightseeing and more to ensure the greatest sense of comfort, fun and exploring while giving you the freedom to discover a new destination. Join Celtic Tours on our premier escorted motorcoach tours to Ireland and Italy

Tour 14th Century Sergiev Posad

Tour out into the Russian countryside with Celtic Tours, to the town "Sergiev Posad" (formerly Zagorsk). Sergiev Posad was founded in the 14th century and grew around the greatest of Russian monasteries, the trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the finest examples of the early Russian architecture. It grew in the course of several centuries and survived through the Communist era as a religious center. It has played an important role throughout the history of Russia and the development of Russian Orthodox religious art and culture.

Learn more about this amazing town and monastery on your next Russian River Cruise with Celtic Tours.

Summer Departures Available for our 12 Day Russian River Cruise

Tour Russia on Celtic Tours 12 Day Russian River Cruise and enjoy this wonderful itinerary:

DAY 1, Friday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Russia. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in St. Petersburg
Arrive and transfer to your ship for embarkation. The port is approximately a 2 hour drive from the St. Petersburg airport. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - St. Petersburg City Tour
Enjoy a morning city tour of St. Petersburg. This panoramic tour takes you to Palace Square, St. Isaac's Cathedral and Square, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and many more sights along the way. In the afternoon visit the famous museum, the Hermitage, home to one of the largest and richest collections of Western art in the world. Among the museum's vast collection, which spans six buildings (the most famous being the Winter Palace), priceless works by artists such as Michelangelo, da Vinci, Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and many others are displayed amid opulent architectural design. This evening, enjoy dinner and the night at leisure on board
Optional: Rivers & Canals in St. Petersburg (PM)
Optional: Ballet Performance (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Monday - Day at Leisure in St. Petersburg
Today is free at leisure to explore St. Petersburg on your own. Long considered Russia's most opulent city, St. Petersburg is today the country's second-largest city after Moscow, and former capital of the Romanov Czars. This evening, enjoy dinner on board and get to know the crew and staff of the MS Russ
Optional: Pushkin Palace & Peterhof Park (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Tuesday - Daylight Sailing
Enjoy daylight sailing and the morning at leisure on board. Stop in the romantic village of Mandrogi, whose name literally means "pine-trees on the bog," to enjoy time at leisure to explore the city. Rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Open Air Museum
This morning, arrive in Kizhi, a small island featuring one of the most impressive wooden structures ever erected, the Kizhi Church of Transfiguration. The Church is the island's most famous architectural landmark and largely responsible for making Kizhi one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Russia. It features 22 cupolas of striking intricacy and was built without using a single nail. Visit the Church and Open Air Wooden Architecture Museum. Enjoy dinner and the evening at leisure on board
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Monastery of St. Cyril
Arrive in Goritsy, an old Russian town of rich historical and cultural heritage. Today, visit the Monastery of St. Cyril, one of Russia's largest monasteries. Established in 1397 on the bank of Lake Siverskoye, the monastery of St. Cyril was once home to the largest monastery church in Northern Russia, the Assumption cathedral, which still stands today. The monastery's fortifying walls, which measure 2400-feet-long and 22 feet thick, are an impressive sight, home to several towers including the Chasuble, the Vologda, and the Tent-like
Optional: Vodka & Blini Tasting Party (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Yaroslavl City Tour
Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a tour of this historic city, one among many in Russia's famous Golden Ring. The tour includes sites such as the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet and a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. You will also have the opportunity to explore a local market. Dinner on board this evening
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Uglich City Tour
This afternoon, arrive in Uglich, one of Russia's oldest cities. Famous in Russian history for the dynastic crisis known as the Time of Troubles, which followed the suspicious death of Prince Dimitry (Ivan the Terrible's youngest son), Uglich is a popular stop when sailing the Volga due to its historic architecture and charm. Enjoy a tour of the city, including visits to the Transfiguration Cathedral and the Church of Prince Dimitry
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Moscow City Tour
Arrive to Moscow just after lunch today, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the fabled capital of Russia. Traveling by coach, view the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Novodevichy or “New Maiden” convent, the former headquarters of the KGB, and many more historical sites. Explore Red Square, the most famous city square in Russia and visit GUM, a large department store that could easily be confused with a palace. Enjoy dinner and the evening at leisure on board
Optional: Moscow by Night
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Monday - Kremlin Tour
Today's tour takes you to one of the best-known monuments in Russia, the Kremlin. Venture inside this former residence of the Russian czars on a guided walking tour. See the famous Czar Cannon, the 16th century Czar Bell, and Cathedral Square, home to three of Moscow's most elaborate cathedrals: the Cathedral of Assumption, the Cathedral of Annunciation, and the Cathedral of the Archangel. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the Kremlin grounds on your own before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on board
Optional: Moscow Novodevichy Convent (PM)*
Optional: Excursion to Sergiev Posad (PM)*
Optional: Kostroma National Folk Show (PM)**
Optional: Moscow Circus Performance (PM)**
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday- Depart for the USA
This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. The Moscow airport is approximately a 2 hour drive from the port
Meals: Breakfast

Summer Departures are still available for this amazing Russian River Cruise. Please visit Celtic Tours to learn more about this and other European River Cruises