jk
Odysseys Traveler
Posts: 1
|
Post by jk on Feb 17, 2016 17:26:36 GMT -5
Has anyone been on this trip recently? We have take 3 trips with Odyssey and loved them. Love to hear thoughts on this trip! Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by BW on Feb 25, 2016 20:19:14 GMT -5
We took this trip in 2014 and had an excellent time. Loved the Aran Islands. Well paced trip and Philip was a wonderful Tour Director. Hotels were centrally located except for the very last night which was spent in a restored castle. Philip regaled us with interesting Irish history. We did the extension and the hotel in Belfast was first rate. Went to the Giant Causeway but unfortunately the weather was cold and rainy and we were not able to climb amongst the rocks. The only negative was the Carlton Dublin hotel which is where we stayed the night before our flight. Had not been refurbished and we could hear the guests in the next room who kept us up most of the night. This hotel is only included in the extension and is not part of the regular tour. We did Eastern Europe with Odyssey in 2013 and Ireland in 2014. Planning on doing Norwegian Splendor this summer with Odyssey.
|
|
|
Post by Donna on Feb 29, 2016 10:11:47 GMT -5
Not super recently, but we took this tour in 2013 and the current itinerary seems the same. We didn't do the extension but we did fly into Dulin two days early and really enjoyed the city. This trip stands out as one of our overall favorite travel memories for the beauty of the Irish countryside, the vibrancy of the cities and pubs, and the friendliness of the people. OU does an excellent job with the pacing and accommodations. We went in August and the weather was a mix. Last year we did the European Tapestry, which was also outstanding. If you have specific questions about Ireland, I would be glad to try and answer them.
|
|
|
Post by Diane on May 21, 2016 9:38:21 GMT -5
We recently got back from the May 1, 2016 trip to Ireland. It was fantastic! Our tour guide, Gerry O'Brien, was absolutely the best. He regaled us with stories and jokes, as well as the history of Ireland. Our bus driver, Ronan, was especially careful on those narrow, hairpin roads. He kept the new Mercedes 50-passenger bus in great condition by cleaning the windows and even waxing the tires regularly. All of the hotels were spotlessly clean and in good locations. And the included meals were very tasty with usually a choice of 3-4 appetizers, 3-4 entrees and 2-3 desserts. My husband didn't care for one of the lunches, but that is the only minor "complaint" we would have for the entire trip. There is a lot of variety in what we saw on the tour from monastic sites to forts high atop the Aran Islands. There is a bit of driving in order to see the varied landscapes in Connemara and the Ring of Kerry, but Gerry kept us well entertained and informed the entire trip. I would be glad to answer any questions potential travelers may have. But just so you know how highly I felt about this tour, while in the Dublin airport waiting for my return flight to Albany, NY, I was already checking out the Odysseys website on where to go next. Once home on a Friday, I booked my next trip the following Monday!
|
|
|
Post by Sue S on Jun 5, 2016 20:45:43 GMT -5
I am interested in hearing about the two days early in Dublin as I am doing the same in October. Is there anything in particular that you highly recommend?
|
|
donna
Odysseys Traveler
Posts: 5
|
Post by donna on Jun 6, 2016 11:43:56 GMT -5
Sue, Keeping in mind that everyone's tastes are different, this is what we did and really loved everything. Day 1 - Upon arrival and check-in at the Shelbourne - we had requested an early check-in and our room was ready - we walked over to Grafton Street and enjoyed the buskers and the shops, had lunch at Bewley's Tavern, got a Hop-on, Hop-off tour of the city, getting off at the Guiness Storehouse for a tour and complimentary Guiness at the top floor bar overlooking the city. Day 2- Kilmainham Gaol, The Archeological Museum, Dublin Castle, Chester Beatty Museum, Christ Church Cathedral, Brazen Head Pub for dinner. Day 3 - took a pre-booked tour to Newgrange and Hill of Tara (Mary Gibbons Tours), which was wonderful, although we got back with not much time to spare to meet our Odysseys Group and go to dinner. On the tour, we had some free time one afternoon and used it to visit the library and revisit the Archeological Museum to see the things we had missed the first time, like the bog people!. Dublin is a very walkable city but we did use the HOHO bus for the things that were further out of the city center. Just fyi, there is a small corner eatery just down the street from the Shelbourne where we ate breakfast while not with the tour as it was much less expensive. Have fun! Donna
|
|
|
Post by Sue S on Jun 7, 2016 6:24:23 GMT -5
Thank you, Donna. Helpful information. I had wondered about the hop on hop off bus ticket for transportation.
|
|
donna
Odysseys Traveler
Posts: 5
|
Post by donna on Jun 8, 2016 13:58:30 GMT -5
Sue, The HOHO in Dubllin makes a big one way circle and gives a very informative tour. It worked for us for Kilmainham and the Brewery but if you need to get somewhere more directly or more quickly, a cab is the better option. Donna
|
|
eva
Odysseys Traveler
Posts: 2
|
Post by eva on Jun 23, 2016 6:55:55 GMT -5
Does anyone know if OU schedules non stop flights to/from Ireland out of Boston or Newark? We know that they are available from those airports, but we're concerned that we'd end up on a long multi stop flight.
|
|
|
Post by Odysseys Unlimited on Jun 23, 2016 11:56:44 GMT -5
Hi Eva,
We are happy to report that we indeed offer non-stop flights on our Enchanting Ireland tour from Boston and Newark, along with New York (JFK), Washington Dulles, and Chicago (ORD) via our preferred carriers for this tour, United Airlines or Aer Lingus. Should you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Service department, toll-free at (888) 370-6765 or by email: customerservice@odysseys-unlimited.com
|
|
eva
Odysseys Traveler
Posts: 2
|
Post by eva on Jun 23, 2016 17:56:57 GMT -5
Thank you. We hope to book Enchanting Ireland for our 50 th wedding anniversary in 2017, having enjoyed 3 wonderful trips with you.
|
|
|
Post by Odysseys Unlimited on Jun 24, 2016 8:30:53 GMT -5
Hi Eva, We hope to have the opportunity to celebrate your milestone with you!
|
|
|
Post by georgeandmarie on Aug 27, 2016 9:17:02 GMT -5
We are taking this trip in September and received our final documents today. Our tour director is Ms Jessie McDonald. I can not find where Ms McDonald is listed as an Odysseys Director. Has anyone traveled with her or can Odysseys furnish a bio and reviews of Ms McDonald. Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by Odysseys Unlimited on Aug 31, 2016 9:26:00 GMT -5
Hi George and Marie, Thank you for the note. Jessie is now listed on our website under our "Enchanting Ireland" tour here: odysseys-unlimited.com/about-us/tour-directors-all She is an experienced tour director, and we wish you a very happy and enjoyable trip to Ireland!
|
|
|
Post by Linda B. on Dec 12, 2016 16:53:07 GMT -5
What airlines do you use to Ireland from Atlanta, and is the route non-stop? Thanks! I'm thinking of traveling in 2017.
|
|