Photo: Blarney Castle. (Photo courtesy of CIE Tours)

Visiting the Emerald Isle has just become easier than ever. CIE Tours International, a U.S.-based tour operator specializing in travel to Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales has recently rolled out a new website and travel brochure for Canadian travellers.

“We believe Canadians consider Ireland and Britain to be ideal vacation destinations for 2016,” said Willie Montano, vice president of marketing for CIE Tours. “This year we’ve introduced a brand new website with a collection of more than 50 unique escorted tours.”

The new website, only viewable within Canada, offers a full range of travel options, including escorted tours, FIT & independent tours and group travel. A downloadable 44-page catalogue for Canadians is also available online.

A sampling of some of CIE’s programmes for 2016 include:

Explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Ireland's west coast has seen a dramatic increase in tourism with the introduction of the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500-km. driving route which was officially inaugurated in 2014. Stretching from Donegal to West Cork and winding its way through some of Ireland's most popular destinations such as Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork, this is the longest shoreline drive in the world,

A new 13-day escorted tour from CIE explores the Wild Atlantic Way and includes stops at Dublin's famed Abbey Tavern and Giant's Causeway as well as the 15th century Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style banquet. Rates start from C$3,403, per person, based on double occupancy.

Scottish Clans & Castles

Another new tour program for 2016, the Scottish Clans & Castles tour sets out to discover Scotland’s most scenic castles. This tour runs 10 or 11 days, depending upon departure, and includes a journey through Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye, an in-depth study of whisky making at Speyside and a train ride across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was made famous in the Harry Potter film series. Tours depart from April through October with rates starting from $2,198. All departures in August also include attendance at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Great British Cities

From St. Andrews and Edinburgh in Scotland to York, Stratford upon Avon and London in England, this new nine-day tour passes through some of the most famous cities in the British Isles. Visit a castle in Edinburgh, enjoy a pub dinner in York, and visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. All August departures also include attendance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Rates start from C$2,501 per person, land only.

Irish Pubs & Folklore Eight-Day Tour

Explore Ireland’s celebrated pub culture on this 8-day journey that visits some of the nation’s favorite pubs and distilleries and serves up a healthy dose of authentic Irish music, dancing and storytelling. At the ancient port of Waterford watch artisans transform molten glass into graceful tableware and in the town of Dingle meet the celebrated farmers whose skilled dogs herd sheep. Visit the noted Guinness Storehouse to learn all about Ireland’s black beer before heading to Dublin’s oldest pub, the Brazen Head Pub, dating back to 1198. Rates start from C$1,686 per person, land only.

Irish Patriot Trail

Trace the history of Ireland’s fight for political freedom with the all new Irish Patriot Trail tour. This 12-day tour circles Ireland and includes stops at numerous sites that played key roles in Irish history, including Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol, where leaders of the 1916 rebellion were imprisoned, and the General Post Office, which was the headquarters of the rebellion. Also included are a tour of Dublin and Belfast, walking tours in Cork, Galway, Derry and Drogheda and an overnight stay at Cabra Castle.

Early Bird Savings

Through the end of the year, travellers can also save up to 5 per cent (up to C$720 per couple) on any escorted coach tour of Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales departing in 2016. To be eligible, bookings must be made with a deposit of C$500 per person by Dec. 31, 2015. (Use code EB05DEC2016C.)

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