• Transportation throughout by modern touring coach with a friendly, local driver/guide

• 10 nights accommodation at 3-4* hotels

• Full Irish Breakfast daily

• Welcome lunch at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen

• 6 evening meals in hotels

• Traditional pub dinner The Olde Inn, Crawfordsburn

• Panoramic City Tours of Belfast, Limerick, and Dublin

• Coney Island Oyster Farm including lunch

• Jaunting car ride with a local jarvey in Killarney

• Walking tour of Derry

• Walking tour of Galway

• A cruise along the Cliffs of Moher

• Sheepdog display at Kissane Sheep Farm

How do I secure my reservation? 

To secure your spot on this tour, a $300 deposit and final payment is due 60 days (about 2 months) before departure date. Contact Scott at Gravitate Travel to secure your spot.   

• Round-trip airport transfers based on group arrival and departure
• Services of a local experienced driver/guide
• Transportation throughout by modern touring coach
• Full Irish Breakfast daily
• 10 nights accommodation in first class hotels
• 4 evening meals in hotels
• Dinner and entertainment at Quill’s Farmhouse
• Fish Supper in Doolin
• Farewell Private dinner and Hooley at the Abbey Tavern
• Welcome Lunch at Burtown Gardens
• Lunch at Derreen Gardens
• Jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park with a local jarvey
• Doolin Food Tour
• Tour and tasting at the Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Hop on/hop off Sightseeing Ticket
• All porterage and service charges

Find the Royal Irish Tours Terms & Conditions here:

https://ritvacations.com/ireland/terms-and-conditions/ 

Royal Irish Tours (RIT) is completely unique and Canadian based company. They are the travel operators that provide you with consistent stays in quality hotels in desirable locations; you'll enjoy more included sightseeing; and because you'll travel in smaller groups, you'll receive better personal service from your experienced Travel Professional and Travel Driver. 

What is the role of the Tour Guide? 

Our Tour Guides have been with us for many years. Because of our years of service with RIT we can recommend our tours to you because we’ve experienced them ourselves. We’ve explored the magnificent basalt columns at the Giant’s Causeway and breathed the coastal air at the mighty Cliffs of Moher. We’ve experienced the warm, inviting atmosphere of a Dublin pub and immersed ourselves in the rich mythology embedded deep into the living rock of Irish castles. We want you to feel the same enthusiasm about Ireland that we do. With us, your vacation is in good hands. 

What is Royal Irish Tours Covid Protocols? 

The Republic of Ireland and the UK have introduced a standard set of criteria to ensure the tourism sector continues to operate safely and respectfully in these times. We have invested in training our staff and refitting our coaches to ensure they are perfectly safe to travel on given the new protocols. We will also now only work with hotels, attractions, restaurants and other tourism businesses who have received the ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark (UK) and the Covid-19 Safety Charter (Ireland) in their respective country. Mandatory Vaccinations As a result of travel restrictions and requirements for many attractions and hospitality establishments in Ireland and the UK, and to keep our guests, our team, and our travel partners safe, we will require guests to be fully vaccinated to travel on a 2022 coach or sightseeing tour. You will be asked to present this proof at the start of your trip. While On Tour If you are on a coach or sightseeing tours, RIT’s expert tour managers and drivers are there for your safety and comfort throughout. The following changes have been made for 2022: 

• We will be using larger coaches to allow for more room on board, with free seats and plenty of space for social distancing.  
• The coaches will be thoroughly sanitized daily and the airflow on board will be 100% fresh air from outside. 
• We are working closely with all hotels, attractions, restaurants and other partners in Ireland and the UK to ensure the tours can run smoothly. This includes timed visits at certain attractions, group check-in at hotels and more intimate dining experiences for some of our included meals. 
• Our tour managers and drivers are expertly trained to deal with a variety of unexpected situations that may arise and will be on-hand to assist you with any questions or concerns while on tour. 

Will coach travel be relaxing? 

We ensure your comfort when travelling by planning plenty of rest stops during each journey. There's also an on-board washroom on all travelling coaches. Seat rotation each day guarantees everyone gets to enjoy the great views, while travelling head and shoulders above the other traffic. By leaving the drive to us you avoid wasted time planning routes and negotiating traffic. We'll even take care of the expensive items like refueling, paying tolls and parking charges, and more. 

Will the coach be modern and comfortable? 

Yet another exclusive feature of RIT is the incredible space and comfort you will enjoy when travelling. Our luxury coaches have been specially reconfigured with fewer seats, you will relax in style whilst enjoying up to twice as much legroom than on a standard Travelling coach - on EVERY departure with NO EXTRA SURCHARGE to pay. 

Are there other advantages to having fewer seats? 

Yes there are. With RIT, it's not just extra legroom that each guest enjoys, there's also the extra window space. You can recline without crushing the person behind and you have more room for personal belongings and luggage. It is also quicker to embark and disembark, saving sometimes up to an hour or more on days when there are many stops! 

How long will I spend on the coach? 

We seldom travel longer than a couple of hours or so without a photo stop or visit. Some journeys are much shorter. Many times, you will not need the coach at all as we often build-in multiple days at leisure. One thing you can be certain of is that a journey by coach is much easier and more comfortable than by any other means of transport. We take you in limousine comfort door-to-door. 

RIT also uses many other forms of transportation to give you an exciting and varied vacation. From high-speed trains, cable cars and hydrofoils to open-top taxis, river cruisers and carriages - you'll enjoy them all, and more. 

Is there seat rotation? 

Your Travel Director may implement a seat rotation system, whereby all guests will rotate their seats on the coach daily. This allows for everyone to experience the spectacular views from different seats, and you’ll have a better opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers. 

How much luggage can I take on an escorted coach tour? 

RIT permits one piece of luggage in the undercarriage of the coach and a carry-on bag per person.

Is there a restroom on the bus? 

Yes, there is, however it is meant for emergencies only.  Our tours make frequent stops approx. every 2 to 3 hours.  Your driver/guide will inform you when the next stop will be. 

Are transfers included on your escorted tours? 

Our tours match up with the current Air Transat’s flight times on day 1 (Wednesday 07JUN23) of the tour and the last day of the tour.  If you are arriving/departing on an alternate airline, please contact Scott at Gravitate to verify if we can offer complimentary transfers.  Otherwise, you can purchase separate transfers through us or make alternate arrangements to meet the group at the airport/hotel. 

What about travel times on a coach tour? 

In Ireland the general rule of thumb is bags are outside your room at approx. 7:00am, breakfast at 8:00am and leave the hotel by 9:00am. The tour will make plenty of stops during the day for visits, lunch, photo stops and comfort stops.   Arrival at the next hotel is usually between 4:00 and 5:30 pm. 

If this changes, you will be notified onboard the bus and sometimes changes like this are required to keep your tour running on schedule due to local knowledge. 

What is the pace of each tour? 

All of our tours are leisurely paced and provide plenty of stops so you are never on the coach for too long.  For the most part, our tours will overnight at least 2 nights in each hotel. 

How much walking is involved on each tour? 

These are leisurely-paced guided walks.  If you feel you are not able to participate, you do not have to. 

Can I combine a RIT coach tour with a RIT self-drive program? Or other RIT coach tour to explore Ireland, Scotland, or England more? 

Absolutely! Call to speak to Scott at Gravitate Travel and we are more than happy to make the arrangements for you. 

What if I want to travel to Europe before or after the tour? 

Absolutely! Call to speak to Scott at Gravitate Travel and we are more than happy to make the arrangements for you. 

I want to see all the main sights, but will I have time to explore on my own? 

At RIT, planning the perfect tour is our specialty. Not only do we include the 'must see' sights, we carefully balance our itineraries to give you plenty of free time to relax and immerse yourself in the location. 

We design each itinerary with the perfect balance of planned activities and personal time to explore. We also give you the opportunity to personalize your tour with a range of optional extensions and excursions at competitive rates, which allow you to choose how you spend some of your time. 

What is an 'optional experience'? 

These are activities that we do not automatically include but are offered by your Travel Professional and are designed to enhance your travel experience. Your Travel Professional will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. Using your 24-hour Hop on Hop off bus pass while in Dublin on the last two days of our tour will allow you discover many of the iconic sights in this historic city. 

Will I be required to only participate in the organized optional experiences that are offered in my free time? 

Our guests will always be offered the choice to decide how they would prefer to enjoy their own free time. Whether they would like to choose to participate in one of our tailored optional experiences on tour or enjoy an activity aside from their fellow travelers. 

What are my choices if I choose not to join one of the Optional Experiences that are on offer? 

Our guests are on holiday and our Travel Professional are available to tailor the experience to the personal dreams and aspirations of each individual traveler. Our RIT team know these places like a local and love to share all their insider tips for alternative visits, walks, activities, and restaurants in the area. Alternatively, you may choose time to relax in our well-positioned, luxury hotels. 

How is my well-being looked after on optional experiences? 

All our included and Optional venues and experiences have been carefully vetted. RIT is responsible for checking that all hotels, restaurants, and other venues that you will visit on your holiday meet local regulations.  We love to meet and support the local communities in the destinations we visit, and we work collaboratively with them to ensure they have our guests’ well-being as their top priority and we in turn promise to abide by their distancing and hygiene protocols and uphold the same standards throughout our itineraries. 

Owing to the great partnerships we enjoy with our suppliers, many of our included and optional sightseeing venues offer us priority access, meaning no queues and a greater opportunity to maintain physical distance while sightseeing. 

Visiting as part of a small group means that when you do join an optional or are out sightseeing you can still maintain your physical distance and benefit from more personal space. 

Our team of Local Specialists/Experts have been trained in enhanced hygiene and distancing standards and monitor venues to ensure they are complying with local regulations. Royal Irish Tours also monitor compliance of our required minimum standards as well as our guests’ well-being and any concerns will be rectified and reported back to our Quality Control Department immediately. 

What is the minimum number of people needed to confirm this itinerary? 

We require a minimum of 18 booked individuals, to maintain the special group pricing that we are offering for this customized tour. In the event that we don’t meet the required numbers, we will do everything in our power to sell the required seats so that we can enjoy this experience together. If we still do not meet the minimum number, Royal Irish Tours will issue a future travel credit in the amount of $300.00 which may be used for other itineraries with Royal Irish Tours. 

Do you accommodate special needs? 

We make every effort to accommodate any special needs requests, whether it be a dietary restriction or a physical limitation. In order to accommodate your needs as best as possible, we ask that you let us, or your travel agent know at the time of booking so we can assess the request and see how and where we can accommodate you.  We may ask you to fill out a form depending on the request for us to assess how and if we can accommodate. 

Do you have a non-smoking policy? 

There is a no smoking policy motor coach travelling policy. However, we do make plenty of convenience stops giving you the opportunity to smoke, use local restroom facilities, take a scenic snapshot or just relax and enjoy of cup of coffee. 

Do you have a share program for singles? 

If you wish to share with another tour member you can advise us at the time of booking. We will try to match you with someone of the same sex in order to avoid having to pay the single supplement. 

How do I book an optional excursion and what is the cost? 

Your Travel Professional will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit 

What if I become ill on my tour and am unable to continue? 

Your Travel Director will assist you with a doctor's visit or hospitalization should you require. The cost to return home from your trip due to illness would be at your own expense, so we strongly encourage you to purchase Travel Insurance, and coordinate with your travel insurance company to have your medical expenses reimbursed accordingly. To obtain a quote for travel insurance please contact Scott at Gravitate Travel. 

What if I arrive late and miss a feature on the tour? 

We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a trip, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing. 

Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking air? 

Due to increased travel security around the world, it is now more important than ever that your airline ticket matches your first, middle (if on your passport) and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Additionally, any changes to your air booking, which include spelling, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation. 

What travel Documents do I need to visit Ireland 

A valid Canadian passport is required to visit the island of Ireland and no visa is required. However, if you are travelling on a passport issued by another country (although a resident in Canada), please check visa requirements with the embassy. 

We recommend that your passport be valid between 3 to 6 months following your return to Canada. 

For further information on Canadian Passports, visit http://www.passport.gc.ca/info/ 

Embassy of Ireland: 

Suite 1105, 130 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5G4 / Web http://www.embassyofireland.ca/ 

Canadian Embassy, Dublin:  

65 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 /   Tel:  (353) (0) 1 417 4100 

What are the Emergency Phone Numbers? 

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND  – Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance:  Tel  112 or 999 

NORTHERN IRELAND – Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance:  Tel  999 

These numbers are free of charge but should only be used in cases of genuine emergency.  On answer, state which service you require, wait to be connected to that service, and then clearly state the location of where the assistance is required. 

In destination, emergency contact details will be provided on your final travel documents. 

What time zone is Ireland in? 

Ireland is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Clocks are put forward 1 hour mid-March and back 1 hour at the end of October. During summer it stays light until as late as 23:00hrs but by mid-December it can be dark by 16:00hrs. 

What is the weather like in Ireland? 

Ireland’s climate is influenced most by the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, it doesn’t have the extreme temperatures that other countries at similar latitude would have. The average temperature is a mild 10°C.  A major warm ocean current called the North Atlantic Drift keeps sea temperatures mild too. Hills and mountains, mainly around the coast, shelter the rest of the island from strong winds coming off the ocean.  So while the weather can be changeable – it’s rarely extreme 

Average Monthly Temperatures – Dublin

May 14°C 
June 17°C 
July 19°C 

Wondering what to bring? You’ll need to be adaptable. So go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes. Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella. 

What can I bring? 

For our coach tours, we have space for one suitcase as well as 1 carry-on bag. We work with several airline carriers, who each have their own airline restrictions. Please check our ‘Flights’ section on this site for baggage restrictions for your flight. 

When will I get my documents?  

We will either email electronic documents OR ship documents by regular mail approximately 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) prior to departure. If you require documents earlier, we need sufficient notice to arrange for prompt delivery. For new bookings made within 3 weeks prior to departure will be sent electronically. 
Please read all your paperwork to ensure that everything is correct. 

What are the check-in times on this tour? 

You may check into rooms from 2:00pm – 4:00pm, depending on the hotel’s individual policy.   If your room is not ready, you can ask the concierge to hold on to your bags while you explore. 

What about travel times on a coach tour? 

In Ireland the general rule of thumb is bags are outside your room at approx. 7:00am, breakfast at 8:00am and leave the hotel by 9:00am. The tour will make plenty of stops during the day for visits, lunch, photo stops and comfort stops.   Arrival at the next hotel is usually between 4:00 and 5:30 pm. 

If this changes, you will be notified onboard the bus and sometimes changes like this are required to keep your tour running on schedule due to local knowledge. 

What if I have specific dietary restrictions? 

If you have specific dietary restrictions, please advise Scott at Gravitate Travel before your final payment date. Once you sit down at the table, simply remind your server of your dietary restriction(s). 

Where will my hotel be located and what will it be like? 

RIT selects hotels that are consistently first-class standard and higher or in a style appropriate to the destination. They have been selected because they are good private or small collection hotels or from well-known chains such as Marriott, Renaissance and Hilton. RIT also chooses hotels based on their location and Irish charm. We know you will prefer to stay centrally, convenient to the main historic, shopping or entertainment districts; or scenically in areas of natural beauty. 

Is baggage handling provided? 

Yes, all hotel baggage handling is provided at no extra charge and included in your vacation purchase price. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.

Can I have laundry done? 

Most hotels do offer a laundry service and in some cities Laundromats are also available. However, it is a good idea to try and pack enough clothing to avoid having to do laundry, as it can sometimes be costly or inconvenient. 

What size is a triple room? 

A triple room is the same size as a twin bedded room. There will only be two beds and a rollaway may be requested but also cannot be guaranteed. 

Can I use my electrical appliances? 

Electrical plugs and outlets differ throughout the world, so you will need a universal travel adaptor suitable for the countries you are travelling to to use any mobile devices. Electrical currents also vary throughout the world, and we suggest you carry a converter for any electronics that are not dual voltage to prevent them being damaged. Ireland has a standard voltage of 230-volt AC.  

Do you offer single accommodation? 

We do have a limited number of single accommodation available. These rooms are on a first-come basis and have an additional cost over and above the published price. Please speak with your Travel Professional to inquire about this cost. 

Room types available in B&B’s or Hotels 

Double room – 1 double bed = sleeps 2 people 

Twin room – 2 single beds = sleeps 2 people 

Single room – 1 single bed = sleeps 1 person 

Family room / Triple room – 1 double bed and 1 single bed = sleeps 3 people 

What if I have specific dietary restrictions? 

If you have specific dietary restrictions, please advise Scott at Gravitate Travel before your final payment date. Once you sit down at the table, simply remind your server of your dietary restriction(s). 

How much money do I need to carry? 

You will need money for lunch each day and some dinners where specified on the tour itinerary. 

Lunch cost an average of EUR15 per day and dinner from EUR20 and up. 

For larger purchases, we suggest using your credit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted) and/or using an ATM machine to avoid carrying a large amount of cash. 

It is customary to tip your driver and guide. 

We recommend as follows: 

Driver/Guide: EUR 3.00 per day. Local sightseeing guides: EUR 1.00 per day 

Can I combine a RIT coach tour with a RIT self-drive program? Or other RIT coach tour to explore Ireland, Scotland, or England more? 

Absolutely! Call to speak to Scott at Gravitate Travel and we are more than happy to make the arrangements for you. 

How much luggage can I bring? 

You are allowed to bring one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 30.5”x22”x12.5” (77.5 x 56 x 32cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23kg) due to the limited space on the coach. You can also bring one piece of hand luggage, provided it is small enough to take on the coach and does not have telescope handles. Please note that air carriers, cruise lines and other forms of transportation may have other restrictions and requirements including weight, and we recommend that you contact the suppliers directly for additional information. We regret we are unable to accept a second suitcase or any luggage exceeding these limits. 

Carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 12"x11"x6". For safety reasons, wheeled carry-on bags are not suitable as hand luggage on motor coaches. Carry-on bags must be small enough to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you on motor coaches and other transportation. 

Some airlines are also charging fees for checked baggage, and these fees are not included in the vacation or airfare package price. Please check with your airline directly for baggage information and regulations. RIT is not responsible for any additional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage. 

How can I keep in touch with family and friends? 

Generally, a cell phone is often the easiest way to communicate with others back home. ‘Bill shock’ is becoming increasingly common for international travellers, arriving home from their trip to a hefty cell phone bill that can be as much as the actual trip! 

Before leaving on your trip you can take steps to avoid returning home to an expensive phone bill Check international calling and text rates, disable data roaming and consider a prepaid service designed for international travellers. 

International cell phone and prepaid SIM card lets you stay connected and in touch with family and friends, and control yours costs at the same time. 

How do I change my currency? 

Currency can be exchanged at airports or banks. International debit and credit cards are accepted at most bank machines (ATMs) throughout the world. It is a good idea to check with your bank prior to your departure, to be sure that your cards operate in the destinations in which you are travelling. 

How do I get from the airport to the start of my tour? 

We offer arrival and departure transfers at the start and end of all of our itineraries. When arriving earlier or departing later, we can offer private charge transfers when booking our start and end accommodation locations. Since every itinerary is unique, we will be able to provide you with specific transfer information based on your trip of interest.