Fort George, Scotland

Fort George is quite simply the finest example of 18th-century military engineering you’ll find anywhere in the British Isles. This vast garrison fortress was begun in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), which crushed the final Jacobite Rising. It took over 20 years to complete and in the event it was never attacked. It remains virtually unaltered today, and still serves as an important military base.

Visit Fort George in Scotland on your next Scottish Self-Drive Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Prague, Vienna & Budapest - European Escorted Tour

Prague, Vienna & Budapest

10 Days from Prague and Vienna to Budapest– with guaranteed departures!

Included Features

• First class hotels, rooms with private facilities
• Service charges and hotel taxes
• Breakfast daily
• Dinner with folklore in Prague
• Dinner with entertainment in Grinzing suburb of Vienna
• Farewell dinner with entertainment in typical csarda restaurant in Budapest
• Opera performance in Prague
• Strauss & Mozart Concert in Vienna
• Inter-city travel by modern motor coach
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Professional Tour Director throughout
• Luggage handling
• Headsets will be provided for included sightseeing tours, so you can easily hear your guide's commentary

Hotels

• Prague, Majestic Plaza
• Vienna, Savoyen or or Renaissance
• Budapest, Intercontinental

Travel to Europe with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Warsaw, Berlin & Prague - Escorted Tour of Europe

Included Features

• First class hotels, rooms with private facilities
• Service charges and hotel taxes
• Breakfast daily and 3 dinners
• Touring by modern motor coach
• Airport and local transfers
• Professional Tour Director
• Luggage handling
• Headsets will be provided for included sightseeing tours, so you can easily hear your guide's commentary

Sightseeing

• Warsaw
• Berlin
• Prague

Hotels

• Warsaw, Radisson Blue Centrum
• Maritim pro Arte Berlin OR Hotel ABBA
• Prague, Diplomat

Travel to Europe and see 3 amazing countries: Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic on this fantastic escorted tour.

Sicilian Sun - Escorted Motorcoach Tour

Sicilian Sun - with Guaranteed Departures!
Enjoy a visit to the land of sun, Sicily! This stunning island offers a landscape of fascinating and dramatic beauty. Mt. Etna, rising in the center of a volcanic area of Sicily, is the highest active volcano in Europe. The isles of Stromboli and Volcano are also active volcanoes. Along with breathtaking scenery, Sicily welcomes you with delicious cuisine as well as the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Tour Highlights:

• 16 Meals; Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners
• Great for Groups and Individuals
• Charming hotels throughout the tour offering high quality services and located in the historical centers of the main Sicilian towns
• Visit the main Sicilian monuments including three Unesco Heritage sites
• Exclusivly in English
• Special menus in local restaurants especially selected to have a taste of the Sicilian cuisine

Your Sicilian Sun tour includes:

• Roundtrip airport transfers (from/to Catania Apt)
• Accommodation in 4 stars Hotels centrally located
• Welcome cocktail
• 7 Dinners, 2 Lunches, 7 Breakfast
• Sicilian typical products tasting (wine, chocolate, biscuits etc) in Ragusa Ibla
• Transportation deluxe motorcoach or minivan with driver/guide for groups with less than 15 pax
• English speaking tour escort
• Local guides where necessary
• Porterage of one suitcase per person
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Note: Entrance fees and beverages are not included. Entrance fees can be pre-booked if desired.

Travel to Sicily, Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Amalfi Coast and Rome - Semi-Escorted Motorcoach Tour

The Amalfi Coast and Rome!

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.

An extraordinary opportunity t0 see Italy's most impressive coastline, the Amalfi Coast!  

Your Amalfi Coast tand Rome our includes:

• Five (5) nights accomodation in 4-star hotel in Rome (3 nights) and Amalfi (2 nights).
• Ground transportation by deluxe motorcoach including airport transfers.
• English-speaking guide throughout.
• Italian buffet or continental breakfast daily excluding the day of arrival.
• Six (3) Meals: 2 Dinners, 1 lunch plus breakfasts
• Walking tour of Rome.
• Full day excursion to Pompeii.
• Entrance fees included.
• Sightseeing tours as per itinerary.
• Local taxes and tips (excluding tips to driver and guide). City tax at hotels is NOT Included and must be paid direct to the hotels
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents.
   
  Travel to Italy with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland

The Gathering, Travel Packages

We are happy to customize any travel package for your Gathering in Ireland this year.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland
with these Gathering Packages

The whole world is Irish on St. Patrick's Day! And Dublin is the stage for the biggest and best St. Patrick's celebrations in the world, the St. Patrick's Festival. Experience St. Patrick's Day in Ireland with these vacation packages.

St. Patrick's Week, 2013:
This 6 night escorted tour of Ireland brings you Dublin , Waterford, Kilkenny, Cork, Killarney, Blarney and Kildare. Land from $1099 pps
Book Now

St. Patrick's Day - 2 Night Dublin City Stay:
This 2 night package puts you right in the heart of it all for St. Patrick's Day. This package is perfect for people who want a little more flexibility with planning their St. Patrick's Day vacation in Ireland. Land from $169 pps
Book Now

St. Patrick's Day - 4 Night Independent Package:
This 4 night independent package starts with 2 nights in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day. Then travelers will pick up their rental car and head to the B&B of their choice for 2 nights.
Land from $382 pps
Book Now

HURRY! These packages have limited availability and will book quickly!

*Prices and package subject to availability at time of booking.

Castle on the Sea

Romantics and history buffs alike can appreciate Rapallo’s Castle on the Sea. Walk along the elegant seafront promenade adorned with palm trees and flower beds, admire the breathtaking view of the bay and feast your eyes on the symbol of this small town, the Castle on the Sea.

Built in 1551 on the rocks surrounded by the sea as a guardian of the picturesque town of Rapallo from pirates. The Castle  on the Sea has been declared part of Italy’s national heritage.

Catch a glimpse of this piece of Italian romance and history on your visit to Rapallo in Italy’s Cinque Terre on your honeymoon or romantic vacation with Celtic Tours.

Celtic Delight - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour - with a new an exciting itinerary and no hidden extras!

Our Celtic Delight is perfect for those with less time in Ireland that still want a premier tour experience. A great tour featuring Limerick, Killarney, the famous Ring of Kerry, Waterford and Dublin.

Celtic Delight Escorted Tour of Ireland Highlights

• 10 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Limerick, Killarney, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin 
• New and Updated Itinerary 
• Top Hotels & Entertainment 
•  No Hidden Extras

Celtic Delight Escorted Tour of Ireland Includes

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout 
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival 
• Dinner each evening, except one evening in Dublin. Including a traditional medieval castle banquet 
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
•  Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry 
• Visits to: Cobh, Kilkenny Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells 
•  Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. 
• Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Visit our website for more details on this fabulous escorted tour of Ireland

Celtic Sojourn - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour!

An exciting new itineary featruing Titanic Belfast, scenic Donegal and the Slieve League cliffs, plus enjoy a Medieval Castle Banquet! Take advantage of Early Bird Savings on this tour at $200 per couple! Limited to first come first serve!

Celtic Sojourn Escorted Tour of Ireland Highlights

• 12 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick 
•  New and Updated Itinerary 
• Top Hotels & Entertainment 
• No Hidden Extras

Celtic Sojourn Escorted Tour of Ireland Includes

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout 
•  Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival 
• Dinner each evening, including a traditional medieval castle banquet 
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach 
•  Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones 
• Panoramic city tours of Dublin and Belfast 
• Visits to: Mellifont Abbey, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China, Cliffs of Moher
•  Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. 
• Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Visit our website for more information about this fabulous tour of Ireland

Irish Rose - Escorted Tour of Ireland

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour - with a new an exciting itinerary and no hidden extras!

A scenic and unforgettable jouney through Ireland from Belfast to the Ring of Kerry. Plus, Celtic Tours offeres unbelievable Early Bird Discounts of $250 per couple on this tour (first come first serve), so book early and save!!

Irish Rose Escorted Tour of Ireland Highlights

• 16 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Killarney 
• New and Updated Itinerary 
• Top Hotels & Entertainment 
• No Hidden Extras

Irish Rose Escorted Tour of Ireland Includes

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout 
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival Dinner each evening, including a traditional medieval castle banquet Full sightseeing by 
• Deluxe Touring Motorcoach Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones 
• Panoramic city tours of Dublin and Belfast 
• Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry 
• Visits to: Mellifont Abbey, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China, Cliffs of Moher 
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
•  Tips and taxes in Ireland. 
• Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
•  Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Check out our website for more details on this fabulous escorted tour of Ireland

Celtic Dream

Premier Escorted Motorcoach Tour - with a new an exciting itinerary and no hidden extras! Our Celtic Dream tour continues to be one of the best valued tours on the market. Plus, Celtic Tours offeres unbelievable Early Bird Discounts of $500 per couple on this tour (first come first serve), so book early and save!!

Celtic Dream Tour of Ireland Highlights:

• 20 Meals - Breakfast and Dinner 
• Visit Dublin, Belfast, Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Killarney, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford and Kilkenny
•  New and Updated Itinerary Top Hotels & Entertainment 
• No Hidden Extras 

Celtic Dream Tour of Ireland Includes:

• First Class and Superior First Class hotels throughout
• Full Irish breakfast daily, except day of arrival CDB Tour 13-day: 
• Dinner each evening except for one night in Dublin, including a traditional medieval castle banquet and traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin. CDA 12-Day Tour: Dinner each evening including a traditional medieval castle banquet and traditional Irish entertainment and dinner in Dublin 
• Full sightseeing by Deluxe Touring Motorcoach Professional Irish driver/guide to escort you throughout 
• Visit to Rathbaun Farm to see an actual working farm, including coffee/tea and Irish Farmhouse scones 
•  Panoramic city tours of Dublin and Belfast 
• Scenic drive along the Ring of Kerry
•  Visits to: Mellifont Abbey, Titanic Belfast, Giant's Causeway, Glenveagh Castle and National Park, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek China, Cliffs of Moher, Cobh, Kilkenny Castle, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Whitefriar Church, Guinness Brewery Storehouse and Jameson Whiskey Distillery tour 
• Porterage of one (1) suitcase per person 
• Tips and taxes in Ireland. Gratuities to the driver/guide not included 
• Celtic Tours flight bag and portfolio of travel documents

Visit our website for more details! http://bit.ly/MgmXYX

Your Gathering Idea

There are so many ways you can showcase your community, business, club or association. No idea is too big, too small or too quirky. Decide early on what exactly you want your event to achieve. Maybe you want to showcase a particular tradition associated with your community or celebrate a unique impact it has made on the world. Your gathering could have a community development theme so that visitors can make a positive contribution to their place of origin. Or maybe 2013 could simply be the perfect opportunity for a family reunion. If you’re not sure what direction you want to take, you can find inspiration on www.thegatheringireland.com.

Remember that your event doesn’t have to be an entirely new one. You can also add to an existing local event. Organisations such as the Irish Farmers’ Association, the GAA, Scouting Ireland, The Irish Countrywomen’s Association and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann are mobilising members all over Ireland. Find out what’s planned in your area and consider ways to work together.

Whether you’re planning a school or family reunion, genealogy event or business gathering, remember the overall objective: encouraging visitors to spend time in Ireland in 2013.

Let Celtic Tours World Vacations help plan your Gathering in Ireland, 2013.

7 Tips to Plan a Successful Gathering

The Gathering in Ireland is a year-long celebration of all that is unique and great about Ireland: our vibrant, living culture, heritage and people. Plan your 2013 Gathering in Ireland! Here are 7 tips to plan a successful Gathering:

1. Work with Celtic Tours World Vacations!
With over 40 years in the business of planning quality and affordable vacations to Ireland, we know Ireland! Let us help you plan your group trip to Ireland for the Gathering, 2013

2. Decide who you want to invite
The Gathering, Ireland is about getting back to your roots, learning your history and having a lot of fun in the process! To plan the best Gathering possible, you first have to decide who you want to invite. Seek out your connections around the US such as friends, family, school and work colleagues and start communicating with them now. Get them involved in the planning and excited about visiting Ireland in 2013!

3. Schedule your Gathering around existing events
Don't do it alone! Throughout Ireland there will be events from sports to concerts and festivals. Join in the crowd and rub elbows with distant relatives.

4. Actively involve your group
Get your group involved in the planning of your group trip to Ireland. Think of ways for them to participate that will help them reconnect with their ancestral community. For example, being part of a community development project in Ireland could be a meaningful experience for the visitor to Ireland and let them leave a lasting legacy to be proud of.

5. Keep the local press informed
Stay in touch with the local press such as radio and tv stations, newspapers, local journalists and editors. Send good quality press releases - this is a great way to reach a lot of people for FREE!

6. Utilize your resources
When you book your group trip to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations, you get free color flyers and co-op advertising. There are also a lot of valuable resources for your Gathering available at www.thegatheringireland.com including posters, invites and How to guides.

7. Share your experiences
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and tell us about it - we love to hear about your travels to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Excited to visit Ireland with your group? Give Celtic Tours World Vacations a call to start planning today! 1-800-833-4373

Celtic Tours Offers Group Packages for The Gathering, Ireland

Celtic Tours World Vacations is pleased to offer group packages for the Gathering in Ireland, 2013. The Gathering, Ireland is a year-long celebration of being Irish. Whether you are Irish-born or Irish in spirit, Ireland is calling you to Ireland to celebrate with her and Celtic Tours World Vacations has group packages for you. Celtic Tours is pleased to offer group space in regularly scheduled departures of our escorted tours, or design your own gathering with the group department at Celtic Tours World Vacations. Gather your friends and family and jump into Ireland for the Gathering, 2013.

Neolithic Sites of Ireland

Ireland is thought to have been inhabited from around 6000BC by people of a mid-Stone Age culture. And about 4,000 years later, tribes from Southern Europe arrived and established a high Neolithic culture. The best-known Neolithic sites in Ireland are the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth in County  Meath. Both were built around 3200BC, making them older than Stonehenge in England, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Explore the ancient history of Ireland at Neolithic sites. Here are just a few:

The Loughcrew Cairns
The Loughcrew Cairns, also known as the Hills of the Witch, are a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to 3000 BC. The tombs are located on three different hills and Cairn T, one of the largest tombs in the complex, is situated on Cairnbane East. Inside this tomb lies a cruciform chamber, a corbelled roof and some of the most beautiful examples of Neolithic art in Ireland. During the Vernal and Autumn Equinox people gather at dawn in Cairn T to watch sunlight enter the chamber and illuminate the inside of the tomb.

Newgrange
Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Ceide Fields
Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies the Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. The stone walled fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with it's own unique vegetation and wildlife. The Visitor Centre has won several awards, including the Gold Medal for architecture. It is located beside some of the most spectacular cliffs and rock formations in Ireland and a viewing platform is positioned on the edge of the 110m high cliff.

Dun Aonghasa
Perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, this is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a "chevaux-de-frise" consisting of  tall blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers.

Rathcroghan
Hidden within the tranquil scenery of North Co. Roscommon is the Ancient Royal Site of Cruachan (Rathcroghan), a four square mile archaeological complex dating back over 5000 years. The literary home of Queen Meave, the Warrior Queen mentioned in the Ulster Cycle and the main protagonist in the story of the Táin Bó Cuailnge (Cattle Raid of Cooley), Rathcroghan is one of 5 ancient Provincial Royal sites dating back to the Iron Age and played a central part in the ancient history of Ireland.

Drombeg
This lovely recumbent stone circle is locally known as the Druid's Altar, and is located on the edge of a rocky terrace with fine views to the sea about a mile away. The word Drombeg means 'the small ridge'.

Kenmare
This circle lies in the town of Kenmare itself, not far from the Cromwell Bridge. Unlike any other ring in Muster, this one is egg-shaped, measuring 17.4 x 15.8m (56 x 49ft). Such shapes are unusual; their design could be a late geometrical development.

Dolmen of the Four Moals
Ballina is a lovely little town on the estuary of the Moy River. on a small hill near the railway station, lies the dolmen of the Four Maols. It is immediately beside the road and is signposted as a National Monument.

Kilcooney
On the east of the lane behind the Kilclooney church lies this magnificent site, composed by two dolmens within the remains of a 25m (82ft) long cairn.

Visit these Neolithic Sites in Ireland and more on your next self-drive tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.

Sunset Kayak Trip - Lakes of Killarney

Watch The Sun Set In The West Over Killarney National Park & Dingle On This Magical Kayak Trip

Kayak silently past rustling islands and sleepy swans. Land at the mystical 6th century abbey ruins on Innisfallen Island and hopefully glimpse some of Ireland's last native red deer. Return by kayak to Ross Castle in twilight, and possibly moonlight, as nightfall creeps over the oak and yew woods.

No Previous Kayaking Experience Is Needed.

Experience this magical adventure on Celtic Tours World Vacations Choose Your Own Adventure self-drive vacation to Ireland.

Choose Your Own Irish Adventure

Choose your own Irish Adventure: Whatever your idea of adventure, Celtic Tours World Vacations has the perfect trip to Ireland for you! This exciting new self-drive vacation pairs 6 nights accommodations & a car rental with your choice of sightseeing package, with 4 options to choose from. Travelers to Ireland can choose from the following 4 options: Northern Ireland Adventure, Iconic Adventure, Medieval Adventure and the Ultimate Adventure. Each sightseeing package is jam packed with exciting opportunities for a true Irish adventure.

Northern Ireland Adventure
Experience the majestic beauty of the North of Ireland. This package is perfect for the photog – visiting ancient Neolithic sites, the intriguing natural wonder of the Giants Causeway and more!
Iconic Adventure This package brings you the best of Ireland – kiss the blarney stone, ride in a jaunting car and take a musical pub tour of Dublin.

Medieval Adventure
Step into Ireland’s lively and colorful Medieval past with a medieval themed vacation filled with castle banquet feasts, traditional music and art, spectacular cathedrals, medieval ruins, fully-restored 12th century houses and old world villages – you can even learn about the ancient art of falconry and fly a hawk on a Hawk Walk.

The Ultimate Adventure
Take a walk on the wild side of Ireland on this once in a lifetime adventure. Fly a hawk on a private Hawk Walk, eat with your hands at a traditional banquet feast, kayak the lakes of Killarney at sunset, take a jaunting car ride, have a pint at Guinness Storehouse and join in on a musical pub tour in Dublin - the Ultimate Irish Adventure!

Whatever your idea of adventure, Celtic Tours’ new self-drive package “Choose Your Own Irish Adventure” is the perfect vacation for you.

Fundraising Through Group Travel

People love to travel and on average take a vacation twice a year. We have found that a travel fundraising program provides a Win-Win proposition for everyone involved.

At Celtic Tours, we realize that you have limited staff resources and budgets – you depend on fundraisers to defray your expenses so you can continue to deliver the vital services you provide. Celtic Tours can help you achieve your fundraising goals through Group Travel.

We will work with you to select or tailor design a tour that will fit the demographics of your organization- the destinations and details have endless possibilities. Our feature destinations include, but are not limited to: Ireland, Britain, Italy, Germany and the South Pacific. We send tours to every corner of the globe!

We will help promote your group trip by providing you with marketing materials such as flyers, posters and a dedicated website landing page. Where possible, we will have one of our Regional Sales Managers host an evening presentation to promote the fundraising trip.

The concept couldn’t be simpler or the potential revenue more staggering!  Visit our website to get some travel ideas. And give us a call 1-800-833-4373 to start planning your fundraising travel experience today – don’t forget to ask how you can travel for free!

Ireland Video from Celtic Tours with Switchback

Let the spirit of Ireland get under your skin and into your heart. We want you to sing your heart out at our festivals, start off your mornings with a full Irish breakfast and feel like family in our cozy B&B's. Because here, you're always welcome! So go on, Jump Into Ireland with Celtic Tours http://www.CelticTours.com Music kindly provided by Switchback http://www.waygoodmusic.com/index.php

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is the no.1 visitor attraction in the West of Ireland and a ‘must see’ visit for any tour of Ireland. Set in the dramatic Connemara landscape of mountains and lakes, Kylemore is an iconic attraction, famous around the world. From it’s beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, royal visits, spirituality and education. The Benedictine community welcome visitors to experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the abbey and gothic church explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks and much more.



Visit Kylemore Abbey on your next self-drive vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations.