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Collette highlights its “The Best of Ireland” tour, a favorite with travelers

North America’s longest-running tour operator has seen its travelers rave about the 15-day experience

November 02, 2023

Pawtucket, RI (November 2, 2023) – Collette is inviting travelers to the Emerald Isle with its The Best of Ireland Explorations tour – one of the most popular of its kind. The tour was a favorite amongst travelers in 2022. Travelers who took the tour rated the experience as excellent 87% of the time last year.

The 15-day tour gives travelers the opportunity to explore the island’s culture and its history. Throughout the tour, they’ll get the chance to listen to folklore and legends that have been passed down through generations told by a seanchaí (Irish storyteller), tour cottages in Glencolcille that have been maintained since the 18th century, and even play a traditional Irish game of hurling. Travelers secure a spot on the “The Best of Ireland” tour for departures as early as March 5, 2024 with prices starting at $3,999 USD pp.

"The The Best of Ireland Explorations tour ranks as one of our top experiences. Across a span of 15 days, travelers will fully immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Irish culture. Whether it's meeting diligent sheepdogs at Caherconnel Farm or engaging in a game of hurling with locals at Malzards Pub – this explorations tour is a great way to absorb many aspects of the local culture and experience the hospitality of those who create it" said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, Collette's CEO. "Plus, if travelers book now, they will have the possibility of being in Ireland for the iconic St. Patrick's Day – an experience that will be cherished forever!"

About Collette:

As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is the company travelers can trust. Leading with integrity, Collette’s comprehensive travel protection plan , flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships within the travel space set it apart. The happiness of its guests has been its roadmap since 1918 and today Collette offers over 170 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through its social responsibility platform.  For more information, visit www.gocollette.com .

Media Contact:

Sam LaFrance, Collette Phone: 401.426.4504 [email protected]

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All Ireland Tours from Collette

8 collette trips through ireland.

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way (Dublin to Kilkenny)

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Irish Splendor (Dublin to Kingscourt) (2025)

Countryside of the Emerald Isle (Dublin to Ennis) (2024)

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Call for more information: 866-454-9463

Countryside of the Emerald Isle From $2,999 pp*

*Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy, tour inclusions and available options may vary based on departure date. Please select a date below for more details.

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Your Tour at a Glance

Tour Activity Level

The activity level for this tour:

You’re a leisurely traveler. You typically take it easy and discover the energy of a new place by people-watching or soaking in the atmosphere at a local café. You can climb at least one flight of stairs, board a coach, and walk unassisted at a relaxed pace for up to 60 minutes without difficulty. You can easily handle altitudes up to 5,000 feet.

You like a balanced approach to travel. Walking two to three miles over the course of a day is no problem for you. You can partake in a two-hour leisurely walking tour, covering up to two miles (with included breaks). You can handle a variety of terrains, from cobblestone streets to moderate hills with relative ease and without assistance. You can climb two flights of stairs with ease. There may be 1 to 2 days on this tour when walking tours can cover 3 to 4 miles over uneven terrain. You can handle altitudes up to 6,000 feet.

You’re an on-the-go traveler. You don’t want to miss a thing, so walking and standing for longer periods of time (2-3 hours) isn’t a big deal. A moderately paced two-and-a-half-hour walking tour, covering several miles, hills, and uneven surfaces, is no problem for you. Walking four miles over the course of a day is very doable, as is climbing into and out of various modes of transportation (tuk-tuk, cable car, zodiac, etc.). You can climb three flights of stairs easily and handle altitudes between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure. This level is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices.

You’re ready to seize the day, whatever it may bring. You lead an active life at home (walking, biking, and half or full day hikes are things you may enjoy) and 10,000 steps a day is normal for you. You can handle longer walking tours (more than 3 hours covering 3+ miles at a steady clip) and activities that involve traversing uneven terrain, steep slopes, standing for periods of time, and varying altitudes and temperatures. You don’t mind being on the go with some early starts, late-nights, and full days. You can handle altitudes of 9,000 feet or higher with little to no issue. This level is not appropriate for travelers who use wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility assistance devices.

Countryside of the Emerald Isle

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Enhance Your Trip

Optional excursions.

Add some more spice to your tour with this optional excursions.

Pre and Post Night Stays

Enjoy arriving early or checking out late with our Pre and Post night stays.

Tour Extensions

Extension style.

The extension style for this tour:

Independent

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager throughout the extension, except for any time that’s set aside for independent discovery.

You’re accompanied by a Tour Manager part of the time, for some guided excursions. The rest of the time, you’re at leisure to explore the destination your own way.

You’re not accompanied by a Tour Manager during your extension stay. You’ll access locales you wish to visit on your own, and are free to create your own adventure.

Traveler Reviews

From 9,120 Points per couple*

10-11 Days • 13-14 Meals

Thank you for your review! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

We are pleased to hear you had a great time on our Countryside of the Emerald Isle tour! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, we hope to see you again soon!

Review on 05/19/2022

Review on 05/13/2022, loved being in the countryside. staying on inis oirr was the hi light., outstanding overview of ireland, thoroughly enjoyable tour with a nice mix of activities., excellence personified, we had a very enjoyable week, hotels too far from main towns. had to taxi a lot., ireland. an amazing adventure, put together by a amazing company., looking forward to our next collette tour, a lovely trip. this far exceeded my dreams of a trip to ireland., informative and worry free, would chose again., not the trip i envisioned.

Small group Ireland tour

Ireland has been my favorite trip to date..

Bravo Collette tours! Our tour of Ireland was unforgettable!

Exceptional Sevice

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by our Air department and Executive Team. We have been in contact with the Beck's concerning their insurance claim.

Excellent and well organized and paced.

Everything was good and the airline arragements were much better, fun, delicious, met wonderful people, love the small group experience, wonderful trip, please see above.

Thank you for your feedback. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to you.

I have never been to Ireland bofore. Your tour seemed to hit all the highs

I would go with collette again but not one that included private home., country side was beautiful, totally great tour, terrific a wonderful experience and meeting of new friends, relaxing, enjoyable introduction to ireland.

Hello, Thank you for sharing your feedback of this tour. We have passed along your experience to our Product Development Team. They will be reviewing this feedback and using it to enhance this tour for our future guests. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Our limo pickup was flawless, wonderful service you provide.

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IDENTIFICATION Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

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This will be posted in Senior Travel and Ireland forums.

My wife and I went on this tour in May 2023 with 22 other participants, and had a wonderful time. This tour is a nominal 15 days and “small group” land tour by bus. We looked at several other tours of Ireland – seems to be very popular – and chose this one based on the itinerary, group size, company reputation, and the 2 night stays meant less hurry.

You can find the detailed itinerary on the Collette web site, but the quick version is:

Counterclockwise around Ireland – Dublin (2n), Belfast(2), Derry (visit), Donegal (2), Einskillen(1), Galway (2), Killarney (now Dingle )(2), Kilkenny (2), return to airport,

taking in many of the major tourist sights along the way. Of course, no tour will take you to everything you might want to see (e.g. no Blarney Stone on this one), and there were several itinerary changes Collette coommunicated near departure. In addition, the tour manager has some discretion. We did our best to understand the details ahead of time, arrived in Dublin a day early, so we got to see Trinity College , Book of Kells, Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green neighborhood, the Chester Beatty Library and the Archeology Museum. They were not included. We skipped a trip to the Guiness Storehouse. Some of those might be included on some other departure of this same trip.

The tour was very well organized, the tour manager, Andy, was outstanding – one of the best we have encountered. Everything went smoothly, and Andy arranged to get us to several places not on the itinerary, for example, the home village of the grandmother of one of the participants.

Andy was also ready with good recommendations for restaurants and pubs.

We would say the tour emphasized seeing the really beautiful scenery, inland as well as the Atlantic Coast, and on learning about Irish history and culture. The local guides were mostly very good, again with an emphasis on history. For example, we had a guided tour around the walls of Derry that incorporated ah hour of Irish history; Andy also contributed to that background. We were in many pubs, some for lunch or dinner or a beer, most with live music. For example, a place called Fibber McGee, across from the Europa in Belfast was just jammed with tourists and locals, drinking and dancing; we had a great time there with two others from our tour. We did meet a few Irish locals ourselves, and found them to be quite friendly as most tourists report. So many Irish emigrated to the US that there is a strong family affinity.

The majority of hotels were very good, well located in towns, with a couple of exceptions that were unexpectedly below average. Since most hotels are in the center of town, the rooms are smaller than what you might expect in the USA. On the other hand, on two occasions we were treated to beautiful resort hotels located outside of town.

The food in Ireland was better than expected, but could be a little boring. The hotel breakfast buffets are large, well prepared, but always the same. Food in the pubs is a list of six to eight predictable entrees – some really excellent, some average. One has a lot of sausages, fish and chips and Irish stew made with beer. However, we also ate in some really excellent restaurants:

Two I can recall are Balfes in Dublin and Deane’s Love Fish in Belfast. A word about costs. We found Ireland is as expensive as travel in the US. Good restaurants have similar prices, and the room rate at good hotels in large cities is also. Collette took us to dinner at restaurants about 7 times.

A word about the weather. I looked it up-- the average monthly rainfall in Ireland in May is fewer inches than in NJ. Most days are a mix of mist, clouds and sun, but certainly less sun than NJ. It often drizzles a bit a few times during the day, and only saw perhaps 1 or 2 true rain showers. Needless to say the weather is very changeable. After much agonizing, we took our waterproof boots. They were most help rough terrain, but less necessary on wet streets. In retrospect, I would have been OK with sneakers sprayed with water repellent and an alternate pair of shoes. Most of the time I wore slip on boat shoes.

Glad to answer any questions.

NotAccidental

17 replies to this topic

Thanks for posting! Sounds like you had a wonderful time.

Is it Collette’s policy to tip your guide and driver or is that included in the price?

Are you already planning your next adventure! Lol…

Thanks for posting…we need more trip reports for escorted group tours!

Hi NotAccidental,

Happy Travels!

Tripadvisor Community Team

Overall you seem to have enjoyed it.

Were Collette responsible for the pub meals? When a large tour group eat together they are often given a different menu to the normal one, just four or five options for easiness in the kitchen.

Glad you enjoyed.

It would be great if you listed the hotels as well.

If you click on 'View Full Itinerary' here, you will see the hotels in a new window, that I can't link to, directly:

https://tinyurl.com/yc5upcse

Collette has a guideline for tipping the tour manager and bus driver. People often tipped the

local guides as well.

What are the tipping guidelines please?

And Uasal, thanks for the hotel information.

There were several meals in pubs, others in restaurants and 1 or 2 in hotel. The food in the pubs was generally very good. In restaurants and hotels we ordered from a more limited menu. As best I can recall, in the pubs, the general menu was somewhat limited. Mostly, but not always, the participants picked up the tab for drinks.

Thanks for the heads up. It has been a while since I posted a trip report and was confused where to put it.

Is there some general procedure ?

Thanks. NotAccidental

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Overnight on the grounds of a regal castle.
Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's great coastal roads.
Kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle
Travel through mountain passes to gaze upon the spectacular "Ladies View."
Experience the benefits of Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and your guides

Day 3 Dublin

Today, it’s your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the General Post Office. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own. Later, you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a contemporary restaurant showcasing Irish cuisine.

Day 4 Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford

Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th century Kilkenny on the River Nore. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. It’s your choice! Tour the Waterford Crystal factory and learn how exquisite crystal has been made for centuries -OR- visit the Medieval Museum for a guided tour and glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.

Day 5 Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney

Live the legend. The story goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence. This morning, give it a shot at historic Blarney Castle. Cross into County Kerry and continue on to charming Killarney. Enjoy a traditional jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park before boarding a boat* and sailing through the breathtaking lakes in the company of an expert boatman. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice… choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Killarney’s great restaurants.

Day 6 Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

Take in the rugged coastline as you loop your way around the picturesque Ring of Kerry, past pristine beaches, quaint villages and majestic landscapes. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for local artisan-made crafts. The night is free for reminiscing about the day as you find your own authentic taste of Irish culture.

Day 7 Killarney - CLIFFS OF MOHER - Limerick

Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty." This evening you may join an optional tour to a Medieval Banquet dinner, which is hosted in a castle.

Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration. Continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes.” Return to Limerick to relax over dinner.

Day 9 Limerick -Kilbeggan - Kingscourt

You don’t have to be a connoisseur to appreciate the old-world heritage of Ireland’s whiskey territory. Your journey brings you to Kilbeggan in the heart of Ireland, where a superb distillery brings whiskey craftsmanship to life and gives you a taste of the final product. Top your day off with an overnight stay on the regal grounds of Cabra Castle, where you toast the end of a fabulous trip during your farewell dinner.

Day 10 Kingscourt - Tour Ends

Your journey ends in Kingscourt.

$30 for all domestic escorted tours under 6 days
$110 for all domestic escorted tours of 6 days or more
$110 for all international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$170 for international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$195 for all Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
$205 for all cruises and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
$60 for all domestic escorted tours under 6 days
$140 for all domestic escorted tours of 6 days or more
$150 for all international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$200 for all international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$225 for all Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
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Call for more information: 855-843-2374

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Expert Advice

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Walking Hiking and Trekking

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

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Day 1 : Overnight Flight

Location: dublin, accommodation: overnight flight, meals included: no meals.

Rocky coasts, animated pubs, a storied past, and endless green hills – where else but Ireland? Experience the country like never before, visiting the traditional sites you’d expect as well as a few off-the-beaten-path spots you couldn’t find on your own. Connect with the locals, connect with your roots, and connect with the Emerald Isle.

Day 2 : Dublin, Ireland - Tour Begins

Accommodation: hotel, accommodation name: hyatt centric the liberties, meals included: dinner.

Your Irish adventure starts in Dublin, built upon layered history and featuring a lively local culture. This evening, toast the start of your journey with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 : Dublin

Accommodation name: europa, meals included: breakfast.

Start your morning with an Impact Moment and walk with an expert from Secret Street Tours, a non-profit that trains citizens formerly affected by homelessness to be guides in their own city. See the city through their eyes and gain insight into their life story as you discover Dublin’s Liberties district. Visit the Pearse Lyons distillery in Dublin, located in a church. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. Later you may join an optional tour to the Guinness Storehouse, followed by dinner at a traditional pub.

Day 4 : Dublin - Belfast, Northern Ireland

Location: dublin, belfast, meals included: breakfast, dinner,.

This morning, cross the border into Northern Ireland and arrive in Belfast. Cruise through town in a traditional black taxicab with a guide, taking in different murals along the way. Pause at the Peace Wall, which separates the Catholic and Protestant communities, adorned with political graffiti. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Belfast before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 : Belfast - Giants Causeway - Belfast

Location: belfast, giants causeway, belfast, accommodation name: mill park.

Today visit the ethereal Giant’s Causeway, walking in the footsteps of mystical legends. Take in the hexagonal basalt slabs, formed by gargantuan beasts crossing the crashing waves according to legend.

Day 6 : Belfast - Derry - Donegal, Ireland

Location: belfast, londonderry, donegal.

Make your way to Derry, a growing artistic and cultural hub, and site of the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre. Delve into the city’s local history on a guided tour before continuing on to Glenveagh National Park. Embark on an expert-led tour of park’s 19th-century Glenveagh Castle, nestled along the shore of Lough Veagh. End your day in County Donegal. Connect with an age-old heritage when an esteemed seanchaí – a traditional Gaelic storyteller – joins you for dinner.

Day 7 : Donegal

Location: donegal, accommodation: resort, accommodation name: lough erne resort.

Set out to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the Slieve League Cliffs, offering stunning views over the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. Three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, these iconic cliffs are amongst the highest and most scenic in Europe. Afterward, travel back in time to eighteenth century Ireland when you visit the thatched cottages of Glencolmcille, a folk village maintained by the local community of southeast Donegal. Continue on to Donegal Town and enjoy time to shop and explore at your leisure.

Day 8 : Donegal - Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Location: donegal, enniskillen, accommodation name: the house.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before departing Donegal for Fermanagh, a county blanketed by lakes and waterways. Take in pastoral surroundings as you cruise* toward Devenish Island, a 6th century monastic site. Explore the ruins of this picturesque island, including one of the finest high towers in Ireland. This afternoon, arrive at your beautiful resort on the banks of Lough Erne.

Day 9 : Enniskillen - Galway, Ireland

Location: enniskillen, galway.

Arrive in Galway, a lively city of medieval relics and modern flare. This afternoon, explore the city with a local guide, with stories about city, from being a major trading city in the medieval period, through to the present day. Tonight dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 10 : Galway

Location: galway, accommodation: lodge, accommodation name: dingle harbour lodge.

The day is yours. Perhaps you’ll pop into a pub for a drink with the locals, or peruse one of the city’s many museums, or even go shopping along bustling Quay Street. Consider taking an optional tour to Kylemore Abbey, where you’ll drive through Connemara National Park before embarking on a tour of the monastery.

Day 11 : Galway - Cliffs Of Moher - Dingle

Location: galway, cliffs of moher, dingle.

Peek into Irish culture at a sheep farm, where you’ll watch a dog-herding demonstration and meet the friendly canine workers. Experience the Ireland you’ve always imagined at the Cliffs of Moher, where mossy cliffs plunge 700 feet into the ocean. After visiting one of the country’s most beloved sites, arrive in the colorful town of Dingle, located on the Dingle Peninsula. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a pub.

Day 12 : Dingle - Dingle Peninsula - Dingle

Location: dingle, dingle peninsula hotel, dingle, accommodation name: kilkenny river court.

This morning, explore the spectacular scenery of the Dingle Peninsula, visiting Slea Head, where the locals will remind you that beyond the water, “the next parish over is Boston.” After returning to Dingle, the rest of the day is yours to explore how you choose.

Day 13 : Dingle - Kilkenny

Location: dingle, kilkenny, meals included: breakfast, lunch,.

Today, enjoy a lunch at a traditional Irish pub, owned by the same family for 200 years. Listen to stories about the family ancestors, and the social role that pubs play within rural communities. Afterwards, watch a hurling demonstration, a traditional sport of Ireland, with the opportunity to participate yourself! Continue to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most charming cities.

Day 14 : Kilkenny

Location: kilkenny, accommodation name: kilkenny hibernian.

This morning, it’s your choice! Enjoy a leisurely day to explore the town and Kilkenny Castle on your own -OR- travel just outside of town to the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century. You will also attend a captivating demonstration at a family-owned glass company and learn about the important role Kilkenny plays in Irish design and craftsmanship. No matter what activities fill your day, come together in the evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Sláinte!

Day 15 : Kilkenny - Tour Ends

Wish the Emerald Isle goodbye as you depart for home.

What's Included

Accommodation

Drinks with Meals

(non-alcoholic)

Train Tickets

(if train occurs once tour starts and before tour ends – i.e. not airport transfers)

Meals – Half Board

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

Country Entry Visas

Airport Transfers at Destination

Experiences

Check out our q&as, will there be an escort accompanying this tour.

Yes, an experienced Tour Manager, with the passion for travel, discovery and the destination - will guide you through your journey from start to finish,

Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes, our Customer Care center would be happy to help.

Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Is there any free time to explore places during the tour.

Absolutley. Out tours are crafted with that in mind – striking a balance between included experiences and time to explore on your own.

Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?

What is the tipping policy.

Igratuities for included meals and accommodation housekeeping are included. It is customary to tip you Tour Manager and driver at the end of the tour.

What is the maximum group size?

Varies by tour.

Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

Yes, most likely. Our tours draw travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia, predominatly.

What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

Is the tour coach air conditioned.

Primarily, yes. All of the coaches used must meet rigourous safety and cleanliness standards.

Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

We can accommodate children as young as 5 years old, provided they are traveling / rooming with a parent or legal guardian.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, with few exception.

Are vaccinations required for this tour?

Effective immediately and until further notice, all guests will be required to bring one of the following: proof of vaccination (official vaccination certificate in paper or electronic form), proof of recovery from COVID-19 or a negative test result (FDA Approved diagnostic) for a test performed 72-hours or less from the start date of the tour with you on tour to verify information you will be pro

Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

Yes, you will receive full information within the weeks leading up to your departure.

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Varies by tour, but typically thjey are 4* / 4*+, and an occaissional 5*

Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

Yes. Baggage is limited to 1 checked bag and 1 carry per person.

Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

Yes, it varies by tour.

Are flights included in this tour?

Are airport transfers included in this tour.

No, unless you purchase and land and air package from Collette.

Do you require a visa for this holiday?

That will vary by country of residence and country destination.

Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

No, the fees associated with required Visa’s are an additional expense.

What currencies are required for this tour?

Local currency.

Book with Confidence

Low deposit.

Collette requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of collette charges.

Up to 300 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & secure.

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100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.

The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.

No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

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Experience the Mediterranean Life

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Expertly Designed

We get it. You’re not the homebody type. We aren’t either. Your passion, needs, and desires have shaped our business. Destination experts hand-craft transformative experiences designed specifically with you – our fellow traveler – at heart. We wouldn't trust your experience with anyone else.

Guided Touring Reimagined

We know you want to explore and also dive in. We’re curious travelers, just like you, so rest assured, you’ll experience must-sees and connect with the people and culture that define the destination. You’ll eat in locals’ homes, take cooking classes, travel by trains and tuk tuks, explore cities with food tours, and stay in igloos, castles, and chateaus.

Value Beyond Price

Your time is one of your most precious commodities, so you should spend more of it in the destination, not driving between places. We design tours that spend the fewest hours on the coach. One-night stays are a rarity. This is your trip, and you shouldn’t feel rushed. With choice, flexibility, and free time, take it all in – this is your tour.

Confidently Collette

Travel with trust. Because this is your trip - something you've planned for and dreamed about. You should feel confident in your journey every step of the way.

Industry-Leading Travel Protection

Cancel for any reason (bad hair day applies) up to 24 hours before your tour leaves and get a full money-back refund. Collette issued a record-breaking $185 million cash back to travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experience & Expertise

We've been doing this for a long time. Since 1918, in fact. Collette is the most experienced and longest-running tour operator in North America. You choose...

Traveling Well

Our team is on the pulse of world events and protocols, so you are kept fully aware and feel well-prepared for your trip.

Service Rating

Independent

Why Guided Travel

You're a traveler with places to go. We'll take care of the details. You embrace the journey.

Social Connections

Meet a group of people who share your love of travel. Learn from locals. Forge friendships in the coolest places.

Independence

There's plenty of time built into our itineraries, plus optional tours, Choice on Tour excursions, and more. It's your trip, your way.

Expertly Planned

You know what you want to see and do - let a team of experts handle all the details from the must-sees to centrally-located accommodations and local lessons.

The Best Pacing

Don’t rush – this is your time to see the world. Get more time in the destination, and enjoy an ideal balance of included excursions and free time.

Our Best Moments

When you go, capture all those incredible moments, and use the hashtag #GoCollette so that we can share your joy!

Featured Tours

Collette travelers choose from 160 tours across all 7 continents, as well as 5 travel styles including small group touring and destination spotlights. Check out some trending tours for inspiration on your next adventure.

Explorations

Alaska's Northern Lights

African Safari: Kenya and Tanzania

Tuscan & Umbrian Countryside featuring Italy's Charming Hill Towns

Winter in Croatia featuring Plitvice Lakes and the Adriatic Coast

$2,699 pp* $2,999 pp.

Costa Rica: A World of Nature featuring Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano & Manuel Antonio National Park

$4,949 pp* $5,399 pp.

Icelandic Adventure

Mediterranean Coastal Journey Spain, France & Italy

Exploring South Africa, Victoria Falls & Botswana

The Best of Ireland featuring the Wild Atlantic Way

$3,299 pp* $3,699 pp, historical greenbrier featuring washington d.c. & williamsburg, $2,199 pp* $2,499 pp, spotlight on northern italy featuring venice, verona & the dolomites.

Spain's Costa del Sol & Madrid

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Shades of Ireland

This trip not available.

Enjoy a hearty dinner and night of traditional Irish entertainment.
Taste the "water of life" during an Irish whiskey tasting.
Be treated to a farewell dinner at a castle!
Overnight on the grounds of a regal castle.
Experience the Ring of Kerry, one of the world's great coastal roads.
See sheepdogs in action when you visit a working farm.
Jump into Ireland's vibrant capital city — Dublin.
Stand in awe of the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher.
Kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

What's this trip about?

Destinations, attractions, popular trips.

Shades of Ireland - 2024

Unforgettable Ireland - 2024

Best of Ireland

Play & Pause: Britain & Ireland 2024-25

Ireland Uncovered

Get a taste of old Dublin. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.

Today, it’s your choice! Choose to ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the General Post Office, and the historic Phoenix Park -OR- choose a walking tour of the city’s historic center, exploring St. Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street, and the River Liffey. Either way, what follows is an afternoon to discover Dublin’s charms on your own.

Start your day with a traditional jaunting car ride* through Killarney National Park. Travel to Adare, Ireland’s prettiest village, for some time at leisure. Continue to Limerick, where a panoramic city tour showcases King John's Castle and the Treaty Stone. Delve into the fascinating history of the "city of the violated treaty."

Today brings you to the dramatic, 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher for cinematic views of the mighty Atlantic. Pass through the windswept, limestone landscape of the Burren, known for its stark beauty and Neolithic tombs. Continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases “The City of Tribes” before relaxing over dinner.

Your journey ends in Kingscourt.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

Other collette reviews, it was a wonderful trip and experience.

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

See all Other Collette reviews

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Tour operator.

True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our commitment to your well-being and enjoyment.

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience .

Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently, what's excluded.

The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.

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Focus on Ireland (Summer, Classic)

Britain and Ireland Panorama

Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney National Park

Castles and Kingdoms

Great Britain and Ireland (Winter 2024 - 2025, Until March 2025)

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