February 16, 2010

New 8-Day Tour Combines Dublin With Ireland's Southwest Coast

For a mix of city style and country charm in one value-packed vacation, CIE Tours International has launched the 8-day/6-night Southern Gems escorted tour, priced from $1,178 for land-only or from $1,758 with airfare from NY-JFK.

Featuring the highlights of the East with the Southwest of Ireland, this new tour blends the big city dynamism of Dublin with the relaxing ambiance of three picturesque and historic small towns - Kinsale, Dingle and Ennis. Departures run weekly on Thursdays, April 15 through October 21.

Activities include a tour of Dublin with a local guide and an open-top bus tour, a visit with drink at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery, and a walking tour of Kinsale with a local guide.

Accommodations are at superior first class hotels in rooms with private bath for 6 nights at the following centrally located hotels or similar: Davenport Hotel, Dublin (2 nights); Trident Hotel, Kinsale (1 night); Skellig Hotel, Dingle (2 nights); Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis (1 night).

In addition, the price includes 5 dinners including dinner/traditional music at Taylor's Three Rock Pub in Dublin, and dinner/music at the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis; a welcome get-together drink; admissions/visits to Dublin Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre, the Rock of Cashel, Muckross House & Gardens, Blasket Experience, Gallarus Oratory, Flying Boat Museum, and the Cliffs of Moher; sightseeing via luxury motorcoach throughout the tour; services of a professional Irish driver/guide; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and porterage for one suitcase per person.

For full details, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

February 13, 2010

Take a Cue from Recent Movies & Give "Romantic Ireland" a Whirl

With recent movies like P.S. I Love You and Leap Year filmed in Ireland, it's logical that the Emerald Isle is linked with romantic settings - from sunsets over Galway Bay to beach walks on Dingle. To capture the moments, CIE Tours International is offering a Romantic Ireland vacation, a 9-day/7-night escorted trip, priced from $1,398 for land only or from $1,748 with airfare from New York-JFK. Departures start April 3, and run weekly on Saturdays, through November 20.

Ideal for a honeymoon or anniversary trip, this vacation focuses on the romantically scenic south and west coasts of Ireland, starting and ending in Dublin, and visiting Galway, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, Bantry, Blarney, and Cashel.

Designed with traveling twosomes in mind, the itinerary stays in romantic old world deluxe hotels, with candlelight dinners or pub and restaurant meals/music, and includes activities such as a catamaran cruise on Killary Harbor, horse-drawn jaunting car ride, ferry ride across the Shannon River, and kissing the Blarney Stone.

The price covers deluxe and superior first class hotel accommodations in rooms with private bath for 7 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; 6 dinners including award-winning Killeen House restaurant in Killarney, and dinner with entertainment at the Abbey Tavern in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; full sightseeing program with professional Irish tour director; admissions to The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, Blasket Centre, Bantry House & Gardens, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills and the Rock of Cashel; and all taxes and service charges. A 10-day tour with an extra day/night in Dublin is also available.

For full details, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

January 29, 2010

Indulge in an "Emerald Supreme" Tour for Irish Luxury Travel, Award Winning Hotels, Unique Experiences & More

CIE Tours International has launched three new luxury escorted tours of Ireland, led by a 14-day Emerald Supreme escorted trip that features top deluxe and castle hotels including Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle. Ideal for a honeymoon, wedding anniversary or a family celebration vacation, the new tours emphasize luxury, unique experiences, personalized attention, and exclusivity with capacity limited to 26 persons per tour.

The Emerald Supreme has just nine departures, April 1 through November 25. Prices start at $3,798 for land only or from $4,378 with airfare. The other two tours, designed for travelers who have less time or a tighter budget, are shorter versions of the same itinerary - the 7- or 9-day Southern Supreme and the 9-day Northern Supreme.

The 14-day itinerary, which starts and ends in Dublin, explores the whole island of Ireland including Cashel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Galway, Connemara, Cong, Drumcliff, Donegal, Derry, Antrim Coast, Belfast and Downpatrick.

The crux of this vacation is the selection of all prestigious award-winning hotels and castles: Merrion Hotel, Dublin (first 2 nights and final night); Killarney Park Hotel (2 nights); Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus (1 night); Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong (2 nights); Harvey's Point Hotel, Donegal (2 nights); and Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle (2 nights). These hotels pamper guests with state-of-the-art spas and leisure centres; and Dromoland, Ashford and Slieve Donard provide golfing opportunities at their own championship golf courses. Men can devote as much time as they want to play golf at a leisurely pace and women can relax in the spa - or vice versa.

Unique experiences on this itinerary include a performance at the Abbey Theatre, national theatre of Ireland, or the legendary Gate Theatre; and dining at gourmet castles and epicurean restaurants such as Killeen House in Killarney as well as a private dinner with local entertainment and Irish dancing at Burke's Pub in Clonbur, Co. Galway, and a farewell dinner at the Loft restaurant in Dublin with a traditional show at the Abbey Tavern.

In addition to deluxe accommodations and 11 superb dinners, the price covers 12 full Irish breakfasts; lunch at the legendary Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast; walking tours with local guides of Georgian Dublin, Ennis and Derry, and a "Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong; ferry rides across the River Shannon and Strangford Lough; catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord with Irish coffee; and admissions to over a dozen esteemed attractions including the National Gallery, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery, Museum of Country Life, the Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek Pottery Factory, Giant's Causeway, Mount Stewart House & Gardens; Battle of the Boyne Centre; and more.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

January 28, 2010

Start Spring with a Bargain - A Week in Ireland From $398

Plan a money-saving visit to Ireland, one of Europe's friendliest countries, on a CIE Tours International self-drive vacation. Prices for two people traveling together start at $398 plus airfare for travel in February or from $460 in March-April plus airfare. And many airlines are running airfare sales right now. Prices for four people traveling together start even lower at $363.

Travelers pick up a self-drive current standard shift model car from Hertz at Shannon or Dublin Airports - and then create an itinerary at their own pace with unlimited mileage - take to the open road, meet the people, and explore the highways and byways. Arrangements are for a minimum of six days/six nights, but can be for longer. The price includes collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection (TP) insurance, as well as government tax (VAT).

The package also provides open vouchers for six nights' accommodations at a choice of over 1,100 friendly B&B homes. A room with private bathroom (at no extra cost) is provided at each home, as well as a full Irish breakfast, service charges and all taxes. At B&Bs, "customers" are truly "guests" - B&Bs owners help their guests find the most interesting local tourist attractions and amenities, as well as the greatest restaurants in town and the liveliest pubs. B&Bs can be pre-booked each night on a complimentary basis on the B&B Ireland web site.

In addition to car and accommodations, the price includes many added-value extras such as a copy of the Definitive Irish Bed & Breakfast Guide; a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per car); and a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 2-for-1 admissions to attractions.

To suit every taste, CIE Tours is offering a number of other self-drive packages with pre-booked hotels so that travelers can "mix and match" to create their perfect vacation. The hotels, which range from first class to 5-star castles and manor houses, can be interspersed with B&Bs. For instance, travelers can upgrade to Ashford Castle for as little as $68 per person per night.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

January 26, 2010

"Taste of Ireland" 6-Day Tour from $698 - for Hotels, Meals, Sightseeing, Music & More

The price is right for a trip to Ireland in 2010. CIE Tours International is offering a six-day "Taste of Ireland" fully escorted tour, priced from $698 for land-only or from $1,038 including roundtrip flights via Aer Lingus from New York-JFK. Departure dates are slated from February 13th through December 4th.

Ideal for the traveler who wants to experience a "taste" of the Emerald Isle in a short time or on a tight budget, the itinerary presents the highlights of southern Ireland, starting in Dublin, and then to Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty.

The price provides superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath/shower for four nights; full Irish breakfast daily; four dinners including a medieval banquet and entertainment at Bunratty Castle and a dinner/traditional entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; Dublin tour with local guide; sheepdog trials on the Ring of Kerry; ferry ride across the Shannon River; admissions to Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Skellig Experience, Muckross Gardens and Cliffs of Moher; fully escorted sightseeing via luxury motorcoach; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

Accommodations are at these three hotels or similar: Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin (one night); Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre (two nights); and Bunratty Castle Hotel Hotel, Bunratty (one night).

Longer 5-night and 6-night versions of this vacation are also available with one or two more nights in Dublin plus an open top bus tour of Dublin and visit to the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens.

For full information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

January 19, 2010

BOOK A SUMMER TRIP TO IRELAND OR BRITAIN & SAVE $300 WITH CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

To encourage travelers to forget the winter and look forward to summer, CIE Tours International has extended its early bird discount of $300 per couple ($150 per person) until February 4th for escorted tours to Ireland or Britain.

To be eligible for the $300 discount, travelers must book a motorcoach tour of 9 days/7 nights or longer, for travel to Ireland or Britain May through August, together with roundtrip flights on Aer Lingus from NY, Chicago, Boston or Orlando.

For those who prefer to travel earlier in the year, a $150 discount ($75 per person) is available during the months of March and April for escorted tours to Ireland or Britain of 9 days/7 nights or longer with Aer Lingus airfare from the same gateways.

As a bonus, travelers can also upgrade to Aer Lingus Business Class service for an additional $450 each way.

For travelers who prefer an alternate airfare or airline, CIE Tours also is offering a $50 per booking land discount ($25 per person) for any escorted coach tour to Ireland or Britain of 9 days/7 nights or longer in duration, departing anytime in 2010.

To avail of the discounts, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International by phone at 800-CIE-TOUR or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional codes: 020419EI150 for the May-August $300 ($150 per person) discount; 020410EI75 for the March-April $150 ($75 per person) discount; or 020410EBD for the year-round land-only $50 ($25 per person) discount.

These offers apply to new bookings only, and are not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Discounts may be revised at any time and expire on February 4, 2010.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR (1-800-243-8687); e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

December 11, 2009

55+ Travelers Qualify for $200 Per Couple Discounts On 2010 Vacations to Ireland and Britain

Travelers aged 55 and over can save $200 per couple (or $100 per person) on more than 80 escorted vacation departures to Ireland & Britain in 2010 by booking with CIE Tours International.

For example, the $100 discount is valid on eight departures of CIE's Irish Odyssey, a fully escorted 13-day vacation that covers the coastal circuit of Ireland, regularly priced from $1,668 for land-only or from $2,078 including airfare from New York. The mature traveler discount applies to departures on March 11, April 1, May 13, July 1, August 26, September 30, October 28 and November 18.

Conducted at a leisurely pace, with many two-night hotel stays including a night at a castle, the itinerary provides a kaleidoscope of the most scenic parts of Ireland, starting at Dublin, and taking in 6th century Cashel, Blarney, Cork, Bantry, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Foynes, Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Cong, Knock, Sligo, Belleek, Derry, Giant's Causeway, Omagh, and Cavan.

The price covers superior first class hotel rooms with private bath for 11 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; nine dinners including dinner with traditional Irish entertainment in Dublin, and farewell dinner with music at Cabra Castle; welcome get-together drink; tour of Dublin with local guide; "Titanic" walking tour of Cobh and "Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong; walking tours of Derry and Ulster American Folk Park; fully escorted sightseeing tour via luxury motorcoach including admission fees to over a dozen attractions; service charges, baggage handling, and taxes.

In addition, the $100 discounts are also offered on seven departures of the 10-day Irish Legends tour; eight departures of the 13-day Irish Classic tour; nine departures of 11-day Irish Explorer; five departures of the 13-day Irish Tradition; seven departures of the 15-day Jewels of Ireland tour; and seven departures of the 10-day Northern Gems tour. For combination tours of Ireland and Britain or Scotland only, the discount applies to seven departures of the 11- or 12-day Taste of Scotland & Ireland; four departures of the 12-day Scots Irish Tour; six departures of the 14- or 15-day Scottish & Irish Dream; seven departures each for the 15-day British & Irish Voyager; four departures of the 15-day British & Irish Grandeur; and four departures of the 12-day Scottish Isles & Glens.

Early booking is essential, since discounts are limited to the first 15 seats requested for each date. Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

December 4, 2009

BOOK A TRIP TO IRELAND OR BRITAIN FOR 2010 & SAVE $300 WITH CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Book a summer 2010 escorted tour to Ireland or Britain before December 31st and save $300 per couple ($150 per person) with CIE Tours International.

To be eligible for the $300 discount, travelers must book a motorcoach tour of 9 days/7 nights or longer, for travel to Ireland or Britain May through August, together with roundtrip flights on Aer Lingus from NY, Chicago, Boston or Orlando.

For those who prefer to travel earlier in the year, a $150 discount ($75 per person) is available during the months of March and April for escorted tours to Ireland or Britain of 9 days/7 nights or longer with Aer Lingus airfare from the same gateways.

For travelers who prefer an alternate airfare, CIE Tours also is offering a $100 per booking land discount ($50 per person) for any escorted coach tour to Ireland or Britain of 9 days/7 nights or longer in duration, departing anytime in 2010.

To avail of the discounts, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International by phone at 800-CIE-TOUR or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional codes: 123109EI150 for the May-August $300 discount; 123109EI75 for the March-April $150 discount; or 123109EBD for the year-round land-only $100 discount.

These offers apply to new bookings only, and are not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Discounts may be revised at any time and expire on December 31st, 2009.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

November 16, 2009

BOOK A TRIP TO IRELAND OR BRITAIN FOR 2010 & SAVE $400 WITH CIE TOURS INTERNATIONAL

Book a summer 2010 escorted tour to Ireland or Britain before November 30 and save $400 per couple ($200 per person) with CIE Tours International.

To be eligible for the $400 discount, travelers must book a motorcoach tour of 9 days/7 nights or longer, for travel May through August, together with roundtrip flights on Aer Lingus. This offer applies on all bookings made by November 30.

For those who prefer to travel earlier in the year, a $200 discount ($100 per person) is available during the months of March and April for travelers booking an escorted tour of 9 days/7 nights or longer with Aer Lingus airfare.

To avail of the discounts, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional codes: 113009EI200 for the May-August $400 discount; or 113009EI100 for the March-April $200 discount.

These offers apply to new bookings only, and are not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Discounts may be revised at any time and expire on November 30, 2009.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

October 6, 2009

Be an "Early Bird" for 2010 Travel - Save 5% On Tours of Ireland or Britain

Make a reservation on any 2010 escorted coach tour of Ireland or Britain with CIE Tours International and get an "booking discount"of 5% off the land cost. To qualify, tours must be 9 days/7 nights or longer in duration and bookings must be made by October 31st.

The 2010 program includes 28 top quality escorted coach tours with itineraries of 9 days or more in duration including two new deluxe tours. These tours, which have all been enhanced for 2010, feature overnight stays at 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels, and are fully inclusive, with no optional extras. Prices start at $1,025 for the 9-day/7-night/12-meal "Irish Spirit" escorted vacation.

To obtain the discount, travelers must book an eligible tour by October 31st. To book, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional code: 103109EBD.

The discounts are valid for travel at any time throughout 2010. This offer applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

September 21, 2009

Irish Luxury Travel is the Keynote of New "Emerald Supreme" Tour

For the trip of a lifetime to Ireland in 2010, CIE Tours International is launching a new 14-day Emerald Supreme escorted vacation featuring Ireland's top deluxe and castle hotels including Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle. Emphasizing exclusivity, unique experiences, and personalized attention, there will be just nine departures, starting April 1 and running through November 11, and capacity is limited to 26 persons per tour. Prices start at $3,898 for land only or from $4,478 with airfare.

The itinerary, which starts and ends in Dublin, explores the whole island of Ireland including Cashel, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Galway, Connemara, Cong, Drumcliff, Donegal, Derry, Giant's Causeway, Antrim Coast, Belfast and Downpatrick.

Activities and experiences include a Dublin open-top bus tour; visit and drink at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery; walking tours of Georgian Dublin, Ennis and Derry with local guides; Abbey Theatre performance; farmhouse tea and scones with sheepdog display; ferry rides across the River Shannon and Strangford Lough; catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord with Irish coffee; "Quiet Man' walking tour of Cong; excursion to the Slieve League Cliffs followed by home-baked scones with coffee/tea; and tour of Belfast with local guide.

The crux of this vacation is the selection of deluxe accommodations: Merrion Hotel, Dublin (first 2 nights and final night); Killarney Park Hotel (2 nights); Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus (1 night); Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong (2 nights); Harvey's Point Hotel, Donegal (2 nights); and Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle (2 nights).

In addition to accommodations, the price covers 12 full Irish breakfasts; 11 dinners including unique restaurant and castle dinners; lunch at the Crown Liquor Saloon; welcome get-together drink; sightseeing program via luxury coach with professional Irish driver/guide; admissions to National Gallery, The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Rock of Cashel, Skellig Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Friary, Museum of Country Life, W. B. Yeats' Grave, Belleek Pottery Factory, Triona Design, Giant's Causeway, Down Cathedral, Mount Stewart House & Gardens and Battle of the Boyne Centre; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, and luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges; tips, and more.

Contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

August 31, 2009

Late-Season Savings: "Irish Spirit" Self-Drive Vacation with Pre-Booked Hotels from $799 Including Airfare

Like autumn leaves, travel prices to Ireland tumble in November and December. CIE Tours is offering the "Irish Spirit" trip, an 8-day/6-night independent self-drive vacation at a special discounted price of $799 per person including airfare from JFK/New York, for departures on November 21 or December 5. This reduced price includes a $76 discount.

Take to the open road, meet the people, and explore Ireland, one of Europe's friendliest countries. The itinerary starts with arrival at Dublin Airport and a day devoted to exploring the Irish capital including tickets for a hop-on/hop-off bus tour and admission to the Guinness Storehouse and a free pint. On the second day, travelers pick up a Hertz economy self-drive car downtown and then embark on a tour into the countryside with unlimited mileage, following a pre-arranged route to Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and then on to Galway and Connemara before ending for the last night at Dublin. The package provides a scenic itinerary to follow with discounted admissions to attractions along the way.

In addition to airfare and rental car with NeverLost navigation system, the vacation includes coach transfer from Dublin Airport to a Dublin hotel, pre-booked stays at first class hotels with private bath for six nights, full breakfast daily, hotel service charges and local taxes, collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), third party insurance, and government tax (VAT) on rental car.

Passengers receive a copy of a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per room); and a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 50% discounts to attractions.

To obtain the discounted price, book using the promotional code: 76SPIRIT. Other dates and gateways are available at slightly higher prices. Offer applies to new bookings, is not valid for group travel or with other CIE Tours promotions, and must be booked by September 30th.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

August 28, 2009

Book in September for 2010 Travel to Ireland or Britain - and Save 10%

Make a reservation on any 2010 escorted vacation to Ireland or Britain with CIE Tours International before September 30th and save 10% off the land cost.

The 2010 program includes 23 top quality escorted coach tours with itineraries of 6 to 15 days in duration including two new deluxe tours. These tours, which have all been enhanced for 2010, feature overnight stays at 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels, and are fully inclusive, with no optional extras. Prices start at $698 for a 6-day/4-night/8-meal escorted vacation.

To obtain the discount, travelers must book a motorcoach tour, together with flights or travel insurance, before September 30. To book, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional code: 093009EBD.

The discounts are valid for travel at any time throughout 2010. This offer applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

August 6, 2009

New "Southern Gem" Tour Combines Dublin Stay with Ireland's Southwest - 8 days/6 nights/11 meals from $1,178

In a sneak preview of its 2010 Ireland vacations, CIE Tours International has unveiled a new "Southern Gem" escorted tour, priced from $1,178 plus airfare. The tour focuses on the highlights of Ireland's East and Southwest, combining the big city dynamism of Dublin with the relaxed ambiance of three picturesque small towns - Kinsale, Dingle and Ennis - all favored by the Irish themselves.

The itinerary, which starts in Dublin and ends at Shannon, also takes in Glendalough, Cashel, Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, Foynes and the Cliffs of Moher. Departures begin April 15th and run weekly on Thursdays.

Activities include a tour of Dublin with a local guide and an open-top bus tour, a visit with drink at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery, walking tour of Kinsale, as well as visits/admissions to Dublin Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Rock of Cashel, Muckross House & Gardens, the Blasket Experience, Gallarus Oratory, and the Flying Boat Museum.

The price includes accommodations at superior first class hotels for 6 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; 5 dinners including dinner with traditional Irish entertainment at a Dublin pub and dinner with music in Ennis; welcome get-together drink; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and porterage for one suitcase per person.

Hotels, all centrally located, include the Davenport in Dublin (2 nights); Trident in Kinsale (1 night); Skellig in Dingle (2 nights); and the Temple Gate in Ennis (1 night).

For full details, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. 1-800-CIE-TOUR or 1-800-243-8687, or visit www.cietours.com.

August 3, 2009

Travel on an "Irish Fling" Tour Around Ireland And Get a $300 Discount Per Couple

Take a 7-day "Irish Fling" fully escorted tour around the Emerald Isle this Fall and see the top sights at an affordable price, from $898 per person plus airfare. And here's the best part - book by August 17th, and save up to $300 per couple ($150 per person). The discount applies to departures from now through November 12.

The itinerary visits all the most popular places in Ireland such as Bunratty, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Kenmare, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Dublin. For travelers with more time, a longer 9-day version of this tour, adding two extra nights in Dublin, is also eligible for this discount.

The price provides superior first class hotel accommodations with private bath for five nights including the final night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, a luxury property near Dublin; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle and a farewell dinner at Dunboyne Castle Hotel; welcome get-together drink; walking tour of Waterford with local guide; horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; fully escorted sightseeing tour with admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Flying Boat Museum, Muckross Gardens, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh Heritage Centre, Jerpoint Abbey, and Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; and all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

To be eligible for the discount, travelers must book the tour together with either travel insurance or flights - and there are many low airfares available now for Fall travel. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time.

To avail of the discount, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional code: 081709FLING. Offer expires on August 17, 2009.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR (1-800-243-8687); e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

June 4, 2009

Plan Now for Fall Travel & Save - One Week Ireland Vacation with Airfare, Self-Drive Car, Pre-Booked Hotels & More from $799

Book now and save later, with a CIE Tours International's West of Ireland self-drive vacation in November or December. Take to the open road, meet the people, and explore Ireland, one of Europe's friendliest countries. If booked by June 30, the prices start from $799 including airfare from New York. Other dates are available at slightly higher prices.

The itinerary starts with arrival at Shannon Airport and pick-up of a Hertz economy standard rental car with unlimited mileage. The first two days are devoted to exploring Galway, the "capital" of the West, along with the scenic Connemara region, a place that epitomizes "the real Ireland." For the next three days, head south along the Co. Clare Coast, setting for the Cliffs of Moher, to Killarney and Cork with a choice of hotels in Killarney, Cork City, or Kinsale. The final day and night are spent in the Shannon area, with a choice of accommodations in Bunratty or Limerick City. The package provides a scenic itinerary to follow with discounted admissions to attractions along the way.

In addition to airfare and rental car, the vacation includes pre-booked stays at first class hotels with private bath/shower for six nights, full Irish breakfast daily, hotel service charges and local taxes, third party insurance, and government tax (VAT) on rental car. Discounted rates of up to 30% are also available for the purchase of collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP) at the time of booking.

Passengers receive a copy of a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per room); and a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 50% discounts to attractions.

The $799 price per person reflects a special $150 per couple discount ($75 per person) and must be booked by June 30. Use discount code 063009WOI. This offer is valid for new bookings only and may be revised at any time. It is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

May 6, 2009

Plan Now for Fall Travel & Save - One Week Irish Spirit Self-Drive Vacation with Pre-Booked Hotels from $699 Including Airfare

Book now and save later, with a CIE Tours Irish Spirit pre-booked self-drive vacation in November. Take to the open road, meet the people, and explore Ireland, one of Europe's friendliest countries. If booked by May 31, the prices start from $699 including roundtrip airfare from New York for departure dates of November 12, 19, 21 and 26. Other dates are available at slightly higher prices.

The itinerary starts with arrival at Dublin Airport and two days devoted to exploring the Irish capital including tickets for a hop-on/hop-off bus tour and admission to the Guinness Storehouse and a free pint. On the third day, travelers pick up a Hertz economy self-drive car downtown and then embark on a tour into the countryside with unlimited mileage, following a pre-arranged route to Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula, and then on to Galway and Connemara before ending for the last night at Dublin. The package provides a scenic itinerary to follow with discounted admissions to attractions along the way.

In addition to airfare and rental car with NeverLost navigation system, the vacation includes coach transfer from Dublin Airport to a Dublin hotel, pre-booked stays at first class hotels with private bath for six nights, full breakfast daily, hotel service charges and local taxes, collision damage waiver (CDW), theft protection (TP), third party insurance, and government tax (VAT) on rental car.

Passengers receive a copy of a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per room); and a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 50% discounts to attractions.

For those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else, this vacation is also available via a chauffeur-driven minibus, ideal for parties of two to twelve people.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

May 4, 2009

Book Now for a Fall Travel Bargain: 6-Day "Taste of Ireland" Tour - From $998 Including Airfare, Hotels, Meals & More

For bookings made before May 31st, CIE Tours International is offering a six-day Taste of Ireland trip, a fully escorted tour, priced from $998 including roundtrip airfare from New York-JFK. Departure dates at this special "early bird" price are slated for November 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. This tour also departs three times per week in October, priced from $1,050 and the rest of the year at slightly higher prices.

Ideal for the traveler who wants to experience a "taste" of the Emerald Isle in a short time or on a tight budget, the itinerary presents the sightseeing highlights of southern Ireland, starting in Dublin, and then to Cashel, Blarney to kiss the famous stone, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty.

The price provides superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath/shower for four nights; full Irish breakfasts daily; four dinners including a medieval banquet and entertainment at Bunratty Castle and a dinner/traditional entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; Dublin sightseeing tour with local guide; ferry ride across the Shannon River; visits and admissions to Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle and Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Muckross Gardens and the Cliffs of Moher; fully escorted sightseeing via luxury motorcoach; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; and all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

Accommodations are at these three hotels or similar: Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin (one night); Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre (two nights); and Bunratty Castle Hotel Hotel, Bunratty (one night).

For full information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

April 16, 2009

Be an "Early Bird" for Fall Travel to Italy - And Save up to $800 per Couple

Travelers who book a Fall departure of CIE Tours International's Italian Classic, an 8-day/6-night/9 meal escorted tour, can get a discount of up to $800 per couple ($400 per person), if booked before May 14th. Before applying the discount, the price starts at $1,698 per person for land-only. CIE Tours can also arrange low airfares such as a $522 roundtrip fare via British Airways from New York.

This tour stays at 4-star hotels and covers all the must-see destinations including Venice, Verona, Florence, the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, Rome and the Vatican. The $800 per couple ($400 per person) discount applies for departures on September 5 and 19, and October 3 and 17. For departures on November 7 and 21, the discount is $680 per couple ($340 per person).

Activities on the itinerary include: half-day walking tours in Venice and Florence with local guides; glass-blowing demonstration in Venice; tour and tasting at Lungarotti Vineyards at Torgiano; panoramic tour of Rome with photo stop at the Colosseum; guided tour of the Vatican Museums with the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica; and visits and admissions to Basilica San Marco, Doges' Palace, and Academy of Fine Arts.

In addition, CIE Tours is offering discounts from $800 per couple ($400 per person) on its Italian & Sicilian Classic, a 14-day/12 night/20 meal escorted tour; or discounts from $500 per couple ($250 per person) on the Sicilian Spirit, a 8-day/6 night/11 meal tour.

To obtain the discount, tours must be booked by May 14th, together with flights or travel insurance. Discounts apply to new bookings only, are not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion, and certain restrictions apply. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. To book, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 051509SNA400 for departures on September 5 and 19, October 3 and 17; and code 051509SNA340 for the November 7 and 21 departures.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

April 9, 2009

Save $1,000 on 2009 CIE Tours European River Cruises

Travel savings for 2009 keep getting better. For instance, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $1,000 per cabin ($500 per person) on selected departures of Europe's popular river cruises, exploring the waters of the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, and Main rivers. For those traveling solo, the single supplement will be waived in lieu of a discount.

Leading the list of over a half-dozen different cruise itineraries is The Legendary Danube, a 12-day/10-night cruise that starts with three nights in Prague, followed by a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg, and priced from $2,559 for land only before the discount. Eligible departures in 2009 include July 6, 13 and 26, August 10 and 24, and November 9.

The itinerary, which includes all meals on board the ship, meanders through medieval Regensburg, Passau or Salzburg, Linz, Melk, Vienna, and ends at Budapest.

Highlights include folklore dances, lectures, theme dinners, on board music performances, afternoon and evening piano music, and use of bicycles to explore local areas, as well as crossing the Continental Divide, a Benedictine Abbey Tour in Melk, the Main/Danube Canal, Wachau Valley cruise, an optional excursion to Salzburg.

To qualify for the discount, reservations must be made by April 30. Discounts are valid for new reservations only, subject to availability, not combinable with other offers and certain restrictions apply.

All cruises provide deluxe accommodations, full breakfasts, dinners and lunches on board ships, quality wines with dinners, cocktail reception on first night, sightseeing activities as outlined in itineraries, and onboard amenities such as fitness center, massage and beauty salon.

For information, contact CIE Tours at 800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

April 8, 2009

Embark on a 9-Day "Irish Adventure" - 1st Class Hotels, 13 Meals, Sightseeing, Entertainment and A Discount

Here's a "real deal" for Summer/Fall travel. CIE Tours International is offering a $150 per room discount (or $75 per person) on a fully escorted nine-day "Irish Adventure" tour, if booked before the end of April. The regular price starts at $1,158 plus airfare, but with the discount it starts at $1,083. Departures run at least weekly through December 6th.

Following a coastal route around the island of Ireland, this tour visits Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway, Knock, Sligo, Donegal, Derry, Omagh, and back to Dublin.

Activities include a Dublin sightseeing tour with a local guide, walking tours of Waterford and Derry with local guides, and a ferry ride across the Shannon River, as well as admissions to The Book of Kells at Trinity College, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Muckross Gardens, Cliffs of Moher, Knock Shirne, W.B. Yeats' Grave, and the Ulster American Folk Park.

The price includes first class hotel accommodations with private bath for seven nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; and six dinners including a dinner/music evening at the Abbey Tavern; fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, and luggage tags and luggage strap. This tour is also available as a 10-day/8-night/14-meal vacation, with an extra night in Dublin, open-top bus tour and Guinness visit, priced from $128 to $148 extra.

To get the discount, book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. There are great deals available on airfares to Ireland and CIE Tours will search for the best possible rate when booking the coach tour. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires April 30, 2009. To book, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 043009SPRING.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

April 6, 2009

Experience "Irish Heritage" And Get a Discount, Too

From now through April 30th, CIE Tours International is offering a $150 per room discount (or $75 per person) on all 2009 departures of its most popular escorted vacation - the 9-day "Irish Heritage" tour. Normally sold from $1,476 per person, the price will start at $1,401, plus airfare. Departures of this tour run weekly on Fridays through November 20th.

Appealing to Americans of every lineage, this tour focuses on the scenic highlights of the south of Ireland including the Cliffs of Moher, Shannon River Estuary, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney and the port of Cobh, as well as the cities of Dublin, Waterford, and Kilkenny.

Activities include a ferry ride across the Shannon river, an historical presentation on Waterford City; the Essence of Kerry AV show; and admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Cobh Heritage Centre, Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross House & Gardens, Waterford Crystal Factory, and The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

The price covers deluxe and superior first class rooms at charming hotels for six nights with private bath/shower, full Irish breakfasts each day, five dinners including a medieval banquet at a 15th century Irish castle and dinner with traditional entertainment at a Dublin pub; welcome get-together drink, fully escorted sightseeing program, all baggage handling, government taxes, and hotel service charges. This tour can also be extended by an extra day to visit Galway, Connemara, and Clonmacnoise, for an additional fee starting at $148 per person.

To be eligible for the discount, book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. There are great deals available on airfares to Ireland and CIE Tours will search for the best possible rate when booking the coach tour.

The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires April 30, 2009. To book, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 043009SPRING.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours, tel. toll free 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com

March 10, 2009

Launch Into Spring with $200 Discounts On Escorted Tours of England & Scotland

To jumpstart Spring, CIE Tours International is offering discounts of $200 per couple ($100 per person) for bookings made before March 31 on escorted tours of England and Scotland. This special offer applies to 15 different vacations of nine days or more including the popular English & Scottish Discovery, a trip that combines the panoramic vistas of the Scottish Highlands and the medieval mileposts of the English countryside, normally priced from $1,361 plus airfare. With the discount, the price starts at $1,261. And everything is included - hotels, meals, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and more.

The itinerary starts in London and then meanders into the most scenic parts of England including Woodstock, the Cotswolds, and the Lake District, before continuing on to Scotland to see Edinburgh, Stirling, Ballachulish, the Trossachs, Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Inveraray, and Glasgow.

Activities include a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond, walking tour of Chester, reserved seats for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (for August 13th departure); and admissions to the Tower of London, Blenheim Palace, Chester Cathedral, Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, and Kilmahog Woollen Mill.

The price provides superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath for seven nights; welcome get-together drink; breakfast daily (5 full breakfasts and 2 continentals); four dinners including a Scottish cabaret/dinner in Edinburgh; and a fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

To be eligible for the discount, travelers must book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires March 31, 2009. To book, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 033109SPRING.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

March 4, 2009

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With a $200 Discount on a Tour of Ireland

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day during the whole month of March, CIE Tours International is offering a discount of $200 per couple ($100 per person) off the 9-day "Irish Spirit" tour, normally priced from $1,044 plus airfare. With the discount, the price starts at $944. And everything is included - hotels, meals, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and more.

The price provides first class hotel accommodations with private bath for seven nights; welcome get-together drink; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including the Abbey Tavern dinner/entertainment in Dublin; and a fully escorted sightseeing program via luxury motorcoach with a professional Irish driver/guide; all local taxes, hotel service charges, and baggage handling; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and luggage strap.

Activities include a ferry ride across the Shannon River and a catamaran cruise on Killary Fjord, tour of Dublin with a local guide. Admission fees to leading attractions are also included - from The Book of Kells at Trinity College, to Rock of Cashel, Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross Gardens, Cliffs of Moher and Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, and Clonmacnoise.

Focusing on the main highlights of Ireland, this tour visits Dublin, Cashel, Blarney, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway and Connemara.

To be eligible for the discount, travelers must book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires March 31, 2009. To book, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the code 033109SPRING.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or online at www.cietours.com.

February 13, 2009

Take an "Irish Fling" Around Ireland And Get a $400 Discount Per Couple

Take a 7-day "Irish Fling" tour around the Emerald Isle and see the top sights at an affordable price, from $1,198 per person plus airfare. And here's the best part - book before St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, and save up to $400 per couple ($200 per person).

The $400 discount ($200 per person) applies to departures from May 5th to September 29th; the discount on all other dates will be $280 per couple or $140 per person.

The itinerary visits all the most popular places in Ireland such as Bunratty, the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Kenmare, Blarney, Cobh, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Dublin. For travelers with more time, a longer 9-day version of this tour, adding two extra nights in Dublin, is also eligible for this discount.

The price provides superior first class hotel accommodations with private bath for five nights including the final night at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, a luxury property near Dublin; full Irish breakfast daily; five dinners including a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle and a farewell dinner at Dunboyne Castle Hotel; welcome get-together drink; walking tour of Waterford with local guide; horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney; fully escorted sightseeing tour with admissions to the Cliffs of Moher, Flying Boat Museum, Muckross Gardens, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh Heritage Centre, Waterford Crystal Factory, and Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; and all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

To be eligible for the discount, travelers must book the tour together with either flights or travel insurance. The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. Seats are limited, and promotion may be revised at any time.

To avail of the discount for May 5th to September 29th departures, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional code: 09FLING. Check with CIE Tours for promotional code for other dates.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

February 11, 2009

Begin Spring with a Bargain - A Week in Ireland From $468

Ring in Spring with a visit to one of Europe's friendliest countries. Take to the open road, meet the people, and explore Ireland at your own pace on a CIE Tours International self-drive vacation, starting at $468 plus airfare for travel in March-April or from $516 in May-June plus airfare. And current airfares are 40-50% lower than at this time last year.

Travelers pick up a self-drive current standard shift model car from Hertz at Shannon or Dublin Airports - and then create their own itinerary at their own pace with unlimited mileage. Arrangements are for a minimum of six days/six nights, but can be for longer. Third party insurance and government tax (VAT) on the car rental are included in the price. CIE Tours also quotes rates for prepaid comprehensive car insurance, which delivers significant savings over buying insurance separately.

The package provides open vouchers for six nights' accommodations at a choice of over 1,100 friendly B&B homes. A room with private bathroom (at no extra cost) is provided at each home, as well as a full Irish breakfast, service charges and all taxes.

In addition to car and accommodations, the price includes many added-value extras such as a voucher for an open-top sightseeing bus tour of Dublin; admission to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin with a free pint; and admission to the Waterford Crystal Factory and tour with a 10% discount on purchases.

Passengers also receive a copy of the Definitive Irish Bed & Breakfast Guide; a 100-page Ireland guidebook with map (one per car); and a copy of Ireland at a Glimpse discount booklet, providing 2-for-1 admissions to attractions.

To suit every taste, CIE Tours is offering a number of other self-drive arrangements with pre-booked hotels so that travelers can "mix and match" to create their perfect vacation. The hotels, which range from first class to 5-star castles and manor houses, can be interspersed with B&Bs.

For more information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours International, toll-free at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

February 5, 2009

BOOK NOW FOR $200 DISCOUNTS ON TRAVEL TO IRELAND, BRITAIN OR EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES

For the month of February, CIE Tours international is offering discounts of $200 per couple ($100 per person) on 2009 vacations to Ireland, Scotland and England or European River Cruises.

In addition, CIE Tours has also just published the 2nd edition of its 2009 vacation program, with reduced prices on many vacations to Britain, Britain & Ireland and some tours to Ireland, thanks to the strengthening of the US dollar against the euro and British pound. These new lower prices are also shown on CIE Tours web site, www.cietours.com.

To be eligible for the $200 discount, travelers must book an escorted motorcoach tour of nine days or longer or a European River Cruise, for travel anytime in 2009, together with either flights or travel insurance.

The discount applies to new bookings only, and is not valid for group travel or with any other CIE Tours promotion. This promotion may be revised at any time. Offer expires on February 28th.

To avail of a discount, contact a travel agent or log on to CIE Tours International's web site, www.cietours.com, select a vacation with dates, and follow the screens. When prompted to insert a promotional discount, enter the applicable promotional code: 022809SPRING.

Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours International at 1-800-CIE-TOUR; e-mail: helpdesk@cietours.com; or visit www.cietours.com.

January 28, 2009

55+ Travelers Qualify for $200 Per Couple Discounts On 2009 Vacations to Ireland and Britain

Travelers aged 55 and over can save $200 per couple (or $100 per person) on more than 100 escorted vacation departures to Ireland & Britain in 2009 by booking with CIE Tours International.

For example, the $100 discount is valid on seven departures of CIE's Irish Odyssey, a fully escorted 12-day vacation that covers the coastal circuit of Ireland, regularly priced from $1,598 for land-only or from $1,982 including airfare from New York or Boston. The mature traveler discount applies to departures on March 26, May 3, June 4, July 2, August 13, September 3, and October 1.

Conducted at a leisurely pace, with many two-night hotel stays including a night at a castle, the itinerary provides a kaleidoscope of the most scenic parts of Ireland, starting at Dublin, and taking in 6th century Cashel, Blarney, Cork, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, Adare, Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Connemara, Knock, Sligo, Donegal, Derry, Giant's Causeway, Omagh, and Cavan.

The price covers superior and first class hotel rooms with private bath for 10 nights; full Irish breakfast daily; nine dinners including dinner with traditional Irish entertainment in Dublin, and farewell dinner with music at Cabra Castle; welcome get-together drink; tour of Dublin with local guide; "Titanic" walking tour of Cobh and walking tour of Derry; fully escorted sightseeing tour via luxury motorcoach including admission fees to 14 attractions; service charges, baggage handling, and taxes.

The $100 discounts are also offered on three departures of the 10-day Irish Legends tour; six departures of the 13-day Irish Classic tour; two departures of 10-day Irish Explorer; seven departures of 12-day Irish Odyssey; five departures of the 13-day Irish Tradition; and one departure each for the 10-day Irish Interlude, 9-day Mystical Ireland, and 7-day and 9-day Irish Fling. In addition, the discount applies to three departures of the 10-day British & Irish Delight; 15 departures of the 11- or 12-day Taste of Scotland & Ireland; four departures of the 11- or 12-day Scots Irish Tour; two departures of the 13-day Scottish & Irish Dream; six departures each for the 15-day British & Irish Voyager and the British & Irish Grandeur; nine departures of the Scottish Isles & Glens; two departures of the 6- or 7-day Taste of Scotland; seven departures for the 8-day Scottish Dream and four departures for the 9-day Scottish Dream; and one departure of the English & Scottish Discovery.

Early booking is essential, since discounts are limited to the first 15 seats requested for each date. Contact a travel agent or call CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or www.cietours.com.

January 26, 2009

Price is Right for 6-Day "Taste of Ireland" - From $698 Including Hotels, Meals & More

To get Ireland-bound travel off to a affordable start in 2009, CIE Tours International is offering a six-day Taste of Ireland trip, a fully escorted tour, priced from $698 for land-only or from $1,082 including roundtrip flights via Aer Lingus from New York-JFK or Boston. Departure dates are slated from February 28th through December 5th.

Ideal for the traveler who wants to experience a "taste" of the Emerald Isle in a short time or on a tight budget, the itinerary presents the sightseeing highlights of southern Ireland, starting in Dublin, and then to Cashel, Blarney to kiss the famous stone, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, and Bunratty.

The price provides superior and first class hotel accommodations with private bath/shower for four nights; full Irish breakfasts daily; four dinners including a medieval banquet and entertainment at Bunratty Castle and a dinner/traditional entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin; welcome get-together drink; Dublin sightseeing tour with local guide; ferry ride across the Shannon River; visits and admissions to Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle and Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Muckross Gardens and the Cliffs of Moher; fully escorted sightseeing via luxury motorcoach; deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags and strap; and all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage for one suitcase per person.

Accommodations are at these three hotels or similar: Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin (one night); Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre (two nights); and Bunratty Castle Hotel Hotel, Bunratty (one night).

For full information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.

January 22, 2009

Save up to $550 per week in Ireland & Britain By Avoiding Travel's Costly Hidden Extras

"Little things mean a lot" in travel as well as in life, according to CIE Tours International, a company that operates escorted vacations to Ireland, Scotland and England. While many tour companies expect customers to purchase optional hidden extras, such as dinner cabarets, castle banquets, walking tours and more, CIE Tours provides all the components of a tour in one inclusive price. These little things can add up to $550 per couple per week, based on an 8-day vacation for two people such as the Irish Heritage tour. That's a big saving if it had to be added to the tour's selling price from $1,328 for land-only or from $1,712 including airfare from NY.

Among the special features that are included, at no extra cost, in the Irish Heritage vacation are: a medieval banquet and entertainment at a 15th century castle; dinner with traditional music show at the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin; tour of Dublin via open-top bus; tour/tasting at Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery; tour of the Waterford Crystal Factory; and admissions to attractions such as The Book of Kells at Trinity College, the Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, and Cobh Heritage Centre.

Guaranteed departures are slated throughout the year from May 13th to November 20th.

Because CIE Tours does not sell options on tour, guides/tour directors can focus on showing the highlights of the Emerald Isle. The Irish Heritage itinerary takes in the Clare coast and the Cliffs of Moher, Shannon River Estuary, Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, Blarney and the port of Cobh, as well as the cities of Dublin, Waterford, and Kilkenny.

The price also covers superior first class hotel accommodations for six nights with private bath/shower, full Irish breakfast each day, five dinners, welcome get-together drink, fully escorted sightseeing program, all baggage handling, government taxes, and hotel service charges.

For full information, contact a travel agent or CIE Tours at 1-800-CIE-TOUR or visit www.cietours.com.