Travel with Nelson
October 2-14, 2026 join Nelson for an amazing "Shades of Ireland" tour!
A note from Nelson...
As someone with a lifelong love of travel, I can think of nothing better than this well organized, diverse fortnight tour around gorgeous Ireland! And--bonus!--it culminates in beautiful Belfast...birthplace of RMS Titanic. Having recently visited there, I can assure you that it is one of the world's most fascinating and fun historic destinations. Other past trips to Dublin left me feeling a warm kinship with the Emerald Isle. I'm excited to return to revisit beloved spots and explore new, endearing ones. I'm partnering with Collette, who handles all the details: flights, meals, hotels, local experiences. All we need to do is have the time of our lives. Grab your passport and let's travel together!
Join Award winning journalist/author Nelson Aspen for the "Shades of Ireland" tour, October 2-14.
Direct Reservation link, US:
MAKE US RESERVATIONS NOW!
Direct Reservation link, Australia:
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13 days...18 meals.
HIGHLIGHTS... Dublin, Irish Evening, Blarney Castle, Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Farm Visit, Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim, Titanic Experience
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE:
Days 2, 3 Dublin
Day 4 Waterford
Days 5, 6 Killarney
Day 7 Ennis
Day 8 Sligo
Days 9, 10 Londonderry
Days 11, 12 Belfast
PHOTO GALLERY
ITINERARY
Day 1: Friday, October 2, 2026
Overnight Flight. Set out on an amazing Irish adventure that tells the complete story of the shades of Ireland. Meet up with Nelson and begin your journey with everyone's favorite "Hollywood Insider!"
Day 2: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Dublin, Ireland. Get a taste of old Dublin. With no scheduled activities through the afternoon, take your time to wander the city streets and soak up that Irish charm. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers revel in a traditional Irish evening, including regional cuisine.
Day 3: Sunday, October 4, 2026
Dublin, Ireland. Today, ride with a local guide to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, the National Gallery, and the historic Phoenix Park. 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: Monday, October 5, 2026
Dublin - Kilkenny - Waterford. Step back in time and begin the day in the medieval splendor of 12th-century Kilkenny on the River Nore, visiting the Cope family in their stately home of Shankhill Castle. Then, in Waterford, embark on a leisurely paced walking tour of Ireland’s oldest city. Later, 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 a glass of wine in the 15th-century Mayor’s Wine Vault.
Day 5: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Waterford - Blarney Stone - Killarney. The legend goes that those who kiss the Blarney Stone gain the gift of eloquence - give it a try if you wish at historic Blarney Castle by navigating the 128 steps to the top. Continue your journey to the vibrant and bustling town of Killarney. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney. Start your day with an authentic jaunting car ride in 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. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for an evening of Irish entertainment, music, and food.
Day 7: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Killarney - Cliffs of Moher - Ennis. Bid Killarney farewell and travel across the lovely Shannon River into County Clare. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic sites. Walk along the rambling edge, soaking up unparalleled views and snapping incredible photos. Complete your day at the historic Old Ground Hotel in the heart of Ennis Town. This evening you may join an optional medieval banquet dinner, hosted in a castle.
Day 8: Friday, October 9, 2026
Ennis - Galway - Sligo. Experience the daily life of a traditional Irish family during a memorable farm visit. Then continue on to Galway for a brief tour that showcases "The City of Tribes." Your day ends in the northwest reaches of Eire.
Day 9: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Sligo - Donegal Town - Derry. Take in the rugged, natural beauty of County Donegal. Stop in Donegal Town and stroll the town square, enjoying its quaint craft and woolen shops, with a visit to one of Ireland's finest authentic Irish tweed stores. Next, travel to Derry, known for its turbulent political history. This afternoon, a local guide leads a walk through the old city, including the Craft Village, a charming 19th-century Georgian square in the heart of the walled city. Tonight, it’s Diner’s Choice... choose your included dinner from a "menu" of Derry’s great restaurants.
Day 10: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Derry - Inishowen Peninsula - Derry. This morning, journey to the Inishowen Peninsula and Malin Head. Take in breathtaking scenery as you explore Ireland's northernmost point. Return to Derry and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, you may join an optional tour to discover the culture of Derry through storytelling, music and song, with dinner at a restaurant serving pub style food.
Day 11: Monday, October 12, 2026
Derry - Giant's Causeway - Glens of Antrim - Belfast. See the most famous natural site in Northern Ireland as you visit the magnificent Giant’s Causeway. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the causeway resembles a cobble road leading into the sea. Then lose yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Ireland as you explore the scenic back roads of the Glens of Antrim to Belfast. Top your day off with a visit to a country inn, for some real Irish hospitality.
Day 12: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Belfast. Begin the day with a guided tour of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and hear of the struggles in this great city’s history as you pass through the different neighborhoods. See “Samson” and “Goliath,” the cranes at the shipyard that built the Titanic, before touring the “The Titanic Experience,” Northern Ireland’s most visited attraction. Of course, Nelson knows Titanic very well and can share stories from his novel, "Kindred Spirits: A Titanic Tale." This afternoon is yours to explore Belfast further, as your Irish adventure comes to a close.
Day 13: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Belfast. Tour Ends in Belfast.
Direct Reservation link, US: https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1352328
Direct Reservation link, Australia: https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1352174